Just in case you didn't believe me....

So I've been waiting for proof of my Cruise Director powers and I've finally found it for all the non-believers! If you remember...I wrote here: http://evietellsall.blogspot.com/2010/02/just-so-you-know.html about how serious I take my Mardi Gras traditions and about my practical melt down at Cannon's last year.


With all that said, I am actually happy to announce that due to their inadequacy in serving me what I wanted, when I wanted...they are now closed. What I do pity is the original owner, the Cannon's I fell in love with no longer existed and it is just as well that its impostor and its blueberry bread pudding, no catfish eitenne', french fry serving butts are out of work now.

With that said, I'm up for some major remodeling of my weekend. Maybe this is a good time for change! I'm inviting even more new people to Mardi Gras and preparing Napoleon and Prytania for its future as a child-friendly street corner. (With lovely friends like Lauren & Donnie, Derrick & Sheila all having babies, and perhaps my own future children I guess it's time to make this change).

I'll be in search of a new lunch plan and perhaps even a new Sparta after-party plan.  Hang in there, it'll be a good time no matter what!

Monday Morning Quarterback

So on Friday I made some of my friends a promise...."I Evelyn, do solemnly swear to apologize on Monday for what ever happens this weekend." Well ladies and gentlemen this is it:  I'M SORRY.

For those of you who don't know I had a self declared selfish weekend. I asked my friends to return the favor of my unending hospitality. For years I've attempted to plan, organize, host, DD, referee, decorate, FEED, clothe and house my friends on various occasions. This weekend I asked that I not have to be responsible for anyone but me...and that they make sure all my necessities are of their up most importance. Oh, and that even if I happen to  ignore them, complain or require additional security at any point in time that they overlook it.

Sounds ridiculous? Well it was! And..........I loved every minute!

More specifically here is what I apologize for:


... kicking you out of your own bed and making you sleep on the couch.

...riding illegally in the back seat of your car

...getting a boot put on  your car.

...calling you by your maiden name repeatedly!

... attempting to use your washer, in an unsupervised manner.

... drinking all of your Cokes.

... licking peanut butter off of your floor.

...demanding breakfast and complaining that I got toast instead of biscuits

...wearing my shades inside.

...making you load all my luggage.

... talking about you in front of your face

...making fun or mocking you for the sake of entertainment

... being so bossy; whiny; demanding; disappointed; disinterested; or disrespectful

... "kicking you off this cruise"

... stealing donuts from your friends tailgate

...spilling my drink on your husband and then wiping his crotch myself.

...making you drive my car, while I remind you it's a Hybrid 100 times and try to convince you it's different than your car!

...making you pay for anything.

...for forgetting any other offenses that I can't recall right now!

Most of all, I get to say THANKS! And I get to recognized that I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for! I guess if you were one of the afflicted the only justification is that it probably makes you appreicate the fact that I usually bring Stephen along for assistance in most of these tasks!  And just in case you're wondering........Stephen says I can't go anywhere alone or do this again anytime soon. So you're all off the hook and can feel welcome to board for my next cruise. Where there's always an air mattress and homemade breakfast!

Life as I know it........

So greetings from my annual blog place.......State 4-H Horse Show! If you didn't already know this, understand now, that I am forever hence forth plagued with being at a horse show for my birthday!

So much has been on my mind this week leading up to my 28th birthday, I really felt like I owed it to myself and maybe to some of the important people in my life to share these thoughts.

The picture above, represents so much to me.  But not without a long story. For many...er most of my adolescent years I had an underlying fear that I had been adopted by my family. This maybe normal for most teenagers but my fear was instilled by my own sister, Nanette. I have no clue why she felt compelled to kid me about not actually being my parents' child.  I thoroughly investigated this only to realize I had no pictures from the day I was born until my first Christmas (six months old).

Though my own commitment and my amazing bond with my parents prevailed I kept this thought in the back of my mind, mostly because I had no "proof".  In 2006 my mother's sister passed away. After she passed my cousin found a stack of photos marked "Save for Evie" and gave them to me just months before my wedding in 2008. So with these pictures and my adolescent years behind me I never had to worry about that again!

