As many of you know, I have relocated to Tennessee. Most of our year has been devoted to decluttering, downsizing, packing, selling our condo, living temporarily with my parents, and then finally to our new home.

It’s been a lot. A few weeks before our move, a client of mine mentioned to me that he previously lived in Tennesee and gave me a hot take: You’re gonna have to warm it up.”

I laughed because pretty immediately I knew what he meant. If you know me well, you do too!

He continued, if you plan for 30 minutes at the grocery store, add 15 minutes because people further south are friendlier; they talk more. He shared, not unkindly, that possibly my directness would not be as appreciated and that adding a little more sugar, a little more “beat around the bush,” would be helpful. (I laughed. He’s not wrong)

I took his helpful hint to heart. I tend to be very focused, have plans for my day, and don’t like to get derailed, but that’s not always the best approach.

With that in mind, within the first couple of weeks,  I decided to schmooze some of my nearest neighbors and warm them up with homemade cinnamon bread.

If they liked it, maybe that will help. If they didn’t, I may need to start saying, “y’all” or something.

Either way, this is me warmin’ it up.