Tipsy Studio Blog

Memphis Tennessee gets a lot of negative exposure for always ranking high on the “worst of ” list. Memphis is a place with a church and a liquor store for every mile. A place where million dollar homes on one block, are next to low income families on the next. No one is fleeing anywhere, and according to my grandmother, it’s always been that way.  Memphis is the root of many creative geniuses, famous and under appreciated alike.  I can’t help but think the energy from just living in Memphis has something to do with it.

One of these Memphian’s is award winning film maker Craig Brewer. Craig is the director of the 1980′s remake, Footloose. His early film, The Poor and the Hungry, was filmed in Memphis and was the first ever digital award at the Hollywood Film Festival. I met Craig when he filmed some of this movie where I worked as a waitress. I played myself and he was nice enough to tip me for my fake customers! He supports Memphis arts and we support him.

Live from Memphis recorded an interview with Craig as part of their Nothing to See Here series. It’s great, and you can here some Memphis music! Watch it here.

Anytime is a good time to go to the beach! The best thing about living in the mid south is the short drive to the beach. We took a much needed end of Summer vacation to Orange Beach, AL.

We celebrated my BFF’s birthday this weekend by listening to the Steve Miller Band at the Dixon Gardens in Memphis, TN.  Three picnic blankets, 14 friends, cold drinks, good music, and large spread of food, can only equal a great time. The best part of the show was when they brought out 4 kids from the Stax Music Academy, and one child from the rock program to perform, “Fly like an Eagle” with Miller.

The Stax Music Academy not only honors some of the rich musical history of  Memphis, but uses it to enrich the lives of at risk youth and give them an alternative to the high levels of crime and gang activity that plague the area. Steve Miller supports these kinds of programs and is currently touring with an unbelievable child from “School of Rock” named Dylan. It was awesome to see Miller take time to do something so special for these kids, who by their incredible music skills worked very hard for it.

I love the texture and the mysterious qualities of buildings that carry a long history. What is more creepy cool than a country store? This store is located between Vicksburg and Natchez Mississippi.
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I recently visited Rosealie Mansion in Natchez, Mississippi. This home was built in 1823 and overlooks the Mississippi river. What I love most about old homes is learning how they were designed to function for the lives of the people that lived there. Old Southern homes have their decoration, but they are also built to make the best of the smothering heat and bugs that come with the many months of warm weather.
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There are so many museums in Washington I think it would be impossible to see everything in one trip. I tried to see a little of everything, rather than spending several hours in one place.
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Walking so much of the day visiting museums is exhausting, and really works up an appetite. With Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Georgetown surrounding our hotel, the Hilton, we had a great time trying out our options.

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