The girls and I have spent the last week in the mountains of Haywood County NC.
We’ve watched Gunslingers battle it out on the high top of Ghost Town Mountain.
Been terrified on the chairlift ride down the mountain (at least I was).
We’ve made new friends-native Appalachians who are as dedicated to preserving the traditions of Appalachia as I am.
We’ve enjoyed spending time with Nana and Papaw.
But amid all the joy-my week has been touched by sadness. Two folks I care deeply about have went on over the mountain to wait on the other side.
My Aunt Geneaive passed away early this week. She was Granny’s closest sister in age and closest sister in other ways as well. They shared many firsts together as children; they shared their triumphs and struggles as they raised their families; and celebrated the arrival of their grandchildren; and great grandchildren. Geneaive was a kind loving mother figure to all who met her including me. She immediately made you feel at home and loved all at the same time. She had the key to comfort and turned it often.
Barry was a friend of mine. I believe he was a friend to every person he met. He consistently reached out to those who crossed his path. Barry walked his life with a cheerful step and a kind word on his lips. He was a staunch supporter of Netwest Mountain Writers And Poets and helped to further the hopes and aspirations of many Appalachian Writers.
Both of my dear loved ones will be greatly missed by their close knit families and by the world at large. This week’s Pickin’ & Grinnin’ In The Kitchen is dedicated to Geneaive and Barry who are now waiting just over on Glory Mountain for the rest of us.
Hope you enjoyed the song.
Tipper
The voices of angels! They are beautiful and talented. What fine daughters you and the Deer Hunter have. You are much blessed.
I know how it feels to lose someone close. I choose to believe they are not entirely gone. They are forever alive in my heart.
With all the years I have lived in Western North Carolina I must admit I have never been to Ghost Town. Please don’t tell anyone!
So sorry to hear about your Aunt, Tipper. This post and the song was a great tribute, if there can be one great enough that is. I am not on here much during these beautiful summer days but I do enjoy stopping by your great blog. It always stirs memories and leaves me feeling better.
Love the picture of the mountains.
Sorry to hear about your Aunt and your friend! May they rest in peace.
Loved hearing the girls sing again!
Tipper, truly sorry for your losses.
Tipper,
I appreciate your kind words about Barry. he thought the world of you. The girls did a great job on the song.
I am very sorry about the loss of your aunt and my sympathies to all the family.
Sounds like she was a fine woman.
Love your photos of your trip.
Looks like y’all had a fun trip! I have always wanted to go to Ghost Town. I’m sorry for your losses! The video is great! I love the playing and singing!
My condolences for your double loss of family and friend, Tipper. The photo of the Haywood County mountains really took me back. Buck and I had a home in Haywood County for almost 7 years, where we spent alot of happy times hiking & loving the folks there. We may yet go back.
Hi Tipper,
This is my first …but not my last…visit to your blog. I found you by way of GA MOUNTAINWOMAN! I am so sorry for your recent losses. I read your profile from top to bottom. I am from the Heart of Dixie. I share so many of your sentiments. Your blog makes me feel close to Mom, Dad, my brother and all those dear who have gone on to Heaven. Thanks!
Blessings,
Marilyn
So sorry for your losses.
So sorry for the sadness,Tipper. Two is one week is about more than anyone should have to deal with.
How is “Geneaive” pronouced? I had a great Aunt Geneva, but the spelling of your aunt looks sort of Celtic tome. It’s intriguing to see the name.
Wonderful singing by the girls!
I felt the girls were singing that to me. My Daddy left for the other side of the mountain this morning about 5:50 a.m. this morning. Even though I’m 55 I’m still Daddy’s girl. I’m gonna miss him so much. Ya’ll keep me in your prayers. Tell the girls thanks for blessing me with their song.
The girls has beautiful voices. My sympathy for your loss.
I love the mountains. Nice blog.
Have a wonderful week ahead Tipper.
Regina
So sorry to hear of the loss of your loved ones. It looks like such a fun time you had otherwise. Blessings,Kathleen
take the wonderful qualities of their life and be a copycat! you probably already have.
http://randommusingsfrommypov.com
Tipper, Thank you for Glory Mountain and the girls singing. I also Love hearing “I’ll Be Young”.
Tipper,
I enjoyed catching up with you. I have pickled cucumbers in a crock but have never had pickled beans with corn. I do make pickled mustard beans but they would be much different than what you describe. They aren’t made in a crock.
