Snaps of Us

ust let me say you how excited I am for Miss Brittany Ciara and the fabulous bash she is hosting this week. I haven't written in so long, and this is just what I needed to jump back in to the blogosphere. To my regular readers and followers: I have been on vacay for about two weeks and was home for two days before I got to go on another trip to the ER, so here I am writing from the luxury of a hospital bed. Hopefully, I will get to go home tomorrow. Enough about all that bull honkey and on to the fun stuff...

{ My Intro. Post }

I am a 25 year-old mother, wife, and teacher. My baby boy will be one in three days! My husband and I met when I was student teaching and he was already teaching and coaching. I received a heart transplant in October following a short bout of peripartum cardiomyopathy. I started out with a Caring Bridge page and decided to expand to a blog after I had so many subscribe to the CB page. I was approved for lifelong SS Disability in March, so I will not be returning to teaching anytime soon. I love my job so much as you can see here, I just can't stay away.

{1} Why do you blog?

I began blogging because, as I mentioned above, I had so many friends, family, and folks that I have never met writing me and inquiring about my condition. I absolutely fell in love with the community and the opportunity to reach other heart patients and friends and family of heart patients. I had no clue that I would meet so many friends other fabulous gals. I soon realized I wanted to do a little more, like the Book Nook and Grammar on the Go. I have also transferred my Caring Bridge entries to the Transplant Times section that begin with the fear and horror of my condition all to my nearly complete recovery following the transplant.

{2} What do you blog about?

I am probably one of the most random bloggers that you will come across. However, I am sure that every blogger probably thinks that about themselves. I blog about my post transplant adventures, the transition from working full-time to SAHM, being a newlywed, raising a baby, taking care of a new pup. I even talk about my small shopping problem, love of gadgets, and a weight battle.

{3} What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about blogging?

I always found even keeping a private journal was rewarding, when I made time to do it. Blogging has been so rewarding because of the instant feedback and the communities. Plus, you get to share pics, video, and music in context with what you share. Plus, there is the added "high" of helping others' causes!

{4} How long have you been blogging?

As part of a senior college assignment I had to post a weekly blog of my observation experiences in the schools. About three years later I decided to blog in the the real world, and I started a new blog where I would post about my daily life: teaching, mothering, etc.  Before I even wrote my first post I became ill and was admitted to the hospital. I didn't return home until three months later. Needless to say, that would later add fuel to my bloggy fodder. I began writing here in January 2010.

{5} Let's hear the story behind your blog title!

This is actually my second title and second blog for that matter. My first blog that I wrote under was titled "Cardiocandyography." Cardio = heart related...candy = something sweet...ography = related to writing. When Ellie was installing my amazing blog template and layout, there was an issue with one of the free wallpapers that I had installed at one point, and I had to create an entirely new blog and quickly think of a title so that she could go ahead and install the template. "Cardiocandyography" had become a bit cumbersome and difficult to share with friends and family. I am till trying to think of a great tagline/blog title. My twitter handle is HeartHunnyBe; I am thinking of maybe using that somehow.( Be has been my life long nickname.)

Even If the Grass Was Greener, I'm Staying on This Side with You.

Alabama Arkansas I do Love my Ma and Pa

But not as much as I do Love you

Holy Moly Me oh My you're the apple of my eye

Girl Boy ain't never loved one like you

Man o Man your my best friend I scream it to the nothingness

that we got everything we need

Hot and Heavy pumpkin pie

Chocolate candy Jesus Christ

Ain't nothin please me more than you

Home, Let me come Home

Home is Whenever Im with you

Home, yes I am Home

Home is wherever I'm with you

Lalalala Take me Home

Mama I'm Coming Home

I follow you into the park, thru the jungle thru the dark

Girl Boy aint never loved one like you

Moats and boats and Waterfalls, Alleyways and payphone calls

I been everywhere with you

Laugh until we think we'll die, barefoot on a summer night

never could be sweeter than with you

like its only you and me jade/ebes your somethin to see

Lalalala take me home

Mama Im Comin Home

Jade, you remember that night you fell outa my window?

ya you came jumpin out after me

well, you were bleedin all over the place and I covered your ass with your dress and we went off to the hospital, you remember that?

ya

well there's somethin I never told you bout that night

what didnt you tell me?

well, while you were sitting in the back seat smokin a cigarrette you thought was gona be your last, I was fallin deep, deep in love with you, and I never told you till just now!

Home, let me come home, home is wherever I'm with you

Home, yes I am Home home is whenever I'm with you!

