What’s in a name, part 1

Our middle son will turn 17 on May 2, and this is the perfect time to look at how our penchant for family names resulted in him being named "Harris Goodman Wallace." See what I mean about the hair? Our second born was the only one of the three we didn’t know the gender of … Continue reading What’s in a name, part 1 →

Car, don’t fail me now

Car trouble is never convenient. I’ve experienced unfortunately timed car trouble twice in my life. The trauma of the episodes, though not life threatening, imprinted on me the lifelong commitment to only drive reliable transportation. When mileage or frequency of repairs begin to add up, I lose faith in my vehicle and must sell it … Continue reading Car, don’t fail me now →

Fists of fury

“I’m a runner, not a fighter” is my standard line when the subject of fighting comes up. I am not prone to aggression, but twice in my life I found myself involved in the kinds of fisticuffs that boys have been getting into since the beginning of time. My fighting form resembled the gentlemanly and … Continue reading Fists of fury →

The wisest person I’ve ever known

The Rev. Billy Mauldin was my pastor from birth until age 12 when my family moved to Central Florida. Brother Mauldin, as he was known in our home and in our church, embodied the calling of “pastor” for me and was my ideal for a preacher, counselor and leader. The Rev. Billy Mauldin My earliest … Continue reading The wisest person I’ve ever known →

Just Like Mama Used to Say

I really miss colorful, old-timey idioms in everyday speech. Original turns-of-phrase catch my ear and bring joy to my heart. The better a person is at coming up with such quips on the spot, the more I admire them for their quick wit, intellect and personality. You know the kind of sayings I’m talking about: … Continue reading Just Like Mama Used to Say →

My spelunking adventure

In February 2008, not long after my oldest son, Barron, turned 7, the two of us went with our Cub Scout pack to Cumberland Caverns in McMinnville, Tennessee. The excursion included a walking tour, an adventure tour, spending the night in the cave, and eating breakfast underground the next morning. It was Barron’s first overnight … Continue reading My spelunking adventure →

Rigorously pre-planned, spontaneous romance

Valentine's Day is supposed to be about romance. After 24-plus years of marriage, romance can be elusive. To help Carla and me, and hopefully you, rekindle the spark of true love, here is the 100% true story of the night I asked Carla Barron to be my wife, by far the most romantic moment of … Continue reading Rigorously pre-planned, spontaneous romance →

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 →

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? →

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 →