There Goes Connie – A Christian Travel Blog: Trip info on Monday and devotionals on Friday.

Florence, Alabama Native, Natalie Chanin: Her Factory and Her Cafe

05/21/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

“A Feather’s Not a Bird” by Rosanne Cash begins with these lyrics:

I’m going down to Florence, gonna wear a pretty dress
I’ll sit atop the magic wall with the voices in my head
Then we’ll drive on through to Memphis, past the strongest shoals
Then on to Arkansas just to touch the gumbo soul

A feather’s not a bird
The rain is not the sea
A stone is not a mountain
But a river runs through me

There’s never any highway when you’re looking for the past
The land becomes a memory and it happens way too fast
The money’s all in Nashville but the light’s inside my head
So I’m going down to Florence just to learn to love the thread

A feather’s not a bird
The rain is not the sea
A stone is not a mountain
But a river runs through me

Those of us who are natives of North Alabama, know where Florence, Alabama is, and we certainly know which river she’s singing about — the Tennessee, of course! We might even be familiar with “the magic wall” Rosanne Cash mentions in the second line. That refers to the mile-long stone wall monument Tom Hendrix built in honor of his great, great grandmother’s journey back from Oklahoma after being carried from her homeland during the Trail of Tears. And, “the voices in my head” suggest the name the Yuchi tribe gave to the Tennessee River — “the river that sings.”

But, what about “wearing a pretty dress” and “learning to love the thread?”

That’s where Natalie Chanin comes into the song. Cash and Chanin spent time sightseeing and sewing together during a trip Cash made in 2013 to explore some of her daddy’s roots (Johnny Cash). While traveling the Natchez Trace, Cash was led naturally to Alabama. The trip inspired Cash to the point that she named her 2014 album “The River and the Thread” and wore a Natalie Chanin coat when she accepted three Grammy awards that year.

I believe you, too, will be inspired when you make a visit to Ms. Chanin’s factory, store and cafe in Florence. Natalie Chanin spent 20 years as a designer and stylist in New York and Europe before being drawn back to her hometown and bringing her creative talents with her. Alabama Chanin, 462 Lane Drive in Florence, is housed in a former t-shirt factory.

Entrance to Alabama Chanin in Florence, AL.

Warehouse-type store.

The Factory Store is open from 10:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday and from 10:00 to 3:00 on Saturday. Items for sale include both handsewn and factory-made fashions, as well as home goods and accessories from local artisans. Ms. Chanin’s designs are extremely high-end, and when you look closely and see the intricacy of the work, you will better appreciate the price tags.

Alabama Chanin also opens the factory to sewing groups on the first and third Tuesdays of each month for those who want to enjoy improving their skills while socializing with others. DIY kits and stencil templates are for sale for beginners and advanced seamstresses. Ms. Chanin believes strongly in passing down sewing arts and offers a variety of classes that can be found on the website.

Tours of the Factory are hosted at 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The tours are free and last about 30 minutes. It is extremely interesting to learn about the behind-the-scenes process for creating the elaborate pieces produced by Chanin and her team.

Factory Cafe is a popular place for lunch with its wide expanse of tables, natural light, and fresh, delicious menu. Diners order at the counter, and then dishes are brought to the table. The day I visited, Natalie herself was serving guests. I SO wanted to stop her long enough for a photo but just couldn’t convince myself it was the right thing to do. She’s quite striking in her appearance and appears very humble in spite of her amazing success and worldwide recognition.

At the counter of the Factory Cafe.

I strongly urge you to check out this fascinating gem in Florence, AL. It might just cause you to dust off your long-unused sewing machine.

Reconciliation: The Message and the Ministry

05/18/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 – “¹⁶So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to teach Sunday School with the above Scripture as the focal passage. As is always the case, I learned FAR MORE than I taught, and I had lots of time to ruminate on those verses. The two highlighted phrases really jumped to the forefront in my mind as I pondered the text.

We, who are IN CHRIST, know and have received the “message of reconciliation.” In other words, we understand what Jesus did on the cross for us, so that our relationship with God could be restored — the relationship that had been broken because of our sin. Now, as “Christ’s ambassadors,” it is our job to share that message with others, thus making it our “ministry of reconciliation.”

