#Southern

JOYFUL SOUTHERN STATES MOMENTS

by

Do you know what I wish for you? The answer is joyful adventures in Southern States filled with thrilling moments of pure bliss. Those unforgettable times of exploring a destination and forming a vivid new memory filled with beauty, awe, wonder, and happy tears of complete joy!

So, to be clear, the theme of this photo essay is: how you can experience these joyful moments in Southern States. I will share links to the where, then you decide when to go do the doings for yourself. Before you go, I’ll gladly answer questions and help you plan a great trip. After you go, please let me know how you enjoyed it, okay?

MUCH BEAUTY TO BEHOLD

Hopefully we can all agree that beauty is a matter of personal opinion and preference. You may prefer the art of Monet, while I lean toward Van Gogh. You may prefer a ballet, while I find beauty in the sweet and simple things of life that make every day a grand occasion.

Carriage rides around a peaceful lake make for great photos.

Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Bradley’s Country Store https://bradleyscountrystore.com/ hosts an Old Fashioned Fun Day. Bradley’s has been a North Florida tradition since 1927 and generations of folks love their nostalgic store, their sausage, and their annual fun day. I love the beauty of the carriages leisurely circling the peaceful lake as the greenery of the trees is reflected on the water. That’s one way we enjoy life’s simpler beauty in Tallahassee, Florida.

The simple beauty of an old covered bridge is captivating .

Just off State Route 79 about a mile west of Cleveland, Alabama, you will find Swann Bridge Road. Pull over to take some photos of the Swann Covered Bridge that was built in 1933 with a captivating lattice truss design. See https://www.historic-structures.com/al/cleveland/swann-covered-bridge/#google_vignette for details. Look closely while visiting and you will likely see folks fishing or kayaking. In this charming spot you can appreciate how something so practical can also be so exquisite.

A FEW FAVORITE PLACES

How “Southern” are you and how much joy can you handle? I strongly encourage you to be SURE to experience the joyful Southern States moments in these next four places.

Savannah’s Amethyst House is impressive & joyful architecture.

Words most often used to describe Savannah, Georgia, include fascinating, haunted, historical, and unique. Each time I visit I focus on a different aspect such as the architecture, riverfront, food, or fountains. Steps away from the fountain at Forsyth Park view the incredible architecture of the Amethyst House, https://www.amethystgardensavannah.com/ an 1880’s Victorian mansion on Gaston Street, which is now a lavish and popular Inn. Savannah is filled with impressive and astonishing architecture.

Jackson Square in New Orleans equals excitement and happiness to me.

A joyful day in New Orleans, Louisiana, really should include a casual stroll around Jackson Square. https://www.neworleans.com/listing/jackson-square/32150/ Music, laughter, art, and excitement … they all seem alive here. To let the good times roll in this happy place, walk across the street to Cafe du Monde for an order of beignets and chicory coffee. Try it, and let me know what you think!

Marion Square makes me think of … joy and truth!

Next time you visit Charleston, South Carolina, enjoy Marion Square https://www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/park-finder/marion-square/ and the fountain located at Calhoun and King Streets. Colorful shops surround it as playful sculptures of frogs and other creatures enhance it. What I find intriguing are the “4-way Test” questions https://the4waytest.com/history-of-the-four-way-test/ on the benches. Everything about this spot makes me think deeply about how much love and joy I find in the USA, especially in our South. And that’s the truth!

Statue of Elvis feels welcoming in any weather.

Did you ever imagine spending time alone with ELVIS ? In the town of his birth (Tupelo, Mississippi) I spent an hour with him (OK, with a statue of him). People were scarce after a recent snowfall. As you can see from the photo, the statue is in front of the Tupelo City Hall. Tupelo https://www.tupelo.net/ is lovely with tons to discover. Thank you, thank you very much!

AWE AND WONDER

Next are three completely different joyful moments of profound awe and wonder.

Affogato makes my taste buds do a happy dance!

