Where I’m From

By | September 22, 2011

Hi there. Remember me? I’ve been a little MIA lately–for good reasons that I’ll blog about later. But here’s me breaking the silence.

HELLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I really missed blogging. I don’t know if you missed me. I’m sure your life went on quite fine without me. But I missed you. And I can’t wait to fill you in on what’s been going on in the world of Hilljean.

For now, I’m just gonna give you this little poem I wrote up for Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop. It’s actually from a template that I thought would be fun to experiment with.

Where I’m From

I am from banana pancakes, from Jif Peanut Butter and maple syrup.

I am from the house on Shady Lane, white with green shutters, sprawling, noise that smells like laughter and wet leaves on a school day.

I am from the oak tree, moonflower, dewdrop, the sagebrush, Poppy, dust cloud.

I am from Sunday morning cinnamon rolls and ski-slope noses, from Charlotte Marguerite and Wilson and Hayes.

I am from the opinionated and passionate, the easily roused and most-heartedly won.

From brush your teeth before breakfast and your family members are your best friends and never let the sun go down on your wrath.

I am from Stand up, stand up for Jesus! From people that really did stand up for Jesus in a world where most people don’t.

I’m from San Luis Obispo, Ireland and Slovenia. Chocolate chip cookies and Tamale Pie.

From the place where my brothers killed a hundred blackbirds and where I ate rattlesnake for the first time. Where I cried to see a dead hummingbird, where I learned that Grandpa could die, the place I saw Grandma cry and the home my parents stayed married.

I am from the house on Shady Lane. The house that fills my dreams, The Good Old Creek where I planned my life, the trundle-bed where my sister slept. Five million memories—sprawled in my mind. Cluttered, messy, noisy with laughter and wet leaves. 

Where I'm From

12 thoughts on “Where I’m From

  1. hilljean

    Hi. I saw your poem from the writing workshop link. I really liked it. I tried doing this poem but my brain sort of froze up on me and refused to cooperate. Really well done!

    Reply
  2. hilljean

    Having watched you grow up, it was really fun to see your childhood memories here. Good job!!
    It took me back a little to that place in time too, I enjoyed my little trip back in time. Thanks .

    Reply
  3. hilljean

    “Chocolate chip cookies and tamale pie” I bet those were some really mixed cultures in your home.

    Reply
  4. hilljean

    My favorite line: I am from the opinionated and passionate, the easily roused and most-heartedly won.

    Reply
  5. hilljean

    Well… of course I loved it! I’m filled with nostalgia and kind of sad that those days are memories now. But I love that you are able to put them into words… it makes those precious memories immortal. Love, Charlotte:)

    Reply
  6. hilljean

    You painted a beautiful picture of your childhood at Shady Lane. Great job!
    I grew up on Jif peanut butter too and it still is the only kind I buy.

    Reply
  7. hilljean

    LOVED THIS! I cried…of course. I’m glad I’m married into where you are from ???? LOVE!!!

    Reply

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