I had big plans to wake up early this past Thursday and hit the road for my book signing in Jackson, but for whatever reason I could not get my act together. I was trying to wrap up an article I’d been working on, and by the time I showered and dressed and picked up my friend Marion from her daddy’s house (seriously – it was like we were 16 again, right down to both of our daddies reminding us to be careful and pay attention to the speed limit), it was 1 in the afternoon. When we pulled into the driveway at our friend Elise’s new house a couple of hours later, we were so ready to see her that we jumped out of the car and slammed our doors and ran up to her front door and rang the doorbell with all the enthusiasm of a couple of 11 year-olds playing ding dong ditch.
Marion peered through the glass in the front door so she could wave at Elise the second she saw her, but after a few seconds of no response to the doorbell, she moved a little closer to the glass and started to look around.
“Wait a minute,” Marion said. “Why does Elise have a big inflatable Star Wars toy in her living room?”
I told her I had no idea.
“And hold on,” she continued. “Why in the world does Elise have a bunch of baby stuff in her dining room? Does that seem right to you?”
So I guess that was probably the moment when we realized we were at the wrong house.
And we laughed so hard that we could barely walk back to my car.
Elise’s house, as it turned out, was the next one on the street. She even had the front door open for us when we got there, and the biggest treat ever – thanks to Elise’s mama – was waiting for us on the dining room table.
These would be the bridesmaids’ dresses I write about in . And this is a picture of a picture (hence the cropped out flower girl, thanks to my sweet photography skills), but I believe that you can see enough to appreciate the yards upon yards of floral fabric that surrounded Elise on her wedding day.
We were all certain that we’d never looked more beautiful and/or stylish.
The other highlight of our afternoon time at Elise’s was that her mama – who had to head back to south Mississippi just a few minutes after we got there – had made a banana walnut cake that afternoon and we got to enjoy it fresh out of the oven. It was a near-sacred moment and definitely a highlight of our time in the Greater Jackson Area. Have mercy.
Around 4:30 we left Elise’s house to drive to the book signing at Lemuria, and for some reason I was a nervous wreck. I’ve actually been a whole lot more nervous at all three of my book signings this time around, and I really have no idea why. But when we were on our way to the bookstore Elise mentioned that Emma Kate was stuck in traffic, and I had no idea that Emma Kate was even going to be there. And then she mentioned that Katy might be a little late, and I had no idea that Katy was going to be there. And then she and Marion started talking about our friend Melissa, and I had no idea she was going to be in town, and I’m here to tell you that by the time we pulled in the bookstore parking lot, I was right on the verge of the ugly cry. Just teetering right there on the edge.
Because seriously. MY FRIENDS. I really don’t even know how to put it into words. All I know is that they are the most unconditionally supportive and encouraging people I have ever known. And that goes for the ones who weren’t in Jackson that day, too. They are all just the best. They have been as long as I’ve known them.
The book signing turned out to be a bunch of fun, and afterwards we went to Signa’s Grille in Ridgeland for supper. Elise had asked the folks there to just set us up some appetizers, and y’all, this is what was waiting on us when we got to the restaurant.
It was basically a cheese and crackers extravaganza.
In other words: HEAVEN ON EARTH.
Oh my goodness. You have never seen such an array of spreads and preserves and cheeses and olives and grapes. There was also a hot dip with sausage and spinach that I have continued to think about for the last three days. The whole set-up was perfect because we just grazed and visited and grazed and talked about cheese and grazed. Elise told me later that she didn’t have to do flowers or anything – the folks at Signa’s did that – and it really was one of the most gorgeous tablescapes I have ever seen. It was also a time when I learned that the combination of salami, plum, and Parmesan is sent from heaven above so that the Lord may be praised.
And my favorite part is that we managed to do something that we never, ever do; we TOOK A GROUP PICTURE.
