Dearest Gentle Reader,

There is an old saying that news travels fast in a small Southern town. Well, I can assure you, dear, that news travels considerably faster when two ladies happen to meet over a cup of coffee.

And wouldn’t you know it, I’ve heard a few things worth sharing this week.

A Little Something Outside

Now, I recently heard some rather interesting chatter about a local establishment called Everything Outdoors, right here in Carrollton.

Located at 1011 Alabama Street, this little treasure seems to have something for just about everybody.

Whether you’re raising chickens, planting a garden, tending to livestock, or trying to convince your husband that the backyard desperately needs another flower bed, they’ve got quite the assortment.

We’re talking animal feed, gardening supplies, vegetable plants, seeds, fertilizer, fencing supplies, mulch, gravel, stone, and even home décor.

Goodness gracious, I could send a gentleman in there for a bag of fertilizer and not see him again until supper!

But here’s where things get interesting.

Word around town is that Everything Outdoors has started hosting a farmers market on the third Friday of the month.

And wouldn’t you know it, there’s a Fall Y’all Market advertised for Friday, October 16, from 4 until 7 in the afternoon!

I’m hearing talk of farmers, bakers, local makers, delicious treats, and all sorts of goodies from hardworking folks in our community.

Now, whether this becomes a regular monthly tradition is something I suggest you ask the fine folks at Everything Outdoors themselves. I would hate for my readers to arrive next month expecting homemade jam and find nothing but a handsome display of garden tools.

Do stop by, ask about their upcoming events, and tell them you heard about them through The Southern Grace Gazette.

After all, supporting our local businesses is one of the finest ways to keep our little corner of Georgia thriving.

Politics, Porch Talk, and Familiar Faces

Now, dear readers, you didn’t think I would let election season pass without a little conversation, did you?

November is approaching, and Carroll County has some decisions to make.

One race that caught my attention is the contest for the District 2 seat on the Carroll County Board of Commissioners.

On one side is Clint Chance, who has served on the county commission since 2019. He’s been involved with local boards and has called northern Carroll County home for nearly three decades.

On the other is Kwasi Hudson, a Navy veteran and community activist who has spoken about the importance of planning for the growth happening around Villa Rica, particularly when it comes to roads, infrastructure, and keeping residents informed.

Now, isn’t that interesting? Two gentlemen with different backgrounds, both seeking the opportunity to serve their neighbors.

I won’t be telling you which way to vote, dear. A lady may have her opinions, but I firmly believe you ought to get acquainted with the candidates and make up your own mind.

And please, for heaven’s sake, don’t choose your candidate simply because someone at the beauty parlor told you their cousin’s neighbor thinks he’s a nice fellow!

Ask questions. Learn about their experience. Find out what they intend to do for our communities.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and early voting is already underway.

One Last Thing Before I Go

With all this talk of farmers’ markets, politics, and community happenings, I am reminded of something my dear sister Nana once said.

“Everybody’s got an opinion, honey. The trick is knowing which ones are worth listening to.”

Of course, this is the same woman who once insisted she could improve a perfectly good recipe by adding an entire jar of pickle relish.

We didn’t speak of that casserole again.

But her point was a good one.

Our communities are built by the people who show up, support their neighbors, lend a hand, and take an interest in what happens around them.

So visit that little business you’ve been meaning to try. Introduce yourself to someone new. Ask a candidate a thoughtful question. And perhaps spend Friday afternoon discovering what our local farmers and makers have to offer.

You never know what—or whom—you might encounter.

And rest assured, dear reader, if anything particularly interesting happens around town, I’ll be listening.

Whatever Happened to Good Manners?

Speaking of listening, dear readers, has anyone else noticed how much the world has changed?

I was raised in a time when we said “yes, ma’am,” held doors for strangers, dressed appropriately for the occasion, and wouldn’t dream of interrupting someone mid-sentence.

Nowadays, I see folks carrying on entire conversations while staring at those little phones, and heaven forbid anyone should disagree without starting an argument!

But perhaps I’m being a tad unfair. Every generation sees the world through different eyes, and I can’t help but wonder what our younger folks think of the traditions we hold so dear.

Next week, I intend to explore just that—how the younger generations view the world, what they believe we’ve gotten wrong, and whether good manners have truly disappeared or simply changed with the times.

I suspect we may all learn a thing or two. And wouldn’t that be something?

Until then, dear reader, mind your manners. Someone is always watching—and occasionally, that someone is me.

Yours truly,

Lady Davenport

☕ A Little Friendly Advice from Lady Davenport

Darlin’, whether you’re running for office or running a small business, there’s one thing you never want folks questioning—your numbers!

A good reputation takes years to build and one messy ledger to raise eyebrows.

Let Southern Grace Ledgers keep your books in order.

After all, dear, the only thing we want people gossiping about is your success! 💋