My Folk Writing

"Ole Crimson" aka "Crim" My Rhode Island Red ...to be continued

My Folk Writing

"Mesha" The most beautiful red-head I have ever known!...but in her honor, her story remains private. Maybe one day... Her story is so beautiful!...and oh, my! how she inspired me, and continues to every day! Today, Mesha described my writing as "folk" writing. I love that term as I write the way I think and talk, as I write the stories about these folk art dolls/women. Thank you, Mesha!

My Folk Writing

Another folk art woman/doll, made by a Georgia artist, who "spoke" to me this story I have written...."Dot"

She was tougher than a $2 steak... She grew up in the bottom of Shakerag Hollow, raised by her grandmother. Yes, her grandmother was a moonshiner...even taught Dot the method of avoiding the feds--when and how to "shake the rag". But her grandmother's only trade was not moonshine. She baked pies!...wild blackberry, wild strawberry and apple. She shared her "secret" pie crust recipe with Dot, and soon Dot became the pie maker, as the moonshine business flourished. The most special gift that her grandmother gave to her was the handmade apron--embellished with small, glittery trinkets that her grandmother found from time to time, along the trail where "customers" traveled. Dot knew that the time afforded by her grandmother in making this special apron, was the only passion her grandmother experienced as a lonely woman working hard to make a little money--devoid of any other passions in her day to day life. Dot was so very proud of this gift and wore it every day over her homespun dresses. When Dot's grandmother died, realizing she never completely learned the moonshine business, Dot knew she had no other choice than to leave the hollow and find work. Her baking skills lead her to Dave's in Monteagle--the local diner that offered the best home cooking! She took Dave a sample apple pie! He was so impressed and hired her on the spot, to be the daily "pie maker" for his diner. Dot was even impressed how Dave noticed her apron and the nice compliments he offered! Dot was so excited with all the available ingredients--never available while living in the hollow--and all the different pies she could now bake...coconut, lemon, banana, and chocolate, her new favorite! While working in the back of the diner, Dot could peek out of the tiny kitchen window to the front, and wondered about all the folks who came in to dine. One day, she spotted the best looking man she had ever seen! His gray hair was tied back in a ponytail...he sported pressed shirt and jeans and black cowboy boots!...a motorcycle helmet at his side on top of the table. As weeks passed, she noticed his regularity--every Wednesday for lunch. She also didn't miss the fact that he ordered a piece of pie for dessert, every time! Oh what a beautiful sight! Dot had always dreamed about riding on the back of a motorcycle, hugging onto a man...heck! just being with a man! Growing up in the hollow with just her grandmother, she had encountered many men who were regular customers, but they never lingered because of the circumstance of the "business". And never paid much attention to her as if their lives only lead them back to others. Dot became so infatuated with this handsome diner and eventually convinced Dave to allow her to waitress, after her pie baking duties. On her first day of waiting tables, the biker arrived at his usual time. She convinced Bobbi, the cute blonde who previously "handled" all customers, to allow her to serve him. Bobbi was so busy already that she was so happy that Dot was stepping up to help. Dot had washed and pressed her apron the night before, anticipating this encounter. Oh, he was so pleasant to her when she approached his table--of course, ordering Dav'es special of the day, but also remarking on the beautiful apron she wore. He asked her many questions about it, including her name. His name was Clyde--and had the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen!!! And of course, she remarked about his motorcycle, parked right outside the front window in full sight. "Have you ever ridden?" he soon asked. She told him her story about growing up in the hollow, and of course, never experiencing such a thing as a motorcycle ride. But what a thrill she told him that she could only imagine. Finishing his lunch, he ordered a piece of chocolate pie for dessert. Dot wondered if this was his favorite! Upon presenting his check, Clyde tugged lightly on her apron and so kindly asked her if she would like to go for a ride, when she finished work that day. Dot answered yes! almost before the invitation left his lips! He agreed to pick her up at her home, to allow her time to change out of her dress and apron. Dot allowed enough time to arrive home to get cleaned up and, bake a fresh chocolate pie--a gift she would present to Clyde as her special thanks for his gracious offer of a ride on his motorcycle. He arrived right on time, with an extra helmet for Dot, and they rode for 2 hours in and out of the mountain roads to one of his favorite TN state parks where they viewed the most magnificent waterfall. Dot felt so warm as he took her hand as they walked down the winding path to the overlook. While standing side by side, Clyde took her in his arms and kissed her so gently and sweetly--even having to steady her along the overlook rail! They arrived back at her home just before dark. Dot invited Clyde inside for the "surprise" she was so excited to present to him! Clyde felt so special by her thoughtfulness, and to this day continues to love Dot who he felt an immediate connection--this thing they call "chemistry"! A woman who grew up under very tough circumstances, but softened with age and her life experiences outside of the hollow. Oh my! the power of love! Oh, how he could melt her butter!

