I am From Canning Jars - Growing up in Appalachia

[@morganpope9594]

..whoo... 😥 I am from East Tennessee. Currently in Florida and some days I just wanna go home. I miss those mountains.

[@livvyweimar7362]

As I am rapidly leaving this existence I will only share my poem with my children so that they might understand just a little bit about who I was and hopefully they can write their own one day. Thank you for this, it's needed in these final days.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

It will be a true treasure for them. Thank you for watching. I'm praying for you.

[@sg1803]

Gods bless you and your family xxx

[@veulmet]

I heard a joke a teacher went to a student's home a younger sibling answered the door. The teacher asked first for the student then the parents and then anyone else older than the child in front of her. For each the child replied he she they ain't there. The teacher exasperated exclaimed where's you grammar? The child replied well she ain't here neither. Lol

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

🙂 Too cute!

[@michaelcoughlin8966]

I was going to put a smile emoge but could not figure that out, FUNNY!

[@robinsoda3181]

😆 LOL

[@heatherofthemountains]

Love that kid! LOL 😆

[@stevethomas1638]

I’m 73 and I heard my aunts telling this joke almost 7 decades ago. 😊

[@shelcatvintagec6159]

I don’t know where y’all are located, but it’s like you’re telling the story of my life. Lost my mamaw 6 months ago. Spent so many days learning all the old ways from her . She was a ridge runner a real Appalachian woman from Greasy Creek Tennessee, ! She lives on through me …

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

We're inn western NC 🙂 I'm so sorry for the loss of your mamaw but so glad you soaked up her knowledge and love 🙂

[@markcarter108]

I think Greasy Creek TN is just about far east as you can be in TN and not be in NC. Prolly a mountain top or 2 from Brasstown. NC

[@christianoliver3572]

And you one day will be someone's special Mamaw or Nana!! Oral or written history is so important anywhere you're from in the US!! So keep the tradition alive!!

[@jimmychandler713]

great video brings back so many memories i miss my mamaw and papaw i also knew my mamaw's father

[@duaneholcomb8408]

I hear you I lost my mother and grandmother Both in the same month. My granny was 94. My mother was 73. I grew up in the mountians of north Carolina. My grandfather was part Cherokee. Je lived just a piece from the res,,, im so sorry for your loss. Hang in there. Things will get better ,,,

[@deannacalef3513]

What a joy, words, pictures, and music. I could almost get that smell. You know like rain coming.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you! Isn't that one of the best smells 🙂

[@mags102755]

I also wept listening to that poem. It's very beautiful. And as I've said before Tipper, you have style.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

You are so kind-thank you 🙂

[@peterallard2755]

That was beautiful. I cried as you recited it. Being a 70 year old man, I had flashbacks of my life growing up and how our lives intertwined. It all turned me into the person I became and the sacrifices that that we lived through that I can say “what I am now..is what I was then”. Still just an old soul. Thank you for sharing

[@d.g.n9392]

Well said

[@melaniefisher8823]

This brought tears to my eyes.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you for watching Melanie!!

[@MouseToes]

That was so very beautiful and the photos brought it to life. God put us here to prosper, be happy and to love one another. Since the first video of yours I watched with you in your kitchen my immediate thought was you LIVE what God instructed us to do. I have always found you very Christ like. Thank you for all that you share with your viewers.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Oh wow-I sure fall short of what I'm supposed to be every day, but thank you for the kind words 🙂

[@KatInTheNorth]

What a beautiful poem, and I love the idea of this. It’s absolutely beautiful. I miss my loved ones who have gone by now, I miss the homes, their cooking, hugs, etc. Thank you for sharing. I love the pictures also ♥️

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Kat! I hope you do the poem 🙂

[@KatInTheNorth]

@@CelebratingAppalachia Thanks, I looked at it but not sure I could fill it in as nicely as you did. 🤗 I may save it and try some time when the thoughts come to me. ♥️

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

@@KatInTheNorth Your comment made me, this 68 year old former cop, cry. Beautiful.

[@betsylongoria8916]

I haven't lived in Appalachia since I was 12, but I still miss it sometimes, especially at the change of seasons. Your poem is lovely and touched my heart.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Betsy 🙂

[@lorchid23]

Truly beautiful; the family history and the music. So viscerally intertwined..

