Thank you everyone, and ptcmom. The pageant is Feb. 28. I finally found a crinoline, to rent, from Second Time Around Thrift Store, in Tyrone. I bought my daughter's dress, that she had fallen in love with, and talked and talked about. The seller came off the price $15.00. I let her try it on, with her dress and it fit perfectly. I have since checked on-line, and can't seem to find a crinoline as "bouffant" as hers. So, I am so thankful that I happened to drop in. I tried the other 2, neaby, but they were closed, so it all worked out. My daughter is so happy, and will feel like a litle princess, she said. She is totally ok, with the thought of not placing. She's just gonna have fun.

I'm glad it all worked out for you. I love happy endings.

The Fayette County High School Band Boosters will hosted the 40th annual Miss Pride pageant this coming March 6-7. I would like to add that for the last three years I had the privilege doing the sound for the event. I've witnessed all the preparation and the behind-the-scenes activities to make these pageants take place. These young ladies and their moms work tremendously hard to show style and grace. As far as I'm concerned they are all winners!

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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.

The pageant raises money for a great cause and the girls have fun. I've been involved for a few years and I have to say that most of the girls that enter are athletes! Last year's Little Miss winner plays on a baseball team with boys!!! This is their time to get together, dress-up, do their hair and be girly-girls for a night! They always have a blast! The cafeteria (where they get ready) is filled with smiling, giggling girls that are posing for each others cell phones!

I hope Snoopy reads this.

I hope I'm not too late. Snoopy19, I'm open tomorrow 11:00am to 4:00pm.

I have a friend who has 1, that I will look at, and I will be going to The clothes less traveled and Becky's Boutique, today. If I can find 1, that will fit, I will need a seamstress. Thank you for mentioning it. The dress, is a little big. I hope to have this finalized, in the next couple of days. I'll check back with you, soon. If I need their assistance.

You are welcome. I'm glad you still have a few weeks to work on this. I'm glad you came back. Don't give up on us. I think a certain someone is just having a tough time right now.

Becky left you a message. Her shop is closed on Mondays, but she will be open tomorrow.

If you already stopped by at my shop today, I'm sorry if I missed you. My shop is closed Monday. But my regular business hours are Tue-Fri 10:30-4:30 & Sat 11-4:00.

I'll be at my shop tomorrow, in fact I already got my collection ready for you. Or, you can call me @ 404 408-6159 and I will make an appointment to meet you today. Thank you.

who is always so negative about everything. The more I think about it Mainstream, you are one miserable A$$. You always break down anything anyone writes on here. If you do not like pageants that is your business. Did you wear crinolines when they were in style?--oh, my bad--you probably have always been in sack cloth and ashes. Only someone with a dirty mind would think that someone was putting a crinoline under a dress to 'accentuate perky breasts and tiny waist' on a ten year old. And to add to your nastiness you mention Mr. Ramsey having some of JonBenet's. This child was brutally murdered and you bring up her name to further your crude remarks. There are lots of things we promote in the south--all of which you seem to be against. Why don't you just move far, far away if you are so unhappy. You may not be any happier but it sure would please a lot of us here. Snoopy, please don't judge the rest of us by her--there is always one rotten apple in the barrel and she definitely is the one here. Let us know if you do not find the crinoline--I may know where you can get one.

...you two sound like a couple of hissing felines. Since when did voicing an opposing opinion laced with stinging criticism mark someone as being "cynical", "unkind" and "unhappy with life"?? If you think it is fine and dandy to parade young girls in "princess" costumes on stage, especially in a public school, while judging them on their looks that is your opinion, but I find it repulsive, as do many other people in our society. I wish snoopy had been asking for something to borrow like a microscope or telescope to help her daughter in the Science Olympiad for instance, instead of an article of clothing to help her in a stinking beauty contest.

From all of my recent internet searches, public schools holding their own beauty pageants seems to be a regional phenomenon and the archaic contests are conducted primarily in the south, which was my hunch in the first place ("Welcome to the south").

If someone (snoopy) can't take the stinging criticism on the blogs, then they shouldn't be putting themselves out here in public asking for things like a crinoline for a dang beauty contest, IMHO. But I'm sure she'll find her crinoline and her 10 yr old will get her poofy skirt and be able to prance around in front of her peers. Happy ending for all.

