Starplex Cinema 8 - Gotta Love It

I truly love the "dollar movie theater" here in Tally. Today I went over to the Starplex Cinema 8 to see the movie version of Carl Hiaasen's "Hoot." Cute movie, a little slow. But filmed in Charlotte County so I was really entertained by seeing local Florida in the film. Jimmy Buffett was co-producer, contributed many songs and played a teacher in the film. Hiaasen had a cameo as a secretary.

I enjoy Hiaasen's writing (novels and editorials), but all his stories seem the same. Which is a good thing - consistently reinforcing the fact that Florida is being destroyed.

The movie cost a buck, popcorn, soda and gummi bears cost $3.75. Can't beat that!

Hiking in the Big Bend Area

Enjoy this story (and support my writing) about five great hikes in Florida's Big Bend region. Click here.

Ambling Through Tallahassee

Over the past couple of days, I walked around Lake Ella and wandered through McClay Gardens State Park.

Ducklings are scattered EVERYWHERE around Lake Ella. Little kids grasp them close to their chests. I wonder if they are going to squeeze those little, fluffy critters to death. I kept thinking how can these cute little ducks grow up to be an ugly, Moscovy ducks. Growing up, my parents frequently took me and my siblings to the Clarence Town Park in Upstate New York where we would feed the ducks and chase them in hopes of capturing them. I always remember the Moscovy ducks as being "mean," they always hissed. Florida ducks are the same - these ducks at Lake Ella hiss, too. But, I'm sure they're harmless, right?



At McClay, I missed the peak bloom of the azalea's but did get to meet a British couple celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary. Very sweet. I met them because they were taking photos of each other and I asked if they wanted a shot of them together. They asked if I was going to the wedding in the garden. "No, I'm not properly dressed," I told them as I modeled my denim shorts.



Heading back to the car, I spotted this large lizard/salamander thing sitting in a tree. Looks like a snake with legs. I'll have to research and find out what exactly it is.

Leila Nejad LaCrosse: Dialogue in Color

With chaotic structure, Iran-born artist Leila Nejad LaCrosse's paintings evoke enlightening emotion. Her exhibit, titled "Dialogue in Color" is on display at Thomas Eads Fine Art now through Wednesday, April 12, 2006. Check it out.

Thomas Eads Fine Art
1122 Thomasville Road, Suite 8
(across from historic Whataburger)
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Tel: (850) 224-1435

Mercury Fluctuation

What's the deal with the weather in Tallahassee? Is this year an anomaly? A couple weeks back, the temperature had fluctuated at least 50 degrees in less than a week. It's chilly in the morning and warms up in the afternoon. When I moved here, I was excited to taste the cooler temperatures, get use out of my sweaters and MAYBE shave my legs once a week. Not so with these warmer temps - the lighter cloths are out along with exposed legs.

This Time, Persistence Pays

Each day for the past week, I have called the FSU ticket office, checking availability for the Feb. 25 Stephen King event. And every time I called, I was given a different story as to whether the event is sold out or not. I even checked the online box office for tickets, checking a minimum of six times daily.

This morning, my persistence paid off and I've scored a ticket for the event! Now, what to wear, what to wear. I wonder what he'll be wearing; when I saw him last time in NYC, he wore a t-shirt stating, "I make stuff up."

King of Horror Scheduled in Tallahassee

I attended the New Yorker Festival in Sept. 2005 with hopes of having a book signed by Stephen King. What the Festival organizers didn't tell me was that only 100 tickets were issued for the book signing.

And then, NPR gave me a second chance this morning. I learned that Stephen King was just added to the line up of incredible performers for the Seven Days of Opening Nights. Unfortunately, what I read online was that the tickets went on sale Feb. 14 and a friend who is connected to the event told me the tickets sold out in 15 minutes.

The disappointment flushed me. Again.

Not accepting "NO," I called the FSU ticket center and was told something different - that tickets have not been released yet because Mr. King is replacing another author, and the show organizers are unsure how many people will return their tickets. I was told they don't know when tickets will go on sale and instructed me to check back daily.

If anyone comes across two tickets for the Stephen King reading on Feb. 26, I know a Quirky Girl who could use 'em...

Eat for Kid's Sake: Feb. 26, 2006

Children's Home Society ("CHS") is hosting its 21st Chefs Sampler on Sunday, February 26th at 7:30 PM at the Tallahassee Mall. For almost 20 years, CHS has partnered with Tree House Children's Shelter to provide care for abused and neglected children in our community. Call 850-921-0772 for tickets and information.

Celebrate the Little Man with a Big Ego

Tallahassee welcomes Napoleon: An Intimate Portrait to the Museum of Florida History, Feb. 6 - April 30, 2006. The exhibition features more than 250 personal personal possessions from his famous cocked military hat to a lock of Empress Josephine's hair (Ew! Gross!). In addition to the exhibit at the Museum of Florida History, different venues throughout town are celebrating the Emperor's arrival, too. From romantic readings of Napoleon's love letters to Josephine at the Knott House to hearth cooking classes at the Tallahassee Museum.

