Sunday, February 28, 2010

A Buck in my Pocket

Today, Em and I spent our Sunday afternoon exploring Jackson County. From Buck's Pocket to Goosepond, it was confirmed I love this place. Photography is my new favorite interest, as a snapped one of my favorite sunsets. Jackson County is the most beautiful place on Earth. I love it here.

A View from the Top


Trickles of Nature

I love moss.

My very own Nantucket.


Em fishing. She belongs here.

A Goosepond sun setting on the fishermen.

Friday, February 26, 2010

The Age Old Question

Yesterday, I was strolling through Wal-Mart with my buggy when I received a text message from one of my best friendboy’s mothers. She explained someone told her I was getting married. The message put a smile on my face as I thought, oh lawd, this person has read my blog. One would think I had a groomie on my hands as much as I talk about love, weddings and babies. They probably even think I’m knocked up. So, please let me set the record straight. Every family gathering, my cousin Randy asks me the same question, “Where is he?” This year was no different, and neither was my answer, “Oh, there’s no boy.” I purposely position myself within his realm, so I will be asked the question. It’s almost as if I dread the day I say “Here he is.” I can just picture the scene. “Ugh. I just pushed him in the dumpster. He’s pilfering his way through the trash. He may or may not make it out.” Oh me oh my. I’ve never found anyone I wanted to introduce to my family as my boyfriend. And to be honest, I’m not searching. I know I talk about a romantic future, but the truth of the matter is I like being single. There are two questions I am asked in conversations. Do you have a job and do you have a boyfriend? Well, the job question I do not like, because I am still searching and interviewing, and I wish I could work at the Café forever, but I never avoid the boyfriend question, because I love my answer. Maybe it is selfishness or maybe it is contentment. A life fully dedicated to Christ without the distraction of a husband and wife relationship, I’m down with that. Of course I want children and to be dressed in white at the First Baptist Church, but I am satisfied with Anna Margaret and playing the role of a bridesmaid. I love attending parties by myself. The independent rush I get as I walk through the front door and greet the crowd, its like I am on American Idol. It pulls me out of my comfort zone, and I am forced to talk to people who I would have otherwise never introduced myself to. The thought of a boyfriend tagging along and me hoping he can talk to my friends and family isn’t very appealing. I tell people I love the single life, but then I have to explain that my single life isn’t the typical style. I’m not hooking up and hanging out. I’m spending the afternoon at the library reading and writing and taking pictures of the sunset on my days off at the Café. I have no idea what God has in store for my life. Next week I may have a blog entitled, “Oh, How the Tables Turn” that explains that God has allowed a boy to enter my life, and I don’t want him to exit. Or maybe ten years from now, I will be saying, “Yep, knew it.” There is no way I could predict the future. It’s God’s faithfulness and promise that gets me through. So this weekend, I will attend a wedding shower for Kaci and a birthday party for Eli by myself, and maybe I will be asked the question, “Where’s your boyfriend?” But for right now, I like things the way they are, me and God, and I am not looking for anyone who will rock the boat.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” -1 Timothy 6:6

To my matchmakers,

I really have appreciated the blind dates you have arranged. There is nothing I love more than meeting new people. Anyone who will listen to me for a few hours, well, lets line them up. They have also been really great for my Facebook friend count!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