Alabama Arkansas I do love my Ma and Pa

Yes Home, yes ward! home is whenever I'm with you!

Home is whenever I'm with you


Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - "Home"

To my dear and loving husband, father to our son:

     Thank you for introducing me to this band for I could not have said it better myself. As soon as we found out that our little Finn baby was coming you became an incredible father before he was even here. Well, after you became an amazing husband, quickly naturally. You held our hand though my gallbladder fun and my awesome migraines, then as Finn came bouncing into the world. Those first several days when I could barely raise my head, you took him to the doc twice! Just when we thought that was as rough fun as it would get, I found us some snazzy new digs in a hospital for a few months. (Hey, it was waterfront property.) It was so exciting to see you two stroll in every morning, with the whole nursery in-tow, and those days that Finn got to go home for a break and you resumed night duty with me on the 7th floor of the TSU in that window seat those plush sleeping quarters. (Guess we finally got that long honeymoon after all.)Those days spent in the Levee Run apartments following discharge are some of my fondest memories of me, you, and Finn together. I am so proud that I have my scar to look at everyday and remember, not only that it saved my life, but that it was such a miraculous time that we got to share together as a family. You have done so much since then that I hate myself for not keep a journal of all you are every day. I guess if times ever get rough, we can just look back through THESE and realize that if we made it thought all of those adventures in the first nine months of marriage we, together, can do anything.

Happy 1st Father's Day.

I love you now and forever...

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub Chooker in a Tub

know that I should be posting more words on here today since I haven't posted in a WEEK, but I just couldn't help but to share these pics of Chooker-Baby before those top teeth come on through. =( Anypic, this week I will have updates on all fronts, I promise: my main page,  book nook, and grammar. The oil hasn't reached our beach yet, so I may sketch out on some writing to go enjoy the last few moments of serenity.

A Little Bit for New Folks from Friday Follow

Howdy, Friday Followers! Welcome to my humble blog-abode. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Home: The commons where I talk about everything, post all my memes, and share what's going on.

2. About Moi: If you LOVE this, FOLLOW ME, and you'll get more of what you love!

3. The Crew: Who's living under my roof + a new puppy coming home tomorrow!

4. Transplant Times: Here's where you can catch up on what led me here: a heart transplant 6 months ago!

5. Book Nook: Bookworms, this is what will make you LOVE me. *wink*

6. Blogellas: a.k.a. my blog-button-roll

7. Grammar-On-the-Go: This is my newest feature, and I am loving it...because I'm a nerd like that. =)

Sound appealing?

FOLLOW ME!

OR 

SUBSCRIBE

OR 

HIT ME UP ON TWITTER

WELL, YOU GET THE IDEA.

COME ON, HOW MANY 25 YEAR OLDS DO YOU KNOW WITH A

NEW HUSBAND, NEW BABY, AND NEW HEART?!

If you're not convinced, here are some of my greatest hits:

Click 'em!

{1} ...And You Can Quote MEme on That

{2} From Photo Booth Saturday to Wordful Wednesday

{3} Steroids, Dust, and Kenny Chesney

{4} When Did Hubs Take up Writing? Here's When:

{5} Alot Is MIA

- One more thing -
 If you want to know something, just ask...
Formspring.Me

Hey Lady, I Can See Your A.D.D. From Here

A note to my Friday Followers: I have posted a quick summary of this special spot in the blogosphere at the end of this post. Anypost, on with my brain sludge...


I haven't just sat down and let my thoughts just flow to the keyboard in a very long time; however, today I decided to pick my happy butt up off of the couch and relocate to the porch swing while Finn takes his afternoon nap. 

Moses is snoring next to me on the swing. Vega is under my feet and snoring, as well. It is quite funny, but I know if I get up to get the video camera that they will both wake up. I am munching on an oh-so-yummy pb & j sandwich made of all-natural peanut butter, sugar-free jelly, or is it jam? I am not sure what the qualifications are, but it sure is darn good.

I decided a couple of days ago to consciously get Finn on a schedule. I typically get him up when he wakes up, let him nap when he is ready around mid-day, and lay him down in evening when he is ready (usually anywhere from 5:30 - 8:00). It's going very well, and there hasn't been any bumps yet: 

8:00 a.m. Rise & shine

11:30 a.m. Lunch

12:00-2:00 p.m. Nap time

5:00 p.m. Bath

5:30 p.m. Dinner

6:00 p.m. Bedtime

He is loving life: crawling, pulling up, shredding Mama's magazines, playing pat-a-cake, commando-crawling under the furniture, racing me to any open doors, and getting into shouting matches with Vega. As soon as I find my card reader, I will post pics.

