What's In A Name?

Barb, over at A Chelsea Morning is challenging us to explain how we chose our blog's name.

So, here goes.

My dear friend Nancy at The Ultimate Creator and My Many Impressions encouraged me to start a blog. She had started two blogs- one for her business and one for personal use. Nancy knows how much I love to write and just be silly, so she thought this bloggin' nonsense would be right up my alley. (I say nonsense because most of what I post doesn't make a lot of sense.)

Finally, one day I sat down at my computer, logged on, and began to, like Pooh, "think, think, think." I knew that I would write about The South, my family, silly stuff in life, and about my faith in God. I can be serious from time to time, but most of what I write is at least an attempt at humor. That just comes more naturally to me than profound embellishments of magnolias and mint juleps. (Can you see where this is going?)

Most of my life, thankfully, has been filled with laughter- the laughter of my friends, family, extended family, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cousins, and stray dogs under Granny's house. That is why my blog isn't loaded with mush. Laughter has always been the medicine for me, although Zoloft and Effexor work pretty well, too.

Back to the name.

I love Mary Engelbreit. Her art has always inspired me. It makes me smile. My favorite tote bag has one of Mary's works on it with a woman at her desk, feet propped up, straw in her mouth, and a view of the farm in the window. It also reads, "We Don't Care How They Do It In New York." So, while I didn't take Mary's creation, I was inspired by it.

Another thing you must know about me. I have never really cared about doing things just because that is how everyone else is doing things. If you ever really meet me, most likely you will know right at the start where I stand on things. I don't apologize for that. And, I also respect the views and convictions of others.

So, that is how it all came together. A little sassiness and a little southernness all in one. And, that is also how my old header came to be:

Being Southern has nothing to do with magnolias, mint juleps, and the mason-dixon line. Southern is a state of mind, a kind of soft, warm blanket that you wrap around your shoulders, rocking on the porch on a cool evening. It warms you. It comforts you. It just plain makes you feel better. And, no matter where you are from, you can embrace the Southern state of mind. So, come on and sit for a spell. There's always room for you on the porch.

You still have a Standing Invitation to sit on the porch. Have a seat in the swing. The chain creaks a bit and the neighbor across the street stares a lot. (We call her Mrs. Kravitz.) Just stick out your tongue at her and wave. She'll pull the drapes. Always works for me. ;>)