Author name: aliciadowellAdmin

Here are the things I learned from the Hope Watermelon Festival this year: 1. Rain will not stop people. Really it wasn’t too bad even with the rain. It didn’t get too hot and the sun did finally come out. Seriously though, the rain did not stop people from coming out. I really thought there would hardly be anyone that morning. To my surprise, it was pretty busy. Maybe the rain dampened some plans however, things were still full in swing. 2. My SUV will get stuck in the mud. Found this one little gem out the hard way. By this point, I was ready to go. Glitter Bug came back to where all the family was(she was with other family so it was all good.) and I was ready to go spend time with her since she stayed with Great-Grandparents for two nights in a row. Boy did she look like a drowned rat with tangles all in her hair. I didn’t get a picture of how she looked but trust me it was not pretty. So we get ready to leave and next thing I know, the car is not moving anymore. Thank goodness, family was there. After a couple of pushes, we were on our way again. Poor bumper looks a lot worse now. The paint is peeling.  3. Punishment doesn’t always work. Back to my child who looked like she had played in the rain. She had long hair. Maybe to the middle of her back. (She is now about 4’4 inches tall. Pretty tall for a 7 year old) If her hair is left down it looks like it hasn’t been brushed ever. We have tried everything to get her to put it up with no chance. So off to the salon to get it cut. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s her hair and she wants long hair. However, it needed to been trimmed too. We told her it was time to get it cut. Usually she has a fit over this but makes her think about why it is important to take care of your hair. Little did I know, she LOVES her “short” hair.  What she calls her “short’ hair. It is just below her shoulders when straight. 4. Family is always a good thing to have. I am glad to have my husband’s family. Really they are my family too. It is nice to sit down and enjoy a meal together with them. It is so awesome to have this yearly tradition of having supper together at the festival. Maybe the festival is really just one giant family gathering for us. 

Helena advertising and promotions commission sponsored this trip. All opinions are my own. When I found out I was getting to go on a trip to Helena Arkansas, I thought what is there to see there? Maybe I could see the Mississippi River and some cotton in fields for the first time in my life.(I have lived in Arkansas all my life and never saw cotton in the fields before.) I have to say I was surprised when I got to Helena. Cotton Fields This town has a deep rich history with the American Civil War. I mean literally you  see places which were there 150 years ago. You can stand in the same place Union and Confederate soldiers stood, fought, and lived.  Entrance to Fort Curtis. Fort Curtis was amazing! I mean seriously you have a complete view of what was going at one point of the war. You can(nearly) see all the batteries which surround town to protect it. And make it a Union stronghold during the Civil War.  This house is right between a couple of the batteries and the fort. It has some scars from the American Civil War. We even got a sneak peak at some of the things the city of Helena are bring back.  This is going to be a living wall for Battery C. Battery C was part of the battle which happened in Helena.  They are still working on getting this little goody ready but I have to say this will be amazing when it is finished. This Battery (kinda like a mini fort) was the only one taken during the Battle of Helena on July 4, 1863. I am going to bring Glitter Bug back so she can see all her home state has to offer. Plus there is this great view from this Battery.  There is so much more to share  about this great Delta town, Helena Arkansas. Make sure you go check out their site.  Oh,  when you do go make sure you give a shout out on twitter to this wonderful lady who took us around. 

Two  weekends ago  was amazing but scary. When The Parkwife emailed me to telling me I was going to the Arkansas Women Bloggers Conference I was over the moon!! I mean like jumping up and down in my seat excited. Hubby received a text in all caps. I could not believe I was getting to go. I started looking at everything which was being offered in the way of speakers. (Yes I had all the sessions number in the order I wanted to go to.) Of course you need a list of what you were going to pack, which I made the same evening.  I totally geeked out about going. The Friday of the conference, Hubby drove me up since as he puts it “It is safer for everyone” that I do not drive in big cities. When we pulled up, I saw all these women and wondered what was I thinking about coming to this. I have just a silly little blog and here are these awesome bloggy women. The “I am not good enough nerves” set in hard. I told Hubby, “Just keep driving. Don’t stop I can’t do this. Please take me home.” Thankfully he calmed me down and gave me the best advice he could: You are good enough to meet these women. Get out of the car and remember, Glitter Bug and I love you. See you Sunday. Walking to my cabin I was scared about who I was going to room with. I mean I don’t know anyone here beside The Park Wife and Ting’s Mom. When I opened the door to the cabin, I was greeted by chatter of these women. And instantly was asked who I was and my blog. I thought maybe this wasn’t so bad. And I was right. Cyndi  yay for yarn Jeanetta  Doctor Who fans should stick together. Vera  Cool lady Elizabeth  Hello author!! Katie  Sweetest lady These women are amazing. They talked to all of us like we had known each other for years instead of just meeting. This was their first year as well. I felt loads better about coming. They were just as new and doing good. If there is anything I can take from Saturday is this: I am important no matter what. No one can take from me.(Thanks Boo Mama) And got to here from so many authors from our state. Thank you ladies for inspiring me again. We also got another roommate.(After spiders attacked) Peggy  Awesome! I left with a real sense of all these women care. I matter and stop comparing myself to everyone.  Can’t wait till next year!! Fern Cliff P. Allen Smith Sophia Hudson Karen Stephanie I really had a great time. I met serval other people. Taylor Bradford   Gina K Julie Kohl  I am sure I have missed some but I can’t wait to go back next year and reconnect and meet new people. Alicia Dowell

This past weekend was the 37th annual Watermelon Festival. And boy was it fun! (And hot!!) Glitter Bug went Thursday and Friday with her Great-Grandparents since they are part of Rusty Wheels. This is a group of people who loved old time farm equipment. Really cool. She came home each evening all excited about Saturday since that was when we took her. I thought it would be cool for her and her Great-Grandparents to have matching shirts. Glitter Bug and her aunt helped painting shirts.   Too cute!!! AWW!!!! We didn’t stay all day, (Glitter Bug needed a nap and so did momma!) came back that evening for the family together/supper. I love how Hubby’s family has these family things more than just holidays. Of course we stayed to hear a local band, The Jason Helms Band, the watermelon idol winner and then Tracy Lawrence.  “No pictures Momma! I mean it and if you don’t I will put my hand up.” I think she meant it. It was a great time. Especially seeing all those big watermelons. (Sorry no picture of them.) Glitter Bug is already talking about next year. Maybe we will see you there!!