Oh, travel! Such a glorious and joyful discovery waits around every corner. For almost one year I have been sharing interviews, articles, and ideas about exuberant people and places in the southern USA. Now I am ready to share with you my current bucket list.
Always on the search for whimsical art.
This list includes at least three places I want to visit in each of the 13 states that I cover. The things I am most eager to see are whimsical art, unusual museums, natural beauty, and a great mix of big city highlights or small town charm.
Just one example of a lovely view. An old barn could definitely be found in many small towns.
YOU NEED TO share your own unique feedback about these choices. What did YOU see and do in any of these spots? Travel blogs like this are SO MUCH better when good folks like you take time to give helpful comments.
Here are my bucket list destinations, as they stand at this moment.
ALABAMA: Florence & the “Shoals” ; Forkland ; Selma
ARKANSAS: Eureka Springs ; Fayetteville ; Fort Smith
FLORIDA: Key Biscayne ; Key Largo ; Key West
GEORGIA: Blue Ridge; Ellijay; “Pasaquan” near Buena Vista
KENTUCKY: Lexington ; Morehead ; Paducah
LOUISIANA: Covington ; Natchitoches ; Shreveport
MISSOURI: Branson ; Novelty ; St. Louis
MISSISSIPPI: Jackson ; Leland ; Natchez
NORTH CAROLINA: Fayetteville; Kill Devil Hills; Raleigh; Wilson
WEST VIRGINIA: Charleston; Charles Town; Harpers Ferry; Morgantown
There you have it…my 13 southern states bucket list. Remember, if your favorite town is not on the list, perhaps I have already been there. I really hope you will take just a minute to add your positive comments about any town which IS ON this list. Thank you.
This is a story about family, faith, autism, and art. There was a sweet young African American girl who grew up in a nice family. Read this story to discover how she grew to embrace those who have obsessions. Find out how and why this became her obsession.
Her dad was in the military and they moved around often, living overseas and in several states. They moved to Tallahassee, Florida when he retired. She and her sister would each find unique and beautiful ways to express their creativity.
BETTY
The girl, Betty, was very smart and determined. She was not exactly sure what she would do with her life, but she knew it would involve helping others. She studied hard and eventually earned a master’s degree in Social Work at Florida State University.
NIJAH
Right after college she had a vision. In it she was helping young people, many with developmental disorders on the autism spectrum. Then she gave birth to a darling daughter whom she named Nijah. Difficulties in socializing and communicating led to Nijah being diagnosed with autism. Betty had a strong faith and did a lot of praying. She knew that this was totally a God thing, and that He would guide her in knowing what to do.
Betty and Nijah have been through a lot while learning about autism, about one another, and about life. A common component of autism is intense obsessing on only one topic. Betty wants to inform people that obsession does not have to be an obstacle. It can be reframed and reimagined to become a clear path that can pave the way to a career. Nijah is obsessed with art, so Betty is showing her how to translate her passion and skills into a livelihood.
Everyone can create and have fun at Obsessions.
OBSESSIONS
About four years ago, Betty opened a business named Obsessions. It is part gift shop, part arts and crafts, and part educational experience. According to this amazing owner, Betty Proctor, Obsessions is “a joyful place where young and old can socialize and create items like paintings and greeting cards”.
Find arts, crafts, gifts, and new friends.
MPAC
Obsessions is operated hand in hand with Betty’s nonprofit organization MPAC, which stands for Motivating People through Arts and Crafts. Through these two joint ventures, Betty Proctor promotes art, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to enhance life skills and leadership. Betty says it is so rewarding to help those with autism to learn, grow, and have fun.
Interviewing her was incredibly inspiring and heartwarming. Since I am primarily a travel writer, I just had to ask a few travel questions. She reports that one of her favorite beach spots is Destin, Florida, and that she would love to go back for more travel in San Francisco and in Germany. She would love to encourage visitors to choose Tallahassee as a great destination for dining, shopping, and fabulous photo opportunities.
Betty Proctor is impressive and inspiring.
