You know, I go to work so I can host a photography shoot in the backyard of the Wren’s Nest for a team of burlesque dancers dressed as goblins who have, incidentally, brought a keg of beer.

(Photo by Derek Jackson)

See?

Now, this warrants an explanation, but I don’t think it’ll make any more sense than it does now.

Here’s the deal. My buddy Erin helped out at the Wren’s Nest Fest, painting faces and being generally awesome.

(Hoola-hooping in cowboy boots. Like I said–awesome!)

Erin happens to be the captain of Black Sheep Burlesque. She also happens to produce photo shoots. Upon seeing our backyard, she said, “Lain! You know what this would be perfect for?”

And then I said, “Um, a house museum!”

“No! A photo shoot where Black Sheep Burlesque dresses up as goblins! I’ll produce it. We’ll have three highfalutin professional photographers host it, and then charge an entrance fee for other photographers to join us, and the call it Goblins in the Garden! Don’t let the burlesque part worry you–it’s all PG. Oh, and we’ll stay out of the house.”

This really resonated with me. At least the part about the burlesque troupe. I think I stopped listening after that. She’s real tricky, that Erin.

Anyway,you can find more Derek’s pictures here, more pictures by other photographers here, and I’ll be sure and let you know when the professionals let me see their work.

You know, the Nuwaubians: that religious cult that built so much faux-Egyptian religious iconography on their compound in Eatonton, Ga? The same Eatonton, Ga that Joel Chandler Harris is from?

Yes, that photo was taken in Georgia, and boy howdy have I got news for you! From photographer Anderson Scott:

Atlanta Magazine is going to publish some more Nuwaubia pictures from the same series in its next issue. There will be a show of many of the pictures from Atlanta Mag. & Oxford American at Eyedrum Gallery opening June 23.

Who’s coming with me? Carson, you’re in. The rest of you, let me know: lain@wrensnestonline.com or via the comments below.

If you’re not sure or confused, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Take a look at this: Audio Slide Show – The Nuwaubians of Putnam County, Ga

For those of you expecting Wren’s Nest or Joel Chandler Harris news today (ahem, mom): tough! You’ll have to wait until next time when my brain isn’t so preoccupied with poison ivy or Nuwaubians.

]]> http://www.wrensnestonline.com/blog/nuwaubian-news/feed/ 8 http://www.wrensnestonline.com/blog/spring-is-still-springing/ http://www.wrensnestonline.com/blog/spring-is-still-springing/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:59:29 +0000 carson http://www.wrensnestonline.com/blog/spring-is-still-springing/

After that freak snowfall we had a few weeks ago, it seems the quality of the weather is rapidly on the upswing. A bit like soy products, which I’ve noticed are becoming more popular by the day (see: soynut butter, midnight snack extraordinaire).

I had a “moment” in the backyard this morning, when the sky was cerulean and the clouds were lounging about like sleepy Spring Break-ers. In the middle of the West End, I felt like I was in the country, far from the noise and pace of the big city.

I happened to notice how “mowed” the grass looked and how “swept” the brick path and how “freshly pruned” the rose garden. Those of you who attended the Writer’s Service Day this past weekend, bravo. Good work with that.

Taking a deep breath of crisp, fragrant air, and silently thanking the convection currents for bringing us this fine Spring weather, I climbed the steps to the back door. Lain, who apparently spent some Quality Time with a mysterious green plant this Saturday, was there to greet me. He was covered in poison ivy.

Thanks to the Wilderness First Aid course I took this past weekend (note: having a WFA certification should be a new requirement for all Wren’s Nest interns) I knew just what to do: I went straight to CVS for some hydrocortisone cream.

Not everything Spring-related is worth clicking your heels for. But at least this particular menace is treatable. Or so the merchandiser in lane 17 proclaims.

This is Star, appreciating the Spring:

I’ve recently been marveling at how beautiful the backyard at the Wren’s Nest is. The sprawling, tree-shaded lawn, winding pebbled path, the huge tree overlooking the storytelling garden, the wysteria terrace, the rustic amphitheater and engraved stone promenade–they all make me want to jump for joy. Wouldn’t you love to attend a concert here, or a wedding, or a block party, or perhaps a full day of music, storytelling, free t-shirts, food and fun?

Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars for June 9^th. I’m talking about Wren’s Nest Fest 2007. It’s going to be off the hook like the winter coat you never had the patience to hang up right. It promises to be more thrilling than a petting zoo, more educational than the Discovery Channel, more witty than an episode of Captain Kangaroo, and certainly the best weather we’ve had all Spring. Ha, if only I could say that with an ounce of confidence.

Stay tuned for the juicy details.