This post is written in response to Gwen’s Best of 2009 Blog Challenge. Head on over to her blog and check it out!
December 11: The Best Place. A coffee shop? A pub? A retreat center? A cubicle? A nook?
This one was easy for me. As soon as I read the prompt, I knew what place I would be writing about.
Almost heaven, West Virginia,
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River.
Life is old there, older than the trees,
Younger than the mountains, growin’ like a breeze.
Country Roads, take me home,
To the place I belong:
West Virginia, mountain momma,
Take me home, country roads.- John Denver
My Mom’s family is from a tiny town in West Virgina named Hinton. It is tucked between two rivers in the mountains and the only place to get a pair of shoes is Magic Mart. They now boast a Subway restaurant (watch out world!) and the only bar in town is a cute little joint called Pop’s.
Of all the places I’ve traveled, Hinton is one of my favorite places in the world because going back always feels more like going home.
In October we went back for my cousin’s wedding. It took place in a tiny cabin high in the mountains and my uncle officiated. After the service we drank moonshine and stayed up all night talking around a fire. Another uncle brought out his fiddle and we sang “Country Roads” by John Denver.
We are a family that is very much in love and we laugh all the time. We value our roots and tradition is important to us. We like passing things along… including names.
The top picture below is one of my favorite of all time. It best illustrates both the beauty of West Virginia and the sense of consistency I have when I am there.
In every generation of our family, there is a Margaret. I am the one that belongs in this generation. Pictured is Grandma Margaret, Aunt Peggy (which is a nick-name for Margaret), Baby Margaret and me.
Every time I look at this picture… my breathe catches in my throat. What an amazing place.
Just the three of us:
The whole crew:
My beloved other half:
A few more cousins:
your truth, coming from the heart, spoken with love. Doesn't get any better than that.
Aw, what a great post! (Here via #best 09, btw.) I have to admit, I've never spent anytime in WV, but I've driven though it (going from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati) plenty, and it's always the loveliest part of that drive.
Thank you for stopping by Kristan!! And I'm glad you liked the post. I drove for the first time in the snow when I was there again a few weeks ago… and it was interesting. I'm sure the people behind me really appreciated the fact that I was going two miles an hour.
LOL hey, it happens. I live in Cincinnati, but I was born & raised in Houston, so I never drove in the snow until the past couple years. AND I brought my Jeep up from Houston, and everyone thinks it has 4-wheel drive. NOPE. Sorry guys!
That is awesome!! I have a truck… and it sadly does not have 4-wheel drive either.
Your thought brought happy tears to my eyes.
Love to you.
I LOVE YOU MOM!!
Aw, I wanna go there!
It is so fun!! We should take a girls trip and get a cabin. We could go white water rafting!!
Thanks, Maggie. This is beautiful. It's how I feel when I go home and it's wonderful to know we've passed this feeling onto the next generation, especially the ones who weren't actually born in West Virginia. I love the four generations of Margarets–how cool!!!–Love, Aunt Peggy
Love you Aunt Peggy!!
We are so proud to be West Virginians! You said it perfectly, girl. And I am so fortunate that the O’Farrell family “adopted” me so many years ago. We are always surrounded by more love and support that anyone can imagine. Love and miss you guys!
Robin
Hinton, WV
I too am glad you were adopted by the O'Farrells. Life in Hinton would be way too quiet without you
I've only been there once, a few years back, and I have some of the best memories from that trip.
It's one of those places that just seems to help make great memories for everyone !!
To my darling big sister,
I love you and I loved the post. You're not the only one who feels like going to Hinton is sort of going home.
With love,
AliMac (aka your other half)
Hugs your way little sister.
Seriously, how cool! Loved the post… I believe some of my family originated from WV as well… something like Herndon, Virginia…
also – i like the site… magsmac n cheese… super creative! And cheesy