| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| cajungal |
Posted - Jan 26 2006 : 07:07:28 AM
I'm sure you can tell how proud us southerners are, especially Texans. We put our state and state flag on everything and refer to our location often...."down here in the south" or "down here in Texas" I know, we can seem quite abnoxious. I don't know how it happens....we just all grow up with this pride of being raised in the south....as if we think it's different. Although, the rest of the world usually does think we're different....a little backwards and rednecked.
If you look at a U.S. map and find I-10 you'll see that it goes from Florida to Mexico. Well, I've never lived north of I-10 until our move to the Houston area. Prior to this time I lived in south Louisiana and I always thought anything north of I-10 was yankee! Now that I'm 15 miles north of I-10 I've had to change my tune. ha, ha
There's a great book called "The Grits Guide to Life" and grits stands for "Girls Raised In The South" It's quite humerous but also quite truthful.
I found so many things that were common in my family and of most people I know......the coveted iron skillet that belongs to momma, the importance of your first string of pearls (which my 13 year old will be receiving this year), "puttin' on your face", and when meeting someone the question is always asked, "who's your family?"
In fact, In Louisiana, we used to ask, "who's your momma?" or "who's your grandma" For some reason it was more important to know what family name momma was from. It was also quite important to know if a girl could make a roux (base for gumbo and other foods)
It's a lighthearted read...nothing serious or world changing...just fun.
Another odd thing about us southerners....we still talk about the Civil War like it was yesterday. The Confederate flag is still flown and we can seem quite biggoted and prejudiced. I have a friend that moved here from up north and one day we were all discussing stuff and she asked, "Don't you the know the war is over?"
Let me be clear, though, our focus on the war is not on the horrible oppression of slavery.... but on our pride of state's rights.
Oooops, my friend just showed up for coffee....gotta go.
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| KJD |
Posted - Dec 08 2006 : 4:33:41 PM
Here's a book for you! "Being Dead is no Excuse" The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral, by Gayden Metcalf and Charlotte Hays. This book is so funny! |
| bybiddie |
Posted - Dec 08 2006 : 11:09:53 AM
I was born in Virginia, but we left after my younger sister was born to move back north (Ohio). One of my most vivid memories was being in the corner grocery with my mother and a woman bending down and saying, "Oh, honey, you're such a mess (pronounced "may-ess")" which apparently meant she thought I was cute. Of course, I was a terrible tomboy, so I could have been a mess...;o)
susan
Lovin' my life
http://BizzyHands.etsy.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Dec 08 2006 : 10:43:34 AM
I'm old enough to remember the separated drinking fountains for whites and "coloreds" (I hate that term but it was used then). Also the segregation on the buses and in the schools. I was raised in IL. My brother was in the Navy and stationed in Memphis, TN in 1963. We went to visit him. One thing I will never forget is going to downtown Memphis and seeing blacks on one side of the street shopping and whites on the other. We went into a Woolworth's (some of you are probably too young to know what that is) and when we were checking out the sales clerk said "you're little Yankee girls, arent you?" I was apalled that someeone would refer to me that way.
I love the tradition of pearls for a girl's 13th birthday. What a wonderful legacy. My daughter is turning 13 and I think it would be wonderful to give her pearls.
Of all the places I wish I could have been raised it would have to be somewhere in the South. I just think that people have the nicest traditions and manners there. My friend moved to Texas last May and she said that it took her a while to get used to perfect male strangers holding a door open for her. She said that's what she noticed was how polite everyone is.
The Rustic Cottage Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
Visit my blog! http://nwfarmerette.blogspot.com |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Dec 08 2006 : 09:37:51 AM
I'm Southern with a Capital S. North of Virginia is North (and some of Virginia, since it has turned Northern), west of Arkansas is not South, and several states we don't claim at all (they have be taken over by those North of us!)! I was born and raised in Upstate South Carolina and now live in western North Carolina, which I consider "north." :) And each region is so different, so unique. I'd no more know how to live in Texas than someone from Texas would know how to live in the Applachian mountains. And neither of us could survive in Charleston culture and society! People not from the South get very frustrated when they move here and can't figure out how to fit in, or that they might not, or that people here want to know "who your family is." I can claim my membership in the UDC and the DAR, and show the original signed land grant from the 1700s where the governor gave land to my ancestors. It's all very important, you see, at least to us. :)
I started reading a book last night- it's a mystery set in Asheville. The author ended a chapter with a Faulkner quote that says "The past is never dead. It's not even past." Sotrue!
