"Katy stepped off the train with her cardboard suitcase and her guitar into the acrid night air of the wild mining town of Butte. She was just 16. = A Seven-Minute story
Sharron, these stories about Katy are so inspirational. You perfectly illustrate a time when true hardship and struggle was so prevalent and so real across the nation but with young Katy, you personalize it and make it even more special. I really appreciate reading these memoir pieces. - Jim
What a beautiful snapshot of an era past when EVERYTHING was associated with hard work and one putting his/her shoulder to the wheel EVERY day of the year. This was the generation which singlehandedly defeated Hitler, Mussolini, and imperial Japan allowing the world to take a deep breath that continues to this day (although we're doing OUR BEST to ruin the immense sacrifices of the past).
My Greek American "parents," a wonderful couple in Middletown, NY, both now deceased, often relayed stories of their own experiences of those tough yet heroic years. They were my mentors and saviors whose presence and sustenance, moral and material, made me an "American" myself.
God Bless America and those who built it with sweat (and, often, tears) and hard work.
Thank you, AT. I hope you write about your "parents" one of these days. I am sure you have many poignant and inspiring stories of your own. We'd love to see them.
What a good idea! Maria (Mary) and Aristides (Ari) Nickles took six (!) Greek college freshmen under their wing as if they were their own children. I am still in touch with one from this group and every time we meet we remember the countless occasions when Mary and Art saved our skins. Art passed in 2000 and Mary in 2007. I'm sure they are in a far better place than the one I find my self presently.
This is just beautiful with the direct quotes from Katy and your narrative voice to fill in the story. The whole story rings of cheerful triumph over adversity. I love her attitude and the fact that she found so many kindhearted people along the way. Wonderful Sharron.
Thank you, Jim. I just reread your Veterans' Day story again this morning. It moved me to fifty-five year old tears. Again. That era is so vivid in my memory.
Katy was a marvel. She was so lucky to land in a town with people willing to help her rather than take advantage. That man at the railway station could have steered her toward his favorite brothel, but didn't. Whew! The stories about how women survived and even thrived in the West astonish me.
I can't get enough of Katy's story. Your loving and honest approach makes her come alive. The intermingling of Katy's recollection with the narrative made this one special. There is a novel here. I'm looking forward to more stories about Katy's life.
Yes, a small cardboard suitcase and her guitar. Here is a brief story about her first guitar and her life filled with country music - you might find it interesting.
WoW! 97! Did she live long after that? And you? You're so fluent in feelings. I compiled a book for my own mother's 90th birthday that she had written called LEST WE FORGET, her memoir of tough times in Nigeria! We have such a beautiful serendipitous connection.
I made and bound many copies--so she could sign as an author at her birthday party!
.. Brilliant ! At yer very Best ! Will be sharing with my big Sis .. very much reminds of her ‘approach ofttimes .. 🦎🏴☠️🇨🇦
Thanks, kid!
Sharron, these stories about Katy are so inspirational. You perfectly illustrate a time when true hardship and struggle was so prevalent and so real across the nation but with young Katy, you personalize it and make it even more special. I really appreciate reading these memoir pieces. - Jim
So happy to hear it, Jim. I am honored by your comments.
What a beautiful snapshot of an era past when EVERYTHING was associated with hard work and one putting his/her shoulder to the wheel EVERY day of the year. This was the generation which singlehandedly defeated Hitler, Mussolini, and imperial Japan allowing the world to take a deep breath that continues to this day (although we're doing OUR BEST to ruin the immense sacrifices of the past).
My Greek American "parents," a wonderful couple in Middletown, NY, both now deceased, often relayed stories of their own experiences of those tough yet heroic years. They were my mentors and saviors whose presence and sustenance, moral and material, made me an "American" myself.
God Bless America and those who built it with sweat (and, often, tears) and hard work.
Thank you, AT. I hope you write about your "parents" one of these days. I am sure you have many poignant and inspiring stories of your own. We'd love to see them.
What a good idea! Maria (Mary) and Aristides (Ari) Nickles took six (!) Greek college freshmen under their wing as if they were their own children. I am still in touch with one from this group and every time we meet we remember the countless occasions when Mary and Art saved our skins. Art passed in 2000 and Mary in 2007. I'm sure they are in a far better place than the one I find my self presently.
Get writing!
I always enjoy reading about Katy!
Thanks James Ron. I am waiting for your next one to be released - the one with the voice over.
Katy is a young lady with a lot of grit that's for sure. I can't even imagine having the courage she did at that age.
No, me neither, just remembering myself at 16 and what a baby I was....
Beautiful storytelling.
Thank you, Barrie. I have ten or twelve Katy stories in her special archive now. Still have a few to go.... I sure do miss her.
Oh, this is wonderful, absolutely wonderful! I hadn't seen this story first time around - I'm so happy to have read it now! Thank you, thank you!
Thank you, Rebecca for reading and for always sending comments.
This is just beautiful with the direct quotes from Katy and your narrative voice to fill in the story. The whole story rings of cheerful triumph over adversity. I love her attitude and the fact that she found so many kindhearted people along the way. Wonderful Sharron.
Thank you, Jim. I just reread your Veterans' Day story again this morning. It moved me to fifty-five year old tears. Again. That era is so vivid in my memory.
Katy was a marvel. She was so lucky to land in a town with people willing to help her rather than take advantage. That man at the railway station could have steered her toward his favorite brothel, but didn't. Whew! The stories about how women survived and even thrived in the West astonish me.
Thanks for reading my stories, Sue, and for your always thoughtful comments.
Your stories are my favorites, Sharron. You have a rich history to draw from and a talent for getting right to the core.
I can't get enough of Katy's story. Your loving and honest approach makes her come alive. The intermingling of Katy's recollection with the narrative made this one special. There is a novel here. I'm looking forward to more stories about Katy's life.
A novel! Oh, my! Here is another little one you might like, about Katy's home and family
https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/the-farm-1926
It strikes me that Katy brought her guitar when she made her escape. That must have been a prized possession for sure.
Yes, a small cardboard suitcase and her guitar. Here is a brief story about her first guitar and her life filled with country music - you might find it interesting.
https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/katy-a-lifetime-of-country-music-ea8
Lovely as your thoughts!
Thank you, Jill. I thought you might like Katy. I wrote Bartle Clunes just for her when she was 97. They became like neighbors to her.
WoW! 97! Did she live long after that? And you? You're so fluent in feelings. I compiled a book for my own mother's 90th birthday that she had written called LEST WE FORGET, her memoir of tough times in Nigeria! We have such a beautiful serendipitous connection.
I made and bound many copies--so she could sign as an author at her birthday party!
Do you have this on line or in a digital file? I am very interested in the memoirs of ordinary, yet some how extraordinary people of that generation.
Here is why and how Bartle Clunes was written for my mom Katy.
https://sharronbassano.substack.com/p/katy-writing-her-last-book