where I am from

This was, as I suspected, quite difficult to write, even with a template to follow. I'm not sure it really captures where I am from, but it got me remembering so many things, and it's a start...


I am from gift-wrap and ribbon, from Amy Grant, and singing, always singing.

I am from the ever-changing, both in location and style, always beautiful; from painted ceilings. I am from home-baked goodness (quite often intended for someone else).

I am from silk floral arrangements and wreaths, almost more beautiful than if they were real. From pussy willows on the Christmas tree. From a garden with green beans and strawberries and so many grasshoppers.

I am from the 12 days of Christmas, gifts of love, and hard work; from Taylor, Petersen, Hardy and Hunter.

I am from creativity, music, a love of words, a love of learning.

From “no matter how far you have gone down a wrong road – turn back” and “you can’t help but love whomever you serve”.

I am from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, from making and keeping sacred covenants, and receiving seemingly endless peace and comfort. Standing on the shoulders of all those who came before.

I'm from Utah, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Washington, France. From burritos, fettuccine alfredo, parmesan chicken, Postum and homemade cakes.

From picking up a hitchhiker, falling asleep at the wheel, and driving off a cliff, with only a broken nose; the native Spanish-speaker; from the sun lamp-bather with sunburned eyeballs; the animal and rock lover, and the Green Bean Incident.

I am from Olan Mills, from individual scrapbooks we had to wait so long to inherit, from so many collections, from all the well-loved possessions of Grandma, earmarked for various family members.