Let it Be: If it’s Broke, Don’t Fix It

People always seem to be trying to “fix” things. Although I can understand fixing practical things like a car, a sink, or even a pet, but people want to fix their marriage, fix their job, or fix themselves. Fix, fix, fix. Society seems to have this unconscious obsession with things being fixed, that most of the time, don’t need fixin’. Is having everything in life perfectly “fixed” the answer to all of our problems? Or do we need some things to be broken in our lives to maintain a sense of normalcy?

When I first met him, my husband was a shoe cobbler. For those of you who do not know, a shoe cobbler is basically a shoe repairman. I had never heard of such until I met him. If any of my shoes ever broke, I would just toss them and buy a new pair. At the particular shop at which he worked, the prices for fixing the shoes were quite expensive. I would always wonder why the people coming in didn’t just do like me and buy more shoes instead of paying more than the shoes were worth getting them repaired. We are talking about everyday, run of the mill shoes here. Not Louboutins or Manolos, which I would understand doing a little repair on.

One day my husband even pointed to the shoes I was wearing and said, “You know, I could fix those for you?” to which I replied, “No, thanks. I need some things that are broken in my life.” So, what is the obsession with fixing everything? One doesn’t achieve character by being “fixed” up and having it all together. After all, I’ve always considered the most broken people to have the most honest hearts. Does it all have to be fixed in order to achieve happiness? I think not.

Hill Crest Cemetery: The Little Arlington of the South

  
One of the most historic places in the small town of Holly Springs, Mississippi, is Hill Crest Cemetery. For over a century, Hill Crest has become the final resting place for many a town folk, including U.S. Confederate Army Generals, Senators and famous painters.
  
   
 
  
“A precious one from us has gone, a voice we loved is stilled, a place is vacant in our home, which never can be filled.”

 It all began when one of the very first residents of Holly Springs, William S. Randolph, donated 24 acres to begin the cemetery. Mr. Randolph was one of the earliest settlers and founders of Holly Springs.

 

  

        
    
  

 Known as the “Little Arlington of the South,” Hill Crest Cemetery is home to five graves belonging to U.S. Confederate Army Generals. A monument honoring the Confederate dead has also been erected in their honor. Many other veterans, that served in later wars such as the Korean War or Vietnam, are also a part of Hill Crest Cemetery. Many times there will be a coin left on a soldier’s grave. This is meant as a message to the deceased soldier’s family. Leaving a nickel means that you were in boot camp with the deceased, a dime means that you served together, and a quarter means that you were with the deceased when he was killed. This is such a powerful yet silent message.

   

  

  

  
  

   

 Other notable residents of Hill Crests include Wall Doxey, a United States Senator and Congressman, Kate Freeman Clark, a famous painter and Hiram Rhodes Revels, who on February 25, 1870 became the first African American elected to the United States Senate representing Mississippi.

 

    
    
    
    
  Hill Crest is a beautiful cemetery booming with history. The grass and shrubbery is always groomed perfectly. It is a great place to learn about our past generations or just sit and gather your thoughts. Whether you are a tourist or a resident, Hill Crest is a must when in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

 

The Bible Belt: Heavenly Hypocrisy

Here in the heart of the bible belt, there is a church on every corner, literally. Religion here in the South is not just a part of life, it is a way of life. When you are asked, “What church do you go to?” you’re  expected to promptly respond with the name of a well known church. Not being a church regular, I respond with, “I don’t go to church,” after which I am given a look of judgment that would put Saint Peter to shame. Would it have been better for me to lie? I think not. Simply not going to church does not mean that I do not believe in God. I just choose to worship differently, as my belief system does not strictly abide by the rules and laws of any of the many churches of which I am surrounded by.

The bible belt is defined as being the group of states located in the Southeastern United States. Forty-Eight percent of the bible belt’s population is religious in the way that they regularly attend church. Nineteen percent of that forty-eight being Baptist. Therefore, Baptists dominate the bible belt. If you have ever been to a Baptist church, you know that it is boring as hell. Having said that, I may just get to experience that comparison first hand, however, I am speaking truthfully.

I grew up in the bible belt and have lived here my entire life. My family never pushed religion on me, but I was taught about religion. Not just Christianity, but I was taught about all forms of religion, and how they apply to different regions and cultures. I was left to freely make my choice as to which religion I wanted to be a part of and idenified with. That was an important part in my growing up experiece and my free thought processes. This taught me to think freely and make choices based upon my own opinions and not just make life decisions based on the theory that is just “what you are supposed to do,” which is what many bible belters believe. Religion is passed down from generation to generation and there is no opportunity for freedom of choice. It is as people are living a strictly choreographed lifestyle, and they don’t even know it.

