She had such a strong presence. She reminded me of a hot southern mess with determination, creativity and a mind of her own.
She was born in Wisconsin in the 30’s which doesn’t make her actually a Southern Belle, but she was born in the depression and had to learn very quickly how to survive.
It seems like most people born in that Era had a different mindset. They were hardworking creative scrappers who had to survive and provide for themselves and their family.
Just like my grandparents who were the same way growing up.
Something that is lacking these days in our instant gratification wimpy society.
Some of my favorite movies of hers include 'Hope Floats" with Sandra Bullock, 'Something to Talk About" with Julia Roberts, and 'The Notebook' with James Garner and Rachel McAdams. In all 3 roles she played a Southern Woman who had undergone some very difficult situations and seen some hard times. She had to make up her mind to see things through and actually do what you say you are going to do. What a concept these days!
Throughout her career and personal life she had shown grit and determination. She once told the LA times that she took on the persona of her character so much that when she dreamed she dreamed in character. Now that is a person with a dedicated spirit.
In a world of lackluster and no follow through, Gena led by example of what a strong southern woman looks like and how to shine bright.
These days if it’s hard no one wants to do it. They make excuses why not to instead of Why Not!
This quote I have tried to live by… "Doing the hard thing first makes your life easier, doing the easy thing first makes your life harder".
She seemed to know how to suck it up buttercup and put her big girl pants on.
Her husband John Cassavetes produced many of her movies. They took a big gamble on a film together early in their careers and it payed off. They remained married and worked together until he passed in the 90’s. What a testimony. Working together, being married and not killing each other :)
Some days when I’m feeling low and don’t have the energy to take on the world, I remember this powerful woman who had strength and grace. And just like that moment in'The Notebook' when her mind cleared for just a little while from the horrible disease demintia and she looked at James Garner who played her husband of 50 years saying "I Remember!" "I Remember!" with all the passion she had in her...
My hope is I can have as much passion and grace as Gena had and remember who I am and who God made me to be. A Powerful Southern Force.
This is my go-to biscuit recipe.
*ANGEL BISCUITS
INGREDIENTS
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup milk
Heat over to 425F.
Grease a baking sheet pan.
In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter until fine crumbles form.
Stir in the milk and blend until well combined.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Kneed lightly, then roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick.
Cut with a biscuit cutter. (Yields 10 to 15 biscuits, depending on how big your biscuit cutter is.)
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking pan. Make sure they are not touching!
Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, until slightly brown on top.
Enjoy!
*Recipe courtesy of 'The Secret Ingredient' Copyright © 2018 by Gigi Butler
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sold opinion of the writer.