Kim in cold |
| GRITSgal |
Posted - Dec 08 2006 : 06:44:38 AM
Love that book ! I moved here and wondered about the Southern hospitality.. I read that book and it s excellent and funny book! My both girls are born in the South. |
| Nicie |
Posted - Nov 29 2006 : 10:48:01 AM
I love the pearls tradition. I wish my family had that tradition. Maybe I'll start it. My daughter is 18, do you think she'll think that I'm crazy.
Denise
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| KJD |
Posted - Nov 28 2006 : 4:43:46 PM
I'm a Texan from so many generations back, I don't even know how far! I recognize so much y'all have said here - tank - of course - it's what you fish out of and the cows drink from! And my grandmother always said "I'll swan". She's been gone a while now, but whenever we say that, we smile and think of her and the flannel nightgowns she gave us every single Christmas that we changed in to in the car, going home from the farm that night. We are so TEXAS proud - and I'm happy to say my 3 boys are just as proud to be from Texas - we wouldn't think of leaving! |
| vintagechica |
Posted - Nov 27 2006 : 10:45:20 PM
I love this thread. Im only 33, but say "Im fixin' to go to town" even though I am already in town. Did anyone ever read Br'er Rabbit and Br'er Fox books...talk about Southern slang...lord have mercy! And My papaw in TX says he's going to the "tank" (pond) to feed the stock fish. DH and I have many an arguement over what a crick is and what a stream is and what a tank is and a pond. Too funny!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
| FloralSaucer |
Posted - Nov 27 2006 : 7:25:21 PM
How lovely hearing about the pearls and the civil war as well. Thanks.
I read a book by Tracie Peterson, well the first two books of the Heirs of Montana series. It helps me alot to know a little of what people think about it all now.
I have one string of pearls, I will think about handing them to my second daughter on her 13th birthday. I wore them for our wedding.
www.homesteadblogger.com/ourlittlehouseintown |
| cajungal |
Posted - Feb 24 2006 : 4:57:51 PM
SusieQ, I will certainly try to get good pics of my daughter receiving her first pearls....won't be until later this year.
Pamela, what great history you've recorded for your family. I've never known anyone to be a member of the DAR.....I've always wondered what it takes to qualify.
Jackie...while you go to get the GRITS book, I'll go get the Puttin' on the Grits book. C'ain't nevuh have too many books, sha!
Mary Ann, I send you my sympathy for your loss of your momma. What a great thing for you to visit family with your mom and perhaps help bring reconciliation. Great memories.
I was at my Moma's the last couple of days and we were playfully arguin' about some of her cast iron that's not being used and would be put to use at my house! She told me I got what I was gonna get when I got married and the rest has to wait. Well, I, of course, want that wait to be a long time.
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| Horseyrider |
Posted - Feb 24 2006 : 04:25:52 AM
My mother was born and raised in Alabama, and that book was in her things when she passed away in '97. For reasons that don't matter here, she was somewhat estranged from her family for many years. But in the early 90's we went together to visit two of her brothers.
I was so moved by the beauty, the graciousness, and warmth of the people and that place. I got to meet extended family, and to see my mom reunited with family that she hadn't seen in many years. I know there are lots of stereotypes about the South, and many old unresolved hurts. But all I saw while I was there was a culture of hospitality, kindness, and generosity. Sweet Home Alabama, indeed.
And it was interesting to hear my mother's accent slip back a little after being 'down home.' Remembering makes me smile, and makes me cry at the same time.
"What another would do as well as you, do not do it. What another would have said as well as you, do not say it; written as well, do not write it. Be faithful to that which exists nowhere but in yourself, and there, make yourself indispensable." ---Andre Gide |
| farmfilly |
Posted - Feb 23 2006 : 9:48:55 PM
I've enjoyed reading all ya'lls responses to this thread. G.R.I.T.S. certainly sounds like a good read. I looked for it today and thought I'd gotten it, but when I got home realized I bought something called 'Putting On The GRITS, A Guide to Southern Entertaining'.