Reconciliation, of course, involves both vertical and horizontal relationships. Us with God and us with those around us. When we accept Christ as Savior, we become “new creations.” This passage also states that “from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” In other words, we need to see them through God’s eyes. Surely when we do that, the hate/criticism/bitterness/prejudices of the past can go away, and love/acceptance/understanding can appear instead.

Verse 21 is what Chris Tomlin used in the opening of his song “Jesus Messiah.” It’s one of my favorite praise and worship songs. Let these words be a blessing and an encouragement to you today.

He became sin, who knew no sin
That we might become his righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross
Love so amazing, love so amazing

Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

His body the bread, his blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled, and the veil was torn
Love so amazing, how can it be? Your love’s so amazing, yeah

Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

all I hope is in you, all I hope is in you
All the glory to you, God, the light of the world

All I hope is in you (no one else), all I hope is in you
All the glory to you, God, (you are) the light of the world

Jesus Messiah, name above all names
Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners, the ransom from heaven
Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

Jesus Messiah, Lord of all
You’re the lord of all
You’re the lord of all

3 Reasons to Book a Room at the Graduate Hotel in Oxford, Mississippi

05/14/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Are you an Old Miss alum? Do you have a child who attends school there? Does your SEC team play Ole Miss in Oxford this year? Are you merely interested in visiting a town filled with special people, attractions, history and RESTAURANTS? Consider Oxford, Mississippi, and when you do, then also consider staying at the Graduate Hotel. I absolutely loved it when I had a chance to stay there recently.

CONVENIENT TO EVERYTHING!

Graduate Hotel is a block away from the downtown square or a short walk to Mid-Town Shopping Center on North Lamar Boulevard in the opposite direction of the square. The University of Mississippi campus can also be reached on foot if the weather is nice and you’re up for a stroll. At the shopping center, you’ll find several notable restaurants, and you’ll pass some gorgeous homes along the way. Around the square, you’ll find even more great restaurants, plus enough shops to keep you busy for hours. My favorite shops were Square Books, Off Square Books, and Square Books Jr. Do you detect a theme there?

Exterior of the hotel from across the street.

Graduate Hotel is SO convenient, in fact, that students often happily set up their study areas in the lobby and take advantage of the hotel’s free wi-fi. Free snacks are even offered to students during exams each semester. The hotel management wants the lobby to be “the living room of the community.” If you’re a Baby Boomer like me, I can guarantee the presence of those students will rejuvenate you.

Ole Miss students studying in the lobby.

COMFORTABLE GUEST ROOMS AND PLENTY OF AMENITIES

Comfortable beds, great TV reception and channel selection, adjustable room temperature, that all-important high-speed internet, well-placed chairs/lamps/electric outlets, and, of course, PLENTY of hot water in the shower are all mighty important in my list of desirable hotel room traits. What about you? Graduate Hotel offers all of those plus other surprises, such as toiletries by Malin + Goetz.

Guest room.

Parking is free, there’s a coffee shop in the lobby, and a large, well-equipped fitness center is available 24/7.

UNIQUE CONNECTIONS TO OLE MISS AND TO OXFORD

Graduate Hotels are uniquely suited to the major college campuses in the towns/cities where they are located. In other words, this is not a chain in any of the normal senses of the word. Every Graduate Hotel suits its particular place.

Two of the first fun touches I noticed were the framed silhouettes for Archie Manning and his wife Olivia on the walls of my room with the endearing nicknames of “King” and “Queen.” If Oxford has a royal couple, then those two are IT! The coffee shop/sidewalk cafe off the lobby is named “Cabin 82.” You guessed it. That’s the number for the Manning’s cabin on a nearby lake. The decor is suggestive of the Neshoba County Fair. “The Coop” on the top floor is a restaurant bar with a chicken theme, but its name comes from Manning son Cooper, who is also an investor in the hotel.

“The Coop” – rooftop cafe and bar.

Cabin 82 Coffee Shop

References to William Faulkner also appear in the halls and in the guest rooms — his drawings, some of his quotes, etc. etc. And the reception desk is reminiscent of a library with book-filled shelves hinting at Oxford’s literary history.

