The Appalachian mountains encompass some of the oldest settlements in the US; remains of which can still be seen today. Blackened hand hewn log cabins, hand dug root cellars and small smoke houses are just a few pieces of history we see everyday up here. Daniel Boone is just one of the many pioneer folk heroes in these mountains.... we enjoy eating at his restaurant ;). The Blue Ridge Parkway alone supplies an abundance of luscious scenery ~ a pure feast to the soul and eyes. Old homesteads and log cabins dot the landscape along this vast expanse of road which was carved and blasted out of the mountains years ago. Pioneers from this area hunted their own food , had gardens, made their clothes from wool and flax, and built their own cabins out of trees they themselves felled. Life was plain hard. God was an integral part of their exsistence bringing purpose and comfort to their difficult lives. Much like the pioneers who settled here music played and instrumental part (no pun intended;) of their daily lives. Songs were passed down from generation to generation and the music was as diverse as the people who were mostly Scottish ( my people ;), Irish and German descent (along with the Native Americans who were the authentic people of these hills). Some where called song catchers. Instruments like the fiddle, mountain dulcimer ( honey I want one for Christmas - a hammered dulcimer please), psaltery, harps, pipes and gourd pianos where just some created and played by these mountain folk.
Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the Lord on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals. 2 Samuel 6:5
All the b/w photographs were taken in the Blue Ridge Mountain region
of western North Carolina between 1984 and 1995 by Spencer B. Ainsley
As we gathered together on this rainy overcast morning in the mist covered mountains I could only think how much effort it took the folks in these here mountains to visit for a day. Life was hard indeed but I wonder if they realized how hard it was. Work and hardships were all they knew... unlike us with our luxurious comforts of the modern day. A get together was undoubtedly a fun time for all with plenty of food, music, children, spinning, and quilting. Dr. C along with his wife and two beautiful daughters graciously opened their home to us this misty day in the Appalachian mountains. This talented family impressed me with their talents and kindness! Have you ever met a family you admire? This is truly a family to emulate. With dancing and the sound of violins resonating through out the hills... it was a splendid time.
You shall have a song as in the night when a holy festival is kept, And gladness of heart as when one goes with a flute, To come into the mountain of the Lord, To the Mighty One of Israel. Isaiah 30:29
So, please come with us as we enjoy an Appalachian get together...
Dr. C showing us how to make a "can-jo" heh
Sisters in bonnets
helping each other
Getting out the fiddles
tuning up....
The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments. Habakkuk 2:19
Let's play...
a little Angus Campbell!
it takes concentration to play the washboard...
Canjo player
You can't play Appalachian music with out spoons!
These kids are really good... that's how they raisem' in da holler
Even the littlest ones joined in...
there's something for everyone to play
this little lassie is multi talented... love it
Are ya feelin' it?
Let's dance the Virginia Reel!
Das Frau
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Psalm 140:3-4
Isn't this little girl beautiful... she reminds me of an olde world child from Europe
our homeschool mascot
this picture just speaks to me...
Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument.... Ezekiel 33:32
I bet you were wondering where my girls had gotten off to...
yep, the chickens... they won't lay for a month now
Most girls want a rabbit... or a puppy. Sage wants a chicken ...
my little chicken lover.....
getting tired...
Praise the Lord with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Psalm 33:2
