A Mississippi Theme: More Than Just Fried Foods and Magnolias

Yesterday morning, my graduate assistant was telling me about a wedding that she went to this past weekend.  She had a great time the entire weekend but the thing that stood out the most to her was the attention to detail. The bride had incorporated a  Southern Rustic theme in everything from the engagement pictures to the reception centerpieces.

On the way back up to Oxford from the wedding, her and her boyfriend talked about how they would even start to top that type of wedding.  Her boyfriend decided that they would have to have a theme if they wanted to come close to having that kind of unique and seamless event. My GA replied, "Can't we just have a wedding?" But her boyfriend insisted that a theme would be the only way to have a wedding  that creative.  She agreed with the idea, asking what kind of theme.  He told her he thought a Mississippi theme would be a great one to have.  To that idea, she laughed, "What are we going to have to represent Mississippi? Fried foods and Magnolias?"  With a greasy and floral vision decorating her future wedding, my GA opted for another idea.   I will leave that theme as a secret to not give away any of her potential plans.

My sweet Magnolia

But the cultural symbols of Mississippi  she mentioned got me to thinking and the Mississippian in me got a little fired up - we are much MORE than fried foods and a flower. Now don't get me wrong, I love our state flower. So much in fact, I named my precious dog after it.  Yes, my white furry baby is named Magnolia.  And I do occasionally  (okay often)  like some good fried catfish but I eat fried food so seldom (not that often!) that I would not use that as my defining Mississippi quality. So I kept on thinking, after all I have lived here pretty much all of my life but never gave much thought to our cultural symbols.

So what does one do when one does not know something, needs inspiration, or wants an answer to a question? A smart one googles!  And therefore, I turned to my good friend Google.  I googled cultural symbols of Mississippi and then I googled Mississippian culture.  Instead of a fried catfish on a plate garnished with a Magnolia, I was proud to be bombarded with so many positive images of our culture. Read on if any of you out there want a Mississippi themed party or just want to know a little more about our state....

The first symbol that came up consistently was the great sounds and images of our state music, the Blues.  Okay, so maybe the idea of the blues wouldn't be the best themed music to have at a happy party like a wedding reception.  Then again I know a lot of almost married people that might find the theme fitting. Just kidding!  I only know a few.  Anyway, regardless of the origin, a good blues band is hard to compete with for a better type of music.  If you have a talented blues artist then you have a happy crowd.  Fortunately, living in Oxford, I get to expose myself quite often to this genre. Aren't I lucky?

Jillian Cotton Centerpieces

Another symbol of our state is something you are probably wearing right now.  Yes, cotton.  When this symbol came up, I then remembered seeing centerpieces made of cotton in The Grove this past year.  So besides dressing in it, you can even decorate with it!  I call it our Mississippi snow because the fields are so pretty right before the cotton is harvested. So whether you are planning a reception, a tailgating event, or just wanting ideas to redecorate your home, cotton may be your innovative, Mississippi themed choice!

A beautiful state symbol

A few years ago after Hurricane Katrina devasted our coast, the state symbol for the car tags became the famous lighthouse that still stood.  I heard a few people complain over it, saying that it did not represent the entire state. They wondered why we were all using the lighthouse on our tags.  But to me it did represent the state.  These people just have to allow themselves to see past the concrete image and look at the meaning.  The lighthouse represents hope and a bright light to guide us, as a state, out of a devasting time to a better future.  To me it was crucial that the lighthouse was used all over the state, not because we all lived on the coast, but because we were all pulling together like one family to help our coast residents.  Mississippi is a state that pulls together and helps in times of crisis. We also celebrate the joys of life together. So the lighthouse to me is a happy, enduring symbol.  And just plain ole' pretty too!

Are you Irish and want a Mississippi themed event?  Do you like to have fun?  Well another image that came up when I hit search was our nationally recognized St. Paddy's Day Parade!  This unique event has been compared to our nation's other large parades in Chicago and Savannah. I have heard rumors too that it is ranked in the top five or so of parades. However, when I googled it I couldn't find that exact article. Still 60,000 parade goers take to the streets of Downtown Jackson in the middle of March every year for a great Southern/Irish style party!  To me the symbol of this parade was the Sweet Potato Queens but sadly they went to their own parade this year but that is a whole other blog topic. 

Rowan Oak

Some more cultural symbols of our state included famous writers, musicians, craftsmen, cooks and artists.  I once heard a writer at Thacker Mountain Radio once chide the audience, "I hate you Southern writers, you don't even have to make this stuff up!"  The audience laughed at this good natured statement because it is true. We live a life so unbelievable and wonderful down here, some in beautiful Southern Colonial style homes (another symbolic image), that being creative comes easy to most of us.

I could go on with images of sweet tea, antebellum dresses, and pearls. I also left out Mississippi Mud Cake, pecans, football, bottle trees, and cheese straws.   You get the picture or symbol, right? Once again, I am proud of my state and what it has to offer.  Now you have a good start of ideas for cultural symbols if you are planning a themed party, a redecoration project, or just wanted to know more about Mississippi culture.  And as a hospitable modern Southerner would say, "Until next time y'all! And tell your mama I said hey!"

The Spring Fever Cure

I have it.  Yes, it is the source of frustration and agitation. It can cause extreme mood swings from elation to the doldrums. It is the source of lack of focus due to a general longing for sun, sand, and water.  Yes, I have spring fever.  Actually, I was told that I have the more severe strain that is going around this season.  I know I had the opportunity to get my free spring fever vaccine from the health center and did not. But I just can't help it, I don't like shots so I took my chances.

