If you know me, then you know I need lots of time to get all pretty for Kahne and the rest of the racing field so here’s a quick run down so I can get back to the mirror.

Ashlyn Stallings is a junior at Samford and we’re guessing she’s a pretty, talented and well-spoken all around great gal because she’s going to be competing in some beauty pageants this fall, working her way toward Miss Alabama. She’s already got a platform — Breast Cancer Awareness — and she’s got an event — Pilates Painted Pink — to raise money for it. All-skill levels are welcome at Homewood Park this Saturday morning 11 a.m. for an outdoor class lead by Mary Margaret Scalici, instructor with the Alabama Ballet and The Pilates Place. Tickets are $25 with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. For more information, check out Ashlyn’s blog on al.com, State of Pink. Samford newspaper staff, involved on campus — Ashlyn sure reminds me of someone so I’m wishing her success in all she does.

Space One Eleven is having a yard sale this Saturday. And not just any yard sale, it’s a Big FATT sale — a “Found Around the Town Treasure” sale in its studios downtown, 2409 2^nd Ave. North. I’m all for supporting this visual arts non-profit so go buy something from them. Sale starts at 8 a.m. and will wrap up at 1.

Then take your money over to Bluff Park for the 45th Annual Bluff Park Art Show. While most of the stuff there is out of my budget, I usually do walk away with a few unique Christmas presents. Besides it’s fall, and fall for me is outdoor art shows. The Lions Club will be cooking the BBQ, jazz will flow from the gazebo, craft area for the kids — I’ll admit this is one of my favorite fall events in the metro area. Remember, there is no parking at the park so take your car to Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Shades Mountain Independent Church, Shades Mountain Plaza, Bluff Park Village Shopping Center or Shades Crest Baptist Church to catch the free shuttles. Show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Again fall is still prime festival season. Since we still have gas in Birmingham, you can top off the tank, load up the pooch and head down 65 to Alabaster Saturday for Bark in the Park. This big fundraiser supports the Shelby Humane Society and features music, food and fun in Veterans Park with performances by the Air Dogs and Birmingham Bandits Flying Team. And it’s not too late to register your mutt for the Mutt Strut. But if you just want to go, it’s free admission.

So have fun everyone and remember, be safe. Sorry, that’s just the momma in me.