In today’s New South Essays, an in-depth analysis of post-modern themes in contemporary Southern literature. But first, the jobs report… Monday, June 5, 2023, was a historic day for the Wallace household. All three offspring were gainfully employed. Now, back to literary blathering and self-important bloviating… Seriously, though, Monday was a big day. Barron, our … Continue reading Summer jobs
Tag: Southern Culture
Canoe conversations
I am always seeking out ways to maneuver my offspring into meaningful conversations. I went into this parenting thing believing the lie that family dramas on TV sell (I’m looking at you Seventh Heaven) about deep conversations with your children happening once every 23 minutes only to discover that it’s really hard to find a … Continue reading Canoe conversations
Dear Class of 1988
This week our middle son, Harris, graduated from Parkview High School in Lilburn, Ga., with all the usual pomp, circumstance, cheers, tears, and, of course, speeches. Parkview’s graduation speakers included the valedictorian, salutatorian, and several members of the senior class who were selected from two-minute auditions. Harris’s speech, titled “Unlimited Potential” was chosen, and he … Continue reading Dear Class of 1988
Advice for my great grandchildren
I’m still in the heat of battle of raising children. It is beyond my comprehension that I will one day have grandchildren, much less that they will have children. The thought of having great grandchildren gives me hope, and in that spirit I offer the following advice to them as a voice from beyond the … Continue reading Advice for my great grandchildren
One of the best dates ever
This week Carla and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary with a Friday night dinner at Perry St. Chophouse in downtown Lawrenceville. Highly recommend, by the way. The happy couple for anniversary No. 26 at the Perry St. Chophouse in downtown Lawrenceville. The night out reminded me of one of the best anniversary dates of … Continue reading One of the best dates ever
My greatest achievement in life
It's the end of another school year -- the senior year for my middle son Harris -- and I am once again sitting through awards ceremonies, concerts, performances and graduation events. When not doom scrolling on my phone in the more tedious moments of such rites of passage, I find myself reflecting on what all … Continue reading My greatest achievement in life
Where to find Real Nice Art
It goes without saying that you support your children’s endeavors, but when our oldest son, Barron, started doing sketches and watercolors of buildings on a commission basis for actual money, I was proud of his entrepreneurial spirit, amazed at his talent and hopeful for his future. As his spring semester at the University of Georgia … Continue reading Where to find Real Nice Art
What happens on spring break
Last week our family managed to take a three-day getaway during Gwinnett County Public Schools’ official spring break. We spent the rain-soaked time relaxing in a cabin in Highlands, N.C., where we escaped during the pandemic in 2021. This year we ate in restaurants, shopped in downtown Highlands and nearby Cashiers, grilled out, played games, … Continue reading What happens on spring break
The best cooks in my family
My family isn’t really a big food family. Sure, we eat together, and like all families, we have made good memories and had meaningful conversations over meals. And we have our share of good cooks. But in my mind, no one person wins the prize as “best cook” in our family. When he was younger, … Continue reading The best cooks in my family
Songs embedded in my earliest memories
I was listening to a special episode of the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” during my Saturday walk a couple of weeks ago. The guest was 77-year-old Canadian-American singer-songwriter Neil Young. I almost skipped it, but I’ve learned that anytime a podcast lands in my feed that I don’t think I’ll care much about, … Continue reading Songs embedded in my earliest memories
New South Essays 