I live a fairly isolated life and I’ve had the tendency to be reclusive since moving to my property. There are several reasons for this but sometimes I need a break. When an opportunity arises that makes it worthwhile to leave for a bit I’ll jump at the chance to socialize and see other humans.
Such an opportunity presented itself a few weeks ago when I was invited to events celebrating Morgan Freeman’s (the amazing actor) 80th birthday party in Cleveland and Charleston, Mississippi.
I do not know Morgan although I did give him kittens when I first moved to Mississippi and I have met him, you can read about that here. The invitation came about after I met a couple of his friends who had seen my Cosmo article and after I told them I really want to get into raising bees and flowers they told me all about Morgan and his love of bees. They asked if I’d be available to go to his birthday party. Um. Yep. I was excited to have the chance to be around a variety of interesting people and happily accepted the invitation.
A couple weeks later and with a farm sitter secured for the long weekend I headed off to the Mississippi Delta. The first night was a small gathering at a restaurant with a wide range of characters and incredibly warm people from around the country. I had been apprehensive wondering if anyone would give me the time of day or if I’d feel horribly out of place. I didn’t. I met amazing people from all walks of life, some of who it seems were meant to be in my life and probably will be forever.
The first night was an incredible experience and definitely showed me I need to get off my farm more.
The next day had a couple scheduled events. The first was a tour of the new Grammy museum in Cleveland, MS. I don’t have pictures from the tour but what was most interesting was how much talent the state of Mississippi has produced…and how much has left. The brain drain here is immeasurable.
The museum tour was followed by a casual lunch at Dockery Plantation – apparently where The Blues started. The lunch was a delicious and large southern staples meal of fried chicken, lima beans, tomato pie, greens, lemon pie and a lot of other food – all served on beautifully crafted local pottery. And of course, hearty bloody marys and champagne – in mason jars. A live musician played the Blues and it was fantastic.
After lunch everyone went their separate ways to prepare for the birthday party. It was cowboy themed so it was fun getting dressed up.
The party was being held at Morgan’s property. Upon arriving at his gate we had to give up our phones.
No recording devices were allowed, understandably. It was surprisingly freeing to experience a party without people being distracted by their phones.
Again, it was another wonderful event. Everyone was in great spirits, the decorations and food were wonderful. All the joking and smiling faces must have made Morgan and his family very happy. Even as an outsider I could feel the love and affection for this man.
As the party wrapped we were given gift bags.
I love gift bags. I miss gift bags. I had forgotten I used to give them at many parties I threw back in my city days. I loved the process of deciding what to put in them. Morgan’s had many yummy, local edibles – most of which didn’t make it home before I ate them. How cute is this cookie replica of Morgan!? It was as delicious as the weekend itself. I’ll carry the memories and hopefully some newfound friends the rest of my life.
This little farm girl was happy to get back to my animals but with a big reminder that I need people in my life too. xo