Southern Diary
From Sicily to the South at Christmas
A true Italian feast goes beyond the pasta and sauce. Cucidati - Italian fig cookies - are made during the Christmas season surrounded by all ages of women. A Sicilian tradition even in the Western North Carolina mountains.
Things My Mama Told Me (When I Wasn’t Listening)
It’s my alone time that reinforces just how much my mother taught me - even without knowing it at the time.
Done My Work, Time to Rest
It started with my grandmother Mattie. I never knew her, but I have been walking in her footsteps for decades.
My Very Own Magnolia Welcome Home Moment
Who needs a network in order to reveal a home masterpiece? We welcome you into our home. It’s been a long time coming.
The Gift of Ivet’s Vista
Ivet’s Vista was a gift. We had no idea how valuable a tiny piece of land could be.
A Baby, Mama
When your baby becomes a mama, and the world opens its arms and you realize a love like never before
Boat Motors, Fishing Reels and a $.79 Shirt
Sal told us how lucky we were to have each other so late in the life game. He told us lots of things and we took them to heart. Remembering Cousin Sal who changed everything.
Tractor Fixin’
How do you fix a GRAY Japanese Kubota tractor that has been abused, destroyed, ignored, hammered, wrecked, knocked around, bruised, shattered to the point that IF the right parts were found, would it actually work? Would that key turn and that starter roll IF all the pieces were in place? Would papa's tractor - now a sad pile of metal - be reborn to dig and haul and move?
Time Out for Play
Every now and then, you must walk away.
And Just Like That, It’s Been 10 Years
You blink, and it’s been 10 years. An anniversary and a pandemic at the same time. We’re grand like that.
Unconditional
How will you make each day count when your partner leaves? Missing Bear and remembering his lessons.
I’m Glad to be Your Mom
When anticipation takes over and the future is now.
Learn to Spit
The time has come when I must learn to spit . . plus other really gross things!
Open Your Eyes, Little One
Put the little moments in focus, and you’ll understand the bigger ones.
A Letter Five Years, Eight Months Too Late
I found a letter today. It was from mama, and as sure as rain falls from the sky, so did the tears rise in my eyes.
Done My Work
Writing appears to be a family thing. My connection to the words in Southern Diary
Last Train to Clarkesville
You can go home again, but it’s not the same. Just ask this Magnolia tree I planted with my daddy.
Another Pluck, Another Birthday
Thanks for teaching me what I had no clue I was learning. Mama always knows.
At the Gettin’ Store
Everything could be found at the gettin’ store.
Hugging Necks
It’s all about the touch and the hugs. Never doubt.