I am old enough to remember a time when kids had to learn to drive with everyone around them blissfully unaware that their life was in danger. It was a simpler time when "road rage" incidents made the local news and didn't have their own category on YouTube. We learned to drive and taught our … Continue reading Please be patient
I recently discovered a 24-year-old reality TV show, and I am obsessed. Streaming live for free on the internet since 2012, this show airs most days between 9 a.m. and noon from January to the first few days of April. Occasionally there are special episodes that run longer or even air at night, and there … Continue reading My new favorite reality TV show
Confrontations with the truth can be so startling it takes time to process the impact. We adopted Archibald “Archie” Wallace last February 5 from the Society of Humane Friends in Lawrenceville. They had received this beautiful parti poodle from a group of dogs rescued from a hoarding situation in Coweta County. (I documented this joyous … Continue reading Who wears the (under) pants in the family
Quick, how many age-related cliches can you quote? You’re only as old as you feel. Age is just a number. I’m having a senior moment. You’re not getting older, you're getting better. Or my personal favorite, the twist on this last one which was used by the “Keenagers” senior adult ministry at our church in … Continue reading Discovering a new way to measure age
Raise your hand if you’ve heard yourself respond to a question recently with an overly enthusiastic and unnecessarily mathematical “100%!” No one? Just me? Oh, there you go. I see your hand. When a simple "yes" isn't mathy enough for you, opt for a percentage. It's way cooler, and it's not a fraction. Yes, this … Continue reading Playing the percentages
Unlike every other internet influencer that has been serving up Christmas content since August, New South Essays observes a rigorous adherence to a holiday schedule that allows each celebration to have its own, dedicated season. With Thanksgiving now in the rear view, we can officially turn our attention to Christmas. And in this season of … Continue reading The definitive must-watch Christmas movie list
When you’re one of 93,033 screaming, barking fans Between the Hedges on a fall Saturday, it doesn’t seem like a statistically unlikely occurrence. And when you are among 4,000-plus taking in a show in the Broadway series at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, you are not that special. When it happens somewhat spontaneously during a busy season … Continue reading Say ‘yes’ to the best
If you are able to enjoy a brisk morning walk along North River Drive in Lilburn, Georgia, free of entangling spider webs, you’re welcome. Since the onset of spider web season, I have been the person clearing the way for you at least three mornings a week in the pre-dawn hours. I’m not saying I’m … Continue reading Web walking
On Monday, August 18, Sharon Elrod Wallace turns 80. I’ve written tributes and reminiscences before, so to commemorate this milestone, I’d like to share my special birthday wishes. (By posting it to New South Essays I know you’ll see it because you are usually the first person to read my weekly posts each Saturday.) Mom, … Continue reading 80th birthday wishes
If laughter is the best medicine, I may have a drug problem. In fact, it’s the only medicine I’ll take on the regular. As I age, I find humor to be the most reliable way to lift my mood and generally feel better. At least 226 of you who posted on my Facebook timeline already … Continue reading A Dusty Slay birthday
