Being Southern means many different things to many different folks. What does "Being Southern" mean to you?
Do you say "y'all" ?
 |
| Hey y'all |
Do you drink sweet tea?
 |
| Sweet Tea |
And do you end your sentences with "Bless your heart" ?
To me "Being Southern" is a state of mind and a sign of actions.
Being Southern means slowing down, rocking on your front porch, and saying "how ya do" as neighbors and strangers pass by.
Being Southern means always caring about the smallest of details--- fine invitations, place cards, guest favors, and great parties.
 |
| Fine invitations |
 |
| Place cards |
Being Southern means having good manners, using them often, and being hospitable. Southerners say, "yes ma'am & no ma'am... yes sir & no sir".
 |
| Emily Post's Etiquette |
Being Southern means looking forward to happy hours. Sharing a cocktail or three---mint juleps, sazeracs, old-fashioneds, hurricanes, or Ramos gin fizzes---with great friends is something we always have time for and look forward to.
 |
| Mint Julep |
 |
| Sazerac |
 |
| Pat O's Hurricane |
 |
| Ramos Gin Fizz |
Being Southern is enjoying a wonderful meal, whether it be a box of crispy fried chicken or a fine Southern dish (spicy, of course!).
 |
| Popeye's Famous Fried Chicken |
 |
| Upperline's famous Cane River Shrimp & Grits |
And all Southerners understand the importance of maintaining a certain joie de vivre. We never take ourselves too seriously.
From bow ties and seersucker to oak-lined coasts and daily newspapers, Being Southern means lots of different things to all types of folks.
Being Southern and maintaining Southern values and traditions are very important to me.
What does Being Southern mean to you? Let me know!
