One of my favorite movies is Steel Magnolias. My freshman year of high school I was cast in the play as M'lynn. Although I wasn't thrilled of being cast as the "mom," preferring the characters of Truvy or Annelle, I did enjoy learning the script which is filled with classic one-liners that continue to solicit laughs from me even though I have heard them hundreds of times. The prevailing themes of family, close friendships, love and surviving grief fill those experiencing the hardships associated with loosing a loved one with hope and strength.

In college I conducted a study on beauty shops. I discovered people tend to trust their hair stylists more than their church leaders, family members, trusted friends, etc. It makes sense when you think about it. People tell their hair stylists everything.

My Grandma Kidd and my Great-Grandma Elliott loved getting their hair done. Every Saturday my Grandma Kidd would have her hair rolled and picked for the week. I love getting my hair done too.

My first Halloween in Biloxi, Amanda and I decided to attend a costume ball in Ocean Springs. I thought it would be fun to have my hair done for the event. Searching the internet I found a place I thought would be interesting to try. Thus, my introduction to Her Majesty's. I loved it! It was like stepping into Truvy's shop but in twenty-first century Biloxi.

I had such a great time I decided to return to have my hair done for a Mardi Gras costume ball I attended a few weeks ago. Sarah did a wonderful job. She's young, smart and very talented. I wish I had the time and money to retain her as my personal stylist. If you are looking for someone to style your hair in the Biloxi area, Sarah would be an excellent choice for anyone. If you go enjoy it. I do.

Although it doesn't look this way now, the project I started tonight at Relief Society Craft Club should resemble the wreath in the photo above when I am finished. I'm not sure how long it will take (one of the Sisters said about two hours) but I am sure it will take me a little longer.

The wreath consists of a 10" foam ring and pages from a paperback novel of your choice. I selected pages from the third Harry Potter. Distress Ink is used to antique or distress the pages and hot glue secures the folded pages to the foam base. Sounds easy right?

Now all I need is a glue gun and some extra time.

Traveling west on US Highway 90 from Ocean Springs to Biloxi stands St. Michael's Catholic Church. When I arrived in Biloxi (May 2008) the church was in need of repair. Some of the glass was broken, plaster was peeling off the roof, and the angel had been removed. As you can see, the church has been restored.

Every Sunday on my way to church I enjoy seeing cars fill the parking lot, spilling over onto the access road, which the patrons use for additional parking.

I appreciate its unique design; from the seashell-shaped roofs to the funky bands of glass to the menacing angel wielding a sword; all a reflection of Biloxi's connection to the seafood industry.

Although the church took a hard hit during Hurricane Katrina I am grateful it survived the effects of the storm. Its contribution to Biloxi's physical landscape is undeniable. Like the perfect shells that adorn its roofs, the St. Michael's Catholic Church is a Gulf Coast treasure.

by a tooth. That's what Dad is doing inside this giant gator mouth. The gator sits outside Souvenir City, a pink and green two-story building that occupies a portion of my view to the east. Although I have never been inside, I have been dying to get a photo taken inside the gator mouth.

Today, I asked Dad if he would mind. Luckily, he obliged. Its a good picture of him.

I'm also glad he was able to come down. The weather isn't as warm as I hoped it would be but the sun is shining and it was a lovely afternoon for a walk.

We strolled west along the beach to the old harbor before turning east for Souvenir City. Weather permitting we may walk again tomorrow. Either way, I am looking forward to an enjoyable week with some great company.

Finding a hair stylist is never easy for me. Its one of the things I hate about moving. Once I find someone I trust, its difficult for me to let go and move on. Even after moving from Washington to Biloxi I flew back to D.C., the first year, to have my hair done every other month. Although I loved my stylist I could no longer afford him, in addition to, lodging expenses, cab fare, etc.

So, I began searching for a temporary replacement. For almost a year I went to a place in Mobile. It was fine. Great location. Friendly staff but too often I left unhappy with the results.

I decided to resume my search. Surfing the Internet, I found fantastic reviews for this place in New Orleans, Spa Isbell. One of the reviewers had even posted pictures of her hair. It was gorgeous! She said she flew from New York to New Orleans just to have her hair done by one of the stylist. Sound familiar?

