Every January I take a look back at what I’ve written during the course of the previous year. I’m always surprised by the various subjects I wrote about, many of which have completely fallen through the cracks of my mind by year end.
I’ve listed my favorite posts for each of the last 12 months below (if you want to revisit any of the posts click on the colored word link).
January
Starting the Year with Thankfulness is my favorite post from the first month of 2020. When I read the words I’m reminded of the overwhelming feeling of thankfulness I had that day in the kitchen. Even with all the craziness of 2020 my heart is still full of thankfulness on this 6 day of January 2021.
February
Stamey Creek written by Chitter is my choice for February. I love knowing my daughter feels as close to this land as I do.
March
It was too hard for me to pick a favorite for this month so I chose two.
There was Eleven of us shared a poem Granny wrote about her family. I can see the love woven around her words for each person. There’s only two of them left now, but I’m thankful all those gone on are still living in their children, grandchildren, and other family members as well as in the stories Granny tells about them.
I wrote Finding Solace on High Ridges right at the beginning of the pandemic. Our trip up the creek grounded us reminding us no matter what happens in the world we have each other and are loved beyond measure by the creator.
April
One of Pap’s Knives Came Back to Us told the story of an old old knife of Pap’s making it’s way back to my brother who generously gave it to me. I’m still hoping to get it fixed and carry it myself.
May
A Giant Pile of Mulch is my favorite post from the fifth month of 2020. Even though the mulch is all spread out and gone I’m still tickled pink Chitter acquired the big pile for her momma. Her sweet talking saved us all a whole lot of weed pulling in the garden.
June
I really like all my 5 Things posts. Random music and events from our life spills out into the series. For some reason I especially liked the 5 Things from June.
July
Pap’s Birthday gave me an opportunity to share more about Pap’s life. I wrote the post as a sort of commentary on the song Paul wrote called “It’s a Wonder.”
August
Why I Never Left Appalachia was a post straight from my heart. The words show the great love I have for my home in a holler in Appalachia.
September
Nicknames is my favorite post from September. Most nicknames are given as a term of endearment. From the ones like mine that totally take over a given name to the silly ones only close family and friends know about.
October
Over the years I’ve shared several versions of “Rock of Ages Cleft for Me” from our family. No matter how often I hear it the words never get old. It’s my pick for this month.
November
My Life in Appalachia 1 contained one of my favorite videos from my Celebrating Appalachia YouTube channel and its my choice for this month. I had so much fun making the video that I hoped others would enjoy it too—meaning I’d get to make more videos like it 🙂 I’m happy to say it’s one of my most popular videos so far.
December
My favorite post for the last month of the year is A Good Morning written by The Deer Hunter. Even though I’ve never set in a deer stand nor have any plans to I find much wisdom in his words.
As I looked back through posts I wrote during 2020, as well as the guest posts I shared, I was beyond pleased with the way we celebrated and portrayed Appalachia.
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It is nice when you reflect back, and it gives an opportunity for us to read the gems we may have missed. I think I get on the blog 95% of the time, so I am taken aback when I read old posts I do not remember. Maybe that is one advantage of getting older and a little forgetful, because then we can read an old old post and it is like reading it for the first time. I am encouraged that I remember all these well, so guess I have not “lost all my marbles.”
Your pictures are beautiful, and sometimes it is so easy to get lost in the post that we overlook that wonderful talent you have. It is more than taking a picture, but is the gift of capturing the essence of the post. I am grateful every day for being raised in Appalachia. Here in 2021 I am truly amazed that it has retained so much of what it is through the years. I am guilty of later in life laughing along with others when I once let “heered” for heard slip from my tongue. How I would love to travel back and hang out with those great and humble folks again who used the words I never hear anymore. If they were older and a male we would often call them Uncle.
Tipper, I enjoy all your posts and the comments left by your readers. It is hard to pick out one but I always favor a creek and a hike so Stamey Creek is the first and the second was Finding Solace on High Ridges and third would be your Mother’s poem on the Eleven. Walks by creeks and in the woods has always been a favorite get-a-way and lift the spirit time for me. Even as a little girl, I loved it. I also loved the post on Pap’s song It’s a Wonder. It was a wonder. Really, I enjoy all of your posts even though I don’t always have the time to comment. Thanks for the review – it is always good reading!
It’s supposed to snow here starting early Friday morning and lasting all day. They’re saying 3 to 5 inches. Last time they predicted 3 to 5 inches I think we got 16. I love snow too but only for about 20 minutes. So, I’m hoping to turn it in your direction.
I have only been reading the blog since August, so I missed the first ones. I enjoyed reading them. I enjoyed the poem about her family and I think how much fun it would be have a large family. I enjoy reading about Pap, the stories remind me so much of my father in law , Curtis Brooks. They even favor. I especially liked the comment about Pap not pushing his religion on anyone, Curtis would say you will turn more people away from God by being pushy than you will get to accept God. Let them see God in you by the way you live your life. In the blog about Pap’s knife someone mentioned how good it was to have something that belong to a loved one. Me and my son have my daddy and my father in law’s guns, tractors and some other things. The money value is not great but the sentimental value is priceless.
I would be hard for me to pick a favorite post you or your family wrote in 2020. The first thing I do when I turn my computer on in the morning is read your blog. Each post leaves a thought swirling through my head most of the day. Some words or sayings bring back memories and I love to share what you said with my family and friends. Looking forward to learning more about Appalachia in the new year.
Looking back through the year I am more aware than ever how you enrich our lives. The phrase “fellowship of kindred minds” fits us BP&A readers I think. And of course we would never have “met” except for you. What a bunch we are, such a wide range of geography, life experiences and skills among us, yet somehow a commonality.
Speaking of a common thread, I have an un-formed sense there is a greater ‘something’ in an essence from your years of blogging. I think there is something there both uniquely Appalachian yet universal. I think you prove that every day actually.
I am missing some folks that haven’t posted in awhile. I get concerned when long-time commenters drop out and wonder if they are OK, especially this year. I guess you do to. I am tempted to make a list but probably shouldn’t. I expect you have noted a lot of folks come and go and just have to accept it as the way it is. That’s one of the downsides of virtual I guess, not really able to ‘keep up’ with people unless they are known in ‘real life’.
In my mind being Appalachian is more about attitude than altitude.
Wonderful review, Tipper. I don’t think it’s possible for me to select one post I liked best, they are all so good and real.
I am also enjoying your new YouTube site, I look forward to the video’s. You are doing such a fine job representing our Appalachian Heritage and the real life of Appalachians!
A big THANK YOU!!!
OH Tipper, this is a wonderful “post” from you today. I so enjoyed re-living and re-reading all you’d written previously. Each day I look forward to your writings and having these all together is such a good “keeper” to read over and over again. Thank you for sharing your life in Appalachia and your love for your home and family. God has surely blessed you, as I know He will continue to do. (The photos are great, too!)