A Slice of Bama

This past weekend I went home to Alabama to celebrate "Faux Mother's Day" with my parents since I won't be able to make it home for the actual holiday.  We live in the country in the same home that we've been in since I was born (that my father built). I always love being home--being out in the country, hanging with my parents, eating great home cooked meals, spending time with our pets--it always brings me back down to earth.  I even crave it a lot of times.  

I planned while I was home to take a lot of photos of the land--it's so green and beautiful there--especially now in the Spring.  

Photos like this one...

Or this...

But instead, they all seemed to come out looking more like this...

And this...

And then even this...

But seriously...can you blame me?!  Look. at. that. face.  That's Gabe...the newest Tabor...and my newest obsession.  He deserves his very own post (obviously), so I will save all the gushy details of my love for him for now.  Wait until you see all the amazing photos I took of him this weekend.  Seriously.  It's impossible for him not to take the best picture of all time...every.single.time. 

At least I managed to combine the two (outdoor shots with a little bit of Gabe) at times...

And squeeze in one or two of the blooming plants around the property...

But wait...what's this??  Oh yes. Another earth-shatteringly cute picture of Gabe.  This time he's in the pool, y'all!

Ok, ok.  Moving on.  For now. 

Maybe shooting outdoors somewhere Gabe is not around may be less distracting.  

Like Downtown.  On the river.

I found it hard to get away from this tree.  Spanish Moss. Probably top 5 in the reasons why I loved growing up in that area.  Trees like this are everywhere along the river. I really can't think of many things more beautiful.  

While home, there was a benefit that some friends put together for Habitat for Humanity at a restaurant on the river called The New Orleans Bar & Grill.  There was a rib-off and some friends played music.

I like this shot a lot because you can see the river and The Edmond Pettus Bridge in the background...

It was a great event and I'm glad I was able to go.  Catching up with old friends, seeing some play music, while participating in something for a great cause.  Made my trip home that much better.  I do wish I had gotten a shot of the ribs from the rib-off, though.  The ones I tried were unreal.  

FYI--check out the band.  The name is Lowdown South.  

And, of course, while home I ate some seriously good food...as always.  

Mom's untouchable (trust me, I've tried) mashed potatoes...

And her grits...

How she can take two of the most basic foods and turn them into the most amazing things you have ever tasted, I will never know.  But I'm pretty sure the answer to that lies mostly with one word...Butter. I've learned to not watch the process and just sit back and enjoy.  There's always plenty of time to work it off.  And it's so, so, so worth it. 

Dad's pancakes.  A Sunday morning Tabor tradition.  Oh I love them.  

Grilled-out burgers.  Also one of my favorite things.  As you can see, though, by the time I am done with it, it's a bit more green than most would want.  What can I say?!  I love an over-dressed burger.  

  

You can see why I always seem to come back to Nashville 5 lbs happier, right?

So that's my trip home in a nutshell.  Family...pets...outdoors...great food.  And this time a little extra friend time and music, as well.  Pretty great way to spend a Faux Mother's Day.  

Of course I can't leave without one more.  

Pic of Gabe, that is...

 Obsessed.  
And I'm pretty OK with that.  
 

The Last Waltz / The Belcourt

Last night a group of us saw The Last Waltz at The Belcourt Theatre.  If you are not familiar, The Last Waltz is the Martin Scorcese' directed film documenting The Band's final show at The Winterland Ballroom in 1976 with guest musicians such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris, Eric Clapton...the list goes on and on.  

(Yes, I am that girl who sometimes sneaks photos during a movie.)

In short, it's amazing.  I've seen lots of bits and pieces before but had never watched the full movie in one sitting until last night.  Definitely the best way I could have seen it for the first time was at The Belcourt. Such a cool experience--with the large screen and loud theatre--along with a crowd responding with the original audience--all of it made it feel almost like you were there.  I loved it. 

This was one of my favorite experiences I've had in Nashville so far.  Such a great theatre (and obviously great film).  Nashville is so lucky to have this historical gem--and especially for me--only blocks from my place.  I am ashamed to say that I definitely do not take advantage of it enough.  I really want to plan from here forward to go whenever possible. 

So great. 

Next Belcourt stop for me:  The Beatles' Yellow Submarine playing May 10, 12, and 17.  

Levon forever. 

Jessica Lea Mayfield at The High Watt

I have a few {what I call} music twins in this world.  Someone who not only shares my same taste in music but can hear something and know immediately whether or not I will love it--one is one of my oldest and dearest friends who has lived (too far away) in New York for almost a decade now.  I take most music suggestions given to me , but he is one of those that when he says, "check this band/musician out!" I know to do it.  ASAP.  It will likely turn out to be one of my longtime faves. 

He heard Jessica Lea Mayfield open for someone a few years back and called me immediately because he knew I would love her.  A no-brainer considering she is incredible. But he was right.  She's been one of my favorites ever since hearing her album, With Blasphemy So Heartfelt.  You can check out this album as well as her newest here on iTunes.  

I love her not only because of her music--she has a really beautiful, unique sound--this really great simplistic rock ballad style with a folky undertone.  And the girl has one hell of a voice--just smooth.  There is nothing demanding about her music or voice.  It is just easy.  But even more so because her persona is this perfect blend of cherubic kitten (weirdest term I've ever come up with in my life--but I swear it works for her)  meets...trouble.  I just like it.  A lot.  

Of course I was in my usual front row spot.  Have to.  Really...there's no other way to do it, IMO. Allowed for some great shots...

Ah. I love her.  Text to my friend in NY after the show read, "Holy girl crush. She's incredible." 

