Just a Pinch of South

For those of us who grew up in the South but have moved elsewhere, we love our roots and all they have provided. There's a lot that I've come to appreciate about the South. But let's be honest, most of us don't want to go back to "full Southern." We're happy with just a pinch here and there to add flavor to the life we live now. If you are not a Southerner, perhaps you'll come to better appreciate the little gifts the American South has given and continues to give our culture. Photos are not mine unless specified. Email me at justapinchofsouth @ gmail dot com. I tweet at @apinchofsouth and my other tumblr is called "everythingthatdoesntfitelsewhere" which is just what it sounds like.

I say y’all, ain’t, reckon, and afta’while. I hunt, I fish, I wear boots, I wear seersucker and bow ties. I have spent my fair share of time flying down dirt roads in a truck jamming country music. But listen to yourselves. Seriously. Especially you, Twitterers. You’re a caricature. I’m so proud to be from Alabama that can’t stand it sometimes; I’m serious, it’s often overwhelming how full my heart is of pride in my country, the south, and my home state. But when every word out of your mouth is Southern this, and sweet tea that, pickup truck here, and belle/gent there, you sound like a Sugarbaker sister, and not in a good way. Be proud of where you’re from, and be ye not ashamed to show it. But please find something else to tweet about…. don’t trade on played out symbols, expressions, and mottos of our Southernness. There are plenty of beautiful things that accompany living here and having a heart that is anchored here; utilize them.

Excerpt from A Gentleman’s Journal blog.