Spirit of a Southern Belle, Part 2: The Yard

"Swing low, sweet  chariot

Comin' for to carry me home"

I couldn't have been older than 5. Mawzy and I would sit on the front porch swing basking in the tranquility of the morning while eating peanuts straight out of the Planter's jar, singing Sweet Chariot, a tune from 1909 that gained popularity in the 60's during the Civil Rights struggle. I'd always chime in on the chorus because it's the one part I could always remember. It's the only song I ever recall her singing.

Sweet Chariot by Etta James

Perhaps she preferred listening to the birds twitter. She had more bird houses than anyone I've ever known. They were scattered throughout the front and back yards, and one entire dining room wall was hidden behind a shelf cluttered with them. She'd bring in old nests from the trees and place fake eggs in them to add charm to her impressive collection. Anytime I asked her what she wanted for Christmas, it was always a new bird house or feeder.

Or something lavender. She loved the scent. She had a real appreciation for all flowers - there were countless times she'd send me outside late in the afternoon to watch the 4 o'clocks blooming just off the back porch. But she really loved roses. She introduced me to The Secret Garden, a film about mystery, magic, friendship, love and overcoming that which limits us. I watched it (the 1987 version) again and again in my youth. I had a hat similar to Mary Lennox's, and I would roam through the yard in whatever dress I could find pretending to be her. About three years ago Mawzy sent me back to Austin with her copy of the book.

The Secret Garden (1987) Trailer

I couldn't possibly count the hours my cousins and I spent playing in that ginormous yard - hide and seek, soccer, Easter egg hunts, climbing the tree in the front yard, riding on the three wheelers, catching lizards to wear as earrings which never worked out how it was supposed to, playing "doctor" - the last of which was apparently a big no no past a certain age.

Mawzy's house today

A small portion of the land she called home

I think my generation might be the last to have vivid memories of playing outside. I was lucky because I developed a close relationship with Mother Nature on a quiet plot of land surrounded by a thick forest of tall pines. Those imaginative days early in my life are probably the reason I'm such a dreamer today. I was introduced to beauty and peace by my Mawzy, and it is of vital importance to me that my son experiences the same. I will follow in her footsteps and make certain he knows it is in places such as these that he will always find comfort, soul cleansing and joy, no matter his age.

The quiet road leading to Mawzy's house

To be continued...