Beads, Pearls and a Southern Twist

I love all the colors and ideas swirling around for making jewelry. Went to a local class and there was only one other lady in attendance and she was a self proclaimed Southern Belle. Even though she's from OHIO she informed me that she graduated from Southern Belle school and has converted because she loves it here. She passed my test and I really enjoyed her. We both learned a lot and made some cool necklaces. Her name was Pearl and I have to say her mother did set her on the right track to be southern with that name. Of course pearls are her signature and we both loved all the pearls in the variety of colors and shapes that are available now.

My mother gave me her pearls. They are in need for re-stringing and look pretty dingy. I took them apart and cleaned them and now I'm waiting for the class to learn how to do the knots to put them back together. I'm pretty excited about them and wish I had done this earlier - they've been sitting in a drawer for years and that just not good for pearls.

I listened to a book about GRITS/Pearls - a big ole southern etiquette kind of thing. It was read by the author and it was an interesting book. Its funny how much is ingrained in you as a kid that doesn't know there is any other way but Southern hospitality. As I listened I thought, "who needs to read this - doesn't everyone just know these things?" Sad to say I have met a few people that could use this book but it wouldn't make any difference. One big thing I have learned in my 37 years :) Some people will never get it and common sense is not something that can be learned - you either have it or you don't. A colleague/friend of mine informed me that I am suffering from chronic common sense and always complimented me on my ability to use my intuition and common sense to provide insight into his dilemmas. Yes its true I am a guru. Whatever... the powers of a southern woman should never be underestimated... its a fact, but we are nothing if not humble. One of the biggest things you can learn from a southern woman is that pearls and diamonds may be forever but hugs and a good meal can solve many problems (if those don't work a swift kick in the pants usually does the trick).