Ms. Pudding’s drink house is a neighborhood gathering space where people go to meet friends, have a drink and a fried bologna sandwich. The last time I was there, the Avon lady stopped by and my new friends took a break from chatting to stock up on their makeup and antiperspirant. I might add that I am about 50 years younger than the average patron, but I felt no distance. In Ms. Puddin’s “social club” all are welcome and the overarching ethos is of fellowship and good times.

On my first visit to Ms Puddin’s, chaperoned by Captain Luke and Big Ron, we played music, told stories, had a few drinks and passed the time. We arrived at around 10:30am and the first time I looked at my watch, it read 2pm. The second time I looked down it read 5pm. The way time passed was unusual and surprising. I can’t wait to go back.

Check out this great portrait of Ms. Puddings, made by our friends at the Center for Documentary Studies:

And more about the student who produced it:

Gabriela is an international student pursuing a Masters degree at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment.  An avid travel from Ecuador, Gabriela’s interest has always been peeked by cultural diversity. This class offered her the opportunity to experience a new aspect of North Carolina’s culture through the blues. She is excited to use her new skills to relay messages of environmental and cultural importance in the future.