Writing to Remember

“I write to remember,” these resonant words were spoken by author, Lee Smith at a recent book signing. Just weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending her lecture at the Margaret Mitchell House & Museum. Among stories shared complimenting her memoir, Dimestore, she told buoyantly of her days in Grundy, Virginia. Through these stories she captured fond recollections of her childhood, family and hometown region.

 

 

Weeks before my opportunity to meet Lee, I acquired her book at the enchanting Hillsborough’s independent bookshop, Purple Crow. I began reading this latest work with great astonishment. As is the case with most books that find me, I read, thinking to myself, “she’s speaking directly to me!” Amid my own journey as I write works of aesthetic sketches, short story collections and the pursuit to see much of this realized in book form, I find undeniable validation in my chosen course and current direction through these gifts which cross my path. There are times when I question the relative nature of my work; and there are moments when a voice of doubt raises its head, tempting me to rest my pen or set aside a project all together. In these moments of doubtful diversion, I return to a meditative place of thoughtful examination- a form of soul searching, if you will- and with course reassured I continue along my path, trusting my inner compass to guide me. “I write to remember,” these words echo back to me. Like waves returning to the shoreline and then receding, these words wash over me.

I’ve just returned to Alabama from an extended weekend spent amidst the hills and valley’s of North Carolina’s Watauga and Wilkes counties. My purpose of this trip was to attend the 29th Annual Merlefest, the nation’s largest roots and americana music festival. Having friends scheduled to grace the legendary festival stages, I was honored to attend this respected event in support of both friends and numerous other artists there. I stayed in my usual retreat over in Valle Crucis, Broadstone Cottage (one of the valle’s oldest historic homes.) There I found myself able to return to a state of mind and past time, where I acquire the greatest strength and clarity. Unlike most of my Appalachian retreats, this weekend was a busy one and offered very little down time. The quiet moments were few. Caught up with commutes to North Wilkesboro, I especially savored the drive o’er Deep Gap, where the road climbs and the clouds cast a shrouded veil across the divide.

On festival grounds, I took part in a convivial celebration. Here the worlds of heritage, culture, music and art collide. Drifting from one stage to another, the meeting and greeting of artists and dear friends felt like small homecomings scattered about the day.

Back in Valle Crucis, I learned of wonderful hidden gems, comprised of legendary history, equally as deep- rooted and rich as the mountain soil. Taking Mast Gap Road from 194, the path climbs and bends eventually winding ’round to Sugar Grove, home to Cove Creek School, an old stone structure. Part of the North Carolina Civil War Trail, once known as Camp Mast, she now serves as home to the Doc & Merle Watson Museum. This my latest discovery, I will return to time and again.

The fast paced weekend permitted little time for reflection. Compelled to stop and savor the events, encounters and experiences rendered, I attempted to mark each upon my memory with intent to return to them later. I carry Lee Smith’s words with me; and today, as I delve into these extraordinary things, voluminously, I begin, writing to remember. Over the years, I’ve recorded countless memories. I look back in recollection and there I find myself purposefully propelled forward. Upon my journal I pen remembrances, so that my memories might encapsulate more than time and space. I write to savor and revisit the moments, people and places that through life I celebrate.

Art is Life Expressed— Sarah West

To learn more about author Lee Smith visit www.leesmith.com

To acquire books written by North Carolina’s leading authors visit Purple Crow Books located at 109 W King St, Hillsborough, NC

To learn more about Doc Watson’s Legacy preserved through the Doc & Merle Watson Museum of Sugar Grove visit www.musicfestnsugargrove.org

I invite you to join yours truly at the Doc & Merle Watson Museum this July for MusicFest ‘N Sugar Grove

To learn more about the nation’s largest folk roots & Americana music festival, Merlefest by visiting www.merlefest.org

*Written aesthetic sketches from the desk of Sarah West also appear in her weekly column, published in the Citizen of East Alabama, Alabama’s largest weekly distributed newspaper.