After watching 20/20 three weeks ago when they had a feature on beauty pagaents for 3-10 year olds, I'm convinced that your typical beauty pageant mother lives vicariously through their children, not unlike Michael Vick "proving" his "toughness" through fighting pitbulls.

Truthfully, though, if you want to see something REALLY sad, check out any Kappa Alpha fraternity when they put on Confederate uniforms to celebrate "Old South Week".

Have you noticed those skimpy little uniforms the cheerleaders wear? By your standards, the parents of cheerleaders are setting their young daughters up to be set upon by lurking males set on harming them. Do you have any children? Were you permitted to produce?(God, I hope not--for their sake.) If so,did/do you have girls? Did/do they wear make-up? Bathing suits? Shorts? Did/do they spend all their time in the labs using microscopes---finding a cure for cancer or any other disease of the day? Are they allowed out of the house? After all, some of that southerness might rub off on them--on second thought that would be a blessing--they might learn some southern manners, kindness and consideration for others instead of only the nastiness you spew. I honestly feel sorry for someone who is so angry all the time--or do you just consider your remarks witty? If so, you definitely miss the mark. You constantly come across as being, mean, spiteful, nasty, angry, lacking feeling and down right sad. I would much rather be a hissing feline than a mean, bitchy old shrew. Maybe you should spend some of the time you spend on those internet searches finding sites that teach the golden rule--you remember that one don't you? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Mytmite,
First, I don't believe I have ever previously agreed with anything Mainstream has said. I do however, somewhat agree with (his/her?) opinion of kiddy pagents.

That aside, my question to you, "Is this an example of your southerness"?. Or is it another example of that damned Yankee influence?

It is very much the southern thing to take up for those that we feel have been treated unjustly. As I have said, that mother had a simple request on where to locate a crinoline. She did not ask anyone's opinion on pageants, motherhood or anything else. As for that damned Yankee influence, I am happy to state that I have been able to avoid it lo, these many years. As one of our more honest presidents said "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen." If Main doesn't want to feel the wrath of the rest of us bloggers who felt she was unfair then she should treat others as she would like to be treated. I am proud to say that I am southern born and southern bred and with any luck I will be southern dead--when that time comes.

..having a bad day?

Instead of offering excuses about how the daughter's just love to dress up and use makeup, while y'all continue to throw feces at me, why don't the proponents of these contests just admit that this is what people do here in the south...it is part of the norm, the culture per se, to host "fundraiser" beauty pageants at the local public schools. Fess up and give it a rest before you pop a temple.

But I reiterate my point that for some of us new to the south, it is quite stunning indeed to discover that this type of fundraising activity, whether you think it is exploitative or not, is actually practiced in our public schools.

Cut you and you would seep hostility rather than blood. It would take more than you and your tasteless comments to make me feel anything other than pity for you. Nowhere did I offer excuses for pageants. I don't believe it was stated anywhere that these events were held at a school. None of my daughters or grand-daughters were ever in a pageant--but I believe the people who want to be in them have as much right as the cheerleader, football player (ooh, let's ban those tight football pants--too suggestive!!) or chess player. You are down on everything. Can you honestly come up with one post by you in the last twelve months that was not castigating someone or something? The mother asked for help locating a crinoline--not a dissertation on the merits of pageants and her abilities as a mother. Gee, if the south is the only place that seems to have these events where in the world do they ever get the contestants for the non-southern states who participate in the Miss America contest? Guess they are all closet southerners.

You give yourself too much credit if you think your words really bother those of us who are on this site often. We all just find it utterly disgusting that you would find the need to be so nasty and mean to a first-time blogger with a simple request. Did you have to take time out from pulling wings off of flies to write that mess?

...you seem more agitated than usual, possibly because of that recent illness? I seem to have touched quite a nerve here with some of the southern folk and pageant parents.

"Can you honestly come up with one post by you in the last twelve months that was not castigating someone or something?"

