Hook ‘Em Horns

You’ve all seen the bumper sticker right? “My Money & My (Son/Daughter) Go to The University of Texas” Although the burnt orange blood skipped my generation, my mom is thrilled to see her grandson carrying on the family tradition. Since I’m a native Texan without an official college affiliation (long story), I’m having fun being a fan.
“Big State U” is a new experience for our family, so far having only experience with kids in Christian liberal arts universities. Kevin has more kids in his dorm than our older 2 had on their entire campus!
I’m happy to report that he is settling in well, keeping his room neat, and studying in the library. He has joined the student organization associated with our church (Reformed University Fellowship or “RUF”) and is going to church. What more could a mom ask for?
Yesterday we paid a visit and got the whole "Horns House” experience in the gym when the women’s volleyball team beat Baylor. I’m not sure when we’ll make a football game, but this game had cheerleaders, the band, and a whole lot of student rowdies! Kevin even gave up his seat in the SOB section (that’s Student Orange Bloods) to sit with the family.
School’s off to a great start, we’re in the midst of volleyball season, and Kristin is about to become our newest driver. That’s what the M’s are up to these days!

Give a Listen: Landfill

My musical horizons can use a little expanding. If you find yourself, as I did, shopping and singing along to the piped in 70’s bubblegum and realizing “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head? Really? Get a life, Renee!” Where to go for help? Kids of course. Actually in this case not only did I get a bona fide musical treat from my kids’ library, but made a new friend in the process. Maryanna Cannon Sokol used to live in Houston and used to go to church with my oldest and his wife. Our paths kept crossing until our whole family – those launched and those still at home – found ourselves attending shows, watching the progress of her first CD, and saying goodbye as she left for New York City. In the interest of full disclosure, you should know that we M’s acknowledged in her liner notes. How cool is that? I always read the notes to see if I know anyone and if you peruse “Landfill”, well there we are!
Thanks to the magic that is the internet, I don’t have to describe each song. You can go here and have a listen. Some general impressions?
“Two” is ripply and skippy….reminds me of sprinklers and popsicles. Many of the songs just have this happy vibe. I can understand them, hum with them, stay happy in Houston traffic with them.
“Pentameter” -  I teach English. How can I not love a song with lyrics like this? “In my head I play around with words and try to rhyme them in some clever phrase. If I spoke in iambic pentameter would you begin to hear me then?”
Maryanna wrote all the words and music. In “real life” she’s a music therapist, musically trained, and the daughter of musical parents. Is this a case of art imitating life? You decide. Her lyrics speak to regret, loss, love, and friendship.
Of course she’s in a class by her musical self, but if you enjoy Ingrid Michaelson, Jenny Owen Youngs, & Regina Spektor, you’ll feel right at home. These are folksy ballads, not whiny protests but thoughtful observations. She knows how to turn a phrase but don’t let the delicate vocals lull you into complacency. Her moons-and-junes-and-ferris wheels come with a double shot of caffeinated commentary.   Listen to how the simple guitar beginning on “Home” gives way to soaring strings and the reminder that change might be hard, but home can be found in the midst of it. 
While Maryanna’s sweet clear soprano doesn’t get tripped up over the high pretty notes, she can also be a little scary-edgy. Life’s not all sprinklers and popsicles you know.

10 Reasons Why Nashvillage Is My Favorite

(No, I am not going to post 10 pictures of the world's cutest grandbaby. But I could...)
Spending last week in TN gave us more opportunities for exploring. Although we didn't see evidence of the flooding, the spirit of the city is cheerful and the people as friendly as ever. I'll post links so you can see for yourself.
1. Chihuly at the Frist. If you think art museums aren't "your thing", then give Mr. C a try. If you hear "glass blowing" and think of unicorns and carousels, then prepare yourself for "mind blowing."

2. Couture at The Frist. (Yes, we had a wonderful day at the museum!) Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga...beautiful clothes and beautiful designs.

3. The Firefly Grille: In Green Hills, near the mall, this is one of those fun and funky places where the chef does a seasonal menu. Out of this world! I had blue corn crusted fried shrimp with a tasso beurre blanc, served over creme fraiche mashed potatoes. The salad featured a basil orange vinaigrette. (I'm headed for the kitchen to see if I can recreate.) Our waiter was a drummer, in town to make it big. How local color is that?

4. Monell's: Ever heard of a "meat and 3"? Monell's is a 3, and 4, and 5, and....  The meals are served family style. You get in, get seated, and the bowls and platters start appearing. No menu and no wait. This is a hungry person's southern food dream!

5. Cupcake Collection. Although Monell's desserts are nothing to complain about, we couldn't pass up this little gem just 2 doors down. Wedding Cake, Sweet Potato, Lemon, Cookies and Cream...these folks know their stuff! The Community Coffee was a nice surprise. Guess where the owners are from?  

6. Local Taco. Sylvan Park is another neighborhood worth exploring! Best Tex-Mex we've found in Nashville. Red AND green salsas, fish tacos, cozy outdoor setting. Great place to relax and enjoy lunch. Recommended: green chile mac and cheese, BBQ tacos with chipotle slaw, fish tacos. The Cuban corn was sold out and I want to go back to try it! 

