Today was a really big day...Two events in one day. The first was at Plum's/A Gallery in the downtown historic district of Hattiesburg, Mississippi benefiting Homes for Home, a new home for foster children. The reverend in charge grew up in foster care and had a very interesting perspective, particularly during and after high school, and onto college.
A Gallery is housed in a renovated downtown building. Last year Plum's sold their business to Gail (of A Gallery) and now the two are combined under one roof with paintings, art glass, ceramics, bridal registry, fine china and gifts.
The sky opened up on the way there and rained pretty heavily but that did not stop the dedicated Annieglass collectors. Shirley Glaab brought her mother's vintage hat covered in lifelike gardenias. It was very touching to witness how much the hat reminded her of her mother. All the stores had vintage hats and photos that brought up memories of the way things used to be when woman wore hats, went to teas and—what I think was cool—drove REALLY big cars!
I thought of my own mother's penchant for wacky bathing caps—the wilder the better! We could spot her from 500 yards. She pretended that was why she chose the most outrageous, colorful or three-dimensional designs, so we could always find her. My brothers and I pretended we did not know her when she had one on.
A flash flood warning did not stop Cathryn and I from getting to our next stop in Gulfport and Martin Miazza, a family run store started in 1962 by Martin and his wife Dot, now run by their daughter Kennedy. I wish all my customers gave me my own boutique. I was joking around with one customer and said, "I just need a sleeping bag!"
Two years ago, I visited for an event and when I asked what the theme would be; Kennedy pondered a minute and said " Drinkin'. Yes dahlin', drinkin' will be our theme." I love these people! They also introduced me to the sweetest lump crabmeat I have ever tasted. I set out on an experiment to discover how much could I eat and it lead me to thoughts of the best way to go, if ever I need to know...death by crab is my choice.
Tonight I paced myself and just ate until my stomach began to hurt. Then Mr. Billy, the bartender took care of me, regaling me with wonderful stories of all the beautiful homes I would see in Natchez.
Shopping