Rachel - I am so enjoying your writings. You have a very talented way with words. Since I know some of those wonderful people you write about, it becomes even more meaningful.
Loved this portrait. While my extended family & hometown was too Catholic for there to be multiple husbands, I can relate; my great aunts and grandmothers came up in the Great Depression and were indomitable, each in their own way! My great aunt Louise, the most prim&proper of them, taught me to drink coffee black at age 10, so as not to inconvenience (or embarrass) your hosts if they don’t have cream or sugar. My other aunt Evelyn who lived to 102 was constantly crafting something— us kids were a form of free labor, always out picking something: corn, berries, tomatoes, ground-pine for wreaths &c
Last thought this triggered: when we went berry picking my dad would always say, “Lets hurry and pick all the berries before the Greedy people come and get them.”. My brother and I thought the Greedys were some other family. Now with age we realize— WE were the greedy people :-)
nothing better than spending a lazy August afternoon picking blackberries, scratches criss-crossing your hands and forearms, then that night eating well-earned blackberry “crunch” straight out of the oven with vanilla ice cream.
I always love your takes, Stephen. The black coffee rule is so unique. I love your Aunt Louise for that. And yes, we are ALL the greedy berry pickers! Thank you for reading.
I sure do love how you shined up Effie’s story.
I have another word for your Appalachian list of words… BEAUTY
Your writings bring back many memories from when my wife Joyce was alive since she was from the Appalachian region
I'm so happy to hear that. Thank you for reading.
Rachel - I am so enjoying your writings. You have a very talented way with words. Since I know some of those wonderful people you write about, it becomes even more meaningful.
Oh my goodness, how wonderful to hear from you, Carol. And yes, you certainly do know those characters. Mom will be thrilled.
Loved this portrait. While my extended family & hometown was too Catholic for there to be multiple husbands, I can relate; my great aunts and grandmothers came up in the Great Depression and were indomitable, each in their own way! My great aunt Louise, the most prim&proper of them, taught me to drink coffee black at age 10, so as not to inconvenience (or embarrass) your hosts if they don’t have cream or sugar. My other aunt Evelyn who lived to 102 was constantly crafting something— us kids were a form of free labor, always out picking something: corn, berries, tomatoes, ground-pine for wreaths &c
Last thought this triggered: when we went berry picking my dad would always say, “Lets hurry and pick all the berries before the Greedy people come and get them.”. My brother and I thought the Greedys were some other family. Now with age we realize— WE were the greedy people :-)
Thanks & keep writing!!
I ADORE and ADMIRE greedy berry pickers. They know about really important stuff
nothing better than spending a lazy August afternoon picking blackberries, scratches criss-crossing your hands and forearms, then that night eating well-earned blackberry “crunch” straight out of the oven with vanilla ice cream.
This makes me yearn for August.
I always love your takes, Stephen. The black coffee rule is so unique. I love your Aunt Louise for that. And yes, we are ALL the greedy berry pickers! Thank you for reading.
What does “kitted” mean as in “he kitted out his woman”?
dressed for a particular job ❤️
Thanks!!
Dancing with words is a honed artistry for you Rachel. My spirit enjoys dancing with them. Thank you muchly for sharing.
Beautiful comment, Hazel. Thank you.
lyrical.