Reflections of Mississippi

For those who didn’t know, I’m a Mississippi girl, born and raised...I know what your thinking “Mississippi” (said with sarcasm). Mississippi has gotten a bad rap over the years, but Mississippi is known as the Hospitality State, and Mississippians are some of the friendliest folks around. If you come for a visit, don’t be surprised if a complete stranger calls you “sweetie”, “honey” or “baby”, because that's just how we talk. Yes, Mississippi is considered the poorest state, but Mississippians are quick to lend a helping hand whenever tragedy strikes. You can count on us.

You may not realize it, but some great entertainers came from Mississippi, including Elvis Presley, Faith Hill, Oprah Winfrey, Leann Rimes, James Earl Jones, B.B. King, Sela Ward, Jim Henson (The Muppets), and Jimmy Buffet, just to name a few.

Many great authors also are from Mississippi, including William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Eudora Welty, and although born in Arkansas, John Grisham started his writing career while working as a lawyer in Mississippi.

Another author from Mississippi is Patricia Neely-Dorsey, who wrote "Reflections of Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems”, “a true celebration of the south and all things southern.”
















The author states, “There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. In my book, using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life. In my book, I try to show that there is much more to Mississippi and the south than all of the negatives usually portrayed. I invite readers to meet Mississippi (and the south) through Poetry, Prose and the Written Word.”

SOUTHERN LIFE
If you want a glimpse of Southern life,
Come close and walk with me;
I’ll tell you all the simple things,
That you are sure to see.
You’ll see mockingbirds and bumblebees,
Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees,
Caterpillars on the step,
Wooden porches cleanly swept;
Watermelons on the vine,
Strong majestic Georgia Pines;
Rocking chairs and front yard swings,
Junebugs flying on a string;
Turnip greens and hot cornbread,
Coleslaw and barbecue;
Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes,
Fried pies and pickles too.
There’s ice cold tea that’s syrupy sweet,
And cool, green grass beneath your feet;
Catfish nipping in the lake,
And fresh young boys on the make.
You’ll see all these things
And much, much more,
In a way of life that I adore.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems

If you are interested in reading more about Mississippi and the South, you can purchase "Reflections of Mississippi Magnolia - A Life In Poems" below.

BOOK AVAILABLE: www.reeds.ms/book.asp or http://www.amazon.com/
AUTHOR WEBSITE: http://www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com/

(I know there has been a lot of negative publicity lately about mommy bloggers (just blogging for the free stuff) and PR reps. Patricia Neely-Dorsey is not a PR rep and no merchandise exchanged hands.)