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!

The Stilts (Formerly Known as Shoes)

In my family, I am known for my high heels. They would not know what to do if I attended any family event without them, this includes even sport-like events that I am not watching but participating in.  Yeah, I am just that good in heels.  Really though heels are a necessity for me. At 5'2 and not knowing how to hem pants and refusing to buy petite length pants, I HAVE to wear heels a lot just so that my pants will fit.  But I love heels and I love the one and a half to two extra inches I get.  Yes, that is right I said one and a half to two extra inches. Not three or four.  I feel very tall with my couple extra inches and wonder as I walk in my heels why again I wasn't tall enough for modeling or the Rockettes.  I can dance in heels!  But I still wasn't tall enough.  However, put me in the mega heels that are so popular today and I don't feel tall, I feel like I need an oxygen mask to keep from being lightheaded. Yes, I get lightheaded at this height even though I am only up there for a few seconds before I fall.  For a dancer, I sure am clumsy!

But seriously what is up with the height of shoes these days?  You seem to get two choices: prairie-plain-like flat or hooker high!  The selection of shoes makes one of my very serious New Year's resolutions extremely challenging. I knew this resolution would be a challenge but I thought I could at least attempt the very esteemed goal of buying more shoes in 2011.  However, shopping for the perfect shoe is getting more and  more difficult.  For example, I absolutely love Lulu's in Oxford (yes, store owners of Lulu's you can pay me later in shoes for this plug) but finding shoes that I can actually walk out of the store wearing is getting harder and harder.  I can find plenty that I can sit in but not walk in,let alone barely stand in without the aid of something to hold on to as I propel myself up, up, and away on those jet liner heels.

And stop! Don't even think about suggesting it! I will not wear flats.  Yuck! I feel dumpy and shorter than my 5'2 height.  My idea of a flat is a platform shoe.  Afterall the bottom of the shoe is flat, right? But there are a ton of flats to choose from in Lulu's. Such a waste to design such beautiful shoes but forget the heel on them.  But I guess this section of Lulu's could be the "tall girl who doesn't need heels" section. So what selections are left for the short girls?  The shoes that will make you as tall as your tall girlfriends.  Let's do the math here, I am 5'2 (have I mentioned that yet?) and my tallest friends are around 6 feet.  Ok, so I am actually 5'1'' and 3/4ths but for my self-esteem I stand up straight and fudge my height ever so slightly.  Give a short girl a break already!  But anyway, that means for me to catch up with them I have to go to the stilt section of the shoe store. Ahhhh but no worries because THAT is just how high the heels are that are currently in fashion today.

I tell myself that I can wear these heels just like anyone else does and find the shortest of the ladders, I mean shoes.  I find some really cute ones (not ones that look like torture traps but that is a whole other blog) and sit down to try them on.  So cute on while sitting! And then I stand and wobble.  I know how Bambi feels but the lady beside me was far from friendly Thumper.  Because when I said in a lighthearted way that I would need to take a class to learn how to stand in these shoes, she just glared at me in disgrace.  I stopped myself from telling her that I am the girliest girl I know and that by not being able to wear these stupid stilts does not make me any less girlie! But I kept my mouth shut and just thought really mean things about the glarer, things I shouldn't repeat in the written word. However if you really want to know, just call me.

Anyway, to stay on my goal of my buying more shoes this year I bought a pair of ridiculously high heels.  Seriously, the purchase was just to help me stay true to my New Year's resolution which I am very committed to completing. And I took a picture as proof! See below. I know they don't look that high but they really are. I wear them inside my home...sitting.  Sometimes I wobble around in them. I feel so flirty and feminine in them....before I fall.  I got the idea to take a picture of my shoes from a shoe obsessed friend of mine who  daily takes and posts pictures of her shoes on Facebook.  She has mastered the art of wearing the stilts.  However, I do notice that in all the pictures she, too, is sitting.  So is this what we have come to ladies?  We have one pair of seriously killer shoes for sitting and keep another pair handy for actual use?  Hmmm....stay tuned because I guess my next post will be about ridiculously huge handbags to carry our multiple pairs of shoes for multiple uses!

                                                     My cute "sitting" shoes from Lulu's!