THE MESSAGE
I asked her what makes her an exuberant person and what message might she wish to share with the world. Here is her reply, “What I do now is a faith walk in which God is with me and leads the right people to me. It is all for the good and has given me confidence. I’m driven to show that every human being is valuable and has so much to offer. No one should ever be discounted just because they have a label.”
Betty Proctor and her daughter Nijah invite you to visit Obsessions at 681 Industrial Drive in Tallahassee, Florida. It is in the Railroad Square Arts District. You can contact them here: https://www.facebook.com/obsessionsgifts
So now you know the story about Betty, the lady who embraces obsessions. Her story is impressive and admirable. She has turned adversity into advantage. She has turned sadness into joy. She thrives on matters of family, faith, autism, and art. This world needs many more folks like Betty Proctor.
My recent road trip in parts of Mississippi and Alabama was such a mixed bag of highs and lows, of expected and unexpected, of delights and dilemmas. I currently live in Florida, so y’all should certainly understand that I am NOT accustomed to driving (or walking) in snow.
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI
Tupelo, MS had the worst snowfall in about 24 years, or so I was told. When it is fresh it is a joy to behold. Truth be told, I’d rather just see it on television or a travel website from here on out. I did manage to get nice photos, but sloshing around in the slush was cold, dirty, and probably more than a bit dangerous for an old broad like me who must sometimes use a cane. A cane, a purse, three cameras…I was quite the comical sight and so happy to escape unscathed.
While the snow and other complications of mixing Covid craziness with a writer’s conference did present brief moments of closures and confusion, our bunch braved weather together and managed to learn a lot and laugh a lot. Kudos to shuttle driver Chiquita Bobo who is a true road warrior! She earned my deepest admiration. Kudos to organizers Melody and Taylor who smiled through their tears and showed true determination. Their travel writing can be seen at Wherever I May Roam Blog.
Melody and I got to know one another at #STETupelo.
Although the Elvis birthplace was closed, I did slosh around and manage to get lots of pictures.
Can’t you see young Elvis learning to play guitar on this porch?
And less than a mile away I came upon this this most beautiful and breathtaking view that is simply too pretty to put into words.
Tranquility beyond words.
COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI
The next stop was the adorable small town of Columbus, Mississippi. Every single person there is a profusion of sweet Southern charm. Their accents and attitudes are alluring. Many of them are characters who deserve to be celebrated. “Mother Goose” has been advocating literacy for over 35 years. Her friend Barbara Bigelow heads Columbus Main Street and is the epitome of a Southern lady.
“Mother Goose” and Barbara Bigelow are keeping Columbus exciting and vibrant.
There is a very large historic district filled with lovely antebellum and Victorian homes that includes the birthplace of playwright Tennessee Williams.
Colorful details on the Tennessee Williams home.This architecture abounds in Columbus, Mississippi.
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA
The next stop was Tuscaloosa, Alabama…where you should expect to hear “Roll Tide”, often. What you may not expect is the great variety of food and attractions. While there I enjoyed Mexican and Italian dishes.
Antipasto plate at DePalma’s in Tuscaloosa, Alabama…. yum.
Two of the biggest surprise discoveries that I happened upon were Hurricane Creek Park and Capitol Park.
Hurricane Creek Park. Capitol Park (completed 1829, burned down 1923).
Driving back toward Florida I stopped many times to photograph old abandoned buildings and other roadside oddities.
The bizarre beauty of abandoned buildings.
This is what makes road trips so much fun. They combine the joy of going at your own pace, letting down the windows, and singing as loud as you like along with the radio. You just never know what wonderful sights and delights await you on your next road trip. This was a trip full of delights and dilemmas. Now my only dilemma is…when can I start my next adventure?!?!
Please follow along with me here at Embrace Southern States. I will keep you informed about upcoming travel articles, food, art, interviews, and so much more. Also you can find more on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates .
If you enjoyed any of these photos, please take a moment to let me know. Thank you.
The more you know, the more you yearn to know! Wait, does that even make any sense? In the case of my amazing friend, Debra Fulbright, the answer is yes it certainly does. This sweet and special lady who made my maskhas done so much for so many. I have known her for at least ten years and what I now KNOW is still just the tip of the iceberg!
