Hello from Kentucky

Well, this is my first post as a returned Appalachian. Whit and I now live in Hindman, KY. Whit is working at the James Still Learning Center (a school for children with dyslexic characteristics), which is part of the Hindman Settlement School.

Last week, HSS hosted the Appalachian Family Folk Week and I had an amazing time. It felt truly wonderful to be part of such a multi-generational community again, after spending so many years in everyone-I-know-is-the-same-age College Land. There were fiddlers, banjo pickers, dulcimerists from age 8 to 88.

A brief interruption: there is presently a chipmunk scurrying around at my feet, nosing about for food items to stuff his jaws with. I'm down on the porch of the May Stone Building, sitting in what is probably a hand made rocking chair, using the wireless internet here. Some of the leaves on the trees are turned backwards, but I think they're fibbing: it's really not going to rain more than a few sprinkles. And now, the chipmunk has scampered away to my right, looking for a better source for food and a place where he or she doesn't have to be unnerved by the clicking of my computer keys.

About the Folk Week: In the mornings I took the "Appalachian Seminars" and in them learned more about Mountaintop Removal and the Community Development Initiative in Knott County. I also went on a hike and discovered the Carolina Spicebush, also known as the Booby Bush because women used to rub the extraordinarily sweet smelling flower on their upper chests for perfume. This plant puts the honeysuckle to shame.

In the afternoons, I took a basket making class with Frances Whitaker (a wonderful and patient teacher) and made a small hamper and another small round basket. The evenings were filled with dinner, and concerts by the staff, and then a square dance as a night cap. I hope to get pictures of the festivities up soon.

So, until then: May no one find coal under your land...