“Pearten up, boy,” Mark said to him, “your mama will think of something to help.”
The next morning Fayte left the house early and was gone all day, Lydia did not know where. But the following day, she did think of something. She announced at the dinner table that she would read Fayte’s study books aloud to him, one by one, beginning this very day and continuing as long as necessary. “We’ll educate ourselves together, Fatye,” she said. “No need to be downhearted. I always say if you can’t go to town in a buggy, use a wagon, and if you don’t have a wagon, use shank’s mare. Now, where’s that first book, on the world’s geography?”
—Wilma Dykeman The Tall Woman
I love the determination in the line I always say if you can’t go to town in a buggy, use a wagon, and if you don’t have a wagon, use shank’s mare.
Pap taught my brothers and me to keep pecking away at any problem we had and we’d eventually figure out a way to fix it.
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a used copy of The Tall Woman written by Wilma Dykeman. Leave a comment on this post to be entered. *Giveaway ends November 12, 2023.
Last night’s video: Fall Garden Tour – Hard Freeze Damage & Beauty Abounds.
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I haven’t heard of this book before.
In 1995 I was chosen to go to NEW OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL FOR WOMEN in Berea, KY. The Tall Women, along with a couple of other Appalachian books were given to us as required reading. I loved W.D.’s book! It was exciting when the author came to meet us there and to do a talk with us and share a meal.
My Daddy & Grandpa used to say “pearten up”. Good memories.
Mother used to say “Can’t never could do nothing, you have to try”.
I would love to read this book (Tall Woman).
I have really been enjoying your YouTube videos on “Celebrating Appalachia”. The fall scenery is so pretty, and your hard work preparing for colder weather somehow gives me comfort.
When I click on your Blind Pig post, the first think I look at, almost every day, I see the beautiful pictures of your beautiful family….what a way to start my day. Thanks for all you post, family, friends and everything Appalachia. God Bless you guys and praying for Granny.
After 60 years I thought my husband had probably heard all my words and sayings but the other day I said something about taking Shanks mare. He had no idea what I was talking about. Said he’d never heard that before. I think maybe he just wasn’t listening.
Loved it
One of the many advantages of growing up country, esp. on a small farm. Figure it out!
Where there’s a will, there’s a way…
I use that same determination when I am trying to find something that I have misplaced. I look and look and then leave it for awhile. I start all over again looking in the same places. Sometimes I find it where I had already looked!
Determination is key to lots of life situations. I’ve heard the saying about shank’s mare many times but never knew where it came from.
My philosophy too. If a problem or job seems overwhelming just chunk it down and tackle it bit by bit.
Oh how I’d love to have a copy of The Tall Woman! I know it would be an interesting read. I liked the saying ” shank’s mare” LOL! I didn’t know the meaning of it until a while back when I heard it on an episode of Call the Midwife. One of the nurses, Chummy, (my favorite one) she was tall and shy and awkward and she didn’t know how to ride a bicycle to get to the homes of expectant mothers. That was the mode of transportation that all the nurses had to learn. Chummy said she’d just go on “shank’s mare.” The nurses taught her how to eventually ride a bicycle but while she was learning, she ran into the Constable, which was her soon to be her husband. It was a case of love at first sight. That was one of my absolute favorite parts of any episode. I never learned to ride a bicycle myself either so I could relate to her in several ways.
Lydia seems like a character with perseverance! Love that!
I’ve heard the term “shank’s pony”, but not “shank’s mare”. 🙂
I liked the determination also. When I was growing up we always had to use the shanks mare to get to town. But I think we were happier than kids today.
I needed to read this today. We are trying to figure out how to get me to my oldest Granddaughter’s iron infusion, my daughter to pickup the youngest Granddaughter to take her to whichever hospital will take her since she doesn’t have insurance. We have one pickup that we share. My daughter is the only driver and she has MS. I have epilepsy and I gave up driving. I am praying for answers and won’t give up.
Never heard this saying … but Wilma Dykeman wrote The French Broad, which is one of my hubby’s favorite books. I’m not from “around here” so when I saw the book I wanted to know who the French broad was?!
We have always worked hard for what we have which( ain’t ) much. lol You have to work with what you have and make due.
So interesting
Morning Miss Tipper. That saying reminds me of the verses, (paraphrased of course) if you get hit on one cheek, turn to the other. So we continue to pick ourselves up and keep trying. Have a great day sweet family. Tell granny to keep up the fight and move along with the faith of God. Love ya. Jennifer
I’ve hear “peartin’ up” all my life and still say it. I recently told my youngest grandson on a cold school morning to “Peartin’ on up and get ready for school.” He kinda side-eyed me but he knew what I meant. He often laughs at my country accent, but knows when I mean business! As always, a great story Tipper. Thanks.
