My first major in college was photography. Eventually I landed in the education program, where I belonged, but for a short time I planned to become a professional photographer. I still find many uses for my photo urges- in fact, I am taking the pictures at my uncle’s wedding this December. The photo above is of my husband and was taken last Septemeber at the annual Peanut Boil. It is one of my favorites. My husband’s grandparents have hosted the Peanut Boil for 22ish years (no one is really certain of the first year!). His grandfather is from Louisiana where peanut boils were common.
Naturally, wikipedia has the best summary: “Boiling peanuts has been a folk cultural practice in the south of the US since the 19th century, where they were originally called goober peas. In late August, when the peanut crops would come in, unsold and surplus peanuts would be prepared in a boiling, and extended families and neighbors would gather to share conversation and food. Like a fish fry, peanut boils have been organizing principles for social gatherings.”
When my husband’s grandfather relocated to Missouri, he brought the peanut boil concept with him. Each year on the third Saturday in September 50 to 75 friends and family members gather. Their backyard is what I call the quintessential American backyard- complete with tree house, authentic tire swing, fire pit and assorted metal lawn chairs. No other food is served- just boiled peanuts and beer. Several people end up sitting on hay bales and playing music on guitars, banjos and keyboards. It is a fantastic tradition that I was happy to marry in to.
Tonight promises to be another great one! The weather is chilly and calls for jeans and a jacket, making me very excited for full fledged crisp fall evenings.
In Craft Land, I whipped up this little number last night. We are having dinner with my cousin and her husband in two weeks. They have a little girl whom we adore. She has a starring role in another of my favorite photos, taken about a year and a half ago at a wedding reception.
I wanted to bring a little something along for her, but couldn’t decide. Lucky for me, Kathy’s post earlier this week gave me some direction. I’ve been on a bit of a Pink Chalk streak between the pencil roll and the Note Taker, huh? 
My cousin’s daughter is not quite ready for colored pencils, but she does do washable markers. I took a walk down fabric memory lane picking out the different colors. What’s great is that when she is ready for colored pencils, they need only swap the markers out! I am pretty much in love with the orange dot (Amy Butler) and red ribbon combo. (However, the anal retentive part of me is annoyed that Crayola decided to make four of the markers scented and, therefore change the marker body to black. Talk about throwing off my system!)
Does anyone else suffer from the “I really should go to bed, but I wonder what the next step will look like” sickness that gets me when I am working on something new? Good. Glad it’s not just me.
Up next for me in Craft Land is finishing my patterns for charm squares. More on that later!
