The Burro in the Barn Door

Posted in Art & Lit, History & Culture on January 29th, 2012 by marklynn
The Burro in the Barn Door
Steve Alberts is a retiree, and he might be busier now than he was when he was working. He acts; he takes photos; he’s working on a novel; and he writes charming blog posts at OnStevesMountain.com. I was browsing Steve’s site the other day, and one post caught my eye — The Burro in the Barn Door. I’m a sucker for alliteration, so the title hooked me. It was the photo, though, that kept me glued to the post. It’s dec Read More »


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Vote: Which Mountain House is for You?

Posted in History & Culture on January 22nd, 2012 by marklynn
Vote: Which Mountain House is for You?
I am a sucker for open houses. When I’m walking around town and see those tell-tale balloons tied to a real estate sign, I make a bee line. I will stand-up friends or be late for a meeting. It doesn’t matter; I won’t pass up a chance to nose around someone else’s place. If I open the door and find the house empty, I do a brisk walk through, maybe critique the bathroom’s tile job or admire a fireplace. I won’t Read More »


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The Magic Question: Can Appalachia Keep Its Young People

Posted in History & Culture on January 15th, 2012 by marklynn
The Magic Question: Can Appalachia Keep Its Young People
I will never under estimate the power of the blue and gold. Native West Virginians have flocked to Jason Headley’s love letter to his home state, entitled “Dear West Virginia.” Since it posted last Sunday, more than 42,000 people have read it and hundreds have left heartwarming comments. All of them share Jason’s love for the state’s hills and hollers and many asked an important question – how do we keep gifte Read More »


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Dear West Virginia

Posted in History & Culture on January 8th, 2012 by marklynn
Dear West Virginia
"One Man's Dream" by Cheryl Tarrant. Used with permission. This post is for anyone who has left home. I don’t mean to go to the grocery store or even for vacation. This is for folks who have packed their possessions, hugged their mammas and daddies, and pulled away from the curb with their cheeks wet and their eyes on the road because if they glance in the rearview mirror, they might not go. It’s for those who bookmark Read More »


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