Tag Archives: North Carolina

Sonnet #2016, for North Carolina

Sonnet #2016 If Shakespeare saw beyond the mask of death Sir Walter’s face stamped on this legal tryst, I think he’d turn to Richard, to Macbeth, to see what strain of tyranny he’d missed. He could not understand the roots of power so well as all the teachers have portrayed yet be so speechless onContinue reading “Sonnet #2016, for North Carolina”

What does a mayor do?

If your city, like mine, is hosting municipal elections this week, you might be paying absolutely no attention. Or, you might be picking names based on the number of yard signs you’ve seen with a particular candidate’s name on them. After all, What does a mayor do, anyway? and What happens in a city councilContinue reading “What does a mayor do?”

Book-friendly Adventures

Moving to a new city solo can be an intimidating experience. If you’re like me, you might be too impatient to wait for friendships to develop before venturing out to see all that the new city has to offer. In light of that experience, I’ve realized that bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and other gathering placesContinue reading “Book-friendly Adventures”

Grape Yolks for the Young at Heart

After a fun but hectic Saturday working at the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival with RayLen Vineyards & Winery, I was eager to read the write-up in the Elkin Tribune. Reading local news coverage about my interests produces a very basic pleasure. But, then, this happened: “A popular wine yolk glass holder adorned the neck ofContinue reading “Grape Yolks for the Young at Heart”

Conversation Tips for the South

Dear southern friends, I, like you, enjoy the crisp white transformation of the world that takes place when atmospheric water vapor crystallizes into a thousand unique flakes. I, like you, have heard that there is a high likelihood of snow on Wednesday. I, like you, find this a rare occurrence in good ‘ol southern NorthContinue reading “Conversation Tips for the South”

In Which North Carolina Panic(e)s

Today, a few droplets of water reached the magical temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a process that daily and deliberately takes place in domestic freezers all across the state. This occurrence in nature, however, causes North Carolina to panic en masse, raise the drawbridge, and proclaim an impending siege by nature herself. Signs of thisContinue reading “In Which North Carolina Panic(e)s”

Getting on the L Train

Tonight, I may be feeling a little less snarky than usual, because I get to watch the premiere of some rockin’ original songs by my before-there-was-Facebook friend Leah Shaw (leahshawmusic.com). Leah will be playing from 5 to 7 p.m. at what is for both of us an alma mater of North Carolina wine: RayLen VineyardsContinue reading “Getting on the L Train”

I’ve Got Sunshine: Blues, Beware!

Talk about a 180! Yesterday, the state of North Carolina was sealed in a gray plastic bag like the ones you get at WalMart (too many floating around after Black Friday, perhaps?). Today, the sun is out, the birds are singing, the sky is blue, and I am thrilled to be awake. It’s pretty great.Continue reading “I’ve Got Sunshine: Blues, Beware!”

The North in N.C. Eateries

“In 1956, Mike opened the small shop in the sea-side town of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. …Mike was unique in that the product he was offering was a relatively new item in American society – the submarine sandwich.” Today, Jersey Mike’s boasts more than 600 locations, including three franchises in and around my hometown ofContinue reading “The North in N.C. Eateries”