How CountryGranny Came to Be

How CountryGranny Came to Be

A woman, me, working in a predominately-male career craft of locksmithing, learns to be assertive. This self-confidence was a necessity working side-by-side with the husband in our small business in the mid-west, several decades ago.

A neighborhood friend introduced us to a recent transplant from New York and co-worker, a big loveable hulk of Irish descent at six foot seven and all muscle, a boxer and taxi driver with an unfortunately rowdy past. He and his wife made our foursome into six. Family outings, card parties, barbecues are all pleasant memories.

The fun times generated by the regional and cultural differences in speech, food and traditions enriched my life immensely. I draw on many of these experiences in my writing daily.

One day, the group, minus me, started teasing him. "Go ahead, tell her." They all chided. "Come on." They encouraged.

Eventually, after I promised not to be angry. My curiosity became peaked to its limit before he got it out. "You remind me of somebody."

"Ok. Spit it out." I remember answering demandingly.

"Well...you remember that TV. Show, The Beverly Hillbillies." He warily said.

Not wishing to show my age and smiling, "Yeah, it's one of my favorite reruns." The local cable showed this comedic television show often. I never mentioned remembering the original broadcast.

The room quieted as suspense hung in the air. Glancing around, I saw four sets of eyes, widely open, watching in anticipation of great horror.

He said, "You remind me of Granny."

The imagery of this favorite character of mine standing in her giant California mansion kitchen filled my imagination. I laughed and at five foot four inches, weighing in at ninety-eight pounds, sporting a long ponytail twisted up in a sloppy bun, I probably resembled her, yet unfortunately, my personality also fit. My oldest child was in high school with the youngest still in elementary school. I was nowhere near old enough to be a grandmother yet, but the tag stuck.

A decade later, we moved from the big city to a rural country residence. We purchased a few cows, horses and chickens. And yes, now I occasionally wear lace up work boots that end just above the ankle, similar to those worn by the matriarch of the Clampet family, when doing my farm chores.

Therefore, when faced with the dilemma to create a handle and missing the camaraderie of good friends, in his honor, CountryGranny was born.

Word count: 405

Written for:

ID: 1693996   (Rated: E) What's In A Name?  Contestants tell how they obtained their user name or handle in 500 words or less. by blainecindy