Beth from NOLA

Name: Elizabeth Logue Doiron Quon

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

What food reminds you of your childhood? I'm a New Orleans girl, which means we're used to over-indulging-so you'll understand why I can't pick just one food. There are two meals that always remind me of childhood: Mother's red beans & rice, and King Cake. And when I say "Mother's", I'm referring to my mother, and not the fabulous eatery with the same name. Both foods have a smell that send me straight to heaven-and don't get me started on how savory they both are. One is salty, on is sweet, and both have been permanent food fixtures in my life as long as I can remember. Only good memories come from eating good food.

What is the biggest difference between how you were raised and how children are raised today? Goodness I could go on and on about this one...

My home was-in my opinion as a child-a very strict one. I see more freedom in homes today which can be good, but with some parents, they tend to over do it. This is a generation of over-indulged youth. Laughable, I know, since I just joked about growing up as an over-indulged child. But it's true.

The good thing is this: I know more parents who try to do the right thing, than those who simply don't care. That has to mean something, doesn't it? Sometimes it takes a little time for things to settle into younger minds, but I do see the effort put in by parents and a reciprocated effort by their children.

Yes, there are children who talk of too adult topics, sit in front of a gaming system or television too often for too long, who speak garbage, and show little to no respect for their peers and parents at times. But they're children, and we're the adults. We're here to guide them, love them, and in some cases, steer them in a different-or more moderated-direction.

I don't remember these being issues when I was a child. I don't think there was half as much available to us, and technology has certainly changed everything. It was all "He-Man", and Star Wars, and trying to get a glimpse of the ever ellicit MTV. But then, I was a child. Age and parenthood certainly gives you a different take on this topic-and it can lead you to ramble. So in the end my thoughts is this: children today are on a completely different playing field, in a completely different world than the one we grew up in. But parents still have the same basic goals, right? That gives me some hope.

If you could go back in time and be the star of any movie what role would you fill? STAR WARS!!! Oh, in a heartbeat. I'd tell George Lucas what a brilliant Leia I'd be-and he'd know that I was right. There wouldn't even be a screen test. I'd really do those buns on the side of my head justice because they wouldn't overwhelm my entire face, plus, I look really good in thigh-high boots. Harrison certainly wouldn't be complaining ;). I may not resemble a nerd, ladies and gentlemen, but I wear my badge proudly nonetheless.

Imagine that your mother is being given an award and you are asked to introduce her at the event. What would you say to introduce your mother? "It's rare when you find someone with great talent and heart. Someone who can immerse themselves in honing a skill, then turn around and completely give to others in the most unselfish manner. My mother is one of these rare, shining gems; a woman it's taken me years to come to know and understand. This is a gift in and of itself. She's spent her entire life giving and not asking for anything in return. Yet she's had a very fulfilling life. As much as she's shared with me, I cannot wait to share her with all of you. Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you my mother...."

Do you have a blog or website that you would like to plug?

I'd love to, thanks! If you'd like to get to know my family and me a little better, come and visit our family blog: thequonfamily.blogspot.com

Get to know the Southern Blossoms! ------------------- Beth was one of the first people I met when I went to my college orientation. Can I just tell you that there is no better ambassador to the deep South than my friend Beth? She is the epitome of class and poise with the delightful added bonus of being a Sci Fi geek. Her blog is fun to read and full of cuteness and good food. People go on and on about kids these days but I have to say that I am inspired by the very young generation that is just starting up. I feel like with our piss poor economy and a shift to a more environmentally sustainable way of life is producing some kids that are a little more back to basics.... a little more like an older generation that conserves instead of wastes and cherishes simple things. We still have to wait for this current crop of teen-aged weirdos to grow up and muck things up for a while but I don't know.... I'm feeling pretty hopeful about some of the little ones. This isn't to say that all teenagers today are bad. I think that the very media that feeds them is also portraying them in a bad light. Teenagers, like all people, are individuals and should be treated as such.