Another Pairing: "The Help" and Two Museums

Looking for something interesting to read and then explore a little bit more of? Try readying Kathryn Stockett's The Help. It's a wonderful story which takes place in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. Rotating through a cast of three very different women, Stockett takes on mother/daughter, race, and class issues of the day in Southern America. Her language is very appealing and makes for easy, memorable reading. Loaded with great quotes (including: "This Emilio Pucci character must stick his finger in a socket every morning.") the voice of the characters is very real and honest. But my absolute favorite quote has to be: "I always thought insanity would be a dark, bitter feeling, but it is drenching and delicious if you really roll around it it." You said it sister!

If you finish and would like to explore this interesting and complex part of American history, the National Portrait Gallery just opened a new permanent exhibition called The Struggle for Justice. The exhibition is a collection of portraits of activists ranging from those fighting segregation to women's issues. If you're not in DC, the Portrait Gallery has a very nice website set up with images and interactive menus.

Still have time left over from the Portrait Gallery? Head on over to the Smithsonian American History Museum - on display is the Greensboro Lunch Counter located on the second floor.

A Wedding or Two?

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth or gotten a job (believe me you all would have heard about that one . . .) but I've been away for the last two weeks going to a series of weddings and visiting my hometown in Kansas. I've been so busy these last few weeks, I've hardly had time to sit down and check my e-mail, let alone update. I did get four job applications off in my down time.

I started off by heading down to Mobile, AL for my cousin's wedding. It was a very nice affair full of southern hospitality and some of the best food I've had in a long time. -- Seriously, I ate my way through Mobile. Going down there for a wedding, I didn't do too much research on the place before heading off as I figured most of the time would be spent with the family - and it was, so it's a good thing I really like my family. I really love my Aunt and Uncle from Boston and if I can convince some people here in DC we need a short weekend trip, I hope to be visiting them sometime soon.

If you're in the Mobile area, the Museum of Mobile costs $5 - less for students and seniors. They have a George Washington Carver exhibition up, but we didn't get to see much of it as they had large tour groups from schools going through at the time. The museum is quite extensive with some really fun things to see. Also, the USS Alabama is located nearby. For $5, you have access to the whole ship, the airplane hanger, and the submarine. Careful when it's hot though! There's a definite lack of air conditioning on majority of the ship. Also watch out for those pesky bulkheads, my shinbone is still bruised. My Aunt, her sister, and niece went to the Fort (FREE!) and the Mardi Gras Museum (I'm not sure how much it was to get in - but they loved it!). There's also the Mobile Museum of Art, but no one made it there - we were busy with other things, like a wedding . . . and food.

For food - a little more on the expensive side check out Felix's. Their steak is to die for! and the baked potatoes aren't bad either. For some inexpensive BBQ head to Saucy Q's BBQ - unlike the BBQ we adore in KC, this sauce is vinegar based. The ribs were nice and lean - and the French fries were nice and crispy with a side of coleslaw (if that's your thing, it certainly is mine!)

We wished the cousins well and headed back to Kansas City - my home sweet home.

My friend Megan came out from Colorado to join us for a few days, so naturally there were more museums and food stops. First thing was to hit up the Sonic for a Diet Cherry Limeade. We are sadly denied a Sonic here in DC, so it is a rarefied treat. Once while traveling with friends on a weekend trip, I spied a Sonic marker on an exit. I MADE them turn off so I could get a hamburger, tater tots, and my beverage of choice. They thought I was nuts. Maybe I am.

While Megan was visiting we hit up Jack Stack BBQ - the best BBQ you will ever, ever eat. Some people swear by Rosedales (good sandwiches!) or Aurther Bryant's (I know I will have pitchforks after me, but I don't care much for it) or Haywards (nice sauce!) - but if you want the whole package, go to Jack Stack. We also made it downtown to Manny's Mexican food (we actually came back two days later when my sister arrived in town) - the pork chili is good, but I prefer the tacos with a little extra salsa. And as long as we're talking food, don't miss out on Bo Ling's - the best Chinese food around with great lunch portions. Also check out George's Pizza (Overland Park) which is run by a Vietnamese family - their lunch specials come with a salad, drink, and small pizza for $5.

For museums, Kansas City isn't lacking. If you've never been to the Nelson-Atkins you are missing out! It's FREE - with some special exhibitions costing around $7 or so. They just had a fashion photography exhibit which Megan and I caught just before it closed. The Nelson has quite a few Henry Moore statues - including the Sheep! Don't miss the Shuttlecocks out on the lawn or one of Monet's Waterlilies painted shortly before his death.

We also stopped by the Nerman - a contemporary art museum located inside Johnson County Community College. It's FREE! Right now they have some amazing bead work on display and you physically can't miss the museum's star of the show - a kimono made out of dog tags by a Korean Artist.

We talked about walking around on the Plaza - which is a shopping area (and modeled to look like it's sister city Seville, Spain) in Kansas City, but it was too hot. But if you're ever in the area it's another must see - during the holiday season the whole area is decked out in lights.

The following weekend - Megan left us! - we went to another wedding - which was just as much fun as the previous weekend. I felt spoiled all the way around! Congratulations to all those who got married in the last two weeks! It's been fun! Perhaps more later - silver cake stands anyone? - when I get the camera hooked up and pics downloaded.

Recycled Art

One of our neighbors down the street was moving and had a huge yard sale. I went down and poked my nose about to see if they had any furniture worth purchasing and re-painting. Instead I found a selection of old mirrors and windows that I though were gorgeous. And happened to match my Country French Blue living room. I've been searching for something to cover this very blue empty wall.

The finished product.

Happy 4th of July!!

Yes, yes - I know, it's now the 5th, but I was celebrating yesterday.

There is nothing like celebrating the 4th of July on the National Mall. Yes, it's always hot. Yes, it's always crowded. Yes, the line for getting back onto the metro when it's over is horrendous. But it's worth it!

Last year we had a huge gathering out on the Mall, while this year it was only my sister and my friend, Kirsten. It was so hot this year, nobody dared to set up their blankets in the center section until about 6:30. I arrived at about 3:30 and decided to hide out under the trees.

The people watching is fantastic -- it wouldn't be the Mall with the occasional nut. Those who missed out this year will be pleased to note, we did see the "Hairy Christians" (Hari Krishnas) again this year (last year a member of our group spent a half-hour lost as we told them we were behind the Hari Krishnas, and they heard "Hairy Christians" which they couldn't locate . . .), although we sat closer to the Folklife Festival. We were still entertained by some bad would be Christian rock singers who competed against alone Evangelist singing solo and attempting to convert people at the same time. He'd get through one verse and stop to covert the masses, we'd think he was done, and then he'd pick up again. There were the drunk near adolescents and hot, tired, screaming children. There were the protesters, the locals, and the tourists.

We spent the afternoon eating fruit and keeping hydrated. Kate read, I crocheted, and Kirsten made fun of us. Kate got lost on the way to the bathroom and we almost had to send out the Mounties. We watched fireworks. We hung around afterwards for about 45 mins, and got kicked off the Mall because the police wanted to go home, and the metro was still crowded.

Nothing beats celebrating the Nation's Birthday in DC!

I've been a busy bunny - with more jamming and canning action happening, more crocheting, and I've even hung some fun things in the living room. Expect another update tomorrow.

Career Color Test

Something a little fun for Friday-

Take the Career Color Test

Its a little bit late for me, but apparently I should be in the Creative field followed by a close second in Research. Considering I have a masters in History of Decorative Art, I'm chasing the right category . . .