Sunday, February 17, 2008

Kate Sanders Autograph


Kate Sanders Autograph
Originally uploaded by Kurwin.

This is one of my most treasured autographs; a book of poems from my dear friend Kate Sanders. She self-published this book in 1993, and I had misplaced it for several years. While looking for something else, I found it (what was it doing there?!).

There are 14 poems, and among my favorite are Bookcase, It was years after "Yesterday," I Dream of God and Her Dog Jake, and A Wildness.

Kate is part of the singing duo Down to Earth. Their CD launch party for A Fiercer Love is February 28, 2008 at Clifton's Pizza: 7:30-9:30 PM

Friday, February 08, 2008

Jesse Stuart Autograph


Jesse Stuart Autograph
Originally uploaded by Kurwin.

This is from a book called God's Oddling that belonged to Susan's grandmother before it belongs to us. Jesse Stuart wrote this book about his father. The book's full title is: God's Oddling: The Story of Mick Stuart, My Father.

I haven't read it, and have only read one of his books: Daughter of The Legend, about the Melungeons who lived in the mountains. It's an ill-fated love story between a Tennessee mountain Melungeon (Deutsia), and her valley-dwelling lover, Dave.

Riddled with cliche's; I didn't think it was a very good book. I've never really been able to enjoy Jesse Stuart, although I agree he's an important Kentucky and regional writer.

The Melungeons are an interesting lot though. Shrouded in mystery because they often had different appearances than their neighbors, they are generally thought to have come from Louisa County, Virginia, although other theories have Turkish ancestory, Native American and other groups. Go here, for more information, including a list of web sites.