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SoulCast's front porch

the_infernal_optimist posted on Jul 13, 2007 | views: 1142 | Tags: friends, front porches, conversation, sitting, friend, porch
For some reason or other, Tracy Lawrence's "If the World Had a Front Porch" was on my mind earlier today, and I thought it'd be nice to set up a front porch for SoulCast. Feel free to drop by, take a load off, and have a tall glass of fresh lemonade if you like. :)

A quick sketch of where you are: This porch is attached to a sprawling but ramshackle house, circa 1910. The porch floorboards groan in certain places, but they are solid, and though their slate blue paint is peeling as badly as the cream-colored coating on the house itself, you feel comfortable here. There are wicker chairs, sturdy oak rockers, and porch swings aplenty, since the porch stretches around three sides of the house.

It is perpetually near dusk in the summertime here. Corn and peas are piled high in bushel baskets, in case you'd like to shuck or shell while you "set a spell," and both iced tea and lemonade stand ready in sweating pitchers nearby.

Drop by anytime, and upon leaving, don't be surprised to hear a lazy Southern voice implore, "Y'all come back now, ya hear?" :)


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Comments

  • polarheart said on Jul 13, 2007....
    I'm a-comin', Infernal, your porch sounds sooo inviting.  If only we really could meet there!!
  • destinydiva said on Jul 13, 2007....
    I'm on my way......(running....) :-) Destiny x
  • silverwhisper said on Jul 13, 2007....
    say, might i have a bit of lemonade, infernal?

    hot enough for you? :>

    ed
  • destinydiva said on Jul 13, 2007....
    quick..........somebody hide the fish......   :-)
  • polarheart said on Jul 13, 2007....
    Ed, cant you ever leave that poor fish at home?  Infernal, please can we put the poor old trout in the bath for a swim?  (And out of Ed's reach :P)
  • MissMimi said on Jul 13, 2007....
    I used to love my grandma's porch in the summer.  Is there a porch swing, Infernal?  Anybody wanna swing with me?  :)
  • polarheart said on Jul 13, 2007....
    I do! I do!
  • destinydiva said on Jul 13, 2007....
    I claim the rocker :-) 
  • pickersplock said on Jul 13, 2007....
    I would like my lemonade and ice tea mixed together please.  I'll bring some of my mint to put in!
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 13, 2007....
    *passes drinks around, then steals trout and hides it somewhere non-stinky*

    Ed, it's always hot enough for me (and then some) here! :-D Think we'll have rain soon?

    There are porch swings, Mimi - make yourself at home (and scoot over, Polar; I'm tired). :)

    Welcome, all - stay as long as you like and drop by as often as you please!

    ~Infernal
  • GrapeKoolaid said on Jul 13, 2007....
    If yall wouldn't mind, itd be mighty nice o yas to let me pop a squat on that old swing there.  Thankee for lemnade, ma'am.  I'd like to rest my dogs...  They've been barkin' all day....
  • MissMimi said on Jul 13, 2007....
    [moves over so Grape can sit between the ladies on the swing]  Mr.K, can I put my feet in your lap?
  • GrapeKoolaid said on Jul 13, 2007....
    By all means.  I reckon nothin's more relaxin' than lazily swinging on a porch swing on a warm summer day.  If there is somethin' more relaxin', I don't wanna know about it.  The lemnade's top notch, too.  
  • hotaka said on Jul 13, 2007....
    A lovely setting. I would like to drop by and shell some peas. That peeling paint sounds interesting and might be worth taking the camera along for. No, "y'alls" please, unless it comes from some really hot and sexy southern bell. Then I just might not leave!
  • CreativeWoman said on Jul 13, 2007....
    I'll have a glass of iced tea, please.  Let me show you how my mom taught me to shuck corn.

    CW
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 13, 2007....
    Hooray, we have a photographer to capture the evening! :)

    And, uh, I use "y'all" a lot, but that description leaves me out. I'll see if I can rustle up someone more fitting. :-D

    *hands hotaka a bowl for shelled peas* Have at! Just leave the hulls in a pile by your chair - I'll clean up later.

