As a Southerner there is not a site more beautiful than the flag of the Confederate states flying in the breeze. The flag of the Southern people flying in the Southern breeze over the land of the South which has seen the ravages of war and whose soil has been watered by the blood of its people in both peace and war. As an individual who has six ancestors who fought in the War Between the States my loyalty is to the flag of my ancestors and the Southern people. As the song says "I wish I was in Dixie" and "In Dixieland I'll take my stand to live and die in Dixie". Furthermore, I believe that this is one of the best versions of the tune that I have heard, although I do have a weakness for all music in general.
To me the is a undeniable elegance of the plantations of the Old South, to me these images are not only testaments to grace and elegance of the Southern gentry, but also a reminder of what I hope to achieve one day.
Another example of southern charm and grace, to me this is a perfect example of blending the beauty of the Old South with modern convenience. Hopefully one day I will be able to have a plantation just like this, so that I may enjoy a small world of beauty and grace. As well as extend that world to all of my friends and family.
All my life I have had a least one boxer. To me there loyalty, gentleness, and undying love is one of the most comforting and pure things on this earth. Besides, how can anyone say no to that adorable face?
Although I do love a good glass of sweet tea, I must say that hot tea is my favorite. I don't know why, but there is something so relaxing about the entire ritual of smelling the tea leaves, choosing which variety you want, the whistling of the kettle, waiting for the brewing to be done and then enjoying the aromas until it is cool enough to drink.
Another thing that I find relaxing is being outdoors. I love being out in nature and pushing myself to go just a bit farther, or to face a fear I may have. This photo was taken of me on a two night backpacking trip on top of short-off mountain. Although in hindsight I probably should not have sat on the edge, but hey it was a great view.
Photography is another thing that is calming to me. I love the search for finding a perfect spot and then finding a perfect angle. I am a firm believer that a picture is worth a thousand words, and although this photo was not taken by me but rather of me, I think it shows the true meaning of that phrase beautifully.
Perhaps it is my love of nature, but I have always found something beautiful and calming about wood and the process of carving it. I love being able to take a piece of seemingly useless material and being able to transform it into something new.
I know it may sound odd, but I find the sound of shotgun fire, in a safe setting, oddly comforting. Furthermore, in my experience I have found that skeet shooting is very calming since it is a fun challenge and the people you meet are always supportive and fun to talk to.
I suppose I am most in my area of expertise when it comes to reenacting. Personally, I find the hobby to be a great opportunity to further my own knowledge as well as educate the public about the good and the bad in that most turbulent of times. In my experience, I have met some of the most knowledgeable and kind people in the hobby. Plus, living like a solider plays into my love of being outdoors. Although, I must admit while it is a great honor to wear the uniform of my ancestors, it does get quite warm. Then again this is the South, sweating is one of the things we do best.
