Decadent and Depraved

Illustration by Ralph Steadman

The South is nothing if not a colorful place. We turn out colorful characters. While we’re proud of our prim and proper sons and daughters, what would the world be without the Hunter S. Thompsons?

Born in Louisville, it was only natural he would cover the 1970 Kentucky Derby with a story that marked the beginning of his infamous Gonzo style of journalism.

Of course, the article is less about the event itself as the cast that arrives each year to celebrate the most exciting minutes in sports. If any of you have been to the Derby, you know that it’s a tale of two levels — the infield and the grandstand.

We all know (and wish to be in) the grandstand. Ladies with hats, gentlemen in their finest. But there is some kind of party that takes place in the (usually muddy) infield.

If you’ve never had the chance to read the classic work, perhaps today before the race would be the perfect time. Then put on your best, pick out a horse, and behave yourself as if you’re in the grandstand, alright?

George

That’s right, add Mr. Clooney to the list of beautiful people from the South. Bet ya didn’t know that George Clooney was born and raised in Kentucky. My hometown, as a matter of fact, Lexington.

Stories fly around Kentucky family of sightings and though Mr. Clooney is just as at home now in Los Angeles or Italy, or serving as humanitarian in Haiti or Darfur, this actor/director/writer got his start in Fort Mitchell and Augusta. (I’m sure you all recognize the lovely stylings of his aunt as well, Rosemary Clooney.) A true Southern boy, he enjoyed sports, playing baseball and basketball, and even had early jobs in cutting tobacco.

Of course, now we all know him as doctor, escaped convict, pilot, casino schemer, Special Forces operator, and jilted dad. This Oscar-winning sexy-man is just a little more proof that we really know how to raise ‘em in the South.

Kristin Chenoweth

I’ve only twice in my life sat down to read a book, and then proceed to sit right there and read the entire thing in one sitting.

One of those was the hilarious autobiography of the talented Ms. Kristin Chenoweth.

I fell in love with this lady during her foray into television as Olive on the too short-lived Pushing Daisies. But before and since, she’s starred as Glinda in the beloved Broadway musical Wicked (and a host of other great shows), on the popular drama West Wing, naturally had guest starring roles on Glee, and is currently in the controversial G.C.B. This girl has been a hoot in movies such as RV and Four Christmases, and every time I see her interviewed, she just exudes energy, charm, and graciousness.

So you know I had to pick up her biography A Little Bit Wicked. And hence, the entire Saturday morning blithely whiled away in bed with this entertaining read. What a life she’s had already! While technically from Oklahoma, this girl is as Southern as it gets at heart. (And that’s all that really matters, isn’t it?)

If you (ladies, especially) love the theater and showbiz, pick up this fast read for some perfect summer fun. You’ll fall in love with gorgeous Kristin along with her foibles and adventures (she has her own very well known “Mr. Big” if you know what I mean).

Read any good books lately?

Southern Picture: Javen Photography Interview

As you all well know, I’m blessed to have extremely talented friends. I consider myself lucky to have and handful of dear friends. Of six of us girls that grew up together, one is  an accomplished musician, one runs the Wealth Management department at Morgan Keegan, one is a nurse (and newly married!), one is the best mommy I think I’ve ever observed – her kids are smart, adorable, and well-mannered. I’m a little humbled to be around this group of girls, well, women now!

It’s funny how you can grow up with a bunch, and then all the sudden, one day be sitting around a table having lunch and look around and see a group of smart, beautiful girls that you’re proud to know.

So I’ve asked one of my best, Ashley, to give us a little interview today. Ashley and her husband, Justin, own a sought-after photography business in Memphis, Javen Photography.

Ashley comes from a line of photographers. Her dad has long had one of the most established and successful photography businesses in Memphis. But let me assure you, it’s not an automatic thing. As someone who has a photographer dad and sister myself, just because you’re around it, doesn’t mean you have the eye. You can teach technique, but not artistic ability. But let me assure you, Ashley has the talent.

