On Fridays, I often like to participate in a fun little writing exercise called “Five Minute Friday” at Lisa-Jo’s website, the Gypsy Mama. Simply write for five minutes, unedited, for the pure joy of writing. No editing allowed. Lisa-Jo provides a new prompt each Friday. Go ahead; try it– head to her place to submit one! Today’s prompt is one I found enjoyable and easy to write about:
HOME
GO
Home is homegrown tomatoes, blueberries picked on the farm, fresh peaches, fried okra, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and sweetened iced tea.
Camellias and azaleas line the walk, and dogwoods blossom near Easter, each year. I walk amongst pine needles piled high… for they are ubiquitous in the place I call home.
Away from the neighborhood, from the town’s main road, I see the hills that wrap around us, covered in lush textures of green. I’ve been to one of the highest summits of the state in the midst of those mountains.
I remember big-hearted people, the welcoming “y’all” — and it’s just the way they talk down there… and when I’m there, I join in the same conversation. Even now, I can imagine I’m back in time, talking with my southern folk, Alabama hearts made from the same fabric as mine. I’m kinda homesick, y’all.
I had to pass through the town square each Sunday to get to church, the little ole’ Southern baptist church, where I heard Jesus being talked about. It’s the place I decided to follow him, just like that old hymn we used to sing.
My home– how I miss it, and will always be a part of me.
STOP
this was fantastic… not knowing where you were from, i could still picture it as if i had been there…
Precious memories of a former home and where you are now. Loved it!
You had me at blueberries and fresh peaches. Great five minute post.
This is great! And for a moment, I thought you were talking about here in South Carolina. 🙂
What a strong sense of place in this piece! I feel I know you better by knowing where you come from, but that’s as southern as “y’all,” isn’t it? Thanks for sharing this, Anna.
Perfect! Your description had me breathing in the sites and smells and sounds of this place. Thank you for sharing your wonderful writing! Love the prompt and love the result you came up with!
Ah, so beautiful. Such dear memories. Thank you for sharing. God bless!
Oh! I understand missing “home.” I have felt that way since I was a child living away from family and friends as an MK, and even now, travelling and living in different places.
What took you to the Midwest? How often do you get to go home?
Hooray for little Baptist churches where we first heard Jesus talked about! But the fried okra? Not so much.
I felt like I was there while reading this! You have transported me to your own home, and what a beautiful tribute to your roots. Glad to have found your writing space through Gypsy Mama!
Your old home – so much different from mine – mine was concrete, city blocks, Brooklyn New York – there was no church involved – I only heard “y’all” in movies. But the smell of the flowers from your home – the taste of the food – the place you heard of Jesus – I can tell how much you heart it – and so it made me smile to read of it. God bless and keep you and all of yours.
Oh this was so good. So glad to be back to catching up on blogs. Thanks for sharing your home with us-I can “see” it when I read this post. Looking forward to reading the other one’s I’ve been missing. I’ve been so busy and when I have time, my brain has been too tired to think 🙂
Wow, I’m humbled by your many kind comments here! I think I should write 5 minute posts more often! haha! Thank you all so very much.
@gitz– thank you for commenting and following Lisa-Jo’s instruction on the person before you. I loved your 5 min. write.
@Hazel– thank you; I’m glad you enjoyed it!
@Caroline– thank you! don’t they sound delicious?!
@Mary Hess– it sure could’ve been!
@tinuviel– what do they say in Texas?
@bristolm– you’re always so encouraging! Thank you!
@clare– thank you for reading, and sharing your comment!!
@Lindsey– thank you for telling me about you…so fascinating. I knew many MK’s in college. Missing home is something many of us can relate to. We moved here b/c of my hubby’s job.
@Nancy– oh, deep fried okra– I guess it’s not everyone’s cup of tea! 🙂 blessings to you.
@LKP– thank you so much for that! I enjoyed your piece, too– I could smell those cookies.
@craig– nice to see you here! Thank you so much for coming by & sharing. I’m so thankful Jesus finds us wherever we are, city, small town, no church/ yes church :), concrete or rural town, etc. Yes, I heart my home town, and I’m glad to share in some smiles. Thank you and God bless you.
@Ima– nice to see you here, friend! but– no need to apologize for living life! 🙂 Grace and peace to you!!