Posted on 01/27/2011 by alli woods frederick

There will be no opening diatribe today.  Instead I’ll cut straight to the gratitude.  No mess, no fuss.

Things I Love Thursday:
For The Love of Love Edition

"photo of a makshift princess having tea in the woods", "pink dress princess"

the play pretend princess by Lissy Laricchia

* My wonderful husband, who is awesome enough to put up with my crazy shenanigans, quirks and moods.  He is truly a blessing. * My family, who provide me unwavering support and encouragement in achieving my dreams. * My dear and precious friends, Miss Smashley and Dave.  We don’t get to talk to or see each other nearly as often as we would like, but we always know we can count on each other.  They are two of my nearest and dearests and I am sooooooooo thankful to have them in my life. * My fabulous furry feline, Mischa, who is always there with a purr and a loving headbutt.  He rocks at giving out unconditional love.  We could all certainly stand to learn a thing or two from our furry friends. * This AMAZING dog:  Donnie the Doberman has been studied by scientists because of his unusual talent.  He deliberately and strategically arranges stuffed animals into patterns, shapes and vignettes.  It’s pretty amazing! (Now talk to me about anthropomorphic fallacy) * Inspiring artists (there is a post in the works on this very topic, so be on the lookout!)…I love them!  The worlds that exist in others’ minds is always fascinating. * Love notes * Playing dress up.  I used to do this just for the hell of it and have fallen out of the habit.  I believe I shall begin again.  Channeling your inner Little Edie is good for the soul. * Every day, because each and every one (even the crumby ones) is truly a blessing.  I’ve always known this but I don’t think I honestly believed it until the other day.  It was an amazing epiphany.  If everything in my day goes all upside down and backwards at least I know it was special because I got to spend it with people I love. * Shoes.  I have a deep and abiding love for them…big and clunky, cute and girly, it matters not…I love them all…except a particular pair of chucks which shall remain nameless. *wink*

What puts the feather in your hat, the icing on your cake today?
Please do share!

Kisses & Chaos,
Alli Woods Frederick

Posted in LIFESTYLE, MY LIFE | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Posted on 01/25/2011 by alli woods frederick

"Portrait of the Dalai Lama. Photographer unknown"

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”

– Dalai Lama

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Posted on 01/24/2011 by alli woods frederick

The Road To:

St. Francisville, Part 3

"Alli Woods Frederick at Oakley Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana", photograph"photo of artist Alli Woods Frederick with her husband at Rosedown Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana"

So far we have explored the grounds, had a surprising pleasant run-in with a rather large turkey and celebrated a Dickensian Christmas at Oakley Plantation and frolicked in the gardens, roamed the pine decked halls and listened to the history of Rosedown Plantation.  In this third and final chapter we will explore St. Francisville proper and the beauty this tiny town has to offer.

My honey and I, after our insanely long, crazy-busy day checked into our room at the famous (and haunted, but more on that later) Myrtles Plantation and freshened up before we went for dinner.  We went to my favorite local restaurant, The Magnolia Cafe.

"photo of artists and writter Alli Woods Frederick at The Myrtlyes Plantation"

The Magnolia Cafe is a fun little restaurant.  It is decorated with brightly colored Christmas lights, has a pretty decent beer selection and often features live music.  There’s a full bar for those who prefer stiffer drinks and the menu actually includes some insanely delicious vegetarian items…something that can be quite hard to come by in smaller towns.  The food is typical American fair…sandwiches, burgers and the like.  The wait staff is fantastic and the prices are beyond reasonable…did I mention the food is delicious?  It’s absolutely delicious.

"the magnolia cafe in st. francisville, louisiana"After our lovely evening at the Dickens of a Christmas event at Oakley Plantation, we went for a quick drive through town.  The amazing old historic homes were sprinkled with white Christmas lights and people were strolling down main street enjoying the evening.

While making the local motorists crazy by driving about 10 miles an hour, we noticed a strange sign in the yards of some of the homes.  It read “Peep My House.”  We looked at each other excitedly…could it be?  Oh yes, it was. Participating home owners had their shades up, their shutters open and every single light in their home blazing.  Why?  Because they WANTED us to come and peep in their windows.  It was fantastic and creepy all at the same time.  I always find it fascinating to see how other people decorate and live…and here were people opening up their homes to entertain any voyeuristic individuals that should happen by.  When we were done driving the locals crazy and being legal peeping toms, we picked up a six pack of Lazy Magnolia beer and headed back to The Myrtles Plantation for a drink and a good night’s sleep.

