There’s a thrift store in a nearby town that I visit at least once a week. It’s not the best thrift store – they don’t have any furniture and their hours are kind of limited – but I’ve found a few gems here, including our glassware and Michael Graves phone.
On one of my very first visits to the store, Steel Magnolia was playing on the televisions. Now, if you don’t this late 80’s cinematic gem, you’re missing out. With an all star cast of leading ladies, including Julia Roberts, Dolly Parton, Sally Field and Shirley MacLaine, I immediately fell in love with this tear jerker the first time I saw it as a teenage boy.
Later, as a lonely college student in my first apartment, I literally wore out my VHS copy of the movie. I think I actually broke down in tears on the afternoon the VCR at my tape.
Fast forward 20 years to the day I walked into the thrift store and saw the film screening on the bulky old televisions. It felt like a welcoming hug from my new hometown.
“Drink your juice, Shelby,” I muttered to myself and giggled.
“Welcome home, Mr. and Mr. Blandings,” the movie seemed to say in return.
— J. Blandings
