Remembering Hattie McDaniel

Today is the 118th anniversary of the birth of actress Hattie McDaniel. Her portrayal of Mammy in Gone with the Wind won her an Academy Award for "Best Supporting Actress." 

In researching her story, I ran across a couple of quotes attributed to McDaniel that I wanted to share: 

  "Putting a little time aside for clean fun and good humor is very necessary to relieve the tensions of our time." 

(Still so very relevant)

and this one is my favorite...

"You can best fight any existing evil from the inside."

-- Hattie McDaniel 

She was a treasure and I'm so glad to have been able to experience her talents through her films. Happy Birthday Hattie McDaniel! 

{photo LA Times/UCLA Collection}

Remembering Andy Griffith

There are so many things about our lives that never get settled or worked out in a way that we like. Many days end without resolution. I don't know about you, but I like knowing that I can visit a place where every problem, however minor, gets neatly solved (with a moral lesson to boot!) in twenty-one minutes. 

That is the Andy Griffith Show for me....a place from the past that gives me great comfort. 

Remembering Andy Griffith on what would have been his 87th birthday. We lost a true southern gentleman with his passing last year. 

Happy Birthday Barbara Kingsolver!

Today is the birthday of one of my favorite authors, Barbara Kingsolver. While not born in the south, she was raised in rural Kentucky and much of her writing celebrates southern settings, locations and culture.

If you haven't read Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible, I highly recommend it. It tells the story of an evangelical minister from Georgia who takes his family to live in the Belgian Congo as missionaries. It's one of those amazing books that has a lasting impact on you...or at least it did on me.

Kingsolver has also written non-fiction, including a book about her family's attempt to eat local for an entire year. In the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, she chronicles their food production and consumption on a farm in Virginia.

Are you a fan of her writing?

Happy Birthday Emmylou Harris

Today is the birthday of one of my favorite southern songwriters, Ms. Emmylou Harris. Apparently she knows about more than just a love that will never grow old (lyrics below) because she's turning 66 today, but looks like she is getting younger with each passing year. This Alabama belle has enjoyed a long, successful career, yet still had her share of heartbreaking sadness. Her love story with Gram Parsons has been referenced in songs, poems and now, even floral designs.

Go to sleep, may your sweet dreams come true

Just lay back in my arms for one more night

I've this crazy old notion that calls me sometimes

Saying this one's the love of our lives

'Cause I know a love that will never grow old

And I know a love that will never grow old

When you wake up the world may have changed

But trust in me, I'll never falter or fail

Just the smile in your eyes, it can light up the night

And your laughter's like wind in my sails

Happy Birthday Emmylou! 

{The video below makes me so happy...I have no idea who the girl is but she seems so sweet as she romps with her horses in the snow...and the song is wonderful. I wonder if Emmylou likes it?} 

Remembering Carson McCullers

Today I'm remembering one of my very favorite authors Carson McCullers, who was born on this date 96 years ago in Columbus, Georgia. She's someone whose life must have had an element of deep, deep sadness about it for her to have written the way she did. She counted as friends the likes of Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, and W.H. Auden.

Where some authors put their characters through the ringer for the sake of the story, I always get the feeling she was her characters' biggest advocate...cheering them on, even in the face of heartache and despair.

Her book "The Member of the Wedding" deals with feelings of belonging in such a delicate way and each time I read it, new things are revealed that I somehow missed the last time. If you haven't read any of her books, start with this one. You won't be disappointed.

I am drawn to anyone who has a way with words and McCullers certainly had that. I'm not sure that I completely agree with the following quote of hers, but it definitely makes me think about things in a new light.

“We are torn between nostalgia for the familiar and an urge for the foreign and strange. As often as not, we are homesick most for the places we have never known.”

Happy Birthday Carson McCullers! You were one of a kind. 

Do you have a favorite southern author? There are too many good ones for me to pick a favorite, but Carson McCullers is way up on my list! 

