Hey Y'all!

Grover 41yrs Bernice 38yrs, and Janice 1yr
Easter Sunday in March 1953
Battery in Charleston, SC

The process of being inspired is fun. There are lots of elements, all orchestrated together on a perfect timeline, that yield a desirable result. For years I have been thinking about recording my Grandma’s stories, but have not executed any of sort of plan. Last year I went to use something special of hers and decided to call her to get the full story. The short conversation turned into something larger as it had warmed my heart and made me realize how precious this time was that I still had with my Grandma. From this experience came my first piece, A Hot Summer’s Plate. 

Who would be interested in this? A question I have been asking myself and admittedly an issue of fear that has been holding me back. Worst case scenario is no one. The more I thought about it I figured at least my Mom will read it! There you go, that’s one and that’s enough for me so ONWARD! However, I think it will go beyond family and a few friends. I think there are lots of people out there who would love to connect with a member of one of the hardest working and patriotic generations in history. Some of you have lost your grandparents or parents and are desperate for a dose of comfort, even if it’s not your flesh and blood or blood kin as she would say. Familiarity can feel so good, even when you fought it your entire life growing up. Exploring our roots can help explain us and even heal wounds that were left without a chance of repair. 

Another possibility is you are a Yankee, like me, with roots down South. Those folks from the low country can seem different with their Southern drawl, fat filled foods, and dazzling charm. I want to crack a window and breathe in the pine straw summer air that fills brief memories of my childhood and has influenced who I am without me even realizing it....that is until I am at a party and the napkins aren’t pressed! (Actually, let’s be honest, the napkins around here are paper. Very few people in these parts use cloth napkins and if they do they certainly aren’t hand starched!)

Let’s get one thing straight. This ain’t no picture perfect granny we are talkin’ about here! Despite her age of 96, this delightful woman is a show stopper. Someone that everyone knows and if they don’t know her they want to. This is a lady that has a busier social calendar that me and my Mom combined. This is the baby of a family of four that lived through the great depression, multiple wars, civil rights issues, and technology booms. She was widowed at a young age and never remarried. Good thing her Daddy was a no nonsense German man who wasn’t afraid of hard work because she would be a single mother her entire life. None of these hardships stopped an award winning teacher from living. She persisted with her love of God, family, country and good old fashion fun. Bernice B. Hill is a secret gem of the South. 

Please join me, a young midwestern momma of three, as I unearth stories that will likely make you laugh, cry, hollar, and maybe make you sit up a little straighter in your chair (have you ever had a knuckle in your back for not doing so)! Follow me as I help you to fall in love with ideas of old.