RANDOMONDAY #9 POETRY

I sorta-kinda-prolly had something in mind for today, and got busy this morning with little chores and a grandbaby in the house, with lots of outside playing in this Ordered-From-A-Catalog June day. It's been the most glorious morning, with soft breezes that feel like water on your skin, and the sound of the bee-zillion leaves on THE tree out back, like great clouds of wings whirring. It was a patio-sweeping day, with all the furniture moved off to the lawn, then enough breeze that it just played with us, sending all those leaves and bits swirling around the wall of the house and back where they'd been when we started.

And for an early cup, a lovely visit with my nearest neighbor, to discuss "her" party sometime in July---she had a BIG birthday several years ago, and the Summer Busies and not feeling too well at the time left me postponing and delaying, with one or another of her children out of the state or out of the country, etc., so we just now settled on a MONTH, at least.

And a menu---all the lovely dainties and good things of the "party planning" posts earlier in June. And she loved everything I suggested, raising her eyebrows in delight at each suggestion. She'd been a "War Bride," marrying a young soldier in the early Fifties and coming to America. In her youth, she and her Mother sort of did what we call in the South "made do" with a scanty larder and scarce luxuries, and though she's been here all these years, raised several children with a lovely husband, with access to grocery stores beyond imagining, she's still delighted and amazed at beautiful food and parties, and that someone wants to do a nice thing for her.

So we visited, so we planned. We have everything covered---tables, chairs, chair skirts, dishes, silverware, food, beverages, guest list, invitations (all mine but the guest list---she provided that). All but the date, and I hope that the day we choose will be a bountiful day, of sunny skies and gentle temperatures and soft breezes---just like this one. I wish it were today, with all the silver polished and all the lovely food ready to set out upon floral-clothed tables on the lawn. She deserves a lovely party. And I want to make one.
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Another Random Note---I received this little post in a "comments" section this morning, and am answering the request to mention her book. Always delighted to be of help to another G.R.I.T.S. Girl.

My name is Patricia Neely-Dorsey. I am from Tupelo,MS and the author of Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems. I have been enjoying reading your blog and was wondering if you might possibly feature my book on your blog to introduce my "little book of southern poems " to your readers and help me spread the word.

(And then I believe she quotes a review):

Patricia Neely Dorsey's Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems is "a true celebration of the south and things southern." The author states , "There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. In my book, using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life. In my book I try to show that there is much is more to Mississippi and the south than all of the negatives usually portrayed .

I invite readers to Meet Mississippi (and the south) Through Poetry ,Prose and The Written Word."

SOUTHERN LIFE

If you want a glimpse of Southern life,
Come close and walk with me;
I'll tell you all the simple things,
That you are sure to see.

You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees,
Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees,
Caterpillars on the step,
Wooden porches cleanly swept;

Watermelons on the vine,
Strong majestic Georgia pines;
Rocking chairs and front yard swings,
Junebugs flying on a string;

Turnip greens and hot cornbread,
Coleslaw and barbecue;
Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes,
Fried pies and pickles too.

There's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet,
And cool, green grass beneath your feet;
Catfish nipping in the lake,
And fresh young boys on the make.

You'll see all these things
And much, much more,
In a way of life that I adore.

Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems
BOOK AVAILABLE: www.reeds.ms/book.asp or www.Amazon.com
AUTHOR WEBSITE: www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com