Not long ago my daughter Tammy's FaceBook page showed that she had listened to "Appalachian Lullaby" and it brought back so many sweet memories!
Those memories start with how that gentle, peaceful song came into our family...
We had been visiting with my sister-in-law in Macon, GA, and then left for our drive east through the Blue Ridge Mountains. We had such a wonderful time and saw so many beautiful sights along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was nice to just gossip and giggle and have some "sister" time!
Our hostess was very gracious in the true Southern hospitality tradition.
You could see that the beautiful carved woodwork had been lovingly restored and maintained. The Inn was filled with period appropriate furniture and fixtures that would have been right at home in a museum - and yet you were invited to set down and have a cup of tea!
We were shown upstairs to our room complete with a 4-post bed, draped ceiling and a corner fireplace. It seemed like a room from a fairy book story. It all felt so warm and welcoming.
After settling in and freshening up a bit, we went out to get a bite eat and then came back for an early evening. In the the parlor that evening we met a couple who were also guests; young honeymooners who were planning to hike some of the Blue Ridge trails nearby. Our hostess gave us our information for our tour of the Biltmore the next day and told us what time breakfast would be served. She said there was another couple who were arriving later that evening and they would be joining us a the breakfast table. She then bid us good night and we all turned in.
We came down for breakfast the next morning and were shown into the dining room which was all set with a lace tablecloth, antique china and silver. There was a young lady who greeted us by name and invited us to sit anywhere at the table.
Now just as an aside I wondered how this young lady we
were just meeting for the first time could address us by
name...later that morning I accidentally wandered through
the service pantry looking for the side door to the drive.
There, posted on a message board, were notes about
each of us! Our names and a brief description ~
how clever was that to make you feel at home?
As breakfast was served we were invited to introduce ourselves to one another and share who we were, where we were from and what we were planning to do in Asheville. The guests who had arrived late last evening were a young married couple, Tanya Goodman and Michael Sykes, who were southern gospel musicians from the Fayetteville area. They were so excited telling us they had just received the Grammy Award the past year for Best Music Album for Children! It was for this collection of original songs "A Child's Gift of Lullabyes."
They presented each of us a signed cassette of the album. Neither Sister Dear or I had grandchildren yet, but as we listened to it in our rental car, we talked about how wonderful it would be to share with the next generation. We enjoyed the trip, the tour of the Biltmore, our stay at the Applewood Inn and the gift from new friends!
Our beautiful granddaughter, Amanda was born in 1994 and this cassette was passed on to her mama and daddy along with a little cassette player. I bought another one for our house and this song was played every night and every afternoon as she drifted off to sleep. We all knew the words and melody to every song!
The original was played so much it actually wore out and had to be replaced. It was renewed again when our sweet Emily was born. I have purchased this album for many a new mom-to-be...truly a well-loved piece of work! Of course today it is on a CD...
Today there is still a little player with this cassette in the guest bedroom,
and I have peeked in to see both of my girls listening with a dreamy
smile on their faces!
Each and every song is a treasure ~ but this is our favorite!
You can listen to the "Appalachian Lullaby" on this link!
We all love it so and all the sweet memories it brings back!
What a great experience! Almost felt as though I were walking along with you. Am glad you got to enjoy some real Southern hospitality. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mr. James! We really do love it!
DeleteBeautiful story well told, beautiful trip and a very beautiful "Lulaby"
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ms. Annette!
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