Have you experienced the taste sensation of affogato? Have you ever even heard of it? https://geraldsicecream.com/ Gerald’s Ice Cream in Virginia Beach, Virginia, has perfected the Italian treat by pouring espresso over ice cream and a very precisely prepared whipped cream. This sensory stimulation is sweet satisfaction with a rush of awe and wonder. If you plan ahead, you could sit down for a pleasant conversation with Gerald himself. Go ahead and add this to your bucket list!

Eerily compelling ruins of a once-grand Capitol.

Turn your thoughts to history as you gaze upon ruins. Tuscaloosa served as the Alabama State Capital from 1826 to 1846. This once-grand Capitol later was part of a college that burned down in 1923. If you happen to be out walking at the crack of dawn and literally stumble upon this, as I did, I’m betting you will find it eerily picturesque and compelling. Capitol Park

Oddly beautiful magnolia stamens resemble matchsticks.

About 27 miles south of Columbus, Georgia, on Hwy 27 sits a tiny historic district where a town named Antioch had been renamed Louvale in 1886. The area has four churches, one museum, and only a few other buildings. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Louvale,_Georgia After a heavy rain, I was admiring the trees. The magnolia stamens looking like scattered matchsticks were oddly beautiful. Do you agree?

BRING ON THOSE HAPPY TEARS

These final three photos represent joyful Southern States moments that brought me so much happiness that I really did cry happy tears. I deeply hope you will be able to feel that same emotion when you visit these destinations.

Folk art touches my heart in a huge way, so does my handsome husband.

Near the little town of Buena Vista, Georgia, find the completely colorful one-of-a-kind place known as Pasaquan. https://www.columbusstate.edu/pasaquan/ Several acres of visionary folk art will thrill your senses and fuel your imagination. Take a tour led by Charles Fowler to learn about the legacy of “St. EOM” and hear amusing anecdotes about his bizarre hobbies. The man in the photo is my husband, Tony, and this was part of our honeymoon road trip.

Spinning whirligigs bring a giddy glee to folks like me.

The 2-acre Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson, North Carolina is a folk art lover’s paradise. Over 30 large whirligigs with hundreds of moving parts of aluminium, steel, wood, and assorted moving parts are sure to bring a smile to your face at any age. https://www.wilsonwhirligigpark.org/ As they spin and turn with the wind, your eyes will light up and you may even feel both gleeful and giddy!

Capturing a stunning sunrise on camera is something I look forward to on my road trips. On an April morning in Palatka, Florida, this superbly perfect sunrise over the St. Johns River brought the biggest and most joyful tears I had cried in years. Afterward I took my mother on a tour of Palatka’s famous murals http://www.conleemurals.org/murals.html . It was her birthday, which made me cry more happy tears.

–==–== –==–== –==–==

What do you think? Which photos best caught your attention or filled you with a sense of adventure or joy? Let me know of any questions as you start to plan your own road trip to any of these great destinations. There are unlimited possibilities for joyful Southern States moments and I try to tell you about a whole bunch of them!

Remember: Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS SITE… your kindness WILL bring me JOY !!!

And  SHARE – SHARE – SHARE so your friends can love it, too.

Dang, y’all... JOY & THANKS!

3 WORDS for BETTER ROAD TRIPS

by

An old speech that I gave 50 years ago has inspired me to share these three simple words which could make your road trips significantly better. Are you curious to learn these three words? Discover how three words can make for better road trips.

Discover how 3 words can help YOUR road trips!

The “Discover” photo was taken in Ocean Springs, Mississippi… called the City of Discovery. https://www.coastalmississippi.com/

THIS REALLY HAPPENED

On August 8, 1974, I was about to approach the podium to give the valedictory speech for graduating summer seniors and guests. The high school principal suddenly announced that my speech would be pushed back a few minutes so that we could watch a live televised speech which would prove to be historical.

Then U.S. President Richard Nixon gave his resignation speech!

That was quite a hard act to follow, but I did.

THE THREE WORDS

The three concepts I focused on back then were meant to encourage and inspire my fellow high school graduates. Today those same three words can help travelers who seek more meaningful road trips.

The words are appreciation, anticipation, and adaptation.

