The not-so-secret code of Southern passive aggressive speech is most fully realized in the simple phrase “bless his heart.” This quintessential put-down has become so cliché that every Southern sit-com from “The Andy Griffith Show” to “Designing Women” to “Evening Shade” has referenced it. What’s interesting is that “bless her heart” is being replaced. In … Continue reading I’m just sayin’ bless his heart
Tag: Southern
Call your Mommer ‘n ’em
As long as I can remember, my mother has been “Mom.” I’m sure when I was just a babbling little baby she started out as “Mama.” There was probably even a “Mommy” phase that ended at about the age of 8. It wasn’t until I got to college in Troy, Ala., that I routinely heard … Continue reading Call your Mommer ‘n ’em
Bottle fed
A few weeks ago, Carla and I took the boys to see her parents in Sandersville. A welcomed retreat from the suburbs to small town Southern life, these trips are especially meaningful to the boys. In Sandersville, they get to enjoy life in a different way. On this particular visit, Nanny and Poppy had a … Continue reading Bottle fed
Pretty in pink
My general fashion rule for a sports coat is this: Navy only unless you’ve just won a golf tournament. As the 2011 Cherry Blossom Festival comes to a close this weekend in my former city of residence, Macon, Ga., I have been reminded of the proud tradition carried on by so many Macon patriarchs and … Continue reading Pretty in pink
A different sort of madness
I live in a sports-obsessed suburb of Atlanta. A nearby public park where I run boasts a number of youth sports activities, and on any given night or weekend, you will find a parking lot full of minivans and SUVs adorned with stickers and magnets representing more sports than you’ll find in the Olympic games. … Continue reading A different sort of madness
New South Essays 