Thursday, September 20, 2012

My Little Corner Of The World






In case you didn't know, I'm a Cajun.  Born and bred in the swamps of Louisiana; home to great food, a unique flair for homegrown music, and a land of mystery as well as history.  My ancestors were persecuted for their beliefs, driven from their homes and forced to seek refuge in a sort of no-man's land where only the foolish would try to make a life. And yet they stayed...lived, loved, and died among the alligators and swamp creatures of deep southern Louisiana.

There was a time when I couldn't wait to leave that place...to strike out on my own and make something of myself.  But the older I got and the further from the swamp I roamed, I came to realize that you can take the gal out of the swamp, but you can't take the swamp out of the gal.  There is a strength to the Cajuns which can't be denied.  How a race of people could build a life out of nothing but mud and cypress trees and backwater bayous crisscrossing the landscape is beyond me. But build it they did and when they were finished there was cause for celebration.  A time for giving thanks they no longer had to run.  Thanks for the chance to raise their families, worship their God, and strive for a better life in their little corner of the world.

Now I live among the hills of eastern Tennessee and cherish the life I have created here.  But it hasn't been easy.  While the trials and tribulations of a life well lived has left scars on my body, my mind soars with all the possibilities a new day can bring.  I gather around me people whose spirits lift mine own up.  I hold close to me great works of beauty to feed my soul and wish for the day when I might do something which touches the spirits of others in some small way. Until then, I write my stories from my little corner of the world and give thanks for my roots which began by the bayous in the land of the Cajuns...





12 comments:

  1. Oh wow. Does this mean you make a mean beignet? And jumbalaya? Turtle soup? Yummy, I just keep thinking about Louisiana FOOD!

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    1. Hi Tara! My signature Cajun dish would be gumbo...something my mother taught me. She was a feisty lady from the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Mixing mountain living with swamp living was interesting but she left me her cookbook of homemade recipes for things like boudin and chicken/sausage/okra gumbo...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  2. What a beautiful piece dedicated to your roots. Thank you for sharing. I spent a little time in Louisiana, attended SAU in Magnolia, Ark for a whole year before I got homesick for Alaska. Even visited the Blue Bayou -- for me it was like visiting a whole new country without leaving the U.S. so unique, an AWESOME place.

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    1. Hi Yolanda! Thanks for your kind words. I agree...living in southern Louisiana is almost like being on another planet...lol...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  3. The richness of your background is sure to impact your work and lead to your success.

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    1. Hi Genieve! Being Cajun from my father's side is only one of the influences on my life...I'll post other stories soon about my mother's side of the family...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  4. I was hoping SOMEONE would mention boudin.
    "You don't want to know what's in it. But once you taste it, you're addicted for life."
    I've heard it. I've said it. It is true!

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    1. Hi Janet! You know, THAT'S what I miss the most about that place. Now if someone could just figure out how to stuff some of it in my Christmas stocking! ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  5. Great post but it made me hungry!

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    1. Hi Mike! Lol...I'm sorry but I must confess I do LOVE my gumbo! ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  6. I have heard a saying that goes..."Americans make great hosts, they travel often, but few own a passport." The reason is that from East to West one can see, feel, and enjoy so many different climates, experiences, foods, all unique for the area/place you pass through. This is obviously one I will have to experience sometime in the future. Although some comments regarding the food, has me wary...lol. Loved your view on your unique place Donna.

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    1. Hi Diane! I would certainly agree with that statement because the states are a melting pot of different cultures, different personalities, etc. I could probably spend my lifetime exploring within my borders and never have to leave. Except Scotland...gotta get to Scotland some day...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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