Life in general is slower and more relaxed in the South than it is in the Northern and West Coast areas of our great land – USA! But you know, that doesn’t make us much different. We just take things a bit easier.Now it is a “given” that it gets pretty hot here in the South. Well, today here in North Carolina, the actual temperature in our area is suppose to hit 97 F. That doesn’t indicate a little tiny bit just what the heat index is, folks. That heat index gets you every time! And it is a “Code Orange” day, too. That means each and every breath you take while you’re out in that heat is going to be a rough one. And the more you hustle and bustle and get in and out of your car, the harder it is for those breaths to get down in those two lungs of yours. Yes, it’s hot living in the South. And where the living is hot, the living is slower.
But you know, life is good in the South. Here in North Carolina, you can bask in the sun and dip in the ocean at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Or you can drive just a few hours and you’re in the cool mountains. The Smoky Mountains are beautiful to behold in their smoky, blue tinged, mysterious majesty. Or if you just want to drive somewhere else, there are revolutionary war and confederate war museums and battlefields abounding across the state as well as peach and apple orchards and wineries.
But living the Southern life isn’t just about a place, it is an attitude. It is being genteel , lovely, gracious, giving, sweet, kind – you know, all those great adverbs and adjectives. It is about caring for one another and giving to each other. A hand raised in greeting to strangers you pass on the walk or ride through town. But living the Southern life is much more and you’ll only know if you experience it for yourself – then you can describe it if you can find enough adverbs and adjectives.