The Slow, Sweet Life

I have often heard that compared to other people in the country, us Southerners like to take life slow.  We talk slow, walk slow, and some people think we think slowly as well.  Well, I will somewhat agree that some of us do talk slowly. I tend to speak fast especially when I get excited but I may be the exception to the rule. I do like to walk slowly especially on a beautiful sunny day but I am a short Southerner so even when I walk fast my 5’2 frame can only make so long of a stride!

We may even think slow. But not in the negative stereotype placed on us.  I know, of course, I am biased. If you have not figured out from the title of this blog, I am a Southerner. However, let me offer a different perspective on this slow perception of us.  Why is slow bad? Maybe we savor our thoughts like we savor our words and walks.  Maybe we mull over things and this long thought process takes us to the creative thoughts that also define our region.  Depth takes time and the Southern perspective is composed of layer upon layer hence needing time to slowly take in all the layers.

Another perspective on slowness is enjoyment. Why rush so much through life? I hate to hear people frequently say in a thankful tone that their day or even week was so busy but at least it flew by.  I often wonder when someone says that, especially often, what are they trying to rush to? Death?  If they are that miserable in their daily lives, I would think it is time for some serious self reflection.

Take time to slow down and enjoy a day.  I don’t want to hurry through my life just to get to the end of it.  Isn’t it after all the daily moments, the small pleasures, the slow walks, and the great thoughts that make up our lives? Of course all of us find days that we want to pass but in a content life those should be few in numbers.  And yes I get excited about an upcoming event and wish it would hurry up and get here. But for the majority of my days, I make time to celebrate my "dailyness". I slow down enough to recognize that getting a cup of a coffee with a friend, drinking a glass of wine on the balcony of City Grocery, having a special dinner in the middle of the week with family, or watching frivolous television shows are a few of the many sweet moments when things slow down and I realize once again that I have a very good life. So in the spirt of Southern slowness, I hope you can find something to savor today and many of your days!  Slow down y'all to enjoy the sweet life or at least some sweet tea!

Summer Dreaming

I sit here at my computer with a mug of hot coffee and cold feet as I write today. No, I am not nervous about anything. It is 32 degrees outside at 2:00 in the afternoon and my feet are seriously cold - even with socks on!  And the forecast is just looking colder and colder as the week goes on.

Growing up in South Mississippi, I wanted a true winter and I am grateful to experience one. However, now I am ready to go outside without fifty layers on but the weather is long from cooperating.  Therefore, I am composing a list of survival suggestions for all of us going through the Freezing Winter Blues.

Let the Sounds of the Islands...
The sounds of Bob Marley or Jimmy Buffett can instantly take you to the beach. I can almost feel the salt water breeze and hear the sounds of waves.  Unfortunately listening to this music in February does come with a drawback. As the music stops, so does the tropical mood. Be prepared for the incredible let down when the music quiets and you are able to hear the cold winds howling again! 

Paint Yourself Happy
Paint your toe nails a fun summer color!  Choose something like Flamingo Pink or Tequila Sunrise. Guys, you can do this too if you feel that it will help your mood. Desperate temperatures call for desperate measures, right? It isn't like anyone will see your toe nails with your feet nestled in those heavy socks and snow boots!  Just make sure you remove all signs of the polish before flip flop season arrives.

Margaritaville
Sip on frozen tropical drinks. The up side: you don't have to worry about the ice melting.  The down side: you will need to bundle up in blankets as you sip since the frozen concoction will make you even colder. If your hands are too cold to hold the drink, try wearing gloves as you sip.

Summer Fashion
Girls, put on that gorgeous sundress and strappy sandals. Guys, get comfy in your shorts and Hawaiian print shirts.   Inside. With the heat going full blast on 80. Admire your pretty summer colored toe nails.

Play Travel Agent
Plan your summer vacation and save the pictures of where you want to go to your screen.  Now you can sit at you computer and daydream as you look at the pictures. Don't worry about your eyes watering. Those are just tears forming as you realize that even the warm places like Florida are freezing at the moment as no where has been spared!

Or....
Enjoy trying these winter relief suggestions!  Or just quit complaining and go out to enjoy the snow.  Remember, about five months from now we will be complaining about the heat.  I guess for now I am going to get some more coffee and put on another pair of socks.

A Minute Reflection

When I am working out and feeling the challenge of pushing myself past my what I consider my physical limits, my mind wanders to what I can be. Am I a fitness fanatic in the making?  Could I be a master of yoga...what are yoga experts called anyway?  Maybe I could get certified and teach other people how to be fit.  I wonder do I allow myself to be all that I want to be in my life. Or do I let myself be shaped by my past ideas of what my identity should be.

