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Stirring the Soul

June 1, 2012 By Talya Tate Boerner 13 Comments

What do these famous people have in common? George Washington, Elvis Presley, Ernest Hemingway…

…They all lived in historic homes:-)

Historic places are fascinating, particularly historic homes. Seeing how people lived and thrived over a hundred years ago while successfully changing the course of history without wi-fi and air conditioning is riveting. Historical voyeurism. But just like you and me, these folks worried about their country, the well-being of their children, their personal circumstances. They existed, survived, hoped to make a difference, prayed for rain and mourned the deceased. Walking along the beautiful Potomac exploring the grounds of Mount Vernon is akin to a religious experience. Strolling in George Washington’s footsteps, seeing his view from the lawn, his stuff, things he touched and held dear, his graveside tomb – how could every American citizen not feel a bit more united?

Mt. Vernon

We have toured old homes in New Orleans with incredible architecture and rich histories. Jefferson Davis’ home in Biloxi is a true southern treasure, nearly destroyed by Katrina. I dare say everyone already knows how I feel about amazing Graceland…And Johnny Cash’s home, across the ditch from our cotton field, is currently being restored bringing a welcomed flurry of activity to Northeast Arkansas. 

The Man in Black’s House

One of my favorite things about Key West, ranking right up there with deep fried conch fritters, is Ernest Hemingway’s house where he wrote poems and stories in the early morning hours and explored Old Town in the afternoons. Antiques from his travels fill the home, and exotic hunting trophies line the walls. Inspiration is palpable, wrapped in warm breezes off the island’s turquoise waters. His desk is there. I had a sudden urge to casually limbo underneath the velvet rope and lightly touch it, but I resisted.

Turns out there is commonality between Hemingway and me. His passion was writing, and I enjoy reading what he wrote. We both like(d) wine. And surprisingly, his second wife was originally from Northeast Arkansas, just like John’s second wife (me). They met and married in Paris, France, but she was an Arkansas girl from Piggott. Hemingway spent long periods of time there visiting her family and writing. Next week I will be attending a creative writer’s retreat in the Hemingway-Pfeiffer House studying and writing in this holy place. Somebody pinch me.

Hemingway-Pfeiffer House, Piggott, Ar

I’m excited to tour the house and the barn and see the furnishings inside. I love objects with a past – old dishes, picture frames, vintage jewelry… Last week we happened upon two antique leather club chairs from a little French antique shop in Fayetteville. They are perfect for our new cottage. The well-worn brown leather is buttery soft and frayed and I wouldn’t dare change a thing about them. Circa 1930s, they were purchased by the shop owners from travels in Paris. I imagine all the interesting Parisians who once sat in these chairs, maybe drinking coffee or writing poems. Maybe Ernest Hemingway?

Hemingway wrote part of A Farewell to Arms while in Arkansas. For whatever reason, creative juices seem to flow in this unremarkable corner of the state – maybe it’s the pull of the mighty Mississippi which heavily influenced Mark Twain or the impoverished working man who impacted Johnny Cash’s bare-bones music. Or maybe sheer boredom stirs the soul. The quickly approaching writer’s retreat is a bit intimidating, pushing me completely beyond my comfort zone of blogging in familiar silence. How do I react if after ten minutes I’m advised, “Really? A writer? Bless your heart you should just return to your banking job…” What if I’m not good enough? What if I’m not good?

talya
“The first draft of anything is shit.” Ernest Hemingway

talya

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.


Filed Under: Arkansas, Travel, Writing Tagged With: Ernest Hemingway, Fayetteville, Northeast Arkansas

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Comments

  1. Kaa says

    June 1, 2012 at 4:56 am

    The only person asking “What if I’m not good enough?” is every writer from the first guy who put stylus to clay tablets in ancient Babylonia to every blogger who has ever taken a chance and posted their thoughts for the world to read. And that passes through all those published authors on your book shelf. You’re in excellent company. ๐Ÿ™‚

    I know you’re going to enjoy the retreat. You’ll meet other writers and can talk about writing without having to get That Look. You know the one. And also without having to hear, “Oh, I have an idea for a best-selling novel that I know would sell millions of copies, but I just don’t have time to write it down” from every yahoo who can’t distinguish between ‘your’ and ‘you’re’ or properly identify a verb.

    Enjoy!

    Reply
    • grace grits and gardening says

      June 1, 2012 at 5:43 am

      Hahaha! Thanks for my morning belly laugh. Yes I already know the look. T.

      Reply
  2. Staci says

    June 1, 2012 at 6:24 am

    Have fun at your retreat. Sounds like an interesting time!

    Reply
    • grace grits and gardening says

      June 1, 2012 at 6:52 am

      I’m excited! But dreading the long drive.

      Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    June 1, 2012 at 7:08 am

    Now is when you need a charmed portkey. Good and safe travels. Of course, YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! Enjoyed the read and loved the response from KAA. Have fun. Talya’s Mother

    Reply
    • grace grits and gardening says

      June 1, 2012 at 11:47 am

      I saw a child’s lone bright purple flip flop this morning one block over on the sidewalk. My first thought was, “Maybe this is a portkey that will transport me to Piggott!” I started to grab it but I was walking the dogs and they are not invited on this little road trip to the Hemingway House. We want it to survive another 100 years.

      Reply
  4. Colene says

    June 1, 2012 at 11:12 am

    Never doubt your talent, Talya! Today’s blog is so cool-made my heart flutter! Pinch, pinch! Safe travels!

    Reply
    • grace grits and gardening says

      June 1, 2012 at 11:49 am

      Thank you Colene! What a nice compliment:)) T.

      Reply
  5. Angi Cartwright says

    June 1, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    Are you staying the night in Piggott? I’ve read about the Rosedale Farm Bed & Breakfast. I called the lady that owns the charming Bungalow & it was booked the time we passed through (on our way home from a long trip, years ago.)
    Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms” is a favorite of mine. Your a great writer & I enjoy reading all your stories. Enjoy your trip to Hemingway-Pfeiffer House.

    Reply
    • grace grits and gardening says

      June 2, 2012 at 4:42 am

      Yes I’m staying a week in Piggott at a bed and breakfast that was originally the downtown bank. I’m excited about that too! Thanks Angi!

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      June 4, 2012 at 12:47 pm

      I’m so proud of you!!! Good for you, cuz!!! And everyone is right! Never doubt your creative talent – E.V.E.R. I’ve told you more than once and I mean it – you are refreshingly original, down-to-earth, witty, thoughtful, and a true southern gem! Oh yeah, and brilliant – but don’t go gettin the big head! HaHa. I know you won’t – just one more reason I love you! Enjoy
      yourself – soak up all you can and I know the others will feel blessed to learn from YOU too! Talya’s cousin, CindyLu

      Reply
    • grace grits and gardening says

      June 4, 2012 at 7:16 pm

      Wow thanks! Love ya!

      Reply
  6. Antique Shop in Fayetteville Arkansas says

    January 13, 2014 at 9:24 am

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and come back
    to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
    I will definitely comeback.

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

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