All You Need are Legos and Love

Amanda predicted correctly when she said there would be another Anna Margaret Blog soon, since I have just returned from a few days in Auburn. The thing I love most about my relationship with my 5 year-old, blue eyed, blonde cousin is I can love her and not hold back. When I say I Love You, and she doesn’t say anything back, it doesn’t matter. My feelings won’t be hurt, and they are not going to change. Anna Margaret warms my heart. There is nothing like pulling in Derek and Rebecca’s driving way and having Anna Margaret burst out of the front door and run into my arms. On Monday afternoon we tooled around town having lunch at Big Blue Bagel and shopping at my favorite stores Wrapsody and Simply Charming. So after we said goodbye to Amanda and left downtown, I thought I would introduce A.M. to my newest hobby, the library. Yes, I know, as a student, it was the last place I wanted to be, but now as a graduate, I am so intrigued by literature, so I visit my hometown public library quite frequently. I was hoping to get her a library card, but as it turns out, a guardian had to be with her. I probably could have pulled them, oh that’s me card, but I trust that Rebecca or Derek will handle the situation at a later date. So, after we were denied the card, we decided to take a tour of the Library. Anna Margaret loves books, so we chose one book at time, I would read, and she would look as we sat in chairs that forced my knees into my face. After a few books, we decided to entertain ourselves at the Lego’s table. There, we spent the rest of the afternoon. I love Lego’s because I never know what I am going to make until I decide to stop and let my imagination take charge as I take a good look at the finished product. At the table, Anna Margaret sat across from me and beside her was a little boy. I started talking to him, and I learned that his name was Elvin. Elvin then proceeded to ask me if I had a boyfriend. In my mind, I am thinking, great, has it really come to this. A five-year-old is hitting on me! I replied to Elvin’s question with a no, and as I pointed to Anna Margaret I said “…and she’s single too.”

The Love of my Life
Elvin, if you liked it, then you should've put a ring on it.


Loads to Thank!

Amanda: I am craving your Key Lime Cookies, and I don’t know how I made it eighteen years without you.

Judd: You are way to good to me.

Stephanie: Your CD, outstanding. Job Well Done, my tiny little dancer.

Kate, Hannah, Lauren, Abbie and Mary Quince: You got me through high school, and I am so thankful you still take the time out of your busy schedules to bring goodness to my life.

John Price and Luke: I love you both very, very much!! Thanks for always being there.

Ellis: Ellie Boo, I Heart U!!

Katie Norton: You are absolutely brilliant. Your character reflects God, and it shows you love Him deeply. Your house is as cute as your personality!!

Katie Bolt: the Genius Girlfriend. Tom, you are so lucky.

Tom, Adam and Richard: It’s so refreshing to be around such amazing guys.

Aaron and Tiffany: A memorable weekend was had my all, and I am so glad we were able to get to know each other through our Mardi Gras celebration.

Mr. and Mrs. Peavy, Maggie and Mollie: A beautiful family. OK, so I am obsessed with Peavy’s. Thank you so much for allowing us into your house and providing your wonderful hospitality.

Joe: “You can’t trust anyone who floats around on a plank of wood.”-Keith Bellomy. Two peas in a pod I tell ya! If I had a brother, I would want him to be just like you. And this should be jaw dropping considering I have never wanted a brother or a sister. I liked my parent’s world being centered around me, but Joe, I would share it with you.

Luke Wood: The best neighbor ever. Depending on how nice you are, I may or may not post your candid video on Facebook.

Bec and D: You rock my world. Words can’t express how much you mean to me.

Annie Margaret: My bundle of joy.

Annie, Emily, Jordon and Sally: You will always be my roommates, and I will always remember the wonderful memories of 1228.

Tyler: CAMPING TRIP! My favorite moment of our dinner was when you put your cap over your face and said “this conversation is over.” Thank you for always putting up with my questions. Curiosity Kills the Cat.

Jordan: Sorry AM’s Valentine’s Party got in the way of us meeting Furrgie. I am sure she is purrfect just like my Cinnamon Crunch bagel, hazelnut cream cheese and caramel latte!

Mary Jeanne and Leslie: I could have stayed another two hours. Time flies with good company.

Matthew: So great running into you. I remember us watching Auburn football games in the Guthrie’s suite. You were the cool college golfer and I was the quiet ninth grade girl who thought you were super cute. I couldn’t talk to you at 14, but now that I am 21, the words spew out. And it’s not even awkward when you go in for the hug! You’ll probably never read this because you don’t have Facebook, and you have no clue I have a blog, but there is hope that D might tell you about it. After all, he did tell you I was in town.

