Author Archives: Mary Prater

UNSUNG HEROE’S By Tom Lawrence

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Mary Prater

UNSUNG HEROE’S By Tom Lawrence  In every generation and in every society there are those who make a difference—without recognition or fame. Mostly, they are just plain folks, leading ordinary lives, who find themselves thrust into a situation that demands … Continue reading →

Posted in Unsung Heroes | Tagged , | 3 Comments

THE YEAR WAS 1947

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Mary Prater

THE YEAR WAS 1947 By Tom Lawrence   My friend Billy and I were walking home from school on a warm October afternoon in 1947. The aroma of burning leaves filled the air, and there was just the hint of … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Tom Lawrence | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Scars Are Tattoos with Better Stories

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Mary Prater

Scars Are Tattoos with Better Stories By Mollie Smith Waters I collect magnets. I have a wall in my house that has a magnetic board where I display them. Most of the magnets are from places I’ve visited, and over … Continue reading →

Posted in Good Stories, Mollie Smith Waters | 2 Comments

A TRIBUTE

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Mary Prater

A TRIBUTE It is with great sadness that we at Porchscene say goodbye to our wonderful friend and active contributor, Mona Sides-Smith. After a lengthy and painful illness, Mona withdrew from her struggle on January 1, 2016. In her continuing … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 7 Comments

DON’T FORGET ABOUT SANTA! Southfacin’ Cook Patsy Brumfield

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Mary Prater

DON’T FORGET ABOUT SANTA! By Southfacin’ Cook Patsy Brumfield Every region has its historic recipes, but we Southerners boast of some pretty good stuff coming out of our kitchens. Many of us are fortunate to have great recipes handed down … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Patsy Brumfield | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Holiday Dinner à la New Orleans

Posted on December 21, 2015 by Mary Prater

  Holiday Dinner à la New Orleans By Deborah Fagan Carpenter Christmas in New Orleans is much like celebrations of any kind in the Big Easy—scrumptious food is front and center! The unique southern city is brimming with celebrity chefs, … Continue reading →

Posted in Deborah Carpenter, Exploring the South, Food | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Barren Alley By Chip Burson

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Mary Prater

Barren Alley  By Chip Burson Why, pray tell, did they call it barren? Cloudless and just warming with the pent up energy of an oddly Spring-like November morning, this lovely bower walk hid all the history; every spilled drop of … Continue reading →

Posted in Chip Burson, Good Stories | 3 Comments

CURIOUS NAMES

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Mary Prater

Curious Names by Joe Goodell The wags enjoy telling it to you straight: “What’s that y’r ask’n, son?” Wh’r do th’ names f’r Mi’ssippi towns come from? Why right off them wat’r tow’rs, that’s wh’r.” Pause. Guffaw! Such insightful wit … Continue reading →

Posted in Exploring the South | Tagged , | Comments Off on CURIOUS NAMES

Happy Thanksgiving from Porchscene

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Mary Prater

    “Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.”   ― William Faulkner

Posted in Holidays | Tagged | Comments Off on Happy Thanksgiving from Porchscene

IT’S ABOUT THANKSGIVING

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Mary Prater

  IT’S ABOUT THANKSGIVING By Mona Sides-Smith Over the gravel and through the weeds, to Grandmother’s house we went. It was Thanksgiving. It could have been any holiday. Or any Sunday. Or any day, for that matter. It was where … Continue reading →

Posted in Good Stories, Mona Sides-Smith | Tagged | 1 Comment