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.
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.
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.
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.
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
An Orange Slice of Cake
It’s a memory as sweet as the oranges. Dessert was not frequent at our house, but every now and then, mama’s Orange Slice Cake made an appearance.
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?
Back to the Beginning in WV
It’s the oral tradition of passing down family information that guides us as we look for Len’s father’s family. What little we know takes us to the remote town of Littleton, WV.
The Backstory
Once upon a time a trip across the Helen-to-Hiawassee mountain delivered an unexpected treasure.
Unconditional
How will you make each day count when your partner leaves? Missing Bear and remembering his lessons.
Exercise the Tie That Binds
No matter the geography or time, some relationships stand the test of it all.
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!
No Room in the Inn
In the end, there’s no room for what makes us sad or devalues our being. Time to clear the deck.
Open Your Eyes, Little One
Put the little moments in focus, and you’ll understand the bigger ones.