    CW, nice to see you here! Would you like lemon with your tea?

    ~Infernal
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 13, 2007....
    Grape, you're always welcome to rest your puppies here. :)

    ~Infernal
  • hotaka said on Jul 13, 2007....
    Oh, lemon? Yes, please. Hey, infernal, you can say y'all as much as you like. Hearing it from you will be just fine. Sorry but when you mentioned it I had the image of Uncle Jessie from Dukes of Hazard only missing most of his teeth and look a bit scruffier and with a yellowish beard. I assume that description doesn't fit you either, right?
  • Jenna said on Jul 13, 2007....

    Would you mind if I just quietly came and sat on the porch? 

    I will just sit.....listen and watch....... 

    that is all I can do right now.....

     

  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 13, 2007....
    Hotaka: Fortunately, I'm still in possession of all of my own teeth, and try as I might, if I ever did, I think the whole beard thing would elude me. (No circus sideshows, I guess...*sigh*) ;-)

    Jenna: Good to see you here, hon. ((hugs)) I think there's a comfortable chair off to the side there if you'd like.

    ~Infernal
  • GrapeKoolaid said on Jul 13, 2007....
    Jenna:  Come sit here in front of me and I'll give you one of those award-winning Grape's back & shoulder-rubs.  You sound like you could use it.  
  • CreativeWoman said on Jul 13, 2007....
    Lemon in my tea sounds very refreshing....with lots of ice too please.  :-)

    CW
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 13, 2007....
    Coming right up, CW! :) Anyone else need anything while I'm up?

    ~Infernal
  • MsStar39 said on Jul 14, 2007....
    What memories you are bringing back, I remember a porch with a swing
    so long ago, You have painted such a wonderful cozy place. I definitely
    want to come and sit a spell, a nice tall glass of lemonade sounds delightful,

    Infernal this is such a wonderful idea, thank you so much for your kind
    hospitality.
    I would be honored if you would visit me sometime and just bring
    the gang with you, my porch is not as fine as yours but we can make do.
    I promise to have some nice cold lemonade.

  • kram said on Jul 14, 2007....
    IM DOWN. I COULD USE A GETAWAY!
  • sweet_cookie01 said on Jul 14, 2007....

    oh my i am sorry i am late... may i have a glass of lemonade...ahhhh...

    may i sit with you on the swing? but... i want to swing real high though... giggling...

    (sweet cookie impatiently waits her turn hi hi hi hi....)

  • wombat said on Jul 14, 2007....
    I followed sweet cookie and found the porch.  I don't mind sitting on the stoop.  My specialty is hulling peas and snapping beans.  (Wow, I remember those days....)  The whole family (and neighbors) sitting outside where it was cooler on the porch and in straight-back chairs out on the grass. Thanks for allowing me to join in!
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Welcome, MsStar, kram, sweet_cookie, and wombat! :) Nice to see you all here.

    ~Infernal
  • sweet_cookie01 said on Jul 14, 2007....
    so it was you wombat who was following me?!.... i knew it i felt like there was a someone following me.. i thought it was the ginger bread boy who i busted!...LOL....
  • wombat said on Jul 14, 2007....
    (I was scurrying along, in wombat mode, following a trail of crumbs...ha.)
  • sweet_cookie01 said on Jul 14, 2007....
    hahahahaha...a nice one wombat!
  • Me-Myself&I said on Jul 14, 2007....

    This is nice, Thank you for your invite. How are you doing today? Boy, you have alot of corn and

    peas here, may i help you shuck and shell?  Sure do like your home....been living here long? Look

     at all the folks here so cool.......

  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Hi, MM&I! :) Beautiful day here, isn't it?

    We'll take all the help we can get - make yourself right at home!

    ~Infernal
  • SmallTownSouthernGirl said on Jul 14, 2007....
    WOW! It sounds like the best place on earth. Just reading this was relaxing. I will pull up a sturdy oak rocker and enjoy an iced tea with a little bit of mint, and lemonade. If theres corn to shuck and peas to snap. I would gladly sit and rock and do either, sitting with good friends. Maybe I will pull out a quilt and stitch a few squares.
  • Me-Myself&I said on Jul 14, 2007....