These treasured photos are of me and my mom holding me.........but no pictures of  me and my dad. At first I thought it was odd, but I just considered him behind the camera. There is no denying my genetic connection to my father.......my feet are all the evidence you need on that case. And on all other basis....I'm a "daddy's girl".

But recently reflecting on this picture made me realize the fact that these photos were taken of an infant 28 years ago. And yet at 28, I have no children of my own. No judgement here...I'm just saying. In my own mothers terms it would be another 10 years before I even had me!

Point is, this picture meant soooo very little to me until my biological clock started ticking. And thus is the beginning of my journey into motherhood.  In just a few months from now, Stephen and I will start trying to start a family of our own. And with God's grace, within the next few years I'll have a photo just like this one. Of me and a child, who I can only hope to raise with the patience and forgiveness that my own mother used to raise me.

The meaning of family has changed so much for me in the last few years. First loosing my Aunt/Godmother and then my sister...but now loosing my brother has hit me really hard in the last few weeks. Somewhere along the way (literally, probably while passing an 18 wheeler on I-10) I realized that today I will not get the most precious phone call ever. My brother Lynn will not call me, ask me " where ya at?" and tell me Happy Birthday. He ALWAYS called me on my birthday. ALWAYS.

And although I can't lay my hands on it today, I know that somewhere at my house is a card that he also randomly choose and mailed to me last year. I don't remember ever getting  a card and a phone call before from him....but last year I did. He took that extra step to tell me he loved me, that he was thinking about me from some truck stop somewhere to put down the 3.99, plus a stamp and to mail me a birthday card.

He did what I have only recently realized that I need to do. He stopped waiting for some future special occasion to tell me that I was special to him, that I had affected his life in a way I would never truly know. And with that inspiration I stepped up and recently did the same thing with an old friend. I told them  how they probably never realized the impact they made on my life while I was in college. And ladies and gentlemen, I'm here to tell you that it felt soooooooo good.

Just a few short months after my brother made his annual call and mailed that inaugural card, he went on from this life ahead of us. And not for one moment, did I ever have to ask myself..."how did Lynn feel about me? or Did he love me? Were we 'okay'? Was he mad at me?" Because I knew, because he always told me.

I want to live like that. I want the people in my life to know, and to never have to wonder what they meant to me. So don't be surprised if I get all soupy sappy one day and  tell you that your fingerprints are forever on the windshield of this great ride for me. I want to do it and I know its not always the easiest thing to tell people but I'm going to try to make sure that they know. And so in turn, although I won't get that call today...I got a truly precious gift of awareness from my big brother that will change the way I treat relationships in my life.  And...I get the peace of mind  because I don't have to worry what truck stop he's sleeping at tonight, I know where he's just where he belongs.

Its amazing how a photo can get you thinking........so my first stop today is to tell my mom how much this picture means to me and how thankful I am for the amazing parents I have.


Sorry for the rambling tonight, its 2AM on day 4 of this horse show. I've made a flying trip from Jackson to Arcadia and back today but wanted to get this off of my mind so I could sleep. I hope that I can share this gift with you, and that you'll tell me if you take the leap too!

Popsicles!!!!!

I have been so excited to tell everyone about an awesome little shop in New Orelans French Quarter. Just off Decatur on Dumaine is the Meltdown: Gourmet Popsicles Shop!

I just had to stop in! Not only because the current flavors in the window looked awesome but because I knew Mel would kill me if I told her I found this Vegan place...and didn't try it!

So here's some proof for you!

Cute owner....is a Mobile, AL native and made Lauren an awesome cup of Joe too!

AND FINALLY......MY VEGAN PINEAPPLE CILANTRO POPSICLE!!!

So the next time you find yourself on a long hot day in the Cresent City....check out this awesome little Jewel! Try a flavor you never thought of before, support a small business and share with a friend!

March: In like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

March 1st, brought back some frightful memories of 3/1/07. The Enterprise Torndado that day is something I'll never forget, and the storm this year was a vivid reminder.

This has been a crazy month. I haven't blogged about it and I can barely remember most of it. What I do know is that I'm so sick and tired of the cold weather. My parents got 4-6 inches of snow last night! People are on "Spring Break" and no one can play ball or go to the beach because it is freezing. We're still running the fire place and heater occasionally. Ughhh......

