“Belle’s the only one with any sense in this God damned family!” Granddaddy bellowed to no one in particular…
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“….but the social structure.” that comment is the essentially the cornerstone of the South. it’s virtually impossible to understand and, more importantly, to relatively compare unless you were raised there and left to another part of the country. you are perceptive, Belle. perceptive beyond your years.
Hi Belle. Saw your blog advertised on the front page, so I thought I’d take a mosey.
I’m staying in Manhattan for the next few days - I’m an english radio producer dabbling in travel writing. If you like to go for a drink sometime next week, gimme a shout - spaceghost@beeb.net.
I’ve just started a blog about my trip to NYC - it’s at ltaca.blogspot.com. See wotcha think.
www.MIKEandMAYLENE.com
Mike and May - Our website is www.MIKEandMAYLENE.com and it is a photo journal of Mike and Maylene traveling the United States and Philippines. We have hundreds of photo galleries for you to enjoy on our website. There are pictures of our road trips through the United States, Texas, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, DC, and the Philippines, we have been all over the Philippines Islands at beaches and other tourist destinations mostly just eating, drinking and having fun. It is one of the most peaceful and affordable places to travel so check out our pics and sign the guestbook on our WEBSITE, not the blog…thanks, party naked!!!
Can’t say that I know what you mean, talking about the south - born and bred yankee (left coast). But I don’t have to for the story to mean something to me.
Belle, the sweetness in your writing is coming through, and so are the metaphors. “You love me all the time, Nathan” (the fish). “Not just when it get’s dark and there’s no one else and you need to be tended.” This is so true of relationships. We all want our loved ones to be there for us, in in good times and bad.
Like i said the first time i came here: great writing. You got pretty famous, huh?, great for you. I suppose you’re thinking ’bout getting all this published in a book. Wouldn’t be a bad idea, huh?, then a movie…. then no more blog. On second thought, i didn’t said nothing…
what a fantastic way you have with words! don’t ever lose that quality. I’m sure it would be easy to do in the hustle and bustle of NYC. Sip some sweet tea twice a week to help keep you grounded.
All I know is ol’ Chris Randolph went and turned into a bleeding heart, Yankee Democrat on me. Can you imagine, in good conscience, livin’ like that?”
“The sun’s leavin’ us,” I said, knowing better than to press the subject.
HA! I know exactly how this feels. It’s not so much that I’m a “bleeding heart, Yankee Democrat” either, but over the summer I was in Florida visiting the grandparents for the first time in years and I definitely knew when to keep my mouth shut/change the topic.
By the way. . . I’ve definitely noticed that it’s startin to cool off in the city. You gonna be ready for winter in a couple months???
Really like your blog, the writing is great. Wish mine was as good as yours. I’m also southern girl trying to make it in the City. Check out my blog if you have a chance.
I had a southern Grandfather, and also a Grandfather from Germany. They both seemed as stubborn as your ‘Pappy’. Oh! And they loved to use the G** D**** word a lot to. I guess to drive the point home! I miss them.
You are a Southerner in the Big City. I am a Northerner in the Big City. No, I mean, reallyNorthern, as in Canadian.
You have a blog. I have a blog (danielmate.blogspot.com). Your blog is evidently more popular than mine.
You are 25, which makes you young enough to still yearn earnestly and old enough to know what you don’t want. I am 30, which makes me old enough to remember when “Thriller” came out but not old enough to pull rank on you.
You are a writer of journalism. I am a writer of plays and songs, pursuing my M.F.A. at NYU.
You write well, and love language. So do I, to hear my adoring parents tell it.
You are trying to date every man in New York. I am one of them.
Post a comment to my blog if you would like to follow this trail of bread crumbs.
You stole “‘paps” vision of immortality in searching for your own. I’ll never meet him, but somehow I know and love him. I hope you find a point where you two can share dreams again. Those “blue eyes” must shine with pride in you. Those people in NYC do not know how to treat southern ladies, after the shine and glitter of the city has worn away.
Ehy Belle!if you can post a message in our blog viviale.blogspot.com!it’s for a school project!THANKSSS!
oh,well…your blog is very nice!!!!
see you soon!!!
I was taken away to a place that few get to see. The joy of an old mans heart just being with his granddaughter and the chance to argue for his happiness. It must have been so hard on the part of both of you; I hope you get to see each other often. I will mark this blog and I hope to see more on this story soon.
