Annie I: A Magnet for the Unusual

Slave to My Garden

2011-07-20T18:15:00.001-07:00

I'm a Slave to my Garden—but how did Google know this? Imagine my surprise when I decided to blog today about my hobby (which has me totally consumed, I mean, OBSESSED with my garden)--AND Google has a green-garden-theme going on, as well!

I can't go a day without looking for a plant to rescue. Poor purple coneflower? Check! Rotting Rudbeckia? Oh, yeah! Cooked coreopsis? Uh-huh! I'm a little partial to perennials, but I'm not a snob to annuals either. Zapped zinnias? Right! Marginal marigolds? Can do. Pitiful portulaca? Sure, why not?

Give me your poor, your wilted, your dried up, your cast-offs. I will dead-head, prune, fertilize, plant, pray and water them all. I am not picky, but I do love a good bargain—which is why I lurk around those $3, $5 and $7 bins.

There's something about July, besides it being our daughter, Katie's birthday and my parent's anniversary (both, July 14^th) that makes me want to be outside, in the middle of my garden. Of course, I'm out there earlier than July, like, in the spring, planting herbs. A little later, it's vegetables. Then comes the flowers.

Our budget is blown on potting soil, peat moss, perlite, Miracle-Gro, water (as in the water bill), more pots, more yard décor and more tools. But I am HAPPY!!! And don't even get me started on the 10,000 plus photographs I've taken this year. And tomorrow, once again, I'll start my rescue mission.

Happy Gardening to You and Yours, Worldwide!

From Prissy's patio

2011-06-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

No excuses! I have to blog more often: have to, want to, need to! But I wouldn’t go so far as to say “shoulda, coulda, woulda” because then it becomes mandatory and, therefore, a rule! I hate rules! I am a nonconformist and a rule breaker (in a good way…I hope).

Today, after I watered my vegetable and flower garden, I placed my new lawn ornament, aka, a lovely, concrete koi (fish) out amongst the colorful and prolific plants in my yard, y’all. He is adorable! I bought him at a really special, vintage shop in Morehead City, named The Blue Gardenia, on Arendell St. The owner, Pamela, is just precious! Also, her good friend and buddy, Goober, was sitting there keeping her company as I shopped. It is SUCH a small world! Come to find out, he is a band director at the high school in Morehead City and he knows Melanie Wright. She was the band director at Waccamaw High School in Pawleys Island when Katie was attending, and playing flute. (Katie went on to get a master’s degree in flute performance from LSU—but is NOW enrolled in nursing school. Hooray!)

Anyhoo—I was wondering what to name my new statue—the koi, and decided to name him Goober, Jr., in honor of my new friend that I met at the store, Donald Johnson, whose nickname is indeed Goober. FYI, I name many inanimate objects that that are special to me—it’s what I do!. My car is named Blueberry—a lovely indigo ink pearl (did someone say Duke?) blue Toyota Avalon.

Okay, I meant to keep this shorter, but what can I say? A lot more, actually!!! Still, in order to stop the boredom from my readers, fix dinner for hub-Russ and I (which, like Frankie on The Middle, might come inside a paper bag a few miles away from my kitchen), and to make a deadline for my humor column, I shall say goodbye.

Oh! P.S. Thanks to Dee Gee’s Books and Gift Shop and the great customers and readers in Morehead City for the fun book-signing yesterday! I’ll post pictures soon on Facebook. Promise!

The Trilogy is Born!

2010-11-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

Did it! Done it! Didn’t we? I am so thrilled to announce the Life is Short trilogy is out (in fact, I’ve already done three booksignings and a dozen more are coming up). I was waiting for the book(s) to hit the shelves before I blogged. This happened in mid-October, and I’ve barely stopped to breathe. But, hey, it’s all good! Brand new: Life is Short, I Wish I Was Taller. Second editions: Life is Short, So Read This Fast! and Life is Short, But It’s Wide. My awesome editor, designer and friend, Kiki Johnson, gets the credit for making this trilogy appealing, awesome and unique. She even created new covers for Fast! and Wide and new layout design inside. If it was just about me, I’d be pretty self-centered, huh? But the way I see it, I gave a job to a talented UNC-W Publishing Lab grad student (Kiki), a passionate and articulate photographer, Sunnie Pennington and a film-and-movie star make-up artist extraordinaire, Rudolph Eavey, III. And now, they are all three my new friends and partners in crime, ha! Hey, I haven’t lost my sense of humor. Honestly!