Tony: Thank you for letting me slow you down on our run. Dern side stenches. Lucky Charms or Bar-B-Que House? What a toss up. But remember the last time we mixed the fraternity house, February and the whole grain cereal? Oh, what a night. I think we chose the obvious. You were the last person I saw before I left. Such a stress free morning.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Me and Mim J

“Mine and Chasley’s relationship began when we were both babies in The First Baptist Church Learning Center” were the words I heard as the friendship between Mary Jeanne and me was shared with our high school. There I was, standing in front of students, teachers and parents with tears running down my cheeks. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it were not for her. The Mary Jeanne and Chas snap shots are countless as field trips and family vacations are recorded in my scrapbooks. Mary Jeanne was the pink friend, and I was the blue friend. It never failed, she was pretty and preppy as she portrayed Kelly while I was stuck imitating Zach Morris or Jessie Spano. She always had the best dresses, the latest Nintendo 64 game and a Madame Alexander doll collection that would make Candy Spelling jealous. I know she will always be there, because she has always been by my side through everything. In our senior year of high school, Mary Jeanne was there for me when my grandfather passed away. She was the first friend to call, the first friend to visit me at my grandmother’s house and the friend who stayed with me after the funeral. Among my bridesmaids, there is no way I could choose one girl to be my Maid of Honor. I want them to be arranged in the order of how long I have known them. Well, Mary Jeanne will be standing right beside me at the altar, since we have been together since we were both babies in The First Baptist Church Learning Center.

Diaper Duty: Two Pumpkins in the Patch

The First Baptist Church
Chad Holland was on the move in the balcony.

Law, I love to sing. I can't believe my mother dressed me in the same Christmas attire two years in a row. Such a crime.

Birthday on Clemons Road

Nature's Classroom 1999

The Bellomy's Destin Vacation
Strawberry Daiquiris and Limited Too Tankinis

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

All Dolled Up!

I admire people who are comically confident.

"You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!"

Monday, February 22, 2010

The Grammar of Love

Please know that I do not nor do I think I totally comprehend God’s love. He teaches me daily, hourly and minute-by-minute as I cling tightly to His word. God’s love is perfect.

Last spring, I struggled with the meaning of love. When people share their feelings they have for us, but their words are not affirmed by their actions, it means nothing, and it leads to hurt feelings and streaming tears. I talked to Danielle about my confusion. She explained, love is not telling someone, but showing someone. If a friend was hanging from a cliff, and you were standing above them explaining how much you loved them, but you did nothing to help them, your words would be useless. The feelings of not being honored and respected were a huge lesson I will always cherish. After I left Anna Margaret’s Valentine’s Day party at her school, Rebecca asked me if I noticed the boy in the yellow shirt nestling himself beside me as I read to the group of preschoolers. She explained that a few months ago, his parents had moved three states away and left him in the care of his grandparents. Why the little boy? At the time, if I would have known the details about brown eyed boy sitting on my left side, I would have held in my arms and told him how much I loved to read to him. It brings tears to my eyes to think he could wonder why his mother or his father hasn’t tucked him into bed for the past two months. It also brings tears to my eyes to think God could have placed someone in my life for an instant and in that instant, I did not show him or her Christ’s love. Whether it is the waitress at Ruby Tuesday’s or the man on the elliptical, I want to show everyone I encounter the love God shows me. I am reminded it is not about me. It is about bringing honor and glory to His name. I have challenged myself, and I will challenge you, be compassionate, be humble, be caring, be kind and be gentle towards others. But most importantly, love, and remember, it’s a verb.

“For God so LOVED the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” –John 3:16

“LOVE each other as I have loved you.” –John 15:12

“Christ demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still sinners, He died for us.” –Romans 5:8

Friday, February 19, 2010

Stila Snappin'

Obviously, People’s photographers are reading Chasleyland. With a Chanel bag in her hand and newly purchased Louis Vuitton in his hand, they are hand in hand after leaving dinner at the Tate.