I said on Instagram later that night that they are ten of the sweetest pieces of my heart. They absolutely are. The back row is Laura, Elizabeth, Daphne, Wendi, Elise, Marion, and Tracey. The front row is Emma Kate, me, Melissa, and Katy.
After supper Laura, Melissa, and Elizabeth had to go home because they are responsible members of society who had to work the next day. But the rest of us went back to Elise’s house and put on pajamas and talked non-stop for the next five hours. It was glorious. And who knew that spend-the-night parties are even more fun in your 40s? I mean, I wouldn’t even begin to try to list all the topics we covered. But if the topic came up, we BROKE IT ON DOWN.
The next morning we all had to get going pretty early (compared to college, anyway), and I haven’t been that sad to leave everybody in years. I was teary-eyed pretty much the whole way home, and it is a small wonder that I didn’t sit on the curb and sob when I dropped Marion off at the airport. I totally could have, though. We had THE BEST TIME.
Friday night I got David and Alex caught up on all the news and notes from my two days away, and then Saturday I had another book signing here in Birmingham (you’re next, Nashville – on Saturday, February 14th at the LifeWay Store at Cool Springs). Other than that, though, we’ve just been hanging out (Hazel has barely left my side), and today, after church and Chuy’s, I got to come home and put on yoga pants and watch many episodes of Beachfront Bargain Hunter in a row while David worked outside a little bit and Alex played with friends. I also watched the MSU / A&M women’s basketball game and cheered my fool head off, and then I made cheese grits for supper because FANCY.
I may watch the Grammys on the DVR if I can muster the strength.
Or I may just stare at the picture from Elise’s wedding and marvel at those sleeves.
Something tells me that second option might be the more entertaining of the two.
Hope y’all had a great weekend!
Oh my! In 1992, my bridesmaids wore almost the exact dresses, on an ivory background. We upped the ante with- gasp- brimmed hats turned up on one side covered in the SAME fabric and, because that wasn’t hideous enough, the hats were also covered in tulle. We bought an entire bolt of satin floral fabric. Oh, the horror!
OMG…that is deep and life changing…not. What a boring post. Really? What a waste of time! Won’t be getting any books.
There’s no need to be unkind. Just because the blog doesn’t tickle your fancy, Kanye, doesn’t mean it has no merit. It happens to bring me a great deal of joy, and I look forward to it daily.
There’s just no need to be unkind….
oh this post made my day! sooo precious!! I love that you shared a pic with us of your friends..is it weird I want to hug emma kate? :) I feel like I know her from your book lol!! promise I’m not a stalker, but I feel like we could be kindred spirits!
I love every single page and story you shared in your book, oh it makes me laugh and cry!
have a great week!
Those dresses are too much! Aside from the floral eye overload, the next thing I notice in that picture is the hair. I imagine lots of empty bottles of Aqua Net lying around that day! : ) There was some teasin’ going on that day, no doubt!
You have started my day off right. What a wonderful tribute to friendship. I think what keeps me coming back to read your blog is the kindness and love of others that runs through it and of course the humor. It is the little things of life you write about that connect us. I haven’t read your books yet, but I will. I am about 10 years further down the road of life than you…..so I have a grown daughter in Nashville….I have half a mind to send her to your book signing there to pick up both of your books. I enjoy your writing very much and you seem like a precious person, please keep it up!
First off, your title had me thinking about Tim Hawkins video about yoga pants … lol. Second, my grade eight graduation dress was eerily similar to those bridesmaid dresses, the only difference being the massive pink bows on both shoulders of my dress….oh, and my black velvet choker… rather than the pearls .. heh. :) and Finally, What a wonderful post to read about the love of friends! so sweet, and love that table spread! yum!
I had completely forgotten about the choker fad. As soon as I read the words, “black velvet choker,” I was back in junior high with my denim cuffed shorts, floral vest from my FAVORITE store County Seat, with a choker (heart charm and all) adorning my neck. I’m so glad that the Lord sought to deliver me from such terrible fashion.