Hopeful, I dialed Spa Isbell and made an appointment. I'm glad I did.

Housed in a historic building on Magazine Street (Lower Garden District) the atmosphere hearkens of cool salons in any major cities. All the stylists are women and they all have killer hair. A very good sign when searching for a new salon.

Two things I appreciate is their sensitivity to time, meaning I am in and out, instead sitting for five hours or more in a salon when I would rather be showing off my hair. Second, their prices are reasonable. Paying to have my hair done in D.C. was equivalent to a car payment. Ridiculous. Here it isn't.

The only thing I wish they would do is offer me a drink; have a cold Diet Coke on hand for me to sip while I'm waiting. The place in Mobile always had Diet Coke, which is one of the things I did like about them. Don't get me wrong. It doesn't make or break the place. Its just something I would like to see, and if they are opposed to offering Diet Coke, than bottled water would suffice. Something to make me, their client, feel more "at home."

If you find yourself looking for a great stylist on the Gulf Coast, I guarantee you will find one at Spa Isbell. Tell them I sent you.

Three days ago the world lost a musical genius. Although you may not recognize his name, I am certain you are familiar with his work. Barry, a native of York, England, wrote the scores for most of the early James Bond films. He was responsible for collaborating with DuranDuran on the music for A View to a Kill which I consider to be one of the greatest decisions ever because it produced some of the greatest music ever.

In addition, he wrote scores for Dances With Wolves, Out of Africa, and the theme song for Somewhere in Time.

Thank you John Barry for filling the world with beautiful music to live and love by. You will live on because your music will never die.

is a wonderful month. Why? First, because it is NOT January.

In February Americans celebrate the President's Day holiday but not before joining the world in celebration of the other holiday, Valentine's Day. It is due to the later holiday, February is often recognized as the month of love.
I love calendars. I always have. I love buying calendars with themes. I love buying calenders that have a page for each day of the year and once the day is through you rip it off and throw it away. Personally I prefer tearing my page off the following day when I arrive at the office. Its the perfect way to begin a work day; by ripping something. It makes me feel like I have accomplished something that required little to no effort at all. A delayed sense of gratification for a tiny pleasure I could have enjoyed the day before.

I also have a single calendar sheet for the month that I mark on. I especially enjoy striking a fat blue line through a finished day, after ripping the page off my other calendar. Progress!

The third calendar in my office is for show and was a gift from a loved one. So, I do not mark on this calendar, PERIOD. The theme is horses and is a sweet reminder of our shared love for this majestic creature.

The fourth calendar I keep at home. Like my third office calendar, the fourth is aesthetic.

This year I purchased a Planet Earth calendar for my office. It wasn't my first choice but I have owned so many calendars over the years that I am running out of themes. One Mary Engelbreit calendar is enough, even if it was eight years ago.

My "house" calendar is Gone With the Wind. Although my Mom hated this movie I LOVE it and I LOVE my calendar. Clark Gable as Rhett Butler is so sexy. I love everything about him and I especially love seeing him everyday in my kitchen. The picture for the month of February is shown above except the calendar includes a quote from the movie.

So, in celebration of the new month and in recognition of its designation as the month of love I share Rhett's declaration of love with you to enjoy. It may be fictional, but its still beautiful and worth repeating. Happy February everybody!

Today I learned the Atlanta Temple, which has been closed for the past two years for renovations, is scheduled to be rededicated on your birthday! I only wish you were still here to share it with me. I think of the Atlanta Temple as "our" temple because of the work we did there together. The memory of that day I will cherish forever. I only wish we could have attended the temple more often together.

Today also marks the third year since your passing. I can't believe its only been three years. It seems like an eternity since I last saw you. In addition, so much has happened since I last wrote. Joshie and Lauren are expecting a baby! And guess what? It's a boy! They plan to name him after Grandpa Kidd and Uncle Clyde so his name will be Jett Edward Kidd. That means he will have your initials JEK. I hope you appreciate that.

