"Dishcloths Made with Love"

Mrs. Mary Ann...to know her is to love her.  

In 2022, Rusty and I decided that we needed to look at purchasing a home closer to our family in Monroe County.  We started looking around North Monroe County and Southeast Wilcox County.  We drove through Pine Apple and immediately fell in love with this beautiful town.  There is just something special about it.

Rusty was the first to meet Mrs. Mary Ann. Not long after, I had the privilege of meeting her.  If you ever meet Mrs. Mary Ann, you will understand what I mean when I say that she is special.  She is an absolute gem.  At 86 years old, she is still the epitome of a classic southern belle.  She is sweet, thoughtful, kind, witty, sharp as a tack, and yes, like most of us southern women, tough. A steel magnolia if you will.

Mrs. Mary Ann moved to Pine Apple about 58 years ago to stay one year.  Her husband was the principal at Moore Academy and she taught school.  She also taught piano.  Their 1 year turned into 58 and we are glad that it did!  

Her biggest downfall....well, let's just say we don't see eye to eye on college football. ;) 

For our first Christmas in Pine Apple, she stopped by the house holding a beautiful gift bag.  Inside was none other than her hand knitted dish cloths.  I use them to this day. 

Just like handmade items I have received in the past, these will be kept forever no matter the condition.   Why?  Because someone, namely Mrs. Mary Ann, took the time to take up knitting needles, yarn, and several hours of her day to create this special gift just for me.  

And she does it for you, too! 

Take a moment to appreciate the handmade gifts this Christmas.  They don't have to be expensive.  Take a moment to admire her abilities and others.  In the hustle and bustle of this "microwave" society that we live in, it is not often that we have the opportunity to gather these treasures that have been lovingly created for others to enjoy.