Well, I can nearly hear my Gramma saying, "Well, bless her heart, she did the best she could."
When meant of course, 'God help her, she doesn't have sense enough to get done right on her on.'
I guess I'll go by the library and look for the correct book. Although the one I got does look pretty interesting too.
Jackie
Life happens, I'm just glad to participate! |
| Photobugs |
Posted - Feb 23 2006 : 9:19:22 PM
My ancestry was both Arkie and Okie..Ozarks. We had cornbread, beans and fried taters at least once week. I still love a glass of cornbead with milk poured over it. Grandpa, Grandma and my dad ate it with clabber (buttermilk) though. The only bread my grandma made was cornbread. When she said I need to make bread it was cornbread she was talkin' bout.
They had all the slang too. My favorite was when my grandpa would say "Aw shaw." It meant 'oh shoot' or 'oh my goodness,' I guess.
I, however, grew up in northern California...but I have always felt like more of a hick...and proud of it! Blue grass is my kind of music. It was those southern roots, they made me who I am.
My ancestors had slaves, but I do find that appalling. Especially since I have a black son-in-law and two grandsons that are half black. They are the cutest little guys in thw world! I will be seeing them in about a month. Can't wait!
My roots go back to the Revolutionary war. I am trying to get my records in order to become a D.A.R. member. It is alot of work. This is kinda off on a rabbit trail!
Bring on the CORNBREAD!
Pamela
"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" |
| Susie Q |
Posted - Feb 19 2006 : 08:03:43 AM
What a wonderful legacy for your daughters. I'd love to see her smile as she opens the box and as they are placed around her neck for the first time. |
| cajungal |
Posted - Feb 16 2006 : 05:30:50 AM
Susie and Jenny, y'all are makin' me hungry! Me, too, on the buttermilk....like sweet milk much better over my cornbread...with a drizzle of molasses.
I had made mention of how young ladies receive their first string of pearls....Well, my daughter's birthday is in a few months and I have got to save some money or make some money. She would be so dishearted if she didn't get her pearls. My girls will inherit quite a few strings. I have my pearls from my teen years, my mom's pearls that were given to me on my wedding day, and a string of my grandmother's pearls. My mom has a newer string for herself and another string of my grandmother's. When my girls are married, one will receive mine and the other will receive my mom's older string.
I love looking at and holding my grandmother's pearls. A flood of memories flash through my mind and I remember how she looked wearing them. So sweet.
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Feb 15 2006 : 10:20:44 PM
when I lived in Minnesota in my early 20's people would ask where I was from and not beleive me when I said I grew up in Calif..they assumed it was somewhere "more Southern". It was...my grandma's house!!! a mess of Greens with apple cider vinegar on them...now thats eating!!
My grandpa always ate clabber and cornbread..we drew the line on the clabber or buttermilk..but did eat it with plain old "sweet milk" over it!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Susie Q |
Posted - Feb 15 2006 : 10:10:26 PM
I've had this book for a couple of years. I love it. My mama and her family were/are southern to the bone and she tried to give my brother and I up that Southern upbringing way out here in California. It must have took because I'll say something and either the way I said it or the words I used would cause someone to ask where my people are from. Or I'd bring a dish that was a family recipe and they would say that this was the first time they had had it since moving out here.
I grew up saying Yes Maam or No Sir with out a thought.
I'd carry someone on my bike and tote a sack.
I'd lap up clabber and cornbread and gross other kids out.
Greens were always on the weeks menu as was grits and cathead biscuits.
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| jpbluesky |
Posted - Feb 02 2006 : 04:46:28 AM
When I moved to the deep south, I visited a wonderful lady who, as I was leaving, said "Come back real soon, now, hear?" and in my stupidity of taking everything literally, as we do in Illinois, I said "Would next Friday be okay?". You should have seen the look on her face! I still get embarassed thinking about that one.