So today, Ashley has taken time out of her busy schedule (she’s a new mom!) to answer a few questions that I may or may not already know the answers to (you see, I lived with Ash in college, so I know most of her secrets).

And speaking of friends, I just have to share with y’all, one of the greatest quotes I love on friendship, from a favorite author, C.S. Lewis:

“But in Friendship, being free of all that, we think we have chosen our peers. In reality, a few years’ difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university or another, posting to different regiments, the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting — any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking, no chances. A secret Master of the Ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” can truly say to every group of Christian friends “You have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.” The Friendship is not a reward for our discrimination and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each the beauties of all the others.”

Celebrate your friends. Autumn is a perfect time to reconnect. And if you have a friend with a special talent, maybe you can schedule some time to see if she might give you a few tips. In the meantime, you can borrow mine.

 

Sweet Iced Tea: When did you first start taking pictures?

Ashley: Justin and I both have a unique background … both of our dad’s are photographers. My dad is a commercial and wedding photographer, and Justin’s dad teaches photography at Union University, our alma mater. For me, I really got interested in photography in college, and took classes from Jim (Justin’s dad). Justin and I both have backgrounds from school and job experiences in photojournalism. It’s really important to us to tell the story that is taking place around us. We go into every wedding with the goal of creating images that will allow couples and families to look back on the unique moments of the day.

SIT: Who are your artistic influences?

Ashley: I look at a lot of different photographers’ work… from wedding, to fashion, to photojournalism… they all play a part in helping to shape my personal style. If I’m going to refer to weddings though, we have some good friends, Nathan and Jensey Root, who actually helped us get started. We love their style and how they relate to their subjects. They are still some of our favorites!

Who is your business partner and how did you meet?

Oops, I guess I gave this away in the first question. My business partner is my husband, Justin. We met in college and started dating after I graduated. Justin lived overseas as a photographer for 2 years, while I was in the states working in video for the same non-profit organization. We were long distance for a bit, and while it was hard to be apart, we believe that God gave us that time to allow us to grow in our love for what we do, and pave the way for us to thoroughly appreciate all of our time together… in the same country! We just love working together!

Do you two have different photography styles – strengths, weaknesses, and how do you play off of those with each other?

Well, all of our friends can tell you immediately… we are total opposites! It works out perfectly for us. I am a people person and I just love the details of a wedding … what the bride wears, what flowers she chooses, what the mother of the bride is feeling on the wedding day, etc. Justin is a quieter guy, but he is one of the most observant and patient people in the world. Everyone loves him and he has a way of putting people at ease – especially nervous grooms. When we work together, everything seems to fit perfectly. We are able to work in the areas where we love and focus on what we excel in – in the end, our differences really complement one another. As far as our photographic style, we definitely have our favorite equipment pieces that lend toward different looks, but overall, the more we work together, the harder it is to tell our photos apart.

What inspired you to start Javen?

Our own wedding. To us, it was just a perfect day, and it let us appreciate all of the details and planning, but most importantly, how beautiful and uniquely special every wedding is to each couple. Every wedding we shoot lets us, in some ways, re-live our own wedding day; it’s really special.

How did you turn photography from a hobby into a career?

We started by shooting a couple of weddings for friends, and when we realized just how much we loved it, we decided to be open to shooting other weddings if they came around. Before we knew it, the business was growing in ways we could have never imagined, and we knew it was something we wanted to do as more than just a hobby. Almost 3 years later, we feel really blessed!

Is photography a full-time gig for y’all, or do you have day jobs?

I work on our business full-time from home, but Justin works as a photographer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – an absolutely amazing place! We moved to Memphis for his job right before we got married. He is able to photograph the kids and families, as well as special events for the hospital.

With the Internet, photography seems like something everyone is interested in, wants to do better, and knows a bit about. Do you keep up with trends or do your own thing?

