Because of Southern Living I contemplate the purchase of Christmas topiary. Because of Southern Living I recognize beachy pastels as possible holiday colors. Because of Southern Living I find my self uttering words like "table-scape" and "disco-ball-esque." Because of Southern Living I am sad. This year's Christmas issue, a "special double issue," found its way … Continue reading Southern Living makes me sad
Year: 2012
Merry and Bright
Every year, as December approached, my grandmother and her friends would start sharing large jars of friendship cake starter amongst each other. After all, what better way to show a little Christmas cheer and help a sister through the stressful holiday season than with a Ball jar filled with assorted canned fruits that had been … Continue reading Merry and Bright
Oh, fudge!
My Granny was not a good cook. There, I've said it. She just wasn't. Granny had many talents, but they were all put into practice far, far away from the kitchen. Unless you count arranging flowers on the kitchen table, but that had nothing to do with food. I remember one time when I was … Continue reading Oh, fudge!
Have you got game?
"Taste this and guess what it is!" Aunt Lois* says to me one Thanksgiving morning while jabbing at me with a carving fork, a piece of grayish meat dangling from the tines. "Go on; taste it!" Now I don't know about you, but I want to be able to readily identify my food. Even at … Continue reading Have you got game?
Baby Jesus would not approve
Something is missing. I've looked for it in my neighborhood, at the mall, on television. Nothing. It was a homely little thing that used to pop in once a year between the end of October and the beginning of December. When it came to visit, it usually brought with it some family — both blood … Continue reading Baby Jesus would not approve
Come play in the deep end
"Do you remember being the only little White girl who would swim in the public pool?" Three times in as many months I have been asked this question by as many hometown African American lady friends. The answer? Honestly? No. "Do you remember teaching the Black kids how to swim?" Sort of. I remember that … Continue reading Come play in the deep end
The Arbor
I have an arbor. I flat love it. Husband hates it - bugs, mess, blah blah blah. I don't care. I have an arbor because Granny had an arbor. I flat loved it. It was covered with muscadine vines growing down to the ground and high up into the trees. I would drag whatever lawn … Continue reading The Arbor
The Intruder
There was an intruder in my bathroom this morning. He was ugly and dark. He slipped up on me silently with evil in his beady little eyes. He made me go cold and hot all at once. He made my heart jump into my throat. He was between me and the door. I was unarmed … Continue reading The Intruder
Manure and a Models Coat
This morning I found myself in the backyard clad in my housecoat and sturdy moccasin slippers. This morning, my left elbow resting on my left knee, my right hand searched down through damp monkey grass for the base of an offending weed. This morning I pulled that weed and a handful more and cast them … Continue reading Manure and a Models Coat
Barbeque like a man
The 4th of July is a time to celebrate America's independence from Great Britain. It is time to reflect on our forefathers and their dream of freedom. A time to remember our veterans who fought hard to preserve our way of life. It is also a time to cook meat. To cook it over fire. … Continue reading Barbeque like a man