Have you heard about this website (below)! It’s brand new, I just learned about it myself! It’ll be a great way to advertise all of our blogs…….! Run an “ad”!
Belle, you truly are a gifted, beautiful writer. The emotion and imagery your post evoked for me was quite wonderful. I hope you continue to follow your dreams, and wish you much success.
Good blog - I like the way you write. I was brought up in the UK but my Grandma is a Texan babe so I’ve been hearing her stories about the South since I was old enough to listen.
Check out my blog if you have the time or the inclination - random musings from a disenfranchised twenty-something in a London setting: www.lastnightidreamtofelephants.blogspot.com
Belle, I really like your style of writing. It is obvious you are of “literary lineage”.
I am a former NYer. Lived on the upper east side and worked on Wall St. till I couldn’t take the BS anymore. Now I live in DC and think longingly about my former home, Manhattan.
I’m not so sure the rebellious behavior of dating the most inappropriate guys is the way to go. But you will at least have a baseline point of reference for what you don’t want in ten years time.
Be careful. “Wanting” is big part of NYC and as a wise friend once said to me “sometimes wanting is better than having”. And I believe that this is true because once you have what you want, there is nothing left except to want something else.
Great post Belle. I too can relate to a Southern grandparent…..mine just happened to be my grandmother with more influence. I miss her every day of my life. I’ll be back. Hope you come see me too.
Belle, one thing I found about living in Manhattan as a Flight Attendant- for 5 years- (10 years ago) was that I was endlessly searching for something it could never give me. There is a certain genteelness in the South, and in a Southern man– I adored a couple of the Yanks– but never wanted to spend the rest of my life with them… Now I know I did the right thing by living there- traveling the world- experiencing what the city had to offer, and moving back home to Texas. I found my soul–basically still intact- and my soul mate (Mississippian) waiting for me. “It was the best of times and the worst of times”… Good luck girlfriend! We’ll be waiting on you to make your way back home.
your grand daddy reminds me of my grandma.. full of pride, set in their ways and a devoted love for the south!
thanks for the memories that this story brought back!
where in the south are you from?
A~
September 25th, 2005 at 7:01 pm
I really liked how you write. I found it very interesting.
Definitely I’ll be back.
Take care.
http://mispoken.blogspot.com
http://artaudiano.blogspot.com
September 25th, 2005 at 7:35 pm
I can completely relate to the love of a Southern Grandaddy. I love mine more than anything. Great post.
September 25th, 2005 at 7:47 pm
“….but the social structure.” that comment is the essentially the cornerstone of the South. it’s virtually impossible to understand and, more importantly, to relatively compare unless you were raised there and left to another part of the country. you are perceptive, Belle. perceptive beyond your years.
September 25th, 2005 at 8:13 pm
How politically incorrect! LOL
September 25th, 2005 at 9:06 pm
Hi Belle. Saw your blog advertised on the front page, so I thought I’d take a mosey.
I’m staying in Manhattan for the next few days - I’m an english radio producer dabbling in travel writing. If you like to go for a drink sometime next week, gimme a shout - spaceghost@beeb.net.
I’ve just started a blog about my trip to NYC - it’s at ltaca.blogspot.com. See wotcha think.
x
September 26th, 2005 at 12:34 am
Hey Belle,
love your writing. Interesting style. I lookforward to the next update.
reagrds
Mark
September 26th, 2005 at 12:48 am
www.MIKEandMAYLENE.com
Mike and May - Our website is www.MIKEandMAYLENE.com and it is a photo journal of Mike and Maylene traveling the United States and Philippines. We have hundreds of photo galleries for you to enjoy on our website. There are pictures of our road trips through the United States, Texas, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, DC, and the Philippines, we have been all over the Philippines Islands at beaches and other tourist destinations mostly just eating, drinking and having fun. It is one of the most peaceful and affordable places to travel so check out our pics and sign the guestbook on our WEBSITE, not the blog…thanks, party naked!!!
September 26th, 2005 at 1:20 am
Just followed a link from my dashboard.
You write well. I enjoyed reading “Grandaddy”.
Can’t say that I know what you mean, talking about the south - born and bred yankee (left coast). But I don’t have to for the story to mean something to me.
Good luck, child. Keep writing.
