Hello, again, my lovelies! I am here to tell you about my latest adventure at the 11th Annual Tennessee Williams’ Tribute in Columbus, Mississippi.. I had to share my adventure with the world’s most magnificent fans :)
Let’s begin with a little history lesson about Tennessee Williams…
“Facts About Me” by Tennessee Williams
Excerpt from 1949 program of A Streetcar Named Desire
“I was born near the Episcopal rectory of Columbus, Mississippi, an old town on the Tombigbee River which was so dignified and reserved that there was a saying, only slightly exaggerated, that you had to live there a whole year before a neighbor would smile at you on the street. My grandfather, with whom we lived, was the Episcopal clergyman, we were accepted without probation…Roughly, there was a combination of Puritan and Cavalier strains my blood which may be accountable for the conflicting impulses I often represent in the people I write about. I was christened Thomas Lanier Williams. It is a nice enough name, perhaps a little too nice. It sounds like I might belong to the sort of writer who turns out sonnet sequences to spring. As a matter of fact, my first literary award was $25.00 from a woman’s club for doing exactly that, three sonnets dedicated to Spring. I hasten to add that I was still pretty young…When I grew up, I realized this poetry wasn’t much good and I felt the name had been compromised so I changed it to Tennessee Williams, the justification being mainly that the Williams has fought the Indians for Tennessee and I had discovered that the life of a young writer was going to be something similar to the defense of a stockade against a band of savages…When I was about 12, my father, a traveling salesman, was appointed to an office position in St. Louis…It was a tragic move. Neither my sister nor I could adjust ourselves to the life in a mid-western city…The school made fun of our southern speech and manners…It produced a shock and a rebellion that has grown into an inherent part of my work…”
Sid Caradine III preparing to give it his all at the annual Stella Shouting.
Thus, my enrapturing undertaking commenced on the seventh day of September in the year 2012 at the delightful edifice of HOLLYHOCKS for the Fourth Annual Stella Shouting contest. Handsome gentlemen and lovely dames of all ages lined up to shout at the beautiful Stella who was situated on the New Orleans style balcony of HOLLYHOCKS, which I previously referred to as a delightful edifice. Each brave challenger, unaware of the surrounding crowd, gave three supreme “Stella” shouts in hopes of claiming the prize. The victor’s namesake will be forever engraved on the coveted Stella Shouting trophy. This stellar prize was shaped by the loving hands of a local artisan. This glorious event is one you must experience for yourself, and now,while it is fresh on your mind and burning in your soul to witness all of these happenings, is the time to start making plans to visit and attend the Tennessee Williams’ Tribute 2013.
Jumpsuit: The Attic
Shoes: BCBG
Belt: Betsey Johnson
Necklace: Thrifted
I was delighted and honored to be an usher for The Rose Tattoo, a fabulous play written by Tennessee Williams, on the seventh and eighth of September. The play was held at Rent Auditorium on the charming campus of Mississippi University for Women (MUW). On the night of the seventh, I proudly sported a ravishing vintage dress from Twisted Moss, which is featured on the “Weekly Whistle: Put on that Dress” blog. On Saturday evening of September eighth, I wore an exquisite vintage black jumpsuit from The Attic, BCBG black heels, and a classy thrifted faux pearl statement necklace.
This production of The Rose Tattoo was directed by Melanie Hintz, Steve Kuykendall, and Gabe Smith. The performance was absolutely splendid! All the actors involved made this theatrical masterpiece such a delight to watch! It kept me on the edge of my seat, and the main character, Serphina Delle Rose (played by Cherri Golden) performed each scene out with true passion and feeling! I give this striking performance FIVE VIP STARS!
From far left to right: Lucas Richardson, Kelsey Collins, Kessler Brown, Cody McClanahan, Kathryn Hintz, and of course, me!:)
The last stop of the VIP’s adventure was the Tennessee Williams’ Poetry Reading held at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library on Sunday, the ninth of September. I participated in this superb event thanks to the darling Elizabeth Simpson. Kessler Brown, Kelsey Collins, Kathryn Hintz, Cody McClanahan, Lucas Richardson, and I took the stage that Sunday to read a selection of poems by Tennessee Williams. I read a divine poem “They That Come Late From Dance” from Now the Cats with Jeweled Claws. As I read, Elizabeth Simpson and Sid Caradine III danced, and the talented Aidan Dunkelberg softly played an elegant violin piece. Kessler Brown, Kathryn Hintz, and I preformed an excerpt from a short story by Tennessee Williams called Oriflamme, which means a banner or symbol inspiring devotion or courage (Merriam-Webster). Within that passage, a girl craves a red dress…she desires to make a statement, to wear it like a flag…a flag flying at the top of a mast. As I read, I could feel the rhythmic flow and emphasis in each line.
Once again, I would like to thank Elizabeth Simpson for inviting me to participate in the Tennessee Williams’ Poetry Reading and to give a big round of applause to my fellow performers-what a stellar event it was!
Being involved with the 11th Annual Tennessee Williams Tribute was such a terrific experience that I cannot wait to participate in it next year! So pack your bags, readers, and hit the road to the pulchritudinous, historical Columbus, Mississippi to see all the wondrous tourist attractions it has to offer!
You can contact Nancy Carpenter, the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director and Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation Executive Director, at 800-920-3353 or email at nancy@columbus-ms.org to find out the latest upcoming events in Columbus, Mississippi.
Places you will love in Columbus, Mississippi:
- The Amzi Love – Lincoln Homes (circa 1848 and 1833): Make your reservation at (662) 328-5413. Your hosts are Sid. and Brenda Caradine. This home was featured in “Fodors Travel Guide”, The New York Times Travel Section, and Turner South’s Three Day Weekend.
- “Griffin Eyrie” Victorian Home (circa 1872): owned and renovated by Col. Harold (retired) and Mrs. Bullock.
- “La Vie Dansante” (circa 1890): owned and extensively renovated by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kacho
- Tennessee Williams’ Home and Welcome Center: newly restored 1875 childhood home of America’s greatest playwright.
- Tampico Bay: Satisfy your taste buds while touring the amazing Columbus, Mississippi by grabbing a bite to eat at the delicious Mexican restaurant, Tampico Bay.
- Deep South Pout: If you adore clothes, jewelry, and glorious art then stop by the fabulous Deep South Pout-I am sure you will fall in love!
I would like to give an exceptional thank you to the grande dame, Brenda Caradine, for getting me involved with this excellent event! You are such a fabulous fan and supporter who has started the fad of calling me “Miss VIP” :)
Be sure to like my Facebook page to keep up with the latest VIP news, sneak peeks, and exclusive pictures you cannot find anywhere else:) www.facebook.com/VintageInspiredPassionista
*For exclusive photos of this experience, visit and like my Facebook page.*
Also, follow me on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with me while I am on the go! Twitter: @Abbysauce_ Instagram: @VintagePassionista
Here are a few more pictures from my wonderful adventure:)
Stay Fabulous,
Abby Hathorn
