To visit the novelty shop, click here!
What is
Succotash ‘N’ Smiles?
Succotash reminds me of my Mommaw. Wait. Hold up… What is succotash, and what is a Mommaw? Oh, and who am I? Well, you can read more about me here, but as for the rest… This won’t be as long as one of those sections before a recipe in a cooking blog, but give me just a moment and I’ll tell ya.
Where was I… Succotash reminds me of Mommaw, which is what I (being a child from the Western Piedmont of North Carolina) called my mom’s mom’s mom. Poppaw, my mom’s mom’s dad, was a farmer. Mommaw took care of everything in the house, plus half of the stuff outside. She always made sure there was some kind of fresh vegetable on the table at every meal. My favorite was the stewed potatoes, which she called Soupy Taters. And anytime I get a taste of fresh farm grown vegetables, I am reminded of the summers I spent with Mommaw and Poppaw.
OK. So, what exactly is succotash? The short answer is a mix of corn and lima beans, but succotash has long been more than just a dish; it is a symbol of resilience. During periods of scarcity, when budgets were low and stores offered little choice, this humble staple fed families in need. Native American roots and later adaptations by settlers meant that succotash evolved using ingredients that were readily available and affordable.
Even during challenging moments such as the Great Depression or wartime rationing, succotash provided both nourishment and a sense of tradition. It reflects the resourcefulness of those who made do with what they had while still creating a meal that brought warmth and comfort. The dish stands as a reminder that a simple and wholesome meal can connect generations and provide a foundation for hope during hard times.
It’s not just about the ingredients. It’s about the spirit of making the best out of limited options and the comfort food that has supported families in times of need.
Why smiles? I think that’s one thing we don’t seem to be spreading around enough anymore. The world is a big scary place, and sometimes we just need a little reminder that there is someone that wants to brighten our day. So, I’ve been taking a lot of pictures, and then I use them to create items to be shared with others. Maybe a sticker that makes you smile that you can stick on something you look at every day. Maybe a mug with an image that draws a chuckle out of you and helps you wake up in the morning. And I hope that when you share these things with other people, you’ll share a smile as well. Or a laugh. Or a tear. Something to remind all of us that at the end of the day, we are human.
Thank you for visiting this site. Make sure and check out my blog. It’s just a bunch of random thoughts that I’ve had that I feel like sharing. Join in on the conversation if you like. If you like novelty items that are funny, beautiful, real, and sometimes a little bit dark, then please check out my shops. Everything I make, I would want to be able to show Mommaw. Now, I don’t think she would like it all, but I want to be proud to stand behind what I make. And as much as I strive to offer you quality products at a fair price, what I truly hope is that I can bring a little joy to your day. So, check it out, and if you like what you see, please share my site. And, if it’s not too much to ask, please don’t forget to smile!
For the Main Shop, full of novelty items, such as Stickers, Mugs, Garden Flags, and Posters!
For Greeting Cards, you want the Greeting Card Shop, found only on Etsy!
Buy 2 or more of any item, save between 10 & 40%!!!
(Some restrictions apply. Check items for pricing)
Main Shop Prices include tax and shipping!!!
Greeting Card Shop Prices include shipping; does not include tax
To Meet Grizi, the Kitchen Witch, CLICK HERE!
(Just so you know, she does smile, it’s just not her thing)