My Folk Writing

I have been collecting the art of a Georgia artist who makes paper mache, folk art women/dolls from her re-cycled junk mail.  These women seem to "speak" to me with their individual stories, and I often attach found objects that tend to lead to their story.  I am a voracious reader and have always wished to be able to write!  After recently attending many readings by authors and poets at the Sewanee Writer's Conference, held at The University of the South every summer, I became inspired to begin to write the stories of these women. This is the beginning of my writing--inspired through the art of another!

"Lady"




We shared a Coon Dog connection.



I spotted her in a shallow ditch along the gravel path to my cabin. She was just lying there, as if protecting something. She appeared so thin and tired. I was worried by her appearance, and wondered why she was always there when I passed by. Did she have a home? If so, why was she always here at the same spot? Was she protecting something?



After several passings, I stopped one day, to try to coax her to me. But the minute I stopped the car and opened the door, she ran into the nearby woods. I whistled and called "come here girl" but she would not leave the woods, as I could barely see her watching me.



The next day when I passed, she was back in the ditch. I came prepared, this time with food, to try and coax her to me. I put the bowl of food on the side of the ditch, as she descended into the woods again. I saw nothing in the ditch where she lies.



A few hours later, I drove by. The food was gone and so was she. The next day I put the food down the lane, closer to my cabin. My thoughts--could I get her to my home, as I moved the food closer every day. On the fifth day, I carried the food bowl from the last spot, walking very slowly, and whistling for her. She appeared and looking over my shoulder, I could see her begin to follow me. I walked slowly up the lane, and she followed me the entire way, yet keeping a safe distance. I set the bowl down near the foot of the porch steps, went inside the cabin, and watched as she devoured the entire bowl. Oh, she was beautiful, in spite of her thin and sad looking body. She was the most beautiful Coon Dog to me!



From that day forward she never left my property. I spoke to her softly and sweetly for many hours and days, before she finally allowed me to stroke her beautiful black coat. She seemed to listen and understand all I told her, and especially when I told her about my special visit to the Coon Dog Cemetery in Alabama. Established in 1937, and formerly a popular camp for hunters and their coon dogs, it became the final resting place for prized Coon Dogs of that area of Alabama. Did Lady know from our beginning that I had been so overcome by this special place and and the endearing stories I learned from my visit, years ago?



As our love and friendship grew, we became inseperable. She slept in my bed with me every night. I bought her toys--her favorite being a little stuffed dog. She would bring it to me at bedtime, and allow me to take it from her mouth. I would hold it to my heart and tell her how much I loved her and her baby. She would watch me carefully, as she placed her paw on my leg, and wait for me to give it back, as she took it in her mouth and placed it next to us on the bed.



And what a Coon Dog she was! On one occasion I watched as she spotted a raccoon descending a pine tree above my grape arbor. When that raccoon fell to the top of the grape arbor, Lady was waiting underneath the arbor and snatched that raccoon without hesitation. Her instincts took charge!



Today, she remains my shadow. I still wonder if she lost a litter of puppies at one time, or even if she had been abused by a previous owner. But all that matters now is that she is loved completely, and always will be. And I believe she knew all along that I had a special Coon Dog story connection...this we shared.



(A story, with some truth...my recent experience with my friends Coon Dog-"Lady"...their similar story about how they found her, and my experience with her the day I met her. My friends told me that she NEVER took to anyone, as she did to me! Yes, even bringing me her stuffed toy, for me to hold and love!)

I continuously follow the "Tiny House" Blog and others...3 years ago I committed to living small...the most freeing experience!!!...I also continue to look for others who have committed to living small, who are interested in a home exchange--for vacation/getaways!!!...I especially love to visit the beach--do you wish to visit the mtns---with the abundance of hiking trails????...Email me...
colleenkay13@msn.com

Bird House Condo-Solar

More work being added for May 5, 2012 Show at Sweet Seasons Farm, Valley Head, AL...all re-cycled!

Preparing for Art Venue in May 2012

I'm building more Garden Assemblages for an upcoming show at Sweet Seasons Farm in Valley Head, AL....I've been told this is the most beautiful, working sheep farm!!!

www.sweetseasonsfarm.com

Come see me!!!!!