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 }
It’s a sick day here at the McCottage. I’ve caught this terrible fever virus that is going around. Doctor has ordered me to stay home the rest of the week. Like everyone I know, I don’t really have time to be sick. However, I’ve made calls, sent emails and rearranged my schedule to catch up on everything next week.
For now, I’m gratefully accepting these orders to rest. I will take my crazy cough syrup and nap without guilt.
I will piddle on Pinterest,
listen to tunes,
catch up on fashion and home magazines
and find the beauty in these most ordinary of circumstances.
The first strains of the Overture from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite play and I still get a lump in my throat and butterflies in my belly. My initial appearance in our small town production of the Nutrcracker was by default. My dance teacher invited me to be a party child alternate. A kid got stage fright and I got a part. Oh, what fun I had, twirling and dancing in that blue party dress and brushing my feet in my pink capezios to the children’s march.
The following year, I tried out again for the same role. I will never forget walking to the door of The Ritz Theater with my Dad to see if the results of the day’s tryouts were posted. It was far past the time of deliberation, yet there was no sign of a sign. Disappointed, we turned to walk away when one of the casting agents opened the door. She leaned her head out and gave us the “pssst” sound. We turned. She whispered, ”We’re still working on all the parts, but I can tell you,” and she looked from my Dad to me, “JoBeth, you will be dancing the part of Clara. Congratulations.”
The following months of rehearsals after rehearsals and the two weekends of production remain my happiest childhood memories. When I close my eyes and remember, I am filled with pure joy.
I danced several other parts in the Nutcracker the following years. The Nutrcracker grew to be part of our Christmas tradition.
Although I no longer dance, I’ve kept the Nutcracker tradition alive and well by watching the classic 1977 Barishnikov Production. It is by far the most impeccably performed version I’ve ever seen. Year after year, I am awed by Mikhail’s choreography coupled with the intense beauty and moving strains of the music. I could get lost in the The Grand Pas de Deux. As Drosselmeyer (the Godfather) summons Clara to leave her Prince and the Dreamland of Sweets to return to reality, the dancers bid adieu with an undeniable passion that is rarely seen in a performance without words.
Give yourself a beautiful little gift this season, grab a cup of cocoa and enjoy the 10 minutes of dance and music below.
(If you have time to watch the entire production, parts 1-10 are available via YouTube. This particular video features the well known Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Tarantella, and The Pas de Deux )
Thanks for sashaying down memory lane with me. Only a few more hours until Christmas Eve
A perfect way to kick off my favorite month. Tiffany has launched their exquisite Holiday Campaign. Once again, they prove there is nothing quite like a Tiffany Blue Christmas.
