HELLO
Mom to Iris. Wife to Todd. Our little family lives at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Fayetteville, Arkansas. We love it here and I love sharing little bits of our life.

© 2014 sarahfortune.

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True Love Memphis Style

There are a few things that I have a total weakness for.
Kittens.
Unicorns.
Yard sales.
French fries.
Memphis.
And Justin Timberlake.

So my heart went aflutter when I saw this shot of my homeboy, JT, wearing a vintage inspired Memphis Tigers shirt.

Anyone know where I can find one?
I want. I need.

Any tips on how to remove that thing
leached onto his right hand would be fine too.

In exchange, I leave you with this video of Justin,
which is from my family’s personal home video collection.
It was taken at a talent show in Memphis back in the early 90s.

Oh yeah.
We go way back.

Maui Forever

So here I am.
Sitting in my back yard.
Blogging.
Not in Maui.

backyard blogging

Sitting in a sea of grass.
Not by the sea on sand.

That’s okay though.
I’m home after a wonderful 5 day trip.
And can now relive my amazing adventure to Hawaii
through the photos that I snapped.

I didn’t take my nice camera,
so my point-n-shoot and iPhone had to work overtime.

So here’s how my trip went.
In a few words and many, many pictures.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As a meeting planner, I’m often courted by hotels to check out their properties. Usually I decline, as it just isn’t relevant to an event that I’m planning. Sometimes though, I get invited to attend events specifically catered to me – the meeting planner. We gain continuing education credits through educational sessions (my goal is to be certified once I’m eligible), experience hotels first hand, and get to network with vendors and other planners.

This particular meeting was in Maui.
How awful.

It was my first trip to Hawaii and I have to say,
I am absolutely, positively in love.
Everything about it was incredible.
Everything.

I was slightly dreading the
8 hour flight from Dallas
but soon discovered that the long trip
and 5 hour time difference
was more than worth it.

Maui

When I arrived at the airport
I was greeted with a fresh flower lei.
(just like in the movies)

Maui

And when I arrived at the hotel
I was handed a Mai Tai.
(just like I needed)

Maui

And after check-in
I received a free pair of Maui Jim’s sunglasses
(just because)

Maui

My hotel suite at the Sheraton Maui Resort was
just perfect.
And the view from my balcony was even better.

Maui

My first night there, I went to the opening reception
on the ocean lawn.

Maui

Maui

Maui

The next two days were spent
in meetings, touring properties, networking,
and lots of eating and drinking.

Touring the Westin

Maui

Beautiful trees

Maui

Pool party lunch

Maui

with massages by the ocean.
(told ya it was awful)

Maui

Second night reception

Maui

Maui

Maui

Cotton candy sunset

Maui

A wonderful dinner seaside

Maui

Complete with entertainment

Maui

Lunch at the Ritz Carlton

Maui

Maui

Maui

Pretty flowers everywhere
The whole island smelled delicious.

Maui

Maui

Touring the Grand Wailea
Jennifer Anniston & Adam Sandler were there filming a movie!

Maui

Filming was in progress, so we couldn’t go up the stairs.

Maui

Film equipment on the set.

Maui

Maui

Final group dinner.

Maui

Maui

Once my meetings were over,
I stayed an extra day and a half to do whatever I wanted.

Maui

I finally got to go to the beach!

Maui

Maui

Maui

Where I hung out with two new friends
Cheryl and Janet, who I met at my meetings.

Maui

Maui

The tiny figure on the left is Cheryl,
who bravely jumped off the cliff.

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

My new found pals rented a convertible
and invited me to go on a mini road trip to Hana.
Yes, please!

We spent an entire day exploring rain forests and beaches.
I wrestled with the wind and a paper map in the backseat
while we drove down a curvy, one lane road
to paradise.

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

We found the road to the
black sand beach

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

Maui

My wind blown hair was lovely.
(ugly)

Maui

Quick stop for the best banana bread on earth and ginger ale.

Maui

Maui

Next stop on our map was the
red sand beach
but we got a bit off track in the small town of Hana.

Hotel Hana

Maui

Maui

Maui

The place was empty.
We had our eyes on these perfect little lawn chairs,
so we rested for a spell.