But not only that, I’m on a “Buy American” kick right now and I’m proud to say: The books were conceived in the good ole U.S.A., (LOL!), designed, made, and now distributed in the good ole U.S.A., and for the most part, the South! Alright, that’s all I’m saying right now. I’ve got a deadline—more humor to write, more stories to tell, more folks to eavesdrop on, and…oh, yeah, wait a minute: a turkey to buy for Thanksgiving! Oh, and lest I forget: Once again, Goody 2 Shoes Publishing is the force behind the fun! Remember to come to my book signings and say “hello” and by all means, contact me for a speaking engagement. I’ve still got room for a few appearances for 2011! Y’all come back now, y’hear?

2010-09-22T13:07:00.001-07:00

Third one's the charm (let's hope…)

It's official! The trilogy is at the press, so to speak. (Doesn't that sound like "code" for something quite clandestine—wink! wink!) Actually, it's anything BUT covert. It's overt, official and long overdue. Not only that, it was the best birthday ever, when on September 17, this nearly four-month project was completed.

Life is Short, I Wish I Was Taller will premiere mid-October to complete the trilogy. My other two books, Life is Short, But It's Wide (first published, 2003) and Life is Short, So Read This Fast! (first published, 2007) have been completely redone with new covers. Therefore, these two are second editions. I am proud and honored to have worked with Kiki Johnson, book-girl-extraordinaire, a grad student and teaching assistant at The Publishing Lab at The University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Kiki has edited and designed all three books for cohesiveness, clarity and coordination. I can honestly say I've never been happier in all of my (nearly) twenty years of writing and thirteen years of being published.

I also want to mention a couple of other very important people who contributed to Taller, making it the best book so far (in my humble opinion): Sunnie Pennington, photographer (and acting coach) and Rudolph Eavey, III, make-up artist. Also, thanks to Mike Womble of Horizon Sites for my new website (which will be updated soon to reflect the new books). Check out www.sunniepennington.com and www.horizonsites.com to learn more.

Once again (and as always), God is good! I anxiously await this next chapter in my life with hub-Russ. It's been a long-time coming, but it's been worth the wait. A big thank-you to my precious family, friends and readers who have been with me every step of the way. I couldn't do without you. I hope you'll come see me at one of my upcoming book signings!

Booking it!

2010-09-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

I see it's been a month since I blogged, so here's a quick update:

A small setback that turned out to be a blessing: We are completely redoing the books, "Fast" and "Wide" in such a way that all contents are being redone. This, of course, means a little delay in publishing "Taller," the third book to complete the trilogy. But it's all good and the end product will be amazing! (Even if I say so myself.)

I can't tell you how many folks are asking "When will we see "Life Is Short, I Wish I Was Taller"'? The answer is just as soon as I see it—but seriously, probably late October or early November. Though, not to worry, just in time for the Christmas season!

Thanks, prayers and peace to all who have helped me along the way. But especially to my family, Russell, Katie and Kelly and to Kiki Johnson, my awesome editor and designer.

That's all for now. Happy Labor Day! Be safe, well and happy! ^j^

Getting there...slowly but surely

2010-08-04T14:02:00.001-07:00

The last seven weeks have been crazy / busy, but it's all good. Here's the scoop: My newest book, Life Is Short, I WISH I WAS TALLER, will be coming out in the fall. So, everything else aside, I'm in the throes of book publishing. It's all good though! I have lots of speaking gigs and book signings coming up, but could always book a few more. J

In order to keep my sanity (if there is such a thing), I've been busy lately with various and sundry activities, in other words—STUFF!

SUMMER RECREATION: hosting family visits, going to the beach, swimming in the pool and hanging out with friends. The most fun has been sharing Grammy Camp with our beautiful and precious granddaughters, Madison (almost 9) and Carly (almost 5).

HOBBIES: I WON Bunko last week with 3 bunkos total for the night. This was a fluke as I am the unluckiest player you ever knew. We girls gathered at Cindy's beautiful waterfront home near Emerald Isle, N.C., and had a blast! Don't tell Russell I won because he'll expect me to buy him dinner, since I don't cook much these days. (Unless you call fixing oatmeal cooking.)