I’m sorry the princesses lost their camping spot but the porch seems to be a great spot. I dont think they’re too old to play in this way and am glad to see them enjoying themselves.
Loved the photos of your holiday to the mountain. Glad you are well.
Blessings,
Mary
Tipper: We can always think of the fact that we will see our loved ones once again. Hold strong to that hope of the reunion on high.
The girls did a neat job on the song, I could almost feel you say smile right in the middle. That was some mighty fin pickin, grinin and singin in the kitchen.
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your aunt as well as Barry Beall. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. Barry was a big friend of our western NC writers group and will be missed by all.
Looks like you visited Maggie Valley. It’s really pretty there. We haven’t been in several years and it’s nice to know that Ghost Town is open now. It was closed when we were there. Great photo of your girls.
Sam
Sorry to hear about your loss, Tipper. It is hard when loved ones pass on. It looks like you had a good time on Ghost Town Mtn. Vacations are fun.
Tipper, sorry to hear about your friend. I’ve thought about your grandmother off and on all week. That special bond.
I didn’t realize the girls could sing like that (or if I did I’ve forgotten, can’t remember Anything Any More). Wow….I know Pap has to be so proud/pleased with their singing.
Thankful for Glory here in Tennessee…this life truly is just a vapor.
Tipper, I am so sorry for your loss.
The song was wonderful.
Tipper, I wish words could lessen your grief. I know your memories of them helps to soothe the hurt. You were blessed to have them in your life and blessed with the memory.
What great kids you have; you’ve done a very good job in all ways.
I haven’t been to Ghost Town in the Sky in forty years. I am glad to see someone has revived it.
May God continue His blessing over you and yours.
Sorry to hear about your aunt and your friend. I am sure you will meet them again some day when the time comes.
I did enjoy the song very much.
Love your blog…and I definitely love the music. I read the prior post as well, the girls look like they have a time of it!
I am sorry for your losses.
I saw you on Twisted Fencepost’s blog roll. I have had a time with keeping up with blog posts lately but today I thought I would wander around a bit. 🙂
I am sorry to hear about your loss, Tipper. Saying goodbye to friends and family is so difficult, even though we hold tight to the promise of a reunion someday.
I am sorry to hear of your loss, Tipper. Saying goodbye for friends and family is so difficult, even with the assurance we will meet again.
Your daughters have wonderful voices, I hope they continue singing.
I’m pretty sure you have a couple of new feature singers on your hands. Sounds like a great trip. Sorry to hear about those close to you who have made that final trip to Glory. It never is easy for those who are left behind. However for those of us who believe in heaven it is a temporary loss. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed hearing the girls. Pappy
Tipper so sorry for your loss – hugs and prayers for you and the families of these loved ones. The song is a beautiful tribute.
So sorry for your losses. It’s hard to let go of the generation of great aunts!
But I’m sure if those two who are now on the other side of the mountain could hear the awesome singing Chitter and Chatter did, they would come back for another stay.
I’m looking forward to purchasing another family CD from your family . . . this time the girls!
Great job.
Tipper,
Glad you all had a great time at Ghost Town with the gunslingers. I’m sorry about your aunt passing away. I am also sorry to hear about Barry Beall passing away. He was a friend to all of us writers in NCWN-W and did a fantastic job taking photos. Glenda is in our thoughts and prayer. Your family is also in my prayers and thoughts upon the loss of your aunt.
Oh Lord, is this Ghost Town in the Sky? Shirley went there back when she was a kid and still talks about it! We had heard that it was closed.
Shirley talks about that trip and the good times she had. It was the last family vacation that her family took before her daddy got sick. Shirley remembers listening to the same Freddy Fender 8-Track all the way there and back to West Virginia! That’s alot of Freddy! She still can’t hear “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” without thinking of that vacation and Ghost Town in the Sky!
If this is the same place, I foresee a trip in our near future.
Tipper, I’m so sorry to hear of your family’s loss and the loss of your dear friend. My sincere condolences.
The girls sound wonderful. Talent surely does run in your family.
Hugs,
Susan
So sorry for your losses. I love the girls’ singing.
I love the song! Are those your girls?
I would love to come see your mountains.
Sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry about the loss of those you loved and will be praying for God’s healing touch to your hearts.
Always a joy to hear everyone singing and playing. Brightens my day!
Blessings, Annie