Honor Thy Mother

I would like to make an announcement that surprisingly enough, I do not own the stuffed animal that is tightly gripped by Jessica’s toddler. I’m growing up so fast! Honor, you better pick up the pace.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

A Room with a Tennessee River View

Today, Emily Harmon will be packing her new car, leaving her college town behind, driving to the northeast area of Alabama and pulling in the driveway of 2939. I have been anxiously awaiting her arrival. As well as my family and hometown friends, I have told everyone I can of her visit to Scottsboro, and I have even scheduled her a few dates. She has been well prepared for, as she will be receiving a larger closet than me that is equipped with two windows that overlook our front yard and the scene of many summer memories. She’s been reminding me that I will no longer rule the household as she rolls into town. I was talking to Em, telling her how amazing her time here was going to be. People will see us running around town, buying groceries at Wal-Mart and eating at my local favorites. She is going to meet so many new people. But then, I had a terrible thought. Around here, the closest I have ever come to a boy was a date to the prom. Chasley Bellomy and boyfriends do not exist. So, my horrible prediction was friends and friends of the family would see me out and say, “I saw that Bellomy girl today, with a…. girl.” NOOOO!!

Disclaimer: Em and I have been asked to sit across from the table from a boy, and I would like to think we gave them more than they bargained for. Even though our track records are few and far between, I will hint that if we were in the Olympics, Em would be closer to the Gold Metal. Her competition needs a little more practice.



I feel as though she is made for my hometown. She enjoys the outdoors activities of hunting and fishing, and she appreciates a lazy day on the golf course. She loves a good wilderness tour, so as Chad brings her four-wheeler to Scottsboro, she will be set to go. God placed Em and I in ADPi together, and He is placing us together in Scottsboro. I am beyond blessed.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Next Nicholas Sparks

In every poem, every song, every book and every movie, there is a line that grasps our attention. It causes us to rewind and play and rewind and play. Maybe it reminds us of a moment that we shared with someone or maybe it reminds us of a moment that we had hoped to share with someone. It tugs at our heartstrings, and the words compiled are forever written in our memory. I’ve shared the following with Emily, and she said I shouldn’t tell anyone else until I can say it to someone who makes me laugh, always encourages me and daily confirms that I can’t be without him, but I’m not a very quiet person. When I have something I want to share, I share away. So, before you read the words ahead, there are two elements that are critically crucial:

a serious mood: which is super duper foreign to me, since I tend to teeter on the silly side of the spectrum.

a slow and quiet tone: even though I was born and raised in the South, people are always asking me to slow my words down. I am 90 to nothing and still accelerating.

Now that you have fully prepared yourself, here is the line that I will share with the boy I absolutely adore.

"I’ve never been in a relationship I wasn’t trying to get out of.

And I am not saying that I am not guarding my heart.

And I am not saying that we are going to spend the rest of our lives together.

But I am saying that I look forward to spending time with you next week."

AHHHHHHHHH!!! And then, after I throw those words in his face, I am sure he will be Goo Goo Gah Gah, bend on one knee and ask me one simple question that will turn my world upside down! Call me a romantic, because I am hopeless and a outrageously ridiculous. Readers, thank you for putting up with me, and one day, maybe one day, a boy will want to do the same, but until then and tomorrow, I will leave you with… “If you like her, and she makes you happy, and you feel like you know her---then don’t let her go.”-Message in a Bottle

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Hardcore Dior

I was practicing my designer inspired attitude when said to a boy, “Don’t mess with me, because I am a backwoods girl, and I have people who come out of the woodwork and hunt you down. “ My statement was confirmed the other day by a family friend when he said, “Chas, if anyone were to every mistreat you, you just let me know.” I seriously contemplated giving him an address. This man’s last name is Core, and you better believe he is bad to the bone.

Rick has a special place in my heart. We ride around town in his jeep with the windows down while listening to the Grateful Dead, and if my family or I haven’t seen him in a few days, I get a little worried, and I ask my mother to make a “check-up” phone call. Rick knows my routine, and he laughs as he says, “Oh Chas, if you haven’t seen or heard from me in a couple days, you think I am in jail!”

Friday, February 12, 2010

Lucky Number One


I LOVE IT ALL!!