    OK....thanks, i think i will "sit for a spell". Yes, it is a very fine day, and a good

    start on the night.(just shucking away)May i have some of that lemonade, please?

  • Perdy said on Jul 14, 2007....

    Better start makin' some more lemonade. I'm a heavy drinker! Hehehe...I'll just put down a blanket and lay on the porch.....Is there a beautiful breeze? I just walked in the heat for 2 hours straight...I need me some breeze!

    ~Perdy

  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Welcome, SmallTownSG and Perdy!

    *passes drinks around to all who need 'em, and refills empty glasses*

    Perdy, yes, there's a nice breeze blowing today. :) The humidity is way down, too, so it's a "dry" heat instead of all muggy and icky.

    ~Infernal
  • Me-Myself&I said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Hey there..PERDY, how are you doing?
  • mirrorimage said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Good afternoon everyone! I brought a little strawberry shortcake for us...
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Hi, mirror! I was hoping you'd join us.

    I'll take my shortcake sans strawberries, please (lots of Cool Whip though)! :) What a great idea!

    ~Infernal
  • mirrorimage said on Jul 14, 2007....
    I brought plenty of cool whip...it's my favorite part! :)
    The best part of summer is evenings on the porch with iced tea, summer foods and good people... this was a great idea!
  • botoni said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Hope its ok. I d like to settle down on the stoop with Wombat and strum some lazy tunes on my mandolin. Anyone got a favorite? I was kinda thinking 'Way down upon the Swanee River......' Cmon sing along.........mmmm....that lemonade is mighty darn refreshin!
  • GrapeKoolaid said on Jul 14, 2007....
    I keep finding myself back here....  Why is that?  Something about the lazy afternoon heat...  It's intoxicating.  
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Yay, botoni's here! :) I was just wishing a while ago that someone had brought a guitar or the like.

    Can you play "Fire on the Mountain?"

    ~Infernal
  • husbandhater said on Jul 14, 2007....
    I have to tell you I love your porch and I'd love to see the sun set while I'm sipping a tall glass of ice cold lemonade. Reminds me of my grandparents house as a little girl:~) Thankyou infernal
  • DesertMermaid said on Jul 14, 2007....

    Hi infernal , found my way here at last! ;)

  • Jenna said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Thanks grape......
     
    And Infernal.....thanks for the invite......very sweet of you!
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Welcome, hh and DM! :) (hh, this post arose from a memory of my Nana's old house.)

    Jenna, you're most welcome. :)

    ~I
  • Jenna said on Jul 14, 2007....
    You are so kind.....
     
    Can i get a refill?  I love watching and listening to what is going on.....
  • MissMimi said on Jul 14, 2007....

    settles in next to Jenna...

    How ya doin', honeypie?  Haven't seen you in a while.

  • mirrorimage said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Bot, Grape, HH, Desertmermaid, Jenna, Mimi....can I get you some strawberry shortcake?
  • GrapeKoolaid said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Mmm..  Strawberry Shortcake....  A Heaping plate for me please.  Better yet, point to the cake and watch your fingers....
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    *refills Jenna's drink*

    That strawberry shortcake is delicious, and disappearing fast, I see!

    ~I
  • destinydiva said on Jul 14, 2007....
    well I'm just gonna wander  on over and sit by memy&I for awhile.....  :-) would anybody like to take the rocker? I been on it for hours so the seats warmed up.....
    infernal this is a great place, I love being here..... you realize we may all linger in this beauty forever....   ooohh could I add something a little 'spirited' to my lemonade please? I could do with loosening up a little......   :-)
  • rmuxagirl said on Jul 14, 2007....
    I love just sitting on the front porch and watching people walk their dogs or watch the sun set.  Isn't it beautiful with all those colors ands shadows so gorgeous.
  • Me-Myself&I said on Jul 14, 2007....

    sit right on down Destiny, you need to rest. You have had a long walk over

    from that rocker you have been in....what you got there??? so, are going to

    add that to our lemonade...cool...ok....hmmmm

  • destinydiva said on Jul 14, 2007....
    well I brought some blue curacao and some vodka..... blue lagoon cocktail anybody???    
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Welcome, rmuxagirl! :) It is fun to people-watch from a well-shaded porch.

