Sometime in the mid 1950s, my grandmother, Nancy Helm Weaks, self published a book: Dig These Crazy Manners! I don’t believe I ever saw it while she was still alive. Instead I found it as I sifted through the mementos of her life well lived after her funeral eight years ago. This little book is a GEM! Not only was Mema a clever writer and an expert on impeccable manners, she was also an illustrator and had beautiful handwriting.
Mema teaching her sons (my dad, Henry, left, and my uncle, George, right ) the art of writing a letter to husband and dad George Sr. while he was serving in the Navy.
Mema was the epitome of a southern lady. She had elegance and style, but she was also witty, creative and fun loving. As would any proper southern woman of her time, Mema made sure her children (and grandchildren) knew the manners expected in Louisiana. And so, I’d like to share with you a few pages from Dig These Crazy Manners!
The first page served as a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer to set the tone of the rest of the book. I love her self-deprecating style!
Much of Mema’s manners book deals with manners for teenagers. Love the cute angel/devil illustrations on this page!
“Some Teen Age manners are just plain ‘GOOEY’
Tell them about it and they’ll complain ‘PHOOEY’
That it’s serious enough, my friend, it is true.
There’s always one dope in the crowd, is it YOU?
Come on kids, read this and get wise.
Anyone has fine manners who tries!”
“Fems Only
You don’t have to squeal and act so coy
To attract the attention of some boy
Too fussy clothes — too much paint
All go to make you what you ain’t
Be proud of your youth and dress so with care
And in admiration, the lads will all stare.”
“Some girls throw poor lads in depressions
By using such awful facial expressions
When someone you think a drip comes by
And asks for a dance — smile brightly and try
Like a smart little girl to avoid hurting his feelings
Be kind and considerate in all of your dealings
The girl who treats each one the same
Is liked by all and a popular dame.”
Mema and her beloved poodle, Honey, in her later years.
Words of wisdom to follow, no doubt, whether 1954 or 2014. Love and miss you, sweet Mema!
xoxo
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Loved this post! Wish I could have met your Mema!
Renee, you would have LOVED her!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Grandmothers ROCK!
I just know your Mema would have loved my Nana and my Callie! Grandmothers are such special women!!
I would have loved to have met yours… yes, they are SO special!
Andrea, this was the nicest thing!!! I loved reading it because I have never seen her book before. Also love the pictures you used…what a wonderful tribute to your Mema!
Thank you!!!
A lovely way to honor her. Thank you for sharing and for linking up to the Thursday Favorite Things Bog Hop. .xo
Thank you!
That a wonderful legacy she left to her family. So glad you found it in her things.