You should see the nursery. Its perfect! Josh and Lauren decided on the Beatles Yellow Submarine as the theme. A huge yellow submarine floats on the wall above the crib, while Bonkers with green apples perched atop their heads hide in the corner. I absolutely love it and am very proud of them for being creative for and loving parents to a baby they have yet to meet. Needless to say, we are all very excited about the new addition to our little family and we all wish you were here to enjoy him too. My biggest regret is that baby Jett will never know his Grandma Kidd although Lauren and Josh have your photo hanging in the nursery. Its a lovely black and white one of you and Josh. I think you would like that.

Baby Jett is due to arrive on March 12th. It will be interesting to see if he comes early, on time, or a little late. I am hoping he arrives a little early so I can swing a rotation to see him but we'll see.

Another bit of news that I haven't shared with you, through letter, is the arrivals of Little Bit and Neville. Little Bit is a stray kitten Josh and Lauren rescued. They brought her to the Cat Farm and she's been a companion to Mary and Zu ever since. She may be little but she is all heart and she LOVES Mary and Zu. Her playfulness is a breath of fresh air and I know you would absolutely adore her.

Neville is a Bassett Hound whom we all love. He smells terrible but is so well behaved. His absolute joy in life is to be rubbed on his belly. He also enjoys wizzing on everything. Taking walks with Neville is a breeze because he stops every five minutes to urinate on something. Despite the body odor and his relentless urge to piss I feel lucky to have him at the farm and look forward to seeing him again.

Speaking of the farm...it seems I will be spending more time there than I anticipated this summer. My time in Biloxi is coming to a close. I knew it was a possibility but didn't anticipate it would happen this early in the year. I have no idea what I will do regarding future employment but hope when this door closes God will open either another door or at least a window. We'll see. If nothing else, having time off will afford me plenty of opportunities to spend time with the baby and help Dad out on the farm. Dad has plans to plant a big garden this year and it will be nice to help him with that. In addition, I can manage the "livestock" (Dad reference for Neville and the cats) and work on my tan.

There are so many more things to share. I would like to think, however, that you already know about them because you are still actively involved in my life. I don't know if I imagine it but sometimes I think I feel you near. Its not great but it beats the complete aloneness I felt before. I hope with time that sense of closeness increases.

Today and every day you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray wherever you are, you feel peace and more love than we were capable of showing you. I love you Mammy and miss you more than I can say. I can't wait to see you again but until that day I am going to LIVE. No more moping and doping around my apartment. You didn't bring me into this world to waste my life. You brought me here so I could live and grow and progress according to Heavenly Father's plan so when my time on earth is through I will have no regrets. That is my goal. I want to take full advantage of the life you gave me to live. I have a long way to go and a lot more to accomplish but I hope wherever you are I am and will continue to make you proud.

Love you forever-

Sissy

are a contemporary addition to the Mississippi Gulf Coast post Hurricane Katrina. I wish I could take credit for coining the phrase Taj Ma Toliets but that belongs to someone who will remain anonymous.

The Taj Ma Toliets can be classified as new construction. They were not here when I arrived to the Coast almost three years ago. I think the design is interesting. The entrance is Palladianesque with a central rounded arch sandwiched between two flat arches, one on either side. Pretty impressive for beach bathrooms. Its unfortunate, between hurricanes, the economy and the recent oil spill, they are not being utilized as anticipated. Perhaps 2011 will change that. One can always hope.

I saw the woman on the left for the first time last Thursday when I went to retrieve my Mardi Gras costume from Josette's, the greatest costume shop I've ever been in. I was immediately fascinated by her hair, dress, makeup...everything. She reminds me of Pauley Perrette's character Abby Sciuto on my favorite show, NCIS.

Although I didn't speak to her then, Amanda and I ran into her at the Les Badineurs ball last night. She not only dresses cool but she is cool and mysterious in a way I will never be.

She embodies, in my opinion, a very distinct subculture that is deeply rooted along the Gulf Coast, especially in New Orleans. A subculture who borrows from the history of its people. A people who've inhabited this area for centuries but whose genesis began in Spain, France, Germany, the Caribbean and the West Indies. A history that involves pirates and voodoo. Its evident in the skull and cross bones, the feathers, beads and fleur-de-lis that accent their clothes and embellish their bodies. Although hints of this subculture can be found all over the world, from now on, whenever I see it, I will think of the Gulf Coast and its people.

it's just a phase, I'll get over it, one day, but for now I am loving Ore Ida's Three Cheese Bagel Bites. They are perfect for someone like me who craves pizza but can not find a decent slice anywhere on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

My sister-in-law, Lauren, served these at my brother's surprise birthday party last November. Since then, I have been searching the frozen foods aisles of Rouses, Winn-Dixie, and Wal-Mart. I finally found them at Winn-Dixie.

