2020 wasn’t the greatest year for the world, but in many ways it was an exceptionally good year for us at the Blind Pig and The Acorn house.
A series of good events started in 2020 and just kept on going right into 2021. The blessings have given me an opportunity I’ve dreamed about for over 13 years: to focus full time on celebrating and preserving the culture and heritage of Appalachia.
Today is my last day of work at the Folk School. I enjoyed my time there. I met a lot of people, grew and learned so much, and on top of that had the great fortune of working for the best boss I’ve ever had—Keather Gougler.
Leaving Keather was as hard as leaving the Folk School itself—she’s that smart, kind, and knowledgable. After I had been working at the Folk School for a short time I clearly seen Keather was the driving force behind the Folk School’s world wide fame.
I have so many plans I want to accomplish with my extra time: things I want to research, things I want to write about, videos I want to make, interviews I want to conduct, places I want to visit, and more 🙂 I feel beyond blessed by God to have been given 40 extra hours a week to focus on my passion for Appalachia.
I hope you’ll continue to follow along with my endeavors of celebrating Appalachia!
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I have followed you and your family for many years…enjoyable years, filled with laughter and tears…tears of joy and tears of nostalgia. And I’m not one to tear up. But you, Ms. Tipper, Chitter, Chatter and The Deer Hunter are the beating heart of why so much has been good in this world. Nestled in the most beautiful of God’s creation you all hang onto the honesty, innocence, virtues and morals that were necessary, yea, mandatory for our country to become as great a country as it has become. When a man’s word was truly his bond, hard work was a reward and the only thing sweeter was that which was accomplished with one’s own two hands at day’s end. The ‘sayings’ and traditions become my childhood as I close my eyes and listen to you read or your family talk about feeding chickens, crocheting a pattern not found in any book, learning how to sharpening knives by just doing it, finding God, Solace and True Peace at the top of the ridge or next to Stamey Creek. The unconditional love you all have for each other and being genuinely, sincerely tirelessly humble in your knowledge that all that surrounds you is precious, delicate and the expression of The Creator, to be respected and never taken for granted. These are what keeps this world turning.
Your selfless sharing of that love reminds so many of us where we come from providing the path for us to get back to what is missing within us.
God bless and keep you all.
Hello Tipper,
I wish you joy in your expanded work about Appalachia.
I was watxhing “Call the Midwife” on Netflix and I remembered that I had my baby girl in Providence Hospital in Murphy NC and there were Nuns assisting at the birth. I started to wonder about the Order they were in and how they came to Appalachia. So many women must have recieved their care up there. Do you know anything about them?
Thanks for all you do and share.
Caro
Era-I don’t know. I wonder if the Cherokee County Historical Museum might have information about them? Thank you for the comment 🙂
I’m sorry I don’t know anything about them, but my older brother Steve was born there too 🙂
All Good Wishes to you Tipper in your ‘new’ life doing what you love and we all enjoy the hard work you do so very much…..may each day be a Blessing to you!
A big step, Tipper! Congratulations and good luck!
Congratulations Tipper and God bless you as you go after your dreams.
Congratulations Tipper. I think I can speak for everyone, as long as your here, we’re not going no where. God surely has Blesses you. God is so good.
Early retirement by choice! Congratulations, Tipper! I’m looking forward to seeing how God leads you in this new adventure.
Congratulations Tipper!!!
You have been blessed to have had a job you enjoyed and to have worked for people you admired and respected. The best part is ahead of you. You will be doing the things you really love. All your readers will benefit from your change. I am really looking forward to something that is already wonderful being even better!
Dennis Morgan
You might enjoy the latest Irish Music Stories podcast by Shannon Heaton about folk song collectors, especially Olive Dame Campbell.
https://shannonheatonmusic.com/episode-52-garden-of-ballads/?fbclid=IwAR28TE_JxPoEW-Yr2ImN0MDtcqppHxI5Rs0TcEmrplzTMl67U8x5mt1QlH8
Happy New Adventures! The Blind Pig is a happy spot in my day. I just add my “Amen” to all of these comments. You & your family are absolutely part of our family forever.
Congratulations! You will love the extra time. I’m retired, and it’s great to have time for the things I love.
I knew it! I expected it! It’s not retirement. You’re just directing your interests toward what your interests really are. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sOfGaZhWbk
Ed, this is the perfect song for Tipper today. And it brought a chuckle to my day. Thank you.
