[Previous Rural Farmgirl, April 2009 – May 2010]
Although there have been other places I have visited that have taken me back to days gone by, none compare to my recent trip to Idaho City, Idaho. The old timers there would tell you that the wealth traveled off the mountain during the gold mining days in the mid- to late 1800s. But as a self-proclaimed writer, I would argue that fact. For me, the wealth of that little mining town is in its residents, who not only keep the history alive in the care and keeping of the physical needs of their city but also in the telling of the stories.
What a wonderful glimpse of a nostalgic yet still vital Community through your words Rene…
The "Oral Tradition" of passing down accounts of History is very much a part of rural life, and it is an ancient one; predating written History. It comes from a time when a person’s "word", and it’s truth, could be the difference between social acceptance and banishment, even life or death, and it forms the foundation of our system of jurisprudence. One of the oldest books known, The Holy Bible, began in the Oral Tradition, and was not begun to be put into writing until Moses. Faith is a big component of the tradition, and when I think of Faith, I am humbled by the realization that Abraham and Moses had no written Bible. Whatever Faith I think I have pales in comparison.
It comes as no surprise that you found great Hope among those people, as Hope is usually hand in hand with Faith, and I bet you felt another thing yet unmentioned about them and their mountain… Love.
Thank You for this rare glimpse of people living a can-do lifestyle… it’s very re-freshing and Inspiring.
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa
Was fortunate to go there a few years back, it was a wonderful place to visit. The people band together with pride and for security. Living in a rugged place like that you do depend on each other and suport one another. I was blessed to live in one such place for 20 years, I gleened from my neighbors and felt community with them. Places only give the stage, its the people with grit who give it depth. Great writing Rene, love to hear from you!
I’m feeling a bit homesick at the moment. I’ve recently moved to England, but I’ve lived in Boise, ID for the last 11 years. My grandparents own a cabin near Idaho City and one of my best memories when staying at the cabin is driving into Idaho City for ice cream at Delsa’s. There was also a public swimming pool there when I was a child that was fed by hot springs. Hot spring swimming and ice cream. It doesn’t get any better than that 🙂
Renee,
Thanks again for allowing me to travel vicariously through your experiences.As I get to know more of my Farmgirl sisters I wonder" Where have you been all of my life?"
It is so much easier to live the lifestyle that is right for me when I know there are some out there who understand and applaud it. Even my grown children are often caught up in the popular mentality of having it all. Well., I know I have it all and need nothing more to make me happy but the friendship of my sisters, the recipes, books and philosophies we share and the differences between us that keep me on my toes and keep me open minded
Michele
Thank you Rene’ for such a beautiful story. You are truly a gifted writer that has the rare talent of painting a picture with words. We so loved your visit and we all felt like we had known you for years. Thanks again for sharing your experience with us.
I’d love to visit Idaho City…the very next time I travel west from Minnesota to Washington (where my sisters live), I believe I’ll make it a point to stop there.
The farmgirls "make do" philosophy reminds me of the philosphy of a favorite home decorator, Kitty Bartholomew. She always said, "It’s not what you don’t have; it’s what you do with what you DO have!" So true.
Years ago, my family and I spent a wonderful day there…loved it. Seemed like such a magical place to live.
We went through that area this summer on vacation. Now after reading your blog, I feel like I have had an opportunity to get to know the people. Thank you for your writing (self-proclaimed is being aware of who you are, which I think is great!). I long for a farm in the mountains of western NC or eastern TN. The blog reminds me of those type of people in that area, where my mom and dad are from, community!!
Tiffany . Is that not a fabulous find??!! I have a book about utlnziiig found objects to create artists books. One of the projects uses this colorful, square egg carton. I had no idea where to find them until on a trip to Santiago (would love to go again!), they had their eggs for sale in these very cartons! Bring green, orange, yellow . woohooo! Guess what got packed to come home with me~ of course, without the eggs!