"drinking a beer in the courtyard at the myrtles plantation""the veranda at night - the myrtles plantation"

For those of you not familiar with The Myrtles Plantation let me give you a quick history lesson.  The home was built in 1796.  Apart from this fact, the “history” of the home as presented by The Myrtles is a confused mixture of fact and myth.  There are so many conflicting reports as to what happened when and to whom that I, for one, can barely distinguish fact from fiction.   Some of the claims the guides at The Myrtles make about the history of the home are so outrageous I find my intelligence insulted, wondering who in the world could swallow what they’re being fed.  If you should happen to visit, I suggest taking the tour for entertainment purposes only and leave any hopes of 100% factual and accurate accounts of the history at the door.

The home’s claim to fame is that it is, supposedly, one of the most haunted bed and breakfasts in the country.   On this visit the house was quiet.  The only thing disturbing the peace that night was another guest’s considerably loud snoring which could be heard through the door of the room.  On my first visit to the house several years ago I had a number of experiences, but this night was still.  I was hoping my honey would have a ghostly encounter but he was so tired the house could have fallen down around him and he wouldn’t have stirred in the least.

"the ruffin-stirling room at the myrtles plantation"

The next day, we got dressed and headed downstairs for an absolutely delicious meal of fresh homemade buttermilk biscuits, scones and coffee.  After that we headed back downtown for a look around during daylight.  We stopped by Grandmother’s Buttons (a cute little jewelry store that specializes in “artisan created antique button and beaded jewelry”) in the hopes it would be open, but no such luck.  Since my shopping trip was curtailed we opted to feed our spiritual side by visiting Grace Episcopal Church.  Built in 1847, it is home to one of the most beautiful churchyards I’ve ever seen.  It’s exceptionally lovely in the spring when the trees are dripping with Spanish moss and the ligustrum and gardenias are in bloom.

"grace episcopal church, st. francisville, louisiana""headstone at grace episcopal church in st. francisville, louisiana""grace episcopal church, st. francisville, louisiana"After a walk around the peaceful churchyard, we decided it was time to get on the road.  We had a long drive home ahead of us and it was getting late.  We did, however, make one more stop on our way home…and how could we resist?  After all it isn’t every day you see a giant woman in a bright pink dress holding a tray of…well..a tray of I don’t know what…but regardless, how could you resist?  Where have all the roadside attractions gone?  Why are these not considered historic sites?  Oh the injustice of it all!

"roadside attraction photograph of woman in dress restaurant as seen on the Travel Channel"

When we got home we were completely exhausted, but it was worth it.  So worth it, in fact, that we’re already planning our next road trip.  Rest assured I’ll have my camera in hand.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

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Posted on 01/20/2011 by alli woods frederick

I awoke this morning to sleet and slush (which soon turned to snow) and freezing cold temperatures.  The weather was supposed to be pretty nasty until 6 this evening so I left work early to avoid unsafe driving conditions.  Naturally the weather cleared about 2 hours after I got home.  Now the sun’s out.  Isn’t that always the way?  Sometimes it is hard to know what the best decision is, but that’s why hindsight is 20/20.  C’est la vie!  So, with snow and all it entails  in mind, I give you:

Things I Love Thursday:

the snow day edition

Midnight in Amsterdam by Arlette

* Snow.  I really do love the beauty of it.  It transforms the landscape into an alien, minimalist dreamscape. * Making the decision to rise above circumstances and maintain positivity…even when it’s difficult. * Driving our new Mini Cooper, Alice Tinker (named after the loopy verger in the BBC comedy series The Vicar of Dibley…which my honey and I LOVE!).  She handles like a dream!  Now we just need to track down an owner’s manual. * Getting my first assignment from All Things Girl!  I’m excited and nervous and excited and nervous.  But while I’m on the subject:  If you’re 1) a woman and 2) an artist who’s interested in submitting your work, we’re currently accepting submissions for our March/April issue.  You can get all the details here. * Jumping at new opportunities. * Feeling stronger in my gifts and skills. * Snuggling up to stay warm in this c-c-c-cold weather.  BRRRRRR! * Season 1 of Bored to Death…good God I adore Zach Galifianakis.  I had the pleasure of meeting him in Houston.  He told me I smelled like his ex-girlfriend…who smelled like whale fat.  (I was actually wearing this insanely yummy and now discontinued perfume by Urban Decay called Sin…but yeah, sure…whale blubber…)  Whales must smell crazy-good then! * As always, my family, my family and my family.  I love them so much I sometimes think my heart will burst. *

So what are you head over heals for this week?  Feel free to share your gratitude in the comments section below.

Kisses and Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

Introducing the original Alice Tinker:

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Posted on 01/17/2011 by alli woods frederick

The Road To:

St. Francisville, Part 2

"photo of artist Alli Woods Frederick with her husband at Rosedown Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana"As promised I now present Part II of my three part series about St. Francisville, Louisiana: Spanish Moss and Southern Love, Part 2. (Did you miss Part I?  You can read it here.)  Let’s recap from last week’s post, shall we?

