I'll never be a true Southerner, give my Yankee heritage, but I can see how folks can get attracted to the South. Last night at work we opened a new show in the Gallery, and when we do I somehow go into full-fledged hospitality mode. This isn't about work, of course, since I have no interest in being dooced. It's about how the place you live can change the way you see things a little bit.

My observation about the South is that people are enthralled with relationships. All the people seem to be connected, and if you can get connected by golly you can be a part of things, too. Well, kind of. I love to remember what people drink at those openings, and take care of them as best I can. I can drip with charm and Southern hospitality on the porch and speak authoritatively on the subject matter and the business once inside. That's kind of a fun thing.

People here want you to be taken care of. And they expect the same in return. It's an interesting cycle, one that's been serving people in this area well for as long as anyone can remember. Or so it seems.

In conjunction with one of my 2008 goals --- read more books --- I'm enjoying a fine Southern saga about a Savannah divorcee tied up in a murder mystery. This is not a book that could even make it past Oprah's mail opener let alone make it to her book club, but it's kind of fun. I had just finished Eat, Pray, Love, which was a nice little travel dialogue but needed something mindless. The current read (forgettable enough that I don't know the title or the author!) isn't full of incredible content, but I do love how I can practically hear the sweetness in the voices of those Southern belles as they discuss antiques and order lattes.

So, this post is basically pointless, except to say long live Southern hospitality and charm. And God bless the fact that it doesn't snow here.