Everybody Puts Their Drawers on the Same Way

Hello folks, let’s chat… As part of our instruction in the social graces, belles are taught to keep our stomachs sucked in and our noses lowered, (lest we drown when it rains). We’re also encouraged to remember that everybody puts their drawers on the same way, one leg at a time. This because Southern Mamas can’t abide their offspring succumbing to intimidation. Our training serves us well. For illustration I bring you a story from a recent trade show.

I was delighted to catch up with author friend, Olivia deBelle Byrd. Olivia is a southern humorist like myself. She likes to say if you can’t make a living as a southern humorist with a name like Olivia deBelle Byrd, you aren’t trying. Olivia has recently released a gentle love story set in a bygone era entitled Save My Place. Last weekend she found herself presenting this debut novel on an unlikely panel with two distinguished MBA’s from Harvard and one internationally published college professor– all with resumes long as my arm, all there to present their serious war volumes. In the very middle of them sat Olivia deBelle Byrd, who considers her claim to fame being a proud Kappa Delta from Birmingham-Southern.

I was front row center, sending “You go, girl” vibes. It proved necessary.

Olivia may have been trying to figure out how she wandered into battle but knowing how the other soldiers pulled their drawers on helped put steel in her spine. Every time the discussion turned to her, Olivia deftly segued the heavy war talk right back to her own tender tale with grace and wit that charmed the room.

We had supper together that evening, and in the bounce back style that would make any Mama proud, southern or otherwise, it was clear that Olivia deBelle Byrd hadn’t simply survived a tough situation, she was planning to maximize it.

“Just think, Shellie,” Olivia said with a smile. “Now I’ve got myself a war-ah story.”

Pretty sure she gave the word an extra syllable for good measure. Well played, Olivia deBelle Byrd, well played.

Hugs, Shellie