Reception desk.

Some of the furniture pieces resemble trunks and locker rooms from dorm rooms of old, and there are touches of red and blue EVERYWHERE. Actually, though, there’s a surprising amount of PINK. When I inquired, I learned that the designers of the Oxford Graduate went to The Grove and carefully observed all the tailgate happenings during a home football game. They noticed that the male students were dressed in very dapper, bold prints featuring pink, and many wore bowties. They translated that into carpet designs and even stained the hardwood floors in the lobby a light pink!! It works beautifully and gives the whole place a vibe that matches a large college in the South. Oh, and just one more subtle touch. The floor tiles at the entrance door are cleverly arranged in HT-HT-HT patterns. Ha! “Hotty Toddy!”

Painted bowties on display in the lobby.

Pink floors in the lobby

H-T Tiles — “Hotty Toddy”

There’s a rumor floating around that Auburn will have a Graduate Hotel in the future. I can’t wait to see how those developers and investors will set the scene in the Loveliest Village on the Plains. These are fun places. Look for one when you visit Ann Arbor, MI, Athens, GA, Charlottesville, VA, Madison, WI, Tempe, AZ, Berkeley, CA, Lincoln, NE, or Richmond, VA. I guarantee you’ll want one near your own alma mater.

Filling the House with Scripture

05/11/2018 By: CCPearson3 Comments

As the floors, then the roof, then the interior walls have taken shape in our new house, I have started prayerwalking the rooms and halls. I imagine and then pray for the people who will come through the front door, the people who will sit in our living room or family room or those who we’ll share meals with around the kitchen table, in the dining room or around the bar in the kitchen. I can already see the faces, hear the laughter, feel the hugs and smell the food cooking on the stove.

As I’ve selected paint colors, light fixtures, cabinet styles and the million or so other decisions that go into putting a house together, various Scripture verses and passages have come to mind. Our plan is to have grandchildren inscribe their own favorite verses into the subflooring — a symbolic way to infuse the house and its foundation with the Word. As that happens in the coming weeks, I’ll add photos to this post. But, for now, here are some verses that various rooms bring to mind:

ENTRANCE –

Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Luke 10:38 – “Now as they were traveling along, He (Jesus) entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.”

1 Peter 4:9 – “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.”

Romans 13:10 – “Love does no wrong to a neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

Romans 12:13 – “Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”

Matthew 25:35 – “I (Jesus) was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

LIVING ROOM, FAMILY ROOM, BACK PORCH –

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

Proverbs 17:27 – “He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”

Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine”

Proverbs 15:13 – “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face”

Proverbs 15:15 – “for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.”

Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

KITCHEN, DINING ROOM, PICNIC TABLE –

John 6:35 – “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Acts 2:46-47 – “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Nehemiah 8:10 – “Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

MASTER BEDROOM –

Ephesians 4:2-3 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Ephesians 3:22 – “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.”

Ephesians 3:25-28 – “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”

Colossians 3:18-19 – “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”

LAUNDRY ROOM (would also work with showers and bathtubs) –

Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Psalm 51:2 – “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin.”

1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Hebrews 10:22 – “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

I’d love to have your help. Share some more verses with me. I know there must be dozens for each category.

I would also recommend that you prayerwalk the rooms of your own home — new, not-so-new, rented, shared, a cabin, a condo, an apartment, a mobile home, a motorhome, a bungalow or a mansion. Those of us who are in Christ desire to be surrounded in the Truth, and wherever we “dwell,” He is with us.

As it turned out, daughter Laura and her two came to visit for a few days. Not surprisingly, they each had their own ideas for verses to contribute to the floor.

Megan wanted to add the fruit of the Spirit to the kitchen — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control – Galatians 5:22-23

Nathan added Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

All three are hard at work in the Family Room.

Nathan added Psalm 1:1 to the boys room — “Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.”

Laura adds Psalm 34:8 to the dining room — “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Megan adds Proverbs 31:30 to the floor of the girls’ room. “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Wow! It is such a blessing for the Word to be a deep part of their lives. What better Mother’s Day present could there be??

