I suppose to a Appalachian coal miner back in the early 1950's airplanes were almost beyond comprehension.  The town of Pound, Virginia, was (and still is) tucked away in the far southwestern tip of the State - and is very much within the borders of "the Bible Belt".  It doesn't surprise me then that someone wrote a song about riding a plane straight into glory land.......... Daddy loved the song and took three of his girls to Preacher James Short's house to record it!  In 1955, recording equipment was also almost beyond comprehension, but Daddy loved to brag that we could sing:  So, we (Kathy Gail, age 4; Vicky, age 6; and Betty, age 8) sang to the top of our lungs into that strange looking contraption and Preacher Short recorded it on an old 78 vinyl record.  Over the years, Daddy played it and sometimes he cried, sometimes he bragged, but eventually our voices changed (thank the Good Lord) and the recording was forgotten.

In 2007, after both our parents had taken that plane ride "to that mansion in the sky", the Collins family got together and recorded "Signs of God's Love", as a tribute to them.  Vicky found the old record!  I took it to a specialist in old recordings in Waynesville, NC.  He put the record on an old player, taped a nickel as a weight to press the needle onto it, and there were the voices of children - Betty, Vicky and Kathy Gail - as they were in 1955!     We added these two 1955 recordings to our "Signs" CD.  I don't think it helped the sales, but it is a treasure to the Collins Clan. 

Well, today I became a member of the board of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia.  I've wanted to do this for some time but it was too overwhelming with full time job, food pantry, jail ministry and all the other things I'm involved in.  Now that I'm closer to retirement, I went ahead and took the plunge.

I learned that the Stories of Mountain Folk that the Collins Family has been featured in many times over the past two years, is being archived in the records of Western Carolina University.  Just think - 100 years from now (if time lasts that long) our great, great great grandchildren can listen our music, our stories, our songs and will  actually be able to hear our voices.  Just image Hannah and Lindsey's grandchilden being able to know what their grandmother's voices were like before they were teenagers.

I'm adding a link to Stories of Mountain Folk with the Collins Children (this generation) singing Amazing Grace
http://stories.hcblogs.com/2011/07/04/stories-of-mountain-folk--july-2--2011.aspx.

I'm also uploading a song that is hard to listen to - but it is very, very authentic.  It was recorded in 1955 when I was 8 years old, Mick was 6 and Kathy Gail was 4.  (past generation)  Feel free to laugh or cry or just enjoy it for what it is - a 57 year old recording of the children of Alfred and Ella Collins.  I don't think Gail and Mick joined me on this one - we have one more called "This Plane I'm Riding" that I will post later if we don't get too many negative comments on this one. 

Tom's surgery went well; it's been a long day and he and Nola are on their way way from the hospital.  The doctors say to expect a least a year of physical therapy. 

Kathy Gail recently had an MRI because of severe pain in her hands, arms and neck.  The results show bone spurs at the top of her spine.  She will go for Friday to find out what can be done to relieve the pain.

Mick and Merl are coming to NC this week.  Can't wait for the visit - the weather forecast is for sunshine!

I've been out of the loop today - so this blog will be the space for your updates.  Let us knows on whats going on in your life. 

Diane, are you feeling better?  Uncle Pat, did you get a contract on your house?

Starting a new blog by telling you all how much I appreciate your visits to the web site, your comments, your recipes and your concern.

What are you most thankful for as we begin a new year?  I've heard it said that we don't realize how many blessings we have until we count them one by one.  I'll state mine in the following song by COZ.

The day after Christmas, Zeke asked:  "When will it be spring"!  I know the feeling!  So far we've had a mild winter, and I'm thankful for the sunshine.  The shortest day of the year is now behind us;  I'm looking forward to the new year and hoping to spend more time singing, writing, reading, gardening and enjoying every day - one day at a time.  I can't believe that I'll be turning 65 in a few days.  Where has the time gone?  Six months until retirement and then I'll be on the road again (just like Willie Nelson) - hopefully traveling to spend time with family in Virginia.  Uncle Pat - I just found out that Willie is still alive!

