Fall Retreat

Last week, my wife and I got away for a few days to Berea, Kentucky. This is the cottage our friends loaned us for our anniversary vacation.

Cute, huh?

© 2010 Mexipickle

Cheesy Goodness

This past weekend, my wife and I got away to a small town in Kentucky, which happens to be where we were married. We celebrated our 21st anniversary Thursday by having dinner at the place we say we fell in love--a little pizza joint on the square. This shot gives a little flavor of the place, though no photo can do justice to the garlic bread or pizza!

© 2010 Mexipickle

Smoking Kills

On a hike over the weekend, we went down by the reservoir, where we found this poor fellow. Obviously, he hasn't been reading the surgeon general's warnings about cigarette smoking--he was laid out in the middle of the rocky path he'd chosen, dead to the world, flat.

Gone before his time.

© 2010 Mexipickle

Teaching

Way back when, after I first graduated from college, I worked as a volunteer for the Christian Appalachian Project . As the youngest on both sides of my family, I had absolutely no experience with children. So, they saw fit to place me as a teacher in a child development center, where I taught 3 year old kids (and 4 and 5 year olds, too). It was perhaps the hardest job I've ever had, and I loved every minute of it. I am still learning from those days.

This picture shows me holding the child I most connected with, Jason. Jason came from a poor family and suffered from neglect--he didn't know his own name at the age of 3 because no one ever talked to him. Though it seems a small thing, he and i connected so he started to have a self image, getting to know his name and even a nickname, as well as his colors, numbers, and some interpersonal skills.

If you're looking for an organization to support with your time, prayers, or money, learn about CAP . And don't forget to talk to your kids and take time to listen to what they have to say. Their ideas and thoughts are so inspired and inspiring!

Thanks, Jason, for teaching me so much.

© 2010 Mexipickle

Three of a Kind

During our snack at The Yogurt Tap in Decatur after the book festival yesterday, I noticed the table top--great green!--and the shapes of some of the missing paint. I doubt this is random peeling, but it looks cool nevertheless.

© 2010 Mexipickle

Long Legs, Great Seat

After the Decatur Book Festival Sunday, we had a bite at Raging Burrito and some dessert at The Yogurt Tap. While I declined the dessert, I did take a couple of snaps, including this shadow of the nearby stool.

© 2010 Mexipickle