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you! I hope you have a good week 🙂

[@RonRay]

Just like it's author, that was beautiful. ♥

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Ron 🙂

[@parnellbeth]

Years ago when I read the Blind Pig and the Acorn on a desktop computer you posted the pic of Gazzie and Charlie. I loved it dearly and printed it off. At Thanksgiving every year I hang it on the fridge and keep it up till New Years. I think I have done that for 15 + years. Couple of years ago my daughter asked me "Mom is this your people or Dad's?" And I had to tell her, "neither one, it's Tipper Pressley's people." haha

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

I just love that! Thank you for sharing. Granny Gazzie would have been proud to be on your fridge 🙂

[@lisamiller8470]

I wish that I had run into the blog years ago! Now, I want to go back and read everything!

[@dustyroselansall8185]

Tipper - I know this post is from last fall, and I watched it at that time - and I was moved greatly by it at the time - and was moved again, just now as I watched it again and listened to you share "I am from...".... once again moved to tears. It just touches the heart with the family ties and the memories it brings to surface and how none of us walks through this world alone - we have family we were born into and who shaped us to who we are today, and this poem speaks so clearly of this. Thank you so much for sharing. I know this won't be the last time I come back here and listen.

[@dustyroselansall8185]

Tipper...again re-watched this video and again touched by your words...this video is so special in this day and age - to know there are still some who maintain the importance of family closeness and passing on where one came from....something that seems so lost today. This would be a great video for you to re-share. Blessings to each of you. 💖🙏

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

I am a cowboy in Texas, I'm from Irish heritage on my granny's side and full blood Cherokee on my grandpa's side. I'm from gardens and apron strings. I'm from hands black as charcoal from a hardworking line of men in the Kentucky coal mines. You touch my heart, my memories and my childhood with your poem and you brought me to tears with memories of slower times and kinder people long gone. God bless you and your family and keep you. ❤️

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for sharing where you're from.

[@illex759]

I always think country folk hold the true spirit of America. That spirit must save our country.

[@markcarter108]

Water in the evenings. From the front porch are the deer & turkeys in the meadow. I'm tearfully reminded of my dad counting the critters as his days were short in number. I tearfully remember my mom counting her cardinals & song birds off the back deck as the shadows grow. I tearfully remember the dreams of a young boy from the farm & how now the Lord's path is far more rewarding. I tearfully remember my parents last breaths, & tearfully pray how the Lord will fill that void. I tearfully praise The Master when special people appear into my life that fill that void. Just down the next hollar might be that next tearfull water. Even from that Brasstown hollar. Keep on strumming my wet memory strings.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Beautiful. Thank you 🙂

[@lennicorser2553]

I’m crying…I feel like you are talking to me. That was beautiful. I want to write one from my life! What a jewel to leave behind!

[@m.s.biteth1164]

You are a beautiful lady. Thank you for all you do.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you 🙂

[@blueridgerider7954]

You all are a treasure. An every day living example of us simple Appalachian folk. You prove to the world we are a little deeper than credited by some. Much more resourceful than most. Happier and more caring too! Thanks!!

[@papaw5405]

I didn't get through your poem without crying. I made it to the old church and the baptizing before the tears began to flow. Maybe I am too tenderhearted as my mother used to say. I can't help it, I seem to connect to other people's emotions. I have already done the exercise and submitted it to your blog in 2013. Nothing has changed! As I stated in the preface it's not where I am from, it is simply what I am. To be "from" insinuates you are removed from somewhere or something. Not in my case. I took it all with me. Though I am getting old those things that made me come more and more to the forefront and reveil themselves as my real life story.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Papaw! I remember your poem and it was wonderful 🙂

[@cmtippens9209]

Well, I'm a fifth generation Texan but, there were so many of my extended family that were brought up by folks from Appalachia, or nearby, that your experiences resonate with me very strongly. You have a writer's heart and your poem is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us. 💐

[@gracefarm394]

How lovely you have a gift of painting pictures with words.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@janetsharrett1894]

Just found your channel and I have found my roots! I have a home in Blairsville with Brasstown Bald in view of my place. My grandma was from Perry Ga and never lost her Appalachian ways and the way she talked. She moved to Florida as a girl and met and married grandpa. I grew up in Florida and have lived most of my life here. But I have so much of the Appalachian ways in my family history. Thank you for the beautiful poem and all the videos. I am enjoying you reading the book!

