Last Saturday I had the opportunity to spend four uninterrupted hours in the car with my oldest son. There were certain topics I had decided ahead of time that I wanted to discuss with him to take advantage of this gift of time alone.We had no trouble talking about how he spent his week with … Continue reading A Father’s Wish
Tag: Southerners
Wedding faux pas?
Weddings in the New South bring up all sorts of issues never before encountered in the history of weddings. Last weekend, Carla and I took our oldest son, Barron, to his first wedding -- the marriage of his youth minister, Matt Hester, and our friend Courtney Phillips. It was a beautiful and somewhat unorthodox ceremony and reception that … Continue reading Wedding faux pas?
Summertime blues
My innocent Facebook post on Tuesday sparked enough comments to let me know I struck a nerve. Here’s what I posted the morning after Memorial Day: “Remembering that as I return to work today, Carla is at work 24/7. Summer vacation for children means summer overtime for parents who stay at home full- or part-time.” … Continue reading Summertime blues
A new page
Did you miss me? For the first time since I started New South Essays in March 2011 I have hit a wall. Failing to post an essay three out of the last four weeks, I've succumbed to inertia, and it threatens my blogging endeavor. In addition to my absence from the blogosphere, I also have to admit that the quality … Continue reading A new page
The old/new way to listen to live music
There’s something humbling and heart-warming about being invited into someone’s home. Hospitality stirs a powerful response of gratitude. Every time I sit down to a meal or stand around eating finger foods in someone’s home, I know they have gone to a tremendous effort and expense. I feel valued. Now, add in the experience of … Continue reading The old/new way to listen to live music
Robertsons taking the New South by storm
They’re bearded. They’re quotable. They’re camouflaged. They’re armed. They’re wildly popular. They are the Robertsons. Unless you manage to completely avoid all media – other than New South Essays, of course – then you have probably seen or heard about the Robertson family. The pride of West Monroe, La., the Robertsons are self-proclaimed rednecks who … Continue reading Robertsons taking the New South by storm
Goofy Southern Golfers: A New Tradition Unlike Any Other
Based on in-depth demographic research, I’ve determined that New South Essays readers may not know that this week is the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga. As a public service, I am writing to let you know that this is happening , and it is important. Or at least it is to some people. Like … Continue reading Goofy Southern Golfers: A New Tradition Unlike Any Other
Pollen counts
Nothing says springtime in Atlanta like piles of facial tissues, billowing clouds of yellow dust and an encouraging addition to the weather forecast known as the pollen count. Simply defined, the pollen count is the number of grains of pollen in a cubic meter of air. It is measured by placing a silicon-covered rod outdoors … Continue reading Pollen counts
Etiquette just clogs your inbox
In the South, we are taught to thank everyone for everything, even when we don’t mean it. In the age of digital communication, Southern manners are annoying. Whether you know it or not, we are now being conditioned to say only what’s absolutely necessary. Well-mannered professionals in the New South are being encouraged to let go … Continue reading Etiquette just clogs your inbox
Bracing
You cannot bear your children’s burdens for them. On Wednesday, our 12-year-old son, Barron, began a two-year journey with orthodontia. My wife and I can commiserate, but we cannot take away the discomfort and self-consciousness. As one of my former editors used to say, it’s his bear to cross. By the grace of God and … Continue reading Bracing
