Gotta love this family--especially the mother!
Aug 11, 2009
Aug 2, 2009
Jul 27, 2009
SOUTHERN READING CHALLENGE - HAIKU
Sweet Potato Queens
Say men taste just like chicken
Makin' The Promise
Jul 20, 2009
BOOK REVIEW # 2
The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love
by Jill Conner Browne
The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love is the first in a series of books by Jill Conner Browne about the Sweet Potato Queens. The Sweet Potato Queens consist of Browne and a group of bad girl belles in Jackson, Mississippi, who are the main attraction in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. These girls love a parade. These girls love to have fun. In essence, these girls love life. And they’re not afraid to show it with their antics.
If you didn’t know that Southern women are just downright different from most other women, you’ll know soon enough as you begin reading The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love. Sure, Southern women talk with funny accents. And plenty of Southern women have big hair. But one thing most Southern women aren’t is STUPID—especially relating to men. Browne shows us how she and her fellow Queens manipulate (did I use that word?), I mean encourage, men to do their bidding. As she says, “Queens love men. They taste just like chicken.” Browne shares the Queens’ magic words they use to get any man, any time, any where, to do their bidding. But, as Browne is quick to point out since her momma is probably gonna read her book, the Queens never have to follow through on their Promise. Just the Promise, most especially with an audience to hear the words, will get the Queens anything they want from a man.
Browne is a funny person. She’s also a funny writer. This makes for a laugh-out-loud kinda book. And the Southern expressions (many of which I’m familiar since I’m a Southern girl) are quite entertaining. It’s been a long time (I’m a Southerner transplanted to the North) since I’ve heard the expressions/words “he was fixin’ to,” “he don’t know jack shit” and “there’s a nekkid man,” but I was instantly transported back to the South as I read Browne’s words. You don’t have to be a Southerner, however, to understand and enjoy The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love. You’ll get it.
by Jill Conner Browne
The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love is the first in a series of books by Jill Conner Browne about the Sweet Potato Queens. The Sweet Potato Queens consist of Browne and a group of bad girl belles in Jackson, Mississippi, who are the main attraction in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. These girls love a parade. These girls love to have fun. In essence, these girls love life. And they’re not afraid to show it with their antics.
If you didn’t know that Southern women are just downright different from most other women, you’ll know soon enough as you begin reading The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love. Sure, Southern women talk with funny accents. And plenty of Southern women have big hair. But one thing most Southern women aren’t is STUPID—especially relating to men. Browne shows us how she and her fellow Queens manipulate (did I use that word?), I mean encourage, men to do their bidding. As she says, “Queens love men. They taste just like chicken.” Browne shares the Queens’ magic words they use to get any man, any time, any where, to do their bidding. But, as Browne is quick to point out since her momma is probably gonna read her book, the Queens never have to follow through on their Promise. Just the Promise, most especially with an audience to hear the words, will get the Queens anything they want from a man.
Browne is a funny person. She’s also a funny writer. This makes for a laugh-out-loud kinda book. And the Southern expressions (many of which I’m familiar since I’m a Southern girl) are quite entertaining. It’s been a long time (I’m a Southerner transplanted to the North) since I’ve heard the expressions/words “he was fixin’ to,” “he don’t know jack shit” and “there’s a nekkid man,” but I was instantly transported back to the South as I read Browne’s words. You don’t have to be a Southerner, however, to understand and enjoy The Sweet Potato Queens’ Book of Love. You’ll get it.
Jun 29, 2009
Man Of Constant Sorrow - Ralph Stanley
Ralph Stanley will be at the Farm Museum on Saturday, July 11th. God willing.
Jun 2, 2009
BOOK REVIEW # 1
Blood and Grits by Harry Crews
Until I took a look at some of the authors and titles that Maggie had listed on her blog as suggested reads for the Southern Reading Challenge 3 this year, I had never heard of Harry Crews. However, Crews’ non-fiction book, Blood and Grits, seemed a logical choice for me because I’m a non-fiction reader for the most part, I’m from the South and I already know what grits are. Plus, the juxtaposition of those two words is pretty stark, so I was hooked from the start. That image of red blood and white grits flew out the window, though, once I started reading this book. It just goes to show ya’ that you don’t always know what you think you do.
