{Giveaway is Closed} The winner is Susan from NC!
I’ve met so many fascinating, talented and creative women since I started blogging all those years ago. One of them is Leslie Anne Tarabella, who is as Southern as I am and lives in Fairhope, AL. I’m trying to remember when we first met and it’s been in the last 4 years, I think when she came here to Georgia for a visit and we got together with another mutual friend (who Leslie Anne introduced me to via email, if I remember right). She was longtime friends with Rachel, who I’ve shared here on the blog with her beautiful Victorian house off the Marietta Square, the Trammell House. I’ve shared the Trammell House two times, so check this one out too. Leslie Anne lived in Marietta for many years with her husband and then they moved closer to home in Fairhope, AL.
{the 3 of us 4 years ago touring another local house: me, Leslie Anne, and Rachel, 2 of the most charming Southern girls I know!}
So, back to when I first met Leslie Anne online. She used to use a fake name when she left comments on my blog, because she was nervous about putting her real name out there. She started her blog, Fairhope Supply Co. several years ago and when she would visit from the blog and leave a comment, I think she called herself Hope. I thought that was hilarious once I found out her name wasn’t really Hope. It wasn’t until years later that she finally started using her real name and I got to know her as Leslie Anne. She’s so cute and witty and a great writer. I’ve met up with her in Marietta and Fairhope and always have fun with her. It’s no wonder that her book is entertaining and funny too, since Leslie Anne is such a happy positive Southern gal!
Leslie Anne has been writing her blog for over 5 years and she’s also a contributor to AL.com and her blog is filled with her Southern stories about home, family, church, and more. Leslie Anne says she’s an accidental author after her blog was discovered and she was asked to be a newspaper writer. The book is a compilation of her most popular blog posts and columns, with witty stories and fun anecdotes.
On a side note, I have to ask her though if she makes up these Southern names woven through her stories. Southerners are known for their 2 name handles, but some of hers are a little suspect. There’s Great Aunt Vina-Mae, cousin John-Jack, Rosie Belle, Billy Mac, and many more. I have to get to the bottom of these Southern styled names! Are they for real? I honestly don’t know anyone with names like this. But Leslie Anne has a fun way with words and you’ll enjoy her short stories.
Leslie Anne and her rescue dog, Doug. Go read the Doug story, it’s cute! She has another dog, a beagle named Lois Lane.
There’s a whole section on Our Charming Southern Ways….oh how fun these are! I relate so much to these Southern ways, since my family is Southern to the bone too. From Are Southern Women Prettier to Humidity Threatens our Crowning Glory, these humorous Southern anecdotes will have you chuckling along and nodding your head, especially if you’re Southern too.
The other book sections involve our Precious Southern Families, Our Darling Southern Manners, Our Delicious Southern Food, and our Divine Southern Churches. And by the way,Leslie Anne married a guy from New Jersey and calls him her Yankee husband.
If you’re Southern (or even if you’re not, you’ll enjoy Leslie Anne’s cute and witty book. She does have a Fannie Flagg style of writing, with humor and hilarity. It’s definitely a feel good book that will have you smiling as you’re being entertained with words. She reminds me a bit of the old newspaper columns here in Atlanta and two of my growing up favorites, Lewis Grizzard and Celestine Sibley. I loved reading their columns in the newspaper when I was young and looked forward to their columns every single week. They are both gone now.
From Leslie Anne’s blog….Although my viewpoint is from my life in a small Southern town, I’ve learned that people everywhere love their families, dogs, good food, God and a good story . . . not necessarily in that order, of course.
If you’re in Birmingham, Leslie Anne will be signing books at Barnes and Noble at The Summit at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feburary 17th, so mark your calendars!
Here’s a little snippet from the book about being Southern:
Some folks call themselves Southern just because of where they were born or where the moving van dropped them off. Others know they are Southern because the South lives within them. You can see the sparkle in their eyes when they see a friend walking they way or someone mentions a fish fry with hushpuppies and grits or suggests, “Let’s go out and sit on the porch.” The answer is never “I’m watching my cholesterol,” or “It’s too hot.”
Rachel and Leslie Anne’s friend, Beth, hosted a really nice book signing party in Marietta before Christmas and Mark and I went. It was so fun to meet Judy (above right) who is a faithful reader of Leslie Anne’s and my blog. Hi, Judy, great to see you that night. She was so sweet!
Rachel set out a beautiful spread of food in her dining room and it was such a fun night. You can see I was noshing on the goodies in this pic.
Back to the book….you’ll also hear a few Bless Your Hearts along the way. I also see on Leslie Anne’s blog that she’s not a fan of sweet tea either…just like me. I get the strangest looks when I tell people I don’t drink sweet tea. Like how in the world could I possibly be a real Southern girl?! For some reason, when I was growing up in a house that had sweet tea in the fridge at all times, I just never acquired a taste for it and never did drink it. I see some of you mentioned peach tea and oh my yes, I love some peach tea. Totally different flavor!
Today I’ve got an extra copy to give away of Leslie Anne’s book, so please leave a comment below and I’ll choose a random winner in a week to send the book to.
