I love the production of “Blood”, simple and to the point. You seem to go from that to a more Nashville commercial style on some of your recordings. Is that a conscious effort or simply where you’re at at a certain moment, or maybe looking to be more commercial?
Sending love and peace to you. It has taken me a long time to accept the idea, the feeling of what it means to "sit" in sorrow -- to feel it, to not run from it or try to anesthetize it, and to know that it will neither destroy me nor overrun me. I'm certain that we do not learn this, especially in our culture, and it has taken me until now, at 60 yrs old, to grok it. When I read your post, I was reminded of Francis Weller's work in Wild Edge of Sorrow, and how he writes "“Grief and love are sisters, woven together from the beginning. Their kinship reminds us that there is no love that does not contain loss and no loss that is not a reminder of the love we carry for what we once held close.”
I completely relate to the August syndrome, Allison. Even though my birthday is in August, it's too damned hot to celebrate in a fun way, so it just becomes another day. I feel for my poor mama having to give birth to me in August. I so relate to what you said about never really having a true deep conversation with either of my parents, and have to wonder if it was me or them. Perhaps both. I'm still learning how to communicate on a deeper more honest level, but they are both gone and I can't share that or try to foster it with them. Thank you for your deeply honest posts. They always touch a chord with me. Hugs! And here's to FALL!!
I felt you the other day when I saw the sweet picture of your momma when she was a young girl. Saw both you & Shelby in her face. It’s hard I know. I wish I could talk to my mom again. I do still, but it’s not the same. When I thought of you I tried to imagine how losing your mom at 14 must feel. I remember her vividly from your book Blood. She seemed like so much fun & full of life. I’ve said before the passages about driving the car made me laugh. And especially how wonderful she was seeing that you had the outfit you wanted for whatever occasion it might have been, despite struggling with the money to make it so. I obviously don’t know your momma but I imagine you & Shelby get her sense of humor and same laugh. My father was similar to your dad. Quiet and soft spoken. He was the disciplinarian. But now what I realize was cruel. First time I got caught with pot in high school, he took me off the softball team of which I was captain and put a for sale sign in my car. Never said a word. The silent treatment was often. I think the most cruel thing a person can do to anyone. I’ve become accustomed to that in my adult life. Sadly. It rots you from the inside out.
Anyway, yes we move into September with beautiful sweaters, amazing fall leaves and the soon to be new year with Hope again.
I love the picture of your momma with the cat and the painting you made for her. I’m looking forward to the new Art work. I’m very fond of the bunny. I hope I can buy one.
Best wishes for a successful & happy school year for JH.
Thank you Alice. I’m waiting to read what beautiful, thoughtful comment you will write. This such a special, special group of people in this community. We all surround each other and Allison with lots of love.
I'm so happy you made it through the month. It can indeed be a rough one. So sorry about the time missed with your parents. I must be honest and say I'm on the road (not driving) from Georgia to Nashville to see my 81 year old Dad. He's still writing, producing and playing. I have entrusted the care of my kids (3 precious girl cats) to my 81 year old Mom who recently moved in with us from Memphis. This is a first, so we'll see how it goes. Thank you for reminding me how fortunate I am to still have them both in my life. That blessing doesn't occur to this 60 year old as often as it should, probably because most days I still feel like a kid. My question is about control. How do you know when to take the helm, let someone more equipped take it, or just give it all up to a higher power and let what's to be just be? Much love, light, and many blessings headed your way. Sorry for rambling. ❤️🙏❤️
AM, Because you addressed it and it's still pulling at me, I just want to say I'm still having an extremely hard time with Justin's loss. Personally, it's immeasurable. Also, as soon as it happened it struck me it was yet another day in August for you to endure. I also think about JH and what he lost. I'm sorry. For the whole month. Thank you. JB
I got a big lump in my throat when I saw the photo of your mom and the kitty. It’s still there. Sending good thoughts of love and peace.
The US should definitely jump on board with the month of August off. It would do us all good.
I’m reading Blood (finally) and praise you in your honesty, truth and peace. I held my breath through the first section of the book and cried. The excerpt you wrote about your sister and how you saw her is stunning. I love the forward she wrote. I’m not finished with the book yet.
Allison you’re truly amazing. Thank you for the gifts you give us.
Allison, My heart goes out to you for each of your August losses. I too dislike the high temps and, more recently, the smoke that settles in over many of us each summer. My birthday’s in August though, so I’m partial to the month for that reason. I love the birthday painting you made for your mama. Here’s to September, a new month! ❤️
AM,
I love the production of “Blood”, simple and to the point. You seem to go from that to a more Nashville commercial style on some of your recordings. Is that a conscious effort or simply where you’re at at a certain moment, or maybe looking to be more commercial?
Allison thanks for taking the time to post. It's always a pleasure to read it.
