I am not at Lake Lanier

But I was supposed to be. As it's a long weekend and all. I'll get over it, the Virginia Highlands culinary tour, wander around Little Five Points, 3 hours at the pool, lunch and shopping with Anita, Piedmont Park jazz festival, outdoor cocktails and even my favourite dinner will have to suffice. Back to work. Hence,I'm not at Lake Lanier.

In Atlanta it's impossible to get home

I have't blogged in a while. I had one of those weekends where I went out to run an errand or a quick coffee, and didn't get home until 12 hours and a few cocktails later.

But in other news: yesterday I watched an episode of the rather mediocre Cold Case. It revolved around a young skater, which I found an amusing reminder of my teen years, and ended with a Smashing Pumpkins song, which pretty much did transport me back to 1995. It was odd. And now I can't stop listening to Disarm.

"If you wait, all that happens is that you get older."

I just came across this quote by one of my favourite authors, Larry McMurtry.

So true.

STOP WHINING PEOPLE. Just make it happen. There's no "I can do that tomorrow" or "when I have made X amount of money" or "when I'm 40, or 50, or 60". What for? Do it right now. Do it today.

And on this note, a special salute to two great men who embrace this way of life; one has always done so and one has just learnt to do so, and he has been nothing but smiles since: my brother Ocean and my husband Giuseppe. Keep up the example, ragazzi.

A note on mother's day

I don't buy in to this whole "we owe our parents everything" thing. Not as an argument per se'.

Not a single one of us asked to be born: our parents made that decision for us. The least they can do, at that point, is clothe feed and protect us until we are able to do so ourselves. I believe we owe our parents the respect they show us, no more or less. As the Tuscans say: L'hai voluta la bicicletta, e ora pedali (look it up).

For the record: my parents pretty much agree with this view.

Mother's day is  a little like Valentine's Day in my book.

It also just so happens that I picked my parents very wisely and they are two of my best friends.
Mom: may every Sunday bring you an ice cream, a Campari and a smile.

Less mockery, more conversation

I was baffled by the North Carolina vote yesterday - I know there are people who oppose gay marriage but I thought this was limited to some extreme religious views (of all religions) and a few people who are afraid of change, as people can sometimes be. Overall I thought this wasn't really an issue anymore.

And I delighted in the mockery yesterday too, I liked the Facebook postings about marrying cousins and narrow-mindedness. But that was my mistake: the truth is people should be able to decide for themselves what their states allow and don't allow. I find a desire to disallow other people marrying completely nonsensical, but making fun of that view is not going to change anybody's mind. Quite the opposite, it makes people defensive of their views more often than not.

So next time this arises I will try harder to engage in conversation, rather than mockery. While I disagree with your view, I will do my best to understand, if you wish to explain it to me. Perhaps you will do the same with mine and we can both move one step forward.

2 Days, 2 Carolinas

I thought I quick recap on my brief road trip. Day one was a drive up to Charlotte, in North Carolina, where we ended up at this posh B&B. Apparently if you stay in a hotel hosting a wedding you get a discount. Now you know. Anyway, it's a nice place, great staff. G and I both had a Friday of meetings, as well as some wandering around Charlotte, and then drove south to Greenville, SC.

Ok come to think of it not much to report here: it's a pleasant town with a lively Main Street. A rather perplexing concentration of restaurants, but all in all a good night out. The following day we walked to the end of Main Street and found Falls Park, a river with rapids in the middle of the city. Check out the photos below, this was actually quite a sight.

And that's all I have to say about that.

The Carolinas Flickr Album.

Question of the day

Why did cars have lighters before they had cup holders?

The Morehead Inn

In Charlotte, NC, is a 1911 building which is now a fancy b&b. And where I am staying the night. Apparently there is a ghost, seen only at night and only by men named Joe. Sleep well husband!

Recycled Mojitos

Look a lot like this:

Thank you Giosia, yummy.

(I recommend a proper mojito first, it helps the recycled one go down smoothly).

Update:
This is what drinking them looks like

I'm a junior something

A trip to the opticians almost proved futile when it turned out they put the wrong left lens in my glasses. Determined not to let it be so (futile), I detoured towards the junior section of clothes at Target and successfully purchased shorts that fit. I am officially 14 years old.