GARDENING: still getting lots of cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers and a few cucumbers here and there. My watering has been erratic (sort of like my entire life), so it's no wonder the veggies seem to be giving up on me (rather than the other way around). Hey, what can I say? It was good while it lasted! Plus it's HOT here! Remember that song, "Oh, I Wish that It Would Rain." And, I do!

READING: Am into (fiction) "Home Safe" by Elizabeth Berg. I LOVE HER!!! She is my favorite author to date, tied only with Anne Tyler. Also reading (non-fiction) "Style Statement" by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte, dahlin'.

MUSIC: The Highwaymen by Willie Nelson. Also, Smile by Lily Allen. And Zimbabwe by Toni Childs.

HEALTH: Speaking of pounds—I'm lifting them, too. Weights, that is. My aerobics class, Fit Over Fifty (I am not making this up) is keeping me sane and somewhat buffed. Okay, I can hear you laughing and it's not funny! Hub Russ has lost 40 lbs., so I'm just trying to keep up with him. He did P90X this summer, then Insanity and now he's just running a lot, (mainly away from me when I show him the honey-do list).

Stay well, dear readers and friends.

Ann Ipock
Author, Speaker, Humorist
www.annipock.com
Life Is Short, I WISH I WAS TALLER (Fall 2010)
Life Is Short, SO READ THIS FAST!
Life Is Short, BUT IT'S WIDE
843.457.5406
910.632.6536

New web site, new events, new vacation!

2010-04-26T07:56:00.001-07:00

First of all, I am thrilled to announce my new web site (same name). Chances are you've seen it if you're reading this blog. Mike Womble of Horizon Sites did an awesome job. Thanks, also, to Ron Osborne for the super-duper job he did for many years. But with a move 3 years ago to Wilmington, N.C., it made sense to go local.

Second, lots of great events are upcoming. I hope to see lots of friends, family and fans at The Best of Our State put on by "Our State" Magazine on July 3rd (Sat.). Check out my web site or http://www.ourstate.com/ for info. I'll be joining a great cast of entertainers in Pinehurst, N.C. and know that it will be a memorable experience! I've got some surprises up my sleeve (and even a new pair of shoes, my favorite accessory), so 'Be There or Be Square!'

Third, I'm overdue for a vacation. So I plan to chillax in a couple of weeks weeks on a 5 day cruise to Bermuda with hub-Russ and my sister, Nancy and her husband, Keith. We are celebrating our 30th anniversary! Hooray! As always, I'll have my eyes open and ears pealed for any unusual adventures. I usually encounter a dozen or so a week, so I'm sure this will be no different. Did I hear an "Amen, and stay away from the Mopeds!"?

One last thing: Good news! Katie, daughter #2, was accepted into the nursing program at Cape Fear Community College. Thanks for all of your prayers and good wishes. We are especially glad to know that Katie will be able to be our personal nurse in our old age (which is sort of like, ahm, nearly here). It's no coincidence that we bought a house 1 mile from the finest nursing home in town (assisted living) so we won't have to move our stuff (his golf clubs and my high heels) very far.

Oh yeah! Today is daughter #1, Kelly's, birthday. I sent her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY e-mail to her school in Raleigh where she teaches kindergarten. This is a milestone birthday for her, but I'm not going to say which one. I'm feeling old enough as it is. Not really!

Talk soon,
Arthur Ann (my Dad's nickname for me)

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2010-04-26T06:30:00.001-07:00

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My definition of a perfect day is...

2010-01-04T16:05:00.000-08:00

My definition of a perfect day is...today. Katie and I went to see "It's Complicated" at the movies and loved, loved, loved it! I highly recommend it! Meryl Streep is awesome as usual; and Alec Baldwin surprised me with his superb performance. It was a LOL movie with some poignant moments as well. Katie had been "home bound" sort of, since last Thurs., when she had her 4 wisdom teeth extracted. She's doing great now though. Our mother/daughter time was so, so special!

Later we had coffee at Atlanta Bread Co. and saw old friends from when Katie worked there. Then a trip to the library. We discussed her next college classes, as she prepares to hopefully enter nursing school in the fall. Thankfully, she's gotten gigs to play flute (recently, a few at church) and she'll never lose that talent or love of music. But helping others and being in the health field is her main thrust now. God is good and it'll all work out.

Came home and cooked fresh catfish, home-baked fries and blue cheese coleslaw. (The movie made me want to REMODEL my kitchen and maybe even REMODEL my life! When will I ever give up on the idea of owning a small cafe/bakery?) Russell says "This too shall pass..." he says it a lot, actually. But I remind him of his dream, as well: Playing on the Senior Tour of the PGA. Never say never!

