I always get a bit sad when I see Arkansas in my rear view mirror. Regardless where I visit—Fayetteville, Eureka Springs, Mountain Home, Piggott, Helena or home on the farm in Mississippi County—leaving makes my heart hurt. John, my husband, feels the same. No matter how much we love Dallas and our Texas friends, we are Arkansawyers at heart.
There’s something special about Arkansas that not everyone understands, the culmination of so many simple things I hold close and carry with me… feel of delta soil beneath my feet… tilt of the crop-duster’s wing… sunrise over Mt. Sequoyah… thrill of calling the hogs on the hill… wave of farmers on the highway… smell of cotton being ginned… turn of brilliant autumn leaves… plunge from the dock into a cold pocket of lake water… churn of the mighty Mississippi… silence of that first snowfall… echo of a screen door across the cove… flicker of lightning bugs... all-night laughter with best friends…
Arkansas is easy. Comfortable. Home.
Girdley’s Flying Service – Tate Farms, Mississippi County, Ar
Last weekend I had the pleasure of promoting social media for The Arkansas Flower and Garden Show in Little Rock. Not only did I get to hang with a few of my fellow Arkansas Women Blogger friends, but I also met Chris H. Olsen of Botanica Gardens AND lifestyle/design/garden expert P. Allen Smith. Bucket list – check!
In addition to the flower and garden show, John and I managed to squeeze in the Benton High School district championship basketball game (Benton won!), enjoy dinner with friends at Brave New Restaurant (incredible!), and absorb a bit of history at the Arkansas History Museum (very cool!).
After a leisurely brunch at The Root Cafe, we reluctantly headed west, but this time we took a little bit of Arkansas home. Actually, a lot of Arkansas. We adopted a new pet.
See?
Our new razorback is adjusting to his Texas home.
We named him Lou Holtz.
The schnauzers are skeptical…
Grace Grits and Gardening
“I can’t believe God put us on this earth to be ordinary.” – Lou Holtz
Musical Pairing:
SoNA performs “Arkansas Fight”
skeptical schnauzers
I loved this post, Talya! I loved the “Arkansawyer” link. I think I will start going by Arkansawyer now. The symphony was great, too. I think it is hilarious that you named your garden hog Lou Holtz!!!! Great quote by Lou. Wish I could have been at the garden show with y’all. Looks like everyone had fun.
We had a great time Peggy. I hope to see you soon! Thank you:)
Thank you and John again for coming to the game and going out to eat with us. Bet you’ll grin a little next time you hear “Burning Ring of Fire.” Great seeing you both – glad you had a good time!
Donna, we had a wonderful time at the game and afterwards with your friends at the pizza place. Thanks for including us. And it was so good to see you and Pat at the garden show! All your Little Rock food/drink tips were spot on.
Instead of a big metal chicken, you have a big metal razorback. Something tells me the Bloggess would approve (although probably not for the same reasons you love it, LOL).
Great analogy Jennifer!
LOU! Looking good!
I loved this. You have Lou Holtz in your garden! How cool is that?? From one Arkansawyer to another, keep up the good writing.
WooPIGSooie! Great blog!
Loved this post — your thoughts, the pictures, all. And we enjoyed dinner. What a treat to see you and John.