What a Nice Day for a Bouquet

What a nice day for a bouquet, wouldn't you say?

Actually, Sunday was quite dim here in St. Louis. The sun decided to hide after making a lovely showing all week and the storm clouds took its place for the mid-morning/afternoon shift.

I had heard of "Flower Row" downtown but thought for sure it was a wholesaler's playground only.
Low and behold its not. Well, two that I know of at least, aren't. And they're even open on Sundays. So with a bridal shower approaching and a curiosity needing to be satisfied, my mom and I headed downtown.

After, typically, getting turned around in a not so great neighborhood and being told by a construction worker that we were far away from where we wanted to be (we weren't) I managed to find LaSalle Street. Bingo!

The entire street was absent any cars and devoid of all signs of human life. Mom of course didn't want to get out, but psh, that wasn't happening. So inside the warehouse we went. And just like I said, there were indeed people. They told us we could look around the entire place and then paid us no mind. Free roam without being bothered! I liked it.

These lovelies to the right are peonies impressively grouped together in the massive refrigerator. Their roommates are roses of every color, daisies, hydrangeas, tulips and more varieties of blooms than I can remember: all sold in bunches at wholesale to the public.

How I long for the fantasy dreamt days of when I'll be able to order ten bunches a day just because I want to.

The cooler is not all there is to be offered: there are also tables to be rented should you be an aspiring florist and like to have your flower selection and presentation implements complied and waiting for your arrival and creative touch.

Behind these tables are rows and rows of stockpiles of every kind of good you could possibly associate with florals: vases (glassware is 50% if you buy by the case!), ribbon, foam, hot glue, paint, glitter, I could go on and on. Its a one stop shop if you've got a substantial project on your hands and are willing to make the trip.

If you're interested in learning about the flowers,
the staff at Harold's Wholesale is happy to talk and teach you a thing or two.
These stalks of flowers are "Stock" flowers. Warren, who had been diligently ridding the individual stem cooler of the blooms that wouldn't last the required 5 days upon delivery, asked us what the stalk of the flower smelled like. I guessed celery. Stock is actually from the Radish family so I wasn't too far off. Then the bloom: what did it smell like to me? My guess was nutmeg, he went with cloves. Its an odd plant and a staple in many large arrangements and I learned something I never would have known.

Not bad for a Sunday afternoon.



Flower Row: 2600-2700 block of LaSalle Street (off Jefferson).

view more photos from the day at my flickr.

From Versailles to The Biltmore

We started off our Thursday evening with an attempt to..do what?
Let's say it together: things that are quintessentially Miami (this time The Fair).
Yes yes, we all know the mission.
Tatiana and Kerry joke that its like the Mandy Moore movie "A Walk to Remember", only substitute leaving Florida forever for the cancer please.

Well, we sat in traffic for an hour, and after realizing it would take us darn well near another hour to park we decided to Little Havana for dinner at this restaurant which is far more quintessentially Miami than the fair, so it was win-win.



My first mojito.
Luckily I actually remembered I'd never had one and Tatiana ordered me one just as soon as we sat down (in Spanish, of course).



The restaurant was quite the anomaly to me. As you can see from above, the tables are more cafeteria than anything, but the rest of the place is outfitted with chandeliers and beautiful etched glass with waiters in crisp white shirts and funny little black ties.



I've clearly begun a love affair with light fixtures.



"Tasajo" or...well, I don't remember what the name of the dish is. I could pick it out if I needed to. Served with sweet plantains, white rice, black beans, and my empty mojito glass (don't worry, mojito #2 was already on its way).

I loved it. Beef. Salty. Onions and peppers in a tomato broth sauce.



Cuban flan. Sweet and bitter.


The entire menu was especially well priced and I can't imagine anything less than delicious being delivered to your table.

In the parking lot.
Not sure if its advertising photos of Cuba, or for passports to Cuba but before today I was pretty sure the latter was just a waste of money.



I was losing my mind that day and I joked that it must be a full moon.

Well what do you know...


Since we were in the area and we had driven past entrances for Coral Gables on our way to the restaurant, we took a little sightseeing trip in the dark.

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables isn't only famous, but its historical style and grace are awe worthy.



It is a quiet beacon of true elegance amid a city that constantly roars.

The serene, soft being of the Biltmore is especially noticeable because you wonder what it is you're hearing, seeing: then you remember that its the noise that is missing and rich jeweled tones and gently flaming fixtures replace the neon lights so prevalent and often associated with Miami.



