. On Where I'm From .

Conway Twitty crooned on our Sony CD six disc player. My parents danced together on the white carpet, their feet muffled, but their laughter boisterous. I'm from them - both of them love personified. I'm from my daddy's blonde hair and my momma's sweet, laser sharp wit. I'm from them.

I'm from the acre wide front lawn, the grass growing faster than we could mow. I'm from a painted-every-summer fence, a mailbox that was crooked on its wooden post, and gravel roads. I'm from a front porch that faced south and bedroom windows that faced the north. I'm from a farmhouse with more life in it, more history, more love in it than anything else I've ever known.

I'm from five hills away from the highway, deep ravines, windmills, tractors, the East Place, and Mile's Ranch. I'm from cats with names, rescue dogs, a circle drive, and Grandma Lois' old felt covered Christmas ornaments. I'm from a white Corvette rusting in an old shed, forgotten, and unused. I'm from a turquoise front door, an entry way that always smelled like Grandpa Jack, and clear nights where you could see for miles.

I'm from canning green beans, cherry tomato fights, "putting up corn", and the small church in a sleepy town with doors that never, ever locked. I'm from summers of Steel Magnolias, piano lessons, Grandma Bertie's sugar cookies, and the giant bell out front that rang so loud my teeth rattled. I'm from Grandpa Monte, his low, Southern accent, and spicy cologne, and Grandma Elaine - her soft hands and firm, assuring, perfect hugs.

I'm from big bowed Saturday afternoons, from cheerleading skirts and pom poms, tailgates, from Bobcat cheek tattoos and too many boys. I'm from College Station, Huber Heights, Sedalia, Falls City, and every best friend in between. 

I'm from girl's nights, porch nights, nights with too much Miller Lite, nights with wide open laughter and skirts that swished around my knees. I'm from long summer days out on the lake, the wind in my hair and our red boat slicing desperately through the water.

I'm from everything - every one that has come before me. I'm from so many strong women, from so many loving, willful men ... and I am so, so glad. I'm from the people that put their hands on my shoulders - the people that lift me up so, so high that sometimes, I don't even have to worry about fear.

And that, my lovies, means something.

xoxo, B.