APPRECIATION

Appreciation, in the context of our road tripping journeys, means to grasp the gratitude and validate the value of the entire experience. Take time to be grateful for your own research and planning, for others who may have given help or advice, and for every moment of your journey. Of course, you are thrilled about the joyful parts, but are you thankful for the lessons learned by the less-than-joyful parts?

I once did a 10-day road trip that included severe weather with debris blowing across the highway. While I was tense and conditions were worrisome, I later took time to be grateful for seeing a rainbow and for having no vehicle damage.   

Have you ever kept a travel journal? Have you ever kept track of all the people, places, and things you can be grateful for during the journey? Or have you listed the things that happened which you truly valued? That sure can make your trips better!

ANTICIPATION

Anticipation… okay, can any of the other baby boomers automatically hear Carly Simon singing “Anticipation” right now? The very last line is so applicable as you head out on your exciting road trip, “these are the good old days!”

I love the sense of eagerness for something that is soon to happen! Someone hands you a wrapped gift that you can’t wait to open. A loved one prepares your favorite meal that you can’t wait to devour.

Jambalaya IS my favorite meal. What’s YOURS?

Photo taken in Middleburg, Florida in home of a loved one.

Give every moment of your road trip that same level of interest and enthusiasm. That one slight attitude adjustment can add so much value and depth to your travels.  As you research your next destination, notice your level of anticipation about discovering all the best spots to gather and converse with locals or taste local food or enjoy local art.

Find where locals gather, and have conversations.

The above photo is from the campus of the Univ. of Alabama. https://visittuscaloosa.com/

Take time to enjoy the local ART.

This art @ the Welcome Center in Columbus, Mississippi. https://visitcolumbusms.org/

Then kick that level up a bit while finding even more joy in the journey.

Find JOY in the journey. Tallahassee, FL http://www.visittallahassee.com

ADAPTATION

Embrace the unexpected. Let joy be your choice even when it seems things are going sideways. What you may initially see as detours, setbacks, or challenges are often the perfect opportunity to embrace serendipity. By making the most of every moment, you will make desirable discoveries by accident.

One day I was riding with a friend around Joplin, Missouri. She took a wrong turn, and we ended up, quite unintentionally, in Oklahoma! There we got to see buffalo grazing on a Native American reservation. That’s how a minor mistake became a major memory! I also took a photo of Route 66 nearby for another fun memory.

Wrong turn/fun memory Rte 66 in OK https://www.travelok.com/Route_66

By staying flexible and by having a positive mindset you will certainly be better able to laugh off silly setbacks. Those unexpected twists and turns can help you embrace all the wonder of this thrilling adventure that we call life.

Even the smallest detail can add beauty and color to road trips when you use adaptation.

Adaptation adds beauty & color to road trips.

Photo taken in Hamilton, Missouri https://www.hamiltonmo.city/visitor-information

The 3 words that can make better road trips, what are they? If you learned that they are appreciation, anticipation, and adaptation CONGRATULATIONS! You got it right!

NEED HELP PLANNING A ROAD TRIP?

I sincerely hope you got some value from this post. If you EVER need ideas about wonderful road trips in the Southeastern USA, I am glad to offer help. I will (freely) give suggestions on under-the-radar spots to consider adding to your bucket list. I will even (for a tiny fee) help plan the details such as what highway, what to do, what to eat, and where to stay.

In the meantime, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS SITE…because you care!

And  SHARE – SHARE – SHARE so your friends can love it, too.

Dang, y’all... JOY & THANKS!

SINGING ROAD TRIP DAY

by

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.

Map of Southeastern United States !

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.

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.

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.

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.

_+_+_+_+_

For those of y’all who love to EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS SITE…’cause you’re kind & you care! And, for goodness sake, SHARE – SHARE – SHARE so your friends can love it, too. Dang, y’all...JOY & THANKS!

WHAT’S YOUR JOY?

by

What’s your joy? What are the numerous people, places, and things that thrill your heart? What makes your spirit want to sing?

Have you ever met people who are so positive and bubbly that it made you wish to know their secret? Did you ask them, “What’s your joy?”

April Meade shares what makes her so joyful!