Most of my posts during the past 12 months have been trading political barbs with the many Republican's on the blog - I wouldn't expect my posts to be anything but vitriolic when writing about the Bush admin., McSame and Palin.

To be honest, ever since Obama was elected, I've stayed away from the blogs somewhat only checking in once in a while to counter the garbage spewed by Fred and Lindsay. But I couldn't resist posting a response to the crinoline request because I really do detest kiddy pageants, especially the thought of conducting them in our public schools. I also detest "pulling wings off of flies." Is that a southern thing?

To be honest, ever since Obama was elected, I've stayed away from the blogs somewhat only checking in once in a while to counter the garbage spewed by Fred and Lindsay.

I'm experiencing such a 'high' after the election - that I just can't imagine anyone stealing the joy of a mother who wants to borrow a crinoline. I also frown on 'pageants' - but they have brought joy to others - as well as scholarship funds! I have friends who, with the help of scholarships earned in 'pageants' earned their doctorate degrees. Love the folks in Fayetteville/Peachtree City - and I'm aware that most of the country disagrees with the Fred's, Lindsays, and Hobbs of the world. Also enjoying preparing my response to Muddle's well written and thought out feelings regarding abortion. Will post that soon.

Thanks for your thoughtful response. The thought of having beauty pageants sponsored by our public schools continues to eat at me. I'm thankful that my own children's schools have NOT sponsored these demeaning events, yet, and rely on other activities like the "Spring Fling", bake sales, and school dances to raise money. I wonder who judges these events and what criteria is used on judging their "beauty." Do average looking, "chunky" girls ever win? How often do African American students win? This is what the schools sponsor down here? Amazing.

We actually lived close to the Ramsey's the year Jon Benet was murdered and it deeply affected our community. We heard and read things about the murder for years that caused so many of us to end up detesting pageants and the superficiality of the events and their demeaning treatment of young girls. Local and national pageants will always exist but I still believe school-sponsored "pageants" are demeaning, outdated and out of place and send the wrong message to our girls, in an academic environment.

I understand and respect your opinion - just had a problem with the lashing out at one parent who wanted to borrow a crinoline. Thanks to the 'Dove' advertisements - and Ophra - we're getting away from the 'beauty' is dependent on body shape theory. Until a few years ago, African American women were excluded from these 'pageants' - but in my community, there were other pageants which focused on debate skills, dramatic interpretation, etc., and it didn't matter what ones body shape looked like. I know personally one former 'black' Ms. Georgia who is now completing her doctorate in psychology. (The scholarship money helped.) The message is changing - slowly - but changing.

Main Stream. I don't know you and don't think I want to. I see a pageant as any event or contest. Some kids will be forced to complete against their will. Others will love the experience. That is a call the parents have to make. But I'm so tired of you slamming the south as though you hate it here. All I can say to that is "Delta is ready when you are". I bet we could even get some donations to help you buy your ticket home.

I am not agitated, ill, or had a nerve touched by you. And as I said before, I am not a pageant parent. Just someone who does not like to see someone like you attack someone without cause. This seems to be your modus operandi. No, pulling wings off of flies is not a southern thing but something that people who like to inflict hurt on others without reason seem to enjoy. For someone who continues to live in the area you certainly seemed obsessed with all things southern. If I were that unhappy I think I would find a way to 'escape'. Or do you get more pleasure out of being unhappy and miserable? As for me, I am living where I want to be, surrounded by wonderful friends, enjoying my life and helping others whenever I can; be it with a kind word, a kind deed or just a smile. Try it, you might like it. Nah, not you, you wouldn't.

I obviously DID touch a nerve with you and others here when I slammed pageants, and a parent, for promoting this crap in public schools. It's the culture down here, especially in the rural south, to have these kind of pageants in public schools, but no one wants to admit it - why is that? If you, and the other thin-skinned bloggers on this thread don't like my posts, then don't read them. And if I read something else that ever rubs me the wrong way, especially in regards to exploiting children and hosting demeaning beauty pageants in our schools, then I'll be posting again.

