I answered the door to let my grandparents inside, and Granddaddy said, “These are the longest days.” It was a strange, yet not unexpected greeting. My retired County Agent grandfather measured life by crop schedules. “Hey honey” Grandmother added as they both hugged my neck. I took the paper bag of corn and a basket…
I was driving through a tunnel of green leaves from Wetumpka to Peach Park. It was early June and the corn was shooting up as the mimosas were popping out. The invasive tree always zips me back to being 7 years old on a steamy hot morning, when my Grandmother plucked a pink pom-pom from…
Many of our classrooms had no air-conditioning — and this was in Florida. The “delicate” children of today with their worrywart parents and lawyers would surely melt under these conditions. But we were tough . . . and we didn’t know any better. We were busy having fun and learning at Myrtle Grove Elementary School.…
It’s a small “do-it-yourself” booklet. Printed on a copy machine and stapled together by hand, and yet, it offers the comfort and style of a professionally bound classic. “Paper Flowers” is a collection of short verses, deep thoughts, funny sayings and poetry, written by a cousin of mine, Laura Nell Harrison. Laura Nell was actually…
After spending the last 10 years writing a weekly newspaper column, it seems strange not to write my usual Christmas story. Now that the weight of a deadline has been lifted, I’ve been able to focus on a few other projects like . . . a Christmas BOOK! Yes! Plans are underway, so we’ll see…
Here’s the interview I did with Andy Andrews on his podcast, The Professional Noticer. We discuss the many things we have in common in addition to writing and storytelling, and since this was made, we also realized Andy’s mother and I were both born in the same tiny town of Florala, Alabama. We have to…
I’ve been dying to tell you about my new project, and now it’s time! Introducing, Wisdom Harbour – a new web site from Andy Andrews. It’s been a long labor of love for sure— not by me . . . I’ve had the fun and easy part. But New York Times best selling author, Andy…
This recipe is so strange – almost like a science experiment, but it will be the easiest, and most delicious dressing you’ve ever made. Your guests will love you. I’ve had stuffing in a turkey — once. That was enough for me to add another reason why I love living in the South. There’s nothing…
Always wanting to be properly dressed, I searched my closet for a replica of what Lucy wore when she and Ethel stomped grapes. It was the closest activity I could associate with my first olive harvest. Planted in my backyard in humid Alabama for less than a year, I didn’t expect the little olive tree…
Those seated near me in church surely thought the Holy Spirit was doing a number on my heart, when in reality, the vintage earbobs I wore were doing a number on my earlobes. The pain, pinching and pulsating pressure sent tears streaming down my face. Once belonging to my grandmother, the tiny enamel bouquet of…