The opener, Nashville based Birdcloud.  A couple of rough-and-tough cursing, mud-slinging mountain chicks.  Extremely entertaining. Something tells me they'd get along real well with my girls, The Coathangers.  

The High Watt pre-show. 

The guy standing next to me during the show was actually more excited about seeing David Mayfield in the audience.  Jessica's brother who he was a huge fan of and thought he'd probably join her on stage.  They sang the two encore songs together.   The last was a gospel-folk song which was amaze.

Just did a little reading up on him...he is a Nashville based musician.  Toured as her bassist for a bit and has also played with The Avett Bros.  Gotta love an uber talented family. 

Side note: check out The High Watt if you haven't already.  It is in the warehouse where Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom are.  I have seen a few bands there now and really like it.  Same feel as Mercy, but smaller.  Great little venue. 

Gotta love finding a random guitar pick laying on a Nashville stage.  Now I am plagued forever to wonder who it belonged to... 

 

Jessica Lea...you were a great note to get this blog rolling on.  You are bewitching.  Come back to Nashville soon.

First things first...

Hello world!  Welcome to my new labor of love, The Decadent Mess!  I will tell you all about why I am starting this new venture...but before beginning, I think it appropriate to introduce myself....

My name is Melissa.  

Here is a stellar photo of myself.   

Ok stellar may be a strong word but it's still pretty good representation. That's obviously me on the right (with my mouth in it's usual position).  That, naturally, is Paul Revere on the left and that's his hat (I'm sure there is some great technical term for this, but I'm going with hat in place of research) that I'm wearing.  This was taken during one of my very favorite trips to Boston this past March. 

Maybe a better photo....

Also taken during that Boston trip.  

I was born and raised in Selma, AL.   

(Sorry.  Couldn't resist.)

Since Selma, I have lived in Tuscaloosa, New York City, Atlanta, and finally...Nashville--where I plan to stay.  Forever.  

 

I have lived in Nashville now, for almost 3 years.  I live in Hillsboro Village but have also adopted Belmont and 12th Ave South as my neighborhoods as well. They are walkable from my place...and some of my favorite spots in this city are in these neighborhoods.

I do love Nashville.  The vibe, the people, the scene, and the ever-growing culture.  To me, it is perfection.  Or maybe I should say it is the city I see best suited for me.  Not only now...but for the future.  I don't see myself ever leaving this town.  There is just something about it.  It just feels right.  

I will spare the many, many photos I could include that I have taken of this city because there will be plenty of time for that in future posts.  That is, after all, what this blog is about.  

So why The Decadent Mess you ask?!

That's pretty easy, actually.  If you know me, then you most likely get it.  But for those of you who don't, allow me to explain.  

I can sum this up with many anecdotes, but let's start with this one.  I am a Clothing Designer.  Here is the final look from my runway show at Nashville Fashion Week last year. 

I design women's evening wear, but you will likely find me in jeans and flip flops most days of the week.  I am the girl that likes to start the night with an Old Fashioned at The Patterson House and end it at Melrose Billiards or The Villager.   For those of you who do not live in Nashville or if you live here and still need further explanation, the last two are the diviest of dive bars.  And this girl loves a dive bar just as much as her tailored Old Fashioned in a refined speakeasy.  

Darts at The Villager. 

To be honest, I think this sums up Nashville as a whole, actually--not just myself.  So The Decadent Mess refers to not only myself...but the city as well. The city with the perfect blend of the refined and the raw.  

Oh, and speaking of that Old Fashioned...

Had one last Thursday. It is some kind of good.   

Other things worth noting...

One of the main reasons I love this city.  You guessed it.  It's in the name.  Or the title rather.   

Music City.   

My greatest influence...music.  It is one of the main reasons I wanted to start this blog.  Because it is EVERYWHERE.  And I don't just mean playing over the speakers in your favorite bar.  I'm talking some of the greatest musicians in.the.world playing LIVE at 12th South Taproom on a Monday night.  Robert's Western World...almost any day of the week.  It's insanity to me.  I never grow immune to this and I most likely never will.  

Tonight, in fact, I get to see one of my favorites, Jessica Lea Mayfield, at the new venue, The High Watt above Cannery Ballroom.  Fitting that one of my first blog posts will be about seeing a favorite musician for the first time.  Post to follow...very excited.  If you haven't heard her music before, do it.  Now. She is an incredible song writer and not to mention, one heck of a voice.  

 

Bon Iver at The Ryman last year.  

 Atlanta based, Gringo Star at The End in January.

Also, I should note...

I like to eat. A LOT. 

That is where the 2nd most important reason for this blog comes in because luckily for me, there are some pretty excellent places that fill this indulgence of mine just fine.  

Items/spots worth mentioning right off the bat...

The Brown's Diner burger.  Yes. It is that good.  Like the best bar burger on the planet good.  Only complaint?  It's pretty difficult to stop at 1.  Just warning you.  

Loveless, loveless, loveless.  Cafe, that is.  I doubt (and certainly hope) this is not the first time you have heard this.  In fact, I hope you have eaten there at least a dozen times.  But if not, the country fried steak.  And mashed potatoes and gravy.  And greens.  And fried okra.  Feels like I'm forgetting something...THE BISCUITS.  And jam.  And that coffee is not too shabby either.  Do it.  All of it.  Often.  That is all. 

**side note:  one of my favorite things about Loveless? The drive there.  Hwy 100.  Absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite drives in Nashville.   

Blog, blog, blog...my favorite spots along with my favorite dishes from them. Best burgers in town.  Hot chicken.  Mac and Cheese. Dogs.  Let's do this. I pretty much already have. Don't worry, I started documenting my eats long before this blog was even considered.  But that will all come later.

Alright, introduction over...time to stop.  For now.  

Until next time...