So I'm ready for March to SLOW DOWN! I'm ready for the kind gentleness of the 'Lamb' to take hold of my life and escort me into our Easter celebrations.

March Highlights Include:

-Alydersgate Youth Retreat...an amazing weekend with Centertreee and some awesome teens and counselors!

-Kristin and Craig's wedding!!!

- A visit from The Raborn's that featured the delivery of my evil Girl Scout Cookies! And some pretty cool Easter gifts to go along with them!

- The dawning of my High School Reunion, invitations went out, some have already RSVP'ed!

Otherwise everything else has been work and a blur!

Since I'm here I'm going to take a moment and vent.........don't be offended if this statements includes you and/or isn't 100% true...but it's just how I feel today.


I think, that I go out of my way to include and/or plan fun social events for us and our friends. I am constantly thinking of our next big thing. I like to do it, that's why I do it. I'm always inviting more people than I know will attend, just so people feel welcomed. Yet, I'm constantly amazed at how few things I am socially invited to.

When was the last time ANYONE said we would like to take you out and celebrate your birthday? OR hey we're going to do THIS, would you like to come along?  Partly this is about my friends/family but I mostly feel for Stephen. He's rarely ever invited to do anything, yet he's also always part of the planning process and inviting others along.

Perhaps its the kind of company we provide, and perhaps its just the friends we've surrounded ourselves with. As for my friends, who know how much I like to plan, organize, invite, celebrate, etc. I'm not putting a guilt trip out there, I'm just sayin that in the future, I'd simply like to be invited to something.

Ever feel left out? Or am I just feeling dopey and alone today?

Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

So if you know my husband then you know that the one thing he likes to do more than anything in the world is....save money! And this especially includes holidays! So we postponed our "Valentine's Day" until this past weekend.

Now we did actually get to celebrate our love on Sunday February 14th by renewing our vows at our church. I was unexpectedly nervous about this, much the same as my own wedding day. Confident in my love for Stephen but anxiety ridden about everyone watching us!  It was a beautiful ceremony and our church even hosted a reception. WLOX our local news station came to report it and because I work with this particular reporter frequently I asked her not to film us! So she got a good shot of our hands/rings and of our wedding picture! Check it out here:
Safe Harbor UMC Couples Renew Wedding Vows- Video

So this weekend Stephen and I exchanged our 'gifts'.....I made him a dozen hand dipped chocolate strawberries and he gave me a cute little nighty (tee hee hee). That was actually a first for him, in regards to trying to shop for lingere or anything for me to wear and he did quite well!  Then he took me out after his basketball game for a steak dinner (with a free gift certificate, all we had to do was tip) It was sweet though, b/c we were the only ppl in the resturant that late!

In other news I've been thinking so much about our relationship and the relationships of our friends lately. Sometime last month I started worrying about our awesome single friends. Its so hard for me to not understand why some of the coolest, nicest, most generous and attractive people I know are single. Now don't get me wrong, I don't run around playing matchmaker  nor do I belive that its easy to 'date' in this day and age. Yet...I know that these individuals that I love so much, deserve caring and loving companionship just as much as anyone else.

I've also been troubled by worrying about other friends who are in relationships that often seem difficult. How is it that we sometimes confuse love with control. passion with sex. happieness with money. or freedom with geography? It hurts my heart to see people in my life both leave relationship prematurely without sticking out the hard times, or to hang on and endure years of hurt and pain in the name of committment.

Love is a tricky thing and when you have something so wonderful sometimes you just hope that everyone else can be blessed with the exact experience. I pray so much as so hard for my single friends and our couple friends. I pray that regardless of their relationship status that they are living the  life that God has called them to live.


My own quest for love is far from perfect and yet  Stephen and I have recently gotten a small spark of that new romance back lately. I dunno if its b/c we're finally starting to feel settled or what?  Its amazing the stuff you do extra when you're in LOVE..I got up Sunday morning and made him pancakees with fresh strawberries ans strawberry syrupfor NO special  reason...when i could have slept in!