Vega Who? Vega What?

Sorry, where are my manners? Vega is our new German Shepard pup that we got from my cousin's litter. She kept one as well and named her Carson. It will be so much fun to watch them grow up together! His second day at home he ate a stinging or biting bug of some sort then cried, whined, and just laid low for a day or two. When he couldn't bark, Zac decided to take him to the vet, along with Moses, for a check-up. It was discovered that he had a "load" of round worms and hook worms. Eek! Since we caught them so early, they gave him meds, shots, etc. and he should be fine. I guess that explains his un-puppylike slothfulness. He is feeling much better and is beginning to act more like a puppy. He is very smart; Zac has been working with him every day to learn good habits and tricks. Our main focus right now is to teach him the basics and how to chase off farking ducks!!! He's beginning to get the hang of it, but it looks like he corrals them more than chases them off. Are German Sheps herding dogs? I guess I could ask Hubs since he read two books and a vast array of internet material on them before Vega even got here. Oh, and yes, there have been two confrontations with Moses so far. The first being when Vega first got out of the crate, ran upm and introduced himself to Moses, who responded in typical Moses fashion with a cat-slap to the snout. Two days ago Finn was asleep, Zac was on the back porch and I heard Vega scream, whimper, and howl, followed by a loud crash/boom. I assumed that Zac had finally had enough of the ducks and blasted one with the shotgun, so I ran (I use the term loosely) to see what had conspired. I found Zac laid back in his chair, Vega behind his crate, and Moses strutting past them both. Apparently, Vega had begun to get a little too comfortable with Moses and was deceived in believing that they were cool now. Moses quickly set him straight. 

You must think that I am crazy to have a crawler and a pup. 

You are correct.

Why Vega?

I agreed to the name before realizing Hubs got it from Pulp Fiction, but I still like it better than his other suggestions: Cyrus, Levon, and Cormac, which, by the way, were his baby name suggestions this time last year. Our other thoughts for the puppy were Kyzar or Remy. In case you haven't learned yet Hubs is a monstrous fan of folk music, Quentin Tarantino, and the blues. 

Around the Porch

Since this house's image is basically centered around the porch, it just makes sense that I say that rather than "around the house." Anytime the words "the porch" are uttered around our crew, everyone knows it's our house that is being discussed. We have finally begun to get the porch together, now that hubs has finished our fence. All of the colors of the plants make me so happy and take my mind off of the fact that typically I would be laying out on all of these fabulous fair days.

I refuse to get on that subject. If you want to know why I can't lay out any more click here. I am making it my new hobby to test all of the available self-tanners and write a post about them. This will take some time since I will have allow one to fade before trying another in order to for it to be a completely real experience. 

NOLA

To continue with the completely random pattern of this piece, I was driving back from New Orleans a few weeks ago and started having all of these random thoughts about Madonna's influence recording them onto the voice memo feature on my phone. I suppose I will post them someday. One of them was that they should create a musical out of her songs like they have done for Billy Joel (Movin' Up) and ABBA (Mama Mia). Am I right? It would be a killa! 

I arrive home to find that the week's Glee episode was titled "The Power of Madonna"! Whoa - too crazy.

I will be going back to NOLA this weekend for my monthly check ups. 

There are two things for whichI am desperately hoping: 

1. that the gorgeous, beautiful, magnificent, superb, splendid, spectacular, majestic, breathtaking weather we have been having continues. 
2. the docs reduce my steroid dose, yet again - I am tired of being fat swollen!

Nearly six hours after beginning this post, I have returned home to finish it with more subject matter. After I got my hair trimmed, I decided to go by our Barnes & Noble that will be closing on June 30th. I was not expecting the shelves to already be half empty. I know that it is odd to feel this way about a chain bookseller, but I couldn't help but feel a bit like Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail, except that B & N is more like Fox Books than The Shop Around the Corner. I have been going to this store since I was in the fifth grade! There is no other book store in the general vicinity with the selection and atmosphere that this store has in it. Do not even get me started on the other option: Books-A-Million. If you put a Starbucks in Wal-Mart does that make it a Target? No, no it does not. Looks like I will be saving my two hour book store strolls for my monthly NOLA visits.

