Folkways Nowadays turns 10 YEARS OLD TODAY! Back on July 22, 2011 when I hit “publish” for the first time, I never dreamed that this blog would quite literally change my life in ways I never expected. Here are just a few: Because I started writing regularly, I was able to publish a dang book, … Continue reading A Decade of Folkways Nowadays
Tag: Southern culture
The Devil’s Beating His Wife
Come late spring, early summer we in the South, at least here in Alabama, enter a strange weather period. It could be 90 degrees one day, but it might be 70 the next. One minute it’s dead calm and you think you’ll drown in the humidity, then all of a sudden a nice breeze will … Continue reading The Devil’s Beating His Wife
Where is “yonder”?
The question of the day is just where is “yonder”? Or should the question be how far away is “yonder”? Or maybe it’s what the hell is a “yonder”? If you already know the answer, you're a card-carrying Southerner but you should still read on for fun. If you don't know the answer, today's your … Continue reading Where is “yonder”?
Debunking Myths about the South (Part 2)
The other day, I started debunking popular myths about the South — fallacies that my Southern friends and I are constantly asked to corroborate. If you missed the first part, you can read it here. This is the second installment. Now let's go forth and speak a little truth! Myth: All southern accents are created … Continue reading Debunking Myths about the South (Part 2)
Debunking Myths about the South (Part 1)
Y’all, it’s time to dispel some myths about the South and Southerners. We’ve all fielded the questions, as dumb as they are, but enough is enough. Every single one of these misconceptions is a real-life example of something I, or someone I know, has encountered when they ventured either north or west. That’s why I’m … Continue reading Debunking Myths about the South (Part 1)
A Southern Solstice Celebration
“Today is the shortest day of the year.” I remember Daddy telling me that when I was about four or five as we were leaving Granny’s house where we had been opening presents and celebrating Christmas with the family. It was probably only about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, but it was already getting dark … Continue reading A Southern Solstice Celebration
The Best Thing About the Holidays
Late afternoon cocktails. That’s one of the best things about the holidays. Well, aside from the birth of Jesus, watching the children's eyes light up in wonder and joy, and peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Yes, cocktails come in about number four. But ... there’s also the love of family, and giving beautifully … Continue reading The Best Thing About the Holidays
Sweet Potato Pie
The influence of African-Americans on Southern food cannot be ignored. From greens to okra to ham hocks and more, many of my favorite dishes originated from a culture that is not my own. And Thanksgiving always features something that is extremely prominent in traditional African-American food — the sweet potato. I love sweet potatoes. You … Continue reading Sweet Potato Pie
Pinto Beans Just Like Mama Used to Make
Being from South Alabama, I never realized that pinto beans were a thing, something to be sought out, a comfort food. We just never ate them. We ate red beans and broad axes and navy beans and lima beans, but never pinto beans. In fact, I didn’t even know they existed until I was in … Continue reading Pinto Beans Just Like Mama Used to Make
Red Beans and Rice — A Comfort to Your Soul
Beans beans, good for the heart! The more you eat, the more you … like ‘em! You know I just couldn’t resist! Seriously, red beans are good for you — full of iron, protein, and vitamin B. And they’re good for the wallet too! You can feed nearly a dozen people for under $10. And … Continue reading Red Beans and Rice — A Comfort to Your Soul