home grown

the ’50’s redux,” a direct quote from an online dictionary.

Beat them to the punch, in other words. Be in on the joke.

And then we have, thanks to design writer Kelsey Lawrence, an exposition on the “rise of kitschy, themed vacation rentals,” which includes motel rooms, Airbnbs and even travel trailers. (Especially Air Stream trailers.)

It’s nostalgia-tinged, Lawrence says. Those Pepto-Bismol, StrawberryShortcake-doll pink walls and carpeting, crushed velvet as the fabric of the moment, and the must have on repeat: once again, Playboy mansion style round, velvet-covered beds.

Bow-kitsch-a-bow-bow.

Lawrence blames the trend on the hardship of the times; the barrage of bad news, which apparently can only be shut out by focusing upon kitsch.

So, if you stare at hardcore kitsch long enough, you can blot out the images of fellow Americans demonstrating for their civil rights?

Pre-emptive, meta-kitsch, if taken to its logical conclusion, would extend to all matters of taste. For example, if you wore Tammy Faye cry-me-a-river makeup to the office on Mondays, your Bobbie Browntastefully-neutral face would be far more appreciated — perhaps even celebrated! — on Tuesday.

Or if you ditched your Talbot’s jacket for a Kimmy Schmidt getup for the PTA meeting, everyone would applaud your knowing irony. A hipster, in-on-the-joke?

Like the green Jell-O with marshmallow-and-grated-carrot-salad brought to the elegant dinner party, temerity wobbling on a platter, the laugh wouldn’t be on you . . . it would be with you

After the applause dies, enter FOMO.

What exactly, one worries privately, inside a tasteful home with pale lacquered ceilings, industrial-chic doors, upcycled floors and Jeff Koons-inspired art, what deep and serious thing, did I miss out on? OH

Day Trippers Welcome

Sunday, April 2 & April 30 • 11:30 - 2 pm

“Come Sunday” Jazz Series

April 2: Roland Barber, Trombonist; presented in partnership with UNCP

April 30: Kate McGarry and Keith Ganz Ensemble. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic. Cash bar available.

Members/Non-Members: $25/$35 Series Subscribers:

Members/Non-Members: $40/$60 Kids 12 and under: free

Sunday, April 16 • 2 pm

“A Forest Unfolding” w/The Country Bookshop

A fusion of music and literature exploring the relations among people and trees. Narrated by Richard Powers, author of Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Overstory. $25 Members /$35 Non-Members

Sunday, Sunday,April 23 • 2 pm

Lumbee Life, Lore & Legacy

“Herbal Remedies of the Lumbee Indians.” Speaker: Arvis Boughman, teacher & author. Members: $15/ Non-Members: $20

Every Day in April

ExperieNCe Poetry

Follow us on Facebook, where we will be posting a poem a day written by NC poets. For tickets visit: weymouthcenter.org

To receive $5 off, use promo code: DTOH

Just a short drive away, there’s a perfect place to escape for the day.

Our 100-year-old historic house is a storied venue for events and programs that will spark your mind, and feed your senses. If you prefer, you are welcome to roam our 26 acres of gardens and grounds, or picnic on our lush lawns.

We’re conveniently nestled in the heart of Southern Pines, a quaint town, which boasts a host of restaurants and cute boutiques that also offer something for everyone.

So next time you have the urge to get out of town, put us on your GPS. You can experience a real getaway, but still get home in a single day.

Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities

555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC • A 501(c)(3) organization