Recently we discussed limousines, sewing machines, a crazy quilt, and a ship being built. That was followed by tutus of tulle, tables for pool, eating smart, and caring for your heart.
The awesome Debra Fulbright !!
Here are some of the fascinating highlights of that interview.
Shall we start at the beginning?
Sure. I was born in Graceville, Florida on April 2nd, 1960. I have three younger sisters. When I was five, we moved to Tallahassee. I attended Chaires Elementary and graduated from Leon High School in 1978. Took data entry classes at Lively. Married at age 19 and had two children. First jobs included loan processor at a bank, Medicare processor, and the Governor’s Energy Office.
What happened next?
A move to Virginia led to two interesting jobs. The first one was keying in programs for engineers at a NASA facility. The second one was data entry at Newport News shipyard. That was a fun job and I got to watch ships being built.
Then what?
After moving back to Tallahassee, I had one office job then sort of got into jobs involving driving. I drove a school bus for 15 years, then did transit for disabled people, then for a few years I was a limousine driver. Now I really love working for WheelCare as I drive disabled children to and from their daycare. These are medically needy youngsters and I just love seeing their beautiful smiles. I enjoy Tallahassee for its freshwater and football, plus it is close to the ocean. Currently I also enjoy making masks as a way to help people stay safe during this deadly pandemic.
Yards and yards, bolts and bolts of fabric for MASKS.
What’s so enjoyable about making the masks?
I love using my talent to help protect people. I do it from the living room of my small duplex using a sewing machine, ironing board, scissors, and many bolts of fabric. They are two layers of 100 percent cotton with a middle flannel insert for safe, soft, comfortable wear. Initially I was just making a few for daycare centers, but word soon spread. Now I make lots of them for medical offices, military, and first responders.
How many masks have you made?
So far, I have made about nine thousand masks! I give away some and sell others just for enough to buy more supplies. I don’t do it for profit, but for the smile on someone’s face when they choose a mask they love. I know what it is like to suffer, so my big old soft heart just longs to ease the suffering of others as we all struggle through these unusual times.
What can you share about your own past struggles?
My first heart attack in 2006 was followed by another the next year. That was followed by open heart surgery to remove a blockage. Life moved along fairly normally until 2019 when I found out I had stage three rectal cancer. Complications involved having a kidney removed, wearing an ostomy bag, and having follow-up chemo and radiation. I had to eat much smarter during that time period, too. That was a rough time for me because I was spending lots of quality time helping to care for my frail grandmother. She passed away at age 101 that same year. I wish I could tell you how amazing she was.
What would you like to share about your family?
My talent for sewing was passed down from both my mother and grandmother. My mother is an industrial seamstress who loves making drapes. She once made drapery for the Florida governor’s mansion. My grandmother was both an industrial seamstress and a master quilter. She made a Crazy Quilt which was accepted into the archives of the Museum of Florida History. My sweet grandmother had a favorite saying, “There’s always a better tomorrow, you just have to look for it”.
Her grandmother and the famous Crazy Quilt that’s now in the museum.
What passions and hobbies help make your tomorrows better?
Nature, pool, travel, and beading! Nature sparks my creativity because Mother Nature always dresses the best.
I love shooting pool. In 2018 I had a City Cup “8-ball” Championship. That led to my most fun ever travel adventure, getting to play in the World Cup in Las Vegas. It was just so exciting, amazing, and fun to see where 300 pool tables had been set up in this hotel. Oh, and sometimes I wear colorful tulle tutus when I’m playing pool. It just brings me joy!
Debra wearing a tutu while shooting pool !!
A travel destination I’m hoping to visit one day is Taiwan. I have a nephew who enjoys living there and I am sure the Orient must be fascinating.
Now creative glass beading is a very calming and centering hobby that takes my mind off my troubles. I started with simple bracelets, moved on to very intricate patterns, and now create my own unique jewelry and ornaments.
Beautiful beaded ornaments made by Debra.
For me there are two awesome benefits of beading. The first is this thrill when the bead finds its perfect spot and makes a little click noise. That gives me a feeling of complete euphoria! The second benefit is how impressed people are when I gift them one of my pieces, some have actually cried. I am so moved to see that depth of joy in a person’s eyes that it just makes my heart sing!
