My Nana

Well, it's been quite a while since I've written a post. But, I have been working away at some digital pages and what not during my writing hiatus.

I just finished reading, The Help about a week ago and I loved it! As soon as I put the book down, I jumped on the web to find out more about the author, Kathryn Stockett. Apparently, she got some criticism for writing the voice of the African-American characters in the novel. I, however, am always amazed by any author who can write in a voice so different from their own, whether it's a man writing as a woman, an adult writing as a child, etc. I didn't find her style or use of dialect offensive at all and I can't wait to see these amazing women come to life in the movie coming out in August.

I had the privilege of knowing my maternal great-grandmother, Lucille Manning, who we called Nana. She worked as a domestic to support her family. We have the most beautiful picture of her in her uniform. It looks like she's stepped straight off a movie set. The picture was taken while she was working a party thrown by the family she worked for. No one in the family knows the name of the gentleman in the picture, just that he worked as the chauffeur.

I've always loved this picture, and I was inspired to do something with it after reading The Help. I think Nana looks so elegant. Good stuff!