September 26th, 2005 at 1:21 am
Belle, the sweetness in your writing is coming through, and so are the metaphors. “You love me all the time, Nathan” (the fish). “Not just when it get’s dark and there’s no one else and you need to be tended.” This is so true of relationships. We all want our loved ones to be there for us, in in good times and bad.
September 26th, 2005 at 7:43 am
Nice writing! Keep it up.
Joy
September 26th, 2005 at 8:34 am
Well done, as ever - you American short story writer you!
Be thankful for the love of a grandfather - I lost both of mine before I was born.
September 26th, 2005 at 8:39 am
Like i said the first time i came here: great writing. You got pretty famous, huh?, great for you. I suppose you’re thinking ’bout getting all this published in a book. Wouldn’t be a bad idea, huh?, then a movie…. then no more blog. On second thought, i didn’t said nothing…
September 26th, 2005 at 9:46 am
what a fantastic way you have with words! don’t ever lose that quality. I’m sure it would be easy to do in the hustle and bustle of NYC. Sip some sweet tea twice a week to help keep you grounded.
September 26th, 2005 at 10:13 am
All I know is ol’ Chris Randolph went and turned into a bleeding heart, Yankee Democrat on me. Can you imagine, in good conscience, livin’ like that?”
“The sun’s leavin’ us,” I said, knowing better than to press the subject.
HA! I know exactly how this feels. It’s not so much that I’m a “bleeding heart, Yankee Democrat” either, but over the summer I was in Florida visiting the grandparents for the first time in years and I definitely knew when to keep my mouth shut/change the topic.
By the way. . . I’ve definitely noticed that it’s startin to cool off in the city. You gonna be ready for winter in a couple months???
September 26th, 2005 at 10:56 am
Gran daddy sounds like quite a character. If journalism doesn’t do it for you, I’m sure you have enough past experiences to write one helluva novel.
September 26th, 2005 at 1:02 pm
That’s a great piece of writing.
September 26th, 2005 at 3:43 pm
Oh gee. battle on hon. And I heard u denigrating a certain Ms Klein (for what? being too similar to what you are vainly attempting to deny?)
September 26th, 2005 at 5:10 pm
You write very well! Reading you is pure pleasure! Thanks
September 26th, 2005 at 6:40 pm
I really enjoy your writing
September 26th, 2005 at 7:21 pm
As usual, I can’t wait to read more. I love your use of lanuage.
September 26th, 2005 at 8:25 pm
Hi Belle,
Really like your blog, the writing is great. Wish mine was as good as yours. I’m also southern girl trying to make it in the City. Check out my blog if you have a chance.
gigisbadday.blogspot.com
September 26th, 2005 at 8:31 pm
I had a southern Grandfather, and also a Grandfather from Germany. They both seemed as stubborn as your ‘Pappy’. Oh! And they loved to use the G** D**** word a lot to. I guess to drive the point home! I miss them.
September 26th, 2005 at 10:49 pm
Belle,
We should meet, I think.
You are a Southerner in the Big City. I am a Northerner in the Big City. No, I mean, reallyNorthern, as in Canadian.
You have a blog. I have a blog (danielmate.blogspot.com). Your blog is evidently more popular than mine.
You are 25, which makes you young enough to still yearn earnestly and old enough to know what you don’t want. I am 30, which makes me old enough to remember when “Thriller” came out but not old enough to pull rank on you.
You are a writer of journalism. I am a writer of plays and songs, pursuing my M.F.A. at NYU.
You write well, and love language. So do I, to hear my adoring parents tell it.
You are trying to date every man in New York. I am one of them.
Post a comment to my blog if you would like to follow this trail of bread crumbs.
http://danielmate.blogspot.com
With all due respect,
Daniel
September 26th, 2005 at 11:31 pm
its really nice to read your blog…i enjoyed it..
September 27th, 2005 at 12:28 am
You stole “‘paps” vision of immortality in searching for your own. I’ll never meet him, but somehow I know and love him. I hope you find a point where you two can share dreams again. Those “blue eyes” must shine with pride in you. Those people in NYC do not know how to treat southern ladies, after the shine and glitter of the city has worn away.
September 27th, 2005 at 1:32 am
Wow !!!!! Excellent - very touching relationship and very beautifully worded
September 27th, 2005 at 6:55 am
A fantastically well written blog - would make a great book!
Christine
September 27th, 2005 at 8:00 am
Ehy Belle!if you can post a message in our blog viviale.blogspot.com!it’s for a school project!THANKSSS!
oh,well…your blog is very nice!!!!
see you soon!!!