A Little Bit for New Folks from Friday Follow

Howdy, Friday Followers! Welcome to my humble blog-abode. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Home: The commons where I talk about everything, post all my memes, and share what's going on.

2. About Moi: If you LOVE this, FOLLOW ME, and you'll get more of what you love!

3. The Crew: Who's living under my roof + a new puppy coming home tomorrow!

4. Transplant Times: Here's where you can catch up on what led me here: a heart transplant 6 months ago!

5. Book Nook: Bookworms, this is what will make you LOVE me. *wink*

6. Blogellas: a.k.a. my blog-button-roll

7. Grammar-On-the-Go: This is my newest feature, and I am loving it...because I'm a nerd like that. =)

Sound appealing?

FOLLOW ME!

OR 

SUBSCRIBE

OR 

HIT ME UP ON TWITTER

WELL, YOU GET THE IDEA.

COME ON, HOW MANY 25 YEAR OLDS DO YOU KNOW WITH A

NEW HUSBAND, NEW BABY, AND NEW HEART?!

If you're not convinced, here are some of my greatest hits:

Click 'em!

{1} ...And You Can Quote MEme on That

{2} From Photo Booth Saturday to Wordful Wednesday

{3} Steroids, Dust, and Kenny Chesney

{4} When Did Hubs Take up Writing? Here's When:

{5} Alot Is MIA

- One more thing -
 If you want to know something, just ask...
Formspring.Me

Yotweeps & A Peek Easter Peeps

I do not have much time to post today, but I wanted to throw some love Supah's way and join in on #yotweeps. I am posting a peek at Finn's first Easter.
Also, please continue to keep the Loney family in your hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

Some fun with Picnik:

Finn & Daddy

and with my momma

For the newbies, here's what #yotweeps is all about:

Play along and increase your Twitter twaffic!

1. First, click my custom follow icon & follow moi.

2. Make a blog post and include the #yotweeps directions like am doing here.

3. The #yotweeps icon and put him in your post like I did here's the code: <a href="http://supahmommy.blogspot.com/2010/03/yo-tweeps-twaffic-exchange.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s27/dperry_2007/yotweeps-1.png" /></a>

4. Create a custom follow icon for your post like I did. (I use Picnik.)

5. On Twitter check out all of the Yotweep-ers. Here's a shortcut: #yotweeps. Then follow who you want!

6. When you follow someone make sure to mention them in a msg like this:

@hearthunnybe I'm following! #yotweeps

This way all of the #yotweep (s) will show up and you get more exposure.

7. If someone follows you, be sure to reciprocate with a msg like this:

@yourtwittername Backatcha! #yotweeps

8. If you have any questions just ask!

You Would Think 4 Days in New Orleans Would Be Awesome

Well, girls, I finally did it and Ellie made it happen. I have real blog complete with a nav bar and everything! I highly recommend her to anyone who likes a clean, classic yet modern look on their pages. If you followed me over from Cardiocandyography, you have probably read what happened over there. Let's just say beware of free templates, you might not be able to remove it...EVER. I love me some Ellie - four stars for Rainy Day Templates! Out of this one blog I have created a few more so that I can place more than one post on each nav link. Also, each page may have a different sidebar so be sure to check them out for different links!

Many of you have only gotten bits and pieces of my transplant story, so some of my current let's say "adventures" for lack of a better word are a bit mystifying. GOOD NEWS: I have finally transferred all of my Caring Bridge entries over here for you to read when you get curious. Since I couldn't back-date them, they are all separate posts posted yesterday. I have created a table of contents on that page with the dates of each entry starting at the beginning.

Over the past six months I have received many, many emails expressing emotion over going back and reading my story from the beginning. So, it should much easier to read it here the way it is organized as opposed to on Caring Bridge. Please, still feel free to hop over there and check out the pics from my stay as well.

What did I say? SIX MONTHS? SIX MONTHS! Yes, this past Monday I celebrated the six month marker with my new heart. The first six months can very volatile, tricky, and has a lot of restrictions; however, I made it! As many of you already know, it was not without a few bumps.
Several of you sent me Twitter messages and Facebook messages worried about what was going on this week, so here is the explanation you've been waiting for...

I left Mobile on Sunday afternoon for New Orleans; I had my typical monthly labs, biopsy, echo, and clinic visit. However, upon the receipt of my blood work; it was discovered that white blood cell count had dropped drastically. FYI: White blood cells are what fight infection. The less of them you have, the more likely you are to get an infection, virus, etc. This is doubly as vital to the life of transplant patient because we are on so many immunosuppressants to prevent our body from rejecting the new organ, that it nearly demolishes our immune system, hence the mask, no buffets, raw food, etc. Therefore, if we contract anything we have to be immediately hospitalized to prevent it from progressing any further. Mono, flu, etc. are deadly to a transplant patient.