Thanks for all your comments thru the Christmas holidays; it's so nice to know what's going on with the siblings.

Remember the gig in September - it will take us all summer to plan for that....... Jan, I'm thinking about the poodle skirts and a 1960's act.  I'll be meeting with Amy in a few weeks to talk about it!   Since the gig will be on the platform of a train station - I would like to close our "performance" with the spiritual song  "Life is Like a Mountain Railroad" .  

Also, I'd like to rent the house on Cedar Lake for that weekend - third weekend in Sept.  !!!!  If you ain't fer it, then you must be agin it !!  Brothers, Sisters, Nieces, Nephews, let me have any ideas you may have. 

LOL
Betty Sue

P.S.  I wanted to post the "Rainbow Song" on FB for a couple of friends, but couldn't figure how to do it - so I'll post it here and direct them (Becky and Ed) to or web page.  Becky saw 3 rainbows yesterday and felt that it was a message that everything will be all right.  I felt the same when I saw this one a couple of years ago

Ok, time to change up the weekly goings on.  Do we ever really get ready for Christmas?  I don't, but Christmas seems to get ready for me in the kindnesses shown by people I meet, the flashbacks I have of Christmases past, and the reminders of what it is all about when I see what sacrifices people make to give something special to their loved ones at Christmas.

Late to my last Walmart gig this morning, I was welcomed by a Walmart Greeter who told me it was ok to be late today.  "Everything will be all right," she said as I hustled to my kiosk and dragged out my benefits summaries and my computer.  As I set up the table I heard Mom's voice like an echo.  How many times did she tell us that everything would be all right.  Hearing her words from the mouth of a compassionate acquantance,  I am comforted like a child.

Then I think of Daddy, bringing home goodies from the VFW.  I crave the sticky chocolate drops and the hard candy always found at the bottom of those bags.  I remember how he helped us crack the walnuts.  I also remember Daddy showing me my Christmas present early when I was home sick from school (didn't that happen to every one of us?).  Can you remember the mischief in his smile and the sparkle in his eyes?  Can you remember how Mom pretended to disapprove, but couldn't keep the smile from her face either. 

Dear Sibs, Family and Friends -- please share your favorite Christmas memories -- or anything else you have on your minds.

Posted with Love by Kathy Gail

Merry Christmas to Family and Friends!!!   It's warm and sunny here in NC - doesn't feel like December at all - but that's ok.  Last year we had enough snow and cold weather to last a long time.

This entry will serve as our space for comments of your choice for the upcoming week.  What's going on in your life?  What are your plans for Christmas holidays?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Let us resolve to keep the spirit of Christmas in our lives throughout the year.  Let us honor and cherish it and spread that feeling, that light, that love and caring to all we meet.  I think it comes naturally to the Collins Clan anyway,  but I know that I sometimes need a gentle reminder.

Twas the night before Christmas when all thru the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a MOUSE!  Below is a picture of the "Christmas Eve Mice" that I mailed to Uncle Pat and Ol Bob.  Just talked to Uncle Pat - some of them didn't make it in one piece - he said they looked more like elephants - But they tasted good!

The heartbreak of losing two of the miniatures (mother and baby) two weeks ago today, has given way to joy as we watch the remaining mother and baby play in the sunshine.  It's a great Christmas present for all of the Browns on Roy Tritt Road ........ , especally for Nola.  Zeke has named the baby Jumper! 

Let me know if you like our new web design.  I'd like to find a black and white picture of all the siblings - or maybe take a recent one and convert it to black and white for the page banner.  What do you think?

This entry will also serve as our: Subect of Your Choice for the coming week.

Posted:  Betty Sue

I have received word from Teresa that Terry's mom has been admitted to the hospital at Indian Path.  She has lost the ability to swallow.  Hospice has been called in.  The Colliers need our prayers at this time.

Teresa, please keep us informed.

Posted:  Betty Sue