I could see fine until I was 18. My distance vision began to blur my senior year of high school, and I became a glasses wearer right before I went off to college. I switched to contacts sometime in my early twenties. My active lifestyle called for fewer objects on my head while I did … Continue reading Progressive progress
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Ain’t no party like an 80th birthday party
I recognize that we have just emerged from a festive season, but in my world, the holidays were just the warm up for some truly historic occasions. Last week we celebrated my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday, and my dad’s 80th is just around the corner. All of the forethought and planning that have gone into acknowledging … Continue reading Ain’t no party like an 80th birthday party
Buc-ee’s is the fillin’ station of the New South
I believe it was William Shakespeare who first said, “Get thee to a Buc-ee’s,” in his 1603 groundbreaking work, “Hamlet.” And folks traveling the South’s major highways have been flocking to the always open convenience-store-on- steroids ever since. Much has been written and broadcasted about the chain of gas stations since Arch “Beaver” Aplin III … Continue reading Buc-ee’s is the fillin’ station of the New South
Cruising at Christmas
Going on a Caribbean cruise at Christmas time is an exercise in cognitive dissonance. Don’t misunderstand me, it was a fun exercise, and I highly recommend it. It’s just weird. Unlike Luther and Nora Krank, we did not elect to skip Christmas in order to go on a cruise, but like the Kranks, we discovered … Continue reading Cruising at Christmas
The Official Wallace Family Christmas Letter 2023: Clickbait Edition
Last year I decided to revive the tradition of sending a family Christmas letter. I used the internet sensation that is New South Essays rather than putting ink on paper, and it went viral! Well, not exactly pandemic viral, but literally dozens of people were interested enough in our family’s doin’s to click on the … Continue reading The Official Wallace Family Christmas Letter 2023: Clickbait Edition
Holiday countdown-itis
We’re conditioned from kindergarten to anticipate a significant break from industrious activity at the end of the calendar year. I’m sure you remember those halcyon days when playground conversations focused on what you were going to ask Santa to bring you for Christmas, the construction paper Christmas tree crafts, the classroom Christmas party, the church … Continue reading Holiday countdown-itis
When traditions end
This week the Lilburn Wallaces will gather around our dining room table for a feast of turkey, dressing and all the fixins. I have committed to enjoying this day fully because I don’t know if 2023 will be the last time we enjoy our Thanksgiving this way. Traditions have a way of ending unintentionally or … Continue reading When traditions end
50 years of special
On Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, Carla Barron Wallace turns 50. There, the secret is out. I’m just glad she has finally caught up with me because I’m tired of how eagerly she reveals my age (53) to people while insisting she’s “MUCH” younger. Now that we’re back in the same decade, that “MUCH” is much … Continue reading 50 years of special
Musicals on the brain
Last weekend Carla and I saw the play “Fairycakes” at Oglethorpe University. There was one musical number and a reprise, but the show could not be classified as a musical. It was both poignant and funny, and the student performances were great. It was a delightful night at the theater. On the way home Carla … Continue reading Musicals on the brain
Watching ‘Psycho’
Next week is Halloween, and scary movie season is back. For some reason, everywhere I go this year I’m confronted with the question, “What’s the scariest movie you’ve ever seen?” Having recently indulged in a rewatch with the family, I have been saying, “Silence of the Lambs,” but the truth is a classic of the … Continue reading Watching ‘Psycho’
New South Essays 