Main obviously has her reasons for disliking these pageants so profoundly, and I don't disagree with her views on them. On to a subplot, and that is southern hospitality. I live in the south because of the climate that this planet has at these latitudes, not because of a superior culture: people in the south are basically just as friendly or unfriendly as anywhere else when you agree with them or disagree with them, respectively. Now if you are looking for any southern hospitality in PTC, you may just as well look for high humidity in the Sahara desert.

"I can't wait until tomorrow, because I become more lovable every day."

Well, there's the phenomenon of "Minnesota nice." For whatever reason, it is a justified generalization to note that Minnesotans are a friendly lot. You could be at the front of the line at a traffic light, get distracted fumbling through CDs or texting friends so that you block traffic for the entire green light, and they'll wait patiently without so much as a tap of the horn, assuming that, whatever it is that distracted you, it must be important.

But I made my first foray into New England this November. My wife and I drove up for a pair of conferences where I spoke--one in Providence and one in Boston. I lost count of how many times I was at the receiving end of the extended middle finger in traffic--enough to fill a crate full of gloves, I think--simply because I hesitated slightly before a turn here or was a little slow with the accelerator at a light there.

The anthropologist Ruth Benedict observed that the Dobuans were an especially treacherous people, but she attempted to justify this by appeal to the harsh conditions of survival that encouraged fierce competition. Things must be harsh in Providence, too.

____________________

"Puddleglum" by Weatherwax (one of the Muddlings).

Jeeves to the Rescue

Bet it was the beard!

Who said anything about a beard? Do we need to talk?

Actually, I would plunk down money on the bet that it was my Georgia tags.

____________________

"Puddleglum" by Weatherwax (one of the Muddlings).

Jeeves to the Rescue

Yeah, Georgia plates and a beard!!! "Deliverance," you know! Don't you own a beard? Or is it a Van Dyke?

That if the folks where you used to live were friendly to you, that you would probably find the folks around here friendly too.

All of our experiences are our own. Anecdotal evidence does not make it true. I have lived, not visited, but lived for over a year at least, in Michigan, Ohio, New York, Hawaii, Florida, Indiana, and now Georgia for the past several years. I have lived in Peachtree City the entirity of my Georgia stay. It is easily the most friendly place that I have ever lived. I also have lived in Title 1 school districts and here and I will take here in a quick heartbeat. I have seen the other side of that debate...
I have found both humidity and friendliness here, if you are willing to give a bit of yourself in conversation and not be envious of any perceived money that some may or may not have. To his each his own, but if you cannot find friendly people, perhaps that is a projection of what you are bringing to the conversation.

This thread has been fascinating and has been a mini-study in southern culture but contrary to popular belief, "the south" does not have a monopoly on good manners and hospitality, as observed by some of the comments on here. But I suppose I understand a group of people, "southerners", taking issue with me blasting someone about school-sponsored kiddy pageants, an activity that I recently discovered really is prevalent only in the south. No other region in the country enlists school-sponsored beauty pageants, also called "Beauty Walks", as a means of fundraising and this practice is very ingrained in southern culture. I find it all fascinating and I'm intrigued to have discovered this regional phenomenon in our schools. It is one more peek into the southern psyche!

I do find it odd, however, that one blogger in particular (skyspy) is championing "politeness" and "manners" when this person has continuously blasted bloggers she did not agree with, as she sits alone drying up, unmarried and childless at her age (40-something), guzzling wine at night and gazing at the lonely stars.

Anyway, there's a book out that explains some of this which I'll have to order:

Myth, Manners and Memory - LINK

"They address issues such as myth and memory of the Old South and the Civil War; stereotypes and traditions related to the body, sexuality, gender, and family, such as courtship rituals and beauty pageants; institutions and places associated with historical memory, such as cemeteries, monuments, and museums; and specific subjects and objects of myth and manners, including the Confederate flag and Graceland. Together, they offer a compelling portrait of the “southern way of life” as it has been imagined, lived, and contested."

Life is too short to live anywhere that makes you miserable.

You have to grow where you are planted, or move.

Like Southernbelle says "Grace is a virtue"

People always mock what they are not intelligent enough to understand.

It is hard for some people to understand good manners and basic social skills if they have not been exposed to them. It is hard for people who are insecure to understand people with social grace who do not have to constantly "one up" the people they interact with.

