I grew up in Louisiana, went to college in Mississippi and Arkansas and worked summers in Texas. You could say that I’m committed to The South.
I’m proud to love The South, live in The South and be raising my children in The South. It moves at it’s own pace and encourages you to slow down. It’s got it’s own language, but you can usually figure it out. It’s kind to visitors, but doesn’t ask them to stay unless they can behave. It’s beautiful, but not perfect.
One of the most wonderful things about The South is her women. Southern women are gracious, proper, and kind. They are also sarcastic, rowdy and snarky. Most of all, they are ferociously loyal. Seriously.
A couple of nights ago, I got together with some friends. We watched “Steel Magnolias”, the classic in study of southern women. We even dressed (Ok, ok, only Sara, the hostess, and I dressed for the theme, but everyone was supposed to. I just happen to like the dramatic. Throw in the chance to have big hair and go back in time to my younger years, and I’m there.) and happily ate the part.
Then we boo-hooed the part.
As we indulged in the southern meal, we grinned and sighed. As we took our movie test, we laughed and lied. As we watched the movie, we giggled and cried. Or blubbered and bawled, whatever.
I grew up with women like M’Lynn, Truvy, Clairee, Shelby, Annelle and, yes, even Ouiser. I recognized their demeanor and their outlook in almost every scene. I saw the women who shaped my view of women and family and friendship. I saw my loved ones, my family and I saw myself. Most of all, I saw my friends.
I am incredibly blessed to have really good friends. Most of them are southern women. They give fashion comments, tell stories, share heartache, dole out teasing and hang tough with me. They have stood by me through some of my most difficult days as beautifully M’Lynn was surrounded by her friends during her heartbreaking days. They are gifts from God. He is my Rock, but He encourages me through my dear, dear friends, y’all.
Southern women. There’s nothing like them.
Can I get an amen?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Amen.
(really, what else is there to say about such a spot-on post??)
Questions – how did you get your hair to do that AND how long did it stay that way? You look adorable. Sounds like a great time!
Love the hair!
That is one GOOD LOOKING woman!
I've always thought you looked a little like M'Lynn. After seeing that picture – I KNOW it.
Been dying to see that movie again…
You are lucky to be southern.
AMEN! You look wonderful!!! What fun that must have been and that armadillo cracks me up!
Amen and AMEN! Lisa~
@Jan- steam curlers!
@Charlsie- isn't the cake a riot? The kids helped make it. We'll do better next year, but they had a blast. Princess insisted on making it a dead armadillo. Funny!
You look adorable!!
You are so clever and you have the most awesome blog in the history of the world!!!
You look fabulous and I LOVE the cake! And most definitely you can get an AMEN! I agree w/that post whole-heartedly!
AAAAAAAAMEN Sistah! :0)
I love this post, I love your dress, I love the fun you had! (I think I may have to do this one night for fun!)
:0)
Southerns ladies truly are the best!
:0)
Gotta love GRITS (girls raised in the south!)