Southern Charm Up North: Tales of a Maine Magnolia

03/01/2025

Headed home to Stockton Springs!!

That 3:30am wake-up call felt a little rude, but sitting here on AA, soaring toward the place my heart loves best, it was worth every bleary-eyed minute. It’s been too many days away, and I swear I can feel the salt air calling me home.

Decided to treat myself and Ricky to a little upgrade — because sometimes you just need a little extra legroom and a hot cup of coffee served with a smile.

Settling in with my new book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May — and y’all, it’s already speaking to my soul. Perfect reading for a girl who knows the power of slowing down, listening to the seasons, and leaning into the quiet moments.

Stockton Springs, I’m coming for ya — save me a spot by the water!

02/28/2025

From the Heart Friday: Finding Your Tribe

Life has a way of humbling us, doesn’t it? It knocks the wind out of our sails one minute, then lifts us up so high we can’t see the ground the next. Through it all — the messes and the miracles — if you’re lucky, you’ve got a tribe.

Not just friends, but the kind of people who show up no matter what. The ones who don’t need an invitation to walk beside you in your darkest moments or pop the cork in your brightest. They see you — all of you — and love you anyway.

In times like these, when the world feels heavy with unrest and discord, knowing who your tribe is matters more than ever. They’re your safe place. They’re the ones who don’t flinch when you fall apart, and they cheer the loudest when you put yourself back together.

And let’s not forget — every single member of your tribe is walking their own hard road. Some share it, some don’t. But when you’re that kind of friend, you don’t need all the details to have their back. You just show up.

My tribe is a good one — better than good, actually. They’ve carried me when I couldn’t carry myself, and they’ve made life sweeter in ways I can’t even put into words. I’m not usually one to name names, but today, I have to.

Hope, Terri, Mary Howard, Jenny, Tina, Beth — y’all have been my rock, my joy, and my reminder that even in the hardest seasons, there’s still so much good.

If you’re reading this and you’re feeling a little lost or a little alone, I hope you’ll take a minute to think about your tribe — the people who love you just as you are. And if you’re lucky enough to have a good one, maybe reach out and tell them.

Because life’s too short not to love your people out loud.

- Gentry

02/27/2025

I have approximately one thousand pairs of shoes. Maybe more. I stopped counting when I realized I owned multiple pairs of nearly identical black boots, each with a very specific purpose. (One for casual days, one for dressy occasions, one for “I might need to run from a bear but still look cute.” You get it.)

So naturally, I’ve decided I want to build a tiny home.

Just me—oh, and the kids, Ricky, the pets… OH, and the chickens and baby goats I want. Just a simple, peaceful, minimalist life. You know, the kind where everything is tiny except the chaos.

I can already picture it: a cozy little cabin, surrounded by trees, with a perfectly curated capsule wardrobe and only the essentials. Sounds dreamy, right? Until you remember my essentials include 27 pairs of boots, 14 variations of sneakers, and at least three different colors of wedges “just in case.”

Meanwhile, Ricky is talking about how “we’ll have to downsize” and how “we won’t have room for extra stuff.” Sir. You own exactly three pairs of shoes. This is not your battle.

And let’s not forget the other occupants of this tiny utopia—the kids, the pets, the future chickens, the inevitable baby goats (because obviously, we need those), and whatever other animals I convince myself we must have. At this point, we’re not building a tiny home. We’re building a very small barn with a shoe problem.

If you need me, I’ll be researching how to fit a walk-in closet and a goat pen into 300 square feet while Ricky tries to pretend this is all normal.

02/27/2025

🍷📺

I sat down to write something funny today, but honestly? I got nothing. The world feels a little too heavy, a little too messy, and I just don’t have it in me to make a joke.

So instead, I’m doing what any rational person would—pouring a glass of wine, curling up on the couch, and rewatching old Giada episodes like they hold the answers to life. Something about her perfectly enunciating ‘spaghettini’ just soothes the soul.

