Saturday, August 22, 2009

Ode




If you've known me for more than an hour, odds are I've told you I'm a small town girl. I'm very proud of that fact - even if I've been known to use my small town roots to get a laugh or two. The honest truth is I'm so grateful that I was one of the (very) few who was lucky enough to spend my childhood in such a special place.

My hometown is one of those places where you really do know nearly everyone, where neighbors drop what they are doing when someone is in need and where you feel safe letting your kids go out to ride their bikes on their own. My friends and neighbors back home are an incredible group of people, they taught me what really matters in life and their encouragement keeps me going. I'll admit I'm not sure how I went from living in a town of 900 to a city of 20 million, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

A few years ago when I was living in Seattle, I was catching up on email on Saturday morning and, as usual, had CMT on in the background. A new video came on and within seconds I was in love with the song and the group. I quickly got ready for the day and didn't stop until I'd found a store selling the group's CD (this was back before I had an iTunes account, ah the trials we had back in those days finding music.) I loved the group for its beautiful harmonies but I loved the song because it spoke directly to me - it defined my love for my hometown. This is the song I go back to whenever I'm feeling homesick or I need to remember that small town girl that makes up the core of me.

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks
One thing I know
No matter where I go
I keep my heart and soul in the boondocks

It's where I learned about living
It's where I learned about love
It's where I learned about working hard
And having a little was just enough

It's where I learned about Jesus
And knowing where I stand
You can take it or leave it, this is me
This is who I am

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8 comments:

Nicole said...

How long do you suppose that car has been there? I don't remember it ever not being there. :)

Jamie said...

We should ask Dad if he remembers when it showed up, because I can't remember a time when it wasn't there either.

Joanne said...

ah! nice pictures. Love the sunset. Glad I am right here!

Joanne said...

dad said the car has been there a long, long, long time and is shot full of holes. At least 40 years. (just a little info) he likes your pictures.

Jamie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jamie said...

Next time I'm home I want to get some more shots around town. Things that really define home, so think of some of those places and things that you love.

Jamie said...

Next time I'm home I want to get some more shots around town. Things that really define home, so think of some of those places and things that you love.

Jamie said...

Next time I'm home I want to get some more shots around town. Things that really define home, so think of some of those places and things that you love.

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