I greatly appreciated this blog this morning! It felt like I was with you every step of the way! I look forward to your reads every day!!
“…I learned that the combination of salami,plum, and parmesan is sent from Heaven above so that the Lord may be praised!” OH MY WORD, laugh out loud funny this morning! I am so glad your precious friends were there to help you celebrate this milestone and that you got some good visiting in with them as well. Sounds like a priceless memory! Thank you for sharing!
Elise was, and still is I’m sure, a lady of fine taste. This is a tribute to fashion, friendship, snack crackers, and all that is good and right in Mississippi!
I’m going today to get your book! I laughed and cried through your first one! As a fellow Chi-O, I’m so proud of you! I’ll be giving copies away as gifts to my favorite people.
Loved the wedding picture…reminded me so much of my son and daughter-in-law’s wedding in 1992! The floral bridesmaid dresses certainly were “in” that year!! And 13 bridesmaids…your friend wasn’t a bit superstiteous was she?? Your writings and pictures bring me much joy!!! Thank you!
absolutely precious! I love the wedding photo! I got married in 1992 and was a bridesmaid in a few weddings around that time. This couldn’t represent that era more! haha! And I marvel at the tablescape of “just a few appetizers!” Beautiful! So glad you had a good time reminiscing.
Loved it. . . and brought tears to my eyes because I feel the same way about my college friends.
PS . . . still amazed at some people. Obviously their Southern mama never taught them ” if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all ! “
Those dresses are amazing! We had so much fun seeing you at Lemuria! After your signing, our friends had much of the same visiting session at dinner. Be sure to tell Perry at Chuy’s hello!
I’m so glad to have faces with the names from your books! This is a real happy for me. I, too, have a group of girls that would go to the mat for me and come up giggling. We have pajama parties at least once a year and someone always laughs a little too much and, well, you know.
Thanks for sharing you weekend! Please come to Kansas sometime.
(and P.S., ignore the trolls!)
This comment is for Judy Dunkon (second commenter, see above), although she will probably never see it, but I had to speak up. Not every author, or blogger, for that matter, will be to our liking. Thats just fine. Read the ones you like…don’t read the ones you don’t like. But Judy, there’s no need to be ugly. I was taught that if you don’t have anything nice to say, keep your mouth shut. Internet bullying directed at my friend, one of the kindest people on this planet (and that’s exactly what that comment is) will not be tolerated.
Thank you, and have a great day!
love love love you!!!
I so agree with everything Sallie Baker and your friend Marion had to say. This post reminded me of my friends from college. It brought tears to my eyes too. Thinking how even after all of these years (and I have a few years on you too) that they are there in the drop of a hat. I have read your first book and have the second one loaded onto my iPad. By listening to your podcast, when I read your book, you have a voice. In my head, Martha’s voice is kin to Blanche’s from the Golden Girls (but pitched a tad higher). I am strange I know. I like my characters to have a voice in my head. Have a lovely week.
I loved every bit of this post! Your stories are so heartwarming and funny. What an amazing blessing to have all those friends and their support.
Also, I would like to punch that Judy in the face for her comment. I feel so protective for you after reading your blog for years. I’m sure she could use our prayers to learn how to be nice :)
This comment made me laugh! Love it! I think all of boomama’s regular readers would concur! We love her and we are loyal! :)
Sophie, thank you, thank you for being so honest and hilarious at the same time. I finished your book over the weekend, and I just loved it. There were parts in it that made me set it down and just do some thinking. God has been so faithful whether I am near to him or farther away than I ought to be. He is good and his plans may make no sense but Lord help me to keep on trusting and loving those around me while I’m doing life with them. God bless you and thanks again. In God’s love, sheila
I love every single thing about this. You are so blessed! And you need to know that as soon as I’ve posted this comment I’m pulling your book back off the shelf and paging through it with that picture in front of me, so I can put the faces with the names and stories.