Headed to NOLA, completely unprepared for four days!

By the time I was through with my biopsy, Dr. Patel told me that this was a cause for major concern and that I would need to hang around for a few days to see what was going on. By the time I was finished with all four appointments, I had two more: one to get blood drawn to test for the viruses, and the second to get a neupogen shot in the hepatology-oncology clinic. Thankfully, the virus results came back clear. They stopped two of my meds that can cause the loss of WBC and gave me my first shot.The worst news was hearing that I would have to stay in New Orleans (two hours from home) until Thursday.
On Tuesday, I got up, worked on my blog a bit and went to get my second shot, which feels like a wasp sting with an encore. I decided to hit-up a few book stores, stroll down Magazine Street, browse through Whole Foods, and have lunch at great little pizza spot named Slice. I took a trip down to the water, explored Urban Outfitters and French Connection. Then I made the most beautiful discovery of all: the construction of a new Anthropologie! My summer check-ups may not be such a chore after all! The walk through the French Market wasn't too bad either, not to mention that I went in four book stores in in two days.

Spinach, Sun-dried Tomato, and Artichoke Pizza @ Slice

Wednesday morning I slept in until my lab appointment at 11:00. Which was great considering that I couldn't go to sleep until at least 4:30 (that was the last time I remember looking at the clock). When Tara, my post-transplant coordinator/nurse, called to inform me that after two shots of nupogen and stopping the potentially offending meds, my WBC had DROPPED! I cried nearly the rest of the day because I was ready to home and see my baby and hubs. I waited almost an hour before I called anyone because I could not get it together. Well, hubs called before I was ready, and I just broke down. Well, hunny, if he didn't just jump in his truck and giddy-up all the way to NOLA. Before he got there I had myself some lunch at Pazza Gelato for the second time in two days. It is so yummy! I had a different panini each day and different gelato. When he arrived around 5:00, it was so wonderful to see him. We had a delicious dinner, and enjoyed a great date night.

Gelato: the blue variety tasted like birthday cake icing!

Wednesday morning we went to Dr. Molina, a hemotologist & oncologist, to see if maybe he could narrow-down what was wrong. He too believed it was the combination of meds and asked to see me back Tuesday. If the meds alteration and injections do not work, then he will have to do a bone marrow biopsy. Shriek! he sounded very optimistic, just a bit confused as to why my numbers would plummet in a month's time. I guess we will see on Tuesday.
Upon returning home on Thursday evening, went to my in-law's house to pick Baby Finn. It was soooooooo good to see his sweet cheeks. I didn't want to put him down! Zac's grandparents are also in town for the week, so we will be happily busy once again. Finn and I both are going to the doctor this week! He has his nine month check-up this week...tear. :*( Here's one more reason to shed a tear.

Minty Post-Its

Battle of the Book Nooks + a Self-Portrait

    
     Supah's All About MEme Monday assignment is to post a self portrait created by yourself. Since I haven't turned the camera on myself for a couple of years, I sifted through all of my iPhoto files and found this one taken on Memorial Day 2007 after finishing my student teaching, pre-married life, pre-baby Foo, pre-heart failure, and pre-transplant. Plus, Shell's post inspired me to post a "look how nice and defined things used to be" photo. ;) By the way, no I wasn't naked! I had untied the strings of my navy and white stripped sundress and plopped down on the hotel bed. As a matter of fact, I wish you could see the dress: it was perfect resort wear. I will wear it again, I will wear it again, I will wear it again... (mantra-like) It was the cutest little sundress. We were at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, about an hour's drive from where I live. 

Maybe this pic will better help you understand how irate I was this day (10/24).

