Archives for March 2012

Mamaw And ‘Em

5 March 2012 by

This past Saturday morning I went to Panera so that I could try to get some writing done. Please make note of the phrase “try to” – because what I didn’t know at the time was that there was a huge soccer tournament in Birmingham this past weekend, and starting about 11:00, one soccer team after another filed into Panera for lunch. I was at a table in a little alcove by the cash registers, and at one point I counted 22 other people who were attempting to share that little alcove with me. Some were sitting, some were standing, some were crouching next to tables, and while everyone was very nice and well-behaved and etc., there were moments when I thought that it sure was going to be a shame when I experienced a bout of claustrophobia in the middle of a bunch of 11 year-old boys who just wanted to eat some turkey sandwiches and hang out for a little bit before their next game.

WELCOME TO BIRMINGHAM, YOUNG SOCCER STARS. PLEASE DO ENJOY THIS PUBLIC DISPLAY OF MY CRAZY.

When I got home later that afternoon, I cooked supper, visited with my people – and while the little man read what I’d written earlier in the day (listen. that child is going to be our family historian before it’s all said and done.), I tried to re-work the beginning of a chapter in my head. I had an idea, but I needed some input – and I thought the Twitter might be able to help.

So Saturday night, I asked the Twitter a question:

And y’all? The answers?

Oh my goodness. If I could, I’d carve them into some sort of Southern Mamaw Monument. They are priceless.

Here’s a little sampling.


















Is that not some Granny Goodness? The nicknames made me so happy – and that’s not even half of them.

Mary Lauren was one of the people who replied, and she mentioned that she’d written a post on grandmother names. After I read it I realized that I don’t remember any grandmothers who went by “Grandma” when I was growing up. There was the occasional “Grandmother,” but mostly I knew MiMis and Mamies and GaGas and MeMaws. I’d never thought about it until the Twitter helped me out.

So what about y’all? What did you call your grandmothers?

And better yet, if you’re a grandmother, what do your grandbabies call you?

By the way, I’m hoping that I’ll get to be Shug or Honey one day.

Maybe even SoSo.

But definitely not BooMamaw.

Which means that’s exactly what I’ll be.

Filed Under: Family Fun

A Few Friday Favorites

2 March 2012 by

1. Hush.

If you haven’t read Angie’s latest post, you need to go do that right now. Seriously. It’ll be the best gift you give yourself today. Promise.

2. Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam

I used to use Phomollient. But for some reason I stopped – probably because the salon where I get my hair cut doesn’t carry Aveda products. Recently, though, I re-discovered Phomollient, and in my opinion it is the best product out there for people who have fine hair but want a little extra volume. It’s lightweight, it smells great, and it gives me a little lift in the crown area.

I’ve spent most of my adult life searching for a little volume in the crown area. It’s been a bit of a quest.

3. Lineation File Folders

These folders make me want to organize things. And be very efficient. And walk into a meeting and say, “Let me see if I can find that information for you” while I pull the blue and gold file folder out of my bag and then thumb through a few pieces of paper before I find the document in question and announce, “Oh, here it is – I think this is exactly what you were looking for.”

All while looking over my reading glasses, of course.

Even though I don’t wear reading glasses.

4. Lands’ End Men’s Pocket Polo

My husband loves these shirts. They don’t fade, they hold their shape, and the ends of the collars don’t roll. They also don’t shrink in the dryer, which is such a plus. Right now the price is a little high (in my opinion), but if you buy 3, you get $15 off. Might be worth checking out if you need some shirts for the men people in your life.

Men people. I’m going to try to use that phrase more often.

5. Highclere Castle

I want to go to there.

And I want to have dinner with the Dowager Countess.

And I want to help Mrs. Patmore and Daisy in the kitchen.

And I want to sing a medley with Mary and Edith.

And I want to walk down the staircase wearing a drop-waist dress.

And I want to go to the Servants’ Ball.

And I want to visit the refugees with Mrs. Crawley.

And I want to give Anna a big ole hug.

These are my goals.

Granted, my goals are a little tricky since none of the people I just mentioned are, you know, REAL – but you never know. Maybe it’ll all work out.

Blind optimism. It’s my favorite kind.

Happy Weekend, everybody!

Filed Under: Rambling
« Previous Page