I feel like I've been in such a depressive rut since october but i started tackling my anxiety again and I think this is the product me having the ability to leave the dishes in the sink and relax instead of stressing out about everything 24/7. Stephen probably wishes I would spend more time doing laundry and dishes than "relaxing" but hey it eventually gets done, so no harm right?

I've completed almost two months of yoga Thursdays now...and I think that's helping me too. It gives me some ME time to slow down and focus on something completely new. In the same light, Stephen just finished his basketball season with Safe Harbor. Playing basketball was a new sport for him, and he's been able to spend quality time with other positive male family and friends lately. (I didn't go to any of his games except the last two play off games!) This was his new "him" time. I think we all need that as much as we need "us" time!

I hope that each of you celebrated Valentine's Day and used it as a reminder to tell someone special that you love them and to love yourself a little too! And if you missed it (like Stephen and I did...there's still a few days left in February to celebrate your love!!!) 

Wanna share what makes you smile lately???

Just so you know....

this blog isn't Evie's pity party. Yes it gets pretty rough and I'll be the first to whine..that's just me.  On the other hand I guess you could say 'when it's good....it's really good'! So here's a little taste of those good times lately!!!


Krewe of Phoenix, Call Out Ball,  January 23, 2010

Awesome night celebrating our friend Duke Ryan and his wife Amanda! We have so much fun with them and don't get to see them often enough!  The Ball itself was very unique and entertaining. Let me just say...Natchez knows how to party!!!



Knights of Sparta roll on Napoleon and Prytania, February 6, 2010


Here's a picture of some our standard krewe lately. Greeted by Dukes Denis and Danny for some pre-parade festivities!

If you didn't know I've taken a cue from Napoleon him self and laid claim to the corner of Napoleon and Prytania. I have been very proud to celebrate Mardi Gras on the same street corner for almost 10 years now! I've literally run people off this street...and this year we were thinking that everyone got the message..... (1hour before the parade steps off....there is no one for 300 yds of us!)

Even the apartment where it all started is for RENT!!!! An unseen event during Mardi Gras' past!

And for a little bit more drama my obsessive, traditional, slightly anxiety ridden self was thrown way off during our annual lunch at Cannon's! Without picking up the menu, I ordered what I ALWAYS order.....catfish etienne. The waitress asks me what that is? I about fell out of my seat!!!!!!! I immediately asked her "what do you have new owners?" and the answer was 'yes...'.  Guys I am not crazy even Zagat lists this as one of their all time specialties !!! Anways, she went on and placed the order for me and I kinda got what I had always eaten, except it was served with French Fries and Coleslaw (since when did Cannons' start serving FF on anything other than kid's plates???)  And then it got even worse...again without refering to the menu I ordered their bread pudding and so did everyone else (on my suggestion) and lo and behold it was the devil of bread pudding! It had blueberries in it!!!! I do. not. eat. blue. stuff.

The whole luncheon was only brought delight because in my true form, I invited new guest (The soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy and Brigette Starr) to share in my favorite day experience!!!!! This beautiful couple is the sweetest thing ever and we hope to see them around on the corner of Napoleon and Prytania for many years to come!!!

So...if you think you're brave enough to hang with me on our annual Sparta day just let me know! We're currently accepting applications for new friends...b/c the current crowd is running low! You have to be willing to wear sensible shoes, tinkle at the Sophie B. Wright, talk about people (and point), put up with me and my traditions, and endure most any weather. This might sound hard core but the rewards are wonderful!!!

Young Men's Business Club, February 12, 2010
We concluded this Mardi Gras season with the most Mardi Gras, Non- Mardi Gras Ball I've ever been to. The YMBC from Moss Point is not a krewe and we were often reminded that this was not a Carnival event. Yet there was a King, Queen, Dukes and Duchesses and more important our little cousin who was the ringbearer in our wedding was the crownbearer for King Joy LXXI ! We had a delightful evening with family, friends and co-workers and I learned the hard way to save my wine excusively for dinner (and girls nights on the couch) and stick to the rest for dancing/party events!  

The theme was "Be My Valentine" for this timely event and luckily I was escorted by my wonderful Valentine.


So how'd you spend your Mardi Gras....are you sticking to the traditions or looking for new ones!

 Up next.....my Valentine's Day recap!