We are always looking around and seeing what others are doing, but overall, we shy away from what is trendy, and focus more on creating images that will stand the test of time. No one wants to look back years later and have the focus be on a current photographic trend… instead, our goal is for the focus to be on capturing moments shared by our couples.

I know you’re both well-traveled. What is your favorite spot to photograph?

Wow, that is a tough one! It’s hard to say, because we both love to travel. For the sake of sentimentality, I guess I will go with Peru. Justin and I were both put on a coverage working together around the Peru earthquake in 2007. It was an amazing experience and we fell in love with the people and the country. It was also our first time to work together, which will always hold a special place in our hearts.

What kind of equipment do you use?

We are Canon folks.

Any tips for beginning photographers to take better pictures and learn the craft?

I know it’s cliché, but practice, practice, practice. We are always learning and will be for as long as we pick up a camera. Learn from those around you and ask questions, but most of all, you’ve got to get out there and work with your camera.

Finally, just for fun, I KNOW you love music (Ashley and I spent many a car drive from Jackson, Tennessee to Memphis singing along to Billy Joel, the Moulin Rouge soundtrack, Sheryl Crow…). If your life had a soundtrack, what would the title song be?

Most all of my friends know that I am generationally confused, and love Billy Joel! So to take the easy way out and steal from one of my favorites … I’ll go with “Uptown Girl.” 

Southern Colleges Week: Washington and Lee University

Today’s featured school comes with arguably the most historical significance of any university in the South — or the country for that matter!

Washington and Lee University is a private college located in Lexington, Virginia. It was begun in 1749, and in 1796, George Washington himself endowed the school with the largest gift ever given to an institution at that time, so the trustees honored him by naming it Washington College. Each student’s education is still, in part, helped by dividends from Washington’s gift.The second part of its illustrious namesake comes from Robert E. Lee, who served as president as the school from after the Civil War ended in 1865 until his death in 1870, when the school was renamed Washington and Lee University.

Is it any wonder the school’s mascot is the Generals?

W & L is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South and their students agree to abide by an honor system. They turn out many great men and women, including some of the nations finest lawyers. Their fraternities and sororities play a large part on campus, as well as their athletics, but outsiders might well best know Washington and Lee by the famous Dixieland standard, The Washington and Lee Swing. It’s been recorded by Louis Armstrong, Red Nichols, and Hal Kemp, among others.

Know a few of the college’s famous alums? You might — names like Meriwether Lewis, Joseph Goldstein, and Pat Robertson graduated under the blue and white colors.

Southern Colleges Week: Ouachita Baptist University

We continue on today, featuring another of the South’s colleges with Baptist roots — Ouachita. Now, if you don’t know how to pronounce this Arkansas school, say it with me now — Wach-a-taw. Yes, that’s right.

Ouachita takes its name from the Ouachita River, and was founded in 1886. Since then, it’s gone on to be one of the South’s premier liberal arts colleges, even being ranked Number 1 Regional College in the South by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2008. Because of their large ROTC program, Ouachita is also fondly known as “the West Point of the Ozarks.”

Ouachita is a close-knit community, with 94% of students living on, and participating in, campus activities. You might recognize one of the most notable alumni, Mike Huckabee, former govenor of Arkansas and presidential candidate as being an Ouachita Tiger!

Southern Colleges Week: Stetson University

The South boasts some of the country’s most beautiful campuses. And Stetson University is no exception. Located in DeLand, Florida, would you expect anything less?

Stetson is a small, private university, but can claim some very distinguished alumni such as Ted Cassidy (better known as Lurch), Charles E. Merrill (founder of Merrill Lynch), and Adrian Rogers. Established in 1883, Stetson was Florida’s first university, and has gone on to receive accolades through the years from Washington Monthly, Parade Magazine, and U.S. News and World Report. And yes, for all you hat lovers out there, Stetson’s name hails from John B. Stetson, manufacturer of the famous cowboy hat, and benefactor to the university who served as founding trustee.