Happy Birthday Clark Gable

Today would have been Clark Gable's 112th birthday. As a child, I thought he was Rhett Butler. I remember how shocked I was to find out Clark Gable was a totally separate person who'd made lots of other films and had a life outside of Gone with the Wind.

He died so young...at just 59. His films have allowed him to live on in the minds and hearts of fans everywhere. I bet he'd get a kick out a little girl born in the 1980's having him as her first real crush.

Happy Friday my friend! I hope you enjoy the weekend and if you feel like giving someone a little attitude, just say it was in honor of Mr. Gable!

Happy Birthday Tina Turner!

I'd always thought my love for singer Tina Turner was because I'm a child of the 80's. But I recently learned we have a deeper connection than that. And since today is her birthday, I thought I'd share.

I've long known that Tina, born Anna Mae Bullock, hails from the tiny, unincorporated community of Nutbush in a rural area of West Tennessee. You've probably heard her song "Nutbush City Limits." What I didn't know was that as a child, she also lived in Knoxville (my current home) and performed on stage for the first time at a local church, Spring Hill Baptist. I wish there were a recording of that performance!

She's had an interesting, albeit difficult life, but her success is a testament to her resilience. I like to think it's because of her southern upbringing. Today is Tina Turner's 73rd birthday and I'm sure she's celebrating it in style.

Happy Birthday Tina! You're simply the best!

Happy Birthday Tanya Tucker!

Tanya Tucker is one of those legends who has been part of the country music landscape for as long as I can remember. Today's her birthday and I thought it would be appropriate to give her a shout out here on Southern Belle Simple. In the video below, a 14-year old Tucker sings her first hit, "Delta Dawn," on Hee-Haw.

It's an iconic tune, but my favorite of her songs is the 1988 "Strong Enough to Bend." I love the lyrics below...

When you start thinkin' that you know it all

Big wind blows and a branch will fall

When you say "hey this job takes two"

We can sway with the wind till the skies turns blue 

Sway with the wind till the skies turn blue

Like a tree out in the backyard

That never has been broken by the wind

Our love will last forever

If we're strong enough to bend 

Ms. Tanya, I hope you have a wonderful birthday! 

Happy Birthday F. Scott Fitzgerald!

"That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong." -- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Today would be F. Scott Fitzgerald's 116th birthday and I thought we'd celebrate his memory with a slice of cake (and a spirited cocktail!). He wasn't particularly southern, but he married up, choosing a wickedly adventurous southern belle for his bride. 

According to Hemingway & Bailey's Bartending Guide, Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda were a "pair of drunken pranksters" known for jumping into the fountain at the Plaza Hotel, boiling party guests' watches in tomato soup and arriving at soirees in their pajamas. 

The book also notes that F. Scott Fitzgerald's drink of choice was gin and shares the following recipe for a gin cocktail that he might have enjoyed. 

Gin Rickey

2 oz gin
3/4 oz lime juice
club soda
lime wheel 

Pour gin & lime juice into a chilled highball glass filled with ice cubes. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with lime wheel and serve with two straws.

Cheers to F. Scott Fitzgerald & Cheers to you my friend! 

Bosoms & Butter: A Birthday Celebration

Two beloved southern ladies were born on this day and I just didn’t feel right not honoring their births with a little virtual party here on the blog. First, the fabulous Dolly Parton, East Tennessee gal after my own heart. Dolly is an icon in every sense of the word, with talent, style and a generous spirit.

Next is the southern cooking queen of Savannah, Ms. Paula Deen. Her drawl and hospitality, in addition to her tasty comfort food, keep folks coming back for more.

The fact that two southern ladies such as these were born on the same day is a special coincidence, but I’m glad they both were born and I’m sure glad we can celebrate them here together.

But what do you get for gals who have everything? Glad this is only a virtual party…no gifts required!

le fete de l’imagination: Happy 77th Birthday Elvis

Today would be Elvis Presley’s 77th birthday…which is kind of hard to believe because in my mind, he’s sort of stuck somewhere in icon land where nobody ages and fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches have no calories. {Speaking of, check out the fabulous Ezra Pound Cake’s take on E’s favorite snack…yum!}

I went through a HUGE Elvis phase when I was about 12 or 13. The TBS network used to dedicate an entire week to him called “Elvis Explosion” (eat your heart out Shark Week) during which it aired (and I watched) every Elvis movie ever made for seven days straight. I also read Priscilla’s biography “Elvis & Me” and it was quite the page-turner for my 13-year old self.

