Minda, Bowdon, and a realization of who I always will be

I don’t get to drive home to actually visit my parents/home town very often. It’s usually to drop Griff off and maybe sleep for work when it’s their weekend with him. But we decided to come last night for a little stay and spend some time at my old stomping grounds. And I’m so glad we did. Driving into that sweet little town is certainly nostalgic and gives me such comfort and peace. I feel God’s presence when I’m within a 15 mile radius that grows brighter the closer I get to my parents’ house.

6 years ago, I was the girl who couldn’t wait to move to Atlanta for my job and more “opportunity.” I wanted out of that “sleepy” town and onto something different. I love Atlanta and all that the last 6 years has given me: a new home, the coolest friends, some of my greatest laughs and memorable adventures, an amazing job that I could never fully walk away from, my terrific husband, and a beautiful little boy! But I’ve realized with age, that much of my heart will always belong to Bowdon. The town and the people in it make up a large piece of who I am, and always will be. It’s where my love for Southern charm, antiques, fields of flowers, and good down to earth people started. Big front porches, mason jars, and the sweetest tea you’d ever drink. People who know you by name and genuinely care about you and your family. I vividly remember playing football in huge yards or kick the can at summer birthday parties. Walking the mile from my parents’ to the high school was a staple in our house in the Spring and Summer. Four wheelers, holiday parades, catching lightning bugs, and the heavy humid Sunday mornings in Victory Methodist Church. You want somewhere really lovely to raise your children, Bowdon is it. It warms my heart to be here and even more so that it’s still where the majority of my family calls home.

Each “real” visit I try to see my grandparents and give Griff time with them. I don’t think this became as important to me until we lost Sam’s grandmother and grandfather in the last two years. We miss them so, and long for Griff to have had more time with them. As for mine, they have always lived close (until my move to Atlanta) so I’m fortunate that they are a big piece of our lives, as well.

My mom’s mother: our “Minda,” is my kindred spirit! My sister and Sam joke that I’ll be just like her when I’m older with grandchildren of my own. And I sure hope so! She’s the life of the party, quick witted, sassy, and gives comfort and joy like no other. A breast cancer survivor of over 20 years, she is a warrior and holds a place of gratitude in my heart. I’m so thankful God helped her beat that horrible disease! If you know her well, you know she’s quick to make light of her single mastectomy and exudes why God has let us enjoy her presence in our lives. Since I started showing interest in repurposing and antiques, she has supported, encouraged, and even given me family heirlooms to cherish and restore! She’s my antiquing partner, along with my mom. Today, with Griff in tow, we had the joy of treating her to lunch and visiting one of our favorite antique stores to look for pieces to repurpose: Feathers and Twigs. It’s no surprise that I always see good stuff with her: a corner shelving piece that is beautiful!! I can’t wait to get started on it! It’s got gorgeous, metal, rounded edging with great wooden shelves. Sturdy, but delicately designed. I imagine it held China at one time; steady enough to bear the brunt of a toddler running past, or holding a cup and saucer from someone who sipped coffee on a front porch in the Spring. It’s weathered a few battles itself from the looks of the metal, but you can tell it’s meant to showcase pieces of true beauty. She and I were on the same brain wave: “dining room with family tea cups to adorn the shelves.” This is assuming I can organize it in a way to keep the cups out of Griff’s reach!

In short, our afternoon was spent with my favorite chicken salad from McGee’s bakery, antiquing, and finishing our visit in her yard and home. The sound of the giggles from my sweet two year old as Minda grabbed his “porkchops” and kissed his messy blonde hair will stay with me. He blew her kisses and laughed with adoration as he chased Lucy (her dog). They walked hand-in-hand, he barefoot, and she beaming with joy to have another day with her great-grandson. It was almost magical if you were there to observe like I was.

I remember my time with Minda, too. She let us drive her old Honda in the neighbor’s pasture, and skinny dip in the ditch in her yard after a big rain. We would swing dance in her living room, and swing underneath the big oak tree. Just like the two of them did today.

As I watched them play, my thoughts went back to the corner shelf, to my hometown, and to her. Each with a quiet strength, a certain charm that is Southern, tender, beautiful, and full of opportunity and wisdom. How funny that my mindset was so narrow six years ago. I would’ve never taken on antiques and repurposing, then. The new, big, and shiny was mesmerizing, and I didn’t know how dear my home town and my family would be to me. But truth be told, I am a Southern girl from a small, colorful town, steady in my endeavors, and hold my own opportunity from within. My prayer is that I always channel my inner-Minda and embrace what I’ve inherited from her, from Bowdon, and my love to make old things “new.” Corner shelving piece… Let’s do it!