I read in the local paper recently that Raleigh, North Carolina's state capital, wants to brand itself as a "city of innovation" or some such thing. I think branding must start with who you are, followed by whom you aspire to be. There are times when your current brand and your … [Read more...] about City of Innovation in a Discriminating State
North Carolina
Gay Marriage Doesn’t Threaten My Marriage
Tomorrow Mac Daddy and I will celebrate our twelfth wedding anniversary. We got married in Key West on a sunny, hot day in the gardens of the Audubon House. Pastor Ken, a retired Navy chaplain conducted the ceremony, and we wrote our own vows. It was simple and touching and … [Read more...] about Gay Marriage Doesn’t Threaten My Marriage
Local Artist Helps NC Food Bank
There's nothing that breaks my heart more than childhood hunger. The sadness is deepened when it's afflicting children close to me, children I know. I, as just one person, can only do so much. There is always the issue of dignity so simply giving a handout is not an adequate … [Read more...] about Local Artist Helps NC Food Bank
The Arts Not Affordable
Mac Daddy and I are fans of the arts. We used to be frequent fliers at the theater and orchestra before we had kids. We saw shows in our travels to New York City and have been to concerts galore. We have friends who are artists so we are supporters of galleries galore and love to … [Read more...] about The Arts Not Affordable
Whitney Houston an Icon But Not a Hero
The soundtrack of my youth is fading to a distant hum. I look at stars from my youth who are my contemporaries and think, 'Wow, he's really going gray." or "Hmmm...she's had work done." Then I look in the mirror and say the same about myself, minus the bit about having work done. … [Read more...] about Whitney Houston an Icon But Not a Hero
Party Punch – 5:00 Fridays
Ever since I was a single twenty-something living on Excelsior Boulevard in a little one bedroom apartment with greige wall-to-wall carpeting I've been hosting an annual holiday party. Sometimes the soiree was a dressy affair, and other times it was a casual jeans and boots bash. … [Read more...] about Party Punch – 5:00 Fridays
Keepin’ It Local – 5:00 Fridays
There's a big push to shop small and local this holiday season. We take for granted the treasures that are right underfoot. Nothing screams holiday cheer like the mall, right? Um, not so much. I happen to hate the mall on any given day, though we do pop in time to time to go to … [Read more...] about Keepin’ It Local – 5:00 Fridays