Southern Colleges Week: Birmingham-Southern College

Gotta love a school with “Southern” in its very name, now don’t we? Well, welcome to the first featured school in our second annual Southern Colleges Week. As school starts back for young Southern ladies and gentlemen, we like to look at some of the best universities the South has to offer — and trust us, there’s plenty.

We start off this year with Birmingham-Southern College, a school near and dear to my heart. It’s no secret that I love Birmingham. But I had a good friend who attended here, so I’ve been by BSC many times.

BSC is a private, four-year liberal arts college, located near the heart of downtown Birmingham, so there’s lots to see and do outside of class for students. It was founded as Southern University by the United Methodist church in 1856, but then merged with Birmingham College in 1898 to form its current moniker, Birmingham-Southern. While they’ve had a little financial hiccup of late, we have confidence the Panthers will pounce right back, with their new president, General Charles Krulak to lead the way. It’s got that great large university feel, but with a small student-to-professor ratio, along with boasting 98% of their faculty holding a doctorate or highest degree in their field of work.

Come on back the rest of this week and see if your school is one of our featured Southern Colleges. And if you missed it, check out last year’s College Week!

Ginny’s Little Longhorn and Chicken Shit Bingo

Ginny’s Little Longhorn, self proclaims they are “the honkiest, tonkiest beer joint in town.” This humble bar is removed from the downtown area of Austin, Texas, and many of the establishments frequented by the younger crowd.  There is always plenty of cold beer, live music and my favorite part, people watching. Oheeeee, the people watching is stellar.  It has been there for years and is notorious for locals and visitors alike. 

Sunday afternoons draws a big crowd and while the inside is small, the parking lot is large, large enough for the party to extend outdoors.  Trucks and hybrids pull up and quickly unload their chairs for the day and go inside to buy a beer (cash only here).  I noticed lawn chairs, rod iron formal, garden variety chairs, folding chairs, and the typical football tailgating chairs.  In a way, everyone is tailgating for the afternoon’s main event, chicken shit bingo.  (I know mom, I just cussed).  

The proprietor, Ginny, has a couple of hen’s off the back of the property where they are cared for and well fed. On Sundays they make their weekly appearance inside the bar for chicken shit bingo.  While the band sings for tips and another order of beers is passed around a line begins forming near the front door.  The line is long but the tickets are few, and as I recall there are less than 60 tickets available and each person can only buy one.  Anticipation builds, and elbow to elbow the crowd waits for the chickens to arrive and the festivities to begin. Cameras are pulled out, necks strained and once Ginny and the chickens enter, the fun begins. 

Now, I should probably clear up one issue. The chickens are not required to get so many letters across, down or any other normal bingo combination. All they need to do is “use the facilities” on the pre-made number board (which covers the pool table I might add) and if one happens to “go” on your number, you win!  The odds are decent but the fun is in the build up and cheering on of the chickens. 

(Can you see the numbers at the bottom of the cage for bingo?)

If you should worry about the health and care of these chickens, please do not worry. I expressed some concern prior to arrival, but you can tell these chickens lead happy lives. 

This is an Austin cultural experience that is not to be missed. When they say, “Keep Austin Weird.” They really mean it and this can be joyfully experienced at Ginny’s Little Longhorn.

 (This is my Tina Fey lookalike friend. We get stopped everywhere.)

Profile with a Southern Etsy Seller

I’ve bragged before about my dear friend, Kristie. She has been one of those true blue, loyal to the end friends to me, through anything life has brought for the past five years I’ve known her. We’ve had some laughs, perhaps a cry or two, and lots of fun.