Two New Eateries in The Shoals

05/07/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Florence, Muscle Shoals, Tuscumbia and Sheffield — the quartet of towns referred to as “The Shoals” — give us all kinds of reasons to visit for a day or a weekend. Tours of recording studios are must-dos because of all the remarkable music that has been created in those places. Lots of neat stores for shopping lure us and our credit cards. Followers of athletic and other endeavors at the University of North Alabama don their purple and gold and hope for a glimpse of Leo III and Una in their world-class lion habitat on campus. And Florence also hosts First Fridays every month from March to December with family-friendly art, music, shopping and entertainment with free admission.

It’s a given that you will want to plan good places to eat when you visit The Shoals, and two new ones really caught my attention recently. I highly recommend both of them to you.

BIG BAD BREAKFAST

Perhaps you’ve heard of John Currence, James Beard Award recipient of Best Chef: South in 2009? He has put Oxford, Mississippi on the map as a foodie destination with his FOUR restaurants in the town. Now he’s in the process of expanding the locations of one of them — Big Bad Breakfast — and a Florence location opened just a few weeks ago. At 315 North Court Street, this BBB is on the ground floor of the Stricklin Building which will soon house the Stricklin Boutique Hotel and the Boiler Room. It is open 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Imagine a breakfast featuring a signature blend of coffee from Royal Cup, bacon or sausage from a farm in Eva and a side order of grits grown in Wilsonville, AL. Yes, there’s more — so much more.

Big Bad Breakfast in Florence, AL, bottom floor of The Stricklin Hotel.

Cathead biscuits are legendary as well as the variety of skillets. BBB serves up an array of omelets, pancakes, waffles and even health-conscious options. I chose chicken and waffles when I visited. The chicken was SO tender, and the waffle was light and fluffy. Perfection! Oh, and all the jams are housemade. No Smuckers allowed.

If you’re not a “morning person,” a full lunch menu is also available with burgers, sandwiches, salads, quesadillas and even shrimp and grits.

I really admired the furniture made from an Amish community in Summertown, Tennessee. Go and check it out.

Interior of Big Bad Breakfast in Florence with Amish furniture.

RAY’S AT THE BANK

Ray’s at the Bank, 1411 Huntsville Road in Florence, is, as the name implies, housed in a former bank building. The inside is very “vintage” with exposed brick walls, but the atmosphere is elegant. Well, actually it’s fairly casual at lunch but turns more upscale for dinner. My sources tell me that in the evenings they serve a “filet you can cut with a spoon” and that the prime rib is fabulous. I always like restaurants with white tablecloths.

Ray’s at the Bank exterior

Ray’s at the Bank interior with exposed bricks and white tablecloths

Ray’s is only about two years old. The owners formerly operated Dish in downtown Florence but chose to close Dish and open in this location.

During a recent lunch, I chose the chicken salad and fruit plate while my friend had the day’s soup special — chili. We could have ordered burgers, sandwiches, other salads or even barbecue cooked on their hand-crafted smoker. Everything was delicious, and I hope to return soon for a dinner date.

Chicken Salad and Fruit Plate at Ray’s.

Tasty chili and grilled cheese at Ray’s.

Take note that the dinner menu changes nightly, but it can be found on the Ray’s Facebook page.

Thank you, Barbara Bush

05/04/2018 By: CCPearson6 Comments

My daughter Laura asked me not long ago, “Is it possible to end well?” Then she challenged me, “I would love to see an example of someone who really does a good job of that.” I’m pretty sure I know what she means. She wants to see her Momma stay positive, encouraging, maybe even entertaining and happy, until my last day. Some of that is within my control. Some of it isn’t. But Barbara Bush ended well, and I would love to do the same.

She loved and affirmed her husband for 73 years!!! Just two days before she died, she told someone who came into her room to go downstairs and “tell George how much I adore him.” And one day when they were both in the hospital, and he was looking (at least through the eyes of others) very unkempt and pathetic, Barbara looked at him and said, “Oh my. You are devastatingly handsome!” I love that. I need to up my game in terms of complimenting my Silver Fox.

Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.” Former President George H.W. Bush most certainly “found a good thing” when he met and married Barbara.

She maintained such loving relationships with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that she was surrounded by them to the end, and many were honoring and serving her at her memorial service.

She had a cause she championed that mattered to OTHERS — literacy. She used her position as First Lady to support efforts to increase literacy but carried that on even after her White House years.

She was known for her honesty, her forthright comments, her discernment and her humor.

She was sure of her salvation. Her son Jeb shared at the funeral that during a conversation with his mom about death, she said, “I believe in Jesus. He’s my Savior. I know I’m going to a wonderful place.” What a testimony for the hundreds attending the service in person and for the millions who watched on TV.

Thank you for your incredible example, Barbara Bush.

In a sermon last week, our pastor preached from Psalm 27:4 – “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to meditate in His temple.” Barbara Bush is right now dwelling in the house of the Lord, beholding the beauty of the Lord and meditating in His temple. I have that same request of the Lord.

3 More Great Eateries in Oxford, Mississippi

04/30/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Last Monday I shared some info and photos of Oxford Canteen, Saint Leo and Proud Larry’s. Today you can take a look at some of the great food served in 3 out of 4 restaurants owned by Chef John Currence.

SNACK BAR

Snack Bar completely defies its name, especially in terms of ambiance and menu. It is open for dinner Monday through Saturday. I sampled the boudin balls, French onion soup, a funeral sandwich (ham and Swiss on a Hawaiian roll), some truffle parmesan fries, and “just a bite” of several amazing desserts. My favorite was the lemon tart.

Snack Bar is one of 5 businesses in Oxford owned by award-winning chef, John Currence. In addition to Snack Bar, he owns City Grocery, Big Bad Breakfast, Boure and a catering company called The Main Event. Snack Bar and Big Bad Breakfast are next-door neighbors (and share a kitchen) on North Lamar Boulevard, while City Grocery and Boure are on the Courthouse Square.

CITY GROCERY

City Grocery is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and for brunch on Sunday. With candles and white tablecloths, this is definitely considered “fine dining.” After a dinner of a beautiful salad followed by catfish with shrimp etouffee and a Kitchen Sink Sundae, full of every decadent ingredient you can think of, I was completely satisfied.

City Grocery occupies a two-story building right in the thick of everything in Oxford, and John Currence is in the thick of many food/wine/travel publications with his recipes, his flair with food and his personality. Currence was born in New Orleans and gained vast experience there and in Chapel Hill, North Carolina before deciding to strike out on his own in Oxford in 1992. It was a good move for him and a huge win for the city of Oxford.

BIG BAD BREAKFAST

John Currence’s foray into the breakfast dining scene has been so successful that a cookbook resulted — BIG BAD BREAKFAST: The Most Important Book of the Day. In addition to Oxford, Big Bad Breakfast locations are showing up in Birmingham, Homewood, and Florence in Alabama, in Inlet Beach, Florida, and the newest is coming soon to Charleston, South Carolina.

Giant cathead biscuits and various skillets are signature items, and, if you’re lucky, you might arrive on a day when the housemade doughnuts are hot and fresh. The food is very good. I predict we’ll soon see more and more of these restaurants. Don’t worry if you’re “not a morning person.” Big Bad Breakfast also serves lunch.

I can’t wait to try Boure during a future visit. Check out their website. Sounds mouthwatering, doesn’t it?

As I’ve mentioned before, I was thoroughly impressed with Oxford, Mississippi. Between all the restaurants, the places of historical significance and the great shops, it doesn’t even matter if you’d never say “Hotty Toddy.” Go and check it out anyway. It’s a hidden gem.

5 Oxford Faces that Make a Difference

04/27/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

During a recent visit to Oxford, Mississippi, I met 4 men who have made a tremendous difference to the town and even well beyond its borders. They have different passions and “causes,” but each one continues to make an important impact. The 5th man is not someone I met but is someone I remember from my childhood as a person who demonstrated tremendous bravery and courage.

