POGS!?

 When I was in middle school, Pogs were everywhere. I remember having stacks of them, neatly stored in tubes, and spending hours playing with my friends. I was always on the hunt for the Jurassic Park-themed ones—they were my absolute favorite. I even had a Pog maker, which I used to create my own custom Pogs using images from magazines and comics.  

Recently, during a conversation with some friends, Pogs came up, and it sparked the idea to introduce them to my niece and nephew. It was such a joy to share this nostalgic piece of my childhood with them. Teaching them how to play brought back so many memories, and seeing their excitement made it even more special. It’s amazing how something so simple can bridge generations and create new memories.

The Little Free Library System

For many years, I have been a devoted participant in the enchanting world of BookCrossing—a practice that transforms books into wandering emissaries of knowledge and imagination. I have meticulously registered countless books, setting them free to embark on journeys that can span the globe, their paths tracked like whispers of stories carried on the wind. Through this passion, I discovered the charming network of Little Free Libraries, and it has since become a delightful quest for me to seek out these miniature sanctuaries of literature and fill them with my BookCrossing treasures. 

It has become almost a game, a joyful mission, to ensure that these little libraries are brimming with stories waiting to be discovered. I take pride in knowing that I keep books circulating through many in my area, creating a ripple effect of shared knowledge and joy. These humble libraries, often nestled in quiet neighborhoods or perched on bustling street corners, offer a profound opportunity to share the gift of reading with those who might otherwise never turn a page. They are gateways to worlds unknown, bridges connecting strangers through the magic of words.

This endeavor has been a cherished passion of mine for years, and I hope it becomes one of my enduring legacies. I am certain that the books I have released into the wild will continue their journeys long after I am gone, passing from hand to hand, heart to heart, carrying with them the love of reading and the promise of endless adventure. In this way, I believe I have planted seeds of curiosity and wonder that will flourish for generations to come.

 

Swarm

So I normally only do like reviews of places; that is when I do reviews.  What that said, this is an app that I’ve used consistently for a little more than a decade. In its former life, the app was known as foursquare and it was really popular for a while.  When they changed the name to Swarm, they lost a lot of people.  The reason why I consistently use this app is because it is a great reminder when I go somewhere if I’ve been there before and if I make notes if I liked it or not.  I also like the map that it shows on my profile that shows me the different places that I’ve been.  

If it’s something that interests you, check it out. 

 

Jewel of the Seas

Back in April of 2024 we took a cruise from San Juan, PR to Fort Lauderdale, FL.  

Our stops included: 

Sint Maarten

Saint Thomas

Saint Kitts

Jewel was one of the smaller ships we had been on and though we were assured that it was full; it seemed less crowded than some of the bigger ships in the Royal fleet.  The service was exemplary even compared to some of the other ships we have traveled on; I think this was due to it's more intimate setting.   Overall, I loved this ship and would love to travel on her again.    

The bow of Jewel of the Seas at Sea

Jewel of the Seas at Port

     Jewel of the Seas from a distance on Saint Thomas, USVI

Welcome to Jurassic Park

Today, they released the trailer for Jurassic World: Rebirth. 

Dinosaurs have always been one of my favorite subjects.  I used to dream about being a paleontologist. Even though my life went a different route, Jurassic Park has remained one of my favorite movies and the oldest franchise I have ever been a fan of. It all started when I was 8 and the first movie came out; 8 year old me read the whole novel from start to finish.  

The below drawing was from high school.  I was bored and it started as just a doodle of the three logos with some crayons. I cut the logo out and glued it to another page and I expanded it into a pen and colored pencil drawing of dinosaurs.  

Munzee

I recently discovered a game that I have come to enjoy.  Munzee, it is a scavenger hunt with a twist.  I love that it gets me out to see places I would never consider before.  The object of the game is to locate physical and virtual Munzees and scan them.  The physical ones are QR codes that you can find in random places like on the back of street signs or light poles.  You do it for points… and for fun. 

Boldly Going...

Star Trek has been one of my favorite shows for as long as I can remember.  I remember it coming on at night when I was staying at my friend’s house and eventually watching it on my own when I was home.  Since the 60’s we have had a glimpse into a potential future of hope and cooperation for humanity.  The themes explored through each of the series still resonate today and with the new chapter premiering today hopefully these themes will inspire a whole new generation that may not have been introduced to any of the previous series.  I have always wanted to be a part of the Star Trek universe and it inspired me to do theatre.  These drawings are as close as I have ever gotten to joining that world, just a glimpse of the amazement younger me had for this institution that will continue to boldly go where no one has gone before. 

Live long and prosper.

Randam Art

I’m not one to get caught up in jewelry, I always see it as something a bit impersonal… created en masse to be given as gifts and although beautiful no real love was put into it.   It was created for the sole purpose of being purchased and used… not much different than a TV or anything else. 

One of my dearest friends has changed this perception.  Miranda creates some of the most creative and beautiful necklaces, among other items, that I’ve ever seen.  She puts so much into it, she puts herself into the items and each one tells a story.  I like this, it makes them special and one of a kind… qualities that you can't find produced en masse.  I’ve always admired her artistic touch and I’ve showcased some of her work on here before.   She truly is one of the most talented people I know and I am privileged to have some of her work in my own home. 