7. The Willow Tree. Next door to The Local Taco on Murphy Rd. When is the last time a store owner introduced herself, gave you a warm welcome, and made you feel right at home? If I hadn't already exhausted my shopping budget, I would have been in serious trouble with these unique gifts and decor items! Only open for 1 week, Lisa Quinn had to find a new location as a result of the flooding at Opry Mills. If you're in town, pay her a visit! There are items here for all ages: babies -to- grandmas. Katie told Josh "You could buy me anything in this store and I'd be happy." Jewelry, florals, frames, art, you name it... I can't wait to go back! 615-383-5639.

8. The Produce Place. Whether you are in the mood to cook (gorgeous fruits and veggies!) or pack for a picnic (smoked chicken salad...pimiento cheese), this little neighborhood market has something for everyone. From ready-made to raw ingredients, you'll find it tucked away. The fresh samples were a nice touch too! Ever had apple pie flavored popcorn? This place is locavore heaven!

9. Sweet Ce-Ce's Frozen Yogurt. The Franklin location is the girliest, cutest, pinkest and greenest shop I've ever been to. Didn't seem to scare the guys off. What's not to love about a self-serve, self-topped dessert extravaganza? Grab a dish, choose a flavor, and go topping wild!

10. Fido  Um...is it any secret that we love our coffee around here? Yes, I'm a proud gold-card-carrying member of a certain worldwide coffee chain, but sometimes local is better. Way better. Coffee plus dessert (we had a raspberry cayenne layer cake. To die for!) plus lunch (fig-feta-shrimp-bacon pizza. Wow.) plus a fun, hip, college crowd. When it comes to Fido... Sit. Stay.


How did I get to 10 already? I may have to do Nashville - part 2!

Almost Finished!

Today we’ve been hanging curtains all over the downstairs. Ok, maybe “we'” isn’t exactly correct. Steve didn’t want to spend his Father’s Day on the honey-do list, so that drill has been whirring like those horns you hear at the World Cup games.
Almost ready to post some pictures!
Oh, all right…here’s a sneak preview:

See the paint cans on the floor? Painting is done! See the white trimmed entrance into what is now our dining room? We joke that we are the only people we know who remodel and put walls in instead of taking them out. See the piano in our entryway? Yes you heard me right, entryway. Why not be a little bit off-center I say? (Especially when there is not another blessed place to put this piano!) Believe it or not, my youngest is just  as happy to play it in the foyer as anywhere else.
That sweet little bundle in the picture is not my piano playing youngest, by the way, but isn’t he cute?

Decorating Dilemmas: It’s Curtains

“We don’t have a panel of judges, we have judges of panels.”
-My sweet husband after hearing the latest critique of the window curtain panels that will be returned to the store.
These didn’t work:
Neither did these:
What was I thinking?
Not going to add this chocolate:
Start the Regatta without me:

We have beautiful  walls and ceiling (Camelback and Believable Buff, both Sherwin Williams), the furniture isn’t going anywhere, the fireplace is no longer a monstrosity, and the new rug is a keeper. The book cabinets might get a facelift and I just might, gasp, steer away from red white and blue as a color scheme. Stay tuned folks! I have enough decorating adventures to blog about for months. If I had known it would take this long…
Hugs,
Renee

Back in Business!

We have a stove, a sink, a fridge, a microwave, and a dishwasher! All the beautiful comforts of home and I’m one happy cooker. Yesterday I ran into my favorite local used book store and found the same book on the shelf that was waiting for me at the library. What a happy coincidence. It was an autographed copy to boot!  It’s not a brand new book, but since my love for Brennan’s of Houston is no secret, I’m thrilled to add The Kitchen Table to my collection.
The first recipe was incredible. I’m going to spending my summer vacation with this one I can tell! This morning I roasted fresh corn and jalapenos to go into the Corn Pound Cake. (Think “cornbread with honey in it, baked in a loaf pan”).
Next comes the Maque Choux. For you non-Cajuns, it’s a mixture of fresh corn, okra, onion, tomatoes, and peppers. This one is a little more upscale because it features shrimp. You finish it off with some Worcestershire, Tabasco, and a lot of butter! Randy Evans, you are my new best friend.

Toast the pound cake.

Plate and serve. 

One Year Ago Today

  Dear Emmeline,
You are the first daughter of a first daughter of a first daughter of a first daughter. You come from a long line of strong, talented, gifted, loving women. Your birth granted me entrance into that wonderful society known as “grandmothers” but you have many others who you won’t meet until you get to heaven.  You have a Nanny (Alice), a Great (Vera), a Grandma (Dorothy), a Grandma (May), and a Grandmommy (Ena). They came from New York, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona. They could quilt, garden, sew, tend, minister, and teach. Their laughs and their laps comforted generations of children.
Emmie, you have a heavenly father who loves you, an earthly father and mother who love you, and a whole slew of aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents who adore you. But your birthday, always close to Mother’s Day, will give me a chance to remind you of the special mothers who came before you.
Love,
Grandmommy