My junior high had a monthly newspaper and, for $.50, students could submit to each other song dedications which were published on the back page. My then-best friend and I racked our brains to choose the perfect songs to capture our deepest love and devotion to our 7th grade boyfriends. I selected none other than “Love me Tender,” thinking Elvis could best express my innermost tween angst. I recall that it was fairly well received.

I’m not sure why I chose to share this little anecdote today, but I made a resolution to share more personal things here on the blog and what’s more personal than an embarrassing story about adolescence?

Anyway, I’m going to play some Elvis songs today in honor of his birthday. My favorite is “Are you lonesome tonight?” and I’d love to hear what yours is, if you have a favorite.

Also, according to the official Elvis website, less than 50 cabins remain for the Elvis cruise…so if you were planning to go, you need to act fast.

le fete de l’imagination: Amy Adams

I’m a big fan of Amy Adams and since tomorrow is her birthday, I thought we’d end the work-week with a little virtual soiree celebrating her! You might think of her as the girl from Enchanted or Julie&Julia, but my favorite Amy Adams film is distinctly southern, hence featuring her here on the blog.

If you haven’t seen Junebug, you definitely should…although be warned it isn’t a romantic comedy. It tells the story of a regular family facing the ups and downs of life in North Carolina and how they react when their son returns home from New York with his posh new wife. When I first saw this sad, beautiful movie, I was so mesmerized by Adams’ character in it. I thought she was surely from the south with how she captured the accent and everything.

For her party, I think we’ll enjoy the season’s tomato bounty with a yummy tomato tart, recipe & image via the fabulous Ezra Poundcake!

We can wash it down with this delicious peach tea (recipe here) and just enjoy each other’s company!

And as a whimsical treat, I think Amy will love this little June bug ring (which is actually sold out on Etsy…but this is only an imaginary party).

I hope you’ll join us in the festivities! And I hope your real-life weekend festivities hold even more fun! Happy Friday friends!

Vintage SBS: Delta’s Day

Last year we celebrated Delta Burke’s birthday in great style. Wishing her another fabulous year and hoping she feels oh so celebrated today! I’m going to find some sequins and shoulder pads and wear them in her honor! How are you paying tribute to the queen belle?

Happy Birthday Jacqueline!

From the pool of regular people who make up our world, there will always a certain few who stand apart. Their style is copied, their virtues are aspired to. Jackie will always be one of those people. It’s hard to believe she would be 82 years old today, and even harder still to believe she’s been gone for almost 20 years.

The mark she left on us is indelible and for this reason, we will continue to celebrate her. Happy Birthday Jackie! Thanks for the elegance, class and fortitude that we could always expect from you.

{Our celebration of Jackie from last year}

 

{images via}

le fete de l’imagination: Dixie Carter

Today we’re celebrating the birth of a very special lady. Miss Dixie Carter passed away last year (we honored her life in a post), but I can’t let her birthday pass without a mention. She embodied what it means to be a southern belle, with both grit and grace. I’m sure she would aged even more gracefully had her life not ended too soon.

 

Instead of some sort of frou-frou beverage concoction, I think Ms. Dixie would enjoy a Coke for her birthday, or perhaps a Co-Cola…maybe sipped from a chilled silver tumbler. She was all lady, but not in a silly way. My southern story is certainly richer because of her.

And for the lady who probably had everything? Freshly cut hydrangeas grown in the soil of her sweet home state of Tennessee. Although I like to think there are at least a few hydrangea bushes lining the streets of heaven. If there aren’t hydrangeas in heaven, I’m not sure I want to go.

