"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Photo Tribute (Day 5)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Mom and Dad would always joke that Daddy was a country boy and Momma was a city girl. But with how at-ease she looks atop this tractor, you sure can't tell it from this picture! I love her big effortless grin, and she sure was rocking those cigarette pants! So glam!

*It's Day 5 of my 71 day photo series in honor of my dear sweet Momma who passed away on 03.21.2016 after a harrowing 71 day health battle. Those 71 days do not define her. Oh no. What defines her — and me — are the incredible 66 years that she lived her life. I hope you enjoy these snapshots of the beautiful moments and memories of her life.

"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 4)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Mom did NOT like getting dirty or roughing it. She was a true Southern lady, after all. So I don't know what possessed her to go out into this cotton field for a photo op. Okay, okay, I would've done it, too. :) Look at her slay in those little mint green heels and big bouffant!

*It's Day 4 of my 71 day photo series in honor of my dear sweet Momma who passed away on 03.21.2016 after a harrowing 71 day health battle. Those 71 days do not define her. Oh no. What defines her — and me — are the incredible 66 years that she lived her life. I hope you enjoy these snapshots of the beautiful moments and memories of her life.

"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 3)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

My Mom looked like an absolute movie star! I'm going to take a wild guess and say that Mom made her outfit in this picture. She was an incredible seamstress and learned how to sew when she was a kid. They didn't have a lot of money, so she was incredibly resourceful, even making her dolls' clothes by hand when she herself was a little girl.

Nowadays, my closet is full of kuspuks that she has made for me over the years. I will cherish them — and these memories — always.

*It's Day 3 of my 71 day photo series in honor of my dear sweet Momma who passed away on 03.21.2016 after a harrowing 71 day health battle. Those 71 days do not define her. Oh no. What defines her — and me — are the incredible 66 years that she lived her life. I hope you enjoy these snapshots of the beautiful moments and memories of her life.

"Memories of Momma" — A 71 Day Photo Tribute (Day 2)

MEMORIES of MOMMA*:

Mom looks better than Vanna White in this picture! I imagine the Guntersville Dam was a big deal for the Tennessee Valley back in the day, hence this picture. Mom loved going on little road trips to see things or to window shop or to just lallygag on the weekends. It drove my Dad nuts, but she and I always had fun. Daddy would say, "There y'all go, rippin' up and down da road again!" And then he would snarky sing a few lines to Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again."

One of my more memorable road trips with Momma was in 2014 when we drove from Bama to Mississippi to see televangelist Joel Osteen's "A Night of Hope." For Christmas that year, I had given Mom a music CD of one of her favorite Christian country singers, Christy Lane. I had to listen to that dang CD the entire trip! When she wasn't looking, I'd try to change to Top 40 radio, but she wasn't having any of it!

*It's Day 2 of my 71 day photo series in honor of my dear sweet Momma who passed away on 03.21.2016 after a harrowing 71 day health battle. Those 71 days do not define her. Oh no. What defines her — and me — are the incredible 66 years that she lived her life. I hope you enjoy these snapshots of the beautiful moments and memories of her life.