Southern Sayin' Of The Month

I live for the light of a full moon. -me

Friday, February 12, 2010

Sips Of The South...Steel Magnolias


"The biggest myth about Southern women is that we are frail types--fainting on our sofas...nobody where I grew up ever acted like that. We were about as fragile as coal trucks." --Lee Smith

I think this quote sums up the strength of Southern women perfectly!

This week's topic over at Sweet Tea & Biscuits Sips of the South is to share who are the true steel magnolias in our lives. I'd have to say that the two women who have been steel magnolias in my life are my Mama and my Mamaw.

My Mama was a single mother to my brother and I and she is the best mother I could ever ask for. She sacrificed for us, provided for us, and instilled values in me that I will forever be thankful for. She has been there for me whenever I've needed her and supported every decision I've ever made. I remember her trying to get me to watch her cook when I was maybe middle school age and I couldn't have been less interested, but now I find myself asking her how she makes everything. I'm going to remind my daughter of this and sit her on the counter to watch and learn from her Nana.

I've written on my Mamaw before...most recently about her passing at 95 years old. She was one of those coal truck women referred to in the quote above. My grandfather passed away when my mother was 12, and she had two other children that she raised on her own. She was a woman who could make something out of nothing, had the cleanest house you would ever step into, and could cook a meal that would put 10 pounds on you. I have so many fond memories of living with my Mamaw and my Mama and I know that having these two strong women raise me is what made me who I am today.

My Mama and Mamaw have encouraged me to put down roots, stand tall, and blossom just like the Magnolia tree, and I thank them.


4 comments:

  1. I love the quote about blossoming like the magnolia tree. My granny was a coal truck too :) She is still living at age 93 but is not the granny I remember now that she is in a rest home. It is tough but I love sharing her memories, pictures and recipes on my blog. It keeps me close to her even as she is slipping away. Nothing like a southern granny or mamaw. The best !!! Thanks for sharing

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  2. I'm a new follower and I just wanted to say hello! I love reading your blog. I'm not a southern mama, but rather a midwestern one. :)

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