With that kind of joy in mind, let’s take a closer look at a precious young lady whom I recently interviewed. Her name is April Meade and she just may be one of the most joyful people on the planet. See if you can relate to any of the things that bring her such joy. (Once you’ve read the article, please leave a JOYFUL comment, thanks.)

A PIECE OF ART & A NOTE

“Narcissus” is a joy to own.

It all started with art and a handwritten note. April made a piece of art, a fanciful blue mirror that she named “Narcissus”, for an annual art auction called Artopia. I won the piece and was so impressed by the attached note that I wanted to meet and learn more about the artist. The sweet and sincere words said she loves to make beautiful things and is honored that a stranger likes her work. Her joyful note touched my heart, so I reached out to ask her to name a place for us to meet.

HER CHOICE OF WHERE TO MEET


Emily at Honest Living.

She chose Honest Living Tea House and Café. Of course, this turned out to be a remarkably vibrant and joyful spot. It is full of herbs, tea, food, books, and musical instruments. There is also comfortable seating surrounded by walls full of locally made art. The lady who served us is Emily, one of the business partners. She is a big part of the joy at Honest Living.

THE MANY JOYS OF APRIL MEADE

Concerning art, April’s philosophy is to wait for the canvas to speak to her and tell her what to create. April said her next biggest joy is her best friend, Adriana.

April and Adriana are BFF’s !

She further states how nice it is  to do gift giving and small acts of kindness for loved ones. The other things she discussed were drinks, food, her heritage, jobs, positivity, and places she loves to explore.

TRAVEL

That last one gave me the perfect opportunity to ask about travel and her current hometown of Tallahassee. She has lived in Tallahassee for six years and feels it is lively with tons of overlooked gems such as Lafayette Heritage Trail Park. She loves to visit Atlanta to see the jellyfish at the Georgia Aquarium. Her top bucket list travel spot is the Philippines, to learn more about her heritage on her mother’s side.

April says that she is both shy and an introvert. She credits her primary office job and her secondary bartending job with giving her the confidence to speak with people whom she otherwise would never have met. She believes that she is realistic, likes to comfort others, and tries to always give people the benefit of the doubt.

MESSAGE

Her message to the world is this, “Don’t take everything so personally because not everything is about you. However, be secure with who you are and always be true to yourself.”

EmbraceSouthernStates.com loved interviewing April Meade at Honest Living Tea!

DANG, Y’ALL… don’t you just love reading about folks like April? I sure do! (I can put you in touch with April if you request it.) Did this article help you reflect on what your joy is and how to increase it? Here are links to places that were mentioned. ARTOPIA (would love to see y’all at this event in June) https://bigbendcares.org/artopia/ HONEST LIVING TEA HOUSE AND CAFE https://www.facebook.com/HonestLivingLLC/ LAFAYETTE HERITAGE TRAIL PARK https://www.talgov.com/parks/parks-trail-lafayette VISIT TALLAHASSEE https://visittallahassee.com/visitor-services/ EMBRACE SOUTHERN STATES https://embracesouthernstates.com/

One more thing, be sure to watch her video here: https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/ NOW, leave your comment then GO FORTH AND BE JOYFUL Y’ALL !

DESSERTS ACROSS THE SOUTH

by

Delicious desserts abound all across the southeastern United States. Today I invite you to come along with me as we consider a sampling of the most popular and luscious desserts. We will go alphabetically through the 13 states covered by Embrace Southern States. Are your taste buds ready for this totally tempting tour of desserts across the South?

No mud was disturbed and no possums were harmed in the creation of this post. Dang, y’all, let us know by your Comment when you figure out what this means! Here we go!

ALABAMA

The general consensus is that Alabama’s most iconic dessert is the Lane cake. The 22 ingredients include bourbon, coconut, raisins, and pecans. This writer has never had the patience to actually make one from scratch, but certainly loves the taste.

Another favorite is the humble pound cake. While it may appear plain, pound cake is easy to make and is moist and flavorful.

I discovered a new favorite in Florence, Alabama at the Odette restaurant https://www.odettealabama.com/. It is a strawberry-rhubarb cobbler with almond-oat crumble and topped with caramelized honey ice cream.


