Briley's Birthday

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She was two weeks late. She sat on my pelvis like 8 pounds of bowling ball. I'm pretty sure she thought she owned my body. I craved Waffle House eggs, bacon, potatoes, and grits every single day. I was sick every single day of my pregnancy and the meanest person ever. I gained 40 pounds with her. I had heartburn even when I drank water.They said it was because she would have a lot of hair. She has a head full of hair. She refused to cry when she was born. She only drank goats milk and refused to drink any other milk as a baby.. She slept in my bed (and continues to sneak into my bed) until she was 3. I am thankful for every single year I have with my 6 year old firecracker. Yesterday was her birthday. Happy Birthday Briley H. Diva.


Dismals Canyon, Alabama: My Haven Away From Home

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I'm not a creature of habit for the most part.  Most times, in my life, when I find I'm doing something that IS becoming a bit too monotonous, I have to do something to shake things up.  But, lets be fair. Some habits are pretty cool.

What is a habit?

I define a habit as something that done more than three times. A tradition is done countless times.

Dismal's Canyon in my new tradition, although I have only visited it twice. However, it is a tradition that has become one because my mother has taken both of my children down in this canyon on hikes, treating both children as if this was her first adventure there.

I'm so lucky to have this very special private tradition for the children, my mother, and myself. When you look at these pictures, feel my memories and embrace nature.

What is Dismal's Canyon?

Dismal's Canyon Conservatory is "Intentionally private, Dismals Canyon - in keeping with its pristine surroundings - offers a quiet and unspoiled oasis in Alabama’s last secret hiding place. A secluded wilderness filled with natural phenomena tucked deep within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains." 

It is also one of the many sad spots and stopping places along the trail of tears.  Carvings can still be observed on the walls within the canyons and there's almost a haunting feeling as you pass within the water washed walls of history.