Tipper, I always enjoy reading good stories that take place in the Appalachian Mountains. I’ve always loved that determination the southern Appalachian people have always known. I appreciate my grandparents living that example and painting the path for others. Praying for your mom and for you and all your family.
Folks aren’t made with cookie-cutters. We don’t all learn the same way. My son was hands on kind of learner. At age 15, he was struggling to read. (I loved reading but if you aren’t interested in the subject at hand, one will resist trying.) We stopped in at a bookstore on the pretense of finding (me) a book. He wondered over to the magazine section. It was a rather magical moment. He picked up one and began reading like it was candy! Never stopped. Today, he’s 55+ and is functioning well in life. So proud of him.
Tipper, want you to know that 2 Massachusetts natives , now residing in New Hampshire, have a genuine attachment to the South and the Appalachian ways thanks to your channel, the girls and now… Matt! We started with music , regional phrases & food and stayed as y’all have become family. If only these aging New Englanders had grown up in an area like Brasstown. ❤️ We did live 3 1/2 years in Fayetteville NC – far from the country but made friends with many who did share similar upbringings through our church down there- drawn to the South and it’s people. Thank you for sharing your culture and your family. We may be Bostonians in our upbringing but us Yanks have a great heritage of ‘old ways’ so lost these days. We revisit them through all y’all !
Good advice. We had several 27-30 degree mornings last week, these temps took care of the kudzu until next spring. I have this book and The Doll Maker, so don’t consider me for these books.
I grew up in southern WVA and love the Appalachian area and ways. I love reading about the people there and the determination they often possessed. Love your blog posts too
Barbara
That is true of life!
My grandmother tut tutored my grandpa so he could get his high school diploma.
Determination – stick to it – get busy and get it done – you can do it. Lessons instilled in me over and over by both Mama and Daddy.
Prayers for Granny.
I wish more parents were like Pap and taught problem-solving skills. Everyone here have a blessed day. I pray for everyone here and lovely Granny! God is GOOD!
I was out this AM using the leaf blower and my wife made me come in. I wanted to finish but she thinks I try to do too much “for my age”. Most of my doctors use that phrase. A couple of them instead say, “You’re not twenty anymore.” My response is usually, “No, I’m four times twenty so I can do four times as much by working smarter than I did at twenty.”
I read the other four posts re; yesterdays’ post as well as most of the old comments. The one about children and religion brought up a memory of my daughter. She was about 3 years old and came running from the bathtub to see who rang the doorbell. I told her nude was ok in the bathroom and her bedroom but nowhere else. Nude is bad in the living room or anywhere else in public. A few days later in church she said, “Oh, Daddy, he said a bad word.” I asked what she heard and she answered, “He said nudeness of life.” I said , ” No, Honey. He said newness of life.” A few minutes later she asked what a turtle life was. The pastor had said eternal life. Her misunderstanding was enhanced by the fact the pastor had what we referred to as a ‘peash inspediment’.
Sounds like a great book! I’m so glad my parents taught my brother and me to never give up about anything. I can remember daddy saying if I was complaining about something, “well don’t get down in the mouth about it, keep at it, you’ll get it.”
Sounds like your dad gave you all good advice. We need more of that in this world today.
That’s one of those things that might not be what you want but it is what you have so you make the best of it.
My grandpa used the word pert often.
As in feeling pert (good) or pert nigh ( came close to doing something.)
Appalachian people have always “made do” with what they had. Always sticking together and helping one another. If there is a will, there is a way….
My Dad, a man of few words, used to say, “Figure it out, get it done.” He lived his whole life by this work ethic.
I love this story. Keep at it applies to so much in life. So glad Granny is keeping at it with her treatments and getting through them.
What a cute story! I like that line from the book too! The language of the Appalachia is so unique and fun to hear!
I have heard this saying before.
“I took the shoe leather express to town”
This is a book I would enjoy! Prayers for all! Take care and God bless ❣️
Love this ! Thank you for sharing!
I have wanted to read The Tall Woman for some time now. Maybe this will be my chance!
There’s plenty of wisdom in that sentence for sure!
keep pecking away..
don’t ever give up
great advice , no matter how you say it…
Looks like another book on Appalachia will make my list, Tipper! I think it’s wonderful how much you love this area of America and share that love with everyone who listens!! May God bless you and yours!
