‘Where I’m From’ is a writing prompt that has been around for years. (I never said I was a trailblazer).
Where I’m From
I am from the land of the Miracle Mile, where pretty party dresses were in abundance and worn with pride.
I am from the smooth, white sanded shores of Jones Beach. and the rocky ones of Oakland.
I am from the pristine ranch house on a suburban, sidewalked street,
where hop scotch and jump rope were played with abandon.
I am from the majestic weeping willow,
whose ethereal branches danced in the wind.
I am from fragrant fig trees carefully covered in winter, and sugar coated zeppoles at the feasts near grandma’s house,
from games of tag with favorite cousins, with nary a thought to tomorrow.
I am from a moon that is made of cheese,
and the elusive Tooth Fairy.
From magical Christmases,
and tinseled artificial trees.
I am from where grudges came easily,
and trust was hard fought.
I’m from bouffant hair,
made with beer can rollers.
From kitchens with formica tables,
where long nails were polished and secrets were told.
I am from boyfriends who caged me,
and friends who set me free.
I am from a time of innocence and turbulence,
a time that made me,
me.
Sharing At
rue says
What a wonderful post. Seriously.
Carrie@ northwoods scrapbook says
Just love this! You are beyond adorable & I loved all the photos, and all the things that made you – you. Xoxo
Feral Turtle says
This is so cute! Love all the pictures.
cyn says
Love this!!
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
What a great post Doreen! Love it!
Jemma says
Good Morning Doreen,
Such a thoughtful, reflective and tender description of the passage of time and the snippets, that have made us, who we are.
We grew up in an era where there was still an unknown element to many things in life. I remember gazing up at the moon
as a youngster in the open spaces of our farm in Idaho with wonder, with my imagination running rampant.
I have been longing for those days, lately.
Such a beautiful post, I really enjoyed it so very much. (You were beautiful then and now)
Xx
Jemma
Jane says
This is beautiful! I really love the pictures! You had the same spirit!
Jane x
Cecilia says
Doreen, I loved reading all the bits of what made you and the pictures that went with it are just wonderful! Made me smile to think of my childhood and wandering along the creek for hours at a time. Sweet.
Yolanda@DelightsOfTheHeart says
Simply beautiful!
Blessings!
tammy j says
this reads like a little treasure of an autobiography.
i see it as a tiny book with exquisite hand made paper … languishing in the long forgotten places of an attic …
and years and years from now … some girl will come upon it … and she will see
that perhaps she is from this beautiful woman! and one who told her in such a poetic way … what is in her own dna!
oops! LOL. didn’t mean to rhyme there.
but it does read like a poem. and the pictures are just icing on the cake.
it makes me want to do my own. even for no other reason than to quietly ‘celebrate self!’
xo♥
Brenda Kula says
Beautiful!
Brenda
Poppy says
I have just read this most intriguing mini autobiography several times, and each time, I start to see it as a short film, a personality portrait, on your unique life, with stills from different moments of captured events. I noticed that, although we are a decade or so, apart, there are so many things that overlap the generations, making them familiar to both the seniors and the juniors within our group, so that feeling nostalgic for such times, is completely understood. What an entertaining little memoir of those special days gone by, written with such appreciation, joy, and pride about a time and place, ‘that made you, you’!
So enjoyed this, Doreen! Your pictures speak a thousand words, one of them being ‘beautiful’, of the girl that was, the woman that is, and continues to be, both inside and out.
Happy weekend!
xoxo
Poppy
P.S.: I can’t get over how MUCH your daughter resembles you in the third photo from the top; it’s uncanny!!!
kelly says
I really enjoyed reading “where you’re from”. I loved the pictures too.
kimberly says
Doreen
I loved the photos you shared and your trip down memory lane!
cathy@my1929 Charmer says
Love your word, photos and meaning. A very thought provoking post!
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
this was just DELIGHTFUL! 🙂
Dewena says
Oh, my goodness! What a jewel! I’ve never heard of this writing prompt but you, Doreen, get an A+ from me and an automatic transfer to AP classes.
I was there present in each line, each picture and reading between the lines too.
More, please!
Dewena
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Wow Doreen…what a great post….loved the pictures from the past and the statements that led you to being you!
Julie says
Wow Doreen I loved this post and looking at the old photos of you! Hope you are still having fun! Have a nice week.
Julie
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
Doreen, LOVED this post! It is so nice to get to know people better and loved the old photos. You grew up in a great age. Thanks for your visit and sweet comments. XO, Pinky
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Great post, Doreen! You are a talented writer…it sounded very poetic – I loved it. Also enjoyed seeing the photos of you!
Tuula @ The Thrifty Rebel says
What a beautiful post Doreen! I loved reading it, and seeing all the great photos.
andi says
I love this post! thanks for sharing!!!
-andi
Kim says
How fun…I too am acquainted with the land of the Miracle Mile! 😉
Donna@Living From Happiness says
Oh my Doreen…so many memories flooding back, as I am from a similar cloth and pattern. Beautiful prose!
Laura says
Love this. I think we are from the same place. xo Laura