That's a remarkably poignant remembrance. Thank you for sharing. Knowing that she shaped your trajectory must make your Grandmother very proud. Has she seen you perform, especially at the Grand Ole Opry?
I have to go a long way back to find these kind of childhood memories. The closest I come was my grandmother‘s room. She lived with us un our family home, outlived my mother and passed away in hospital on her 90th birthday. She always said that she didn’t want to live beyond 90 and she didn’t.
Her room in our house was my refuge as a child. That’s not to say that my home was a bad one but, when I‘d been naughty, I‘d seek solace in my grandmother’s room. She would make toast on a long, pronged fork in front of a coal fire and when I was older, I‘d make it for her.
That room was full of the smells and sounds of another era. Her wedding cake decoration in display in a glass dome. A photo of grandfather, who died before I came along, in his London Metropolitan Police uniform. Plants in big Victorian pots and lot of other things besides.
Thank you. You writing triggered some precious memories this morning.
“It is through relationship that we are ever known. It is through relationship that we are ever home.” 🙏🏼✌🏼
(Is it tacky to comment that this sorta kinda totally simultaneously makes a great fortune cookie fortune, too? Just sayin’. ... with the utmost respectful humor.)
I still dream about both my grandmothers' houses. One died in 1995 and the other in 2017. I find comfort in making ethnic foods (Armenian and German from Russia) that they made. They will always be my home in my heart.
If you are interested in country music history check out Alton Delmore's book Truth is Stranger Than Publicity. It's about The Delmore's career of course but there's also a great section on Uncle Dave Macon. But what interested me most was the info about the early days of country. I was surprised to learn that rather than simply travel from town to town as we do now they would settle in one town for a couple weeks then travel to all their radio shows and radio appearances in the little nearby towns from there. Can you imagine playing as they did then for a radio show then play a matinee show and then maybe two more shows that night?
Your week sounds so fulfilling, and just what you needed. Music and artistry is definitely in your blood and your soul. Your beautiful grandmother's smile is worth a thousand words!
I sure love that Laura D. Smith. She has been an amazing friend to me over the years. You are her delight, her joy. She is amazing in everyway, drink in her love!
A whole lot of beauty amongst your kin. Your grandmother is beautiful, your momma pretty much cornered the market on cute. Shelby looks like your momma and you, well I think you're the prettiest woman I've ever seen. With big Ole hearts to go with it!!!
I not only relate and understand what you mean about "relationships," I also identify with what you mean about being a writer. Often, when I sit down to write, I feel my words have no rhyme or reason that anybody but me will understand or appreciate. However, I still seem driven to write down what I feel.
Also, even after publishing eight books, one of which is a children's book, my first, and maybe only, I don't care about their financial value. It just fills me with a certain amount of pleasure just knowing that perhaps someone will read them, and relate to the same meaning of the words I felt when I wrote them.
Regarding, being "imperfect." Philosophically, we are designed by God to be perfectly "imperfect" for a very important reason. Because if we were perfect, we wouldn't need Him. Be healthy, happy, successful, blessed, loved and safe always, dear Allison. You are a child of God with a purpose. who was born not for yourself alone, but for all the world. Do All With Love. - MRVERITAS.SUBSTACK.COM
Allison, I adore your writing, your music and YOU! This piece really speaks to me.
You have no idea how you touch others' lives. In March 2020 (right before the world shut down), I met you and Hayes at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA after your incredible show together (the fact that you both came out after the show to meet fans speaks volumes about you!) You touched me so deeply at the show - I started telling you this, through tears, and you just took my hand and looked at me and listened - I will NEVER forget how you saw me and how we connected and how I knew in that moment you were authentically kind and gracious and generous. I wish you only goodness and peace and comfort in this life - you so deserve it! THANK YOU!!!!
That's a remarkably poignant remembrance. Thank you for sharing. Knowing that she shaped your trajectory must make your Grandmother very proud. Has she seen you perform, especially at the Grand Ole Opry?
R E S P E C T 💜 (and Amen Sister!) Thank you. 🙏🏼
I have to go a long way back to find these kind of childhood memories. The closest I come was my grandmother‘s room. She lived with us un our family home, outlived my mother and passed away in hospital on her 90th birthday. She always said that she didn’t want to live beyond 90 and she didn’t.
