"Where I'm From"

Print Courtesy of: Art.com

I am from endless hours at the neighborhood swimming pool; from playing organized softball and attending a two room schoolhouse.

I am from the blizzard of '78 and from hot chocolate with doughnuts after sledding over Happy Hollow's hill.

I am from shag green carpet and my black beanbag chair; from Sesame Street, Mr. Rodgers, The Brady Bunch and Eight is Enough.

I am from Weebles that Wobble, from a Light that is Bright; from a playing card attached to the tire spokes of my banana seat bike and fights with my sister.

I am from a rusty old swing set, a failed vegetable garden attempt and a riding mower I once drove up a tree in my parent's backyard.

I am from TV dinners; from Dad singing with the Statler's while watching "Nashville Now" and Mom playing the church organ every Saturday morning as we fanned ourselves with cardboard fans with wooden stick handles.

I am from Grandma's Stew and Dumplings, from Nanny's Beef n' Noodles and Mom's Tuna over Toast.

I am from fun summer vacations and Pathfinder Fairs, from company picnics at Indiana's "beach", from snowy Thanksgivings and Christmases past that are with me forever, but now out of reach.

I am from spankings from Dad when I got outta line, from "I Don't Know!"; from "Can't Never Did Nuthin"; and "Aint's Not a Word!"

This was my own version of a Poem done by George Ella Lyons called "Where I'm From". I really liked doing it. I struggled a bit starting out, but as I began writing down things I remembered from my childhood, it all just came together. Some ideas you can use are: Family Traditions, foods you had growing up, a favorite place in the neighborhood or on your property, family sayings/things that were said in the house, a favorite place/room in your house.

I've seen it around on other's blogs so it's not a new idea by any means. I encourage you to give it a try if you haven't done so already. It'll bring back some of your childhood memories, guaranteed! Here's a template to help give you a boost.

If you do decide to play along, please leave me a comment so I can come check yours out.