From the beginning...

As a northerner moving to the rural south, I felt as if I had moved to a foreign land. Not that the people looked different, but we certainly had some barriers to overcome; Barriers as anything that keeps me from engaging with others that I don't know. For instance, if you are talking French and I, English, I would be intimidated to walk up and start a conversation. Now I know what you are thinking...we speak English in North Carolina, and yes that is true. But with the southern drawl and different dialects, I had a difficult time understanding most people. And I must admit some had trouble with my accent. What accent?

Learning about the people and from the people has been so interesting. I am excited to share my friendship stories with you that include my girlfriends who happen to be African American, Hispanic, and Asian. In this area there are also American Indians and though I don't know any personally (at this moment) I was thrilled to go to my very first Pow-Wow..I hope that is politically correct, for I don't want to offend anyone.

Unfortunately there is still racial tension even though some don't want to admit it, yet there are wonderful women who are striving to make a difference in how we relate to each other. Striving may not be the right word, because it is through fun times and prayerful times, we have come to love each other...so we aren't striving... we are relaxing with each other....sharing our common ground. And that's what I want to share with you...the common ground that shows me the Rewards of a Colorful Existence!