September 27th, 2005 at 10:17 am
I was taken away to a place that few get to see. The joy of an old mans heart just being with his granddaughter and the chance to argue for his happiness. It must have been so hard on the part of both of you; I hope you get to see each other often. I will mark this blog and I hope to see more on this story soon.
September 27th, 2005 at 11:19 am
I appreciated your story about Granddaddy, but I want to know more about Southern Boy.
Keep up the good work. I like your stories.
September 27th, 2005 at 11:20 am
Loving your work - is it bringing back great memories of NY for me and i can picture it all over again, the smells, the news ticker, the noises
keep up the good work and take care
September 27th, 2005 at 11:59 am
You need to listen to your pappy!
You ain’t a high-schooler on Myrtle Beach Spring Break !
Settel yerself down and be part of the family and quit all that uppity talk!
September 27th, 2005 at 12:48 pm
What a great website!
Have you heard about this website (below)! It’s brand new, I just learned about it myself! It’ll be a great way to advertise all of our blogs…….! Run an “ad”!
Check this out:
http://www.blogballyhoo.com/
Most of us bloggers enjoy others reading our work…check it out!!
~Heather
September 27th, 2005 at 1:59 pm
i just now big green big apple make delicious apple pie
September 27th, 2005 at 3:47 pm
Belle, you truly are a gifted, beautiful writer. The emotion and imagery your post evoked for me was quite wonderful. I hope you continue to follow your dreams, and wish you much success.
September 27th, 2005 at 4:28 pm
Good blog - I like the way you write. I was brought up in the UK but my Grandma is a Texan babe so I’ve been hearing her stories about the South since I was old enough to listen.
Check out my blog if you have the time or the inclination - random musings from a disenfranchised twenty-something in a London setting: www.lastnightidreamtofelephants.blogspot.com
September 27th, 2005 at 4:32 pm
Belle, I really like your style of writing. It is obvious you are of “literary lineage”.
I am a former NYer. Lived on the upper east side and worked on Wall St. till I couldn’t take the BS anymore. Now I live in DC and think longingly about my former home, Manhattan.
I’m not so sure the rebellious behavior of dating the most inappropriate guys is the way to go. But you will at least have a baseline point of reference for what you don’t want in ten years time.
Be careful. “Wanting” is big part of NYC and as a wise friend once said to me “sometimes wanting is better than having”. And I believe that this is true because once you have what you want, there is nothing left except to want something else.
September 27th, 2005 at 6:40 pm
Great post Belle. I too can relate to a Southern grandparent…..mine just happened to be my grandmother with more influence. I miss her every day of my life. I’ll be back. Hope you come see me too.
http://windfallwoman.blogspot.com
September 27th, 2005 at 8:49 pm
Interesting Blog. Check out my thoughts and stuff at my blog –>
http://priestyism.blogspot.com
September 27th, 2005 at 8:50 pm
Interesting Blog. Check out my thoughts and stuff at my blog –>
http://priestyism.blogspot.com
September 27th, 2005 at 8:50 pm
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
September 27th, 2005 at 9:30 pm
ok, no dinner. what do you drink? (martini is not an answer)
September 28th, 2005 at 1:15 am
Belle, one thing I found about living in Manhattan as a Flight Attendant- for 5 years- (10 years ago) was that I was endlessly searching for something it could never give me. There is a certain genteelness in the South, and in a Southern man– I adored a couple of the Yanks– but never wanted to spend the rest of my life with them… Now I know I did the right thing by living there- traveling the world- experiencing what the city had to offer, and moving back home to Texas. I found my soul–basically still intact- and my soul mate (Mississippian) waiting for me. “It was the best of times and the worst of times”… Good luck girlfriend! We’ll be waiting on you to make your way back home.
September 28th, 2005 at 6:09 am
I really enjoy reading your blog… you are such a talented writer.
Candice
September 28th, 2005 at 11:58 am
your grand daddy reminds me of my grandma.. full of pride, set in their ways and a devoted love for the south!

thanks for the memories that this story brought back!
where in the south are you from?
A~
September 30th, 2005 at 2:44 pm
What’s it like getting featured on blogger and covered up with comments? And by the way, they are positive because you can write.
October 3rd, 2005 at 12:27 pm
This post has been removed by the author.