[@Marcel_Audubon]

beautiful, Tipper. Thank you for sharing your own "me" with us, it is an honor to receive a courageous gift like this one

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@jessjulian9458]

I grew up with all the things I hear you talk about. The words you say, the putting up of food for the Winter. I get teary eyed just hearing you talk. You remind me so much of my childhood and my Mother. God bless you my friend.

[@bmattyd]

That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. I identified with everything you said. I grew up parallel to you - just a few years earlier. Many, many thanks for sharing so generously with us. God bless you!

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Wow, thank you 🙂

[@CathyHendrix1]

That was beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stokely418]

2 I enjoyed your video very much! I love the poem…it was my favorite part!

[@ladyliberty417]

Beautiful!! I love that music is always there- that is Appalachia to me- the connection to Scotland/ Ireland is also a whisper in these mountains- I’ve been to the highlands and you know why they came here!! The photos bring a tear to my eye Tipper, of time gone by and love of family- thank you so much!!💕

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

So glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@astonahturner1923]

I cried too. Beautiful is not enough.

[@desireecoad7557]

All of the pictures you shared are magical. The last picture of your Mom and Dad I just love. He was so darn handsome, and she was a shy beauty for sure. It's cool to see a nod to your Irish roots as well. Thank you so much for sharing the poem and your family with all of us.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

So glad you enjoyed the photos 🙂

[@charlesdriggers199]

That was profound. It indirectly reminds me of my family.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Charles 🙂

[@surrethauebel1682]

Thanks be to God for your reflection. So much of your poem, is who I am, too, just a different location in Mississippi. I hold family history dear and my grown children also appreciate family history. God bless you, Tipper.

[@rhondabutler4172]

What a lovely tribute to where you’re from…it’s so meaningful to someone like me who’s lost all but one last family member. Thanks Tipper, it’s beautiful❤️

[@saraanddarrinmoneer3696]

Mrs. Tipper if you stay grounded, YOU WILL NEVER GET LOST

[@10Bdog10]

Loved how the pictures brought the poem to life.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Kevin 🙂

[@LB-eh5fz]

I LOVE THIS I HAVE TO WATCH THIS AGAIN RIGHT NOW AS I WEEP ✨♥️✨

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you LB 🙂

[@jerriscollins-ruth9019]

Beautiful poem.

[@eugeneconner6934]

That was BEAUTIFUL.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you!!

[@krisslager4269]

Not 30 seconds into this video and my tears were streaming down my face. Most of us have our own cluster of memories of family, our land, our homes, our dearest values planted deep inside our hearts - all of which have woven us into who we are today. They serve as our compass to guide us through life. Thank you so much.♥

[@barbarawilliams6978]

Tipper, you truly are gifted with a God given talent for using your words in such a powerful way,! This poem has touched everyone who has listened to you read it. Thank you for using your channel to not only promote Appalachia but to also cause us to look inward and recognize what really is important in our own lives. God bless you!

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you so much 😀

[@albertleeiii1533]

I was absolutely moved by this! I’m going to do this. I’m Native American and I was relocated to Tennessee 6 years ago with work. I miss family, but the south has welcomed me. I’m learning another level of family and what that means. Thank you for sharing this! 😊

[@whatshername369]

That poem is everything. It made you and me cry and I am sure many others. A+ in life and family and friends and poetry.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@JazzyBlues79]

Thank You, Mrs. Pressley, for sharing that beautiful poem with us all. Writing comes from the heart, and that is what matters the most. You have a unique voice and that came through in your poem. What beautiful insight in to your life! I was truly moved!

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

You are so welcome! Thank you 🙂

[@teekotrain6845]

What a beautiful place to be from

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

I am beyond blessed. Thank you for watching 🙂

[@carsonpayne7330]

Great thoughts!! I’m from chasing crawdads, mud holes, a coal miner Daddy, and a moon shining uncle!!

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

I love that Carson-thank you for sharing!!

[@michaelbriggsbfn1130]

God bless you Tipper. I could hear the feelings of emotion in your voice as you spoke of those dear memories of yours. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate you and your family.