JOHN T. EDGE

John T. Edge left a corporate job in Atlanta in the summer of 1995 to move to Oxford and enroll in the Southern Studies program at Ole Miss. In his own words, he “reinvented himself.” He chose to focus on food in the south and how that has shaped who we are and what we are becoming. He is the director of the Southern Foodways Alliance and is a frequent contributor to Oxford American and Garden and Gun. He has appeared on numerous television shows and radio broadcasts.

John T. Edge, Southern Foodways Alliance

John T’s command of the English language kept me spellbound. I bought a copy of his latest book – The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South — as soon as I could get to the bookstore. The Potlikker Papers has won numerous awards and was even adopted by the City of Nashville as their official book. It chronicles a 60-year-period in the South’s history as told through food. His writing will draw you in, and you’re guaranteed to learn more about what makes Southerners think, act and eat the way we do.

JACK MAYFIELD

Jack Mayfield has been referred to as “the guru of Oxford.” He was an insurance company executive who became a history professor and a newspaper columnist. As a fifth generation Oxonian and a proud graduate of Ole Miss, he knows the town and the university intimately and shares his knowledge freely during Double Decker Bus Tours. He even takes time to tease any tourists who might be fans of other SEC schools, especially LSU fans.

Jack Mayfield, Oxford historian

I was privileged to be on one of his tours a few weeks ago and learned about some of the famous homes in Oxford, about Hoka, the Native American woman who originally owned the land, about what happened on the university campus during the Civil War and many other very intriguing tidbits.

Jack has recently been fighting cancer, but everyone is happy to have him back conducting tours down North Lamar Boulevard, around the square and through the campus. He knows lots of stories and is the go-to source of information about Oxford. His passion is preserving the town’s robust history. I can promise you will be entertained.

BRIAN WILSON

Because of Brian Wilson, I now understand who L.Q.C. Lamar was and what some of his contributions to U.S. history were. Brian has studied Lamar thoroughly and conducts very interesting tours at the L.Q.C. Lamar House in Oxford. Because of his vast knowledge on the subject and through his position on the Lamar House Advisory Board, he speaks to civic groups, writes about Lamar, and is working on a biography of Lamar which should be published in the near future. Wilson has national government affairs experience, as well as success in spearheading local projects. If you take a tour, I’m quite confident he can answer all your questions. Wilson understands not only the facts of Lamar’s life but also the motivations and circumstances behind the scenes.

Brian Wilson, curator at L.Q.C. Lamar house

L.Q.C. Lamar, to name a few of his accomplishments, taught (over the years) mathematics, ethics and law at the University of Mississippi. He served in both houses of the U.S. Congress, was the Secretary of the Interior under President Grover Cleveland, and sat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Lamar was one of eight people included in John F. Kennedy’s book Profiles in Courage.

RICHARD HOWORTH

Richard Howorth is the owner of Square Books in downtown Oxford. Howorth opened Square Books in 1979 in a location above the present children’s store, Square Books Jr. Now, his businesses encompass 3 buildings, and he refers to them as “a family of bookstores.” Howorth credits much of the success of his store to the amazing array of writers who have lived or spent significant time in Oxford. John Grisham, for example, lived in Oxford for six years and did his first book signing there. Willie Morris moved to Oxford in 1980 and brought a lot of famous writers here who were his “pals.” Bill Ferris, at the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, is a strong fan of Square Books and brought in Alex Haley and Alice Walker. Barry Hannah came in 1982. And those are just a FEW of the names Howorth mentioned when I toured his store with a group of fellow travel writers. Howorth, by the way, is a former mayor of Oxford.

Richard Howorth, owner of Square Books in Oxford MS

The shelves are lined with signed copies and an impressive array of first editions are housed upstairs. Square Books hosts an average of 160 events each year, with many of those being book signings and readings.

The upstairs balcony of Square Books is a popular hangout for students, and Howorth added with a smile that students occasionally”buy actual books and actually read them!” Howorth admits that his job is fun, so much so that he is reluctant to go home every day. “It’s addictive,” he says.

