Southern Comfort
The past 8 months have been a new level of challenging and soul searching. When I booked the date at Awaken for June 2023, the coordinator asked if I take the June date, could I in some way tie-in or have a nod to Dolly. I thought, “Yeah, her mom was a quilter and I grew up in the Smoky Mountains too. We have some things in common. I think I can channel my country, mountain girl.”
Little did I know how much I needed to channel my country, mountain girl. I spent my entire childhood in the same neighborhood exploring the woods, making up games, coordinating parades, getting covered in poison ivy, my first kiss, writing neighborhood newsletters, throwing parties … the list goes on … all things I’d pushed way down inside.
Around thanksgiving my dad’s health plummeted and the normalcy of “everything’s good” was no longer the case. Change has never been easy for me and now as we enter into this stage of life where our parents’ health starts waning, it’s challenging all the stability I had in those relationships.
I’ve started visiting my parents more (they still live in the same neighborhood I grew up in for my first 18 years) and taking long walks in my old neighborhood. These walks have conjured up so many treasured memories, I decided to lean into it.
In April, I started Dolly Parton’s America podcast. Wow. It hit so many notes for me. ;o) So many topics I could relate to. Episode 7 especially, with the University of Tennessee students (my alma mater) who were from Appalachia areas (me also) really hit home. I’ve done those things; trying to not sound so country when I speak, trying to avoid being labeled with the stereotype “hillbilly”. Dolly embraces it.
I’ve been reflecting and doing some deep work on who I am and where I’m from and why I’ve neglected and lost touch with those bits. I’d love to be vulnerable enough to share more, but that is a huge hurdle for me… I’m tough, I can do it. And then dad got sick and I couldn’t do it.
SHOW STATEMENT:
After listening to Dolly Parton’s America, the initial idea of this project, Southern Charm, has grown to be so much deeper and more meaningful. Learning about the way she has evolved as an artist and grown as an independent woman while staying tied to her beautiful, mountain childhood resonated with me. I want these things to be true for myself, as well.
As I mature and unfold as a female artist, I’ve recently started looking back at my childhood in Waynesville, NC to rediscover my favorite things again; like Easter, pastels, ruffles, playing in the woods etc. A couple of similarities between Dolly and I stand out: home, comfort, inclusion and nostalgia. This show is about channeling your inner child, listening to your heart and setting aside what doesn’t work for you any longer to continue on through hope, love and joy.
“Songwriting [Quilt-making] is my way of channeling my feelings and my thoughts. Not just mine, but the things I see, the people I care about. My head would explode if I didn’t get some of that stuff out.” Dolly Parton [Melissa Everett]