The world might be a mess, but at least my wine glass is full and my pasta pronunciation is improving. Cheers, y’all.🍷✨

02/25/2025

Tasty Tuesday: A Family Favorite That Always Rises to the Occasion!

Some recipes don’t just fill your belly—they fill your heart. And this Asparagus Corn Soufflé from I’ll Cook When Pigs Fly has been doing just that in our family for years. It’s one of those dishes that always makes its way to the table when we’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy without all the fuss.

Clara and Chess both agree—it’s an all-time favorite. Maybe it’s the tender asparagus mingling with the sweet bursts of 🌽corn🌽 , or the airy, golden soufflé that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Or maybe it’s just the magic of family recipes, where the love seems to bake right in.

Whether you’re making it for a spring brunch, a cozy dinner, or just because it’s a Tuesday (and why not?), this soufflé never disappoints.

Do you have a dish that’s stood the test of time in your family? I’d love to hear about your go-to comfort food in the comments below!

Recipe in comments ⬇️

02/24/2025

Unboxing Time! 🕯✨

Y’all, I am so excited about these gorgeous hand-dipped tapers I just got from Mole Hollow Candles in Massachusetts, and I had to share!

There’s something so simple yet beautiful about hand-dipped candles—the way the wax layers build up, each one a little different from the next, all perfectly imperfect. These soft green beauties are almost too pretty to burn… almost.

Each taper burns for about 4 hours, perfect for a cozy dinner or a relaxing evening. And can we talk about the little touches? The hand-signed box (You did a great job Brandon!) and that sweet tin of candle care goodies just make it feel extra special.

I can already picture them glowing on a spring dinner table, or even just adding a cozy touch to a quiet evening at home (with a glass of wine, of course).

Mole Hollow has been making candles by hand since the ’60s, and you can feel the love in every one. Bonus? They drip less and burn clean—so no waxy mess!

Have you ever used hand-dipped tapers? Or are you team “light ’em and forget ’em” with the battery-operated kind? No shame either way—but I’m officially obsessed.

🕯✨

What do you think? Ready to post or want any tweaks?

02/24/2025

Let’s talk maple! 🍁

(and GIVEAWAYS!!)

Be honest… how many of y’all are still buying that yucky fake syrup from the grocery store? You do know it’s not real, right? (No judgment… okay, maybe just a little.)

Last year, I visited my very first maple farm, and it was amazing. The smell of sap boiling, the rows of maple trees tapped with buckets—it felt like stepping into a New England postcard. But the real game-changer? Maple cream. Where has this been all my life?! If you’ve never spread that sweet, buttery goodness on a biscuit or straight onto a spoon (no shame), you are missing out.

✨ GIVEAWAY TIME! ✨
To celebrate Maine Maple Sunday season, I’m giving away a bottle of real Maine Maple Syrup AND a jar of that dreamy Maple Cream to one lucky follower!

To enter:
1. Like this post ❤️
2. Follow Maine Magnolia 🍂
3. Comment below with your favorite way to enjoy maple (pancakes? biscuits? straight from the spoon?) 🥞

Bonus entry: Share this post to your stories and tag me!

Winner will be announced on Maine Maple Sunday (March 24th)! Good luck, y’all! 🍁💛

02/23/2025

It’s a sleepy Sunday here in the Sip. Ricky’s still snoring like a freight train after a big night out with friends, and Sadie and I are out here living our best lives in the SUNSHINE — one of us chasing squirrels, the other dodging them (I’ll let you guess who’s who).

Lately, I’ve been wound tighter than a tick on a hound with all the political chaos, so today I’m giving myself a break — no news, no drama, just some fresh air and space to breathe. Sometimes you’ve gotta unplug before your head pops off like a champagne cork.

Counting down the days until I’m back in Maine next week, where the air’s cooler, the views are prettier, and my attitude can finally get the adjustment it desperately needs.

Here’s to sunshine, squirrel chases, and not losing your mind — at least not completely!