Tonight I'm updating my new contact list for 2010 and starting to fill in my new calendar. I love it when a new year unfolds and everything is so fresh. I get excited with anticipation. Till next time...

Happy New Year - Pray more, worry less

2010-01-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

I was just sitting here reading blogs from my friends Janice and Emily-Sarah, and feeling kind of guilty that I haven't blogged in months. But then I remembered my New Years resolution: Pray more, worry less. I already feel better. Seriously, there is power in prayer and there is power in words. I hope to also do more meditation and visualization. No, I won't say "hope to", instead I'll say "will." The first sounds/feels tentative and the second sounds/feels imperative. And that's another goal: Prepare, plan, commit. Whether it's to better health, improved finances or quality time with friends and family.

I think the biggest challenge and resulting positive change for me personally last year was teaching Sunday School (which I still do) for the 3-6 year olds at our church. Little did I know that when I signed up to help them grow, I have grown. When I signed up to teach them about God, I have learned about God. Seeing the world through the eyes of children is exciting, enlightening and effervescent. And even though one little boy thought I was hubby Russell's mother, we all had a good laugh at that.

I challenge you to become more child like this year, rethink your priorities and find it in your heart to give away something every day: a smile, a hug, a compliment, a high-five. God bless us everyone!

Overhearing conversations

2009-09-23T13:04:00.001-07:00

Y'all,

I have decided to blog from time to time about conversations I overhear. Every writer I know has this fascination with overhearing other people's conversations. Sometimes what I hear is funny, sometimes it's sad, often times it's plain old interesting. Whether the talker is on a cell phone (as often as not) shopping or sitting face to face at a diner, remember: You, too, could appear on my next blog. Or at least, your conversation.

So, today I was in my fave store, (hunting SHOES), the store that's edgy, urban and chic--plus cheap! This woman was on her cell phone talking ninety miles an hour, also trying on shoes (though I don't know how!) and she said out loud, "What is the big DEAL?" She pronounced every word loud and clear, but also with an a-t-t-i-t-u-d-e! Picture this: Snapping her fingers and zig zagging her shoulders, neck and head. She went on to say someone had supposedly "shut the door to the bus in his face," but that she "didn't believe it." Then she said, (and this is the BEST part): "Yes, that is what he had said." Snap! I've heard this atrocious grammar so much lately that it's starting to sound right. "Is that what you had said?" Ya'll: HAD does not go with SAID. "Is that what you said?" sounds much better. Hmmm? But it's not nearly as fascinating.

Okay, gotta run. Time to cook some shrimp sauted in butter, blue-cheese coleslaw and local corn on the cob. Oy!

Toodles,
Ann

This is a test - September 18, 2009

2009-09-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

My blog did not publish last night. Pooh! Before I write a loooooooong new post, I want to see what the problem is. Hmmmmm.

Happy Birthday to Me (and Ellen!)

2009-09-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a small world. On your birthday, do you ever wonder how many other people are celebrating the same exact birthday? Well I do. And now I know at least one more. Ellen. There is a fabulous Thai restaurant here in town that Katie (daughter #2) took me to today to celebrate my fifty-something (closer to 55 than 60) birthday. We ordered our pad Thai and sat there enjoying the interesting surroundings--silky, colorful scarves tacked at each window, lucky bamboo plants and tiny gold buddhas here and there--when Ellen stopped by our table. We chatted about her business, (she's the owner), the weather, news in town, etc. The usual. When Katie told her it was my birthday, Ellen smiled, then laughed, then bent over laughing. She said, "We share birthdays!" Now this occurs to me: It's easy, even natural, to share smiles, laughter, food and memories. It's kind of a universal, even. But how often can you share a birthday? That, I've decided, is pretty rare. Special, even...

My Old (Late) New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

Can't believe 2009 is already here. Where did 2008 go? I don't know about y'all; but personally, I can't wait for the year 2010. The number just rolls off your tongue so easily and it's an even number. Something about odd numbers have always bugged me. Even so, I plan to make 2009 a great one!

