I went home last weekend for Mother’s Day, and on the plane ride, I read a charming little post called “On Going Home” over on one of my favorite blogs, Cup of Jo. It put me in the right frame of mind, and got me thinking about all the things I miss and don’t miss about home. Though I grew up in Albemarle, North Carolina, I think we North Carolinians really like to claim the whole state. This August will be my 18th anniversary of moving to LA, and though it’s become part of me now, I think all my Southern friends out here would agree—your Southern Roots stick with you. And that’s a good thing.
What I miss:
1. Lexington BBQ and how when I get there I always think I want three bbq sandwiches because I’ve missed them so much, but I only have room for one
2. My mom putting gardenias in the bedrooms in summer and how she can make anything grow
3. My dad taking me to get an orangeade and a Fancy Pastry cupcake
4. At least ten friends who will bring you a casserole when you’re sick
5. How everybody knows everybody’s business
6. How you can’t go anywhere without seeing somebody you know
7. The way home smells when I first open the door after being gone a while
8. Magnolia trees in full bloom
9. Country houses to visit like Reynolda and Biltmore Estate
10. Sultry summer nights
11. Rocking chairs on front porches
12. Biscuits
13. My aunt Rhonda’s laugh
14. Pimento Cheese from Conrad and Hinkle
15. Long country roads with animals grazing in the grass
16. Family get-togethers
17. Drive-through banks
18. Tasteful white lights at Christmas with candles in the windows
19. How you can’t pass anyone on the street without them smiling to say “hello”
20.Everyone asking me when I’ll move back
What I don’t miss:
1. Mosquitos
2.100% humidity
3. How everybody knows everybody’s business
4. How you can’t go anywhere without seeing somebody you know
5. How your options are very limited for going out to dinner
6. How nobody is in a hurry
What about you? Have you moved from your hometown?
L.A. by choice, North Carolinian by the grace of God.
So true!!
It’s a shame you didn’t inherit your mama’s green thumb 😉
So true!
No matter how far we wander, home is always home. You and I are lucky to have such beautiful ones to always go back to and be part of.
We sure are! I hope to visit your home one day!
x
Yes you must! I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited to yours, and you are always invited to mine.
Oh, Molly-thank you for this. Here in NC, the drive-through bank never gets old, nor do the gorgeous white Christmas lights, friendly greetings or Pimiento cheese! At the top of my love list is watching, on any given day, at least a dozen kids running around outside, house to house or up in the trees, free as birds as if in another era……