02/22/2025

Sitting at the salon today, I couldn’t help but giggle. There we were—hair in rollers and foil, looking like a cross between a beauty queen in progress and a baked potato—gossiping like school kids. “Did you see…?” and “Girl, let me tell you what…!” echoed over the hum of hairdryers.

And lawd, if only the world knew the power of a salon chair circle. We’ve got enough wisdom, opinions, and political strategies to solve global conflicts and still have time to debate whether bangs are really making a comeback.

But here’s the beauty of it all—sometimes it’s less about the hair and more about the heart. The way we show up for each other, through highlights and heartaches, foils and frustrations. It’s our own little therapy session with a side of hairspray.

So, here’s your weekend wisdom: Find your circle. Whether it’s in a salon chair, around a kitchen table, or on a front porch swing—surround yourself with the people who let you be you, rollers and all.

02/21/2025

From the Heart Friday: The Art of Friendship

My son Chess has always had a heart that stretches far beyond himself. Sure, he’s a beast in the gym and a force to be reckoned with on the baseball field, but it’s his kindness that truly makes me proud.

When he was little, there was a man who sat on his porch steps every morning on our way to school. Day after day, Chess would see him sitting there, a quiet figure in the morning light. One evening, I noticed Chess at the table, focused on drawing a picture. I asked what he was working on, and he simply said, “You’ll see.”

The next morning, as we got into the car for school, he clutched that picture in his hand. “Mom, we have to stop,” he said. So I pulled over in front of the house where the man sat every day. Chess jumped out, picture in hand, walked right up to him and said, “Hi, I’m Chess, and I’d like to be friends.”

That moment sparked a beautiful friendship between Chess and Mr. Merryman. They didn’t share much in common—just a boy and an older man—but their hearts connected in the simplest, purest way.

When Mr. Merryman passed away, Chess and I attended his funeral. Chess had drawn one last picture, this time of the two of them together. He handed it to Mr. Merryman’s son, a quiet gesture that spoke volumes. As we filed past the casket to say our final goodbyes, I noticed something that stopped me in my tracks. There, resting on Mr. Merryman’s chest, was Chess’s drawing—their friendship sealed forever in that moment.

It’s moments like these that remind me how the smallest acts of kindness can leave the biggest marks on our hearts. All it took was a simple picture and the courage to say, “I’d like to be friends.”

02/21/2025

You know that thrill when a package shows up at your door, and it’s exactly what you hoped for? That was me today when a beautiful wedge of Taleggio cheese arrived, straight from Italy (thanks to a little late-night online shopping at Zingerman’s). Soft, creamy, with that signature tangy bite—it practically whispered, “Make something delicious.”

So tonight, I did just that. I whipped up a Creamy Taleggio Pasta with Spinach, sausage and Walnuts, and y’all… it was chef’s kiss perfection. The Taleggio melted into the silkiest sauce, coating every strand of pasta, while toasted walnuts added the perfect crunch. A little lemon zest for brightness, fresh spinach for balance, and suddenly I had the ultimate comfort food on my plate.

There’s something magical about turning a simple package into a soul-warming meal. Paired it with a glass of wine, sat down, and for a moment, it felt like I was dining in a cozy trattoria somewhere in Italy (but, you know, in my kitchen).

Lesson learned: never underestimate the power of good cheese and online shopping.

Who’s ready to order some and try this? I promise, it’s worth every bite.

https://www.zingermans.com/

Recipe in comments!

02/19/2025

❄️

In Maine, snow means business as usual—schools open, roads clear, folks heading to work like it’s nothing. In Mississippi? One snowflake hits the ground and it’s pure chaos:

🛑 Shut it all down!
🥛 Bread and milk frenzy begins!
📺 Local news running ‘Snowmageddon 2025’ coverage!

I woke up this morning to 54 degrees inside the house—no heat. Ricky’s stumbling around, half-asleep, mumbling something about thermostats and fuses, while I’m wrapped in three blankets, watching my breath fog up in the living room.

Even Sadie took one look outside, sniffed the cold air, and turned right back around—‘Nope. Not today.’

