GEORGE AND MARTHA
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It was a long drive. I left Michigan with my two young daughters a few days before my husband was to leave with our furniture and belongings. Normally, when the girls and I vacation in North Carolina, we stop for a night at my cousin's house in West Virginia. But we were excited about our new rental home in Hubert NC, and well, we just wanted to get here.
A few years ago, I ran across a North Carolina photographer, George. I admired his landscape photography, especially of the NC lighthouses. I randomly added him as a friend on facebook. We shared a few minor emails about his work, and about my childhood ties to the outer banks of North Carolina. That was it.
In August of 2011, my soul said 'MOVE TO NORTH CAROLINA NOW". I've always wanted it, and the girls also. I emailed George to ask about rental houses in the area. His response was "I have a house for rent, come home to North Carolina". Two months later, I am in my car, with my girls, traveling through the Blue Ridge Mountains, in route to our new home near the coast.
I had several conversations with George's wife, Martha, before our moving date. I fell in love with her wit and energy, instantly. A woman in her golden years, I never would have guessed. Her talk ...I can only describe as fast, fun and furious with an intense southern draw, an admitted "Holy Roller", occasionally cussing and then apologizing for it. "Welcome welcome welcome, oh I am so excited to have you here , you'll love the house. I am so glad you are coming home".
I found it strange, that both George and Martha, had used the same words "coming home". I assumed they were referring to me coming home to a place I spent time at, in my childhood.
We arrived at our new home, at 8pm on November 3, 2011. A small quaint ranch-style house, in a quiet, country neighborhood. I had no fears, doubts or regrets as I walked through the door and viewed my new home in person, for the first time.
George and Martha knew, that the girls and I were arriving a few days before our belongings would be here, but much to our surprise, they had supplied us with Mattresses to sleep on, fresh linens and towels, a television set with a built in dvd player, movies to watch, board games for the girls to play, a coffee pot, a few dishes, pots, pans and silverware. In the refrigerator, a fresh pot of spaggetti, and a fresh batch of Martha's chili, juice, bread, butter. They had supplied us with everything we would need to be comfortable until our things arrived.
I was speechless. Was this Southern Hospitality? Was this "George and Martha"? I think it was both.
Friday, November 4, 2011
BETTY
The girls and I wasted no time in getting to know our new home and it's surrounding areas. Literally the morning after our arrival, and after my morning coffee, compliments of Martha, we headed out to explore.
Our address is in Hubert, but seconds down the road is the town of Swansboro, lovingly nick-named "Friendly City by the Sea". It's not exactly on the sea. It sits on the beautiful White Oak River. The river is dotted with marsh islands, and is a passage-way to the Atlantic Ocean, which is a few miles over. Along the river in Swansboro, there are seafood markets, seafood restaurants and a quaint historical district, lined with unique little stores, gift shops and cafes.
Sailboats, shrimping boats, and kayaks on the river, are an every day sight.
Just before you get to the riverfront, the historical district of Swansboro, is the road to a park we wanted to check out so we turned south to check out Hammocks State Park. On top of the 33 acres of mainland, where you can launch your kayak into the intercoastal waterways, or explore the forest, Hammocks State Park also encompases two barrier islands, Huggins Island, and Bear Island. They are called barrier islands, because they lie between the mainland, and the ocean. No one lives on these islands, but you can kayak , or ferry to the islands for the day, or pop a tent on the beach and camp the night ! Besides a concession stand that has seasonal hours, nothing exists on these islands, but nature.
Just before you get to the riverfront, the historical district of Swansboro, is the road to a park we wanted to check out so we turned south to check out Hammocks State Park. On top of the 33 acres of mainland, where you can launch your kayak into the intercoastal waterways, or explore the forest, Hammocks State Park also encompases two barrier islands, Huggins Island, and Bear Island. They are called barrier islands, because they lie between the mainland, and the ocean. No one lives on these islands, but you can kayak , or ferry to the islands for the day, or pop a tent on the beach and camp the night ! Besides a concession stand that has seasonal hours, nothing exists on these islands, but nature.
http://swansborohistory.blogspot.com/2010/09/more-on-huggins-island.html
The girls and I walked out onto the dock as a kayaker was coming in. My youngest child, Josie, started a conversation with the man, and he revealed he was from Tennessee, and came to North Carolina often, to kayak. He was just returning, from an overnight camping trip on bear island, and his camping gear was so minimal, it fit into the storage compartment of his ten foot wooden kayak.
As we were saying our goodbye's to Tennessee man, two older ladies approached us and said hello. My guess is that they were both in their early seventies.
"Your babies are beautiful" one of the ladies said, as she smiled the warmest smile, directed towards my girls. It was a sunny day, and the first thing I really noticed about this old woman, is how the light of the sun, reflecting off of the water below us, made a light dance in her fading blue eyes. She introduced herself as "Betty", and she also introduced the other woman as her sister, but for the life of me, I can not recall the sisters name.
I introduced myself and my children, and explained that we had just moved to the area from Michigan and we were out exploring. This seemed to excite them and they both exclaimed in unison "you will love it here!". We made small talk for the next twenty minutes, the aged sisters were humorous and argued over who used to be the sexiest when they were "younger".
As we parted ways, Betty said "Well here now, you know I just live around the corner, little green house, white shutters, please do come by for coffee soon! We would love to have you, we will just have a good time !".
With a smile I nodded and they both reached out to shake my hand. Not a firm "glad to meet you buddy" handshake i'm so used to from being a "northerner". But a "Southern ladies" handshake, gentle, warm, soft and friendly.
As I walked away, Betty yelled "Welcome home honey !". I smiled to myself, as this was not the first time I have been "welcomed home" here in North Carolina by someone who KNEW that I was not born and raised here. I was beginning to think it was an endearing phrase these North Carolinians use in replace of "Welcome to North Carolina", and I kind of liked it!
I have not as of yet, made it over to Betty's for coffee, and I wonder why, what stops me from doing so? Am I afraid? Do normal people just invite strangers over for coffee? Not where I am from...so...Is it a bit strange? Or is it simply "southern" to give out such an invite? A little old lady from the south, Betty, who takes her daily stroll through Hammocks State Park. She reached out to us on our first day here, she was warm and welcoming, and her eyes twinkled with the same graciousness and kindness that her voice so beautifully resonated. I should go visit Betty soon.
My grandchildren and I enjoy some time, on the dock at Hammock's State Park/Mainland. We watched a few dolphins swim right in front of us that day !
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