I'm a dash of Jackie O. A pinch of Elly May. A splash of Quelques Fleurs. A jigger of pickle juice. My friends call me Boots. My name is JoBeth. I'm just a southern girl who adores a great tune, a delicious meal, beautiful flowers, a frilly dress, and the perfect shoe. I'm married to a curly haired boy I call "The Angler". By day, I'm a healthcare stategist with a passion for NonProfits. I have a Masters degree in food. Literally. I am a registered dietitian, but I do love burgers and chocolate chip cookies. I survived being President of the Junior League. I'm a daydreamer, an avid i-pod shuffler and a novice photographer. I love to laugh. I'm often silly with a heapin' helpin' of sappy. I'm blessed beyond measure and amazed by God's grace. I try to keep my high heels walking in faith one step at a time, It's my prayer to help other women live beautiful, gracious lives.
Like all true southerners, I come from a long line of storytellers. My favorite stories paint pictures. And great pictures tell stories. I hope to accomplish both on this blog. So, grab yourself a glass of sweet tea, kick off your Manolo's and sit a spell on my virtual veranda. Flair and folly awaits.
Do tell!
{ for my style files and daily favorites come visit my tumblr: bootsmcblog.tumblr.com }
I’ve always been a hat girl. My first memories of Easter finery included a hat. Every year, we would shop for the dress, the shoes, AND a hat.
“When my Mother first dressed me in a hat as if I were a Lady, I owned the title.” – unknown
We attended a rather formal church where such accoutrements were not out of the norm. I wore them each Easter well into my twenties. I now attend a less formal church. Flip flops and jeans are acceptable for worship. Hats – well – that just may be TOO over the top. Still, I’m mad for a beautiful hat. They are the epitome of a lady. I often think of Eliza in My Fair Lady or Vivian in Pretty Woman how they were transformed with the right hat. Iconic pictures of Jackie O and Grace Kelly are of them in simple pillbox designs. Thankfully the new tradition of the First Lady’s Tea held at the Govenor’s Mansion each spring has given me new reason to find a fine piece of millinery. I was over the moon when my friend asked if I wanted to be part of the planning committee this year.
The event was held on a gorgeous spring day. Lady Grey Tea, Orange Blossom, and blueberry tea were accompanied with an array of tea sandwiches, tea cakes, and tarts. My wee contribution to the day was creating the “Forage through the Foliage” Garden Hunt that encouraged our younger ladies to explore the wonderous grounds our Govenor’s mansion: a family garden, a vegetable garden, the par terre garden blooming with roses, and the herb garden. Great fun was had by all ages. And I must say that although the roses in the garden were in full bloom, they paled in comparison to the beauty of the ladies in attendence in their gorgeous hats.
As for my hat, it was pink, ribboned, rose’d, and poofed. It is girly and I. love. it. So, for those flip flop wearing folks at my church, grace to you, my friends. I hope you’ll return the grace – I’ll be the one in the hat.
Un Noche Perfecto. Flowers, Food, Friends – ¿Que Mas? (what more?) Last Friday evening I had the privilege of capturing how this seamlessly pulled together. Inspired by Nature created a floral wonderland that would make anyone cry ¡Ole´! The catering genius of Trios provided a Mexican feast that was beyond delicioso! Even the mariachi band commented that the Chicken Enchiladas were the best they had ever had. And don’t even get me started on the desserts. Despite the threatening skies and the periodic torrential rains, nothing could dampen the spirits and the love felt at this party hosted to encourage a young couple as they embark on their new life together. Enjoy this peek at the fiesta!
In November, the doors to the nonprofit organization where I had been employed as Director of Marketing closed. Truthfully, even at the very moment the decision was made, I exhaled a sigh of relief. God had given me a graceful exit and much needed time to rest and regroup from a very tough year. I recognized I had the rare gift of time to search, seek, and pray honest, raw prayers for God’s guidance for my life. I knew I couldn’t waste it. I began taking tiny steps of faith, not forcing anything by my own efforts. I wholly trusted Him and not my abilities, my contacts, my make-things-happen energy. Immediately, I found GOD putting solid ground beneath my feet EVERY step I took.
One of those steps was a blurb in a church bulletin listing the spring Bible Studies available. I have always envied the ladies who had their Wednesday morning studies. I was finally going to be part of that group. I chose Woman on a Mission led by Linda Slaton – a study devoted to helping women find their life’s purpose. I was out of work…or the more PR savvy term “transitioning”. I dare say -the timing was perfect – a divine coincidence.
Participating in Woman on a Mission is one of the very best decisions I have ever made. Not only did Woman on a Mission give me reason to put pen to paper for those ever nagging questions: What are my talents? What are my dreams, wants, passions? Why did I have these life experiences? God, why did you make me? It gave me concrete answers through the evaluation tools used of my gifts, strengths, personality. ( I LOVE me some personality tests) I have learned now how to focus my time, efforts, talents, treasure in a way that I may experience my greatest joy and God’s heart would smile. I have found significance for which my heart has longed. In the next few weeks, I will tell you more about my “mission” and I hope to share the incredible work God is doing in my life and the lives of my classmates/ new friends. Tomorrow night we will celebrate our accomplishments and each share our personal mission statements. I couldn’t be more inspired by our teacher and the study author Linda Slaton…and by my small group. Linda, Jennifer, Ginny, Deborah, Laura, Leigh Anne, Lou Anne, and Stephanie – You are women who have changed my life. I can’t wait to see the difference you will make in the world. You have already made such difference to me.
So, dear readers, consider yourself warned – there are several of us…and we are Women on a Mission.
If you would like more information about participating or hosting this Bible study, please contact Linda Slaton at at 501-224-7171 or click here.
My dears, forgive me for being hit or miss with my blog posts recently. My little dance card has been quite full the last two weeks. My mother visited this weekend and she requested I post something pretty. It seems my last post of funeral folly is not her cup of tea. She prefers a cup of Lady Grey in the Rose Garden. Today she was indulged. She, along with my niece, joined me for the First Lady’s Tea at the Governor’s Mansion. It was a lovely spring day. I can’t wait for you to see the pics. Also, stay tuned for shots from a fabulous fiesta I attended Friday night. Expect updates on my lessons in grace…God, thankfully, isn’t finished with me yet. I have so much I want to tell y’all. For now I’m a tired belle, so I’m kicking off the choos for the night and resting my tootsies. Enjoy this quick shot from today. Hats off to a great weekend!
As for my hat, it was pink, ribboned, rose’d, and poofed. It is girly and I. love. it. So, for those flip flop wearing folks at my church, grace to you, my friends. I hope you’ll return the grace – I’ll be the one in the hat.
