I am from hand-me-down couches,
from newsprint on Silly Putty and a dusty bottle of brandy-colored Chanel No. 5.
I am from dog hair covered rugs where Virginia Slim smoke hung heavy in air, held in place by the dim, lamp light.
I am from the tall pine tree whose sappy branches we climbed, from spiky evergreen bushes, their needles stuck in my bare feet.
I am from opening one gift on Christmas Eve and hot tempers with quick fuses and red flashes,
from Jacqueline Lane and Georgia Emma and Vicki Ann.
I am from the never forgets and the rarely forgives.
From life isn’t fair and he doesn’t know what he’s missing.
I am from kneelers and holy water, RCIA and catechism,
from baptism, first communions and reconciliations, with more questions than answers
I’m from the flat Kansas plains, from Southern plantation owners who became poor Southern sharecroppers, I’m from Denmark and Scotland.
I’m from sugary, tart cranberry ice and pink salad with canned cherry pie filling,
from Coors with pull tabs and two olive martinis
From the man who sold vacuum cleaners in the dust bowl, the burned hands in Vietnam, and the arthritic hands showing me here’s the church, here’s the steeple
I am from cedar chests filled with locks of hair in envelopes, 4th grade report cards, and macaroni and Elmer’s glue artwork. The pack rat’s proof of worth, memories of smiles in photographic form.
(Found this via Stephanie at Adventures in Babywearing. I loved hers so much that I decided to write my own. I hope you’ll play along, too. The template to make your own can be found here.)
LOVE it! Especially the “newsprint on silly putty” and the “pack rat’s proof of worth.” Definitely reminds me of where I’m from too. I did mine a couple of years ago- here’s a link:
http://emskyrooney.blogspot.com/2008/05/where-im-from.html
You just totally reminded me of the designer fragrance mini bottles I had- I know Chanel was one of them and maybe Benetton, too? They were so dusty on my brass & glass dressing table.
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing´s last [type] ..Small Style- paper doll and a giveaway!
What about Exclamation!
I always adore these. You learn cool things about people.
I love this. I’ve actually NEVER seen one before, until now. I was sitting here contemplating what I was going to post for tomorrow, and now I know. Thanks for sharing!
Courtney @The Mommy Matters´s last [type] ..Where we are…
I hadn’t seen it before either, but apparently it’s been around for quite a while! Glad I finally found it!
I love things like this that make me dig deep. I’m estranged from my family and it was therapeutic to find some of the nice things to remember instead of all the pain.
Thank you for this Jennifer.
Connie Weiss´s last [type] ..My Summer Bag
You’re welcome.
Thank you for sharing! I love this!
Heather´s last [type] ..Absent
It’s always good to share.
I loved this sooo very much.
I did one too! Thanks for the idea!
I have my students do these when we talk about culture. EVERYBODY has a culture. Also, I want all of my grandparents descendants to write one of these and put it in a book for christmas. Wouldn’t that be fun?
I had never heard of this before yesterday! I’m so behind, glad to have caught up.
Now I just need to convince everyone in the family to write one. It WOULD be fun and so cherished.
I love reading all these posts today. Trying to write my own now…
Loved this! I was not at all surprised when I saw at Trenches of Mommyhood that she’d found it through you.
I admire the that you shared some of the sharp edges in yours. For me this prompt reminded me of so much good that I often forget, though the anger you touch upon was familiar to me.
xo
Amanda´s last [type] ..Unloched
My first draft was all the soft edges. But the more I thought about it and read and re-read, it just didn’t seem like me.
You made my heart smile today. It like you are opening up the memory bank of your mind for us all savor and enjoy!
Thank you so much for sharing and being part of the inspiration that lead me to actually write my own.
HaB´s last [type] ..Where I’m From….
loving this post. great idea.
Cam´s last [type] ..Fashionably Speaking…
I like this idea and borrowed it (and gave you credit!). We are having a rough patch with some things and “rememories” was a nice distraction! Thank you for sharing.
You have such a way with words! Thanks for the inspiration.
Sarahviz´s last [type] ..Where I’m From
This is just so perfect….I love it!!!!!
Ooooh! This is a good one! I am from Old Style and pull tabs…
Thanks for the inspiration~
mom-mom-mom´s last [type] ..Part Two: When the Husband Returns, It Doesn’t Get Much Better
Love this! I’m working on my own, and realizing how little I remember about much of anything!
Jenna´s last [type] ..Books 2011, part one
What a great post, I love it, love the idea! I am very inspired by this, got to try it out and do something like this even just for fun, I’ve always dream of becoming a poet and this reminded me of the Beat Generation poetry. Thanks for sharing this=)
This was a great idea and a fun exercise. Thanks for sharing!
http://brownhousenews.blogspot.com/2011/06/where-im-from.html
Wow this such a great writing. I am definitely awed on you introduced a glimpse of who you really are and where you are from. I am very much inspired and motivated to create something like this too. Thanks for sharing this one! Nice post by the way.
andrea´s last [type] ..DATING TIPS FOR MEN
just wonderful writing, here – you create such an evocative place with spare language.
I never expected that spending my time here is worthy. How did you do that? Wow, thanks for giving me such idea to make one..
steffphani´s last [type] ..Top Free Dating Sites
So interesting. I have almost none of those memories.
And thanks for sharing the template. I’ve seen this half a dozen times this week, but never how to do it! Now if I can just be creative myself…
You really have your own style. Your viewers can’t help but linger more on your blog.
emily´s last [type] ..DEBT REDUCING TIPS
I can’t get enough of this meme – loved reading where you’re from. Thanks so much sharing!
Maria @BOREDmommy´s last [type] ..This Is Where I’m From
I remember that George Ella Lyons visited my niece’s school a few years ago and she was invited back twice because the children enjoyed the experience so much. I wish I had the ability to summon up words like these.
Kristine Banks´s last [type] ..Panasonic Bread Machines
of course. chanel #5. and shalimar. the power of scent.
I did it…
http://www.welcometomarriedlife.com/2011/07/where-im-from.html
Steph’s inspired mine as well.
The pack rat’s proof of worth, memories of smiles in photographic form. (Stunning)
Ann´s last [type] ..I do not come from DIY fireworks people. I come from "Did you hear about the little girl whose hand got blown off" people.
Hey I found your blog via Babble! I noticed the Cardinal’s hoody in one of your pics and thought oh I wonder if she is in STL? Ted Drewes confirmed it?! I am also here in STL.
Anyway, I am laughing outloud at your posts and am now off to catch up!
awesome!..this is certainly one of a kind and I had to read it twice to just imagine where were you from!!
cherryanncola´s last [type] ..- Best Dating Sites