At the height of its glory during the Jazz Age, the pool, which was at one time the largest in the world, served as a scene for aquatic galas.
As many as three thousand spectators would watch synchronized swimmers, alligator wrestling, and a boy-wonder dive from an 85ft. platform.



The Lobby.

Rich gold hues compliment the stars dotting the ash blue 'sky' and coax the marble into glowing.



The Entrance.

Wrought iron gates and plush red carpets flanked by brick entryways and manicured trees.

Sadly most of the pictures didn't turn out. I refuse to use a flash and I'm still learning how to take true-to-life pictures without being too dark or blurry.
I wish I could take a true outing during the day, but a girl's gotta take what she can get sometimes.



It really was stunning. I highly recommend a visit, if not just to stroll around for a flashback to a place and time we are only too fortunate to imagine.

Not only has the Biltmore been a favorite of American and European royalty both past and present, but as it turns out, Bing Crosby was also a frequent guest.


No wonder I love it.

Dirty River Extravaganza

Sounds like an Appalachian washboard band, doesn't it? In fact, if we do some checking I bet it is.

So why is the name of a jug and banjo band the title of this post? Because to graduate from my law school you have to complete 40 hours of pro bono (volunteer) work. Since 20 hours can come from doing any kind of charitable work, an opportunity came this weekend for us to get 5 hours or so by canoeing along the North Fork River in Broward County, picking up trash as we floated along. Sounds nice, doesn't it?

First, this isn't a "river" as many of us would think of it. Its more like a canal or creek that backs up to houses and parking lots. Houses is a term used very loosely.
It was not a nice area, lets just say. Not terrible, but not nice. And ooooooh so dirty.
(okay, I know I should've realized I would be picking up trash in the most disgusting form of the word, but somehow I had romanticized the whole experience ahead of time).

Here, have some evidence of the bad state of things of this river.
It clearly has major issues:



Yep, thats a dead iguana. This was only one of 3 that were spotted. We didn't see many live animals, and absolutely no fish at all.


But still, I had a nice canoe team so we had a good time. I was stuck in the middle being the primary trash handler, but it wasn't all that bad.





I initially started trying to help clean the canoe after all was said and done, but in my attempt to conserve water by kinking the hose I accidentially let it slip and ended up spraying everyone around me. Most of them in the crotch. My bad.



So I played photog for a while.


We were made aware mid-river that we were in the procrastinator's boat. We didn't know what the heck he was talking about until he told us the name of our canoe:



Which did not apply at all because while we were all making a great effort, Kerry made us take it to the next level, using her paddle and hook to pull us backwards if she missed a single piece of trash.
There was no procrastination that morning.



Finally, there was this sign:



"The River is now cleaner than it has been in many years"
I shudder at the thought of years past.
Please, I beg of you. Even though this sign says you can, do not, whever you do, eat fish out of the canal-like-rivers in south Florida.


Here are the "Will-Do" canoe mates. I'd like to point out that the three of us are wearing our respective undergrad alumni gear. Miss college much?





And of course, I made a video for the day. Nothing mind-blowing, but take a look at our trash:






All in all it was a nice Saturday morning.
Got a little sun and the weather was dreamy.
The river was in a sad state but we helped, at least a little bit.
If Matt would've joined in our "row row row your boat" round, we would've been the most awesome group out there, hands down.
But still, a great way to earn pro bono hours and have a couple laughs.

Hope your Saturday was just as nice :)

When a place makes you nervous to be there

And its 8 oclock in the morning, it just may be time to rethink things.

And this was after I hid things in my trunk and made peace with the fact I might never see my car again.

Three Angry Men

Okay so its not 12, but 3 is plenty within 14 hours.

(and might I say, without elaborating further right now, that what a weird, bizonic 14 hours they were. I mean there was a wedding in vegas with an elvis impersonater thrown in there for goodness sake.)

While I was sorting out random angry man number 3, I had to stop by an Urgent Care for some details.
And there at the front desk, was this name plaque.

Yes that reads "Director of First Impressions"

Taken out of context, its such an odd title. Who wouldn't want to go around handing out business cards with that as a headline? It would constantly make people wonder, and think carefully about what they say/how they act around you. Which would probably be very amusing to watch. And if they ask for clarification, you can brush it off with something like "Oh, you know, its just one of those titles nowadays", which in no way provides any bit of clarification but I'd venture to say noone will push furhter because they don't want to be known as the person who doesn't have a pulse on society. So they'll raise an eyebrow and "Oh Linda Mason" you and you could just smile to yourself.

