Photographs by Melanie Thortis
Something I have really come to love about The ‘Sip — this magazine, as well as the state for which it was named — is the intricate thread of people with whom I have connected and, in many cases, re-connected. It has made me realize how deep the roots of Mississippi really are.
Our cover story focuses on one of Mississippi’s natural wonders, Sky Lake. The Delta attraction is filled with ancient trees covered in Spanish moss. While nature — not people — is the focus of this good read by Outside Editor Nathan Beane, I feel his ‘Sip of Nature spotlight on the hanging moss that is prevalent at Sky Lake brings an important human connection into play.
My childhood home was built on what once was the Natchez Trace. The yard is a virtual forest with trees draped in centuries-old Spanish moss, connecting that place to its origins. Long before my parents poured a slab and made a home for their rapidly growing family, that land was a well-beaten path for Native Americans, settlers and soldiers — an array of people connected through the Mississippi soil.
That same interconnectivity — through each issue — has put me in touch with old family friends, artists and musicians I’ve admired since birth, former colleagues and even the wonderful nurse who helped deliver my son! This issue is no different.
I had the opportunity to reconnect with Shelly Fairchild, a fellow graduate of Clinton High School whom I very clearly remember watching belt out show tunes from the stage of our high school auditorium. Her big voice sent goose bumps rising from my skin, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little star-struck all over again when I interviewed her.
And, I can’t begin to explain the sheer honor it was for me this summer when Gov. William Winter, a person who tops my personal hero list, and his oh-so-elegant wife, Mrs. Elise Winter, welcomed me into their home and shared stories and photos from their glory days.
Gov. Winter’s ever-eloquent words about creating a better Mississippi inspired me as a young Southern Studies major at Ole Miss. I was gripped by his large acts of human kindness regarding race relations.
In addition to the two amazing Mississippians I personally had the honor to spotlight in our seventh edition, this issue offers other great stories of people who make up this thread of community that is without a doubt unique to the ‘Sip and just as Southern as Spanish moss.
Cheers, y’all,
STORY Lauchlin Fields
PHOTOGRAPHY Melanie Thortis