Her room in our house was my refuge as a child. That’s not to say that my home was a bad one but, when I‘d been naughty, I‘d seek solace in my grandmother’s room. She would make toast on a long, pronged fork in front of a coal fire and when I was older, I‘d make it for her.
That room was full of the smells and sounds of another era. Her wedding cake decoration in display in a glass dome. A photo of grandfather, who died before I came along, in his London Metropolitan Police uniform. Plants in big Victorian pots and lot of other things besides.
Thank you. You writing triggered some precious memories this morning.
Px❤️
“It is through relationship that we are ever known. It is through relationship that we are ever home.” 🙏🏼✌🏼
(Is it tacky to comment that this sorta kinda totally simultaneously makes a great fortune cookie fortune, too? Just sayin’. ... with the utmost respectful humor.)
I still dream about both my grandmothers' houses. One died in 1995 and the other in 2017. I find comfort in making ethnic foods (Armenian and German from Russia) that they made. They will always be my home in my heart.
There really is, no equal comfort
Watercolors are beautiful, Allison
I’m happy for you 🌸
xo
If you are interested in country music history check out Alton Delmore's book Truth is Stranger Than Publicity. It's about The Delmore's career of course but there's also a great section on Uncle Dave Macon. But what interested me most was the info about the early days of country. I was surprised to learn that rather than simply travel from town to town as we do now they would settle in one town for a couple weeks then travel to all their radio shows and radio appearances in the little nearby towns from there. Can you imagine playing as they did then for a radio show then play a matinee show and then maybe two more shows that night?
Your week sounds so fulfilling, and just what you needed. Music and artistry is definitely in your blood and your soul. Your beautiful grandmother's smile is worth a thousand words!
I sure love that Laura D. Smith. She has been an amazing friend to me over the years. You are her delight, her joy. She is amazing in everyway, drink in her love!
Ronni
A whole lot of beauty amongst your kin. Your grandmother is beautiful, your momma pretty much cornered the market on cute. Shelby looks like your momma and you, well I think you're the prettiest woman I've ever seen. With big Ole hearts to go with it!!!
I not only relate and understand what you mean about "relationships," I also identify with what you mean about being a writer. Often, when I sit down to write, I feel my words have no rhyme or reason that anybody but me will understand or appreciate. However, I still seem driven to write down what I feel.
Also, even after publishing eight books, one of which is a children's book, my first, and maybe only, I don't care about their financial value. It just fills me with a certain amount of pleasure just knowing that perhaps someone will read them, and relate to the same meaning of the words I felt when I wrote them.
Regarding, being "imperfect." Philosophically, we are designed by God to be perfectly "imperfect" for a very important reason. Because if we were perfect, we wouldn't need Him. Be healthy, happy, successful, blessed, loved and safe always, dear Allison. You are a child of God with a purpose. who was born not for yourself alone, but for all the world. Do All With Love. - MRVERITAS.SUBSTACK.COM
The saying comes to mind, "Home is where the heart is." You've confirmed that in this piece of writing. Love and peace to you, beautiful soul!
I think what you've been through says it all I don't think I could have lived through it and come out as well as you
✌ and ♥,.Sal
I just lost my last aunt.
My Mama is 93 and its getting harder to converse. I call her 2-3 times everyday.
The countless others have been lost to Gravity.
So happy you had that time this week.
JB
Allison, I adore your writing, your music and YOU! This piece really speaks to me.
You have no idea how you touch others' lives. In March 2020 (right before the world shut down), I met you and Hayes at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA after your incredible show together (the fact that you both came out after the show to meet fans speaks volumes about you!) You touched me so deeply at the show - I started telling you this, through tears, and you just took my hand and looked at me and listened - I will NEVER forget how you saw me and how we connected and how I knew in that moment you were authentically kind and gracious and generous. I wish you only goodness and peace and comfort in this life - you so deserve it! THANK YOU!!!!
Enjoy the feeling of home. Lucky you to still have family that have loved and cared for you throughout your life.
At 76 I find myself with only my brother in another state and long ago memories of the places and people that felt like home that I knew as a child.