Last weekend Jason and I traveled down to Branson, where I graced a Branson stage with my presence.

I take ballet classes at a local dance school and since beginning the classes, I’ve been getting used to being back on a stage. The stage was once a place I felt the most at ease, but now its something that I fear. Dancing has forced me to face this new fear and try to regain my confidence on the stage.

I’ve always loved ballet. I like watching it and I always wanted to be a ballerina. I took ballet lessons as a kid, but when my teacher moved away my mom was unable to drive me out of town to continue lessons. This was my 18 year break from ballet. During my last semester in college I signed up for a ballet class. I ended up really enjoying it. When the semester was over I hung up my ballet shoes thinking it was over for me. A year after I moved to St. Louis, I signed up for a ballet class again, this time through St. Louis Community College. This ballet class was taught by Teresa Daniels of ADIVA Dance.

I have now been dancing at ADIVA for over two years. Last August, I got my first pair of pointe shoes.

Anyway, ADIVA dance school performed at the Americana Theater in Branson opening for The Haygoods. It was quite the experience; one I was glad I got to be a part of.

This past Thursday, I met my Dad in Cape Girardeau. After saying good bye to him, I had some time to kill before returning to St. Louis. I found myself wandering the streets of downtown, looking for anything to catch my interest. As I drove past Shivelbines Music Store (a place I frequented with my mother as a child), I noticed the gem of all antique stores. There, sitting across the street from Shivelbines, was Annie Laurie’s Antiques.

Annie Laurie’s Antiques resides in a fabulously old fashioned building (which I later learned used to be a funeral home – which adds to its charm). The owner uses every space of the building, filling it with beautiful and interesting items. There was so much to look at that I spent nearly two hours in the store.

Annie Laurie’s has everything from furniture to vintage clothing. The basement (named Alley Cat) is even loaded with finds. I loaded up with vintage jewelry and a special birthday gift for my mom. I would drive the hour and a half back down to Cape just to visit Annie Laurie’s. I love this place! To see more visit Annie Laurie’s website!!


(photos from annielauries.net)

I always welcome a nice holiday weekend. This weekend is no different. I hope everyone is having a fabulous 4th of July weekend.

I’m still trying to iron out my last minute 4th of July plans. We’ll probably cook out and take in a fireworks show. I’m not sure which one yet. St. Louis has so many different options when it comes to fireworks displays.

When I was a kid, there was only one fireworks show in our small town. Every year my family would pile into the car and drive out to the country club where we would climb into the golf cart. My dad would head out to our spot out by the airport runway where we would shoot off our own fireworks purchased at the fireworks tent. After setting off our small fireworks with my dad’s lit cigarette (in true hoosier style), we would head off to watch the big fireworks show. We would leave somewhat dissatisfied with the fireworks display and sticky from bug spray, but mostly it was just a fun family outing.

These days I enjoy a nice breezy 4th of July in the city, free of mosquitoes. This weekend is no different.

Happy 4th of July!