Need a summer conversation starter? Consider…. What does it mean to be southern? Some people joke that it means you are from a place in the US where kudzu grows; where “ya’ll” and “might could” are used; where “sweet tea” is about half syrup and is the drink of choice (if not always, at least)  with fried chicken and BBQ. To some, the south is the Bible Belt. ….. the land of religious television and Baptists. To others, the south is a place where you pledge allegiance to a college sports team before you can walk. The south is so much more than these stereotypes.

Above, we see a cut glass pitcher of ice water with mint and lemon. This pitcher of infused water is a gesture, indicating the importance of friendship and making your guests feel special. Fresh mint and lemon add a crisp flavor to the water and imply extra effort. The pitcher is probably an heirloom–  in your family for a few generations. Southern means taking time to sit and enjoy fellowship with colleagues, friends and love ones. Southern means caring and paying attention to details and giving your guests your best– materially, socially, and spiritually. Southern means taking time to smell the roses in concert with others. To you, what does it mean to be southern? To ponder the question, why don’t you make some icy lemon-mint infused, water to sip? Let us know if you get it figured out!