From My Front Porch Experience
American Stories from Your Front Porch
“Beginning in the 1800s design styles had impressed the idea of outdoor leisure space. Families were able to work toward a lifestyle that accommodated gathering and social time. Many sought to gravitate toward the semi-public space of their front porch. A shaded spot that gave them shelter from the sun, rain and wind.” Jul 8, 2016
Visalia Times-Delta › 2016/07/08
It has come to me during the pandemic to think about my experiences and the values that porches have served me through my journeys through the south and how much I love and appreciate just sitting on the front porch whether it’s for reflection, meditation prayer, visitation, family gatherings, information gathering, strategic planning, workspace, sleeping, snoozing and or any kind of relaxing.
There have been many stories all across the south that I have had the pleasure of coming to know all because of a front porch gathering. Never having the opportunity to own my own house especially with the front porch has caused me to have a nostalgic fantasy memory of the purpose that porches have served and the many benefits of internal growth in the process.
It didn’t take me very long to understand that front porches could have different meanings and importance between the black and white community. I learned many African-American stories in the south from the side porch or a back patio which led me to come to understand that a front porch could possibly be more exposed than a lot of people were comfortable with. Porches were always nicely set up for sitting, I just didn’t see a lot of front porch sitting on a regular for long periods of time in my experiences...of course I am speaking of the 1970s through 1990...I can only imagine the earlier years.
So as I embark on this new journey reflecting on the wonderful past time of the pleasure of porches, I will also be envisioning my own porch someday. I would love to hear your stories about how your porch has served your wellness in these transformative times. I still think it outweighs any inside activities and something that our children can truly begin to appreciate before it vanishes into our history books and we wonder what we’ve been missing.
It may mean a very early morning cup of coffee or hot tea before the sun sets in or a late afternoon delicacy of ice tea or lemonade whatever suits your fancy. It is equivalent to sitting at the table and having dinner to bring a Family together...why not truly try it and see what it brings to you and yours. The conversations that you stir up in the fresh air of the outdoors on your porch, whether it be front or back or side or even a stoop may surprise you!!
Enjoy the experience...until the next time... I’ll be looking for “Your Story” from
The Front Porch!!
BK Williams
In York, SC there was a front porch on our southern home. Before we really settled into our new to us digs, the Ku Klux Klan left us a welcome, a burning cross. I had just brought Trevor, our first born, home from the hospital in Charlotte, Presbyterian Hospital. The Klan may have thought we needed a shower gift for our son. They did not ring the bell to announce themselves, but we recognized who they were the next morning.
ReplyDeleteWow-Sistah now that’s some sharing from The Front Porch! However, I’m not surprised ! The next time you stop by we must have a glass of fresh lemonade or sweet southern tea along with those breezes. Until next time much love to you from The Front Porch!
DeleteSitting on my Front porch in Greensboro, NC was so very relaxing to me. I used to sit outside and watch the stars every night. A couple of nights out there I saw the brightest star (Or so I thought)fly away into the night even though I had watched it remain still the whole time I was out there. The last night I stargazed alone I saw a star or craft the whole night in one spot and then it started to move. I tried to communicate with the craft. To let them know that I acknowledged them and was reaching out to them. I then went inside and soon after I was contacted through facebook by the United galactic federation. It was crazy because I had just been reading a Dr Malichi Z Book on the different species among us and they were named. I still stargaze and I have seen other phenomenons but now I don't attempt to communicate.. Just wanted to share..Peace and Love...Lyfe
ReplyDeleteOMG...what a wonderful experience from Your Front Porch ...I am so excited about the wonder of your stargazing experience. How fabulous to be able to have such a View from The Front Porch!! Thank you for sharing...Until the next time...Happy Stargazing my friend!
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