Le Petit Prince

Rollins celebrated nine months yesterday surrounded by a bevy of adoring ladies at Olexa's cafe. I cannot imagine any way in which he could be more adorable, more charming and more good-natured. He is indeed a little prince.

The first photo was taken by Prince Rollins' photographer mother Kat. She is also responsible for the recent updating of On.a.Whim's look.

Brinner with B.

Last night, after a glorious jog in Birmingham's spring-like weather, b. and I settled in for a delicious home-cooked brinner.

Brinner for those of you who do not yet know, is breakfast for dinner; a special treat my mom used to make on occasion when we were wee things. I'm not quite sure why, but this normally early morning meal is even more scrumptious in the evening.

Some of my favorite brinner items include Cream of Wheat, scrambled salmon eggs, buttermilk biscuits, quiche, blueberry maple sausage and the list could go on and on...

Have you ever tried brinner? If so, what is your favorite variation?

HAPPY FRIDAY ON.A.WHIM FRIENDS!

A Spirit That is Not Afraid

Check out these great T-shirts that have sprouted up to combat the Toomer’s Corner tree poisonings: http://www.cafepress.com/WarOakEagle


I just love when individuals strive to turn evil to good and bring beauty from ashes. The Auburn family is indeed proving itself to be “a spirit that is not afraid.” I’m so proud to be an Auburn Tiger!

Tear It Up Thursdays: To the Batcave!

On March 26, 2011 a swarm of superheroes will storm through the streets of downtown Mobile saving this great, old city from imminent peril. SuperKat, Sir Rollins, my cousins and hopefully a-very-special-someone-else will be among this valiant throng scurrying our way through the ‘the most beautiful and historic sections of Mobile.’

In its 34^th year, the Azalea Trail Run (10K, 5K, 1 mile fun run) will benefit the Superhero Foundation of Mobile - a group dedicated to the crusade against child abuse whose motto is, “every child needs a hero; an abused child needs a Superhero.” Instead of our regular Nike, UnderArmour or Saucony garb, us racers will be adorned in superhero costumes.

Now, as this is Tear-It-Up-Thursday (not to be confused with Tear-It-Up-Tuesday), I thought that it was most important that before I begin any training regime, I must decide upon my racing costume. After all, looks trump ability every day of the week.

So, below are a few options I’m considering. If you have any better ideas, please do share.

Now........TO THE BATCAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Special Valentine's Day

I hope you are enjoying this day of love – yet another opportunity to thank our gracious Father for bestowing upon us so many blessings including dear relationships that make the difficulties of life bearable and bring joy and laughter to our hearts. Already, this is the best On.a.Whim Valentine’s Day ever. Although I will not yet divulge the main reason for this highest ranking (no, you will NOT drag it out of me!), I hope to in the near future.

Handmade cards are the best, and my little man Rollins was more than able to please with this one:

Here is a recent pic of the handsome little mister with his beautiful mother:

Kat and I drove up to Nashville for a short trip. She became a master photographer, and I caught up with Jen and Zach. Good times were shared by all. Enjoy the below photos from a lovely, full weekend.

I picked up my dream car after years of wishing, hoping and praying:

We enjoyed brunch at this fun little Nashville breakfast nook:

Jennifer made Valentine's Day cookies.

Zach and I read her the directions and offered emotional support from the couch while we watched the original Superman:

Also on Saturday, Richard and Marlene (affectionately a.k.a. Mosquito and Grasshopper) celebrated 59 years of true love. Sadly I couldn't immediately locate a good pic of the two lovebirds together, but this funny oldie will have to suffice:

And tonight I get to share a homemade Valentine's dinner with one of my dearest friends Katie who has been leading wilderness therapy trips in Utah and is in town for a quick trip.

Hope you and your loved ones enjoy this Valentine's Day!

With Love,

Cricket

*Tear-It-Up Tuesday will be on Thursday this week. Please stay tuned.

Tear It Up Tuesdays: The BOSU Ball

Welcome back to Tear-It-Up Tuesdays! After a slight break over the past month and a half, I'm excited to get back into this weekly routine. I'll share running posts over the couple of weeks in preparation for March's Azalea Trail 10K, but today -- the BOSU Ball!

A BOSU Balance Trainer, or BOSU ball as it is often called, "is a fitness tool consisting of an inflated rubber hemisphere attached to a rigid platform. It is also referred to as the 'blue half-ball,' because it looks like a stability ball cut in half."

I didn't know this, but the name is an acronym which stands for "BOth Sides Up." It refers to the two ways a BOSU ball can be positioned. The BOSU is often used for balance and core training and can be positioned with the ball up or on the ground.

So, first I'm going to demonstrate a simple squat on the BOSU. This exercise strengthens your core, glutes, hamstrings and quads. The more comfortable you get on the tilty platform, the deeper you can go into your squat. I'd begin with three sets of 10 squats then increase as you feel comfortable.

For our guest expert today I invited my co-worker John. A fitness specialist and certified personal trainer, John will be demonstrating a more advanced version of the above exercise by holding two, 12 lb weights at his sides.

Another way to modify this exercise is to hold a weighted bar above your head while you squat. This will further challenge your balance and also provide a workout for your arms.

Happy Squatting!

In the Air

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

Happy Monday Dear Ones. I have good news: there are only 41 more days until spring!

Which means: Easter, the Azalea Trail 10K, my birthday, farmers' markets, fresh flowers, and kittens & puppies galore!

This morning I was so excited by this prospect that I put on my new spring peep-toe booties (purchased with part of my tax refund – first time EVER to finish my taxes early) along with a cute new dress and matching cream tights. I practically flew out my front door and down the three steps where I proceeded to tumble face forward in an extremely ungraceful, unladylike manner. Though my tights were soiled and I gained yet another nasty bruise on my knee, I simply picked myself up and carried on. Nothing –not even humiliation— will take away my spring fever joy today!

Have a lovely day!