I was so proud of her when she started her own Etsy business, selling one of the most original ideas I’d ever heard of — DayJarView message jars. The concept started when yours truly moved to California, and Kristie, true to form, wanted to give me something thoughtful and personal. She knew I was excited, but just might need a little help calming those butterflies in my tummy coming to a new place not knowing a soul. So she gave me a beautiful glass jar, just filled with tiny envelopes containing inspirational quotes, and more than a few of our own personal inside jokes. That jar came with us on our car trip across the country, and more days than not, I needed a little bravery boost, so I reached back and pulled out a thought for the day. When we reached our new home, it recieved a prominent place for months, as I continued to enjoy all her funny little thoughts, little pieces of a friend, and the knowledge I was thought of.

Handmade websites such as Etsy and Big Cartel, as well as artisian craft fairs and markets are really taking off, as so many of us realize there’s a quality and care that goes into a handmade gift that, well, let’s face it, you’re just not gonna find at Wally World.

Well, let’s just let her put it in her own words, shall we? As many of us are crossing items furiously off our shopping list, I thought our Sweet Iced Tea readers might need just a little more help, and handmade gifts are a great way to show your friends and family you love them. DayJarView jars would be a perfect gift for anyone — young or old, new acquaintance or golden friend, grandad or sister. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like to pull a little note out every day and smile, knowing they’re thought of.

So I’ve asked Kristie to share with us a little bit about her business, how she got started, her procedures and such, to give us all a peak behind the scenes of an Etsy seller.

Tell us a little bit about your product and who it might be a good gift for.
My product is a jar filled with quotes, sayings, jokes, and thoughts meant to make someone laugh, think, smile or be inspired.  The pieces in the jar are folded by hand into little envelopes meant to be opened one at a time.  One can open the envelopes either once a day, once a week or whenever needed. 
 
There are a variety of jars for a variety of recipients.  We have a jar for friends, a jar for your mom or sister, a jar for new parents and newlyweds.  We have a funny jar and an inspiration jar as well.  Hopefully the types of jars will grow offering an even bigger variety.  While most jars are for specific people and relationships, the funny and inspiration jar are good for any recipient — such as a coworker, a new graduate, a Christmas gift exchange or secret santa.  Endless!

How did you get the idea for DayJarView?
My best, dear friend moved to California from Florida and I knew I would miss her LOTS and wanted to be sure she knew how much she was loved.  Since this was a big move for her and her husband, I wanted her to have something to remind her of home, friends and family.  I also wanted to encourage her and support her as well and that is when I thought of the jar.  It was perfect.  I was able to personalize it with some inside jokes and it would be around for as long as she needed it, till she pulled the last envelope out.

Where do you sell your jars?
Currently I have a store set up at www.etsy.com.  The friend who inspired this idea, the one in California, actually told me about Etsy so she has been a force behind Day Jar View from the beginning.  I am actually about to do my first arts/crafts fair with the jars, so I hope that is inspiring and educational.    
 
What is your work process for compiling the jars — do you do a little each day, give it your full attention, or pop on a movie while you work? Are you a lone worker, or enlist friends and fam to help out?
The work process so far has been a bit sporadic.  Making a jar, start to finish, takes me about an hour, a little longer.  So far I have made them as needed because they are still a work in progress.  I usually do them while in front of the tv.  I have been able to do the jars mostly myself, but friends have helped cut out the notes. I have warned my friends I may need to enlist their help with production if this takes off and they say they are ready.  I do want to say that my friends have been BIG supporters and that has meant a lot to me.
 
What’s a favorite quote you include in the jars?
Oh, that’s a tough one. I have lots of favorites but here are two:
“You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm” – Sidonie Gabrielle Colette
Laughing is good exercise.  It’s like jogging on the inside.

Finally, just for fun, if you had a theme song on the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?
Ok, no, THIS question is a tough one!  I’m thinking it would be either “When I Hear Music” by Debbie Deb or “Hella Good” by No Doubt or “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera. Definitely a song with a good beat that I can dance to.

This is such an unusual and unique product. Not only does everyone love a little gift from time to time, they know they’re thought of every single day for as long as they have a DayJarView.  If you’re an Etsy artist or crafter, or know of someone who is, email us and let us know. We might do a feature on you!