I'm a southern girl. I grew up in Mississippi, lived in Memphis for 25 years, then moved to New Orleans in 2012 when my husband and I became emptynesters. I work out in the country but still drive like a Memphian. 

 

The Saints are my heart. The year they won the Super Bowl I tattooed a fleur-de-lis on my ankle. I never wanted to forget that joy. 

 

Mama's gonna gimme one-a huh kidneys. If you hear me talking in an exaggerated Southern accent, it's probably a Steel Magnolias quote. I fancy myself Clairee but my friends tell me I am definitely the Ouiser of the group. 

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Preachers & Storytellers. Walker Percy (also from Covington, La.) once said, "There are two types of people who come out of Louisiana: preachers and storytellers. For god's sake - be a storyteller! The world has too many preachers." I am a writer by trade and have worked in PR & communications for 25 years. 

 

My bay-bees. All the photos on my phone are of my dogs. My dragons, Shelby, Bandit & Thor. I'd give mah dawg-a kidney if he needed one. 

 

It's Kalisa. With a "K." Ka-lisa. (kuh-LEE-suh) My mom made it up.