Afternoons in the WF

Honestly, some days are just better than others at the WF.  And all of us that have been charged with and serve the WF have our own special places and our own special things on or inside the property.  My personal space is sitting alongside our fountain.  And just after our June fundraiser, the fountain was cleaned and repainted...and, WOW!  The gurgling sound spikes the senses, but it's the bright cerulean blue that simply lures you to the crystal water!  At first, I was a bit taken back...thinking the color was too bright and distracting.  After seeing the fountain in the light of the late afternoon...I can't begin to think how any other shade of blue could possibly be more magnificent.  Simply, it's beautiful.  If you haven't seen it, please...stop by the garden anytime.

Another element that makes some days better than others is our guests.  We host unique and very diverse guests from all over the United States and much of Europe.  Usually we never stop touring once we start...it's just one after the other (which is fantastic, I wouldn't have it any other way).  Our senior docents tend to use a very detailed "script" (because it's tried and true), other docents have their own approach to serving as docent...focusing on their "favorites" inside the WF, and then....there's me.  I use a combination of techniques, depending on the interest level of the guest.  There are some guests that make you feel like you're at home and love to share experiences and reminisce.  That's a sure sign that it's a "better day".

Yesterday was just one of those days.  While I was on schedule to cashier in the museum shop, our docent on duty was already covered up with guests, having to bring in straggling guests, and jump around in her usual dialogue (which always keeps us sharp)...there were four guests to arrive that just captured my full attention.  So, I locked the door, put the phone in my pocket, and away we went!  The guests included

Lyda Kay Ferree with VIP MidSouth Magazine (in which we'll be spotlighted in the September issue) and her gentleman friend (and I do mean Gentleman...what a guy).  The other two were the most sincere and precious mother and daughter guests I have hosted in quite some time (Apparently, the Mississippi river is sole property of this Montana mother..."Ms. Terri's River").  Her daughter, Tiffani, would roll her eyes and grin.  Hosting these four wonderful folks is a docent's dream...we strolled through the mansion discussing achitecture, history, fine art, culture...we even got a visit from Miss Mollie...it's days like this that makes me a much better person. 

I take the WF and her history very personal, as if this were my very own.  And when I host graceful folks, it makes me so very proud, honored, and a bit humbled.  Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum is a place for EVERYBODY to come and enjoy the rich history and experience the gracious customs of such a genteel era.  So, come share a glass of iced tea and a "better day" with us very soon!