Happy Birthday Dixie Carter & Happy Wednesday my friends!

le fete de l’imagination: Lewis Carroll

Today we’re celebrating the birth of Mr. Charles Lutwidge Dodgson…aka Lewis Carroll. He isn’t southern, nor do his enchanting tales take place in the south, but in my opinion they could have. Tubby little co-dependent twins who finish each others’ sentences? They could just as easily have been characters created by eccentric southern author, Tennessee Williams.

I should probably come right out and admit that I’m teetering on the edge of obsession where Alice and her adventures are concerned. I always loved the stories/films while I was growing up, but I think it took becoming an adult to truly appreciate them. I think this is because as children, we tend to take our imaginations for granted. It is only as adults when we are no longer encouraged to use our imaginations daily that they become something we long for and miss.

Thankfully, I’m not the only person who is fascinated with these whimsical tales. Carroll’s imagery, characters and magic permeate all sorts of areas of expression, from high fashion and graphic design to musical theatre, books and film. Above, Alice chats with Uncle Karl and below, relaxes in a meadow with Donatella Versace (both images from Vogue 2003, Annie Leibovitz).

The story goes that Lewis Carroll met a family who had a daughter (Alice) and she inspired him to write some of the stories. I have an interesting book that presents a different version of the story…it’s fantasy, but still a fun read.

If we take anything at all from Lewis Carroll, let’s adhere to his policy of using our imagination daily…who knows when it might serve us well to get out of a pickle or two?

Happy Birthday Lewis Carroll & thanks for the adventures!

le fete de l’imagination: Naomi Judd

As a young girl growing up in the 1980s in a small-town in Tennessee, country music was a large part of my life. I was constantly humming or singing some sad country song, often one by mother-daughter duo sensation, The Judds. I can still recall how excited I’d get when their song “Grandpa (Tell me ‘bout the good ole days)” would come on the radio and it kind of brings a tear to my eyes now. Anyway, today is Ms. Naomi’s birthday and I couldn’t pass it up without dedicating a post to her.

From a rural part of Kentucky, Naomi has always been a picture of southern charm and grace. After achieving great success in the music industry, her story took a sad turn when she contracted Hepatitis C while working as a registered nurse. She hasn’t let that stop her though, fighting for research and education about the disease and spreading awareness via her website.

image Evans Caglage/Dallas Morning News

For her imaginary party, I’m serving homemade buttermilk pie. Wouldn’t we all love to spend an afternoon with her and hear some stories? I’m sure she has a few to tell. Country music (& Nashville) are definitely on the map now, more than ever…viewed as chic & edgy. I think that all the new country stars have quite a bit of gratitude to pay to people like Naomi Judd…who really worked hard to pave the way to legitimize country music…even when it wasn’t viewed by the rest of the world as “cool.”

Happy Birthday Naomi Judd! Hope you feel celebrated all day long!

le fete de l’imagination: Vivian Leigh

I’ve been looking forward to today’s “party of the imagination” for a looooong time. As a child, I thought Vivian Leigh was Scarlett O’Hara. In my mind, she was everything a southern belle should be, and it wasn’t until a little later in my life did I learn she was a) not southern, and b) not actually Scarlett O. The story her real life makes me sad because it was one which contained loneliness, heartache, and mental illness. But I believe she’s in a much better place now…so let’s celebrate her birthday in style! She’d be 97 years young today.

For the place, I’ve chosen the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria property in that lovely eternal city. Doesn’t this enclosed room make for a lovely setting…melons adorning the table for a distinctly southern feel. In addition to the yummy melons, we’ll be serving smoked salmon blinis with crème fraiche among other yummy things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To give us all an idea about party attire, I chose a couple of looks from Carolina Herrera’s Resort Collection. Both seem perfect for a luncheon in the enclosed portico. Maybe with an oversized piece of jewelry and an elegant wrap draped around the shoulders?

    

For Ms. Leigh’s gift, I would select a 12 place settings of English bone china in a pattern that is reminiscent of the south, but also playful and modern.

I hope you will all join us for the party. Isn’t imagining fun?

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and take some time to sip a julep in honor of our favorite “southern belle.”