Sounds interesting.
Sounds like a very interesting book.
Our kids should appreciate the ease & value of education. In some times & places, this was/is not an option.
I love their philosophy of just figuring out a different way to do something. The writing is wonderful to read, also. I’m sure it is just the way she talked. I’d love to read the book!
My parents grew up in different areas of the Appalachian Mountains. My daddy was born in Harriman, Tennessee and later moved to Harlan, Kentucky. My mama was born in Etowah County in North Alabama and so was I.
I love hearing the history of the Appalachian Mountains and the people who lived there. I am going to purchase a copy of the book because I want to add it to my library. Thank you for bringing it to our attention!
That phrase reminds me of something my grandmother would have said, and she used the word “peart” often. If you asked her how she was doing, she would usually say, “I’m feeling right peart….right peart.” Her family line came south from Appalachia and brought many of those wonderful old words and phrases with them. When you use them in your posts ir videos, it’s like hearing her talk again. Thanks for stirring up sweet old memories of her.
Love the determination of the good mountian folk.
I think I might have the book somewhere in one of my many bookshelves. Like The Dollmaker, I sometimes forget the title of a book and then remember names and places when I start reading it. Sure wish I could pearten up and get outside today as we are set to break the old record of 80 degrees. God bless Granny!
I love your book recommendations. I would love to read Tall Woman.
Your comment about ‘pecking away at a problem’ is a good summary of what creating a home place (and a life?) is like. I know you and Matt have lived that on your north slope in the woods. Thinking back across your posts of the last five years or so, there is a long list of incremental improvements you all have made and there were many more before that. I think particularly of your all’s making terraces and steps on the bank as a current example. Much of it, perhaps most, was and is not fast, nor easy, nor even immediately worthwhile. It takes patience, determination and reasons of the heart, doing for the benefit of each other.
My daddy uses to use the phrase “peart near” a lot. I love all of the old sayings from times past and the fact that some of them are still used today. Welcoming Fall and the onset of Winter with you, Tipper. I’m thankful this season for the opportunity to know you and your dear family, Tipper!
I will wager that many problems have been solved on the back of shanks mare.
Hope Granny continues to improve. You take care of yourself, sweet girl.
The Tall Woman sounds like it would be an interesting read. Like you, I like the determination in her statement.
That’s the best way to look at a problem. I try to remember that every day!
I’ve never heard “Pearten” used in my whole life. Is like Chester said Fayte short for Lafayette for I’ve never heard that name either. I always make do with what’s available and if I can’t have something, I can do without. If I can’t get there one way, I will try another and another…. If you’re gonna live in this society, you’d better be tough and have Jesus or you ain’t gonna make it! I do like the saying “Cowgirl up!” In other words, quit your helpless damsel in distress routine (cause it’s an overplayed dramatic comedy) and get off your laurels and be the change you expect to see!!! Gods blessings to Granny and the rest of the Pressley/Wilson clan as well! You’re just good people!!!
That is one of my favorite books. Such a hard life but they had determination!
I heard “go by shank’s pony” years ago on a British tv show and googled it to learn what it means. Today I wondered if they said “pony” instead of mare to be more fancy or posh. But they’re apparently interchangeable, from shanks’ nag (Scottish origin.) I like all 3.
I too love this advice about getting to town. Reminds me a bit of what my mother used to tell me. “Where there’s a will there’s a way.” If you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it happen. l9ve this book suggestion.
Resilience is our byword in Appalachia. Never ever give up. There’s no “one and done” in life there’s only the resolve to be resilient.
I’ve seen this book in the Smoky Mountain visitor centers, but have never purchased. I may take a closer look this December.
Your family is in my prayers.
I am going to look for this book. Sounds like what I grew up with. I remember hearing “he looks pert” after someone had been sick and recovered. My folks said “ pert near” meaning something was almost. Like “we are pert near through with this chore. “
Sounds like a book I would enjoy!
Good advice from your dad , if we don’t give up it will always work out someway, maybe not always the way we want it too.God bless you and your family.
Some folks here say” peart near” meaning very close .
We say “pert nigh”!
I have never read The Tall Woman and would love to have it.
I love The Blind Pig. It is like balm to my soul. You are precious people with many wonderful stories to tell and lessons to impart. I tried finding “The Tall Woman” at my library but they don’t have it. They do have “Family of Earth” by Wilma Dykeman on their list of books to request for purchase. My grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all hold a special place in my memory that remind me of your family.
