July 26, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
I begin my days in a pink haze of sunrise and heavy humidity and stillness – except that Baby Daisy is not still, she has woken me and we are outside because it is time to get the day going and she is full of the joy of the day already. Yesterday afternoon I noticed a “palmetto bug” creeping from my dining room towards the …
July 4, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
Tonight’s interview concludes the 4th of July series at Bacon; thanks for joining me! (I’ll be taking a little time off following tonight’s post – back before long). I’m delighted to wrap things up with Lawson and Mary Lauren Allen and their celebration of the 4th, Center Hill Lake style…
July 3, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
In today’s installment of the “4th of July” series, Dr. Marina Lien speaks her mind, from the heart… I’m in awe.
July 2, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
Today’s post in the “Life in America” series belongs to Brigitte Arenhold Porter, who grew up in Germany during World War II… “I witnessed humanity at its very core when the US Allied forces liberated my old hometown in 1945. The Americans had ordered houses to be unlocked and all inhabitants assembled in one room. When the soldiers left, the black sergeant took the time …
June 30, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
July 4th is an All-American opportunity for the entrepreneurs among us! This year, in particular, many will also reflect on the ways we must continue to improve as a country. On the ways we have failed. Today I would love to spotlight and honor some wonderful traditions, a terrific family, and the beautiful truth – I believe – that we are all in this together. …
June 28, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
This week I’ll feature a variety of folks thinking about life in America in the time of corona, and I’m happy for Kalinda Fisher to lead us off! She has one of the coolest July 4th stories I’ve ever heard. And such an earnest, hopeful voice. Sometimes – in moments I’m not proud of – I am tempted to despair for our country. But not …
June 27, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
“Nothing good happens after midnight,” we’ve told our daughters over the years. They’re old enough to know that’s not quite the truth. Sometimes the best things happen after midnight! And sometimes, the best things happen in America…
June 27, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
“Wherever there are four Episcopal priests, there is always a fifth,” it has been noted, with a sly smile. In particular, Mary Laurie Cece’s father used to say this (an Episcopal priest and college professor himself). Mary Laurie recently recounted this to her four grown kids, living at home. “What’s a fifth?” one of them asked. For those under 25: it’s a handle. These are the …
June 25, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
The ever-thoughtful Mary Raymond returns to Bacon today with her review of Brit Bennett’s new novel, The Vanishing Half. I didn’t love Bennett’s debut work, The Mothers, but Mary makes a strong case for The Vanishing Half. I value Mary’s voice, and I think she values mine. We are friends who can talk about politics, and not entirely agree, and still love each other. From Mary: Brit Bennett’s …
June 21, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
Three summers ago my parents and I sat on a bench waiting for the theater doors to open in Interlochen, Michigan, where my older daughter was at an arts camp. My dad could still travel and remember his days (and – as a sidenote – I could still fit in that dress). Harder days have come – and stranger days, too. Sorrow comes for us …