    ~I
  • wombat said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Everybody scrunch back around the stoop and listen to Botoni play his mandolin!  I didn't know he could play!  It is about to put me into a light snooze--but I am staying awake to listen....
  • GrapeKoolaid said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Mandolin, eh?  I can go get my guitar and accompany you if you'd like....

    Do you know "Friend of the Devil", or "Panama Red?"  We could start with those.  My knowledge of music regarding the mandolin is rather limited, so we'll have to stay close to the basics, but just tell me what chords you're playing and I'm sure we'll get along just fine. 
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    I have a guitar I don't know how to play (a gift in hopes I'd learn), so if anyone wants to borrow it during our time here, just let me know and I'll grab it. :)

    There's going to be a little bluegrass-ish band on our porch if this keeps up! :-D

    ~I
  • Me-Myself&I said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Shoot you all she's been playing and singing for the past 7 hours...Way down upon the Swanee river....
  • moonriver said on Jul 14, 2007....
    ((setting hisself down on the porch steps with his ol' ukulele))

    key of D please, botoni and grapey...

    Far, far away
    That's where my heart is turning ever
    That's where the old folks stay...

    All up and down the whole creation,
    Sadly I roam
    Still longing for the old plantation
    And for the old folks at home

    everybody now... ((memyself leads the chorus...))

  • Jenna said on Jul 14, 2007....

    So nice to see you moon.....hope you ae doing well......

    Please continue playing the ukulele.....

  • wombat said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Bluegrass! Now you're talking!  I play the harmonica when I get in the mood.  I love the old blues jammin' and everybody just joining in with whatever they feel...
     
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Cool! Welcome, moon, and nice voice! :) I think it'll take another hard lemonade or three to get me singing along, though. :-D

    ~I
  • moonriver said on Jul 14, 2007....
    Chorus:
    All the world is sad and dreary everywhere I roam
    Oh darkies, how my heart grows weary
    Far from the old folks at home!

    i'm doin' fine, miss jenna. not mighty dandy, just plain-vanilla fine. see this here ol' ukulele? my maw gave it to me. learned the basics of C-F-G7-C chord progression on her lap...

    wombat, i aint a native of these parts, but i reckon a bluegrass band aint complete 'thout a fiddle. any fiddler in the vicinity...? lol

  • Jenna said on Jul 14, 2007....

    Moon.....Just sending a hug...I know you are missing someone  special.....I miss her too!

  • wombat said on Jul 14, 2007....
    I just about got bluegrass and "the blues" mixed up in my mind there.. but then, I like them both.... and if a fiddler shows up, then I can adjust!
  • moonriver said on Jul 14, 2007....
    wombat, i'm sure your harmonica'll blend fine too, whether blues or bluegrass :-)

    optimist, 'preciate the nice welcome, ma'am. and thanks for the lemonade :-)

    jenna -- why that's mighty sweet of you missy. ((hugs back)) tell her i miss her 3x a day, double that on sundays... :-)

  • Me-Myself&I said on Jul 15, 2007....
    I'm trying to sleep here and so much noise is going on....who the heck is singing now...put a sock in it!!!
  • Me-Myself&I said on Jul 15, 2007....
    oh it you...Moon .....just kidding   lol...................
  • botoni said on Jul 15, 2007....
    OHhhhhhhhhhhh....that shortcake was so good I dropped the mandolin. I ll just hum along for awhile if thats ok. Maybe I ll get out my washboard adn do a little rhythm.
  • moonriver said on Jul 15, 2007....
    memyself -- i was waitin' for you ta lead in the chorus, ma'am. didn't know you took off for 40 winks. destiny must of put too much vodka in your drink eh?

    i was tryin' to wake you up with my caterwauling voice. actually. yup. when i sing on moonlit nights, all the neighborhood cats throw stuff at me...lol.

    botoni -- whyn't you bring your musician friend here, after their gig, and you can show us how ta use his washboard abs for a little rhythm, eh? (methinks ms. optimist's hard lemonade drinks are having some effect on me now...)

