A little bit of this, a little bit of that, a little bit of Art...

So, while I've been transcribing Gisella's story, (you can find Part One here in my last blogpost) stuff has been happenin' here in Midtown! Gisella and I are still working on the next chapter of her memoirs, which will be appearing right here in another blogpost soon. (Don't touch that dial!)   BTW, I met her in an antique store in Jackson, TN, where she has been hanging out for awhile. I hope you didn't find her story too melancholy; sometimes that's just how life is...

When I haven't been arranging the story of Gisella, I've  been doing a good bit of Memphis Midtown Meandering. I recently ran across this, (not literally) and I didn't  have to meander any farther than my own pantry, to a bag of my favorite chips! (See my blogpost of Sept 11th if you're not sure which flavor that is!) It just goes to show you, that you can find love anywhere! Another spectacle that I didn't even have to leave my own Midtown Mecca's backyard to see, was this gorgeous Swamp Hibiscus.  These  have made me smile so many times since they started blooming in July!  The Hubs and I were afraid that the harsh Memphis Winter had surely done them in, since they were the last of all the plants to bloom, but they have had beautiful flowers all Summer, and are still going strong!!

 Branching out into our neighborhood for

 Sunday evening walks with The Hubs is one

 of my favorite Midtown activities.  The 

sunsets have been spectacular lately!

These two pics show what a difference 

about 20 minutes can make!

The Daughter and I have had lots of Adventures in Shopping recently, and I have been slowly getting into the spirit of Halloween!! The Daughter is in the mood all year round, but I resist until at least October 1st! Target is our favorite place to check out all the Halloween stuff so far, and Party City comes in 2nd place.

So which of the masks do you think goes best with The Daughter's Miss Voorhees Halloween Costume?   

 Another thing I  meandered upon at Target were these amazing cookies!!  I have talked about the Caramel Apple Oreos before, (again-see 9/11's post) and now--OMG--Pumpkin Spice Oreos!!  I stumbled across these on the day they came out, so I grabbed a few extra packages, since you never know how long the limited edition will last. I love the fact that October and November are the Season of Pumpkin Spice everything!!  Some people may get tired of Pumpkin spice, but I never do!!  The only thing that  makes me give it up is the changing of seasons to 

gingerbread and peppermint everything, on the

 day after Thanksgiving !! 

Something else that I saw  recently was this card display...Kudos to  Target and Hallmark,  for actually getting in sync with the times. 

 

While we are on the topic, The Hubs, The Daughter, and The Daughter's GF (yes I said it) spent a recent Friday night at Crosstown Arts' "Big Gay Art Show".  The curator of the show, Thomas Green, says, "the show's concept is designed to inspire the younger generation, welcome them into the community and let them know that there are people who have been where they are."  The show highlighted works of regional artists, and even included balloons, bubbles, free drinks, and lots of interesting people.  

  

These were some of my favorite Art pieces. The first one was projected on a huge sheet of shimmery fabric, and changed scenes every now and then.  It was fascinating.  The painting series was entitled "Journey of a Trans Man", and was done by Jaqueline O'Neal. I found it interesting to study the expressions on the subject's face in each frame, changing from tears, to confusion, to sadness, and eventually to a great big smile.

We all had a great time at the show.  When we stepped outside, we were awed by this beautiful artistic display in the sky.  

In another of Crosstown Arts' spaces, we were treated to the Gonerfest Art Show, entitled "Anyway, Anyhow".   It was billed as  "A raw wild visual gumbo to accompany the sick sonic stew of Gonerfest!" Gonerfest is an international music festival, sponsored by Goner Records, which celebrated its eleventh year. 

We all enjoyed the art there as well. There were so many intriguing pieces!  The featured artists included Tim Kerr, Bruce Webb, Butch Anthony, John Henry Toney, and Timmy Lampinen.  Each of the pieces was so thought-provoking.  I love living so close to Crosstown Arts, and being able to meander over there on a Friday nite and check out some art, grab a drink, and meet some interesting people.  

(#perksofbeingamidtowner)

When we had taken in all the art our brains could handle, we headed over to the Cleveland St. Flea Market on the way home. 


I always see something interesting whenever  I'm                                                                there.






 I think Gisella might have met this woman on the train to France after she left Modra...    I'll have to check on that...                                                                                               

So anyway, we headed back home, to sample the amazing dessert The Daughter created--Chocolate pumpkin pie.  She has been perfecting her recipe,  and it has reached its apex--it was amazing!  I keep telling her she has been levelling up in her kitchen abilities.  The awesome thing about the pie (besides its yumminess) is that it's vegan.  She is planning on making it for Thanksgiving.  

Another recent Midtown Evening Event was a Going Away Party for our neighbors who are moving to Jordan. (Well, actually they are there now, but of course weren't when we had the party-you get my point)  We hosted  the gathering in our backyard, and it was lots of fun.  There was great food, beverages, sidewalk chalk, whistles, conversations, tears, hugs, and a great time was had by all!! They were the first neighbors we met when we moved into the neighborhood last year. She even brought over warm, fresh baked brownies on our first night in our new home! Who else even does that anymore?  They will definitely be missed in our little world.   See there Ms. A-- I told you at the party that you might end up in my blog!!

Stay tuned for more Midtown Meanderings and Musings, more from Gisella, and more Memphis fun! 

Peace out...