What makes you an exuberant person?
Seeing a smile that I helped put on someone’s face! I love helping people. That could be buying a meal for a struggling stranger or giving a mask to one who really needs it. I wear my heart on my sleeve and never regret doing anything I can to be helpful.
Do you have a message for the world?
Yes, and it sounds so simple but seems to be so hard to do. Let’s all live in peace. Let’s all love one another and strive for happiness.
— — — —
This is my favorite MASK… ever !!!
The lady who made my mask is a loving and delightful woman. She has taught me about sushi and about gluten-free foods. She has taught me to never take myself too seriously. She has taught me how to laugh through the pain and keep watching for that better future. Dang y’all, doesn’t that make you want to know more about Debra Fulbright and all other people who have been doing their part making masks?
I would kindly ask you, dear reader, to please take a moment to share your comments about this article and about the lady who made my mask.
Rebecca Martin is the artistic genius behind Becca’s Bakes whose love of baking shows in every custom cake, cupcake, and treat she prepares. She is part of Florida’s Cottage Food industry, a talented group of entrepreneurs who produce and sell products directly from home to consumers while adhering to strict state guidelines.
Artistic genius Rebecca Martin of “Becca’s Bakes”.
Baking is her biggest passion, and she does it well. Incredibly, she also works a full-time job and manages to keep up with her husband, three children, and three dogs. When I recently convinced her to take a break and visit me at my home, not only was she sweet and adorable but she also brought cupcakes. Here are the highlights from our interview.
She brought chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream.
Could you please tell me a little about your background?
I’m a lifelong Tallahassee local. My full-time job is in customer service and I started my part-time baking business in January 2019. I have fond memories of watching my grandmother bake and learning from her. In high school I was in a pie baking club. I’m a baker who loves making sweet treats such as cakes, pies, and brownies.
What do you love most about baking?
The first part is the fun of creativity. Taking random ingredients to produce a finished creation that looks and tastes amazing. The second part is that wonderful look on a customer’s face when they first see what I’ve made. That is especially true when a child has envisioned a specific cake and it has become a reality.
A purrrrrfect CAT cake !!
Should people respect cake decorating?
Yes! Cake decorating is an art requiring time, patience, skill, and imagination. It is not for the faint of heart. Intricate details can take hours. Piping must be precise. There must be a balance of flavor. There are tears as well as moments of dread and panic. When the art looks and tastes right, then the result is worth it all. And the customer’s satisfaction is priceless.
Swirl sugar cookies are colorful and fun.
How do you spark your creativity?
I like to watch baking competitions on television to see how various items are made. I often try to recreate some of my favorites. An interesting one was a three-tiered cake with a Fortnite theme. My kids can sometimes be my biggest critics. When they say it looks great then I know other kids will love it. I get creative with flavor combinations or trying gluten-free and Keto recipes.
Which are you most passionate about: food, music, or art?
Well, that sure is a tough question. I play piano and saxophone and love to sing. My favorites music would be either jazz or indie with a folk twist. I feel that the food I make is art. I am also an avid gardener and nature lover. My edible garden includes tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a banana tree. I also have a butterfly and bee garden.
What do you envision as “food as art”?
I see a perfectly balanced table set up beautifully with a wide assortment of food. It is so visually stunning that I might feel bad to mess it up by eating any.
Do you have any other thoughts to share about your baking?
Clients will often surprise me by requesting unusual ingredients like prunes and that becomes part of the creative challenge. I like to get a two-week notice so I can take my time making sure it has pleasing flavors and is not too dry. In a way it would be fun to be on a TV baking show, but I would feel too rushed and fear the dish would lack quality. I love my two stand mixers and my bucket list item is a sugar printer. I could totally see opening a small bakery in a few years.
Lemon Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake.
What do you want others to know about your hometown?
Tallahassee, Florida is a great travel destination because we have a lot of history. It was the first home of the Apalachee Indian tribe. It is also home of two great colleges, FSU and FAMU. Just to the South of here is Wakulla Springs where the original “Creature of the Black Lagoon” was filmed.
What other destinations interest you?