Tell me where you are from and if you are Southern or Northern (or Midwestern or from the West Coast) and what do you all think about the South? If you’re Southern, I know you’re proud to be a Southerner, but it’s fun to hear what the rest of the country thinks! And while you’re answering, do you drink sweet tea?
Leave a comment to be eligible to win the book!
If you’d like to order the book, you can find it here:
I am a northerner, from Maine. But I spent 3 summers in Nashville studying at Vanderbilt. I loved Nashville and have been back once. People really showed that southern hospitality.
I’m Virginia born & bred, not Deep South but definitely South. This book sounds delightful.
Born and bred in Georgia. As a child, I drank plenty of sweet tea but not so much anymore! Love your blog, and I know I would love this book!
You meet some interesting people. I love the double names. My twin named her girls Anna Claire and Laura Grace and they are called the double name.
I’m southern through and through. Can’t wait to get this book! In fact, I’ll head on over to Amazon now..
Having been born and raised and living in Arkansas my entire life, which is now near 52 years, makes me a Southerner, but it’s having been raised by my grandparents that makes me really Southern. There was about a generation and a half age gap there, and I have so many memories that no one would even relate to … if they aren’t from the South. Remember Training Union? Maybe it’s just a Southern Baptist thing, not sure, but it’s the one hour of Bible training that takes place before the Sunday night service. Also, big Sunday meals at my great-grandmother’s house were something that everyone – no – EVERYONE looked forward to after church. There was never a menu or a theme or a plan in place. It was bring what you want! And, part of the preacher’s “pay” was for him and his family to be invited to a member’s home for lunch each Sunday. Only those in our age group will recall the cemeteries (and sometimes even the baptisteries) beside or across the street from the church. On to the next topic … Fall in the South (especially in small towns). One word … Football. It’s where everyone in town went to visit, whether they had a player on the field or not. I can still remember the smell of the Band Boosters grilling the burgers. And, this is probably a real Southern thing, but does anyone remember Home Interior parties? It was a delight to be invited to one, and everyone ordered the same candles and home décor. My, oh my. What a walk down memory lane. Did I mention that macaroni & cheese really is a vegetable? 🙂 I’ve now lived in Little Rock (still Arkansas) more than half of my life, but I can still recall those growing-up days in rural South Arkansas where, by the way, “Deer Days’ were really on the school calendar. Seriously. School was closed for the first two days of deer season. And, about the double names (which you referenced regarding your friend’s book), my grandfather was one of fifteen children, and these are some actual names in the family: Alta Myra, Ida May, Myra Lynn, Tena Mae, & Ena May. We had good times. My grandmother used to say … Go as far as you can, but never forget where you came from. Wise words … especially from grandparents with no formal education but who made an honest man’s living both for themselves and for me. Totally changing the subject now, but I am so happy for you in your new marriage. Many blessings to you and yours in 2018. Oh, and to answer your question, yes mam, I sure did grow up drinking sweet tea. I think we had three beverages in the house – sweet tea, Sanka, and Tang. 🙂 Today, however, I drink decaffeinated tea with agave nectar. Often, I drink it hot. I think I’ll make a cup right now and watch the first snowflakes of the season fall while thinking of good days gone by.
Deborah, I think you need to write a book about growing up in South Arkansas with your grandparents! I grew up in Ruston, LA (almost into AR). We often visited Aunt Minnie Dell in Junction City, AR. My mom spent her early years in El Dorado. Enjoyed your response!
Training Union? Ding-ding! Two points for me! I have a section in the book that talks about going to church in the South, but didn’t mention Training Union. I guess I’ll have to go back and write something new about that! Thanks for sharing the wonderful memories and names!
I spent many Southern Sunday Nights in Training Union–my Daddy was the Training Union Director for years–Lordy, those are some wonderful memories. I am so looking for to reading your book.
Training Union! I am a Methodist girl but would sometimes go with my dear childhood friend to her Baptist church for Training Unions and Revivals, too! You bringing that up brought back good memories. 😊
Love reading your memories, Deborah! Thank you so much for reading and the well wishes.
Southern all the way – Hot Springs, AR
Deborah,
I agree you should write a book. Enjoyed your comments so much. I grew up in east Texas and can relate to everything you say. Training Union, Sunday School, GA’s, revivals and everything we did revolved around the church. Funerals were also a big deal back in the days. Everyone always came and brought food. I remember times when school was released early so everyone could attend a funeral. Growing up in the south and a small town is a wonderful memory. I, too, grew up being called a double name. To this day if I answer the phone and someone calls me by the double name I know immediately they are someone from my my past and probably from my hometown.
I’m from southern missouri but I shared the same upbringing. No sweet tea for me.
I’ve never been to the South but it is on my bucket list. Love your blog. You do meet some interesting people!
I was born in Marietta at the old hospital on the Square. Lived all my life in Cobb County. I love the south and I do not drink sweet tea. Love Marietta and miss the old shops on the Square. COBB COUNTY Grown.
