Southern Diary
The 9/11 dad
A chance snapshot 25 years ago developed into a deep connection.
The window to your soul
Cody was the first “being” that Len and I shared. One day, shortly after Len and I met, this bouncy, stray puppy appeared on our porch, starving for food and attention. We gave him both, and that was the beginning of our 11-year love affair with a mut.
A new year with a clean calendar
A new calendar makes me giddy. The crisp and pristine white paper, ideal for making lists and slaying chaos.
The invisible line that is 66
Here we go 66. Let’s make it awesome.
My love affair with vintage Louis Vuitton and classy ladies
My love affair with vintage bag - specifically Louis Vuitton - began years ago, and now, bags are coming home.
I knew you were here all along
Uncovering the lady within took decades, but I think she’s finally here.
I will live deliberately
It’s amazing how powerful a piece of paper and a pair of scissors can be. Learning to live deliberately.
The Effort to Get Home
The effort to return home is just that, an effort and one I make daily.
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.