My grandma always said “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”. She has been gone now 40 years, but her wisdom has stayed with me and has rung true.
I will have to remember that saying. This sounds like a great book to read.
I like that, never give up. Thanks for sharing.
Good morning, Tipper. Wonderful advice from the Appalachian people. Keeps me coming to the blog for more.
I’m the opposite. I’d have said, if you can’t go to town in a buggy then don’t got to town. What’s town got that you can’t make for yourself?
I like the word “peart”. My grandmother and mother used it – usually after “mighty”. Example “You’re looking mighty peart this morning.” I haven’t heard of this book but will definitely look it up. Sounds interesting. Thank you for sharing your book recommendations with us.
Would love to read!
Through the years I have taken a few of your suggestions on good reads, and I have never been disappointed. I love depictions that bring back some of my long ago almost forgotten memories of my life in Appalachia. I do, however, critique any writings that seem to reflect badly on mountain folks and their ways and lifestyles. Many have the purest of hearts and are without any motives whatsoever. I have actually visited areas where it seems time has stood still, and I was unable to detect any signs these humble folks had adopted any of the modern ways of thinking. I still describe them as “the salt of the earth” and wish there were more of them. Granny seems such a person to me, and you are so fortunate to have her as your Mom. Continued prayers for her, and I know there are many others who whisper a prayer for Granny when she crosses their mind. Love those sweet Pressley girls!
We had our first heavy frost last Thursday and then again on Friday…no frost since then…the temperatures have warmed up again. We live just north east of the center of Georgia…we have the weirdest most undependable weather you can imagine…but we love it…!!!!!
I love the wisdom handed down from our families. I admire the fact they didn’t give up, just kept working to find a fix.This is how I was raised and I am so thankful. I watched on tv your hard freeze video and sure appreciate the sadness mixed with appreciation of what’s to come next spring. I am thankful to hear Granny is doing well. I love to read new authors. God bless you and yours❤❤
yep…my mama and daddy were the kind to hang with a problem until they got it worked through …an excellent trait to practice
I’ve been sick at home and have been enjoying watching your videos on YT. I especially liked the one where you talked about ‘—Gardening Through The Sadness’… Tomorrow (the 9th) would be my father’s 61st birthday. He wasn’t much of a gardener but he was a mighty fine dad. Happy early Thanksgiving!
Tiffani-hope you are feeling better 🙂
I love all your book choices, I really like to find new authors.
Sounds like a very interesting book. have a great rest of the week.
I’m so happy to hear Granny is doing well. The medicine is doing its job. I wish all of you peace.
my grandpa Chester was fayte chester, short for Lafayette, God bless Granny Louzine Wilson with healing and health in Jesus name
We had a Fayte in our neighborhood
Good morning Tipper. Now this is one I haven’t read, but from the excerpt, I’ll be researching the authors books.
So happy your sweet mother is tolerating her treatments well. GOD is good. Blessings to all.
Sometimes simple words pack a powerful punch! I love the the meaningful words in this story! Thank you so much for sharing Tipper! Hugs and prayers for you and yours!
Tipper,
I believe this has been a trait of the Appalachian People for hundreds of years. Without this determination, I am not sure our ancestors would have survived?
“I love the determination in the line I always say if you can’t go to town in a buggy, use a wagon, and if you don’t have a wagon, use shank’s mare.”
Glad to say I’m feelin’ pretty peart this morning!
Great advice from your Pap.
I love “if you can’t go to town in a buggy, use a wagon, if you don’t have a wagon use shanks mare”. What an example of the grit and determination of a bygone era! I needed this reminder.
I’m just thankful to be alive and like so many others we never gave up on anything, it might be rough but we would work until the job was finished one way or the other. It seems today that people doesn’t have the same work ethic we did.
Blessings to all
Very good advice.
Good morning Tipper. I always believe in working hard to get what you need and want. God will provide, but I feel like he certainly expects us to try hard and not be lazy. I enjoyed the video last night and was especially happy to hear that your Mama is doing so well with her treatments. Have a great day!!
Can’t never could get anything done. That is what my retired teacher grandmother would say to me,frequently after hearing me despair over math homework.
Hopelessly intimidated by mathematics I would whine but she hand little sympathy for my problem . Can’t never could but you should
Where there’s a will there’s a way. Have a blessed day to all.
My mother also told me something like that when I said “I can’t”. She said “Can’t never could do nothing” and would then tell me to get busy. Funny how it always got done after that.