Tipper, congratulations!! I am so very, very happy for you. This is one Acorn that can’t wait to walk down this new path with you. Can’t wait to see all the new and exciting things you’re going to share. May all your dreams come true!! (And thanks to your family for sharing you with us)
Congratulations Tipper. I know you will bring us more folklore to wonder at. The Appalachia culture holds a special place in my heart. So many questions that I didn’t get a chance to ask my grandparents when they were alive and now am discovering with you and my own research.
Congratulations, Tipper! I am so happy for you and can’t wait to see what new doors God will open for you in this new season! Many blessings to you and your dear family.
My Dad said, “He’d never worked so hard in all his life then after he’d retired, but working at things he wanted to do.” Enjoy the works of Love.
Big milestone! Enjoy every minute of every day God gives you. We can’t know how much time that is, but think of life as a baseball diamond. At 25 you’re on first base and rounding second at 50. On average we will be safe at third when 75. I’m well on my way to home plate, but a couple of health issues have me caught in a rundown, so I’m not at all likely to score. Nonetheless, my team is winning, and that’s a happy thought! Congratulations, Tipper. You go, girl!
Congratulations!
Congratulations . Love your blogs. Look forward to my email from you every day. The YouTube videos are awesome.
Please add my congratulations and joy as you continue your adventures! Though, I’m not sure ‘retirement’ applies in your case, we all look forward to sharing the ride. Thank you for being open to all God has for you 🙂
Tipper, so happy for you that your going to have more time to spend on your hearts desire and passion,for Appalachian History and culture. Wishing you the very best in your endeavor.
Wonderful news! Congratulations!
God’s blessings on your new adventures!
Congratulations Tipper!! Take a breather before you start your list of what you want to do. God bless!
Congratulations and of course will continue to follow you! It’s become a happy habit!
Tipper, I couldn’t be more excited for you! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. You are in a unique place to further the appreciation and preservation of a place we both love. I will be praying for you sweet friend.
Enjoy your new chapter, Tipper! I have learned so much from watching you on You Tube. I love your work! It gives me so much pleasure!! Thank you!!
Congratulations, Tipper, on making the change that will enable you to Live Your Dream more fully.
Tipper, just keep on keeping on what you’re doing and more. You’re just about the best thing (or ambassador, champion, storehouse of knowledge, spokesperson, etc.) that Appalachia has. Thank you!
Congratulations!! Retirement is wonderful.
Sounds like a good move to follow your passion. Congratulations! We followers of your blog will be the beneficiariJes of the additional time you will now have to research, video, and write.
Congratulations, Tipper, on this new season in your life! Can’t wait to see what it brings you! I retired early, too, and have never looked back. You’re gonna love being retired and doing what you want to do, not what you have to do. Enjoy it to the full!!!
Congratulations on being able to fulfill a dream…..I’m sure the school will surely miss you, but i look forward to seeing what adventures you come up with and share with us all..hugs
What was meant for harm God worked out as a blessing for you!! So very happy for you and look forward to walking with you on your new journey!!
Many blessings on your new adventures:)
Congratulations Tipper,keep up the good work that you love to do.
Congrats on your time at the school and for what’s ahead!
Wow! That’s Awesome Tipper! Congratulations on your new chapter in life and we are so glad for you and for your family! We are so thankful that GOD has blessed you with this extra time to enjoy your life and we are excited also that you can bless us , as well as SO MANY others by living your dream and sharing and CELEBRATING APPALACHIA!!!! GOD BLESS PRESSLEY MANOR!!!!
You will be greatly missed at the Folk School and leave a difficult void to fill. I couldn’t agree with you more about what a wonderful person Keather Gougler is and how fortunate the School is to have her. At the same time, I am excited about what the future will bring to you in your new, full-time, effort to champion Appalachia. I look forward to our continued collaboration. All the best to a most deserving person.
I think Granny may benefit more than one can imagine. It was difficult for me to be available for my parents when they needed help of any kind. Only in retirement did I feel I was fulfilling the role the Lord wanted me in. I spent blissful years caring for my Mother and babysitting my grandson. I was amazed at how much money was saved without constantly having to eat out and fill up the gas tank. May the Lord bring you every blessing, as you begin this different journey.
I can’t wait to see where your next journey takes you! No doubt it will be an exciting time for your readers as well.
