Swift, clear water rushed under the log making foamy white whirlpools around the river rocks. Ma told me never to go near the water without her or Pa. I intended to keep my promise to Ma but I never wanted Martha to leave, so sometimes I’d walk to the Luftee with her and then run back home. One day I was very reluctant to give up my playmate and I started home with her. She went on the log first, holding my hand. When we got to the middle, the fast moving water made me dizzy. The log seemed to be moving downstream. I grabbed her dress, causing us both to lose our balance and fall in.
Neither of us could swim. The cold water filled my nose and mouth, and I went down further. The current made it impossible for us to stand up. It was as if someone was pulling our legs out from under us every time we tried to get up. Somehow, Martha dragged herself and me out of the water, which was fighting to keep us. Crying and shaking with fear, we went back to Ma. Instead of reassurance, she gave me a thrashing with a maple switch. Martha got a tongue-lashing for letting me follow her. Poor Martha. She had nothing to do with me tagging along behind her and she was quick-witted enough to save me. I don’t recall ever being in the Luftee River again. Indeed, I felt so afraid I never learned to swim.
–Florence Cope Bush – Dorie Woman of the Mountains
When the girls were in kindergarten I’d walk part way down the road to meet them since the bus let them out below Granny and Pap’s. One day I was surprised and worried to see three girls instead of two. A little girl who was in one of their classes decided she’d come for a visit 🙂 I’m not sure if the bus driver didn’t notice her leaving or if he assumed it was okay. I didn’t even know how to call her parents and she didn’t either. A quick call to the school put me in touch with her grandmother and I met her so she could retrieve her granddaughter.
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a used copy of Dorie Woman of the Mountains written by Florence Cope Bush. Leave a comment on this post to be entered. *Giveaway ends November 14, 2022.
*There will be no post tomorrow Friday November 11, 2022. Due to internet changes I am having to switch out the furnishings here on the blog. Hopefully all will go smoothly and I’ll be back up and running by Saturday November 12.
Last night’s video: Postum Cake Is Delicious! You Should Try It!
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I’ve been trying to catch up on your videos on this book. I would love to read it as well.
I loved listening to you read Dorie Woman of the Mountains. I would love to reread the book and read it to my daughter!
Tipper, I’ve been lucky enough to hear you read some of the later chapters of the book and enjoyed it very much. I’d love to have a copy of the book to read during the upcoming cold winter.
Dorie Woman of the Mountains sounds like a delightful book. I would love to read it!
I would truly enjoy the book. All my ancestors that told me stories are gone now. I’m among the oldest of the cousins and the young ones aren’t interested in anything but their phones and social networking.
Boy can I remember getting a whooping for some things too! Momma would make us pick our own switch. When she was older she said she should have never done that. Dorie sounds like a good read! Love the books you share with us!
I still ain’t found my copy of “Dorie”. I’m still looking though!
I would love to read the book, I enjoy your excerpts of it.
I’d love to read Dorie’s story.
Like most big brothers, mine didn’t like me. One day we were down in the bottom on the farm by a small creek after a summer thunder boomer. I don’t remember whether the bank caved in with me or how it happened but i was head deep in the rushing water. He instinctively reached and grabbed me before it took me away. Maybe he liked me better than he thought; maybe it was just reflex, who knows. Anyway, like most grown siblings, we’re cool now.
I just know I would love to to read Dorie! The story really grabbed my attention! Will miss you reading to us tomorrow! Hope all goes well!
Love Dori!!
I’d love to win a copy of this book. Thank you for all of your November thankfulness blogs. I enjoy them even if I don’t win anything!
I’m so glad I watch your content. I learn about something new each time. The possum is such a yummy drink. I have to try the cake recipe. I love listening to you read, you’re a born storyteller.
Postum, why my iPad changed that too possum I’ll never know haha
I was always told to not go near the water until I knew how to swim, here I will be 76 in a couple weeks and still can’t swim.
I’d love to read that book! The excerpt you shared reminds me of the song “kern river”. Stories and songs about water stand out to me as I can’t swim a lick. Nothin better than being at a nice cold mtn creek on a hot summer day though. Most prefer to find a swimming hole but I’m more of creek bank wader lol
I loved it when you read it to us! Great book I think my mother would really like it, she reads a lot she’s 97 and doing well enough. Love y’all!