My New Year's Resolutions (now, three weeks old) are being partially fulfilled. I had planned to cook at home more: Check! Last week I made several dishes: a big old pot of vegetable/ham soup, fettuccine Alfredo and chicken and pastry. Each dish made enough for two meals, so between dinner and lunch, everyone got plenty. Everyone being me, Russell and Katie. She is living here now (after graduating LSU, Master's Degree in Flute Performance); but seriously considering nursing school as the job market is so slow for the arts now. She has a temp job at a bank and likes that a lot. Boy, she can budget her money 100 x better than me!

Another New Year's Resolution was to get organized. Check! I moved most of my clothes into our walk in closet and folded them neatly on that California Closet type system. I bought clear shoe boxes and set that up, clearing out all the old mismatched cardboard boxes. The closet looks so much better! Here's a shout out to Kim, my dear neighbor and friend who is ultra organized and never met a house she couldn't revamp, revise and redecorate. You're awesome and I appreciate your help!

Getting fit was another NYR. Check! I've been crazy/determined to go to Gold's Gym and attend my Fit Over Fifty class 3 x a week. We have a ball in there and it never seems like work. That's partly because of Clarissa and Ellen (great instructors) but also the fabulous music--every genre imaginable; and also the friendships I've made. We even had a Christmas luncheon. Check out my website http://www.annipock.com/ to see how wild and crazy that was, on a recent column I published.

And finally, on a business note, my NYR is to circulate and network more--to get my books in more stores, do more talks and signings and promote myself. Check! In fact, I found a wonderful agent in Atlanta who is working with me to that end and I know big things are ahead.

I just celebrated 10 years (and going strong) of writing for Georgetown Times (S.C.'s oldest newspaper); and continue to write regularly for Sasee Magazine in Myrtle Beach and Columbia County Magazine near Augusta. I'm beginning the process of editing columns for my next book and finalizing the title. Thanks to all who entered my contest.

Oh and my hobby of gardening is proving to be the best winter ever for the plants I moved indoors. I have about 24 blossoms on my lime plant and the house smells heavenly! A natural perfume. But those pesky mealybugs just don't want to go away--even with organic deterrent. Argh! My Meyer lemon isn't quite as prolific but it's getting there. New leaves emerge everyday. I plan to take a full day soon and repot the bromelaids (one has 5 babies), the jelly bean plant and my huge Christmas cactus, plus the Hoya I bought at the Grace United Methodist plant sale. We had snow this past week (quite rare and quite unwanted by me); but I hope soon to start digging in the dirt and plant my new hyacinth vine, kalanchoe and cardinal plant I also bought at the plant sale. Well, that's it for now. More to tell, but I'll save it for the next time.

Happy New Year, y'all. I hope your holidays were happy, healthy and full of humor!

Always,
Ann

Feeling fall arrive and summer slip away...

2008-10-19T17:05:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe I picked almost 70 cherry tomatoes last week off my dwindling tomato vine, but it's true. I also now have 4-5 small peppers and a couple of white eggplants left on the bushes; that's right, white! I didn't know such a thing existed, but thought I'd grow them for the novelty and sure enough--they are rather pretty. They look like large eggs except they are almost irisdescent and have the smoothest skin imagineable. We're not big eggplant lovers; but my sister Cathy (that lived in Naples, Italy for 3 years and is a wonderful cook) has cooked lots of unusual dishes with the eggplant I've given her this past summer and even up until recently.

Russell and I (and Katie) spent last night in Raleigh as we volunteered to watch our two granddaughters while her parents, Kelly and Chuck, attended Kelly's 20th high school reunion in Myrtle Beach. K&C said they had a good time and we sure did! The funniest thing happened when we took the kids to CharGrill. My sister Nancy and her husband Keith came along too. Madison (7) and Carly (3) love dessert and both asked for some after our meal. We decided to split a humongous chocolate milkshake that CharGrill is famous for. Dividing perhaps a 20 oz. container among us 5--Nancy, me, Madison, Carly and an extra one for whomever--meant no one got a whole lot. As I handed Carly her cup I said, "What do you say?" That precious angel could win a prize for her amazing manners: It's always "Thank you, you're welcome, may I have, etc." and her entire demeanor is grateful, kind and humble--all that coming from a 3 year old. Seriously! But when I said to her, "What do you say?" she answered me with "Is that all?" Isn't that hysterical!