"Sell cleverness and buy wonder" |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 4:06:26 PM
Oh the bless your heart thing was big with my grandmas too!! and we say most of those last things the way you all do too...at least I do!!Funny how things get passed down through families like that..even though I have never lived in the south!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| cajungal |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 3:26:46 PM
Jenny, that is so true about how I communicate with my girls.....would you go do this or that.....how 'bout you do such n such....I'm not so sure if you should do that. All of which mean RIGHT NOW!
A common response to something bad about someone is "Why, Bless her little heart" Often, it is sincere but it's also a reply that can mean "Oh, you're so stupid you sweet little thing, you" But, as long as it's said with a smile no one knows which you mean!! Anything condemning said with a smile is never an insult here, that's why it's so hard to know if you've been dissed or not. Ha Ha
Each summer, Juneteenth, is celebrated. It's June 19th, when the slaves in the south got the news about their freedom....which was a lllllooooonnnnnngg time after it was actually proclaimed. It's a study in human nature and social affairs.....Confederate flags flying and Af-Americans celebrating....oftentimes clashing and fighting. Race relations are a huge deal. It's a topic that hits the daily news quite frequently, well...daily. There is still a big divide between "whites and blacks" and also because of being on the border we have big illegal immigration issues. It's saddening. We should be like Rodney King said years ago...."Can't we all just get along?"
I have relatives that remember when the drinking fountains were labeled white and colored, separate seating in restaurants, etc... Our elderly relatives that are in their 90's still have a vocabulary that reflects the time they grew up in. It's hard to get'em to change their ways. I kinda relate because I catch myself having certain opinions about Russia because of growing up during the Cold War years and having to go through bomb drills at school. It makes me wonder what my children will have "ingrained" opinions about.....the Middle East, Muslims, etc....
Okay, sorry if I'm goin' down a rabbit trail....it's just interesting how so alike we all are and how different we can be at the same time.
Down here, nothing is just a shame....it's a sad shame
When you probably can do something......you might could
When you tell a friend you'll visit.....I'll pass by
The nut pecan is not "pee can" ......it's puh cahn
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| Luzy |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 3:18:06 PM
Too funny Jenny! My southern family members said "drectly" too. Instead of sayin sh**, my Grandpa would say,"Well, SHOOT A MONKEY"! I also remember my Aunts getting together and trash talking someone "backhome" (Ark). They'd say something like: You know she was the town tramp, Bless her heart. Practically every "dig" would end with...bless her heart! Funny stuff!! Luzy
--
May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am. |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 2:53:38 PM
I grew up with my mom or grandparents asking "Do you want to stop doing that?" (meaning..stop now!!!!) or " do you want to set the table? (meaning SET THE TABLE?) things like that. It always sounds more polite to me..but I have to be more blunt than that with my own kids..especially the ones that were adopted older...they are likely to just say no. haha.
My grandparents also said directly all the time. I heard it as "dreckly" and I knew what they meant, but not everyone did. Such as...we are going to town dreckly so get ready. (dreckly meant pretty soon or right away. I don't hear that much from other folks. I miss hearing my granparents speak!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| connio |
Posted - Feb 01 2006 : 12:35:47 PM
Hey Farm Girls!!!
I grew up in Illinois but have lived in Texas for over 30 years (gosh I'm old).
Did you know that in some places in the South the Civil War is still called the "War of Northern Aggression"?
Connie
cozycottage |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jan 27 2006 : 12:52:21 PM
I got it! I may be a heartland girl, but I have been in the south for 30 years. And I have learned to cook up a mess of food...and end my sentences like they were questions.
Growing up in the Land of Lincoln, it was a shock to me to find that the wounds are still open in the South. What is most missed here are the lovely homes that were burnt and the family land that was lost. The destruction was not a good thing. And that kind of memory passes down the generations and never heals.
"Sell cleverness and buy wonder" |
| cajungal |
Posted - Jan 27 2006 : 12:43:13 PM
That is so funny that the Revolution is still discussed and that Jersey was south!! It's odd how we all grow up with certain oddities or stereotypes.
What is there not to understand about saving the laundry? (ha ha ha) I do it every Monday and Friday! I'm fixin' to, might could, pass a good time. You got all that?
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
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