#conversation Archives - Embrace Southern States

SINGING ROAD TRIP DAY

June 24, 2024 by angelchatt

Singing travel writing photographer tries to connect with the world.

Singing out loud and proud with car windows down on the outskirts of some small town. No, that is not how I attempt to begin writing a country song. Instead, it is how I attempt to embrace joy and freedom and make connections and make some sense out of life.

This is a raw, honest look at a day in the life of one person who tries to connect with the world. She does so through travel, photography, and writing. Sure hope you are paying attention to the little details.

This hobby, this passion for solo road trips and songs leads to…this next thing…stopping each time I see an old and abandoned building. This other hobby, this other passion makes me grab my Canon. I love the beauty in abandoned places and want so deeply to capture the perfect photo that I could share with the world in both words and images.

Abandoned shack in rural Virginia, lonely and empty.

Is it ironic that I spend hours alone in my vehicle searching for lonely structures that sit looking so sad and empty? What I mean is… the irony… is how intensely I desire to connect with you (or y’all) and share all this with you. Of course, by you (or y’all) I mean the entire human population of this beautiful Earth.

Perhaps I love solo travel on quiet country roads because I have trust issues. My history of family dysfunction followed by poor interpersonal relationships could make for a great novel someday. But today I am too busy applying these labels to myself: singer, solo road tripper, photographer, and travel writer.

If you and I did happen to meet in person along the way, I would love to sit down over a cup of coffee as we compare notes on all the labels which we apply to ourselves.

Coffee at The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Missouri

At first our chat would be all upbeat, full of sweetness like puppies and cotton candy. Later I could ask you my standard set of interview questions which I would use in a month or so to write a wonderful article about you and how you connect with the world.

Yes, I have done that quite well and often.

But if we lingered too long together, I would eventually try to tell you how much I care. How much I care about you and love and peace and joy. Or even worse, I might ask permission to hug you… knowing full well that my poor heart would be wounded if you were to say no.

Yes, that has happened a few times. Singing travel writing photographer tries to connect with the world.

So, let’s review, shall we? Sometimes the only things that really make sense to me are to take pen, paper, and camera on a leisurely drive. The pen and paper are proof that I am proudly both old and old school. The leisurely drive will most likely be somewhere between Louisiana and Virginia because I am a lover of the Southeastern United States.

Yes, I do say y’all and I do eat grits. And, yes, I have an unquenchable desire to connect with those who can appreciate the subtle beauty and joy in art and nature.

While driving I usually sing songs that somehow relate to my current location. In Louisiana it could be anything by Louis Armstong with an occasional bit of “Zydeco Bounce” thrown in just for kicks. In Mississippi it may start with “Biloxi” by Jimmy Buffet and probably conclude with “Down in Mississippi (Up to No Good)” by Sugarland. My two absolute favorites while in Alabama are “My Home’s in Alabama” and “Sweet Home Alabama”.

Yes, I do have favorites for all thirteen of the states in which I travel and write.

The perfect singing road trip day often looks like this. I am taking photos of a stunning sunrise near a river.

Boats at sunrise on Darien River in Georgia.

Next comes coffee and shots of small towns, old barns, and those forgotten and forsaken remains of any structure, be it either chateaux or shanty.

When my tummy growls, I stop at the most charming small town nearby. There I go for just a teensy-weensy salad followed by the biggest and most decadent dessert available. Both are devoured voraciously with no attempt to hide my hedonism.

Selectively I scan for locals who appear friendly. This is the tricky part. I wish to engage in meaningful conversations without overstepping or offending. I want to share my love of travel with them while simultaneously gleaning useful local information. Remember that part I mentioned earlier about my poor heart being wounded? Right! Now do you get the gist of my problem?

The best conversations are cause for rejoicing. The ones that did not go so well make me feel like I’m in hell. Once I’m back in my car I begin singing to either celebrate the magical connection or soothe my spirit while recovering from the awkwardness. There you have it, the whole linguistic drawing of the whole bigger picture. The circle is complete.

You and I are right back to where we started. Hopefully, you are tuned in and connected so completely that you do, indeed, get it!

Outskirts of some small town in Alabama.

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Meet Melvin Beal: On TV and Talent

October 15, 2020 by angelchatt

Some people are good at speaking in person. Others prefer to speak behind a microphone or a computer. Some people are good at being charming, funny, or heartfelt. Others make it their mission to broadcast a clear and direct message. Melvin Beal does all these things, and does them tremendously well. He uses his time and his talents to share stories of hope that could transform the world.

Could you tell me a little about your job?

My job is to make sure people in our area can view programs on WVUP-TV. I make decisions about the quality of program content that appears on our channel, which is an affiliate of the Christian Television Network. I have a talent for expanding, enhancing, and exposing God’s kingdom through excellent content.