This is not an attack on the bible belt or Christianity, but rather a inquistive article addressing some of the issues brought about by living here. When questioning a religion such as Christianity, most Christians see it as an attack on their way of life. The first amendment protects that, so trust me, there is nothing to worry about. However, freedom of religion includles all religions. Here in the bible belt, that is often forgotten or disregarded. In addition, Jesus said to love one another as he loves us, unconditionally, but if you are gay, pro-choice or an evolutionist, you don’t count here in this religious neck of the woods. Sorry, but Jesus did not include an asterisk next to this teaching. For instance, love one another *but only under the following conditions… that is not the way it goes, hence the word unconditionally. People of the bible belt fail to realize this. It is God’s place to judge, not ours. God loves us all. He loves us whether or not we attend church regularly, are gay or straight, or have different beliefs. He even loves you hypocrites who sit on the front pew every Sunday smiling in the preachers face after sleeping with his wife.

Each time I hear about the bible belt, it is always a negative remark. Being the proud southerner that I am, I started thinking about this. In my thinking, I realized, the bible belt does nothing to live up to it’s name. Orion’s Belt is more heavenly than the bible belt. I’m not shaming where I come from, I am calling out the people who make the bible belt what it is, which is a critical, judgmental, bullshit group of people, claiming to be Christians, nor am I passing judgment upon these poor souls. Judgment is one thing, but truth is another. Judgment is in God’s hands, but the truth will set you free.

Best Places to Visit on the Holly Springs, MS, Square

1.) Lost River Mercantile 

  

Lost River Mercantile is the most wonderfully unique store in Holly Springs. The owner, Andrea Edgeworth, has been in this type of business for over 30 years. From Texas to New Mexico, then Colorado to Mississippi, she brings a spicy, southwestern feel to our small, southern town. She has some amazing Sante Fean dresses, including the black one I am wearing pictured above. Once I tried it on, I just couldn’t pass it up. Her store includes gourmet foods, beverages, beautiful jewelry, clothing, boots, decor, you name it, she’s got it! She even recently started selling cakes, full and by the slice.

  

Stop in for a glass of lavender lemonade with Andrea, and she will delight you with her amazing stories of Sante Fe and knowledge of other cultures. The amazing essentricity of the store and Andrea’s passion for what she does makes Lost River Mercantile a perfect candidate for Best Places to Visit on the Holly Springs Square.

2.) Berries by TJ

You may think you’ve experienced a cupcake before, but until you’ve been to TJ’s Bakery, you’ve had nothing of the sort. Owner, TJ Turnage, is open 7 days a week, making the best cupcakes you will ever sink your teeth into.

 She has a beautiful talent for baking. She serves more than just cupcakes. She also serves candy apples, chocolate covered strawberries and croissants. Her custom cakes and wedding cakes are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Her cupcakes truly live up to being irresistible. Rocky Road, Strawberry with Cream Cheese icing, Red Velvet, Coconut, Maple Bacon and much more! My husband and I might have to renew our weddings vows just to buy one of her amazing wedding cakes!

  
3.) Retro Rooster/Angie’s Boutique 

Located in the historic IC Levy Building on the East side of the square, is Retro Rooster and Angie’s Boutique. Both under the same roof, however, each H ave different and unique items to offer. In Angie’s Boutique, you can find both male and female clothing, accessories, shoes, tees and monograms. Retro Rooster, located on the right side of the building, has a beautiful collection of antiques and home decor. The staff is extremely friendly and willing to assist. The fact that both of these great stores are under one roof make it a wonderful 2 in 1 stop shop for shopping for gifts, or just a little self indulgance.

4.) JB’s On the Square

 JB’s Restaurant on the Square is the best place in town for real southern cooking. If you are a first time visitor, you can expect to be greeted with genuine southern hospitality. They also have a full service bar open until 12 a.m. The bartender, Lynn, makes the best dirty martini you will ever taste! 

Karaoke and live music happens on the weekends, and they even have occasional crawfish boils that are amazing to say the least. Stop by and meet owners, Johnny Boone (JB) and wife, Nancy Boone, true southerners with a passion for pleasing customers.

“Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes”

I woke up to a text from my mother saying that Merle Haggard was dead. I wasn’t even awake good, and I was devastated. I’ve listened to Merle since I was a little girl, barefoot in the yard, with my granddaddy working on cars and blasting Merle from the car’s stereo. No one will fill his shoes that’s for sure. What a loss to the REAL country music world. One day soon all we will be left with in the country music world will be the ass shaking, stage falling, wannabes. Rest in Peace dear Merle, a true outlaw and talented musician, who needed no introduction. I saw him and Bob Dylan at the Orpheum theater in Memphis, TN, few years ago, and Merle was so amazing. When he sang silver wings, my heart just swelled. I love you, Merle, and you sure will be missed. You’ll always be, “My Favorite Memory of All.” 

Vitamin D or Vitamin Dead?