I'm slowly learning from all of my friends and also Ronda Rich's book: What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should)

Have a good night MYTMITE you are wasting your time on mean-scream. Some people aren't worth responding to.

I got pulled into this without having to say a word.. I HAVE ARRIVED..

50'ish hag. This is not a professional pageant nor professional stage moms. This is a bunch of local ladies and daughters that want to have fun and celebrate being a girl. I can only surmise the reason that you would dump on this or somebody that you don't know-and that is experience. You most likely are an Andrea Dworkin-type unfeminine woman who has scars from previous failures at femininity. You feel the need to dump on this because it feeds your ego and your past hurts.

See it is easy to dump on someone that I do not know with no accountibility for my actions. Turn about is fair play

You took the words right out of my mouth! Must've had some kind of scarring. If she would've thought about it for a second, she would've known we don't do this often, since we don't have access to crinolines. Anyway, after reading the other blogs, it's ridiculous that this got so many responses, and I just asked for help. Some peopele are just "angry, lonely" people, and have way too much time on their hands to blog, all day, and give nonesense opinions! I thank everyone for their help. I am following up on some leads. The pageant is Feb.28. It doesn't matter if my daughter wins, or not, she'll have fun, she said.

With the attitude that she is going in for the fun of it and not to win. Hope things go great for both of you--good luck with the crinoline hunt. All (well, almost all) girls regardless of age like to dress up now and then--guess it is in the genes!--Look how much children and adults like Halloween--they get to get dressed up and have fun.

and you respond with this ?
Is this an attempt at humor ? Satire ?

If you don't like someone being in a pageant or doing baton, being a cheerleader, being an athlete that's your choice, but why be heavy handed and critical of someone's parenting ?

This is really as inappropriate a post as I can imagine.

Main as been ALOT more inappropriate and critical in other posts! LOL! This one is pretty mild and for the most part, I understand where she is coming from with it. We really do teach our young and impressionable children a bad lesson when we have them participate in these kind of things. IMHO, of course.

but this kind of "pageant" activity is way different.

"..and you respond with this ? Is this an attempt at humor?"

yes, this is how I respond. There's nothing humorous about parading pre-teens around on stage in front of potential pedophiles while simultaneously exploiting them. The school should be celebrating their brains, not their "poise", "smiles" and looks.

This pageant is being run by someone else, to benefit Brooks Elementary. The school system isn't involved according to this posting. I could hold a benefit in your honor, perhaps an ACORN type community organization party and allow a GLAAD parade, all to benefit you. Would it be okay to then disparage you for having a benefit for you? Pageants aren't my cup of tea, but if you aren't willing to give that same feedback face-to-face then you are just a cyber know-it-all with no social graces. I am not impressed.

...or anyone else with my post.

I find it sad that Brooks has to enlist the efforts of a "pageant" to benefit them financially. A pageant that exploits children by dressing them up in poofy skirts and crinolines, sends the wrong message to kids, as well as their parents. So now we have kiddie pageants instead of bake sales to raise money?

Welcome to the south...

I am a fourth generation Atlanta native and all I can say about your last comment, "Welcome to the south..." is to remind you that the highways here run both ways...so if you disdain the south so much, why don't you take one of your yankee buddies with you and GO BACK where you came from!!! I'm not big into the pageant scene either,but there are PLENTY of them up north too. It's not just a southern thing. Besides, that mom wasn't asking for parenting advice, she just wanted to borrow an article of clothing. Live and let live for goodness sake!

"It's not just a southern thing.."

I was educated out west my entire life and not once did our schools enlist beauty pageants as a form of fundraising, so, I really DO think this is a "southern thing", which was the point I was trying to make with my comment "Welcome to the south."

Stick with bake sale fundraisers and leave the beauty pageants on the cultural trash heap.

SICKENING

Main Stream, you are an idiot! I reach out to the community, and you judge my parenting! You don't even know me. We sat down, to see if anyone responded and I see your remarks, and others. We were excited, then crushed. Only 1 remark, was helpful. It almost brought me to tears, I couldn't believe how it upset me. I have had the "pageant" talk with her, and she totally understands that it's for fun, and you have no idea how fun it is for a girl to dress up, like a princess, with her friends and speak in front of many parents. Obviously we aren't in pageants, or I would have lots of ladies to help me. My daughter is 10, not 4. I bet you are a "simple", "little" man. I will never blog again. Wolfman would be ashamed! We are not a close, small, town. Forget it!