Random Igloo of Memories...

Places are not just places, places hold memories dear and when we see these places the memories are given back to us, as if from a dream.

Yes Mississippi has at least one igloo, and it is a place that holds many memories for me.   This is the place that is a treat to go, the best place in the area for catfish.  While this is a statement that is opinion, it is an opinion that is shared among many.   Birthdays, Random family gatherings, and even just the occasional dinner have been had by me and my loved ones since I was little in this very igloo.  I cherish these, and I add to them every time I make my way to the Igloo down on ’49.

Jerry’s Catfish House

Hwy 49 South

Florence, Mississippi  39073

http://www.jerryscatfishhouse.com/

601-845-8860

UMMC

I don’t like hospitals; in fact I detest them with every fiber of my being.   However, I do feel the need to write about this one in particular, this is the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.   I was born here and so were my mother, and many other members of my family.   I have seen too much of this place recently and I feel the need to write about it in hopes that it will appease the powers that be so that the universe rights itself and no one in my life has to enter  through it’s doors for a reason other than employment.   

 So let the appeasement begin.  

UMMC is one of the best hospitals in the state of Mississippi, and it is probably the only hospital that I trust.   While it isn’t perfect as most hospitals aren’t, but it is a bit different than most others in the area in that it is a teaching hospital.  This means that it is not run solely for profit, so it is one of the few hospitals that will work with you and offer reasonably attainable financial aid if you can not afford normal care.   (You see the fact that the American Healthcare system is a for-profit industry is something I find morbid and frightening… but that is a rant I’m not going to get into.) This hospital is the only level-1 trauma center in the state of Mississippi and has been the hospital of choice in my family for generations.  

I have seen a lot of this hospital recently, as my mother has been in and out of it since March.   It has been a long ordeal and we still have a long way to go, please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.  

Wards

I have many traditions that I adhere to; most for no reason other than it is just something that I like to do.   One of these traditions is that on my way to the coast, I always stop and eat at the Wards in Hattiesburg.  Wards is a small chain of restaurants located in Mississippi.  It is an enigma to me, because there isn’t one here in Jackson, the largest city in Mississippi.  Wards is famous for its “Big One” a burger with secret sauce and chili, it also is known for its homemade root beer.   I think the reason I am so fond of this restaurant, is that it is a Mississippi chain, something we can call ours.

http://www.wardsrestaurants.com

Everything Under The Sun

Darby’s is a cute little shop in downtown Natchez, Mississippi.   It is one of those places that you can spend hours sorting through the various nick-knacks looking for gifts for EVERYONE you know.   Plus right when you walk in you are tempted with fudge that is just like your grandma would make.   It is probably the best of the “cutsie” stores that Mississippi has to offer, and with its fudge and location smack dab in historic Natchez… it really is worth a trip down. 

http://www.darbysfudge.com/

410 Main Street
Natchez, MS 39120

800-332-9062 or 601-446-9737

Famous Fudge

Accidental Collection

I never meant to start a collection of postcards… it started innocent, I joined a facebook group for people that liked postcards. Suddenly people started asking me to send them postcards to add to their collection, and they sent me one in return. Before long my collection started to grow, and then I discovered postcrossing, and I became an addict. It is all innocent fun though, I get a glimpse into another’s world, and they get a glimpse into mine…. All with a small 4x6 image with some words on the back.

My Postcrossing.

 

Mississippi Postcards

Rendezvous

As I move forward, I can feel time flow by faster and faster… moving me towards a new adventure. I am not sure what the adventure has in store for me, but as it moves closer, and this rendezvous becomes more certain, I know that great things lie ahead… and I am more than ready to embrace what ever is coming.

About the Photo: Rendezvous Famous BBQ Ribs in Memphis, Tennessee just down the alley from Union Street…. Fabulous.

52 South 2nd Street

Memphis, TN 38103-2628

Get Directions

(901) 523-2746

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. 

Memphis Zoo

As many of you can tell from my recent posts from the Memphis Zoo, last Wednesday I went with three of my best friends to see this magical place for the first time. When we arrived at the zoo’s front gate into Egypt, I knew then that this was an unusual place.

Time and Continental boundaries all did not apply in this place it was as if some took the world and smashed it together and placed it smack dab in Tennessee… I regretted having never visited before. Plus, I LOVED the Egyptian décor; I have always had a fascination with the culture, so it was extra awesome.

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.

El Wal-Brero

Today we went and had lunch with John and Cynthia at El Sombrero that just opened up in Brandon in between the Fred’s and Hancock Fabrics in what was once a Wal-Mart. I was shocked when I walked in at how awesome the place looked compared to some of the other restaurants in town, and the fact that it was located in a former Wal-Mart was even more shocking for me. Anytime I walk into a place that I knew in it’s former existence I look for little nuances of what once was, and the only way that I could tell that this had been a Wal-Mart was the painted “shopping center” ceiling, but the transformation was wonderful… kinda felt like I was in a resort in some odd Mexican town. The food was average compared to other Mexican restaurants, but it was not bad, I hope to return soon!

El Sombrero
5746 U.S. 80
Pearl, MS 39208-8930
(601) 664-6764