plowed garden area


Ken’s garden

Ken really enjoyed music and he was a huge fan of my family’s music. Over the years he traveled all over the tri-state area watching us perform on various stages.

In the early years of the Blind Pig & The Acorn I had a radio player on the side of the blog that played our music. Ken often told me he opened up the blog and let that player play all day so he could hear Pap, Paul, and the girls sing.

One of the songs he often talked about was “Just a Touch of the Past” written by Larry Perkins. Here’s a comment from Ken about it:

For some reason, of all the songs that Paul and Pap does, that is my favorite. Another favorite of mine is “The old House”, by Maria Doutry and her Dad. We had panes like in the video where we could look out and see life from our kitchen. One time (I think it was Ben who asked, “Why do we sing and play old songs that talk of killing and dying and all?) Well, it reminds us of where we come from, and where we are going.

“Just a Touch of the Past”

Just a touch of the past is I’ll I’m asking Just a feeling I’m wanting to know Its a time where my spirit is walking Its a place where I’m longing to go

How I love the old songs that they are singing How they make my old heart beat with joy They’re a light in an ocean of darkness That surrounds all my years as a boy

Now I know all the sadness of the traveler who has gone far away from his home And he knows he can never return there for the place and the people are gone

How I wish that my heart could ever wonder in those days that will be first and last In my memory of things to be cherished Let me live with a touch of the past

I hope you enjoyed the song as much as Ken did. I know he liked it for the same reasons I do. We were both fortunate to have a wonderful childhood and because of that it’s natural that sometimes we long to go back to those days. I wish every last person in world could feel the same about their upbringing.

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23 Comments

  1. Beautiful song and. . . oh so true! Where can I find the lyrics, etc of the other song you wrote about, The Old House, would love to hear it or just see the lyrics.

    Take care, God bless all of your family & Happy Father’s Day to your Matt.

  2. The present is fast becoming the past. In an instant! Who says we can’t change the past! We can, by changing what we are doing now. What we do in this moment is the past in the next.

  3. This was one of the best of Ken’s wk . Tipper. I will never forget him. It’s gonna be sad not seeing his post his name.He showed alot in his post. He cared so much about his family home heartiage and much more. Thanks Tipper for sharing this with us this wk. And Ken Roper, we of Blind Pig and Acorn thank you and we’re gonna miss you.

  4. This song is beautiful! I think it’s true if we had a good upbringing, we do at times long for the past. I know I do. I miss my family, but I am so thankful for the wonderful memories I have. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads on the BP&A and to any man that has had a positive influence on a child’s life. Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

  5. Happy Father’s Day to Matt!
    Seems like Ken loved to think back into the past of his childhood days with his family. What precious memories he had & were able to share them with others. Thank you, Tipper for helping us know more about this special man.
    Lots of prayers are for Miss Cindy today!!
    Hugs!

  6. Never heard this song before, but it really hits home for me. It is now my favorite song from you and your family. I lost my daddy when I was 20, but he taught me so much in those few years. He is with me every day. I look forward to your posts every day. Have really enjoyed this past week. Love the photo of Ken’s garden.

  7. I completely forgot about today being Father’s Day until I saw the card from from my grandsons. I read it and thought this fits right in with the past week’s comments about Ken. I will not write it word for word but a short version – thank you for proving life is what you make of it, hard work really does pay off, loving and taking care of your family and I am adding friends, and God is the best legacy you can create. I think Ken did all of these things. I hesitate to write this but I know Ken loved his garden and I think he would understand, yesterday I was in “hog heaven” while eating my dinner ( lunch to educated people). I had my first of the year tomato sandwich made from my first homegrown tomato, very soft slices of loaf or light bread and DUKE’s mayonnaise along with a cold glass of sweet ice tea. Happy Father’s Day to everyone!

  8. Tipper, I love seeing you, Pap and Paul all together playing guitar and gathered round singing! The look on your faces really tells the truth- there’s no where else you’d rather be than together playing music and sharing your wonderful talent with others! I’d have to agree with Mr. Roper (wasn’t that the couple on Three’s Company named the Ropers-lol-just thought of that one) this song has a lot going for it- fabulous words and catchy music! You’ve been a blessing and continue to be to many homestead loving people all over these hills and the world! I’d have to say this week devoted to Ken Roper’s memory has been an overwhelming successful tribute in this good man’s honor! I know he will be sadly missed and fondly recalled by all who knew him and loved him. You’ve done a fine job, Miss Tipper, honoring your friend and he was so lucky to have had a friend like you. You’re good people, Tipper P.!!!

  9. Good morning!!!
    Love this song – the words really speak to me. I, too, was fortunate to have a wonderful childhood that gives me so many memories of family, friends, time and place.
    Prayers continue for Ken’s family and for your family.

  10. This song is a perfect description on the way I now feel. I long for the past and and live many days and especially nights thinking of the good times of the past spent with family and friends that have passed on.

  11. Good Sunday morning Tipper. This song is so appropriate for today being Father’s Day. It’s good to remember!

    Praying for your family today. Have a bless day.

  12. I have loved Country music for a long time and this is the first time I have heard this. Catchy tune. Say hello to Granny and Miss Cindy please. God Bless you guys

  13. happy Father’s Day, I remember my father , he loved his family and we loved him, God bless you friends ✝️♥️

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