In Southern vernacular, a Grit is usually a fellow Southerner. He can be a tough and uncompromising realist, possess an abrasive personality, be a sumbitch or even a shit. But we usually love him anyway because he’s a real son-of-a-bitch. If there’s one thing a Southerner can’t tolerate, it’s puttin’ on airs. And trust me, you won’t find any of that here. If you want a pretty little story all wrapped up in a bow, don’t read Blood and Grits. And if you want to read about people who treat each other with respect, you’ll want to skip this book.
Each chapter of Blood and Grits is a stand-alone story, originally published in Playboy or Esquire, with Crews as the narrator as well as participant. The settings are mostly in the South although one of the stories takes place in Valdez, Alaska, and the time frame is the 70s. If you’re thinkin’ trippin’ on acid, ridin’ a big rig while yakkin’ on a CB radio, or watchin’ Big Oil install their big oil pipeline in Alaska, you’re ready for Crews’ stories.
Just remember, though, that things aren’t always what we think they are. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life. I even had to read many of these stories aloud to my husband because I just couldn’t believe what I was reading. I would say that Crews, at least with Blood and Grits, is a man writing for men. But you don’t have to be a man to enjoy these stories or to recognize talent when you see it. Crews is now at the top of my list of authors that are too good to pass up. This man knows how to tell a story. And you don’t want to miss these.
Until I took a look at some of the authors and titles that Maggie had listed on her blog as suggested reads for the Southern Reading Challenge 3 this year, I had never heard of Harry Crews. However, Crews’ non-fiction book, Blood and Grits, seemed a logical choice for me because I’m a non-fiction reader for the most part, I’m from the South and I already know what grits are. Plus, the juxtaposition of those two words is pretty stark, so I was hooked from the start. That image of red blood and white grits flew out the window, though, once I started reading this book. It just goes to show ya’ that you don’t always know what you think you do.
In Southern vernacular, a Grit is usually a fellow Southerner. He can be a tough and uncompromising realist, possess an abrasive personality, be a sumbitch or even a shit. But we usually love him anyway because he’s a real son-of-a-bitch. If there’s one thing a Southerner can’t tolerate, it’s puttin’ on airs. And trust me, you won’t find any of that here. If you want a pretty little story all wrapped up in a bow, don’t read Blood and Grits. And if you want to read about people who treat each other with respect, you’ll want to skip this book.
Each chapter of Blood and Grits is a stand-alone story, originally published in Playboy or Esquire, with Crews as the narrator as well as participant. The settings are mostly in the South although one of the stories takes place in Valdez, Alaska, and the time frame is the 70s. If you’re thinkin’ trippin’ on acid, ridin’ a big rig while yakkin’ on a CB radio, or watchin’ Big Oil install their big oil pipeline in Alaska, you’re ready for Crews’ stories.
Just remember, though, that things aren’t always what we think they are. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life. I even had to read many of these stories aloud to my husband because I just couldn’t believe what I was reading. I would say that Crews, at least with Blood and Grits, is a man writing for men. But you don’t have to be a man to enjoy these stories or to recognize talent when you see it. Crews is now at the top of my list of authors that are too good to pass up. This man knows how to tell a story. And you don’t want to miss these.
May 28, 2009
May 24, 2009
CHICKEN COOP PROJECT - FINISHED!
Thanks, Wendy. It looks really good. And the green paint on the chickens looks good, too!
May 6, 2009
Southern Reading Challenge Three
Maggie's Southern Reading Challenge 3 kicks off this month."It's that time of year! The time when you pour a glass of lemonade or sweet tea and take your official summer spot on the porch. Lean back in that chase lounge surrounded by geraniums and ferns, and begin the summer long journey into Southern culture.
Yes, it's hot! Yes, it does get uncomfortable, but it is well worth the effort as you discover our unique "Southern" point of view. You may choose to read any style of Southern book such as Appalachian tales, Civil War sagas, Gothic myths, Grit lit, and heart-wrenching biographies...Just as long as you read three (fiction or nonfiction) between May 15th and August 15th."
Visit Maggie's blog for ideas/titles of books to read for the challenge.
My SRC list for this summer:
1. Blood and Grits by Harry Crews
2. The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love by Jill Conner Browne
3.
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