When I was growing up my family often went to the Tennessee towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Those mountains seemed like a second home. I would love to take my husband and children there to create new memories. I have never traveled abroad, but when I do my first adventure will be Scotland.
What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
Playing tenor sax in my high school marching band was an incredible experience. We perfected our music and choreography for months, then played to large audiences all over Florida. At one point I even marched with a broken foot. We felt like a family and I look back fondly on those times.
What would you like to share about your family?
My wonderful husband is a sweet teddy bear who makes me laugh so much. The day after I met him, he came over to rescue me from lizards (which I have an unnatural fear of). That’s when I knew he was a keeper! He is a tech type, and we love watching Star Trek and Star Wars. He will get up at 4am to put meat on his fancy smoker.
My kids are 12, 9, and 4…and just the absolute best! They enjoy helping in the kitchen and give great feedback on my creations. My friends and large extended family are an excellent support system that I cherish.
Bubbly, high-spirited, and inquisitive !
What makes you an exuberant person?
My husband would say that I am compassionate, big-hearted, and caring. I prefer to say high-spirited, bubbly, and inquisitive. I try to be positive and honest. I can find the silver lining in any situation.
What is your message to the world?
Smile more, live more, love more. Be the change we so desperately need.
Yes, I know most people have been moaning and groaning for the entire strange year. Well, darlin’, y’all just ought to know by now that I am NOT most people! My favorite word is exuberant, and that is how I choose to look back on this weirdest of years.
I choose to look back…with exuberance and celebration!
I celebrate dear friends who survived cancer, friends who survived kidney stones and broken bones and hurricanes. I celebrate dear friends who used it as a time to get creative with music, writing, photography, painting, and woodwork. I celebrate that everyone who reads this has survived elections and the pandemic.
Roses from a precious young man.
I appreciate the wonderful people who gifted me roses, slippers, travel bags, and a girl’s night out at a favorite restaurant. I even more deeply appreciate the special ones who built a handmade bookcase, gifted me beautiful jewelry, washed my car, and restored my antique trunk.
Been in my family since 1880.
Here are just a few things I managed to accomplish in 2020. I survived some broken teeth and a broken wrist. I did a lot of book reading and took several online courses. I learned new technology and launched my own website https://embracesouthernstates.com/ … on which I have posted many travel stories and local interviews. Travel articles I actually got paid for have included info on Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida.
I made many new friends and one of them interviewed me on her podcast. I made my first ever Facebook video. I made my first ever batch of gluten-free cookies. I painted some artwork and participated in a Pop-Up Art Gallery. On a different “painting” note, I painted my bedroom furniture in a Mardi Gras theme of purple, green, and gold.
What do YOU think of these colors?
Currently I am doing a lot of research and “tasting” for some upcoming food articles. I am watching as much SEC football as possible. My four favorite teams have always been (and always will be) Georgia Bulldogs, Alabama Crimson Tide, Ole Miss Rebels, and LSU Tigers.
Who knew research for food articles could be so much fun!
I am still learning technology. Does anyone really understand SEO and how to get backlinks? If so, please explain it to me in simple words!!
As I look back over all of this…there has been much success and much cause to rejoice. No, it has not all been puppies and rainbows…but I remain positive. I continue to make a conscious choice to celebrate every little thing…and to be a joyful person.
Can you SEE the JOY ?
As the year 2020 is drawing to a close, I wish you a Merry Christmas. I also wish you the biggest, boldest, brightest BADASS year in 2021!!
If you wish to do so…PLEASE share reasons that YOU choose to celebrate and to be joyful. That would be awesome!
An aging diva is a woman “of a certain age”, but what on earth does that even mean in today’s world? There was a time when it meant that she was past her prime and no longer active or vibrant. She certainly would have lost all interest in laughing, having fun, or having the courage to go out on a date.
Thank goodness for Gloria Darling. She is a Milestone Diva who pours her heart into helping women celebrate their life and find their voice. She seeks to use a little tough love while reminding them that they are still relevant and still deserve to pursue their dreams and passions, at any age. She inspires the older and bolder ladies to be loud and proud!
Could you please tell us a bit about your background?