What's even cooler is that the Museum of Florida History will be open until 8:00 PM on Thursdays throughout the exhibition. Various entertainment is scheduled for each evening and food will be provided by area Tallahassee restaurants. Visit the exhibition site for the schedule of events.

To Summon a Worm, Just Grunt

I was excited to learn today that Sopchoppy in Wakulla County holds an annual Worm Gruntin' Festival! No, seriously, I'm really interested in seeing what this is all about. Although I could not find the 2006 dates, I'm thinking this year's festival will be held over the same weekend as in 2005, in which I will be in Miami. Hmmm, Miami or Sopchoppy? I'd pick Sopchoppy!

Shake, Shake, Shake...

After taking about two months off from belly dance class, I returned. I ran out of excuses for NOT going. Once there, I realized two things.

1. I really missed the class.
2. I'm really annoyed with one of the participants. She's just too "showy" - always wiggling around and distracting the class. But, she had a big strike against her when we met. Her mannerisms and her face remind me of a girl from my past who annoyed me.

Anyway, for any one (woman) wanting to try it, just do it! I enjoy the discipline it teaches my body, the control of the muscles. And if you have a bit to jiggle, that's a good thing!

On-going beginners classes are offered on Monday nights at the N. Monroe YMCA. The 90-minute class begins at 7:30 PM. The cost is $8 per person but YMCA members are free.

Classes are taught by instructors from In Step Studio. Visit the site to find about their other class offerings.

Whole Lotta Bull in Jackson County, Fla

It was a bit like watching a beauty pageant or fashion show. The contestants nervously paced back and forth in the waiting area which was hidden behind the staging area. I could see a head poke out behind the wall, eyes wandering and trying to figure out what was going on.

One by one they were brought out and comments were made about their shiny black coats and "fine thighs." My favorite line of the afternoon was, "Number 16 is an example of up and coming Angus." Yes, it was a true meat market. The University of Florida's Bull Test Auction, to be exact.

Yesterday's news clips caught my eye, the "Jackson County Floridian" headline read, "Bull test sale expected to draw hundreds." Normally, I would not give up a Saturday of apartment cleaning, laundry and writing to attend a cattle auction. I was intrigued with the article stating that the Jackson County Tourist Development Council (TDC) funded a grant application for the sale! $4,500 - to be used to drive tourists to fill motel rooms and restaurants during this weekend.

Having heard many organizations' pleas for TDC grant funds from my previous job, I was curious how much of a tourism event this was. So, I hopped into my Saturn Ion and headed to Greenwood, Fla, about an hour northwest of Tallahassee. After crossing into the Central Time Zone, the banjos of "Deliverance" began to play.

The Florida back roads remind me of Idaho and Utah. Slightly rolling hills, lots of open space and agriculture - cotton, peanuts and sugar cane. An unseasonably warm day, folks were sitting on their couches enjoying the afternoon - on their porches - with rifles propped at their sides. A mud-covered family shared laughs at gas station, refueling their ATVs. God bless America!

I pulled into the University of Florida's bull testing facility and realized I would stick out like a sore thumb. First, mine was about the only non-pick-up truck. Second, I was not wearing a hat but was wearing pink sandals. But, they were friendly folks when I arrived. After all, I was a tourist.

I'd never been to a livestock auction before. The callers were entertaining, although I really had no idea what they were saying. The spotters on the floor were in charge of finding the bidders and giving a screech when another bid was placed. I swatted a fly (true, these type of events attract a lot of flies) which meant I submitted a bid of $1,000 for beef. Luckily, I was out bid and stood still as possible for the rest of my time there.

I'm not sure how many people in the audience were "tourists." Granted, the stands were full and it was standing room only. While I walked back to my car, which was surrounded by pick-up trucks, I noticed a handful of out-of-state plates. Wonder if these were families on their way to Disney and decided to take a detour to the real Florida?

Gallery Opening: Thomas Eads Fine Art

This Friday, January 20, 2006, join artists Stewart Nelson, Jim Miller, Rob Cunningham and Thomas Eads for the grand opening of the Thomas Eads Fine Art Gallery (1122 Thomasville Road Unit 8). Location: right across from Historic Whataburger #72. (ok, it's Tallahassee, hamburger joints are important), Park in Mt. Vernon Square, just south of 5th Ave on Thomasville Rd. The reception is 6:00 - 9:00 PM and gallery goers will enjoy live jazz, Italian food, smart architecture and good company.

Outside of my coworkers, Tom is one of the first people I met when I moved to Tallahassee. It's nice to see the progress he's made in a short period of time. Read the story about my adventure with Tom.

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