Priced a little over $2 they are an inexpensive alternative to eating a pizza out or even ordering one in. If you are looking for a cheap, easy way to satisfy a pizza craving look no further than Ore Ida's Bagel Bites cause Ore Ida's Bagel Bites are all right.

This afternoon, while standing in a check-out line at Winn-Dixie, I decided to purchase the February 2011 issue of O magazine. I have never purchased a copy of O before. NEVER. I normally thumb through the outdated editions lying around during pedicures or hair appointments, after perusing the latest edition of Cosmo, Elle, Glamour, Vogue, People, or even Southern Living. O never appealed to me as an age appropriate magazine for single, sophisticated thirty-somethings. However! This evening my curiosity got the better of me. Maybe its the new year, maybe its the full moon or perhaps its a sign I'm aging, who knows? But after reading through the February's issue of O, I have to admit, I really enjoyed the upbeat tone of the magazine's contents. Instead of focusing on dieting, exercise and sex, the O magazine focuses on healthy, holistic living minus the obsession with beauty, fashion and men. The articles are informative and thought provoking without being risque or edgy. O magazine is a welcome alternative to, well, the alternatives.

February may be the first issue I've purchased but I'm certain it will not be my last. Imagine that!

I became entangled in Disney's animated film classic, Tangled. I'm so glad I did. I loved it! Every minute. The songs were fun, the animation was great, the characters engaging. I loved Maximus, I loved Rapunzel, I loved the chameleon, but most of all I loved the theme of light and its connection to familial and even romantic love. Light was used to heal. Ultimately, light guided Rapunzel back to her family saving her from a life on enslavement and despair.

My favorite scene in the entire movie is depicted in the photo above. The idea of launching thousands of floating lanterns into the night sky is beautiful. I would love to see something like it one day. Perhaps Disney will construct a Tangled theme park where annually thousands of glowing lanterns are launched into the night sky for hopeless romantics like me. Perhaps I will make this thought a dream because "way down deep inside we all have dreams."

Today I received confirmation I have officially paid off ONE of my student loans!!!! Although I still owe way more than I care to think about, but constantly do anyway, I am excited to have this over $13k loan paid off. I have been making significant payments on this loan since August 2008 and am so relieved, I'm done. Now I can focus on the remaining amount. If all goes as planned, I hope to have another loan paid off by May.

Sharing this may seem trivial, but to me they are HUGE. I hate being in debt. I hate feeling obligated financially to anything or anyone. My goal is to rid myself of this burden as quickly as I possibly can. Since completing my graduate studies, paying off my student loans has been a top priority. I long for the day when I can make decisions free of financial worry or obligation. I yearn for a time when I can focus my energies on buying a home and a new car or investing in a small business such as a bee and berry farm. Until that day, I will be marking time and paying dimes to free myself of that ball-and-chain known as student loans.

I declare 2011 the year Boo gets her groove back!

Although it's only ten days into the New Year, I feel I have so much to look forward to this year.

For the first time in years, I feel hope. Hope that 2011 can be a truly great year.

Hope that laughter instead of grief will fill our homes and hearts.

Hope our family will experience new life without the loss of another.

Hope we will be able to live, really live, without, or in spite of, fear.

Hope that with the arrival of Jett a small piece of my Mother will be restored to us.

Hope this baby will unite our family in a spirit of love and wonder, for the miracle of life.

It may be foolish for a person like me to hope, especially considering all that has happened over the past three years, but hope I must and live I must. It's time!

This means taking the time to exercise and eat right. It means no longer neglecting the seemingly small and insignificant things. It means dancing around my apartment whenever I feel like it without feeling a twinge of guilt for having fun. It means reading the Book of Mormon and studying my scriptures daily. Will I be perfect? No way! But the important thing is I'm trying.

I have so much to be grateful for and look forward to. So again, I declare, 2011 to be the year Boo gets her groove back 'cause there ain't nothin' wrong with groovin'! Care to join me?

