Getting Ready for Fall in the South, Part 2

I am so excited to take you shopping in a new favorite store.

Mrs. McGregor's Garden

is a locally owned business that offers a unique blend of home and garden, accessories, clothing, gifts, jewelry and antiques.

These lovely, friendly ladies will greet you at the door and assist you in finding treasures displayed all over this quaint little store.

Upon entering, your senses are assaulted by burning candles, texture and color.

Where to look first may be the biggest decision you will have to make.

To your left is a table of some of the cutest Halloween items - bright, orange and fun.

To your right, a vine arch invites one into a world of beauty.

Now, come and enjoy some of the beautiful vignettes throughout Mrs. McGregor's Garden.

It may be picture-overload, but I couldn't decide what to leave out.  But, this will give you an idea of the sensory overload you will receive upon entering.

 

 

 

 

 

 Is this Southern or not?

 

 I love these napkin rings.

 

White linen gowns and PJ sets for women and little girls

  A few things for the Thanksgiving Table

Beautiful jewelry items

How about shopping for Fall Outfits for you and the little girly girls in your life.

I just couldn't help myself!  I was completely overcome and didn't think I could possibly leave without adding to my Fall Wardrobe.

 This light-weight Niche top is my perfect color and covers all that needs covering.  And I must tell you that I found my favorite jeans.  They are Jag and have a wide stretch waistband that doesn't gap like so many jeans do.

This outfit is a Stella Garakasi top over brown stretch knit pants that will be my Fall Uniform.

 I have a variety of scarves and necklaces that will give this uniform outfit many great looks.

 Hubby even suggested adding a hat.  Now is this a glamor shot or what!!!

As you can tell, we "Get Ready for Fall in the South" by going all out.

And,

Mrs. McGregor's Garden is a wonderful place to start.

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Gambling, Music & The Hub

Joyce has given us some interesting questions to ponder this week at

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What's one thing that's still the same about you as when you were young?
I am still very content to be alone and in some situations, prefer it that way.

2. What's more important-history or science? Why?
Interesting question!  I am going to venture out and say neither is more important than the other.  They are of equal importance because each builds on the successes and failures of its own past.  Without science, would the human race have become extinct? What about our environment, food supply, energy sources?  And the saying, "If we don't learn from our history then it is bound to repeat itself," is being played out before us on a daily basis.  History or science!  I think they both have had and continue to have a tremendous impact on life as we know it.

3. Lima, kidney, string, garbanzo, black or pinto-your favorite bean?
String

4. What's something people come to your town to do?
Gamble.  We are known for our six (6) riverboat casinos and hotels.  Sad truth!

 
5. When was the last time you were in a meeting? Sum it up for us in five words or less.
Informative, fun, short

6. What special event would you like a VIP pass to attend?
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Concert

7. What's one piece of advice you'd give a writer?
Oh heavens, I don't think I am in a position to give that sort of advice.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Today, Hubby and I had lunch with the most delightful young ladies.  Cassie is the director of The Hub here in Shreveport and LeeAnn is in charge of the GED program there.  This is how Cassie sums up the ministry of The Hub:

"Urban Ministries loves the impoverished of Shreveport’s inner city.  We want the poor to know who they are as God’s creatures, and who they can become because of what their Creator has done through His Son, Jesus."

"The Hub desires to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the lives of the broken.  We strive to meet the very real physical needs of those whom God has given us to love.  And while addressing those needs, we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, expressing our heartfelt desire—which is our Lord’s desire!—to be in lasting fellowship with them (1 John 1:3-4)

One of the main aspects of her profound ministry is to rescue women and children from prostitution and sex trafficking.  It is called "Purchased:  Not for Sale!"  I had no idea the trafficking of children in our little city was such a problem, but she says it is a very real and serious problem.  We discussed how I might be able to help in some way, and I look forward to opportunities in the days ahead.

If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful ministry go HERE.

Weekend Happenings

FALL IS IN THE AIR!

 When you live in the south and have endured months without rain or temperatures below 97 degrees, or humidly below 90%, then any sign of Fall is a most welcome event and one to be celebrated.

 This past Friday brought us at least four inches of the most refreshing rain.  Thank you Lord!

So, this is how Hubby and I took advantage of the weekend together.

Saturday Morning

  Judy, my good, good friend and I went to a Purse/Scarf Sale to benefit a local women's organization, PEO.  We thought if we got there when the doors opened at 9 a.m, we should be in good shape.  Well, let me just tell you, there must have been women camping outside the door all night.  The parking lot was full.  But, not to be dismayed, we went in anyway, and I am so glad we did.

Look at these two beauties I found.

They are like new and not bad at all for $10 each.

Saturday Afternoon

 Grandson, Jackson is Red Shirted this year (so far), but we still look forward to watching the Western Michigan Broncos play football on Saturdays.  They aren't doing very well so far, but we still have hopes that Coach P. J. Fleck and his crew will pull them out of this pre-conference losing slump next week when they play Kent State at the WMU Waldo Field.

Saturday Evening
Saturday night was the Opening Night for the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra with special guest artist, Jennifer Koh, Violinist.

Prior to each month's event, a group of us meet for dinner at Monjuni's Italian Restaurant.  This is a special time to look forward to each month during the symphony season.

This outstanding orchestra opened the night with Finlandia by Jean Sibelius.  It was amazing!
You may enjoy listening to this rendition while seeing breathtaking scenes of nature in Finland.
Finlandia Sibelius

Awaiting the Maestro

 Outstanding programing for the season.

Sunday Morning
Our busy Sunday began with a worship service and lunch at the The Oaks of Louisiana where Dick was invited to speak and sing.  He did a great job as usual.

The Chapel

Dick directed the little choir at this lovely Retirement facility for several years, and may I just say that the folks absolutely love him.

This lovely place offers every amenity for retirees 55 and older .

Sunday Afternoon

We attended the bridal shower for this good-looking couple back in our former home, Bastrop, LA.  Charles is the son of great friends, Rodney and Diana who were only kids when we moved there in 1969.  Diana was Dick's accompanist for several years prior to our leaving and still holds that distinguished position at the First Baptist Church.

It was so good to see many of our dear, dear friends many of whom were hostesses.

Sunday Evening
Afterward, we were invited to have dinner with long-time friends there.  Their beautiful home was so warm and inviting and beautifully decorated.  It could easily be featured in Traditional Home.  And the food!  Oh my goodness, they served the most delicious salad, Seafood Etouffe, and desert.  And as usual the visit was sweet and ended much too soon.

As you can tell, it was a great weekend spent with friends and each other.

Blue Vista

Its really rather late in the day to be doing this, but I thought I would link up with

Kathryn

for

As some of you may recall, I started teaching myself to paint a few weeks ago.  Painting is something I have always wanted to do but just hadn't, for whatever reason.

Hubby and I are having dinner with long-time, distant friends this Sunday evening and I know she loves blue.  In fact, her new sunroom is decorated in this, her favorite color.

So, I decided to try my hand at something personal, just for her.

I know, a ways to go before I am invited for a showing, but at least I am doing something I love and able to share with someone I love.

It is finally raining in northwest Louisiana ahead of a cool spell, for which we are so grateful!

Enjoy your weekend, and may not everything in your life be blue!