How can something like the sun be so warm and happy, but deadly at the same time? I was diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer right above my eyebrow a few years ago. It just looked like a little bump or dry skin or something, so I wasn’t very worried about it. Skin cancer runs in my family, so I have a check up every six months at the dermatologist. I just happened to mention it to the Doctor, and she wanted to biopsy it. They have a lab on site, so they were able to give me the results immediately. I was shocked, scared and worried. It was just a little dot, how bad could it be?? But she explained to me that skin cancer can go way beyond the surface and even start to affect the internal organs. This particular cancer, being right above my eye, needed to be removed immediately because of the sensitive area it was in. So, instead of trying surgery first, she suggested I try a cream that acts like chemotherapy in that it kills all the cells and basically eats away your skin. I was in so much pain and self conscience to say the least. I couldn’t cross paths with one single person who didn’t ask,”what is the horrible spot on your face?! What happended?!” Reluctantly, I would explain because as they halfway listened, I knew that they could care less because most people do not see skin cancer as a serious issue. But, from experience, I can tell you that it is. I went back for my check up and second biopsy to see if the cream was working, but after having a shot in my already diminishing brow, she took what looked like a small ice cream scoop to it for the biopsy. Mother and I impatiently waited for the results in the next room. Unfortunately, the Dr. came back in and said, “I’m glad we did the biopsy, it is deeper than expected and the cream would have never gotten rid of it all.” So, we go back to the room, she shoots me with deadening shots and scoops out more, to the point where there was a huge hole on my brow. As she kept having to deaden it, it was extremely painful. Luckily, the last scoop got it all. I had to immediately go to plastic surgery afterwards because my left brow was so mangled and basically gone. After plastic surgery, I was left with 13 external stitches and some internal. The pain afterwards was extreme. Even leaning down to pick something up was excruciating. I am posting this not for pity, but as advice to please protect yourself while in the sun. When I was younger, I laid in the tanning bed and didn’t take care of my skin as I should have. That and my genetic susceptibility to skin cancer are what I think what contributed to my skin cancer. Everyone is free to make their own choices, but please be aware of the consequences when getting in the tanning bed or being in the sun. Since my diagnosis, I have stopped tanning completely. If I am in the sun, I apply no lower than spf 50 and reapply every few hours. Since I started doing that, I am so happy with my skin. I just wanted to share my story with you all as we are entering the summer months. I have included post op pictures, so you all can see what I’m talking about. Thanks for reading. ☺️ 

Short and Sweet: Tasteful Advice

We all know that drinking orange juice after one has brushed their teeth, can be death to the taste buds, however, milk after brushing just may be an ally. I took a big swig after a vigorous session with Crest, and ahh refreshing! It had the vibe of a peppermint patty. Share this wisdom my dear friends! Must must let the world know! Lol Just a bit of silliness to keep things interesting.  Like Waylon Jennings said, “I’ve always been crazy, but it’s helped me from going insane.” Indeed, Waylon. Indeed.

The Death of Laughter

In the adult world, we have bills, kids, jobs, etc. We have so many responsibilities that we are forgetting one simple thing, to laugh. I notice this a lot when I am out places. No one laughs. Maybe a fake forced laugh, but no more genuine laughs that make you gasp for air and your stomach hurt. Why is this? What happened to laughter? I am always laughing. Not because I don’t have any worries or responsibilities, I have plenty. But, for that one split second of laughing, I forget it all. Laughter truly is the best medicine. I love making people laugh. I know whatever they are going through, that while laughing, they will forget their worries and let go. As someone who suffers from not one, but two extremely painful chronic illnesses, I figured I could lay down and feel sorry for myself, or I could get out and do and laugh. Some people say I’m silly or need to grow up. But, my theory is if being silly and laughing helps me forget my pain and troubles, then maybe it could help others. So, my advice to those who say, “you need to grow up and stop being so silly,” is this, lighten up and learn to laugh. Life is nothing without laughter and happiness.

Southern Hospifoulity

Most everyone is familiar with the term, “southern hospitality,” but what exactly is southern hospitality? Wikipedia defines it as “a phrase used in American English to describe the stereotype of residents of the Southern United States as particularly warm, sweet, and welcoming to the visitors to their homes, or to the South in general.” If you have ever visited the Southern United States, you may have found this definition to be quite accurate. If you’re from the South, you know the true side of southern hospitality. I will say, majority of southerners truly are hospitable. They are proud of their southern heritage and happy to share it with the many out of town visitors. These people are the real southerners. The salt of the earth. If you need directions or have car trouble, etc, they are more than willing to lend a hand. They don’t even expect payment or anything in return. I am certain that the saying, “he’d give ya the shirt off his back,” was started in Mississippi. Now, on to the “hospifoulity” of the South. As always, there are a few bad apples that always spoil the bunch. The nosey, ole bitties that what to know when, where, what and who. They disguise their nosy prying with hospitality, when they really just want to get enough info about you to run back to the flock and gossip. These are the bad eggs that foul up are good natured, true southern hospitality. How do you distinguish between the two you ask? Well, you don’t. They look and act the same as us true southerners, to your face that is. If it was up to me, I’d have a list at the visitor’s center on who to avoid. So, next time you’re visiting the Southern United States, and a local is quizzing you, heed my advice, and ask yourself, hospifoulity? Or hospitality?