My birthplace was the Bahamas, and I grew up in Miami, Florida. I have lived in Tallahassee for almost 24 years. I am a black woman in my sassy 60s. I have three sons, one grandson, and two great-grandchildren. I will soon be retiring from my full-time job and be free to focus more attention on “The Cup of Glo”.
What is “The Cup of Glo”?
It is my new project that I started in March (2020), a podcast ( https://cupofglo.com ) in which I interview other Milestone Diva ladies over age 50 who are learning to embrace their unique power. That means that they manifest confidence, boldness, enthusiasm, playfulness, and wisdom. They have been able to discover their talents and abilities and are able to share those in wonderful ways.
Taking this podcast idea, developing every nuance and bringing it to life has been such an exciting creative journey. I don’t have enough words to describe my enthusiasm for this labor of love.
Would you explain this idea of Milestone Divas?
This simply means they have reached a new and wonderful age: Feisty 50s, Sassy 60s, Saucy 70s, Exciting 80s, Nifty 90s, or Awesome 100s. We even have a Milestone Diva cheer:
Feisty, Sassy, Saucy are we
Exciting, Nifty and Awesome you see
Every second, minute or hour
Bold, wise owning our power,
In tees and jeans or a fancy frock
Milestone Divas Rock!
It is obvious that you really love Milestone Divas. I’ve also heard that you dearly love Tallahassee. What do you cherish most about Tallahassee?
The feeling of a kind and caring small town where community and natural beauty are appreciated. We are blessed with so many amazing parks where one can be as active or as relaxed as they choose, while also enjoying the enormous old oak trees, Spanish moss, and countless types of flowering plants.
There are so many opportunities for folks to meet, get to know one another, and develop meaningful friendships. Just look online to find a meet-up group for any number of interests, then jump in and get involved. You merely have to take that first step and connect with like-minded individuals to meet, talk, eat, sing, dance, or whatever matches the desires of your heart.
What travel destinations have you visited or plan to visit?
One of the best road trips of my life was going with a group of belly dance buddies to Asheville, North Carolina. We stayed in cabins and met another group there who were involved in Renaissance fair activities. We enjoyed workshops and shopping and excellent fellowship. It was a much-needed diversion and a perfect sense of release.
An area I love and would definitely visit again is the Pacific Northwest. The towns of Portland and Astoria in Oregon and the town of Seattle, Washington are simply gorgeous and fascinating. There are several places I would eventually like to visit and the one place which is currently at the top of my bucket list would be Spain.
What are some of your passions and hobbies?
Where do I even start? I love music and art. I love food with flair. That could mean using tips I got from some TV cooking show, or just trying to add more color to a simple family meal. For example, start with oxtails and cabbage. Then add peas, carrots, and rice. Heck, throw in some seafood to really make it pop.
I am active in a dance troupe. We do many types of dance including belly dance, hula, tribal, and flamenco. At times when I take a short break from dancing, I will occasionally play the frame drum in a band which accompanies the belly dancers.
For about the past five years I have been active in Toastmasters, an organization that helps people develop public speaking and leadership skills. I have competed and won several contests at their club, area, and district levels.
What makes you an exuberant person?
Life gives me a choice. I can focus on pain and sadness or I can focus on enthusiasm and joy. I have made the choice… I choose ENTHUSIASM and JOY! I am fun, happy, and liberated. I can get tough when I need to help others, but I’m still respectable and authentic. I am a servant leader who is comfortable discussing any topic with any person. I place a high value on honesty and on friendship.
Do you have a message for the world?
Celebrate! Celebrate everything! Celebrate yourself by learning to claim your power at any age. Celebrate the things that you have, such as friendships and hobbies. Celebrate all the beauty that can be seen around you. Celebrate every little moment of fun, freedom, love, and joy. Celebrate LIFE!
— — —
When this writer first met Gloria, I knew I had just made a wonderful new friend. We sat out on the deck of a coffee shop chatting contentedly, until a sudden downpour forced us to finish the conversation in my car. That did nothing to dampen our spirits. We have a shared value of curiosity and communication.
Gloria Darling thrives on serving people. She finds deep joy in helping older women find and use their voice and their power. https://cupofglo.com/