Sophie you stand for everything good and right. You are kindhearted and have the good of others at heart. You bring us joy and laughter. Your love for our Lord and others shines through both your writing, words and actions.
In such a time as this ~ it is refreshing to get a chance to take a break and laugh and have all the worries and “meanness” of this world taken away…thank you for allowing us all this opportunity with your blog and do not pay attention to someone’s nasty comment ~ not worthy of the time. Bless you and KEEP ON!
Sophie,
Thanks for bringing back some Critz Hall memories with this post. Love you and so many of these girls. I’ll always cherish some of those freshman MSU memories. Glad to say “i knew you when…”
Marion: Amen about your comment regarding Judy.
I was so excited to see this picture of you and your friends, you said in the book that you can’t do justice in describing the dresses, but you came pretty close. You girls were beautiful then, and you’re all beautiful now! Now, after that compliment, could you do me a favor and write an excuse slip for the day last work when I completely worthless on account of great-booksomnia? Couldn’t put it down even though I knew that would be the responsible thing to do. Thanks for sharing your heart, it’s a lovely thing.
Sweet posting on friendship!
But, that game yesterday?? 10 ways of awesome. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Vic Schaeffer! I want to clone him…..
Oh. Those. Dresses! Southern Girls know how to do puffy sleeves & big hair! I received your book in the mail Saturday. I’m forcing myself to wait & read it in 3 weeks after my double mastectomy. I know that’s when I’ll be wanting a good laugh, cry, & WORD! Just wish Melanie’s new book was out by then too :)
Congrats & keep up the good work!
You go, Lynda! Sounds as if you have the perfect recipe for healing all planned out. Praying for you.
Oh this post made my heart ache for my dear college friends. Forever friends are the very best! And those floral dresses are, well, they sure are something! Bless your hearts.
Love, love, love your blog and your books!!!! I look forward every day to read your posts!!! I can’t wait to meet you at your Cool Springs book signing!!! So excited!!!!
Y’all are awesome. Just please don’t punch anybody (that would be terrible) (and yes, I know y’all are kidding). But oh have mercy am I ever grateful for such a supportive blog community!
So, I just finished your book the other night and I have to tell you the whole time I was reading I kept thinking that sounds like me, or that’s how I feel, or that’s what I’d do etc and so forth. Then when I got to the part where you reveal that you are an INFP I kept repeating (inside my head) “OH NO, OH NO, OH NO, OH NO, OHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOO!, That explains it.” I too am an INFP and I assure you the OH NO’s were meant in a very good way. It was like it all came together and made sense and I knew why reading the whole book was like reading from inside my head. I, of course, am a few ish years ahead of you, but other than that we are twins. If I ever make it to Birmingham we’ll meet for coffee. Well, I don’t drink coffee, but we’ll met up. If you want to. My husband did apply for a job in Birmingham and I told him I didn’t think I wanted to live there (too far from KY) but then, I remembered that you lived there and that made it seem more like a possibility. Alas, I don’t think he is going to get the job. But, you never know, our paths may cross someday. I promise I am not a creepy stalker, just a fellow INFP, rare breed that we are. I too am an English major and a former English teacher. Although, I probably shouldn’t mention that since I tend to butcher a good sentence these days! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading both of your books. Hope there are many more to come.
Marion , you go girl!!! Nobody messes with our sweet friend Sophie! On another note, I have never seen my sister and friends look so lovely dressed in someone’s old drapes! Heehee
You, your book, and these pictures are a GIFT!!! Thank you for sharing with your readers!!
There is something so disconcerting that I get to enjoy your humor on a daily basis, yet I have never gotten to meet you. Thanks for the daily laughs (just said the same to your friend…Big Mama!)
I love both of your books and your blog never fails to bring a smile to my face. Thank you for the Son shine you bring into our lives!
I loved your book and blog.