[@pattytheseeker8902]

Tipper your poem, story is powerful! I cried. So many similarities in my life, my family history. I've been so busy canning here lately. It always brings memories of my family, but most especially my mama. I had to get in the kitchen, watch & work, I wanted to learn how to make all those wonderful things mama made. I grew up in a very big house, we had lots of family come & visit for days at a time. They loved mama's cooking. The aunts helped out. It brings so many wonderful memories. I'm so glad you shared your wonderful poem with all of us. Thank You so much. 💓 God Bless y'all 🙏

[@evelynbonner3908]

Oh, Tipper, my eyes are leaking buckets! I will do this poem. I am 70 years old, and my biggest regret about things about my life is that I was never able to get enough information about my family. Especially my Granny and Pawpaw, who had a huge part in raising me. I was in the dentist's office recently and for some reason started thinking about my Granny who was toothless by the time I was a small child. I remembered watching her struggling to eat every meal. There in the dentist's chair, I burst into tears thinking how much I loved her. Fortunately for me, my dentist's family is from India, and my dentist's grandmother is in the same way so she was so understanding and kind. Funny how the universe looks after us that way.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you! I so hope you do the poem 🙂

[@marilynpeppers1356]

💜💜💜

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Lovely! I’ve read the template and cried, because there are so many of those questions that I simply don’t have answers to. My father was an only child and he intentionally, for whatever reason, tried to keep us separate from my mom’s kin. I know some of them but very very little family history. I’m gonna have to work on it.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

I hope you can figure out the pieces-I know it will be meaningful to you 🙂

[@darlingusa2pettee57]

Good luck to you @Dr. Froghopper. When I think of my kinfolk and our history, I feel very rich in a way that has nothing to do with money.

[@OkieJammer2736]

Oh. My.... Very. Powerful. And it's so much of my own life. Thank you. Just a perfect, teary-smiley start to the day. Gotta write it too.

[@kjackrock8786]

This gorgeous woman. Like her daughters say, a gorgeous woman. A big respect, to her, her husband, and her daughters 🙏💎😎

[@jessicabyrd3406]

That was beautiful. My family isn't Appalachian. But they were from the south. They came to California during the depression. Actually the famous picture "Mother of the Depression" is of my Grannies Aunt. I felt this. Even in California having a southern family I grew up on canning, and Gibson guitars, corn bread and beans. This was so beautiful and I wish my Grandma and Daddy were still around that I could share it with them. Thank you for your beautiful words. I started following you because your recipes remind me of my Grandma's. Your bringing joy to folks all over.

[@kimberlym.3643]

Beautiful!

[@aliciamott1396]

Omg , tipper!!!!! How freaking moving was that ???? Wow !!!!! Your an ordained woman and your where god wants you , what a blessing to gods WILL for your life !!!! Your blessing millions of people you don’t even know about !!! Your changing attitudes and your Educating us all , I appreciate you so much !!!!!

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Alicia 🙂

[@gammgammx3174]

I got choked up listening to you read your poem!!!!

[@higheraimhomestead5293]

That is one of the most beautiful readings I have ever heard! I can relate to so many of them! Thank you for sharing this, it is so powerful 💜 got me to thinking of doing one for my children and grandchildren!

[@1771bubba]

Oh my goodness!! The pictures and the music at the end…. I felt that “right in my feel goods” (from my Mother when she wanted to let us know we touched her heart). I saw my family and my Fathers family (11 kids in his family). Such good memories from an amazing childhood!! Thank you!

[@rhondamiller6907]

Wow!! I love this poem!! Sorta reminds me of our life! Tipper you are a blessing from God! I could sit and talk with you for hours!!!

[@cynhanrahan4012]

Writing class always makes me cry. You write the same way I do, making pictures with words. Yes, I cried over I Come From Canning Jars, too. I can almost never make it through my own, so performing them is hard. Now that I'm older, it doesn't make much of a difference to me whether I perform it or not, just that I write it and keep a record of my life. Tipper, it is a poem. You just got a writing prompt to make the words come. You've convinced me to join a writing workshop I was invited to today. My confidence was low, but that's just the mood I've been in recently. I think I need to add to my collection, I haven't updated my blog in years, even though I have journals and journals full that I haven't typed yet. Thank you, Tipper.

[@laurenjahnke7850]

How beautiful. Game me goosebumps.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelcoughlin8966]

me to

[@marktaylor8659]

Wow. This has been your most moving post for me. Thanks for sharing the words and wonderful pictures of your family.

[@lisamaestas6642]

This is just beautiful, Tipper! I am a retired 8th grade English teacher and I loved teaching poetry with my students. When a person, no matter their age, is allowed to write about themselves the poems are so much more meaningful ~ thank you for sharing more of yourself with us!

