“Life in the South Lane” is the title of my next book. I admit the statement could be considered a brag, because well, it is. A life lived in the South/Mississippi is one’s ultimate dream, I think, even if those dreamers have not yet recognized that fact. Oh, maybe when young and competitive, seeking the mountaintop, folks have looked to a metropolis for success, lived fast and furious, but when all said and done, a life lived slow and peaceful, God-fearing, with clear, clean air and water, and shared with good people, well that’s what it is really all about.

I like to think of Paul Ott’s song “I am Mississippi.” (in part)

… everything good you have

ever dreamed about.

Hush yo mouth,

I am Mississippi.

I am the South.

Do you ever sit on the front porch and count your Mississippi blessings? I have and here are a few:

1. Breathe-in, breathe-out. Air is clear and sweet.

2. Wave at the neighbors as they pass by. You may not know them but it doesn’t matter. However, odds are at least 90% are your kin.

3. Sip that sweet tea – the taste never gets old. As you rock and sip, remember yesterday’s fish fry at Jack Davis’s. Mississippi is the only place that can get a fish fry right, especially at Jack’s.

4. Lift your head and enjoy the clear blue sky or maybe the Mississippi moon. All are God’s creations and gifts for Mississippians.

5. Call momma, call granny or Aunt Sue – all will be “tickled” to hear from you. Sometimes you can just call from the front porch ‘cause they’re within “hearing-distance.”

6. And the porch has plenty of room for all of the cats and dogs; even a pet possum is welcome.

7. Enjoy the peace.

“Life in the South Lane” details all of the wonderful things about living in the South i.e. Mississippi. I tell about Sunday dinner at Maw-maw’s, my love affair with Ole Red (my riding lawn mower), I share granny’s pecan pie recipe, I remember when Uncle B was manager of Lamar Hotel in downtown Meridian, when Uncle Jim was Meridian’s Mayor, when my best friend Linda and I were marble champs and played “keeper’s.” I especially remember taking Teddy Gambill’s favorite cat eye ones but my momma frowned upon it and made me give ‘em back – said it was “like gambling.” Ah, such was life growing up in Mississippi, sweet and true.

It was a peaceful life – still is.

Have you noticed my main-most-word in this column has been peace? Without peace we really have nothing of consequence in this life. Quiet and tranquility, security and calmness, harmony and love, these are the attributes for which we should strive.

I am reminded of an old hymn.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,

Coming down from the Father above!

Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray.

In fathomless billows of love.

Warren Cornell and Greg Cooper, 1889

In Mississippi, most will take their seat in a church pew on Sunday morning as they seek the true peace of our world. The great hope we have is in Jesus Christ. It is Easter and Christ has Risen!

Happy Easter, my friends.

Anne McKee is a Mississippi historian, writer and storyteller. She is listed on the Mississippi Humanities Speakers Bureau and Mississippi Arts Commission’s Artist Roster. See her website: www.annemckeestoryteller.com.