Saturday, November 21, 2009

NOVEMBER is "Thanksgiving" Month

The Thanksgiving Holiday is a perfect time for each of us to reflect on all of the things we have to be thankful for and to count our many blessings.
This Thanksgiving we should all express our "Thanksgiving" sentiments to friends and loved ones..and most importantly to THE ONE from whom all blessings flow.


REFLECTIONS OF A MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIA
When I look back on my life,
I think how wonderful it has been;
To have had the most wonderful parents of all,
And a host of wonderful friends.
My high school days were blissful,
And my college days so fun;
Fond memories are one thing for sure,
That I have by the ton.
I'm so glad that I grew up,
On Mississippi sod,
My t-shirt reads: "American by birth,
And southern by the grace of God."
My life has been so wonderful,
I wouldn't change one condition;
As one friend of mine always says,
I should have paid admission.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

OCTOBER is Family History Month

DID YOU KNOW:
October is
FAMILY HISTORY MONTH
Share Yours!!!
I challenge each reader, to find out more about the rich personal histories within your own individual families..delve into the often hidden treasures held within your family stories.

ONE ROOM SCHOOL
My mother told me stories,
Of the one room school;
Where all the grades were taught together,
As they went by the same rules.
To this school is where she would go,
With other children from all around;
Traveling there in rain, sleet or snow,
These children could be found.
Each grade had their own lessons,
That they were all to learn;
While keeping warm by an old black stove,
That in the corner burned.
My mother had high praises
For the teacher who taught them there,
Because, it was her own dear mother,
Who gave them special care.
My mother said that in this place,
She learned so very much;
Like arithmmetic and writing,
Basic reading skills and such.
I love to hear these stories,
Over and over again,
For passing them on down the line,
Our legacy never ends.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey


poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This poem comes from one of the many "family stories" that my mother has repeated to me over the years. She was the beneficiary of very early "early childhood education" She says that her mother was the teacher at a one room school outside of Mantee, MS. Her mother (my grandmother- Julia Clay Kilgore) would take her younger pre- school age children to work (school) with her, where they were exposed to all of the lessons and conversations of the older children. My mother says that she was very young at this time
(3 and 4 yrs old). She says that she remembers her father (my grandfather-Alton Odessa Kigore) dropping her Mom and the kids off at the school in his car and going on to his one room school in Woodland, MS where he was the teacher/principal. When she was five years old, the family moved to West Point,MS and she attended M.I. College( Ministirial Institute and College) grade school program from
grades 1-4. She then attended Mary Holmes College School from fifth grade thru two years of college. She married my Dad and then went on to graduate from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degreein Elementary Education.

Monday, October 5, 2009

SEPTEMBER-Read a New Book Month

DID YOU KNOW: September is Read a New Book Month (yes, seriously)!!!

The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them.
Mark Twain

BOOKWORM
Reading is fundamental,
That's what they always say;
Without it, I couldn't even imagine,
Wanting to start the day.
My mother's love of reading,
Was passed down straight to me;
And wherever it is that I am,
Some book with me, you'll see.
In my purse, under my arm,
Or maybe in my car;
I'm not so sure where the book would be,
But it couldn't be very far.
My mother says she remembers,
Books and papers 'round her mother's bed;
Where she would spend the whaole long day,
With knowledge being fed.
I love to read all kinds of things,
I never get enough;
I quess, I could love without my books,
But, boy, it would be tough.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

Sunday, August 2, 2009

AUGUST: National Catfish Month (Yes, Really!!!)

August is: NATIONAL CATFISH MONTH

DID YOU KNOW:
*Farm- raised catfish is the largest aquaculture industry in the United
States.
*Arkansas, in 1963, was the first state to produce farm-raised catfish on a commercial level amd Mississippi was not far behind when it began its production in 1965.
*After 1970, rapid expansion of catfish production in the Mississippi Delta occurred, and Mississippi has led the catfish industry ever since.
*Today, more freshwater aquaculture is found in the Mississippi Delta than in any other region of the United States.
*Mississippi State University was the first institute to study the nutritional requirements of catfish.
*Fried catfish remains a favorite in Southern cuisine.