[@laurarowland7926]

That was so beautiful and said so eloquently..my mom did a family tree on her side and when she was done I was amazed that I found out I am a decendent of Bulgarians..start your family trees!!!to remember the past

[@wandagail2564]

Very beautiful poem,reminds me of my grandparents in Chesapeake Virginia where I'm from! My grandmother was from Belhaven North Carolina an this poem reminded me of her so much an how much I miss thm both,so dearly an her country cooking oh my I miss it! Thank you so much for sharing your poem, it brought back so many good memories even though it wasn't about me an reminded me of where Icame from as well!🙏✝️❤🤗😊

[@LiteralLaw]

This is wonderful. It is so important when times get hard to remember how the ones before us survived. My grandmother once had one tomato to feed herself and three kids while waiting for my grandfather to hopefully bring home some money from odd jobs he had traveling around. He came home that evening. This was during the depression. What I learned most is that family is EVERYTHING. Thank you for all you share. You are so inspiring. ❤️

[@yuvondaseal6736]

Everything you are from.... So am I ❤❤❤❤ you are much loved !!!!...

[@lindahays8444]

Tipper your not only a beautiful woman , your a beautiful soul too. I really enjoyed the poem and it is you I believe. Thank you for sharing with us all. God bless you.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Linda I appreciate that!

[@bwd9241]

That was a treat. The poem and photos took me back to my childhood days that were exactly like that, just in north central Alabama. How alike we were back then. And in some ways still are.

[@kevindevine5102]

Not sure how you get thru it without crying. I was. Beautiful.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

I liked to have not made it through 🙂 Thank you Kevin!

[@lrk7dak]

Thank you! I wrote a poem to my daughter from your poem. Im from Jesus who set me free! So much like you. So thankful for what I have! Thank you for sharing! ❤️🙏

[@francinerose5042]

Oh my gosh, Tipper, I'm in tears listening to you read this moving poem😢 You're right, it brings back so many memories of myself and my family💗. Your voice tells your history so lovingly. Thank you for sharing such a tender poem.💜

[@roberttombrella6764]

Debbie-Texas. Oh my, I'm crying. Thank you so much. Inspres me. Reminds me of many things. I write some but never let anyone read it. Things like walking through the woods with daddy for Christmas Holly. I'm going to try. Thank you soooo much!!

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

I hope you do the poem too 🙂 Thank you!

[@marilynpeppers1356]

Robert…get yourself a notebook at the Dollar General and get to writing. Your Grands will love it one of these days.

[@stevensteven8719]

Moved me beyond words

[@TanyaJo]

Me too girl ! That is perfect and the sum of it . ❤️❤️❤️

[@selenahadlow9700]

Tipper,this is my very favorite video.Its so touching and real.You are like a writer Historian.so interesting.Thank God you are sharing your blessings with us.A more generous soul I've never known.God is using your life to lift us all up.Thank you for pictures and story.Blessing's♥️♥️♥️

[@T_Barb]

Your poem was beautiful and near to my heart. Our backgrounds are similar but for the moving north for factory jobs from my dad’s generation. I so loved our vacations to Tennessee each year. The outhouse and drawing water from the well. Chocolate gravy and milk from the cow. Helping grandma make butter. So much I learned from her. Thank you for the beautiful memories.

[@dorothyburgess1248]

You are a pure delight to watch. I was overcome, teary eyed listening to your words. Thank you for such special content you put out for all of us like minded people who cherish you.

[@darleneridgeway7452]

The beautiful cornbread! It is such a part of my southern life💕💕💕

[@duaneholcomb8408]

I used to write poetry. Kinda got away from it. Though. Always love to hear from you all. Y'all Sorta become my adopted family. Of sorts. I look forward to these videos. I never thought much about being Appalachian till here of late. Ive realized. We are some different from,others. And that I'm not alone. There are others like me out there still,, and makes me proud to have lived in these mountians and lived in the old traditions. So. Thankyou for all you have done. Its greatly appreciated by many who watch. Your videos celebrating Appalachia,, And take care and god bless,,

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Duane! I'm so glad you enjoy our videos and yes I can tell we have much in common. Glad to be your adopted family 🙂

[@duaneholcomb8408]

@@CelebratingAppalachia thanks again. As always god bless,,,

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

Tipper, this was very eye opening. First, let me thank you for that beautiful sweet and touching poem. That poem can be about so many people. But, it's YOUR poem. Thank you for sharing. Now, I went to the website for form for the poem. I started writing. I came to my family, particularly my parents and started crying. My mother passed away in 1984. My father in 2002. The memories that came flooding back were so touching. Thank you, for the memories.