Hi Tipper! So I watched your Postum video this morning and you brought me to tears with your beautiful comments towards the end about the “itty-bitty connections” that we find in our lives. You also mentioned that Appalachians are family centered people and it sure makes me wish that I could have grown up in Appalachia. I love your posts and your YouTube channel. Ever since I watched your video on why you drink Postum I have wanted to give it a try. It’s a little pricey online but I might just have to break down and buy a container because I just love warm drinks when the weather gets cold. The book, “Dorie Woman of the Mountains” sounds like a great read. Even if I don’t win it in the giveaway I may have to buy it. Take care. One love.
I’ll miss your cheerful post tomorrow. Your blog ALWAYS starts my day and puts me in a good mood. And “falling in” reminded of the time I jumped into the Lumbee River from a short ledge a the riverbank. On Monday when we went swimming, I could stand up next to the ledge with water at my eight-year-old waist level. On Tuesday, the water has risen and I was in over my head, floundering, gulping for aid and just getting river water. Someone behind me push me towards the shore a couple of times until I touched bottom. When I told Mom & Dad, they signed me up for swimming lessons as part of Vacation Bible School events. The lessons were held right where I jumped into the Lumbee. So I finally learned to swim in the river.
I’d love to read this book! I fell in an irrigation ditch when I was very small-it was very frightening!
Well, Tipper, you sure know how to bring up memories for us.
We had a ‘branch’ (creek) near our house that drained a good few hundred acres, much of it in paved streets that directed water into very efficiently when it rained. After a hard, long rain, the branch would become a freshet sometimes 4′ deep or more when usually the stream was not above a few inches. I can remember a day when I was about 10 or so, we had one of those rains; and something made me want to wade into the swirling brown gritty water. IIRC it the water was almost up to my armpits. About the time I got in the middle of it, I realized I had made a huge mistake. I was nearly swept off my feet and would surely have drowned if I had been. I got out safely and told no one for a year or so, but I got a good swithin’ anyway as a lesson never to do it again. I think it was because the story scared my mother so much.
On parenting, I did not become a parent until I was 41 years old. My large and extended family thought that I would not make a good dad, but I fooled them. I only ever ‘spanked’ my daughter if she did something that she had been told not to do (mess with our dog who had a bad back and would snap to protect himself; fool with electric cords or outlets; pull things off the counter or table tops) and then only after I had told her to stop and counted to 3. If I ever said 3, she got the swat. This started soon after she began to crawl. It wasn’t long before she would wait for ‘2’ before she would stop whatever she was doing.
I think I’m gonna have to find some Postum and make that cake! Looks delicious.
Hope things go well for you in the re-arranging. Us old IT folks would like to know what you are doing. New platform and software? Upgrades?
Robert-I having to change my theme because of up coming changes to the supported PHP level of wordpress sites 🙂 When I attempt to change my level now the site “breaks” because of my outdated theme. The site will look slightly different but hopefully work better on the front and back end 🙂 and will be safer with the higher PHP level.
I loved listening to dorie woman of the mountain. I love learning about the Appalachian ways of life. I live in the flatter part of arkansas but the mountains speak to my soul. maybe one day I’ll have a mountain view.
I enjoy the stories on the Blind Pig and can relate to quite a few of them. Would love to read Dorie, Woman of the Mountain.
Every time you mention the book Dorie of the Mountains, it pulls at my heartstrings and brings up memories. I can recall having more than a few spankings with paint stiring stiring
sticks. Afterwards I could heat my own bathwater with my red bottom! Mom broke several of those paint stiring sticks on my bottom over the years.
I loved listening to you read about Dorie. What a wonderful woman. I still think about her at times.
I had a near miss as a wee girl in a river, with a fast current and I could swim! Ha!
Thanking you kindly.
I’m gonna miss your post tomorrow. I hope everything goes smoothly for you. 🙂
I enjoyed Dorie so much but, I have enjoyed all of them. You pick the best books! When I joined the BP&A blog, I have learned so much about Appalachia. I have always loved the mountains, but it’s been wonderful hearing about this beautiful place you call home!!
Country kids can sure live dangerous, especially the adventurous ones. I think the falling in the water story illustrates why the advice is “Don’t look down!” And that is especially true if there is fast motion underneath. But that can be hard to do on a foot log where steps need to be placed to miss bumps, knots, limbs, loose bark and slick spots. I had my great chances taken to, and survived unhurt but it is a wonder.
We’ll feel deprived tomorrow but it will be alright. Hope all goes well for you.
Ever thought of converting your readings to CDs? You’ve already done the hardest part.