So we came home today and Russell helped me sort of "catch and carry" (by way of green plastic wire) my passion vine which is so passionate it's about to grow onto my roof from the front porch posts. Together we wrapped it where it was "loose and wild," then he ran a wire from the middle post of our porch to the outside left and right post and now the little guy can run all it wants on all 3 posts and beyond! Sadly, I only got one flower and you know they are UNBELIEVABLE!!! One of the most interesting flowers in the plant kingdom, if you ask me. The butterflies had taken over the past few weeks (in a good way) and I watched the black and orange Monarchs light here and there; but last week we had more wasps than butterflies (not good) and I stayed away from the vine. My other "bonus" plant that went crazy this year was my lemon scented (I think?) geraniums. I have two and each grew to about 3' high and 2' wide. Amazing! They are in pots at either end of my torquoise garden bench.

So that's what I've been up to: gardening and grandkids. It doesn't get much better.

Till next time, remember: You don't have to be crazy to read this, but it might make more sense if you are.

Ciao!
Annie I.

I don't understand...

2008-09-16T17:24:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I just published a blog that I wasn't through editing. I don't understand. I must've hit a wrong button. All the margins are screwy. But I guess y'all got the gist of the thing. Anyway, after the loose bracket incident, I went to my orthodontist and got it glued back on. After that all three of us (Russell, Katie and I) have been sick to one degree or another (and even before, but that's another story). It turns out Russell has the flu (per our doctor) or something very similar. Katie and I have sinus infections; but I'm sure eventually we'll all be well. Later 'gator.

Is it just me or...

2008-08-30T17:41:00.001-07:00

Is it just me or...
are my pedicures not lasting as long as they used to? I know, that's a lame topic of conversation when we're facing much more important national issues: this being an election year, gas prices outta control, health care worries and oh yeah--that nasty hurricane tormenting our friends on the Gulf Coast.

I declare I am NOT going to cave and get a pedicure every 2-3 weeks like my sister, Nancy. It's just the point of the thing. Then again, she just retired after 30 years of teaching--the lucky duck; so I guess I can understand her choice: she has money and time. I seem to have neither lately. Still, it seems to me that if they can make paint stick on CARS for heaven's sake, they should be able to make paint stick on finger nails and toe nails? I'm just saying.

When I stepped out of the shower tonight I noticed not 1, not 2, but half of my hot pink tootsies are chipped. And of course it's Saturday night and the nail salons aren't opened. Maybe no one in church will notice tomorrow morning if I wear socks with my heels. Do you think? ;-)

Well, that was my 2 minute rant and I sure feel better.

Remember: Save our nails!
Annie I.

I've been polarized!

2008-08-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Y'all, wait a minute! I've been polarized and as the song goes, "I can see clearly now." I am so excited. I just got my new prescription sunglasses (polarized at the advice of the kind lady who fitted me). After all these years, the trees are greener, the sky is bluer and I practically stop to let an ant pass through when driving--me, not the ant. I believe I could see one if I tried.

So that's it around here. I hadn't had my eyes checked in a few years (my bad) but was tickled to hear that my vision had actually gotten better since my last check up. In fact, I only really need glasses to see far off--like a wedding, a movie, or a car coming into my lane; which I hope doesn't happen. But the point is: I've got new glasses--both regular and sunglasses and I'm a happy camper.

I'm keeping this one short. So until next time...

Keep on keeping on!
Annie I.

Change in plans

2008-08-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all,

Well my last blog has not happened quite like I planned. So the article you read tomorrow in the Georgetown Times won't be about the diamond-studded burrito I was recently served (though it will come next time). That's because when I looked at the calendar I realized I was celebrating TEN YEARS this month of writing for S.C.'s oldest newspaper, Georgetown Times. I decided to dedicate the column to my friends, readers and bookbuyers who have made this ten years possible. THANK YOU!

But don't worry--the diamond story will be published soon. Oh and I'm visiting my orthodontist this Friday; so pray along with me that no brackets, posts, wires, or whatever have been knocked loose--I think I'd know by now if they were. Still...

Y'all keep in touch and remember to tell your Mama I asked how she is durring!

Hugs, not drugs,
Annie I.

The third blog from moi, aka a "magnet for the unsual"

2008-08-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Well, this magnet for the unusual (a.k.a. moi) did it again: I ran into a BIG problem recently when I had lunch at one of our popular Mexican haunts here in town. Taking the final bite of my BIG BURRITO, I bit down on something HARD, real HARD!

