Sunday, January 15, 2012

A thin line



When I go home to Tennessee, I always go through a tiny little town, Hazel, Ky.  I love it.  I don't know if it's the fact that is where my father is from, the nostalgia, but I love going through Hazel.  I always drive well under the speed limit to truly enjoy that thin line between Tennessee and Kentucky.

There used to be a diner, a barber, a post office and a grocery store.  Now it is an antique paradise.  I can remember visiting Mammar, that's what my sister and I called my dad's mother, and she would let us walk to the grocery store from her house.  We always felt so big.  We would get into the store and the same woman, whose name escapes me, with her beehive hair was operating the old manual cash register.  Molly and I picked out our delicacy and charged it to Mammar's account.  

There is nothing like going home.

The people who live here have created Hazel's Art District.  I will have to stop next time.

The main drag

One of many antique stores

I just loved the star



I'm not sure I understand what it is that makes going home feel so good.  I know when I cross the state line I am nearly home.  I breathe slower, deeper.  If the weather permits, I drive the rest of the way with the windows down.

I've driven the boys past my dad's childhood home, taken them to the cemetery on more than one occasion to "meet" Mammar, and walked the main drag with them.  I want them to understand the importance of family and the importance of history.

Mom, Dad, Molly, and me




11 comments:

Susie Swanson said...

Beautiful town, I love going home, there's no place like it.. Your town reminds me of mine..have a good day..Susie

Janet, said...

It reminds me of our little town of Ripley. I agree, there is nothing like going home! You have sweet memories and it is great that you are sharing them with your kids.

Out on the prairie said...

I like the thought, many of us may have traveled to that favorite town.

Nellie from Beyond My Garden said...

I don't remember ever seeing a sign to Hazel, but I will have to look it up. We love antiques and small towns. Any good restaurants left in town?
nellie

Jules said...

SO, so true my friend. And you should enjoy these small bits of the past, they are what make us who we are. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

floweringmama said...

Nellie,
There is a great Mexican restaurant, Ann's Diner, and a tea shop right on the main drag, then Murray is only a few minutes away and the other direction is Paris, Tn with great restaurants.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

what a lovely chair trip, I've enjoyed it greatly. I'm in VA, an hour from the eastern side of both KY and TN.

jeanlivingsimple said...

Sweet little town. I would like to live there...if I could talk my kids into moving with me.
Nice photos. Love the family shot. You were a cutie.:)

The Old Parsonage said...

So glad that you had the time to re-vist/sort of. Memories are wonderful aren't they?

Enjoy your weekend!
Leann

TheCrankyCrow said...

I know exactly what you mean....I still live in the same basic area I grew up in, but each time I go to the small town that was nearest to us and in which my parents did all their "business," I get taken "back." It's somewhat sad, though, remembering what stores used to be there and are no longer - the bakery is now a salon, the five & dime is now a thrift store, Mr. Goozie's grocery is now a pizza place....but the memories are still there....Thanks for sharing yours with us....Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin (PS - congratulations on your new job!!! Woo Hoo!! Are you excited???)

Jenny Woolf said...

I know that feeling of "Ah!" which you describe. I'm glad that Hazel has kept going as an antiques centre. What makes me feel so sad is to see small towns with the heart ripped out. Times change, but it is good when places adapt and continue to thrive.