Writing
When I think of the Appalachians, I think of strength and endurance, pride, resourcefulness, and a strong love of family. It wasn’t until I was in college that I realized that maybe this wasn’t a common perception.
I’ve heard the many stereotypes about hillbillies, and I know that I, and many others, can offer a different perspective of these mountains and the people who live here. But that isn’t what this site is about. Growing up here, in the shelter of the oldest mountain range in North America has helped shape who I am, and this site is simply a venue allowing me to share my voice, my writing, and my love of Appalachia.
One of my greatest loves in life is a good story, a trait I inherited from my dad, the best storyteller I’ve ever known. He’s like a painter with a rich unlimited palette of colors, painting an adventure as big as a mountain for you to get lost in. Even now, I can conjure up a story I haven’t heard from him in years, and imagine him as a boy mounted on his pony, Sir Echo, galloping across his grandpa’s farm, the wind in his face and the sound of thundering hoof beats in his ears.
But, instead of oral storytelling, I’ll write down my adventures and sometimes even my ramblings. And if I’m lucky, I may even be able to convey some of essence and culture of my home, the beautiful and majestic Appalachians.
Dirty Boots and Chandeliers
A friend of mine recently wrote that a person is measured by what they do. By that, he means, what they do for a living; what their job is. That statement has been whirling around in my mind ever since I read it, and I really hope he doesn't truly believe that....
Sweet Talk Me
I wrote my first song! Well, I should probably clarify. I co-wrote my first song. If it weren't for Lee, all I would've had was another poem. I'll admit that I'm pretty proud of myself, just because I never thought a girl who took four years of piano lessons, and...
Preconceptions, Porcelain, and Pinot Noir
I haven't written much of anything lately because I've been busy. Or lazy. Or maybe both. But, my little brother, Zach has. He's very talented and insightful, and I love his writing, so I thought I'd share his latest short story. by Zachary Ratcliffe...
Ghosts and the Passing of Peeling Potatoes
Writing about the past is an interesting thing. I’m dredging up sensations that at one time consumed me, but are now wispy and elusive, trapped in the recesses of my mind. I close my eyes, and try to put myself there, digging up tiny candy-coated details. I get...
Daddy's Girl
I’m a daddy’s girl. I’ll be the first to admit it. Not just because he spoils me (but he does, and I love it). But because he knows me so well. He knows what I like, and how I think. I like to think it’s because I’m so much like him. I’m a lucky girl. I inherited a...
The Curse of Sylvester Stallone
I can't write about one brother, and not my other one, especially one with more seniority. I have an older brother named Jason. And if Zach was my gift, Jason was my sentence. (Don't worry; I know he felt the same way about me.) He brings out the brat in me. I...
Hydro Bikes and Heroes
Every year around my birthday I get a notion that I should be doing something adventurous, and my mind always wanders to my little brother Zach. Zach's difficult to describe, but I think my dad says it best. "Zach's a wonderment," he says with a touch of awe in his...