Strawberry-Rhubarb Cobbler, deliciously different!

ARKANSAS

Would you try Possum pie? It does not contain possum, but does have a creamy filling, chocolate, and whipped cream. This icebox pie is perfect for a scorching summer day.

The other top favorites in Arkansas are the super sweet pecan pie and the summer favorite watermelon pops.

FLORIDA

Key lime pie is number one in Florida, just ask anyone. But don’t ask them to explain how it is both tart and sweet.

Two of the most delightful contenders for second place are strawberry shortcake and, because Florida is known for oranges, orange crunch cake.

GEORGIA

One nickname for Georgia is “The Peach State” so perhaps it is only fitting that the favorite dessert is peach cobbler. The gooey goodness is best served hot with the option of an ice cream topping.

Another favorite is peanut butter pie.

I found a new favorite in Savannah, Georgia at Lizzy’s Burger Bar https://www.lizzysgrill.com/ . It is a boozy caramel milkshake spiked with Savannah’s own Ghost Coast Bourbon. Oh, so good.

KENTUCKY

 

 

The first choice in Kentucky is bourbon balls. These boozy little morsels are coated with semisweet chocolate.

Second place goes to blackberry cobbler and third place goes to fudge. This makes me want to spend more time in Kentucky.

LOUISIANA

Just saying the word beignet makes me happy. Knowing that these beloved little powdered doughnuts are the favorite in Louisiana… well, I’m ready to meet you at Café du Monde https://shop.cafedumonde.com/ anytime you’re buying!

The other two top desserts, bananas Foster and pralines, are also yummy beyond words.

Beignets…. yes, please!

MISSISSIPPI

The top two desserts across the South noted here are bread pudding and Mississippi mud pie. “Mud” in this case is a chocolate filling said to resemble mud by the banks of the Mississippi river.

Two other treats I enjoy are the sweet potato muffins from https://www.coffeehouseon5th.com/ Coffee House on 5th in Columbus and the crème brulee from The Chimneys in Gulfport https://www.chimneysrestaurant.com/ .

Sweet potato muffin.
Yay for Creme Brulee!

MISSOURI

The “Show Me” state loves cake and ice cream. Gooey butter cake comes in first and is closely followed by coconut cake.

The history of the ice cream “cornucopia” or cone may have several versions, but we know it took on a starring role in the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. The ice cream cone never goes out of style, especially in Missouri.

NORTH CAROLINA

Sonker is comparable to cobbler and is so loved in Surry County, North Carolina that they celebrate a sonker festival every October.

Red velvet cake is another favorite that has several odd stories about how and why it got the red color and why it should be one of the desserts across the South.

A most tasty treat I enjoyed at Mash House in Fayetteville, North Carolina https://www.themashhouse.com/ is a butterscotch brownie with spiced rum caramel topped with coffee ice cream, yum.

Butterscotch brownie

SOUTH CAROLINA

There are too many choices with no clear favorite here. Top contenders include the Huguenot Torte (which is not really a torte) , benne wafers (made with sesame seeds), and sweet potato pie.

The best sweet treats I had on my most recent visit to Charleston https://lemacaron-us.com/locations/charleston/ were macarons from Le Macaron French Pastries on Meeting Street.

A macaron is light, colorful, and delicious.

TENNESSEE

Classic banana pudding is a favorite in “The Volunteer State” that looks especially decadent when the peaks of fluffy meringue are slightly toasted.

Nashville’s Standard Candy Company created the Goo Goo Cluster back in 1912. It was the first combination candy bar which includes caramel, marshmallow, peanuts, and milk chocolate https://googoo.com/ .

Chattanooga Bakery really started something “outta-this-world” when they created Moon Pie back in 1917. This marshmallow marvel still thrills dessert lovers today https://moonpie.com/about .

VIRGINIA

The top two preferred desserts of Virginia are said to be chess pie and funnel cakes.

