I feel like I have read a fair number of blogs over the years, but it occurs to me I haven’t read any (that I recall) back to their birth, to see what awkward introduction their owners came up with. I feel a bit like I’m standing against a wall at a weird networking type of party where I don’t know anyone, wondering how to explain myself.
I’m here, this blog is here, because I increasingly feel like I have things I want to write about and ponder about Appalachia, my home region, and I don’t really have an outlet for that. Not without boring my Facebook friends, at least.
I don’t know how much explanation I owe the anonymous, faceless Internet, but here are the basics: I’m from Southwest Virginia, I moved away for work — not from any real intention to leave the mountains, I just followed jobs — and now I’m feeling homesick. Hence the clever blog name. I want to work through what I think about home, my own preconceived notions of it, what I see others writing or talking about when it comes to Appalachia, etc.
That’s why this is a blog, and not a Word document on my computer, tucked away beside half-formed story ideas. If I leave it hidden, there’s no accountability to make me keep working through this stuff. And I think best by writing. And if I fling this all out here to the Internet, maybe someone else will want to talk about these things too.
So, we’ll see. I’ve never had a blog before, and I tend to start things with enthusiasm and then find their upkeep to be daunting, but, you know, fingers crossed. There’s nothing I’m more interested in right now, from a life-work type of perspective, than Appalachia and its history and future and issues.
I just read your material for the first time. I love it. I was “put onto” you by your article in the Roanoke Times today and subsequently came here to read more. I really enjoyed your articles, all of them. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!
I’m not quite certain how I got to your articles but I sure am glad I did! I was also born in Southwest Virginia, had the same urges to leave and explore that you had and 50 years later realize that leaving saved me but the experiences of young life and family there has nurtured my soul. If you are published I will look for you. If you aren’t please consider assembling an anthology of your musings for publication. Appalachia needs you AND Lee Smith ?. Wonderful, really wonderful.
BTW, I went to high school with a Charles Davis. Hmmm!
Thanks for your comments, I’m sorry it took a while for me to see it. I appreciate it.
Love reading your blog. just found it through a series of links! I’m an ex ex pat bluefielder who moved back home at 37 years old. Facing yet another upheavel of employment, I find that I’m not as ready to leave as I was in my twenties. lol Keep writing!
Thanks!