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!