I was born next to Stink Creek in Union County and that was a beautiful, sweet smelling area. I’ve been told that the reason that it was named Stink Creek was to keep out the strangers from wanting to settle in there. I don’t know the right reason for sure though. I remember the days when there was a foot log we had to cross to get to the other side of the creek. That was a little scary but I always had a hand to hold on to as I was crossing. In warm weather I had much rather to just pull off my shoes and wade across it. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Thank you for this excerpt from Dorie, Woman of the Mountains. I just love it!
I would enjoy reading this book. Thanks for giving it away!
It is a very interesting book. I would love to have a copy of it. Thanks for your blog. It’s full of useful information.
I marathon watched your Dorie videos when you read it…..your talent for reading is so beautiful! How your voice changes slightly for each character, and how well you read the story in an Appalachian dialogue, accent, or way of speaking, without error, is simply mesmerizing ☺️ Thank you for your readings, I love them.
I will say a prayer for you and a smooth transition for tomorrow. I remember well being forced to be my own IT, before retiring, and it brought me so much stress you can’t imagine…..went like this…here, read this Bible, it’s a step by step manual how to change out this computer system to the new one, yeah, sure it’s missing several key points but that’s ok you’ll figure it out, in between your normal job! Thank you Jesus you brought me out of that job and into a life I prayed about for so many years.)
Sounds like a great book!
I’d enjoy reading the book.
My favorite history lessons are those stories about everyday life:-)
I am glad that the story teller and Martha lived to tell the tale.
Thank you for sharing this story.
Always enjoy your Youtube channel! Learning so much about the Appalachian heritage is something important to me, because my dad is from the Appalachia Mountains. I hope your transition is seamless. And look forward to more videos and blog posts.
Tomorrow the day just won’t be right without our daily Tipper talk. But, we will manage until Saturday….maybe…..hahaha. Loved the blog today. Have a great day and hope tomorrow runs smoothly.
Hoping your transition to a new capability goes well, Tipper; thank you for your continuance of a little “slice of Appalachian life” for your many, many readers. ❤️ the stories and music! And an early thank you to our many, many veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
I hope everything goes well with your technology tomorrow.
Sounds like a wonderful read
I’d love to read the entire book. Thanks for the passage.
I wait for Friday’s story time& love it. Dorie is a favorite. Thanks,
I love reading Appalachian books. Thanks for the excerpt and the chance to win.
Every time you mention Dorie, I think, “I’ve got to read that book!” I hope all goes well with your “move” tomorrow.
Your daily post will be missed tomorrow, Tipper. Technology is only as good as the next update, so we understand. Hoping it all goes well and looking forward to reading your post again on Saturday. Thank you for sharing so much with us, you are a blessing!
The fear of water sure can make a child not want to learn to swim when they get older. I had a bad water experience in Lake Huron when I was a teenager that kept me from ever learning to do more than dog paddle in a swimming pool.
Good grief, Tipper, about the child coming home on a whim with your younguns and no adult knowing where she was. I bet you told your girls not to pull that trick again and scare folks. Anyway, my granny lost her oldest son at the age of 12 when a whirlpool sucked him under in the New River and drowned him. He was named after my grand daddy. My uncle said he heard her whacking way down the street when they told her of Robert’s death. He said in all his years that would stick in his mind about his mother. I’ve been almost drowned twice. It’s very frightening. When I set fire to the basement at 5 there was NO SYMPATHY. I got beat severely leaving welts on my back and legs. I took 3 beatings that day. Did you say matches???? I was gone fast for 20 years if matches or fire was even mentioned….
Well, if I don’t win the book I’m going to hunt it down–I’m having knee replacement surgery next week and I’m getting together a short stack of books and magazine articles I want to read while I’m recuperating. I don’t think they’ll be a lot of “sitting around” time though! My doctor wants me to walk! Thanks for all you do Tipper!
Hello Shelia. I hope you win the book for many hours of happy reading. However please walk as your doctor ordered. I have had a knee replacement surgery and my experiance was at first it hurt like crazy. I kept my walking distance short then increased the distance. The more I walked the more the pain decreased!
Tipper, this was my favorite book you have read so far. It would be wonderful to have a copy to read and re-read. Oh, and Postum coffee! I hadn’t thought of it in years. We drank it all the time way back when . Didn’t know they still even made it . Thanks for the great give always.
I would enjoy reading this book.
I already love Dorie❤️ You are a lovely lady. Hello from Middle Tennessee!
