Jesse Stuart wrote the poem titled "Kentucky is My Land," and sometimes I think he wrote it just for me. Stuart knew that you can take the person out of the mountains, but you can't take the mountains out of the person. Harriet Arnow, author of "The Dollmaker," one of my all-time favorite books, wrote eloquently of the mountaineer's heart-hunger for the mountains; I have experienced that heart-hunger many times, in my long absences from the hills I love. I wasn't born in Appalachia, but most of my ancestors were, and the Kentucky mountains have always had a special place in my heart.

My ancestors came through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky over three centuries ago, when "Kaintuck" was still known as "the dark and bloody ground." Undaunted by danger and hardship, these intrepid pioneers somehow managed to wrestle a living out of the mountain wilderness. Nathaniel Frigg, my great-great-I'm not sure how many greats grandfather, was a contemporary of Daniel Boone and Sam Harrad. Historical sources suggest that "Natty" was quite a character, before, during, and after the American Revolution! I come from a long and proud family tradition of disrespect for authority and general hell-raising.

My Sacred Place
Here is a picture of my favorite place on the whole planet. It's in the Red River Gorge in east-central Kentucky. This view is of Haystack Rock, as seen from Auxier Ridge. The trail is accessible from Tunnel Ridge Road--quite a hike, for us old broads, but well worth it. The Gorge is full of ancient Spirits, and if you tread lightly and with respect, they will share their secrets with you. This is place of profound spiritual power; it is truly a most "sacred place."