I must let you know about affogato. Have you ever heard of it? https://geraldsicecream.com/ Gerald’s Ice Cream in Virginia Beach has perfected the Italian treat by pouring espresso over ice cream and a very precisely prepared whipped cream. This sensory stimulation is sweet satisfaction.

Affogato: ice cream (or gelato) “drowned” in espresso!

WEST VIRGINIA

According to several sources, the top two desserts in West Virginia are molasses cookies and apple spice cake.

Another favorite is the banana split. Rumor has it that you can order one in the town of Fairmont that weighs in at nine pounds. Get several friends to help you with that one!

__–__–********–__–__–*******–__–__

So, there you have it! We have delved into the 13 southeastern states and uncovered a total of 41 unique and not-to-be-missed desserts across the South! Now I am so hungry!

PLEASE COMMENT ABOUT YOUR FAVORITES AND WHICH ONES YOU WISH TO TRY! Also, share this article with every dessert lover you know. They will thank you for it.

For those who love EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

CHOICE OF VOICE: WRITERS REJOICE

by

This article is a celebration of female writers struggling to find their voice and stand in their truth! Ladies, the struggle is real, and the joy can be enormously powerful! Here is wonderful news. Allow me to introduce you to Gina Hogan Edwards. This incredible woman makes it her relentless quest to coach, empower, and transform women writers as they make their choice of best writing voice. Once you have nailed your clarity and authenticity, it will be your turn to rejoice and celebrate.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND IF YOU PLEASE

Gina pours her heart into helping women writers.

Gina is originally from Asheville, North Carolina. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is a Certified Creativity Coach. Since 1995 she has made her home in Tallahassee, Florida.

Her primary passions include art, books, creativity, historical fiction, retreats, women, writing, and writers. Her secondary passions include animals, drawing, extended family, food, health, husband, music, nature, puzzles, and walking.

Gina is a highly sensitive person and an introvert. In 2017 she found her choice of voice and the courage to leave the corporate world. Now she dedicates her efforts to coaching other women writers and hosting writing retreats. She finds this mission intensely transformative and gratifying… a huge reason to rejoice and celebrate.

ABOUT TALLAHASSEE AND TRAVEL

As a travel writer, I always make a point to ask anyone I interview about (a.)what they love about where they currently live, (b.)past travel, and (c.)any bucket list of future travel destinations.

What Gina loves most about Tallahassee is the lush nature, gorgeous greenways, and the variety of great local bookstores such as My Favorite Books and Midtown Reader.

One of Gina’s “favorite” local bookstores!

She also enjoys going to nearby Wakulla Springs to take the historical guided boat tours. The most fun trip she took was for whale watching in Alaska, of which she said, “It felt like touching God.” Italy and Greece are solidly at the top of her travel bucket list.

ABOUT CREATIVITY AND JOY

A great novel can bring joy!

Gina Hogan Edwards sparks her creativity by enjoying a good novel by authors like Eugenia Price or Eudora Welty. She likes to walk and to be in nature. One of her favorite ways to relax is to try her hand at Zentangle art drawings.

When asked what makes her a joyful person, her reply was, “Connecting with others, getting to know how they tick, and mostly just being at peace with my own life.”

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT WRITING?

If you ever ask Gina this question, be prepared for a lovely and lengthy answer! Her passion for writing and for helping women writers is palpable and purposeful. She will easily and eloquently explain that writing helps declutter your brain, uncover hidden connections, and gain clarity.

Sharing personal stories can be the equivalent of narrative medicine. She encourages women to rewrite the negative stories of their traumas and tragedies. This turns those written stories into messages of strength and hope. We can all learn from how others overcame obstacles. This becomes a clear and conscious choice on how we use our writing voice to give ourselves and others reasons to rejoice.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THE WORLD?

Gina states, “It really lights me up to see a woman be one hundred percent herself and to stand in her truth. By doing so , she has given the world a beautiful gift. The message is to be yourself because the person you are really matters and what you have to say really matters.”

Be what matter, say what matters… give the world that beautiful GIFT !