JAMES MEREDITH

James Meredith, who will be 85 in June, was the first black student enrolled at the University of Mississippi. When he arrived to register on September 20, 1962, his entrance was blocked. Riots broke out in which two people were killed and three hundred injured. It was a significant showdown between President John F. Kennedy and Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett. Kennedy prevailed, and eleven days later, Meredith began classes. A monument to that event is on the Ole Miss campus and consists of a statue of Meredith facing an open door — very meaningful and appropriate. He received a degree in political science and later earned a law degree from Columbia University.

Meredith has been a civil rights activist throughout his life. I found it very interesting that in every photo I made of the monument, African- Americans could be seen in the background. MANY students are there as a result of Meredith’s barrier-breaking actions.

James Meredith

James Meredith and the open door.

As happens often when I visit new places and meet passionate, influential people, I ask myself “What am I doing that makes a contribution in my community?” All of these men have contributed (and some continue to contribute) to the enhancement of the lives of others in Oxford and beyond. They inspire me.

Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”

3 (of Many) Great Eateries in Oxford, Mississippi

04/23/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Actually, there are 23 places just in the downtown square area of Oxford where students, their parents, faithful Ole Miss alums and visitors can get a bite to eat. I saw several very tempting-looking restaurants I want to try in a future visit, but for the purposes of today’s blog, here are 3 that I sampled and truly enjoyed recently. Stay tuned for 3 more coming next Monday.

OXFORD CANTEEN

“Eat like you mean it” is the catchy slogan for Oxford Canteen, the culinary concept of Chef/Owner Corbin Evans. Now in a refurbished and repurposed former gas station on North Lamar Boulevard, just a few months ago Oxford Canteen was in a narrow alleyway beside The Lyric Oxford. Evans was using a food truck concept, without the tires or a steering wheel, and just served food through a small window to the line of eager customers.

Oxford Canteen, in a former gas station on North Lamar Boulevard.

Corbin Evans, creative owner and chef at Oxford Canteen.

Evans is a board member of Oxford’s Community Market and is excited by serving locally-grown fresh ingredients and in changing his menu frequently to reflect availability and seasons. The Canteen is open Tuesday-Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. I was there for breakfast and enjoyed some delicious breakfast tacos in the sleek new location.

Breakfast tacos at Oxford Canteen.

SAINT LEO

Saint Leo was named a semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant in the 2017 James Beard award categories. Serving lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday, Saint Leo is best known for its wood-fired pizza oven, and one of those pizza creations was recently pictured in Southern Living. The bruschetta was possibly the best I have ever eaten, the pizza was as good as advertised, and the desserts were over-the-top. Saint Leo’s is definitely not your average pizza place. Just a note: Saint Leo doesn’t serve sweet tea, but they do bring a simple syrup to use with your unsweet tea. 🙂 This is a very popular place, so plan accordingly.

Divine bruschetta at Saint Leo’s.

Pizzas fresh out of the wood-fired oven at Saint Leo’s.

A slice of ooey, cheesy goodness at Saint Leo.

Beautiful desserts offered at Saint Leo.

PROUD LARRY’S

Proud Larry’s, similar to Saint Leo, also serves pizza, and the other menu offerings are definitely crowd-friendly. But the clear emphasis here is on music. The walls are lined with posters featuring the groups and soloists that the owners have partnered in bringing to Oxford. They maintain a full schedule of performers, and you would do well to consult the website to see if one of your favorites will be appearing soon. Tickets for the concerts are sold separately. And, you WILL need a ticket.

Evidence of great music performers who have shared their talents at Proud Larry’s.

I had the Larry Burger for lunch and give it a hearty 2 thumbs up. Owner Scott Caradine and his wife are very invested in Oxford and appreciate the success they have built in town. They have just celebrated their 25th anniversary in business. The combination of great food and music has proven to be a winning duo.

Proud Larry’s owner Scott Caradine. No, his name is NOT Larry.

The Larry Burger — Yummo!

A slice of great pizza at Proud Larry’s.

I really loved my time in Oxford, Mississippi. When you visit, consider booking a room at Graduate Oxford or Chancellor’s House. And, by all means, take a tour of Rowan Oak (home of William Faulkner) and L.Q.C. Lamar House. Plan time to browse Square Books, Off Square Books, Square Book Jr. and the many other great stores around the square. I’ll be sharing much more in future articles and posts.