Maui

Maui

Maui

We asked for directions to the red sand beach,
but the hotel staff said they were instructed not tell tell anyone.
(apparently it was a nudist beach!)

After quite a treacherous hike,

Maui

Maui

We found the red sand beach.

Maui

But we saw no nudes.
Thank goodness.

Maui

Maui

Maui

Before heading to our last point of interest,
we stopped at Sweet Licks Goody Shack
for some Hawaiian shaved ice.

Maui

Maui

Finally, we made it to the
Seven Sacred Pools

Maui

Maui

We took the long way back to our hotel.
Back to civilization.

Parts of the journey were on a single lane dirt road.
For miles we didn’t see anything
except for wild goats
that ran out in front of our car.

Maui

Somehow me made it back in one piece..
and before 5 o’clock (when the rental car was due).

Back at the hotel we cheers’d to
new friends and a lovely day.

Maui

Maui

We sipped champagne,
as I watched my last Maui sunset.

Maui

Saturday morning was (sadly) my last day on the island.
My flight wasn’t until that night,
so I spent my morning in the sand.

Maui

It was all nice and relaxing.
Until a crazy fire broke out down the beach.

Maui

After it was safely put out,
I walked down to inspect the scene.

Maui

And with that,
my trip was over.
And I was sad.

Farewell, my Maui.
I miss you.

Maui

Love,
Sarah

Happy Days

First and foremost, happy Mother’s Day!

Old Photos

I wish I could say I spent the day with my mom, but unfortunately she’s currently in Texas and I’m here in Fayetteville.

I love you mom.
So so so much.

In other happy news, in 48 hours I will be in Maui! I’ve got so much to do before I leave, but I wanted to post a few pictures from my week before I go…

Thursday, GL and I went to the Fayetteville square for First Thursday.

First Thursday

First Thursday

First Thursday

First Thursday

Todd’s step-dad’s art was featured…

First Thursday

First Thursday

First Thursday

First Thursday

First Thursday

First Thursday

Yesterday was spent celebrating our friend Trip’s graduation.
We had fun.

Brandy and I got crafty with cookies.

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

We cheers’ed with pickles.

Trip's Graduation Party

Then we partied with friends.

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

We ate lots of weird things.

Trip's Graduation Party

I used a chocolate donut for a hotdog bun.

Trip's Graduation Party

And a caramel donut with sprinkles for a cheeseburger…

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

The night went on…

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

Trip's Graduation Party

It was a good day.

Dr. Dog and Nina

Mondays are usually dreadful, right?
Not this week. Not in Fayetteville!

Dr. Dog and Deer Tick played at George’s.
And I took pictures.
Duh.

Drinks at Kingfish before the show.

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

As soon as we got to the show, we saw Scott,
one of the lead singers from Dr. Dog.

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

I introduced myself and mentioned that we had a common friend.
Her name is Nina.
She is an amazing photographer.
Not only has she taken photos recently for Dr. Dog…


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt

But she shoots fashion shows…


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt

the occasional celebrity…


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt

captures the love of our shared hometown (Memphis)…


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt

…and just takes pretty pretty pictures.


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt


©Nina Westervelt

When I told Scott about the Nina connection,
I mentioned the promise I made to her.

That I would take lots of pictures.

Without hesitation he got down on the floor
and made this appear out of Dr. Dog merch…

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

So cute!

Deer Tick opened the show.

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Then Dr. Dog took the stage.

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

I danced with friends.
(and apparently with a random guy that only Brandy was aware of)

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

Everything sounded amazing.
My ears are still ringing.
And smiling.

I’ll always have a soft spot for Dr. Dog.
My dad walked me down the aisle at my wedding to
“Today” on Easy Beat.

Love.

Dr. Dog + Deer Tick

May Day

Happy May!

This is how I spent the first day of the month.

Grilling hot dogs & stuffing my face.

May Day

Fending off vicious dogs.

May Day

Buying Dr. Dog tickets from the comfort of a backyard blanket.

May Day

Jumping for joy.

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

More backyard lounging.

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

Cupcakes with my Cupcake.

May Day

Kickin it at Kingfish.

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

May Day

And taking this beautiful photo:

May Day