You're always in my heart but especially in the month of August. Love you, AM. JB
You have once again blown me away with your writing and your artwork thank you Allison
♥
Sending love and peace to you. It has taken me a long time to accept the idea, the feeling of what it means to "sit" in sorrow -- to feel it, to not run from it or try to anesthetize it, and to know that it will neither destroy me nor overrun me. I'm certain that we do not learn this, especially in our culture, and it has taken me until now, at 60 yrs old, to grok it. When I read your post, I was reminded of Francis Weller's work in Wild Edge of Sorrow, and how he writes "“Grief and love are sisters, woven together from the beginning. Their kinship reminds us that there is no love that does not contain loss and no loss that is not a reminder of the love we carry for what we once held close.”
Wow, August truly is a heavy month for you. Yes, Welcome, beautiful September🙏🏽🍁
I completely relate to the August syndrome, Allison. Even though my birthday is in August, it's too damned hot to celebrate in a fun way, so it just becomes another day. I feel for my poor mama having to give birth to me in August. I so relate to what you said about never really having a true deep conversation with either of my parents, and have to wonder if it was me or them. Perhaps both. I'm still learning how to communicate on a deeper more honest level, but they are both gone and I can't share that or try to foster it with them. Thank you for your deeply honest posts. They always touch a chord with me. Hugs! And here's to FALL!!
Hi Allison
I felt you the other day when I saw the sweet picture of your momma when she was a young girl. Saw both you & Shelby in her face. It’s hard I know. I wish I could talk to my mom again. I do still, but it’s not the same. When I thought of you I tried to imagine how losing your mom at 14 must feel. I remember her vividly from your book Blood. She seemed like so much fun & full of life. I’ve said before the passages about driving the car made me laugh. And especially how wonderful she was seeing that you had the outfit you wanted for whatever occasion it might have been, despite struggling with the money to make it so. I obviously don’t know your momma but I imagine you & Shelby get her sense of humor and same laugh. My father was similar to your dad. Quiet and soft spoken. He was the disciplinarian. But now what I realize was cruel. First time I got caught with pot in high school, he took me off the softball team of which I was captain and put a for sale sign in my car. Never said a word. The silent treatment was often. I think the most cruel thing a person can do to anyone. I’ve become accustomed to that in my adult life. Sadly. It rots you from the inside out.
Anyway, yes we move into September with beautiful sweaters, amazing fall leaves and the soon to be new year with Hope again.
I love the picture of your momma with the cat and the painting you made for her. I’m looking forward to the new Art work. I’m very fond of the bunny. I hope I can buy one.
Best wishes for a successful & happy school year for JH.
Much love
Gay 🌷
Thank you Alice. I’m waiting to read what beautiful, thoughtful comment you will write. This such a special, special group of people in this community. We all surround each other and Allison with lots of love.
I'm so happy you made it through the month. It can indeed be a rough one. So sorry about the time missed with your parents. I must be honest and say I'm on the road (not driving) from Georgia to Nashville to see my 81 year old Dad. He's still writing, producing and playing. I have entrusted the care of my kids (3 precious girl cats) to my 81 year old Mom who recently moved in with us from Memphis. This is a first, so we'll see how it goes. Thank you for reminding me how fortunate I am to still have them both in my life. That blessing doesn't occur to this 60 year old as often as it should, probably because most days I still feel like a kid. My question is about control. How do you know when to take the helm, let someone more equipped take it, or just give it all up to a higher power and let what's to be just be? Much love, light, and many blessings headed your way. Sorry for rambling. ❤️🙏❤️
AM, Because you addressed it and it's still pulling at me, I just want to say I'm still having an extremely hard time with Justin's loss. Personally, it's immeasurable. Also, as soon as it happened it struck me it was yet another day in August for you to endure. I also think about JH and what he lost. I'm sorry. For the whole month. Thank you. JB
I got a big lump in my throat when I saw the photo of your mom and the kitty. It’s still there. Sending good thoughts of love and peace.
The US should definitely jump on board with the month of August off. It would do us all good.
I’m reading Blood (finally) and praise you in your honesty, truth and peace. I held my breath through the first section of the book and cried. The excerpt you wrote about your sister and how you saw her is stunning. I love the forward she wrote. I’m not finished with the book yet.
Allison you’re truly amazing. Thank you for the gifts you give us.
LOVE your new art! Especially the tree!
It’s an amazing book. I hear Allison’s voice when I read it (twice)
Sharon when you finish you might purchase Allison’s 2nd book, I Dream He Talks To Me
Allison, My heart goes out to you for each of your August losses. I too dislike the high temps and, more recently, the smoke that settles in over many of us each summer. My birthday’s in August though, so I’m partial to the month for that reason. I love the birthday painting you made for your mama. Here’s to September, a new month! ❤️
August is my favorite month! Not just because it's my birthday month, but because it's lazy and languid. I love it so much!
Do you see yourself recording any music that you may have created while on your journey of understanding?
Oh what a tough month. So happy for you that September has arrived.
💜