Stories as a way in the South….stories as a way of knowing, and conveying what you know so far: learning regional epistemologies!

People tell you what they really believe through telling stories here. All sorts and colors, shapes and lengths, of stories. Requires a different type of patience.They’ll tell you their religious and political beliefs implied between the lines of long tales, some tall, some shorter. Not directly, or abstractly as ideas, but ideas embedded in narratives—life stories. And you test one another through tales as well.

In Boston, where i used to live, you would get someone’s best three ideas, here you will get their best three tales which carry all their ideas. Bit more Jewish than Greek, i think! They way here.

One time, we had rats in the attic, we called a local, and before he would tell us what to do about the problem, he told us at least six great rat stories from his long career. My wife wondered if he’d ever get to the point of fixing the problem, which he eventually did, but not until we had lots of rat wisdom!

Just met an old timer today, who told me old Spanish stories when Texas was still deciding who it was, or rather who to ally with in being itself. Great stories, little fables and parables—that’s how people are here. I like the ways of the South despite her long shadows. There isn’t a day goes by, that i don’t hear a story here. I appreciate that.

Heard one today about a man’s grandma who used mascara on her legs because in that day, you couldn’t afford stockings or hose. And carried that mentality into his generation—rationing, being careful with resources, and thinking about the next generation. Good values, even if you must use mascara on your legs.

Plus, this little place welcomes all sorts of people, but to really get to know each other, you will need to tell and listen to a few good stories first! Then, you have a place at the table forever.

Plus, stories last forever if they are good. I like stories as a way of carrying what we know, requires us all to become better story interpreters. That’s one thing this region teaches, how to tell and listen to a good story. I appreciate that about it. All my uncles were tall tales, and told them as well. I still like that way. I still like stories as a way of knowing.