Would you share a bit about your background?

A proud Tallahassee native, I grew up three blocks from FAMU. I worked in both radio and TV while at FAMU majoring in broadcast journalism. I worked in Tampa for some years. Coming back home really made me understand how deeply I love and appreciate Tallahassee.

What do you enjoy most about Tallahassee?

We have great educational institutions with excellent sports. There are many cultural and historical sites, such as the Museum of Florida History. We have some of the most beautiful gardens and parks in the world. Cascades Park is the newest example. There is also a marvelous diversity among our people.

What travel destinations stand out to you?

Toronto, Canada, is one of the cleanest cities I ever visited. A place that I would love to visit in the future is Alaska.

What is the most fun thing you ever did?

Broadcasting college football games as a play-by-play announcer on ESPN was an incredibly fun and exciting opportunity that I will always cherish.

What passions and hobbies are important to you?

I enjoy taking daily two-mile walks throughout my community. I spark my creativity through prayer and meditation. I have talent in website design and content. Food and music both play a big role in my life. But my deepest passion is being a people person.

Do you think you are a great people person?

Absolutely, I am! My mom, who was my hero, taught me to always acknowledge and speak to people. Sharing conversation with others means connecting. Connecting leads to gaining knowledge. I believe it is vital to discuss all aspects of an issue with transparency and honesty. That leads to any needed resolutions and better understanding. My biggest strength is meeting people and engaging them in meaningful conversations.

What makes you an exuberant person?

My joy is anchored in my solid conviction that there is nothing too hard for God.

Do you have a message to share with the world?

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness.

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Melvin is friendly, funny, and fascinating. He really can spend hours swapping stories with a stranger. Yet, dang y’all, the person walks away feeling like an abundantly blessed and deeply moved friend.

I hope YOU will take a moment to share your comment about this article, thank you.

Meet Shari Hubbard: To Feed and Inform

September 30, 2020 by angelchatt

She finds great joy in helping to feed her community. She finds a feasible framework for informative conversations about hunger. She finds flexibility is an important approach to both her life and her work. She finds wonderful ways to feed her body, mind, and spirit. She finds respect in helping others reach their full potential.

What is the nature of your job?

My title is Director of Communications at Second Harvest of the Big Bend. I help inform and engage stakeholders regarding issues on food insecurity. I get to help our food bank make a tangible difference for vulnerable and underserved citizens. I get to show people how they can generously help their neighbors. I get to know that, in my own small way, I help feed hungry families and children. All of us work as a team, inspiring each other, toward our mission to supply healthy and nutritious food.

What makes your town a great travel destination?

Tallahassee has so many wonderful events and attractions. Parks, greenways, restaurants, museums, festivals, concerts…the list goes on forever. People should enjoy places like Cascades Park, Goodwood Museum, Mission San Luis, and the fantastic local libraries. Of course, we have great sports events here, too. I had a blast attending FSU’s first national championship game.

Don’t you have some background in travel?

Yes, before working with nonprofits I traveled many places in destination marketing. I love Maine, California, Colorado, as well as the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. Places high on my bucket list include Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, and the Greek Isles. I plan to return to Scotland to explore my Scottish heritage. Oh, and eating my way through Tuscany was a particularly fun adventure.

Which are you more passionate about: art, food, or music?

That’s a hard choice! I grow my own herbs. I love to cook and develop my own unique dishes. I’m not artistic but do appreciate all forms of art. Collecting art from my travels is a great way to remember an experience. I love live music. My first-ever arena concert was Bruce Springsteen on the “Born in the U.S.A.” tour. Recently I took my teenage son to his first concert, Imagine Dragons. What an amazing time that I know we’ll both remember forever!

What relaxing activities do you most enjoy?

Walking a trail by a “cathedral of trees” is great exercise and where I get my best ideas. Being alone in nature clears the mind and leaves me calm. I also very much enjoy reading. Spending time with my chosen family of smart and supportive friends is dear to me. So is my faithful companion, a miniature Australian Shepherd named Rudy Lu Wigglebottom.

What makes you an exuberant person?

Anticipation! Looking forward to a grand adventure or a sweet conversation with friends. I try to listen respectfully with an open heart and mind. To find common ground and understand others is so important.

What is your key message for the world?

Be intentional in your kindness toward others. You will never regret a kindness.

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Dang y’all, Shari Hubbard is a sparkling ray of sunshine in Tallahassee. She brings a deep sense of value and purpose to her role of helping feed the hungry with Second Harvest. She is smart, kind, and could have a meaningful conversation with anyone.

I truly urge YOU, dear reader, to leave your comments.