First born

I am the firstborn son of a firstborn son, but it wasn’t until my first son was born 21 years ago that I began to understand how little I knew about being a parent. Carla and I waited until she finished her master of social work degree before having children. It took us a little … Continue reading First born →

Winner, winner hamburger dinner

I attended what was then known as Troy State University from 1988 to 1992 on a full academic scholarship. The financial aid package, named for former Alabama Governor George C. Wallace (no relation), covered tuition, fees, room, and board. The “board” part of my scholarship entitled me to 20 meals per week in Stewart Dining … Continue reading Winner, winner hamburger dinner →

What I admire most about my dad

Today’s post is in celebration of my dad’s 78th birthday. All relationships are complicated at times, and the bond between fathers and sons is especially freighted with family history, birth order dynamics and role expectations. I have been blessed to enjoy the benefits of a healthy relationship with my dad for nearly all of my … Continue reading What I admire most about my dad →

Rivalry weekend: Why can’t we all just get along?

We’ve reached that special time in the college football season when interstate and intrastate rivals meet head-to-head for bragging rights, championships and bowl invitations. If your family survived the political arguments over the Thanksgiving table and disagreements about decorating the Christmas tree, this display of division and antagonism can finish you off, sending family members … Continue reading Rivalry weekend: Why can’t we all just get along? →

The music, man

I’m not sure how it happened, but I have a musical family. Saturday two weeks ago proved it. My oldest son played trumpet in the University of Georgia Redcoat Band in a game against the University of Arkansas. My middle son played trombone in the Parkview High School Marching Band in the Lake Lanier Tournament … Continue reading The music, man →

Welcome to ‘Thrillburn’

Tonight thousands of Lilburnites will gather at Lilburn City Park for the Independence Day celebration known as “Sparkle in the Park.” Or, as I like to nonsensically call it, “Sparkle in the Parkle.” The Fleetwood Mac tribute band "Rumors" rocks Lilburn City Park on June 4, 2021. July Fourth is a time when our Atlanta … Continue reading Welcome to ‘Thrillburn’ →

Making up for lost time

The anticipation of being with my brothers for the first time in six years exploded into panic when I reached the Atlanta airport main security checkpoint. I couldn’t find my driver’s license. Somewhere between my car when I retrieved it from my wallet and slid it and my phone into the front pocket of my … Continue reading Making up for lost time →

Southern Q and A

Introduction: The following is a collaboration by Lance Elliott Wallace of New South Essays Blog and Tara Cowan of Tea & Rebellion Blog. We are excited to share a Q&A on Southern life and culture based on questions we have received. Before we jump in, we thought we would give you an idea of our … Continue reading Southern Q and A →

Inquiring minds

The South is a region of the United States that evokes strong reactions and many questions. It's the latter I'm interested in for my April post. I am writing a Q&A with my collaborator, Tara Cowan, a Tennessee lawyer and writer of historical fiction. We want to know any questions about life and literature in … Continue reading Inquiring minds →

Pandemic Parenting

I’m no expert, but it’s not hard to observe that parenting has shifted radically in the new millennium, especially in the South. Gone are the days when a child would have their mouth washed out with soap, their face slapped or their bare bottom switched. Now, we send small children to the timeout chair. We … Continue reading Pandemic Parenting →