Inspiring Margie

Jane:(Margie) I must say that Beth did a beautiful job with her post about what inspired her to create the character of Edna. My character of Margie was inspired by two people;one was real and one was fictional.

First, Margie was inspired by a real Margie who was my family's neighbor when I was growing up. She was extremely nosy and never tried to hide it. For example, if we had company, she'd sit in her rocking chair which she'd pull close to the front door and sit there until they left. Later, she'd ask me who they were, where they were from, etc.

She also copied most of my parent's purchases/home renovations. I remember when my dad had once painted the house exterior. Back then, he sat the empty paint cans out next to the road for the trash truck to haul off. Less than two days later, Margie had bought the exact same paint and painted her house. This also happened with other paint jobs. She'd find out that my mom had painted her kitchen yellow so Margie would paint her kitchen yellow. My mom did not like the copying of everything she did.

There were so many episodes I could tell you but I'll use just one more. This actually happened on numerous occasions. My mom would buy something like a rug or curtains or a small kitchen appliance and the empty boxes would go out on the side of the road. Margie would go buy the exact same item because we'd see the boxes out next to the road. One day, my mom was talking to Margie about some item she had purchased many years earlier and how she wished she could remember where she bought it. Margie told her, " Oh, you bought it at Sears."

Finally, there's the inspiration of actress Rue McClanahan who was the character of Blanche Devereaux on the TV series " The Golden Girls". The character of Blanche had lost her husband, the love of her life, so she was on the prowl for the next love of her life. Margie is looking for that as well. Some of Blanche's gentlemen friends were unsavory characters which is how Edna describes many of Margie's gentlemen friends.

Margie feels like she needs to look after Edna since Margie is the oldest. They clash because Edna doesn't think she needs to be looked after. This infuriates Margie who then issues veiled threats and insults. Like many sisters, however, they do love each other and would defend each other to the end.

Margie has a good heart and means well but doesn't always know how to handle what she feels is rejection. She's afraid that Edna might move out but acts as if that's what she'd like. Margie has a good sense of humor as does Edna so they do have some fun moments. I would certainly be remiss if I didn't mention that Beth also inspires me every day. Margie would be nothing without Edna.

We hope you enjoy Margie and Edna as much as we enjoy writing what they tell us to write.

In which Margie mistakenly thinks she is Blanche

Margie: Edna, I've been watching the Golden Girls all day on my TV. That Blanche is so much like me. We're both true Southern Belles and we both have to knock the men off us. Men are just attracted to sweet things like us but you couldn't possibly understand that.

Edna: You know, it's true that you and Blanche were both hussies, but I think she was a lot nicer than you are. You just go back to watching the Golden Girls and leave me alone, you bully.

Margie: Edna, Mama always said jealousy is very unbecoming and she was right. Those other girls were always jealous of Blanche just like you are of me. It's not my fault that you didn't get a pretty face and trim figure.

Edna: You know what else Mama was right about? The fact that you do not have a kind bone in your entire body. Blanche may have had a sharp tongue, but at least you knew she cared about people. The only thing you care about is your special tea and your stupid Margiedales.

And this isn't jealousy talking, this is a lifetime of experience being your much younger sister. You know how Blanche found herself some new roommates? She put up an ad at the supermarket. Maybe you ought to try that, sister.

Margie: Edna, you'll pay for mistreating your sick sister. I may need to call my male nurse to come listen to my heart.

You go on to the supermarket and answer one of those ads. Pack up your things and move as soon as possible.

Edna: Pfft, no one's mistreating you, you big baby. You're the one who came out swinging with your insults, I'm just pointing out facts. You'd best watch your step; being a bully isn't very heart healthy.

Friday with Rue

Margie: I am very sad today because Rue McClanahan has passed away. I loved her as Blanche on "Golden Girls."

Here's a small tribute:

The lovely Betty White

Edna: Margie, why don't you sit down and watch this rerun of "Golden Girls" with me? I always love watching Betty White, she's so amusing. Did you know she started out on the radio and on TV in the 1940s? That's a long time to be entertaining folks.

Margie: I love Golden Girls and Betty too. Of course I was more like Blanche. Remember when Betty was on Password? I loved that show and her husband was a hottie.

Edna: It figures you'd remember that. You know, she's going to be hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend, thanks to a successful fan campaign on facebook. I'm looking forward to seeing what she does, she's made some funny commercials for the show so far.

Margie: All of that is well and good, sister, but do you know what I most admire about Betty? She is an animal lover and she does wonderful things to help them. You know how I love animals so I appreciate what she does for them.

Edna: I do like to see someone using their celebrity status for good. I think that says a lot about her character.

We'd best take naps on Saturday afternoon if we want to stay awake to watch her on Saturday Night Live.

Margie: A nap is a good idea, sister, but I hope somebody reminds Betty to take one too. She's no spring chicken.

Goodbye Golden Girl

It was with great sadness that I read of the death of Beatrice Arthur on Saturday. She was one of the funniest ladies of television and one of my all-time favorite actresses.

I remember her when she portrayed Archie Bunker's neighbor in "All In The Family." She was such a wonderful actress that she got her own spin-off series called "Maude." It was hilarious as well as serious at times and Maude even discussed having an abortion at one point.

Bea made "Golden Girls" one of my favorite shows ever to be on TV. She had that deep voice and she was tall so she really stood out to me and so many others. Dorothy was and is my favorite of all her roles.

Bea, we'll miss you. Thank you for giving us so many years of your presence and wonderful characters.

We wish to express our deepest condolences to Bea's family and friends.