You were 1 for 2 on your descriptions of Stream.

When you said "Main Stream, you are an idiot!", you nailed that one.

But, when you said "I bet you are a "simple", "little" man.", that was a bit of a miss. To be accurate....SHE is actually a simple, little WOMAN.

Don't let that miserable wench run you off.

I saw that you just signed off. I left a message for you at the top. Please ignore the rude trolls here.

I think it is sweet and very resourceful of you to think of this blog.

Some people are mean by nature. I am the one on here who is very scathing vicious mean to the criminals, but they kind of ask for it.

I know it is hard to ignore rude mean people, but don't let them get to you. The best people here will cheer you up.

I bet Tug and Jane1 have some great ideas. They might know of some local shops that I do not. They are true southern ladies, big hearts, and very kind, and very charming effortless manners. I stay on here just to read their posts, and Cy, Git, Tony, and Hutch make me laugh when they get going.

Hang in there. I hope you have enough time to find just the perfect outfit.

I was just reading some of the posts and noticed that you were online so I decided to log in to say hello.

I haven't been posting much since I made an ass of myself last week in a different conversation. Sometimes humble pie is just so hard to swallow.

Hope you have a good night.

It's good to hear from you.

I just had a situation in the backyard with some coyotes, or wild dogs(?) Sorry I had to step away for a second. I had to protect my dogs. I don't think they could get over my fence, but I always keep one gun by the door just in case.

You are done early tonight, good for you. How is the stalker situation?

I didn't work tonight - had another minor procedure done. I worked Thursday and Friday in almost agony so decided to take it easy tonight.

I haven't heard from that guy since I last posted about him. I've heard that he is moving out of state. I can only hope that this is true. I really want to avoid further action, but can't let my guard down either. It's getting harder and harder to keep my husband from hunting him like a dog.

Speaking of dogs, keep your babies safe tonight.

Take it easy. I hope you have a speedy recovery.

I hope that guy is moving, but still don't let your guard down and it wouldn't hurt to ask the police to be put on extra patrols. Especially at closing time, if you close by yourself. If you know his name tell them that too, so they know who they are looking for.

My dogs are inside most of the time. When they are out after dark I stand watch. Whatever it is you can hear it killing animals. It is horrible. It is right by the cart path too.

Have a good night. I'll try to get in soon to say hi and have a good meal. I have been busy with a house project, so not much free time.

You were so kind to offer your help to Snoopy. I can't understand what makes some people so mean-spirited. They must really be unhappy in the lives. I usually try to feel sorry for them and try to overlook their nastiness but Main was over the top. Let's hope she finds something in this big wide world to be happy about and stop being so unkind and cynical. Thanks again for all your kindnessess on this site. You make it pleasant to come here.

Thank you for jumping in to be nice to snoopy. You are obviously a true southern lady. I envy all of you. Your manners are flawless and seemingly effortless to all of you. I have lived here 18yrs, and I still struggle with manners that are second nature to all of you.( I mean all y'all)

I am mean to the criminals, and the politicians (really one and the same) other than that I can be nice.

People are mean to others to build themselves up. Sick!!

If we keep putting messages out I hope snoopy will read them. One woman has a shop with exactly what she needs. I hope she checks back at least one more time. The ladies shop is in Tyrone. Keep your fingers and toes crossed that snoopy checks back one more time. I like happy endings.

Hope Snoopy does come back on--hate for her to go away thinking we are all mean and hateful here. For the most part, we are a nice group. Of course, we poke fun at each other from time to time and sometimes the conversation gets a little heated but for the most part we are kind to each other and especially to new bloggers. Maybe Snoopy will come back under another name--let's hope she checks back. Maybe Main would have had a few glasses of wine and taken a chill pill--wish she could be hit by the 'nice' fairy--but doubt if it would work--she may be too far gone. Keep the faith.