New Era

I stand at the end of an era, one that for once I had control over… and I prepare to embark on yet another adventure one that requires a little more preparation, that I must have a minor adventure first. I am ready; I am so very ready for what is to come… words can not express adequately how excited I am to embark on the adventure that is my life and to run full speed into the uncertain horizon.

About the photo: I used to work at this very store, Linens ‘N Things at Dogwood Festival Market in Flowood, Mississippi. I was shocked to discover that the company had filed for bankruptcy and all the stores were closing. The people I worked with at this location were among the best people I had ever had the privilege of ever knowing, and I hope they all fair well in this new era in their lives.

The Beatty Street Grocery

South Jackson is known for many things, most of them not so good things. The Beatty Street Grocery is one of the few good things that South Jackson is known for. Beatty Street is a throw back to the old general stores that used to dot the Mississippi landscapes until the Wal-Mart’s moved in. Beatty Street has been around as long as most people can remember, and it has a deli attached that can serve food that can rival most store chains. Now I need to warn you, the store does not look like much inside or out, but over all it is a jewel in the heart of a city that needs as many jewels as it can get.

Update: sadly, this jewel has closed it’s doors. 

Ike

Ike… How we loathe you! To quote a political slogan from years past, “We Don’t like Ike!” Of course I am talking about the hurricane that is currently taking aim on the Texas coast with Katrina-like consequences for the southeast, and hopefully none of the Katrina-like damage or any further loss of life for those in its path. Ike has not yet made landfall as of this post, and yet already gas stations are experiencing a shortage, and this particular gas station is forced to ration gas at $40.00 a person. With Ike already having far reaching results, I sincerely hope that he is not as bad as people tend to think he is going to be. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of this dangerous deadly storm.

Southern Style Shopping

Southern tradition includes many different things… One of them just happens to be the Canton Flea Market in Canton, Mississippi. I had never gone, and let me tell you how awestruck I was at the people, and the goodies. It was a lot like going to the Mississippi State Fair sans the rides. They have it twice a year, and I do believe that I will return and enjoy the fun, sun, and shopping… as much a southern tradition as fried green tomatoes.

Starstruck

Throughout your life you meet some strange and interesting characters… some of them you want to meet, others perhaps not. I had a chance to meet to larger-than-life celebrities Saturday, and let me tell you, they were down to Earth, granted the doughboy was a drama queen. It was surreal just walking into a Kroger and meeting two so very famous characters, granted it was the Grand Opening in Madison, Mississippi. Chester Cheetah was awesome with a Hendrix appeal; something tells me he discovered the cheeto while having the munchies!!!! T’was cool!

Mooie Bloemen

For Mississippi spring comes several times of the year, and sadly for most flowering plants… so does winter. Flowers symbolize so many things for so many people. We give them to the ones we love as gifts, we give them to people who are sick, and we give them to people when they pass away. But if you look at the reasons why we give flowers, it is always for the same reason… an event, whether happy or sad, it’s an event with a new beginning. Most flowers come first in the spring, and that is the new beginning for the new year, so I do find it very fitting that they are the gift of choice for such an event.

This photo was taken at Kroger off Highway 51 in Madison, Kroger surprisingly has grown in their floral section to a very impressive selection. The bottom flower was taken at another Kroger in Madison (Colony Park) it was their Grand Opening and they had them on the tables in their Deli.

Employees Only!

“Employees Only!” That stops most of the world from seeing the inner workings of many of life’s little interesting places. This is one such area, the larger cooler of Monterey Grocery in Rankin County Mississippi, this is one of the types of coolers found throughout America that people go to and open the door to get a cold soft drink, or a beer. I was granted access thanks to the fact that my aunt is an employee, and I have been known to do a little free-lance work for the store in the past. For three days in 2006 I stocked this very cooler, it was fun not to mention that it is owned by one of the kindest person I have ever met.

Happy <3 Day!

Love is in the air, and today is the official day to celebrate the love of those that love you… and vice versa. These Photos show just how merchandising can be for this wonderfully lovey holiday, millions of balloons and stuffed animals will find new homes with all the Romeos and Juliet’s around the world… not to mention the countless chocolate and flower gifts. The top photo was taken at a “Dollar Tree”, I love the sea of balloons that cover the ceiling, enticing lovers to buy them for their significant others.