Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Where I'm From

I am from....

I am from ponytails, bare feet, pet rabbits and dogs and skunks, from Coca Cola and real butter, and The Ed Sullivan Show.

I am from quilts made from scraps and a use it up philosophy and suntans darkened by baby oil mixed with iodine.

I am from the mountains and from southern farmland, from playing outside till dark and catching lightenin' bugs.

I am from hydrangeas as blue as the sky and elephant ears by the front porch and fig trees in the back yard.

I am from campin' in tents and fishin' for supper, Sunday drives to see the crops, from Arthur and Wilma and Fred and Lois and Mattie and Christopher Columbus. I am from help out your neighbor and be polite and don't talk back.

I am from Kool Aid and butter & syrup sandwiches and chocolate gravy and work never killed anybody.

I am from Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and pinto beans and cornbread and clothes hangin' on the line.

I'm from Mulberry trees you could climb and walks to the public library.

I am from playin' at Grandma's feet and wearing her macaroni necklaces. I am from pickin' cotton and canning green beans. I am from playing Cowboys and Indians. I am from big gardens and old cars.

I am from big brothers and little brothers and little sisters and friends in the neighborhood and adults who'd spank my behind even if I wasn't their kid.

I am from black and white pictures, water coolers in the window, and slower times.

Where are you from?
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12 comments:

  1. diamondstatecurlygurlJune 11, 2008 at 10:58 PM

    Thank you so much... for making sure that - I too, am from many of these things. I love you Momma.

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  2. KarenJune 12, 2008 at 9:45 AM

    What a lovely post you composed! I remember lots of the things from my childhood that you mentioned. I don't know what chocolate gravy is, though.

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  3. AnonymousJune 12, 2008 at 10:35 AM

    Beautifully stated! I remember many of those things too :o) Hmmm.... this would be beautiful in a stitchery!

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  4. Rebecca RamseyJune 12, 2008 at 7:33 PM

    I LOVE THIS POST!

    Okay, I'll calm down now.
    But really, that was wonderful! And fun. And made me feel really good!
    Thank you!
    Becky

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  5. Southern LadyJune 13, 2008 at 8:45 AM

    Marlene, I loved your "Where I'm From" post. I'm from "there," too. In fact, I posted something quite similar in my "Small Town, America" post on my blog. Life seemed so much simpler back then, didn't it.

    Ohhh, I just read your daughter's comment and it gave me chills. How precious ... I know that means so much to you for her to feel that way.

    Sincerely,
    Janie

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  6. DawnJune 13, 2008 at 8:49 AM

    This is so, so beautiful!...a quiet pause filled my kitchen this morning when reading this. Thank you for that.

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  7. UnknownJune 13, 2008 at 3:24 PM

    I think I grew up close by...

    :)

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  8. elaine @ peace for the journeyJune 13, 2008 at 6:34 PM

    The harkenings of a simpler time--that's where I want to be from. You've taken me to a few scenes from one of my favorite movies of all times, "Fried Green Tomatoes."

    Thanks for the pause.

    peace~elaine

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  9. Theresa @ Take A Sentimental JourneyJune 13, 2008 at 10:13 PM

    Oh I loved your post. It really made me smile. And the chocolate gravy!My very best friend used to talk about chocolate gravy and how they had it and hot bisuits every Sunday night after church.I have another friend that makes it too for her granddaughter.I have never tasted it.Now I want some! I will have to get the recipe.
    Oh and thanks for the comment about my couch & come visit me anytime. HUGS

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  10. Rosie's WhimsyJune 14, 2008 at 3:40 AM

    Such a lovely way to tell us more about you. It made me pause to think what I would say if asked to frame my life the way you just did. A wonderful idea, indeed!

    .....and I just might copy it ....and give you all the credit!

    :-) Rosie

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  11. RueJune 17, 2008 at 8:06 PM

    That was really beautiful and your daughter's words just as lovely :)

    rue

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  12. kimberlyJune 30, 2008 at 2:11 PM

    loved your "where i am from"....so amazing to read those who have written them, and be reminded of other things i am from.....i had to smile at the baby oil and iodine....i am definitely from that! :)
    thank you for sharing....found you through deborah's list.
    kimberly

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