Congratulations, Tipper! Enjoy, and dont forget to relax every now and then.
Congratulations …. and the best of luck on your new endeavor! I’m looking forward to follow along and can’t wait to see what you bring us. And I thank you for what you have given us so far. From a Texan who’s never been to Appalachia before you bring it to me. Thanks again….
Congratulations!
I am so excited for you and the new adventures to come!
So happy for you Tipper. Early retirement is great. I was very blessed to experience it myself. Good luck in the next chapter of your life. God bless you and your wonderful family.
Wow, Tipper! Congratulations! This is such exciting news. Good for you and I couldn’t be happier for you.
Like everyone here, I’m excited to see where you go with this next and I’m 100% here for whatever comes next!
I will be thinking of you today and the days ahead. If I might suggest today write down your feelings and everything you want to do then seal it up and revisit it next year to see if you have accomplished everything.
I am excited for you. God bless you Tipper.
Wonderful news, Tipper…..Congratulations and Blessings abound!….It is good to know the my new forever friends will be still be forever through your writing and posting….Thank You!
Congratulations on your new season of life!!!
You know as well as I do, God is going to put you were you need to be. We think we are in charge, but not so much. I am happy for you. It’s nice when we are in sync with the Lord. I love your channel and I appreciate all you do for our folk culture. As a side note people in far eastern and south eastern Ohio frequently use yew ‘uns and drop the g in “ing”.
God bless you and yorn. – Jeff Brown
Congratulations on your next chapter!!
Congratulations. How blessed to be able to change by choice. Wish you the best and look forward to reading more on your blog.
I’m happy for you Tipper, your hard work has paid off!!!
You will burn up that extra 40 airs (hours) and need some more.
Congratulations on your new chapter. I’m definitely going to stay tuned. Blessings to you and yours.
Praise God! My older grandson loves to “go on adventures.” All of “your people” out here in cyberspace look forward to seeing and hearing about your adventures as you step out the door into the next part of your life.
Free at last! I am beyond happy for you! I know that head of yours has been near to busting with all you’ve done and all you want to do and now you can! God is Good……..NOW FLY!!
Congratulations! Exciting times ahead.
Awesome God is so good!!!!! I can’t wait to see all the great things that you do!!! God Bless!!!!
YOU QUIT YOUR JOB!!!!!!!!! GREAT…. good start. now be flexible, follow the wind. now you GET to do things, not HAVE to. i know, but don’t be afraid to charge people. i actually got fired from my last job in 1964. you can live by your wits. ask me. matthew 6:26. you are listening to your god. peace out. raz
Congratulations! I am ever so thankful I found your page years ago, it brings me so much enjoyment.
Happy retirement. Following your new life will be fun and I am sure it will be educational as well. Enjoy!!!
Congratulations…that’s an American dream to retire early!
Tipper,
Congratulations on your “things to do” change. I’m sure the Folk School lost a loyal employee.
I hope all the items in your bucket list materialize now that you are going to be the captain of your time ship.
Tipper, I hope you can accomplish all of your plans and dreams. I think you are doing the right thing by starting on them now while you are still young and have a chance to do them. Best of luck to you.
My decision came in November of 2018, best decision I ever made. This will be your best decision, also !!! ENJOY !!!
I’m with YOU!
Congratulations!!!! I don’t know if you will call it retirement from your prospective, but we are semi-retired and love it tremendously. Having those extra 40 hours free from our full time jobs is wonderful and you will fill it doing those things you love, now that you can do it!!
Congratulations on starting a new chapter in your life. I hope you get to do all the things on your list. I’m looking forward to more good stuff from the BP.
My wife and I will be in Brasstown this weekend at the Crown Restaurant and cottage.
Congrats Tipper!
Happy Retirement…I can’t wait to read about all your new adventures!
Congrats on your decision to move on in life’s adventure! It’s not the end, just a NEW beginning as you put the school in life’s rear view mirror. It will always be a fond memory for you. I am excited to see exactly what you’ll do next. I figure you may roost about your nest a week or so and gather your thoughts in a non rushed way before you set out on your next set of bold endeavors. I wish you a time of relaxation, sitting on the porch and really just stopping to breathe it all in!!! For me, my plans are sidelined because of AUTOIMMUNE disease. I’m just glad to be alive most days. God bless you, Miss Tipper, as you take the path less traveled at the fork of life’s road!