why don't you set a spell

I am a GRITS (Girl Raised in the South). I grew up in the beautiful Queen City (Charlotte, NC). For obvious reasons, I can't tell you where I live now, but I can say that I'm still in NC. Contrary to news reports and movie roles of people from NC, we are not all mullett-rocking, accent-possessing morons with no education who live in small shacks and poop in the woods.

I actually don't consider NC completely southern. After all, the state does have the word "North" in it and that should count for something right? When I think of true "southern" charm, images of large, welcoming front porches complete with ferns and rocking chairs come to mind. Every evening around sunset, the porch beckons the owner (along with the glass of sweet tea or lemonade) outside to watch the Creator paint the sky with the most beautiful hues of purple, pink, and orange. Once the sun has gone down, the lightning bugs flicker and dance and a gentle breeze ushers in the evening.

No matter where in the south you live (if in fact you do), you can probably agree with me on this one thing - your mama or your grandmother taught you some manners proper for a young lady. I can still hear my grandmother saying in her sweet, lilting voice, "Sit up straight at the table, its impolite and unhealthy to slouch." She would also tell us, "Be polite to everyone you meet." My "Nana" was a southern lady to the core and was incredibly hospitable and kind, welcoming anyone to come visit.

So, in the spirit of all that is southern, I welcome you to my front porch - figuratively speaking. If this is your first time, sit down relax, and stay a while. If its not your first time, then welcome back! The more on the porch, the merrier - and I have a glass of lemonade or sweet tea for each of you! I'll even make unsweet tea for you non-southerners.

Oh, and I would love to know those of you who stopped by...feel free to leave a comment. There's no such thing as lurkers - lurkers schmurkers - only friends!

(photo from hgtv.com)