[@DeeDee-dl7sl]

Wow, that was touching.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@bobsternvogel5550]

The version I learned was "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite." I enjoyed your poem and the selection of photos.

[@Stsilascousteau]

What a wonderful lady. Her voice sounds like family. I lost my roots along my journey years ago. Now days I find myself searching for bread crumbs that will lead me back to the red clay, muscadines and pines. Its quite possible those crumbs were forged in the blackest of cast iron and crumbled over the warmest of beans. Your channel always tugs at my heartstrings. Thanks.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you. I hope you find those crumbs.

[@donnielaws7020]

Nice poem my friend. Timeless.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you Donnie 🙂

[@donnielaws7020]

@@CelebratingAppalachia Them words really touched my heart. Thank you.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

@@donnielaws7020 You probably don't have time to fool with it, but boy I know your poem would be something great 🙂

[@donnielaws7020]

@@CelebratingAppalachia Thank you . I would love to my friend.

[@bethotoole6569]

Lovely,,, just Lovely.

[@saner6888]

It’s clear you’ve been fortunate, raised with love and all the riches good character and values bring. I’m a “navy brat”, don’t have roots so seeing all your generations.. very special💜

[@tarheeltrue4484]

I think that was as deep and more real than the piles of books I read in school. Can I add? We are from sweet shrub growing beside the well house. From haze over the cornfields at dusk. Mist filled mornings on lakes fishing with my father. Sitting on porches on perfect weather days listening to my aunts and uncles telling stories of their youth. From rising early to pick beans and staying up late chasing lightening bugs. From mill workers who wanted better for us than they had. We are from sacrifice and getting the good out of things. Jumping from hay lofts with cousins into sweet smelling stacks below. Laying on pallets in front of the stove in winter watching tv with grandma. From people looking out at me from pictures. I never got to meet them, but I see myself in their faces. From a land that is in our souls. We know the trees. We know the birds and where pecans and persimmons can be found. We know how good the water taste from tin dippers beside wells. Beyond all- from a love that is eternal.

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing where you're from 🙂

[@mrsc1952]

Beautiful I cried watching it because it touched my heart and because this beautiful, decent, wonderful way of life is something we are losing and so many children will never know

[@paulchurchwell6686]

Heck, im crying.Your preserving a way of life . I miss that.

[@7watertiger]

You are blessed to have had a happy normal childhood that has left you with wonderful memories.

[@timesthree5757]

Thank you for sharing yer life in the hills. I feel like were cousins seperated by old man river. One of these day I will come out and visit the smokies. I hope one day you get to visit us in the Music Mountains. Its like finding long lost family. Be safe young lady.

[@denesemooneyham4423]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! I LOVED THIS!!!! THANK U SO VERY MUCH, LORD HOW IT MOVED ME.... I WOULD NOT TRADE MY LIFE, HERITAGE, FAMILY, FRIENDS, HOME, JOB FOR ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD AND THIS BEAUTIFUL POEM WAS SO MUCH LIKE ME AND MY LIFE..... UR DEFINITELY A BLESSING AND ANGEL... THANK U SOR SHARING UR WONDERFUL LIFE AND FAMILY WITH US... SENDING LOVE FROM COCKE COUNTY (NEWPORT) TENNESSEE!!!!

[@CelebratingAppalachia]

Thank you!!!

[@M2ElviSMuSic]

My heart is crying. So many emotions. Bless you, Tipper.

[@thomalanham8639]

Yes, a moving poem indeed. It mirrors my growing up in Western Kentucky to a "T", expect mine were river bottoms and rolling hills. I have lived in North Carolina whilst stationed at Fort Bragg with 82nd Airborne Division, and consider N.C. my second home having precious old friends there and one son born there. You have two lovely daughters of which I watch their channel loving their music and I'm a rock hunter also always bringing in the unusual one and putting them on my window sills. Be sure to try planting potatoes in stacked old tires.

[@0Hillbilly]

That's Appalachia, most of us are from canning jars. Great poem, great video. God Bless.

[@spellmadam2947]

You did a wonderful job.

[@donnacole9785]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I am the geneologist for our family. I will be doing this to add to the page about my life, with the hope that my grandsons will find it meaningful. In a world that has been so upended, your channel is the calm in the storm. Blessings. ❤️