So now I’m parked by the window, sipping coffee, and giggling as my neighbors attempt to “walk” on ice like newborn deer. Ricky’s still mumbling. Sadie’s still judging me. And I’m just soaking up this rare Mississippi snow day in all its chaotic glory. ❄️☕🐾

02/19/2025

Protecting Our National Treasures

Acadia National Park is more than just a stunning landscape—it’s a piece of our collective soul. It’s where memories are made, where we find solace in the waves crashing against Otter Cliffs, where children scramble up Cadillac Mountain, where crisp autumn air smells of pine and salt, and where the spirit of adventure lives in every winding trail.

But Acadia, like so many of our national parks, is facing a loss—this time, in the form of staff reductions. And while I won’t wade into the political waters, I will say this: our national parks are treasures, not just for those lucky enough to live nearby, but for the millions who travel from all over to experience their beauty. They are economic powerhouses, drawing in billions of dollars in tourism revenue. But beyond the numbers, they are places of wonder, places of rest, places that remind us of what truly matters.

If you’ve ever stood on Sand Beach at sunrise, hiked the Precipice Trail, or marveled at the way Jordan Pond reflects the sky, you know Acadia is worth fighting for. So, I urge you—reach out to your elected officials. Ask them to protect Acadia and all our national parks. Because once we start losing these wild, sacred places, we don’t get them back.

Our parks have given us so much. It’s time we give back.

Eight full-time staff at the national park that mostly lies on Maine’s Mount Desert Island were laid off Friday.

02/18/2025

| Wild Blueberry & Pecan Cornbread

Some things just belong together—like cornbread and cast iron, or sweet and savory, or, in this case, Maine wild blueberries and Mississippi pecans.

Cornbread has been a staple on Southern tables for generations, but today, we’re giving it a Maine Magnolia twist. The slight tartness of wild blueberries meets the toasty crunch of pecans, all baked into a golden skillet of warm, buttery cornbread. A drizzle of maple syrup (or honey, if that’s your thing) takes it over the top.

Recipe Highlights:
• Stone-ground cornmeal for that authentic Southern texture
• Maine wild blueberries for a burst of natural sweetness
• Toasted Mississippi pecans for a nutty crunch
• A touch of maple syrup (because why not?)

Serve it warm with a smear of butter, alongside chili, or as the perfect snack with a cup of coffee. However you enjoy it, this cornbread is a little taste of home—no matter which home you claim.

What’s your favorite way to eat cornbread? Sweet or savory? Let me know in the comments! You can find the full recipe there as well! ⬇️ ⬇️

02/17/2025

: The Struggle is Real

Y’all, I don’t know who decided we needed Mondays, but I’d like a word. I rolled out of bed this morning like a biscuit half-baked—limp, lopsided, and questioning all my life choices.

The alarm went off, and I just laid there, staring at the ceiling, wondering if it was too late to switch careers to something that doesn’t require… consciousness. Perhaps I could become a moss-covered rock. Or one of those lobsters in a tank at a seafood restaurant—just chilling, no obligations, no emails.

But no, life called, so here I am, propped up by caffeine and sheer determination, trying to convince myself that today is a gift and not a personal attack.

How’s your Monday going?

02/16/2025

Sunday Doldrums

Some folks call it the Sunday Blues, but today, it feels more like the doldrums. That heavy, sluggish space where time moves like molasses, and motivation is nowhere to be found. Maybe it’s the biting cold, the wind that howls like it’s got something to prove, or the sky, dressed in its most uninspired shade of gray. Or maybe it’s just… Sunday.

I sit here, curled up on the sofa, trying to summon the energy to be productive, but for what? To tidy up things that will be messy again tomorrow? To prep for a Monday that, let’s be honest, is coming whether I’m ready or not? The idea of “making the most of the day” sounds nice in theory, but some days just don’t lend themselves to grand ambition.