I think it sounds pretty sweet.

--

On a different note, I have spent the past 20 mintues carefully reading and re-reading this blog article. Its from a travel blog and this particular writer pens the "Gallery Gossip: Confessions From the Jumpseat". This piece is her explaining different terminology she often refers to in her writing, more specifically what "on reserve" and all that goes along with it means for flight attendants.

See all the detail I went in to describe this thing?

I have, for some reason, been reading the details of the post so intently that I go back to read what I've just read to get it straight.

What? Do I have any plans on becoming a flight attendant? Is this any kind of information I should know forwards and backwards? Will it ever apply to me?

Heck no. So then can you tell me why I'm studying it harder than I have been anything for the Bar Exam?

Because I sure don't know. But if you'd like to know about the scheduling of a flight attendant, I'm your girl.

There's Always a Polite Way to be Angry

I admit, I'm guilty of not following that rule myself.
However, being on the receiving end of two different but very angry men tonight at the game leaves this little blogger wounded.
No big deal really. Just when its compounded with the rest of life (i.e. I need to get this video done already and the audio levels on the best clips are stinking) it stings a bit.

BUT, I was so excited tonight.
We had a giveaway from Island Records and low and behold, what could it be???
But Fall Out Boy's new CD Folie à Deux!!
So of course I had to be the one to give them away to the lucky winners in Row 2 of a section that now escapes me.
And I was a good little fan, I had already bought my copy the day it was released, so I didn't swipe another for free.
Secret? I almost didn't want to give them away to just anyone. I almost wanted them to prove to me that they would appreciate it. But thats just the fan in me, I suppose. And the better fan in me just hopes that they give it a listen and maybe like a song or two, thats all.

So here I am with the giveaways. It felt wonderful to have that many of their CD's in my hands at once. I am SUCH a dork.



Immediately after this picture was taken was when I got yelled at by angry man #2.

BUT, Don King happened to be at the game and as he was on his way out of the arena, I had this convo with him:

Me: Mr. King, would you mind if we took a picture with you?

Don King: Girl, with as fine as you are, of course.

Picture is taken


Don King: That just made my night.
--
And it made mine too, Mr. King. It made mine too :)

P.S. its worth mentioning as an aside that during this picture he was rubbing my side up and down and holding onto my waist. It was odd. But he still made my night. The rubbing not included in that determination.

As Close as This Gets to Winter

Heat is on. Window is open. To bed early. Catching olfactory glimses of childhood. Days of crafts and stories from way back when. Burning cigarettes on the kitchen table and electric fireplaces on wheels. She was such a good lady to me. Such a good lady.

Kayaking Trip

A friend and I went kayaking this weekend and it was lovely.
I wanted to try out the ocean but it was too choopy and they wouldn't let us in.
Oh well. Next time.
I also managed to get a really good segment shot for my application video. And a couple of funny ones too, natch. They'll be included in the blooper reel, of course.

I've always loved weeping willows and since driving through the South (tooo Florida then back again tooo Missouri. tooo Florida then back again tooo Missouri) I've fallen in love with Spanish Moss.

And here they are together! I'm sure they are much prettier when they aren't dead, but still, even temporarily dead I think they're nice.

Its just so majestic and...haunting. And I like it.

The Midwest Religion

Noo, I'm not talking about the bible-belt nor do I plan on giving a lesson of how a Catholic is a Chrisitan but not every Christian is a Catholic [you'd be suprised how many people do not understand that, but I digress].

If you are from the midwest (or someplace else that has glorious grass), tell me what your first reaction is when seeing this photo:



Shock? Indignation? Do you have the urge to yell at me and then apologize to the lawn for the error in my ways?
Thought so.
Because I sure did. But yes, that is my car and I willingly put it there in the front part of my friend's lawn. You see, rules are different here in Miami. And lawns are not lawns at all but patches of sand with a few scrubby weeds that pass for grass popping through.

If you are not from the midwest and haven't shaken your head in disbelief but understanding so far, let me explain. Grass is revered and lawns are an extension of the family. We spend countless hours manicuring them, watering them (there is a strict schedule, but everyone has their own recipe, so to say), and freaking out on anyone that parks their car in the driveway but lets a tread of the tire run into the grass.

