Bringing Back the Parlor

  There is a saying around that could possibly be one of the most intelligent things anyone has ever said.  "What is wrong with the world today, is that no one sits on the front porch and talks anymore."  Probably more accurately, people yammer and not truly talk or listen. Gone are the days when folks would gather around (usually in the Deep South, that gathering was on a front porch.) and have true conversations.  The gatherings stopped, conversing became nil and the country went to pot.  (And if you do not know what that means, then you obviously have not been to a gathering.)

  The screened porches of the past served well as a meeting spot of sorts.  In the Deep South, it is where we kept cool and relatively free from bugs.  The only problem was that those gatherings had to come to a halt in mid-December all the way through March.  Cold weather and slow conversations do not mix well.  It was during those months that the frequent visits were moved to the parlor.  No self-respecting Southern Belle was without a "nice" parlor.  Ladies and gents warmed themselves by the parlor stove and the woes of the world were put in order. 

  So..since my screened porch is still in the wish stages, I have decided to bring back the parlor.  This is not to be confused with a living room where people lounge about staring at their mind-thieving cell phones.  There is just something about the mere mention of a parlor that brings to mind a deep connection of those who sit and converse.  

  Today, I decorated my "parlor" for Christmas.  Since Son helped me lug some my antique furniture into the room, I figured that I might as well go full 1800s with a decorating theme.  Heavy garlands were made, a tabletop tree was decorated and lots of lace doilies from my grandmother's chest were put into use. While it is still a work in progress, I am satisfied that the parlor would have pleased my grandmother. Now if I could only bring back the art of true conversation all would be right in my little world.