  • destinydiva said on Jul 15, 2007....
    sorry I dozed off......blue lagoons didnt mix well with the antihistamines....

    a sing a long....yey!!  beautiful song mr river ...how'd it go with your son?

    anyone wanna dance with me.....  :-)
  • Alyss said on Jul 15, 2007....
    I'd love to come and have a few minutes of tranquillity on the porch infernal if I may?

    Life's hectic and I can't seem to get it under control and make my reality reflect what I want, so just a space to sit and simply be would be very much appreciated.
  • Me-Myself&I said on Jul 15, 2007....

    Yawning...........oh lordy...it's morning (looking around to see who's still here)

    Well, Good morning my friends!!!......Hey Moon ...yup, it's Destiny's fault....

    so sorry for shutting you up.     I NEED COFFEE.................

  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 15, 2007....
    Alyss, you are always welcome here. :) ((hugs)) Lemonade? Tea?

    ~I
  • rmuxagirl said on Jul 15, 2007....
    I think I'll have some lemonade before I sit down to write...anyone want to hear some of my poetry...Is there a good rocking chair around?
  • destinydiva said on Jul 15, 2007....
    rmux looks like the sing along came to an end.....  I'd love to hear your poetry....

    wow its evening already......  infernal can I spend another night on your porch? pleeeeease? I'll go easy on the cocktails :tonight.......   :-)

    Destiny x
  • Alyss said on Jul 15, 2007....
    Tea would be good. Thank you.
  • rmuxagirl said on Jul 15, 2007....
    hmm Destiny, let me think of something to read to ya :)
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 15, 2007....
    *hands glass of tea to Alyss*

    Of course you can spend another night, Destiny! :) I wouldn't have it any other way.

    ~I
  • Me-Myself&I said on Jul 16, 2007....

    Good morning......infernal....just wanted to stop by on my walk to work and

    tell you " I had a wonderful time at your place this weekend, Thank you."

     

    Best time i have had at anyones place.......**smile** you are a good host!!

    OH...YOUR FRIENDS ARE GREAT TOO

  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 16, 2007....
    Glad you had a good time, MM&I! :) You're always welcome here.

    I think I'll do another post like this once autumn rolls around (seasonally appropriate). Perhaps you'll stop by for apple cider then?

    ~Infernal
  • TheNakedProfessor said on Jul 16, 2007....
     
     
    Pick up the mandolin again, Bot...I brought my guitar. As soon as hunter shows up I want to start strumming "Dueling Banjos" and see the look on his face...
     
     
  • botoni said on Jul 16, 2007....
    TNP.....LOL!
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 16, 2007....
    Hey, TNP! It's so good to see you commenting again! :)

    ~Infernal
  • TheNakedProfessor said on Jul 16, 2007....

    The porch is getting crowded.

     

    You notice those things when yer nekkid.

     

    Thanks TiO

     

    ;)

  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 16, 2007....
    More like people notice your thing, isn't it? ;-)

    ~I
  • TheNakedProfessor said on Jul 16, 2007....
    Yes, but they pretend not to...
  • gingersoul said on Jul 17, 2007....
    Sweet Jenna, how about a cool Cipriani Martini with mint? I had one just last night, on a beautiful terrace facing the sea......there were several lounge chairs that i mentally filled with you and some other dear Scasters friends i am longing to talk longer with....now i have too few time...my days are counted till my flying back...I just couldnt help stopping by and say hi to you........ Love to you....:-)
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Jul 17, 2007....
    A ginger sighting! Woohoo! :)

    ~I
  • hotaka said on Jul 17, 2007....
    Hey, am I back just in time to see ginger? Alright! Sorry, I was busy doing macro shots of that peeling paint. There's a whole other world in there!

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