no looking back

Thinking of you today.

college days art

uh oh

The pad thai was so good that I forgot to photograph it before consuming it. A true testament to its greatness. Thank you, Bangkok!

cottonlike clouds

chaotic ice cream

'Twas a lovely CoMo afternoon. Uprise Bakery cookie dough ice cream.

funny

This guy is funny. He happens to be a comedian.

butts

did you say champagne cupcake?

I love to explore, especially small towns. I had an assignment in Columbia, Illinois, this week and got to town a little early and a little hungry. I passed the McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Sonic in hopes of discovering a small town cafe. I found much better when I stumbled upon Our House Cafe. Homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. This was no greasy spoon but a comfortable coffee house with a great lunch menu. I took the waitress' recommendation and went for the house favorites: A chicken salad sandwich (complete with dried cranberries and walnuts!) and baked potato soup. Yum. I settled in with my book, and then I heard the waitress say "champagne cupcake." Of course, I had to try it. I could have done without the neon pink frosting but the cake was champagne-y and delicious.

peace park

too cool for school

I spent Friday at Mizzou, my alma mater. I always coveted those little holding cells in Ellis Library. Some days I've thought of going back to school just so I can have one. But then I saw what they are selling in the vending machines these days and changed my mind. What happened to all the chocolate?

college bound

campus visit

This weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Mizzou with the students from the Minority Journalism Workshop. We had a nice tour of the campus - lots of walking and lots of Shakespeare's Pizza!

back at the farm

I went back to Columbia last weekend and had the opportunity to swing by Jefferson Farm again. (See previous Jefferson Farm posts here.) Oh so beautiful. And even better at dusk.

jefferson farm & gardens

I promised an entry about Jefferson Farm, so here it is. A good friend of my family started the Thomas Jefferson Agriculture Institute, which is a nonprofit education and research center for agriculture. This farm is the long-awaited dream of the Institute. The farm is a microcosm of Midwest agriculture. Now the farm has goats, horses and sheep. It will soon have cows and pigs. Its berry patch is overwhelming, and I left having tasted several varieties of blueberries. I haven't lived on a farm since I was 14, but I sure grew up on one. This place gives anyone - farm or city raised - a small taste of farm living. Here are several photos from the visit. The farm is still a work in progress scheduled to open in 2009.

This sheep was super friendly.



This is a horse named Diva. With a name like that, you better have eyelashes like these. ;-)



This was too fun not to photograph. These cutouts of coyotes help to keep the geese away. They almost scared me away too.



The lily pads are near perfect. They reminded me a lot of the Missouri Botanical Garden because they are nestled next to a beautiful, Japanese style wooden walkway.



This is the proud family we have to thank for this great place - thank you!

coming soon ...

One of the highlights of my visit to Columbia was a trip to Jefferson Farm. I want to tell you all about it, but I'm exhausted. I leave for Chicago in about six hours, and the time has come to sleep. Next week I hope to post several photos from the beautiful farm, including one of me holding a goat. Hold your horses. ;-) (There will be photos of those too.)

como

I went "home" last weekend and got to visit two of my favorite families in Columbia. Incidentally, I used to babysit for both of them. The Myers Inn was spectacular - truly full service. Fresh blueberries in my pancakes for breakfast, homemade watermelon cookies for snacks and much more. When I arrived, there was a mint on my pillow (I kid you not!). All places should be like Columbia.

outtake

Found this snap on the same card as the point-and-shoot photographer. This is from a story "From Africa to a Place Called Home." It was my final project for college. I continue to work on it a few times a year, as time allows. I have hundreds of images to edit yet.

pondering

Would the world be a better place without mirrors?

wanted: good pad thai

Bangkok Gardens in Columbia, Mo., has better Pad Thai than any Thai restaurant I have been to in St. Louis. I miss good Pad Thai. Can anyone help me find some in St. Louis?

bocomo fall

bocomo: Boone County, Missouri