Back Where I Come From....

So I was at the Tim McGraw concert last night and he was singing one of his new songs called Southern Voice and a thought accrued to me. I am so lucky to be a Southerner! I have always said I love living in Alabama but I have never really quantified why. So here are my reasons there is no better place to live and raise a family than the South.

1. The Weather- OK so I don’t necessarily mean the middle of August when it is hotter than Satan’s living room out but there are 2 other times of year that can’t be beat.

Early Spring in the South is beyond gorgeous. The temp outside is Heaven and the Dogwood trees and tulips are in bloom. I can remember walking to class at UA in early April and thinking there is no more beautiful place on Earth.

My other favorite time of year is early Fall. Not just because football season kicks off but, when the leaves on the trees change to those beautiful reds, oranges and golds it is like God took a paint brush and painted the trees for us to enjoy. The warm weather is still around, slightly, and that crisp Fall wind is so invigorating.

2. The People- I consider myself well traveled. I have been a lot of places both in the US and abroad and I have never found a better people than Southerners. Any other place you go in the world you get strange looks or even harsh words when you speak to strangers on the street, but not in the South. It is almost expected for you to at least acknowledge your fellow man when passing by. Do we have our moments of rudeness, sure. But as a whole Southern people are the best in the world.

3. The Passion- Whether it be for our team or our family a Southerner will fight to the death for things they hold dear. Growing up I never questioned what things were important to my parents, God, family, country. They taught me to value those things and defend them always. Southerners have a passion for life that I think is unmatched anywhere else.

4. The Land- I am going to reference Alabama here because that is what I know best. I love the fact that within one state I have mountains and seashore. I cannot wait for my daughter to grow up so I can show her this great state we call home. We can travel north to the tree covered Lookout Mountain or head south to the beautiful white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast. There is so much to explore throughout the South and I can’t wait to share it with my kids.

Being from and living in the South is a different way of life. It’s a slower, kinder way of cherishing everyday. A place where you actually know your neighbors. A place where faith and family is still most important. A place where kids can grow up around nature and enjoy the great outdoors. I truly believe I am Southern by the Grace of God and wouldn’t have it any other way.

PS- Tim’s new song Southern Voice referenced both Scarlet O’Hara and Bear Bryant in one song……..I’m sold!