Triumph can turn to tragedy
Features Columnist
When Peggy Sue went away, just fell off the face of the earth with no warning or even a holler, we all wondered where she had gone.
Mama always ‘figured it out’
The Dixie Diva column
Mama was stubborn. “Set in her ways,” is what country folks call it and, boy, was she. When she made up her mind, nothing stopped her.
Shaped-note singing has a heavenly sound
The Dixie Diva column
One day over lunch, my new-to-the-South-but-thoroughly-loving-it husband commented on the choir singing at our church which is led by my brother-in-law, Rodney.
Heaven’s blessed, but I’m distressed
Features Columnist
It seems too many loved ones recently have said good-bye to this vale of grief and sorrow and said hello to sweet eternity.
My luck has to change
In the past several years, I have had as much luck visiting the historically preserved home of Southern iconic writer, Eudora Welty, as I would have had when she was alive. The front door is always shut to me.
Third row has precious memories
The Dixie Diva column
To be just downright honest, I never expected to miss him this much. And, if the deeper truth be told, perhaps it isn’t just the loss of a singular man, though great and admirable he was.
Just what will people think?
The Dixie Diva
A major New York publisher sent a review copy of a much touted novel called “If Jack’s In Love.” Because I write about the South and because this book had won the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction, the book’s publicist followed up with an email.
Living a dream is the true reward
The Dixie Diva
It has long been my belief that the dreams tucked into our hearts are the compass we’re given to find our direction in life. Children know at an early age what they’re called to do.
Tradition’s something to parade around
The Dixie Diva column
If Tink had any hesitation about coming into a traditional Southern family, there was only one: our happy, colorful Easter parade.
Inspiration the write stuff
Before I say this, just know that I am not bragging. I am sure that this is not anything to brag about. But you and I are friends and I always endeavor to be honest with you so you should know the truth.
Learning names key to connecting
It is of paramount importance that I teach my husband how to be a Southerner, at least a half-decent one if not one of regal bearing.
Returned calls come at a price
Back in the summer, unwillingly, I would rise early and take a run to beat some of the oppressive heat and humidity that smothers the South when the sun inches higher in the sky. Many mornings, I encountered something that would stick with me for the rest of the run.
Kids in middle do pretty well
The Dixie Diva column
Little Danny McGuire was the scrawniest kid in class. He was so frail, so downright skinny, that his dungarees clung to his bony hips only thanks to a well-worn brown belt that was pulled tight to the last notch, causing the fabric to gather in folds.
Better days are a-coming
Mama’s favorite phrase when I was growing up — particularly during the defiant teenage years, especially when I sassed her — was “you’re gonna pay for your raising one day, little lady.
Better days are a-coming
Opinion Column
Mama’s favorite phrase when I was growing up — particularly during the defiant teenage years, especially when I sassed her — was “you’re gonna pay for your raising one day, little lady. Let me assure you of that. You just wait until you have children and see how they behave.”
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