This coming weekend, April 27th-28th, would be a particularly fun time to visit. The annual Double Decker Arts Festival will be in town. Check out the website for all the information.

Double Decker bus about to give a tour.

LEARNING FROM PASSIONATE PEOPLE – Sherrel Jan Davis, Long-Time Atlanta Motor Speedway Fan

04/20/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Her first memory of watching a race with her father was in 1966 when she was only 6 years old. We can all do the math. Sherrel Jan Davis (known to all her friends as “Jan”) has been an ardent fan of racing, and the Atlanta Motor Speedway in particular, for almost 52 years! As a matter of fact, her daddy helped with preparing the land for the track back in 1958. She’s not one of those starstruck fans who clamor for selfies and autographs. No. In her words, she likes “good-looking men in fast cars who can drive 200 miles an hour and run a clean race.”

Jan Davis points out some of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s famous drivers.

Jan has been leading tours at the Speedway for 11 years, and I was lucky enough to ride with her on a tour just a few weeks ago. I admitted to her that I was “a blank slate” when it came to racing, and she was patient in answering my questions, full of facts, and extremely entertaining.

If you’re a movie buff and take a tour of the track and grounds, you might recognize places where scenes were filmed in “Zombieland,” “Hunger Games 2” and “Need for Speed.” Georgia offers a tax break for movie production companies, so more and more locations in our neighboring state are showing up on the big screen.

Jan put us in a van and drove our group (consisting of my daughter, my granddaughter, a man visiting from California and myself) under the grandstands. We got out and took an elevator to the corporate suite level. We got an up-close look at the Arris Suite (Arris is a telecommunications equipment company) which is right next door to Mr. Bruton Smith’s suite, so naturally, we peered in through the glass windows.

View of the track from a corporate suite.

Mr. Smith bought the track in 1990 when it was named Weaver Grandstand, changed the name to Atlanta Motor Speedway, invested $100 million and made it into the premier racing venue it is today. The Atlanta race is the second one on the NASCAR circuit every year, right behind Daytona. During that huge NASCAR weekend, the corporate suites are rented for $35,000 for the whole weekend, and the premium camping spots for motorhomes and the like go for $4000.

Jan let us feel the 24-degree banks in the quarter-mile turns at both a comfortably-fast speed and slower. Believe me, faster is better. 🙂

Getting the feel of those 24-degree turns.

She showed us Tara Place where 46 luxury condos are rented. I learned that there are people who enjoy racing so much they want to live near the track year-round. Wow! We also saw Tara Field, a small airfield where drivers can land their own planes. Jan laughingly shared, “Racers are very competitive people. They even race in their golf carts!” That makes sense when you hear that they can make the mile-and-a-half lap in only 30 seconds. Whoa.

Tour guide and long-time Atlanta Motor Speedway fan, Jan Davis.

She pointed out the In-Care Facility that is staffed and waiting in case of a wreck but told us that a driver wants to be able to crank his car and make it to Pit Road. Then he can continue to race. Above all, he doesn’t want to have to get in the ambulance, thus putting him out of the competition. Ricky Rudd even taped his eyelids open after an accident one day in order to keep racing. In Jan’s words: “These athletes mean it, girl. They MEAN it!”

We saw the statue of Richard Pettey who retired from this very track in 1992 after making 25,000 laps on this track alone. Certainly, that feat deserved a statue.

Richard Petty statue at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

I learned lots of terms, such as Pit Road, Bandelero Races, Legend Races, restrictor plates, Victory Lane, pole position and many more. In addition, Jan shared lots of facts about this track in particular, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. You really owe it to yourself to go and tour the facility in person. Lots of senior adult and church groups go, and they can accommodate large or small numbers of people.

I have lived all my life with practically no knowledge or understanding about a sport that hundreds of thousands are passionate about — probably none (other than the racers themselves) are as passionate as Jan Davis. She’s a delightful person. Go meet her.

Entrance to the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

And speaking of passions — What is YOUR passion? What is mine? What is it that I share with so much enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience that others will want to hear more and maybe get on board?

Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. . . .”

Tags