I think our campus must have been hit hard. At first I thought it was just me experiencing some typical end of the semester burn-out, but I realize I am in the company of many after meeting with student appointments and talking to colleagues. I must have caught it from one of them. I really need to use disinfectant spray more often. After all, I am in very close quarters with potential spring fever carriers all day and I have no window in my office for the germs to escape.

Based on my extensive research, I believe if the newspaper included a public service announcement on how to handle spring fever it would read something like this:. 

While not deadly but very serious, spring fever is the result of the wearing of extremely heavy clothes on the body for an extended period of time.  Spring fever is also caused by frequent snow storms and below freezing temperatures. This ailment may be made worse by faux spring days that appear to be sunny but still require the wearing of heavy clothes.  While there is only one cure for spring fever, you can take a couple of steps to improve your condition.  Sufferers should avert focus to a list of the sufferer's choosing of enjoyable summer activities they plan to partake in.  The sufferer should then plan, daydream, and talk about these activities at least three times per day for a period of two weeks to see an ease in symptoms.  One may find listening to tropical inspired music such as Buffett or Marley while drinking frozen drinks eases pain. However, spring fever is usually only cured by a long vacation on the beach and actually doing the items on the summer wish list.

Being one to definitely  follow doctor's orders, I am made my list that I will read three times per day. And of course I created my list while listening to my fellow Golden Eagle, Jimmy's margarita inspired tunes. I am already feeling a little better! My list includes but not limited to the following activities that will fill my summer:

Becoming a Certified Pool Girl
Note: certified pool girl is NOT the same thing as certified life guard.  Life guarding takes energy which is not something I wish to use at the pool. Why work at the pool when you can play?  So yes, I plan on obtaining my certification as a pool girl.  Not a tanned one (unless tan in a bottle counts). I am a faithful sunblock pool girl which means I actually like to play in the pool....on a float so too much energy is not expended. The idea is pool relaxation with friends and good music. Oh and don't forget the frozen drink. What??? I am just following doctor's orders.

I'm on a BOAT!
Yeah, I know that song is so two years ago but two years ago I developed my new found love for my boyfriend's boat.  I think he may have created an over-enthusiast because with each summer I fall more and more for the feeling of being on the boat in the Reservoir.  I am learning to drive it and plan on becoming a very skilled driver this year! Yep, just call me Casey the Certified Boat Driver. I am going to be quite productive this season with all these certifications!

Beach Bumming It
Apparently one of the symptoms of the worst strand of spring fever like I have is a fixation with beaches. Lately my procrastination habit revolves around looking up beach vacations. I want to lay on a beach somewhere for about a week and do nothing but sit beside my cooler while listening to Marley and Buffett.   Luckily, I am going with the family in May which should cure me of my spring fever.

LOU Sunset Concert Series
I have had the best of intentions to sit in The Grove on a summer Sunday afternoon for the concert series but have yet to do so. However, this activity is definitely on my to do list this summer after the fabulous experience I had at the Goo Goo Dolls concert in The Grove a couple of weeks ago. We packed a cooler full of yummy treats (both solid and liquid form) and attended the outdoor concert. Even though the Goo Goo Dolls won't be performing every Sunday in the Grove, I could definitely get use to spending my Sundays this summer relaxing to some great music in the shade.


The 3rd Annual 4th of July Sidewalk Party
Two years ago, my mother and I wanted to do something for the 4th of July. We thought everyone headed out of town for the holiday but we found a friend or two that would be around and invited them over for a dinner party. Then we got to talking and realized a lot of people were in town with no plans for the summer holiday.  All of a sudden that small little party grew from four to 15.  We had so much fun.  Obviously our guests did too because when the winter blues settled in that January so did the discussion about the next Fourth of July party.

This past summer our party grew a reputation and grew in size. Our sidewalk was filled with 40 of our friends, co-workers, and family. I definitely look forward to our new family tradition, which will be our third annual Fourth of July sidewalk party.  If we double it again, we may have to move out into the parking lot! But the more people the more fun to be had!

Some pics from the 2010 4th of July party

                                                               

                                           

Wine Daiquiris
I love my patio.  This year it is especially festive with patio lights, happy colored flowers, and bright throw pillows. Yes, I have throw pillows on my patio. Jealous?  No worries. You can come to the Fourth of July party with the rest of the town.

To have a fulfilling patio experience, one needs a good drink to enjoy while relaxing. I am not a big liquor drinker so traditional daiquiris are not my usual choice but I love the idea of something fruity and frozen. I am, however, an avid wine enthusiast. In my case, being a wine enthusiast means I don't know much about a lot of different wines but I know what I like which is all that matters, right? 


So what do you get when you have creative people + wine + fruit?  Yes, the wine daiquiri is created!  They are delicious but be careful because they are very easy to drink so sip slowly!  You can make them anyway you would like but I included a recipe to get you started.  My measurements are not exact but who is ever exact when working or cooking with wine?

• I just keep adding the below ingredients until my mixer is full.  Usually makes enough for three regular sized drinks or two big ones. 
• About 1/2 cup of good 100% orange juice.
• About 1/2 to 3/4 cup of no-sugar added canned pineapple chunks and generously use some of the juice from the can as well.
• A bunch of frozen strawberries still frozen. This acts as flavorful ice. Don't use ice because this will dilute the flavor of the drink.
• About 1/2 cup of the Sam's Choice Peach Carbonated Water (this is the secret to a good wine daiquiri).
• Cold, white wine (we use chardonnay). How much? As much as you like!

I am feeling better already.  What about you? What is on your list?  Go ahead and follow doctor's orders by making your own in my comments box below. I would love to hear others' must do's of Summer 2011!