Now, you'll never believe it, so let me just tell you: I bit down on a diamond! Isn't that ridiculous? I know! I know! If they had only ASKED me at the counter, "Would you like a diamond with that burrito?" I would've said, "Most definitely, not," but alas, I was not asked.

Luckily it did not knock of a bracket or a wire from my braces, nor did it knock a filling loose, but it did hurt my feelings and knocked me for a loop. Hubby Russell and daughter Katie just shook their head. The manager said she was sorry and would I like a free burrito in the future. (Only if it comes without diamonds.)

If you want to know more, read my Georgetown Times (S.C.) column next week (Wed.) and I'll tell you all about it. www.gtowntimes.com Oh! But as they say, "Wait! There's more:" I'll also tell you about the fly in my salad at the sushi bar two weeks earlier. If trouble comes in three, I'm staying home. Natch. ;-)

Remember: You don't have to be crazy to read this blog, but it's probably a pretty good idea.

Do you read eyebrows?

2008-08-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I hope my new blog (this being my 2nd entry) is now readable. I didn't blog for over a year--you know; the usual reasons, new home, new town, new life--not really, my life is still pretty much the same. I write columns. I write books. I do signings, talks and some acting. I garden. I cook. I travel. I visit family and friends, (vice versa).

Anyoo, I just "activated" my account with Google and if I did it right, you can now read these words, but not my eyebrows.

That's a family joke--reading eyebrows. Many years ago, I was riding in the car to Disneyworld with some of my crazy (did I say that?) family. My sister Cathy was in the backseat with her napping baby. So, I turned around and whispered what I wanted to say. But my headrest covered the lower 2/3 of my face, exposing only my eyebrows which were going up and down frantically. That's when Cathy said, "I don't read eyebrows" and we the entire car cracked up laughing. So much for the sleeping princess...

Oh no! She's baaaaaaacck!

2008-08-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

So there I was, "doing my thang," aka a booksigning (or shall I say doing a Meet-n-Greet; it's a Southern thing, honey) in the historic Dee Gee's Books & Gifts in Morehead City; when not 1, not 2, but 7 customers, all from Raleigh, stopped to chat and then purchased my books! Isn't it a small world? I was doubly pleased since Raleigh is our state capitol AND our daughter Kelly and my sister, Nancy live there. So for this week, Raleigh is my FAVE adopted city!!! A couple of years ago, I spoke to the Wake Forest Women's Club. I've also spoken twice at the Wake County North Regional Library in the past. So, a warm hello (again) to y'all and thanks for the memories!

I absolutely LOVE N.C. but we were gone for 20 years living in S.C., so it's great to be back living here again. I now consider myself a Snorth Carolinian. Though I grew up in Jacksonville, NC, and hubby Russell, aka 'Oscar the Grouch,' and I lived in S.C. for 20 years: 10 in Myrtle Beach, then 10 in Pawleys Island, we have returned to The Tarheel State for good. We have lived in Wilmington for the past year and a half. I regularly bogged in S.C., then got lazy and quit. So this is my first entry since moving away.

Anyway, I've been called a magnet for the unusal (a phrase coined by Diane DeVaughn Stokes, hostess extraordinnaire of the T.V. show "Southern Styles" in Myrtle Beach); so here's proof that even leaving one state and residing in another has not slowed down this interesting phenomenon. If things go like they always have, I should regularly have some fairly interesting anecotes and I'll share them with you, my blog buddies.

I was with Katie, our daughter and recent graduate of LSU (masters degree in flute performance) and Cathy, my sister from Virginia Beach, in our car after the book signing. We were driving to (are you ready for this?) Raleigh, for a Sip & See (formerly called a baby shower) for our new nephew Reid, when Katie started laughing hysterically. Why? Because she had on two different shoes! She didn't even notice from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Neither did Cathy or I, or the folks in Dee Gee's, or Dairy Queen, or anywhere else where we stopped that day. Amazing, huh? Turns out she had on a brown Rainbow sandal and a brown Top Sperry sandal. Thank goodness she had 1 other pair of shoes (which did indeed, match) for the Sip & See or she'd been shoeless and dare I say it, clueless? Hmmmm.... Rather sad, I'd say, considering her granddaddy (my daddy) once owned three shoe stores?

I have a way of bringing "odd luck" --not exactly bad, not exactly good--to those around me. Really. Stay tuned for more absurdities.

Remember: You don't have to be crazy to read this blog, but it would probably help.

Annie I.