Rodin’s The Kiss

Purple Bridesmaids Dresses

Fireworks Show

Richard Tyler Gowns

Ashford Castle

Bag Pipes and Kilts

A Midsummer Night’s Dream meets The Secret Garden

Bouquet of Lillie of the Valley

Ballintubber Abbey

Hydrangeias, Delphiniums and Roses

Ireland

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

In the Making: Father of the Bride, Part 3

It’s the reason I want my reception at my house, it’s the reason my dad and I still play basketball in our driveway, and it’s the reason I studied abroad and came back to the States with a fiancé. Well, that last part isn’t true, but wouldn’t I have made an amazing Annie Banks!

George Banks: “Who presents this woman? This woman? But she's not a woman. She's just a kid. And she's leaving us. I realized at that moment that I was never going to come home again and see Annie at the top of the stairs. Never going to see her again at our breakfast table in her nightgown and socks. I suddenly realized what was happening. Annie was all grown up and was leaving us, and something inside began to hurt.”



Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The veil has a story to tell!

Most people are surprised to hear that my mother could care less about David Yurman and Prada, because most of the time a girl learns from her mother, but not me, I learned from my aunt. She has always gone above and beyond, wanting the best for me, and she is the sister I never had. My last week in Auburn, Rebecca had arranged for me to meet her for dinner. I was told that she would be with someone who she wanted me to meet, a good connection she described.The days leading up to the dinner, I was searching his name on Google and messaging her about what I should wear. I walked into Amsterdam’s Café, and noticed a table full of my friends and Rebecca sitting in the middle of them.Surprise! Not only does Rebecca go out of her way for me, but for others as well.Two football seasons ago, my grandmother’s neighbor was battling cancer. Every Iron Bowl, I remember her yard being festively decorated with orange and blue.As Ms. Roberts celebrated her last birthday, Rebecca had Tommy Tuberville call her to wish her a very special day. My entire life she has been there for me, making every moment special, so as she planned her August wedding, I was there every opportunity I could be, but this wasn’t unusual because wherever Rebecca went, so did I. I was there as she talked a police officer out of giving her a speeding ticket while driving to look for a wedding dress, I was there as she selected her china at the Wimberly House and I was there as she sealed her wedding invitations in the envelopes. I remember when she picked out her veil. We were at my grandmother’s house, and Rebecca was teaching me how to straighten my hair, but for some reason, we had to stop in the middle of the process. There we were at Ms. Gross’ shop trying on wedding veils. Rebecca was critiquing herself in the mirror as I stood by her side. After a few minutes of staring at her, I decided to look at myself, but I noticed something oddly familiar, and it reminded of black and white and 101. Cruella De Vil was staring back at me. There I was, one side of my hair was straight as a board while the other side resembled something similar to cotton candy. Still to this day, I don’t know why we cut the beauty shop time short, but I know who got the short end of the deal.

Notice the new beautician. I wasn't about to have a Cruella De Vil Repeat.

She's Celebrity Status

The First United Methodist Church of Scottsboro

Family Portrait

Becdie and Ms. Gross

Goosepond Plantation

Monday, February 8, 2010

An East Egg Wedding on the West Coast


Bridal Gown

Badgley Mischka

Bridesmaid Dresses

Thread

Cake

Perfect Endings

Caterer

Wolfgang Puck

Florist

Mark’s Garden

Jewelry

Neil Lane

Planner

Mindy Weiss

Inspiration

“The Great Gatsby" and Old Hollywood

Jay, it was an event fit for Daisy. Great Party.

Friday, February 5, 2010

To Mark, Love the Crazy Cat Lady

The Marrying Kind

Next week, I have “Big Day” plans for Chasleyland. Being the wedding fanatic that I am, I am going to list my top five nuptials of all time. Since it is the week before Valentine’s Day, I thought it would put us all in the bow and arrow spirit in hopes that Cupid will hit the bull’s eye. Em asked me if I had big plans for Valentine’s Day this year. I remembered last year that I had spent the evening with Rebecca and Anna Margaret at an Auburn basketball game, and when I returned to Creekside for the night, Jordon and I watched one of our favorite tear jerker’s. This year will be no different. I will be celebrating the day in Auburn with Rebecca and Anna Margaret, and there is no one I would rather be with on the designated day of love. Derek, I promise we’ll invite you next year. So head over heels and out of the park, that’s the way, I will say, we are about to embark on a week of I Do and I will cherish you!