I've got to say, I never really understood the obsession, but I always loved a good roll around on the softest ones. (what? you didn't roll down the hill at your grandparents house or lay in the President's lawn at the University to look at the clouds?)
So I never really realized how ingrained in my very being of existing as a midwesterner born and raised of what kind of respect a lawn deserves. Until, that is, I moved here and people want you to park your car on their lawn because there isn't enough room on the street. I kid you not, another friend of mine had me just pull right up into the heart of the lawn, not just the strip by the street. I hate it. Hate it. I feel like I'm being forced to write with my left hand or wear my glasses backwards. But I do it. I think about how much trouble I'd get in if I were at home and I pulled a stunt like that at a friend's house, or heaven forbid my house.
But I do it. And then I take pictures of it to share. Because I know some of you understand too.

AND THEN, we head off to work the Panthers Game. Lets just suffice it to say that even before puck drop I managed to get hurt on the ice. So I performed the rest of the game (I didn't let it stop me, nooosireee) with this wrapped around my leg and under my pants. Oh well, I shot 2 segments for my application video tonight and I'm pretty sure they are keepers.



OH and then there was this:



You probably have no idea who that is a shot of. Well it just so happens to be Olympic Gold Medalist Misty May Treanor. Yes sir, I was in the presence of olympic greatness tonight, and close enough to touch her if I wanted to. I may sneak photos but I'm not creepy enough to "accidentally" touch her to see if some gold-medal-winning-greatness rubs off. But then again, I make no promises if I see Michael Phelps in front of me in line somewhere.




Off to bed now, BIG day of shooting tomorrow! Wish me luck and sleep tight :)

Guess the Object

Are these pretty little globes balloons? Like the swirly kind the kids fawn over at the Zoo?

Could they be balls found in a ball pit at a childrens play place?



I know you are just dying to know (mhmm), so you'll find the answer in the comments.

Foto Fun

Stumbled upon a super cool site that lets you download a "Polaroid Camera" where you can drag and drop your photos and it "processes" them to look just like the old-ish fashioned originals.

Click the pic to enlarge

{captions and on black done in seperate program}

Wonderful Day For The Beach

Relaxing at one of the quieter beaches in south florida, finishing a good book, trying to give my skin some sort of pigment.

Weather is perfect, and if my sources are correct its like this nearly all of the time on Hamilton Island. How very sublime.

Lets get me that job, now shall we?

Keep the Coincidences Coming

And by coincidences, I mean this.

Allow me to break it down:

1) These are my favorite shoes. They are KangaROOS "Burn". (also see the wear pattern and scuffs. I've had them for years and they are still my fav-or-ites).



2) Please note the name. KangaRoos.

3) I know its implied in the name, but do notice the symbol. The one and only national symbol of Australia.

4) See how the pocket (their signature, if you will) also has a Kangaroo pull. Nice little touch, isn't it?

5) But here is the real KICKER: I didn't know this before just now, but they were founded in St. Louis, MO. St. Louis! My hometown!

So let's summarize:

My favorite shoes. Are of the brand that adopted their brand symbol which also happens to be national symbol of Australia. And the company was founded in St. Louis, Missouri. My hometown.

I think its pretty clear. I was meant for Australia. At least for a steady 6 months or so ;)

BONUS: wikipedia puts the brand into several categories, one of which being "Australian-themed retailers". I know wikipedia isn't the end all-be all, but give me this one.

Sad note: I don't think they make the "burn" shoe anymore. I'm hanging onto these puppies for dear life.

Perfection in a Jar

Now, I have been known to eat plum jelly right out of the jar, proclaiming it "Life" and insisting everyone around me "taste the good life", but had I been gotton my mits on this nutty brown gem earlier, I think even Spanish Claire* would have been speechless.

If you need a spark of happiness in a jar, this is it folks.


* there is, of course, an explanation/hilarious (or so I think) story behind this and my assumed latin identity, but that is for another day.

Thanksgiving Dinner for One, Served

Thanksgiving Groceries For One

O.A.R.

GORGEOUS NIGHT. Red patent leather heels and white tshirt breezes. The weather and venue and a supersized Bud heavy couldn't be any more pleasant.

3 buttons, not 4

Beautiful North Miami Hotel. For the very posh. And those that sneak in to act posh.

Begging for a Breeze

Empty stadium. Foul ball funnery caught on ESPN. Im a sneaky little devil with sweaty fingers. Make that sweaty everything. Budlight can only cure so much here in South Florida.

The First Week Glow

French Martinis in BED