THis is wonderful! and beautifully written . . . and more, I want to be at that table, on that porch. I never had that, and this is the kind of rich writing about family that I’d love to be able to do -…. love this.
This is wonderful, Kim. I got goosebumps picturing the old dog running across the field! I’m really looking forward to reading more of your stories.
You’re sweet, Jessica. I’m loving ADKOF!! Let’s do an interview here sometime soon. Such a strong example of a woman’s story that needs to be heard.
Love the picture-you just have to wonder why all the sour faces. No one ever smiles in them.
This is great. Can we trade families? Mine definitely are not that interesting and tell nowhere NEAR the stories yours do. But you make such a great point: that we must ALWAYS be listening, ready for the story to present itself. Like Kathryn, I want to be on that porch, too.
Come on, Melissa. Sounds like a party!! I’d love it.
Wonderful blog post. I was missing home, and here I find a little piece here on your blog. I’ll drink something cold and sweet and swap stories with you any time!
Sally, I’m sorry you’re homesick. Where are you? Or, if you’re like me, home is WHAT you miss, not necessarily WHERE anymore.
And I’ll take you up on the invite! I’d love to hear your stories. Your wit always cracks me up.
Are you sure you aren’t one of my nieces or cousins, Kim? We shared those very same stories Sunday at an Aunt’s “homegoing” way out in the country complete with sweet tea and funeral home fans. I loved this writing of yours and look forward to more.
Absolutely beautiful and so true. In mine, we do that, but the guys stick around to listen to the women, even knowing they’ll take a verbal hit or two about men. And the matriarch, my mother, always has to say, “it was the weirdest thing I ever saw” or “she was the prettiest thing I ever saw.” Everything is something-est “she ever saw”.
You’re an amazing writer, Kimberly. I look forward to your book.
You’re too generous, Hope. I couldn’t be happier to know anybody than I am to know you. Thank you so much for your nurturing support. Can’t wait for our paths to cross in person!
Oh, I loved this. And of COURSE I listened! Our system was different–the porch was definitely a child-friendly zone, so nothing good was ever discussed there, but if you were small enough, you could hide under the kitchen table during leftover-packing and dishwashing, and that’s where I learned the most. Always wondered how boring it would be to hang out with the menfolk….
Kim, that’s great you have your own experience with family stories. I’m so happy you enjoyed the blog!
Beautiful! Am eagerly awaiting your future posts. Congratulations on taking the leap and starting your blog. The internet will be better for it!
I’m just overwhelmed by the encouraging comments, Carolyn, and delighted you enjoyed my little contribution. Thanks!
I’ve always wanted a house with a porch for this reason. There are two good places to share a story. Kitchen table and porch. I’m still hearing new old stories from my family. I look forward to hearing stories from yours.
Thanks, Nicki. I bet you have some fantastic tales!! Tell me sometime.
This is great — and I’m pretty darn envious of your family! It sounds like a wonderful way to hear stories — without apologies or censorship. Wow. You are very very lucky!