The season of fall is upon us and, after reading last week's column, many of you may think I suffered a mini stroke of sorts. I assure you the discombobulated terminology was my fault and not that of the editors. Trust me, being raised in this part of the world, I know what seasons "greens" of any kind are and, here, I am referring to collards, mustard or turnip greens. If someone from here offers a "mess" of greens, they are referring, of course, to enough for a big pot of "greens." My article was a mess, but it was my mess.
I never considered colloquial expressions that were "everyday" in my childhood would ever need interpretation, UNTIL I posted a wonderful photo, taken by area photographer John Clare Stokes, of Lake City, of an old fashioned sugar cane grinding mill on my Facebook account. I had several commentaries of "beautiful fall colors" and "unusual contraption." I must add, many of the commentaries were from folks around "here," but some have relocated here in the last decade or so. I can't fault them for not knowing. I offered each an explanation and then had responses, such as, "Oh, my uncle had one of those in Alabama. I saw it as a child long ago." I thought, though I didn't express, it must have been long, long, long ago.
Folks, things, other than my lack of editing my own article more carefully, are changing. I never thought soccer would catch on, nor did I think I would see folks pay $4 for a cup of gourmet coffee. I was wrong on both counts and I was also wrong in making the assumption everyone would share a knowledge of rural southern farm traditions. I think it is very important that we carefully and, with great sensitivity, display, demonstrate and celebrate our rural traditions at events like Rural Farm Days held at some venues in our area.
As a lifelong learner and voracious reader, I am enthralled by Greek mythology and its stories. Greek mythology, like southern family stories handed down, celebrated among many areas of life. Greek goddess Hestia, of the hearth and home, celebrated and represented the ideal and idea of presenting, preserving and perpetuating stories, shared times around supper tables and sharing "talk." Sadly, in today's world, the I Pad, cell phones and technology of all kinds have eroded Hestia and her embodiment.
If we are not careful, in a few more years, we will lose more of the cohesive traditional, rural glue holding us together as a culture, such as sugar cane grindings, fish fries and patch-work quilts. I don't want any of that completely lost, even due to my careless writing. Please forgive me and know the staff at Riverbend News do an outstanding job even if, at times, I don't. Thank you for your patience with me.
From the Eight Mile Still on the Woodpecker Route north of White Springs, have a good week.