The idea of constant self-evaluation and rediscovery of myself is exciting. I get to daydream about what choices I have made that are right for me and what things I want to add to my life to continue to shape my identity. I teach my students that goal setting and self reflection are important activities that sometimes get pushed to the side in the midst of daily life chaos. However, we have to focus on ourselves to develop into the people we want to be. Is there anything you want to change or add to your life?  Maybe one day I will be a dedicated fitness guru....what will you be? Are you working on it today?

ZUMBA!

A Mississippi Blizzard

If you ever want to see a region of happy people acting like children on Christmas morning, regardless of  age, travel South during a rare snow storm!  I am one of those happy people at the moment! But I have to admit that all this snow joy has left me a little sleepy today because I was unable to get much sleep last night. Really, who can sleep when you have, as one friend described it, snow flakes the size of fajita shells falling outside?  When I did finally fall asleep, I had nightmares. I dreamed that the snow had melted in the middle of the night! Thankfully, my nightmares did not come true and I woke up to 10 inches of beautiful snow.

SUPERSNOW SUNDAY

The sleet started yesterday afternoon around three but the preparations started a couple of days ago with the excitement building as we got closer to the predicted time of snowfall. The atmosphere in Krogers yesterday felt like a holiday quickly approaching as people hurried to grab the last few needed items. People were talking about the same thing, planning on cooking the same food, and just had that excited energy that said something big was about to happen. This weekend had the same type of preparation and anticipation as SuperBowl Sunday has, provoking me to playfully name yesterday SuperSnow Sunday.

BREAD AND MILK

We, as Americans, know there are a few items you have to have for SuperBowl Sunday. You must have a hearty dish prepared, usually chili.  A variety of chips and dips are available. Desserts are usually cookies so that you can pick up and eat as you watch the game. And of course, beer is readily available in most homes for the big game. 

We, as Southerners, know what you have to have for SuperSnow Sunday - bread and milk. Yuck.  Why are the two necessary items that quickly disappear off the shelves of any Southern grocery store so bland?  I can think of a lot of other foods I would like to have if I am snowed in.  Sure, bread and milk are fine but those two items alone sound awful.  Can't we have something more exciting?  Even the weatherman asked the viewers to please leave him a gallon of milk and bread, multigrain please! He knew that as he predicted the snow, Southerners were running out the door to grab their bread and milk!

At my house, we got our bread and milk but we also bought a variety of other foods too. We made chili and baked pumpkin bread. We also have a few items available in case the power went out like chocolate and chips.  Afterall, an emergency like a blizzard calls off all diets!  And of course, we made sure to stock up on snow wine. In case you don't know, snow wine is wine you drink when it is snowing outside.  This is the same wine you drink when it is not snowing outside but you just don't get to call it snow wine on those days.

SNOW DAYS, CARDBOARD SLEDS, AND SNOWMEN
                                                                                  

A few other necessary requirements for a Southern snow storm are days off, cardboard sleds, and snowmen.  Our northern friends...bless their hearts....they think we do not know how to drive in the snow.  I am going to let you in on a little Southern secret: we could drive in the snow if we wanted to do so. We just have chosen to not tell our emergency officials this little bit of information. We are smart and gladly accept the free day off from work.  To my yankee friends, you may want to stop bragging about your snow driving skills because you are only hurting yourself by having to go work when you could be home like us!

                                                                                               

As for cardboard sleds and snowmen, you will see us out early in the day (if we ever went inside at all) to take advantage of the rare snow.  We are inventive, using whatever will slide us down a hill as a sled.  Usually we have to use cardboard boxes because like snowplows, sleds just don't exist in the south as we would never use them.  So our children gladly slide their way to a variety of injuries on homemade, unsafe toys! 

I did not get the chance to slide down a hill today but I did spend the morning creating my snowwoman.  I wish it snowed more often because there is something very gratifying about rolling a big ball of snow around.  But then again if snow was a regular occurence, I guess I would not appreciate it as much.  Also, if snow was a common part of our winters, our emergency officials would most likely purchase snowplows. Then we would lose our snow days because we would be driving to work like our northern friends. With all those factors in mind, I will gladly take my rare snow day that shuts the South down for a day or two so we can all play. Happy Snow Day Y'all!