Southern Diary
My Nativity Story
One day, I received a letter in the mail. What I would find inside would rock my world. Next in the mail, a jewelry box.
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.
Lessons From the Attic
Whatever you find in your attic is a history of your life. Look for the details.
Two-Timing Tendencies
It’s just really hard to replace items you loved. However, in this life, it’s a given.
The Great Unifier: Ice Cream
Sharing that first bite of ice cream together ensures a life-long bond. There’s no competing with ice cream - smothered in crunchies.
To The Younger Me, This is Old
Thanks to the postal service and AARP for preparing me for this day. Hello old age. I think I love you.
Ivet’s Vista Turns One Today
It's been one year since this blessing, and what a year it's been.
I Will Eat Old Age and Stress For Breakfast
I’m getting older day by day, and I hate every second of it. What do you do? You look it in the eye and take it head-on!
A Barber Shop and an Air Compressor
Even I couldn’t comprehend the air compressor, but Len did. It was his version of the blow-out!
One elevator, two stalkers, three minutes, and four quarters
When opportunity presents itself, NEVER walk away. When I question myself, I remind myself when quarters changed my life.
The Plowboy Turned Soldier | WWII
In December of 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked, the country was in mourning, and by June of 1944, Private First Class Lloyd D. Carter of the 1st Infantry Division - Big Red One, found himself in the throes of a choppy English Harbor, on his way to an unknown destination. Remembering Private First Class Lloyd D. Carter.
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.
Once Upon a Bad Boy
There’s a bad boy is every woman’s history. Who’s yours?
Halfway Home to You
I reach back into my diary and realize that even though 10 years has past since we were HALFWAY HOME TO YOU, we’re still holding on to the promise of being together.
Load ‘Em Up and Move ‘Em Out
Moving is a booger, and that’s putting it mildly. I’ve left four homes in my life, and I’m proud that I kept some of my promises to my memories. I’m home for good, and mama’s table is too.
Wool Socks With a View
There comes a time when you have to run away. For me, that happens every Thanksgiving.
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.
What Will Your Verse Be?
What will your verse be?
Here we go, 2024 🎀
Bring on 2024. Give us all you’ve got.
And Again, Thanks for Everything
We look back eight years, and we’re shocked that the things that made us happy then STILL are at the op of our list. In everything - as time passes - give thanks.