*~*Next Topic*~* 

     As I promised a few days ago, here's how the trip to NOLA went: I got there relatively early for a change. I was so excited to chill-out, browse some blogs, order a movie, and pizza. By the way, the pizza is doctor's orders: I have a tendency not to drink enough fluids and that can make biopsies very difficult for me and the cardiologist, so by eating my more than average amount of sodium I retain water and thus making the vein in my neck easier to push the catheter through. Those of you that know about heart caths have typically heard of them going through the groin, but going through the neck is apparently much easier and you are up and out of there as soon as they are done. Anyway, back on topic, there is a hotel attached to the hospital that makes everything much easier. When I stepped up to the front desk and asked for a single room for one night, I got, "We do not have anything available for tonight." Oops. This place is NEVER booked, and I have NEVER had to have a reservation. Who wants to stay at a hotel adjoined to a hospital unless they are a patient or family? Well, apparently there was some sort of conference going on that day. I felt sort of lost there all by my lonesome. So, I dragged all my junk into the atrium and pulled out Baby Mac and hit up Expedia and Priceline for the closest hotels with the lowest rates and WiFi: yes, I had to have it. God bless technology. 


     I rang the Marriott Courtyard down the road and they had plenty of "room at the inn." I ventured back out into the torrential NOLA rains, and scooted on down the river highway to the Marriott. I timed it, only six minutes down the road! My room was very neat and quaint with a little balcony over-looking the pool. Too bad it was nearly a monsoon outside. I fell back on to the bed and...hello, memory foam. This night was going to be just fine. 


     I ordered a Papa John's Tuscan Cheese pizza and watched Law & Order then Couple's Retreat, and in case you were wondering the pizza was by far best of the three. Maybe it was because I had not so much as tasted a pizza in at least six months, but the movie wasn't so great either. I ♥ Vince, but this was a bomb. It was very tough to keep my eyes open. 


     The next morning I went on to lab as usual, picked up a scone, and strolled on over to the cath lab, were they took me right on back. Dr. Fisher was there to biopsy rather than my regular doc, Dr. Mandras. I was good to him again. He was the cardiologist on-call in the days surrounding my transplant, so it was great to see him again since that was the last time that I saw him. This was the first time I was attempting a heart cath/biopsy without taking any anti-anxiety or pain meds ahead of time. The needle and numbing of the neck wasn't was tough as usual, but apparently I have developed a lot of scar tissue in my chest that made the introduction of the catheter extremely painful. They continued to give me something, what it was I do not know. It did not help the pain, and when I sat up to leave, I was exhausted. I was even little wobbly walking back over to meet with Moriah for my clinic check-up. After chatting with her and checking all of my numbers, I moseyed on over to the MRI building, which I didn't realize was a little walk outside then to a mobile MRI trailer building. I guess they are remodeling or something because this is a nice hospital. Anyway, it was a regular MRI so my nose nearly touched the top of the thing, and I guess that they made some adjustments for momma hips. I fell right to sleep for however long it took.


     After I emerged from the pod-thing, I went straight to the coffee shop in the Atrium to get a White Gold (compare to a Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha). I called hubs and told him I fell a little "slow" and that I was just going to relax in the atrium for a little bit. He got all nervous and said that he didn't want me driving. I didn't exactly feel like it either so we agreed it would be best for me to stay another night. Luckily, my regular hotel now had rooms available, but not until 3:00 p.m. It was noon. 

     To kill the time until I could check in, I went to fill a prescription for an antibiotic that I had to have to treat a little splinter infection, and pick up a few snacks. On my way, I decided to stop by Border's Books. I had never been in one before. We have a couple of Books-A-Millions and a couple of Barnes & Nobles, but no Borders. I loved it. Of course, Barnes & Noble will always be my true love and I cannot stand Books-A-Million simply because it lacks that aesthetic that encourages reading. I walk into a Barnes & Noble and you just want to read. You walk in a Books-A-Million and I want de-clutter and start cleaning. I will go to Books-A-Million for little random funny gifts, i.e. magnets, pens, stationery, gift books, stickers, etc., and I will escape as quickly as I can. 

Borders is the happy medium. 

It has the delightful reading aesthetic, plus the large gift and knick-knack/impulsive shopper section. 

Did I mention the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves? I felt like Belle!

This is a former funeral home that they have recently turned into a Borders. I couldn't ever got an actual photo to post on here because the traffic wouldn't cooperate, but here is a Google photo. The colors and exterior are the same, but of course it has a Borders banner hanging across the porch and no chain-link fence. Isn't it great?! Apparently, Borders has been doing restorative projects across the country rather than building from the ground up. Cool, huh?

Now it's your turn to VOTE 

In my sidebar, directly under my profile, I have posted a poll. Let's see what true fan favorite is! You can select more than one because if you are like me, you have a favorite local, privately owned store and a favorite chain.

Ahh, the charming Page & Palette

     So, needless to say I had a peaceful night's rest; I slept in, made a few routine stops, did some wishful-window-shopping and headed home to my boys.