OH my goodness, Lucy, do we all remember that old Kennestone Hospital. It sure has changed! When my dad was in the hospital last summer, he could hardly believe the difference in all the new construction. When he was a pastor here in Marietta, he spent many days visiting sick people in that hospital and was in and out of there all the time.
I am a Midwest gal living in St Louis. Having vacationed several times in the South, I am always struck by the hospitality and manners of the people in the Southern states. I also love the accent! Women there seem to take more time with home, entertaining, gardening, cooking and many other lost arts in this fast paced world. And I do drink sweet tea on occasion, but one glass is all I can handle! It is sweet indeed, just like the ladies of the South I am blessed to call friends!
I was born and raised in Georgia, so I think that makes me Southern. Like someone else said I drank plenty of sweet tea growing up, but in an effort to cut calories that is one thing I have eliminated.
I lived in North Carolina for many years (about 30) and I miss it dreadfully. I now live on a tiny island off the north coast of Scotland. 2 of my 3 children still live in Wilmington NCwith their southern spouses. The expression “bless her heart” still makes me smile although I haven’t heard it for such a long time. I also miss children saying ‘yes, ma’m’ or ‘no ma’m’ as it always sounded so respectful. My life in NC were the best years of my life – I am now 80.
Well Rhoda you know that I am Southerner through and through. I was born at home in Hiram (Paulding County) GA. Lived at Route 1 Hiram, GA until I was 34 years old. I grew up on a red dirt road. You want Southern names. Let’s start with Daddy’s side. Daddy, Grier Gober had one Brother Ralph, Sisters, Melba, Grace, Ruby. His Mother, my Grandmother was Myrtie Mary. My Mother Sara Cleo Gober had three Sisters, Bertha (Aunt Bert) to me. Agnes, Ruby. Now Aunt Bert was my favorite Aunt. When you went to her house in Atlanta near GA Tech you were treated like royalty. Starched stiff linen tablecloths, napkins, her best china and silver were laid out for you. She cooked a feast for you. She was always dressed so nicely. Beautiful dresses with her beautiful pearls. And she always wore a hat. Pink mostly.
Life on our farm was very simple. We had an outhouse, no hot hot water. We heated our water on the gas stove in the kitchen and took our baths in a number 3 washtub in the kitchen. We washed our clothes on a wringer washing machine. Hung our clothes out to dry. Sprinkled our clothes and put them in the refrigerator until we ironed them. Our old farmhouse was not much, but it was filled with love because Daddy and Mama made it that way. We grew own vegetables, killed and processed our meat. We were poor, but so was everyone else around us.
Our church was the center of our spiritual and social being. All of my family is buried there. It is like a family reunion when I visit the cemetery. Oh, I did grow up on sweet tea. I still drink tea today, just decaf with Truvia now. My children always ask for sweet tea because I raised them right.
This sounds like a wonderful childhood and I would have loved to have visited your Aunt Bert! I may have to borrow the awesome name of Myrtie Mary for a future story. That’s a lovely name full of character!
Judy, you’ve got some good solid Southern stock in your family and I know you treasure that, as do I!
I am a northern gal from PA but presently live in GA. I would say I am in between being northern and learning the southern ways. I DO NOT drink sweet tea either…nice to hear someone else does not either.
I’m originally from Mobile, AL, (near Fairhope) and have lived all over the south, including the Atlanta area twice. I’m definitely Southern, even have one of those Southern double names. I, too, loved Lewis and Celestine, loved reading their columns, I cried when Lewis passed away, and knew we had lost a great voice of the South. Recently, I found several of his books in our library’s book sale room and snapped them up! I will definitely be looking for Leslie Anne’s book.
Mary Frances,
Being from Mobile, you’ll be interested to know the Press-Resgister currently has me working on a story for the Mardi Gras newspaper insert about using cow bladders in the parades! I’m actually going to get to go to the secret place where they paint them this weekend to take photographs! Only in Mobile, baby! Thank you for reading!
Lewis was certainly a Southern treasure of a story teller. No one like him!
This sounds like a great read!! Can’t wait to win it and read it!!
My mother is from North Carolina, our home was always infused with Southern style. While I have always lived in the North, somehow I consider myself southern. Would love to have the book.
Pennsylvanian who loves antiques and old ways—like in the south! I really envy the warm, mild weather you get with fall and spring (although I do not envy sticky,buggy summers!) and how long your growing season is! You can easily grow the plants I covet but cannot sustain—does this all sound like HEAVEN?
My name is Karen. So grateful to say “Born and raised in the south!” Love sweet tea.
I suppose Maryland isn’t strictly Southern, being about the most north in the south that you can get. But, with a daddy from Georgia and a mama with North Carolina roots, I identify with Southern more than anything else. No sugar for me in my tea, please.
I’m from St. Mary’s City/§Lexington Park, MD. Where are you from?
Born and raised in NC and transplanted to AL. No place like the South. I was weaned on sweet tea when my Mom broke my bottle at a “dinner on the church ground.” Still love it but use artificial sweeteners now.