Thursday, February 4, 2010

Pop! Goes the Question!

I was packing for Memphis when I had a call from Danielle. Her greeting was a giveaway of her excited mood. I rambled about why I was going to Memphis, why I had waited until the last minute to pack and why I could not find anything to wear for the weekend. When I finally caught my breath I said, anyways, enough about me, what about you? She said, I’m engaged! I started screaming immediately. I was so honored that I was one of the first to be called. After I talked to her a few minutes about the details of the engagement, Danielle gave Court the phone. I told him that he totally surprised me because I thought that they would for sure have a New Year’s engagement. He said that it was something that he had been praying about for the past weeks, and that everything was on God’s timing. As I listened to his story, it was so refreshing to hear that he had placed everything in God’s hands. I am so excited about their wedding, and I can’t wait to walk down the aisle moments before Danielle with the sand between my toes. Danielle and I grew up together at First Baptist, and she is one of the girls that I have always looked to for Christian encouragement. She is such a Godly girl, and I have always admired her sweet spirit and caring words. I have gotten to know Court over the past few months, and I am so thankful that he has been placed on my path. I had to keep the engagement a secret for a few weeks so Danielle could have her candlelight, but now I can finally tell the world, COURT and DANIELLE ARE ENGAGED!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Ring... Ring... Ring...

Mary Jeanne: "Hellllloooo!! What you are you doing?"

"Ugh. Googling images of Jessica Simpson in her Dukes of Hazzard Days. I’m looking for encouragement to loose weight, and I am posting them on my refrigerator."








Thanks Daisy. I’ll let you know how it “works out”.

“What you eat in private shows in public.” Mary J. Blige’s trainer

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Goodnight Julia

To celebrate my single digit birthday’s, it was tradition for my grandmother and grandfather to take me to Wal-Mart, so I could choose a gift. Every year, I would select a poster that reflected an interest of the past 365 days. My most cherished poster is the country heartthrob, Billy Ray Cyrus. My family always said I had the Cyrus Virus, because I had a crush on him the size of Texas. Achy Breaky Heart was my favorite song, and it reminds me of the rides in my cousin’s car. I always wanted Monica to babysit me because she went to prom with my childhood crush, Chad Holland, she cheered for the Wildcats at Trammel Stadium and she wore my favorite lip-gloss. We would ride in her car, and I always requested a specific country cassette. I never sold my Billy Ray poster in a yard sale, because he is an important memory from my childhood. So for Emily’s birthday two years ago, I wanted to give her something she could remember forever. As our friendship formed, I quickly learned her favorite movie was My Best Friend’s Wedding, so from there, I look the initiative to order the 27 x 40 poster from Amazon. My grandmother owns a frame shop, and we had a few phone discussions to decide the proper outline for Julia Roberts. Rebecca brought Julia and all her glory back to Auburn the weekend before Emily’s birthday, and when I went to her house on Norwood Avenue I was shocked to see the size the gift. Julia and I fought our way down the hall of Berta Dunn, and Jordon helped me position her onto Em’s bed while she was in class. Julia is our very own Mona Lisa. Jordon, Annie, Emily and I wished Julia a goodnight as we crawled into bed, we placed her in the window for display, and we had big plans of driving her around town. To me, Julia represents our wonderful year on the ADPi Hall. We were members of a 24-hour slumber party, and it wasn’t unusual for our President to knock on the door and issue a strict, be quite. The poster reminds me of mine and Annie’s late night talks in the bathroom, Jordon’s cravings for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts and Em’s In-Flu-Enza nightgown and slightly broken eyeglasses. So today, not only do we have Groundhog’s Day to celebrate, but we also have Emily Harmon’s birthday to celebrate. Here’s to you Em, thanks for allowing me to be the person I am, thanks for loving me unconditionally and thanks for always being there for me. You love the Lord and your life exemplifies His character. You are joyful, uplifting and of course, down to earth. So from Julia and me, good morning Emily and Happy Birthday.