Browsing: OurMSVoices

Last week, I shared about growing up on the front porch of my grandfather’s grist mill and forge in Chickasaw County, Mississippi. My childhood memories truly are an amazing gift from God. So much so, that I often wonder if the memories our grandchildren are currently making here in the great state of Mississippi will be equally joyful and amazing. 

“Stay out of that corn crib!” I can still hear my grandfather fussing at my sister and me as we giggled and conspired on how we would make our way back to the top of the corn crib and slide down again without incurring Papa’s wrath.

So it was that at the annual “Battle of the Cats Breakfast” on August 30, I was able to take a deep breath of fresh air reminding me of what is good about this old world. The event, sponsored jointly by Pascagoula High School and Moss Point High School on the morning of each year’s Panthers-Tigers football clash to start the season, was held at PHS’s sparkling, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, and was a huge success by any and all measures.

Bridal showers and baby showers have been on my mind lately bringing back memories of ones I’ve attended and the food and fellowship that accompanied them.

The Country Squire was opened in August of 1970 by Jim and Gwen Reeves and has been a tradition for many families for over 50 years. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves worked to create a pipe and cigar experience that offered the finest smoking products and accessories for the sophisticated enthusiast.

Maybe it’s because we celebrated Memorial Day just a few weeks ago.

Maybe it’s because we recently observed the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Maybe it’s because I just completed the striking novel, The Women, by Kristen Hannah. (More on that later.)

Maybe it’s because the Fourth of July is upon us.

I think I am officially a little old lady. 

If I was not certain of my elderly status before, my recent backyard birding adventures have sealed the deal and specifically marked me as a little old, crazy bird lady.

What’s a summer like in Mississippi? What happens in the Magnolia State that lets you know that summer is officially here? Summer is swiftly approaching, there are so many elements, some nostalgic and some current, that remind me that summers in Mississippi are something special. 

I went to school in Vardaman, Mississippi, from seventh through twelfth grade, and those years provided me with some of the greatest memories of my life. That school also gave me some lifelong friends who would stand beside me and fight for me even today, 44 years after graduation.

It’s that time of year again…. Mississippi high school playoff baseball is in full swing, and my hometown George County Rebels are still in the mix, still chasing another state championship!

Tonight, April 29, 2024, the Mooreville Troopers defeated the Booneville Blue Devils, with a final score of 10-0. #11, Wyatt McDaniels hit a grand slam that put the Troopers up 8-0 over Booneville. The number 11 is a legacy in Mooreville, Mississippi. My son Chris Lucius was a 2005 graduate of Mooreville High School and proudly wore #11 as a Trooper.

There are things in this world that tend to bring men together, with hunting being one of them. Sit down meals made from the bounty of our camouflaged excursions into the wilderness of God’s great creation are yet another reason to gather.

Some people say the name of this small, flowering tree came from the Cherokee. Other historians believe it goes back to colonial times because the tree does produce edible fruit, but it was not considered decent enough to even give to the dogs. 

Easter is almost here! Since it falls a bit early this year, you might not have your usual prep work done for your family Easter celebration. But don’t panic. Just tell everybody to bring their favorite food, a dozen dyed or plastic, candy-stuffed eggs, and you’re good to go.

For those of us that are older (definition withheld), many of our fondest memories are that of simpler times and experiences with the characters that defined small towns. That was certainly true for me growing up in southwestern Louisiana where those characters shaped my view of the world and how simple acts were common.

Last Saturday, I got an early morning text saying, “Don’t forget, we need to be at church tonight at 7:00”.
Wait, what? Understand, I truly love my church, First United Methodist of Pascagoula, but I’m pretty much a Sunday morning guy. Saturday nights, I’m usually going out to eat, watching some ball game, visiting with friends, or just chilling at the house.