Porches, Rocking Chairs. Living in the Moment St. Marys Style.
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 Close your eyes. Imagine a small southern town nestled in a sweet curve of coastline. Hear the breezes sigh through majestic live oaks and stately palms. Feel the kiss of sun upon your face and the caresses of velvet sea air. Now place
yourself in a well-worn rocking chair on a Victorian porch—time, like a priceless treasure in your hands—with peace in your soul, and gratitude in your heart. Can you see it? Do you feel it? If so…welcome to St Marys.
William Wordsworth once penned the words, “The world is too much with us late and soon…” In today’s frenetic
environment, the sense of inner quiet that we all seek can prove elusive. One has only to consider the vast plethora of
relaxation techniques, spa retreats, chemical alchemies and quick-fix panaceas available to comprehend the power of the human quest for serenity.
Many dream of a life of quiet, reflective moments and the luxury of a simpler existence—a way of being that returns us to a truer sense of our Self upon the universal stage. To that end, thousands travel southward in search of the healing balm of sun and sea and the relaxed pace for which the Low Country is renowned.
More than simply a lovely nostalgic scene, the vision of a porch and rocking chair symbolizes an attitude and an approach to daily life. Imagine a summit of the world’s leaders in a town such as St. Marys…
From far and near they gather: the powerful, the admired, the warmongers and the peacemakers. A long porch snoozes in the late-day sun, complete with a line of well-worn rocking chairs and tall, cold glasses of sweet tea. People pass by and acknowledge the porch-sitters with a friendly wave and nod. The gentle symphony of community, birdsong, whisper-soft breezes and the rhythm of the rocking chairs melts even the most rigid spine and eases the worried heart. The summit would be one of patient thought, gracious speech and charming consideration. It would be an acknowledgement of the unity of the human dream of serenity––no matter the background, agenda or society.
It is said that life is slow in small, southern towns. That is something that we take great pride in. For no one is too busy to acknowledge a passerby, ignore the heady scent of jasmine, be deaf to the susurration of the wind through the Spanish moss, numb to the indefinable inner knowledge of the turning of the tides, oblivious to the arc of an osprey’s magical flight, or careless of the gift of friendship.
A porch and a rocking chair—the gentle ebb and flow of time, the “living of the moment.” Wisdom is found here, as is a certain centering of self. Atticus Finch watches over his community into the night from the rocking chair beneath the reading light. Children explore their world beneath the gaze of parents upon the porch. Neighbors wrap up the day with a smile from house to house as they sit and feel their cares drift away on the evening tide. Yes, a porch is a state of mind, and a rocking chair is the best possible place from which to view the world.
We invite you to experience moments that will redefine your priorities and renew your delight in simply “being.” Rest for a spell on the porch. Rock away your worries. And discover the sweet magic of St. Marys.
Once again, we thank Alex Kearns for sharing her sentiments about our lovely town. Living in the moment is a gift made easier by St. Marys’ prolific offering of Victorian porches and white-washed rocking chairs.