“Dorie Woman of the Mountains” was one of my favorite books that I’ve ever read. When you started reading it I couldn’t get to the library fast enough to check out the book. I just couldn’t wait for the next chapter to see what was happening next.
Love the book reading. Reminds me of “the Radio Reader” radio program from a local PBS radio station I would listen to on my my drive home from work years ago
I love Dorie’s stories. Thanks for sharing.
Hope everything goes well on the online website work tomorrow. The first thing I do when I turn my phone on is go to this blog. I really enjoy reading the Blind Pig and the Acorn each morning.
I’d also like to read this book, I really like to read all types of books but especially on the Appalachian area.
Loved your reading of the book and I would love to read for myself once again or maybe twice as I often do . I would keep for my collection or as I sometimes do I would like to pass it on to the cancer center for patients to read. it helps them pass the time as they receive their treatment.
That book is a treasure! Normally I begin my day with a warm cup of coffee and Tipper treat BUT today I began with nibbling my fingernails, instead. LOL That woman can sure write! Expect something to go wrong, just like at a wedding and remember that turns into the much repeated and enjoyed part! You won’t be enjoying it but you will have learned by necessity a lot of information!
I have changed my evening routine now from being restless before bedtime to watching you or Katie & Corie tell of all the beautiful things you do living in the wonderful mountains of NC. This calms me & lets me rid my mind of anything that may have been upsetting during the day. I thank you for your lovely posts & for sharing your lives with your readers. This is the best thing I have ever found anywhere on my laptop. Blessings to you all.
This excerpt reminded me of how my mother would be so harsh, scolding, and punitive when us kids would do something foolish such as this. When I became a parent I quickly realized that it was pure unadulterated fear that drove those reactions. Now my children are having children and the cycle continues. Parenting is not for the faint of heart. I love Blind Pig and Celebrating Appalachia. Thanks for bringing love and joy into others’ lives Tipper.
Tipper, I saw the short video you put on YT of Granny showing her treasured recipe box. That was the sweetest clip! you could see the joy on her face! She truly is the treasure, but I know you know.
On another note, I’ve had to quit coffee, so as soon as I find some Postum, I’ll try it. I’m sure I can find it on line. I haven’t seen it around here in decades. The Postum Cake alone will be worth getting it for! LOL!
just loved your readings of Dorie Woman of the Mountains. I would love a copy if I was to be so lucky
I enjoyed you reading this book to us. It would be great to have a copy to enjoy Dorie’s story again. Thank you.
Oh, how I would enjoy having a copy to read!!! I love your blog and videos! God bless you and yours
Oh those mixed emotions a parent feels: relief and thanksgiving that their child is okay combined with anger and disappointment that they disobeyed.
Hope everything goes well tomorrow!
Tipper, what will we do without our daily dose of the Blind Pig. I check out the blog first thing every morning. I’ll be lost without you.
Hurry back!
Seems like as children we seem to think the more we can get involved in our shenanigans the less the punishment will be. It never worked at my home. If something had the potential to harm us then the severity of the punishment was worse. I think I did the same when my children were growing up.
You have such wonderful books, many I have never heard of. I am using your posts to make a Christmas “wish list” for myself. Good luck with your computer changes.
An early Happy Veterans Day and a heartfelt thank you to all veterans.
I’m enjoying your many stories from Thankful November.
Thank you so much for reading to “me”
It really makes my Friday afternoon.
I quickly recognized the passage from Dorie Woman of the Mountain. Loved that book. My favorite so far. You have a way of keeping us on the edge of our seats waiting for the next reading. Thanks…..
The first and last time I rode the school bus I was so afraid. I didn’t know where my stop was and rode the bus to the end of the line. When the driver took his bus home with him., there I was. Fortunately it was a small town and he knew my parents. Called my Mama and she came to get me. Never rode a school bus again.
Recognized the passage from Dorie Woman of the Mountain. That book has been my favorite that you have read, but I like them all. You have a way of keeping us hanging on the edge of our seats waiting for the next week’s reading. Thanks…..
I loved Alex, but Dorie is a horse of a different color, but both are outstanding. Where in the world did you get that cake recipe?…you know we gotta try it. Stay warm and safe and well and can’t wait for you rearranging the furniture. God Bless.
I’ve enjoyed reading the books of mountain life that you’ve recommended. I’d like to read this one also.
I loved the book and your reading it to all of us.
Tipper, Hope everything goes as “smooth as silk” tomorrow!