By Anne McKee
The Meridian Star
MERIDIAN — The first time these words were uttered to me (by my husband) that described, at the time, a most recent escapade -- I skidded to a stop and pondered the meaning. What did he really mean? Was I a courageous one with no marbles? No, I decided – he knew better. After all he did have to live with me! Then, as I became accustomed to the term ~ More guts than sense ~ I could see the compliment intended.
I have always dared to say that I blazed my own trail, encouraged adventure, and, well, I have enjoyed my life – my Blessed life. Yes, more guts than sense – that’s me.
As I reflect upon the examples of my more-guts-than-sense lifestyle, I have determined to understand my husband’s statement. Below I have an inventory of the type of escapades that would put me in this category:
1. The family vacation to Mexico when I returned in the family vehicle (husband, kids, and all) sitting between a ceramic chicken and frog. It was a long drive, but they were so cute.
2.My attempt to economize when I bought a tiny, tiny, car. The first week, as I drove the two sons to soccer practice, there was an airplane hovering above, and it seemed to follow directly above my Nat-of-a-car while the plane sputtered and was clearly having trouble. I kicked the little vehicle into gear and tried to outrun it. I could imagine my little car being squashed by an airplane, but the little sons yelled, “Follow that airplane – they might need help!” Yes, the boys were already into the “help your neighbor” mind set, but I did outrun it. I mean it was a tiny car and an airplane – we didn't have a skunk’s chance, but the boys were mad at their momma. They had the guts on this one.
3. When I worked at an office, I would take lunchtime as errand time. We've all done it, but one day as I drove from the cleaners to the bank, I stopped at a convenience store just for a second, and when I returned to my office parking lot, there was a lady sitting in the backseat of my car. She thought I was a taxi – come to think of it, maybe I was a taxi?
4. On this morning, my office had 40 people at work – busy, busy, busy. I stepped into the lady’s room, and when I returned to the office, the place was empty! I mean what had happened? It was eerie. As I tiptoed around the filing cabinets and desks, I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't having a bad dream, then I peeked out into the parking lot and there stood all of my fellow employees with the police! Yes, we had a bomb-threat while I powered my nose.
5. It was another busy morning at the office. The cashier asked the elderly woman, who was paying a car payment for her son, for a late fee of $5.00. The woman paid it, but returned a couple of hours later with her boy (he sort of looked like Larry-the-Cable-Guy). They walked in the front door, and he yelled, “Which one was it, Mama?” She pointed, “That one over there, Sonny.” My friend, the cashier, ducked behind a green plant as Sonny made his way toward her. He said, “I'd kill for $5.00.” But he didn't, and I have used this mother/son couple as characters in several short stories, skits, and vignettes. You just can't make this kind of stuff up. It’s a real gutsy life.
6. We were on the last lap of a family trip to the Grand Canyon. We were so close to Vegas that we decided to leave our camper at the campground and take the short drive over to the gambling mecca. It was my idea. We loaded the two sons into our Chevy truck, along with a cooler, and headed west. It was unfortunate that we had a hole in the muffler – so, along with that and the MS plates, we were definitely tourists from the Deep South. We hit the lights of Vegas with baloney sandwiches in hand and Mt Dews to wash them down. Time was so short that we didn't even get out of the truck, but we did have dinner and a drink in Vegas! Gutsy for sure!
7. At this time, my mother was a cute little widow. She lived with us and had attracted the attention of an elderly neighborhood bachelor. Now my mother did not encourage his sentiments, but she was so kindhearted that she would never hurt his feelings. Besides, she loved butter beans. Yes, as little gifts from his heart, he brought her butter beans fresh from his garden. One day, he arrived at our driveway and hopped out of his truck headed for her door and walked right into our swimming pool. Oh, my! He popped right up out of the water (his little hat was still on his head) and held the butter beans high – not a one had gotten wet! We had butter beans for supper that night, and marveled not only the talents of the bachelor’s garden, but his expertise in the pool. He was the one with the guts here.
Guts or courage, sense or no marbles, I encourage you to blaze-your-own-trail. Don't worry about what the neighbors might think. If the truth was known, they admire your spunkiness and zest for life.
Hmm, what is next on my agenda? Stay tuned, dear readers, for tomorrow is another day as we enjoy our lives living in the Deep South.
Upcoming Happy Birthday Meridian Events:
Tuesday, Feb 9, 10:30 am – The third grade students at Poplar Springs Elementary School will present “Happy 150th Birthday Meridian” including the play “Meridian: The City that Would Not Die” written by Anne McKee at 10:30 am in the auditorium. Open to the community.
Wednesday, Feb 10, 10:00 am -- The City of Meridian celebrates Meridian’s Sesquicentennial at Dumont Plaza. Open to the community.
Wednesday, Feb 10, 2:00-5:00 pm -- Silverleaf Manor, 4555 35th Ave. (across from Dixie Bowl Lanes) Happy Birthday to Meridian Party, Hoppy Spinks and the Dirt Road Band (music and dancing), Special guest, Mr. Jack Shank. Refreshments (birthday cake and ice cream). Open to the community.
Anne McKee is an author and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission, as a dramatic and literary artist, storyteller, and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi.