Little Bit came to the Cat Farm through Josh and Lauren after they discovered her at their house. When she came into our family she was a tiny, undernourished baby with hair missing on the tip of her tail. Although she loved Mary and Zu from the start, it was evident they didn't return the sentiment especially, when Little Bit was constantly trying to attack or play with them. It was also clear they didn't appreciate Little Bit standing in the food bowl while they were trying to eat and boy, does she eat.

Since her arrival Little Bit has transformed into a healthy, confident kitten who loves to play and snuggle with Mary and Zu (who have since accepted her despite her lack of bowl-side manners). Little Bit loves people and is absolutely fearless, something I marvel at because of her size. I have become so protective of her, often carrying her while walking Neville so she does not get left behind. I also love how I can call her name and watch as she runs towards me and jumps into my outstretched arms, purring so loud it resembles a tiny motor.

Little Bit loves climbing trees, which she is very good at, and playing with Mary and Zu's latest kills. She is also becoming fast friends with Neville, who licks her face generously whenever she allows it.

She may be small in size but she is all heart and she has mine.

I had never heard of Ski, or at least that's what I thought, until my brother pointed out Ski is mentioned in the 90's hit country song "Dumas Walker." Thinking it would be impossible to find, a friend and I spotted some on the shelves of Kroger in Richmond, Kentucky and grabbed it. If you enjoy Mountain Dew and Sprite you may appreciate Ski, which is a marriage of the two. If you are pregnant, however, this drink is not for you. It is loaded with caffeine. So do not drink it before bedtime. However, if you are looking for a novelty drink with a little kick, Ski is the beverage for you.

is wonderful for so many reasons. Families and friends congregate to participate in religious or social customs, whether recently established or recognized for generations. My Mother loved the Christmas season. Although she was fiercely independent, her childlike enthusiasm during Christmas made it truly special for everyone around her.

In the weeks separating Thanksgiving and Christmas, our family gathered around the television to watch Frank Capra's timeless tale, "It's a Wonderful Life," not just once, but several times. My Mother never tired of it.

As a child it was just a nice story we watched during the holidays. As I grew older and understood the beautiful concepts the movie conveyed, i.e., Heavenly Father is aware of us, He loves us and wants us to succeed, the power of forgiveness, as you lose yourself in service to others you find something greater, the importance of families and friends, the reality of an afterlife where you continue to grow and progress, and the divine nature of every individual, like my Mother, I found myself crying every time the movie concluded.

Despite my Mother's passing, I continue the tradition of watching "It's a Wonderful Life" every Christmas. Now, however, instead of crying at the movie's end, I cry all the time. Every time I remember something she said, I cry. Every time I remember her laughing about a scene, I cry. Every time I hear hymns sung in the movie, I cry. I can not help it. I just do and I probably will for the rest of my life.

I am so grateful for every holiday I spent with my Mother. I miss the Christmas traditions she started and we fail to keep without her. I miss how warm and beautiful she made our home. I miss the music that started in the living room but floated down the hall and into bedrooms until it penetrated every corner, making it impossible to escape. I miss the little decorations we put up each year like the Santa door knob covers, the nativity scene, the Santa boots she painted and hand crafted ornaments Joshie and I made in school. I miss snuggling up on the couch, lights out, hot chocolate in hand, discussing a myriad of subjects while looking at the Christmas tree.

With her, we really did have a wonderful life. Thanks Mom for giving us so many Christmas memories to cherish.

Love you forever-

Sissy

Do women, LDS or otherwise, have difficulty finding modest, fashionable nightgowns? I do. In fact, its a challenge I have come to dread. I often wear my nightgown until its thin or ratty, sometimes both, in order to postpone the search for a replacement.

Not only are modest, fashionable nightgowns almost impossible to find, they are significantly more expensive than other sleepwear.

I purchased the nightgown above from the website HerRoom. I have never purchased anything from this website before and hope to have a positive experience.

I am interested to know if anyone has information for vendors or boutiques that carry modest, fashionable nightgowns. If so, please share.

My new Friday night ritual. Curious? Catch it on the Travel Channel Friday nights 9PM EST/8PM CST. Then let me know what you think.