CONCLUSION

Dang y’all, Gina Hogan Edwards is a passionate creative who inspires other women. On her very helpful website   https://www.ginahoganedwards.com/  you can read in depth and learn about her podcast, her retreats, and her private Facebook community. They are all positive and powerful ways that you can connect with women who love to write. Now that you have enjoyed this article, you understand that a clear choice of voice genuinely helps writers rejoice!

>>>>——–>>>——–>> Just One More Thing ! <<——–<<<——–<<<<

SHOW YOUR LOVE for EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH A COMMENT HERE, ’cause you’re kind & you care! Then SHARE it with folks so they can love it, too. Thanks y’all.

10 Fave Photos from 2023

by

Another year has flown by faster than expected! That means it is time to review some favorite photos. Let’s do a countdown! See if you would rank them any differently.

These 10 photos represent time spent in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and Missouri. They also let you know that I am partial to nature, murals, food, and abandoned buildings.

# 10

Railroad tracks have always fascinated me. They make my imagination run wild with thoughts of travel and new adventures. What do tracks bring to your mind? How long has it been since you last photographed a railroad track? This photo was taken in January around 4pm about a block away from my current home in Tallahassee, Florida.

# 9

This is a very small yet stunning swamp less than a mile from my home. I had to carefully scan the area for gators! Do you have any swamps or gators near where you live? Here’s a tip; don’t wear nice shoes because there’s a strong chance you will get bogged down in mud. This shot was taken at 5pm on a lovely January day.

# 8

Since I travel around the Gulf Coast a lot, it only makes sense to include a sweet and simple beach photo. This particular beach is along Highway 90 in Gulfport, Mississippi. That happens to be the town where I grew up. The scene was captured on an early morning in April. Are you a beach person? Have you ever been to Gulfport?

# 7

Well, speaking of Gulfport, that’s where this mural is. It was created in 2021 by Tricia McAlvain in memory of the Chandeleur Lighthouse. I love how up at the top it indicates all of the towns along the Mississippi coast. It was shot on the same April morning as the previous photo. How many of those towns have you visited?

# 6

Hamilton, Missouri is THE place for avid fans of quilts. The population is under 2,000 but it is full of colorful murals like this one and is called “Quilt Town, USA.” This photo was taken at 9:33am in April. I actually love all the shadows from nearby trees. Does this bring out your desire to go make a quilt? Do you own any treasured quilts?

# 5

Abandoned structures in all sizes and conditions are interesting. I especially love tiny shacks like this one found not far from Bainbridge, Georgia. The patina of the roof and the missing windows and boards make me wonder what critters may be living inside, or underneath. What does it make you wonder? Photo taken at 11am in March.

# 4

Inside the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri, is this huge and extraordinarily impressive mural entitled “Independence and the Opening of the West”. Artist Thomas Hart Benton painted it in the 1960’s and was an acquaintance of Truman. I took this photo in April at 1:45pm.

# 3

All of my senses tingle every time I see this photo. Again I seem to see those yellow and pink flowers as I smell the pizza and taste the wine. Life was exceptionally good that day at The Brick Oven in Hannibal, Missouri. What do you think of this photo which was taken on an April evening at about 6pm? Don’t you just love pizza?

# 2

Big Spring is located just south of Van Buren, Missouri, and is that state’s largest spring. This geological wonder is marvelous in any season. My attempt to capture this serenity was at 11am on a gorgeous April morning. Wouldn’t you love to be there and experience blissful peace? Big Spring is a true happy place and a total joy to behold.

# 1

God is a master designer, creator, and artist. His simple yet elegant lily pads have inspired countless artists, philosophers, and dreamers. On an early afternoon in March I took this perfect photo on a tiny country road near Tifton, Georgia. Do lily pads seem symbolic or at all significant to you? They make me smile!

You have seen how I ranked my top ten favorite 2023 travel photos. Would you have ranked them any differently? Let folks know which one is you very favorite and why!

For those who love EmbraceSouthernStates, remember to check out the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracesouthernstates

And photos on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embracesouthernstates/

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS SITE…’cause you’re kind & you care! And, for goodness sake, if you love this stuff… then SHARE it with folks so they can love it, too. Thanks y’all.

Verified by MonsterInsights