SOUTHERN LIFE
If you want a glimpse of Southern life,
Come close and walk with me
I'll tell you all the simple things
That you are sure to see
You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees
Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees
Caterpillars on the step
Wooden porches cleanly swept
Watermelons on the vine
Strong majestic Georgia pines
Rocking chairs and front yard swings
Junebugs flying on a string;
Turnip greens and hot cornbread,
Coleslaw and barbecue;
Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes
Fried pies and pickles, too.
There's ice cold tea tht's syrupy sweet,
And cool,green grass beneath your feet;
Catfish nipping in the lake,
And fresh young boys on the make.
You'll see all these things
And much, much more,
In a way of life that I adore.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

JULY-Family Reunion Month

JULY is traditionally Family Reunion Month with family gathering taking place all ove the country..especially during 4th of July weekend.
Let us take the time to reflect on, appreciate, cherish and celebrate the "gift" of family.

The Family Tree

We are a glorious tree
With beautiful branches outstretched,
Reaching toward the heavens;
Offering our various gifts
And fruits of our labor.
We share common roots,
That run deep in ancestral soil;
Nurtured by
Common purpose,
Faith, heritage and hope.
We hear the whispers and shouts
Of those gone before.
We hear the voices
Of that great cloud of witnesses,
Ever urging, prodding, coaxing ;
Giving meaning to our race,
Shedding light on our pathways
We carry a certain knowledge
Deep within us
Embedded within our very bones
And marrow;
Encoded in the blood,
That runs between us
Among us and through us;
Carrying a sacred message
Imparted across generations.
We stand united,
Singing praises
To the One
Who made us,
Gathered us,
And bound us
Into a
Strong,
Proud,
Distinctive
Family Tree

Patricia Neely-Dorsey 2009

www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

JUNE- Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day this year- June 21, 2009

DID YOU KNOW: In the USA, UK and Canada, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, since being made a national holiday in 1966.


This month's blog is dedicated to my father
Dr. James H. Neely
who was a practicing physician in the Tupelo/Lee County area for almost 35 yrs and still remains the best "daddy" ever.

COUNTRY DOCTOR
My Dad was a country doctor,
And I have such memories galore;
I even remember the house calls,
As he literally traveled 'round door to door.
Sometimes, on Saturday mornings,
When I was just a young thing;
My daddy would let me go with him,
As he did all his doctoring.
He'd have his black bag in one hand,
And his stethescope wrapped 'round his neck;
He was most definitely the captain,
And I was his first man on deck.
We traveled way deep in the country,
And there were always such sites to see;
Believe you me, I noticed them all,
Down to the last bumblebee.
I'd always meet really kind people,
As I stayed by my daddy's side;
He'd always give my introduction,
As he stood there beaming with pride.
Many of the people had no indoor plumbing,
And most of them were all very poor;
So my daddy would let patient's pay him,
With whatever it was they'd procure.
Sometimes, he took brown eggs or slab bacon,
Fresh vegetables, hams and the like;
All of this was so amazing to see,
For me as such a young tike.
The old women, he'd always call "young lady",
But old and young all addressed him as sir;
We'd make so many stops on our journey,
I'm quite suprised that it's not all a blur.
I remember learning about all these people,
And all of the crops that they grew.
Each time, I'd learn something different,
Each time, I'd learn something quite new.
My eyes would grow wide with excitement,
As I saw all the animals and stock;
We'd see so much beautiful scenery,
As we'd drive to the next door to knock.
My dad had such a busy schedule,
I can't imagine how he got it all done;
All I remember is I loved tagging along,
And all I remember is fun.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey

poem from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems
www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com

author's note: Dr. James H. Neely received his Bachelor's degree in 1955 from Kentucky State University, formerly Kentucky State College with a major in chemistry and a minor in math and French.
He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College in 1960.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

MAY- Mother's Day Celebrations

MOTHER'S DAY - May 10, 2009 DID YOU KNOW: On May 8,1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as National Mother's Day, emphasizing the role of women in families.
THANKS MOM(S)
A special thanks goes to every mother,
From every daughter and son;
Remembering and appreciating you,
For all the things you've done.
You've supported and encouraged us,
To dream and reach so far;
You've always helped us to believe, That we could reach that farthest star.
We thank you for protecting us,
From our ownselves,sometimes, it's true;
And always being there to give wise counsel,
As just a small part of all you do.
Thank you mothers for blessing us,
With a love strong, fast and true;
There could never be words in all the word,
To express what's owed to you.
Patricia Neely-Dorsey
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!
Patricia Neely-Dorsey is the author of
Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems
website:www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com