So what do we do? Do we force ourselves into motion—exercise, clean, start a project—just to shake the feeling? Or do we lean into it, letting the day be what it is? A pause. A breath. A quiet, uneventful stretch of hours where the most exciting thing might be a second cup of coffee and an old movie we’ve seen a dozen times.

Maybe the trick isn’t fighting it. Maybe it’s embracing the slow. Letting the cold make home feel cozier. Letting the stillness reset something deep in us. And maybe—just maybe—giving ourselves permission to do nothing at all.

How do you handle days like this? Push through or sink in?

02/16/2025

From the Heart Fridays: The Cape (Song in comments)

“He did not know he could not fly, so he did.”

That line from Guy Clark’s The Cape gets me every time. Maybe because it reminds me of the best kind of people. The ones who take the leap even when they don’t know what’s on the other side. The ones who tie a makeshift cape around their shoulders, climb a little higher, and jump—not because they’re fearless, but because they believe.

We start out that way, don’t we? As kids, we trust in our capes without question. We jump off porches and swing sets, convinced we can fly. We make big plans without worrying about the how. And then, somewhere along the way, we start second-guessing. We start thinking about the fall more than the flight.

But what if we didn’t?

What if we lived like that little boy in the song—jumping off the garage with his faith wrapped around his shoulders? What if we bet on ourselves, trusted our instincts, and believed that the wind would catch us?

Maybe today is the day to tie your cape back on. To take the leap, even if your hands are shaking a little. To trust that who you are and what you’re meant for is worth the jump.

Because sometimes, the only thing stopping us… is knowing too much.

What’s your cape? What’s the thing calling you to take that next step, even if you’re not sure where you’ll land? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let’s remind each other to jump.

02/13/2025

Welcome (Back) to Maine Magnolia: A Story of Two Worlds, One Heart

If you’re new here—welcome! And if you’ve been around for a while, well… grab a cup of something warm, settle in, and let’s catch up.

Maine Magnolia is more than a blog. It’s a story—one that started in the red-dirt fields of Mississippi and found its way to the rocky shores of Maine. It’s about a girl (that’s me, Gentry) who packed up a lifetime of Southern roots and found herself falling for the wild beauty, quiet resilience, and rugged charm of the North. It’s a place where two worlds collide, not in contrast, but in harmony—where the warmth of Southern hospitality meets the crisp, pine-scented air of Maine.

What You’ll Find Here

Maine Magnolia is a blend of all the things I love—good food, beautiful places, and the kind of stories that make you laugh, think, or sometimes shed a sentimental tear. It’s a space that celebrates the art of living well, whether that means savoring a home-cooked meal, wandering down a dirt road just to see where it leads, or finding joy in the simple things—like the way the light hits the blueberry fields in fall.

Here’s what you can expect in the coming months:
• Stories & Reflections – A mix of nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt musings about life, change, and the beauty of embracing two homes.
• Food & Culture – Recipes that marry the flavors of Maine and the South, plus deep dives into the traditions and quirks that make both regions special.
• Art & Creativity – Highlights of local artists, makers, and the creative sparks that fuel Maine Magnolia.
• The Great Outdoors – Adventures in the woods, on the water, and anywhere the wild calls.
• Curated Goods (Coming Soon!) – Handpicked treasures inspired by the places and people I love, blending Southern charm with Maine craftsmanship.

Why Maine Magnolia?

Because life isn’t just about where you are—it’s about how you carry your roots, your stories, and your sense of home with you. It’s about belonging, even in unfamiliar places. It’s about embracing the contrasts—the slow drawl of a Mississippi afternoon and the sharp bite of a Maine winter wind—and finding beauty in both.

At its heart, Maine Magnolia is a love letter to two places, two cultures, and the way they shape who we are. It’s a space for connection, reflection, and the occasional biscuit recipe.

And most importantly, it’s a place where you—yes, you—are always welcome.

So, come on in, take a look around, and stay a while. I’m glad you’re here.

Tell me—what makes a place feel like home to you? Drop a comment below, and let’s talk!