  • St. Francisville=Awesome
  • Oakley Plantation=Awesome
  • Dickens of a Christmas=Awesome
  • Fresh Gingerbread Men and Hot Apple Cider=Awesome
  • Lazy Magnolia Beer=Awesome
  • Sleep=Awesome

To summarize, thus far we have an “awesome” count of 6.  There was even more awesomeness to come and that awesomeness was Rosedown Plantation.

Rosedown Plantation

"faux daguerreotype of rosedown plantation in st. francisville, louisiana"

If Oakley Plantation has a piece of my heart, Rosedown has a piece of my soul.  Walking through its doors is like coming home.  There is a warmth I experience every time I visit.  I swear it’s as though Martha Turnbull (the original lady of the house) is there in spirit, greeting me as I walk up the stairs to the large veranda.  I honestly feel her presence and the pride and joy she experiences in knowing that her beloved home is so well cared for and loved and continues to greet visitors who have traveled from afar to learn of its history and relive a piece of the past.

On this particular visit she seemed exceptionally house proud as it was decorated with care for the coming holiday season.  Fresh branches of pine were laid across the mantles and festooned lovingly along the banister of the main staircase which were topped off with rich red velvet bows.   There were carolers dressed in period clothing performing on the veranda with a pianist accompanying them.  I have never seen Rosedown look more resplendent than it did that day.  I’m sure Martha was beaming from ear to ear.

A Brief History of Rosedown

Rosedown, a Federal-Greek revival home, was built in 1835 by Daniel and Martha Barrow Turnbull and remained in the Turnbull family until the 1950’s.  At its pinnacle, Rosedown consisted of an impressive 3,455 acres. The property features a 660 foot long oak alley as well as an expansive and beautiful garden, the keeping of which Martha documented with extraordinary thoroughness from 1835 to 1895.  You can learn more about Rosedown by visiting their website or facebook page.

Our Visit

We approached the house from the far end of the oak alley and made it just in time for the tour.  Our guide, though highly knowledgeable, was so over-rehearsed that I found myself focusing less on what she said and more on how she said it.  I was thankful I had visited so many times before and was already familiar with the home’s history.  My honey was riveted, to say the least, and didn’t pay the tour guide’s dullness any mind.  I think he fell in love with Rosedown…and I understand completely.  Since words would merely (once again) fail me, I’ll leave it to my photos to tell the story.

"the entrance to Rosedown Plantation"

"faux vintage photograph of Rosedown Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana"

"carolers in period attire approach rosedown plantation"The aforementioned carolers in their period attire as seen from the second floor balcony.

"the main staircase at rosedown Plantation"

This is the main staircase.  I know it’s very hard to see, but take note of the wallpaper (you can see the slightest puff of a white cloud hiding behind the handrail).  It is original period wallpaper.  It is NOT a reproduction and it is stunning; a massive mural that spans from floor to ceiling and covers the entire foyer and main staircase.  STUNNING.  I believe there are only six other examples of original wallpaper from this era left in the world, so, should you visit, soak it in as you will likely never see its equal again.

"the mantle at Rosedown Plantation prepared for Christmas"This mantle was in the dining room and was, as you can see, dripping with lush greenery and fruit for the holiday season.  Unfortunately I did not take a photo of the massive shoo-fly that hangs over the dining table.  For those of you not familiar with shoo-flies, allow me to explain: A shoo-fly is a large panel that hangs over the dining table.  It is attached to a rope and pulley which a house slave would pull, causing the panel to swing back and forth over the table which, in turn, kept flies at bay during the meal.

"doll at rosedown plantation"This doll, along with numerous other toys, is original to the house.  What a treasure that they have survived, in tact, all these years.

"dressing gown and sewing machine at Rosedown Plantation"

"checker board and desk at rosedown"

There is one portion of the home that has not been restored and that is the servant’s staircase.  Tucked behind a narrow door just past the dining room, the dangerously steep and narrow curving stairway remains untouched.  The stairs are badly worn, each bearing the scar of every foot of every slave that walked the dark and treacherous steps.  They will remain in that condition as a reminder…a reminder of the lives and hardships of the slaves that tread upon them daily.

"artist Alli Woods Frederick in the garden at rosedown plantation"We ended our visit with a stroll through the grounds, enjoying the beautiful gardens despite the slight chill in the air.

There are so many beautiful features to Rosedown, it would be impossible to photograph them all.  It is stunning and, should you ever find yourself in the area of St. Francisville, well worth the visit.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

ps – make sure to check in next Monday for the third and final installment of Spanish Moss and Southern Love.  If you missed out on Part I you can read it here.

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