My grandparents were married January 5, 1946. Sixty seven years and ten days later, death finally parted them. And it only took 37 days for my grandmother to forget. Last night she asked me if I had seen or heard from my papa all day. I panicked. And I finally squeaked out, "Aren't these puppies cute?" And the first chance I got I locked myself in a room and cried for 30 minutes. Because my grandfather is gone. My grandmother's mind is gone. And I'm not strong enough to do this.

Conway, Arkansas. 2-21-2013 circa Joiner Hunting Club, Monticello, Arkansas. 1988

In college, I lived in a dining room for a semester. And believe me, living in a dining room-room is even cooler than it sounds. For the past few weeks I've been boxing knick knacks and moving furniture from room to room and house to house to make my grandmother a place of her own in my parent's house. This week was the big reveal of the living room-room, and I have to say I'm pretty jealous. I've been asking for a sleepover. She's not having any of it.

Conway, Arkansas. 2-20-2013

Watched Silver Linings Playbook. Loved it. Obviously. I'm a fan of movies where two completely fucked up people manage to find each other in the world and fall in love without ever actually dating. I'm a fan of life where two completely fucked up people manage to find each other in the world and fall in love without ever actually dating. 

Little Rock, Arkansas. 2-19-2013

My grandparents celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in January. For most of that time they lived in a house my grandfather built in this small Delta town. It's where my mom grew up, where my dad learned how to be a Southerner and where I planted my Arkansas roots no matter my zip code. 

Bassett, Arkansas. 2-10-2013

My grandfather was a mechanic. He had me in his shop learning how to change oil and rotate tires from the time I could walk. He made sure I knew the difference between a starter and a serpentine belt. He made me understand how an alternator worked and how to replace one long before I was old enough to drive. He even showed me how to fix a head gasket with a ballpoint pen. And now, after more than sixty years, Bassett Garage is officially closed for business. 

Bassett, Arkansas. 2-9-2013