Patrice Walker: Mississippi Magnolia
What’s a Clever Chica to do when she’s riding down the back roads of Mississippi and still doesn’t have a hostess gift for her beloved aunt in Vicksburg or a ‘little happy’ surprise for her son’s PawPaw?
This Mississippi Magnolia, Patrice Walker, has the answer. While working away in this very busy we-do-it-all gas station and market, Newton Junction Store, our dear Patrice finds the time to give a warm greeting to everyone—and that’s how she met me. When she saw my panicked look and asked what I needed, I explained that I had to find the perfect treat for some of my most beloved. Together, we ciphered that the Original Ooey Gooey Butter Cakes would be a hit (and, I would later learn we were soooo right!). As I started to pick up the last few in the basket, she stopped me. Wait! We’ve got some fresh ones. Let me clear up this line, and I’ll go get them for you—a pretty good paraphrase of her charming choice of words. So, I waited. And while waiting, I noted a copy of Oedipus Rex on the counter.
When questioned, Patrice, a working mom, revealed that she’s also a student at Meridian Community College. Wow. We talked a bit about Oedipus, as I wanted to repay her kindness with one of my skills—a bit of literary knowledge. I also told her about this project, and she stopped what she was doing, told me she believed in me, and smiled from her heart and soul for this picture.
Patrice Walker is a Mississippi Magnolia who is charting the path for all things femme in the New South. We are so grateful for you, Patrice, and we are soooo very proud of the A+ you got on the King Oedipus paper. —Clever Chica doing the honor roll thing on her own terms.