Today all eyes turn to the "Diamond of the South"...Oxford, Ms. If you haven't been there...you must go. There are so many beautiful places I've had the privelage of visiting..Honolulu, Kawai, National Glacier Park...but when you want elegance, charm, beauty and southern hospitality.. Oxford, Ms is the only place. You see, I lived there for a year and a half during my Junior/Senior Year of college and it marked a place in my heart like no other. And the reason can be found in two words: the grove. It's the heart and soul of the campus of The University of Mississippi. The tall trees, the lush grass, the smell of the flowers...walking through the center of that campus is like no other place..it's a small piece of paradise. But if you must leave the Grove..then there's the town square with it's charming restaurants where Sweet Tea runs like water and "Thank you and Yes Ma'am" are mingled in with "How are ya'll today?" After that...take a trip off the square to the neighborhoods where the streets are lined with beautiful old magnolias who have seen so many people come and go.... and while they've got their roots firmly planted in the rich Mississippi soil...they wait patiently for the faithful who always return "home".
One of my favorite memories is having my picture taken for the Delta Psi Sweetheart Photograph at Faulkner's home. It was magical...being there where he had lived and walked so many years ago. Knowing that in that exact place....such beauty had been created.
But..you know...to appreciate Oxford..you have to live there through all seasons...I recommend Fall in Oxford....because of its spectacular show of leaves that change into those colors like the crayons inside the box...burnt sienna....golden yelllow... OH..but it's only to be outdone by spring in Oxford...the azaleas that bloom and those tulips that reach up to the sun so straight and tall. Warning: Oxford may be in the deep South..but she still gets a icy winter. It took me 4 hours to drive a 2 hour trip because of the ice one January....but it's beauty was still there with the icy trees shiny so silvery and quietly whispering..."I'll be back...just wait a few weeks.."
Even though my listing of the seasons isn't in order it's because that's how my mind recalls them...Finally there's summer..oh who wouldn't love a glass of lemonade to sip while looking across the grove the Sorority houses....with the manicured lawns and all the beautiful old Historic buildings like the Lyceum....so rich with History....
But, today the eyes of the world are gazing upon this beautiful place because two men face each other in a debate to be the Leader of the greatest Nation in the world...and it's taking place in Oxford. To me, that's amazing. Yes, Oxford has seen it's share of troubled times during a different era...but times have changed and so have people. Today's events prove that...while Oxford has moved along with the times..she remains a treasured thing of beauty...that none can compare. If you don't believe me, take a drive ...but don't be in a hurry..because you may miss the reason you're there..it's quiet, lovely, lush scenes whispering "stay a while and when you leave...a part of me goes with you...love, Oxford."
Shine Oxford...You beautful Southern Lady...it's all about you today...I'm so proud for you.
J
No comments:
Post a Comment