Where I’m From #20

By Aly Leavitt

Inspired by George Ella Lyon

I am from diet coke bottles hidden in the closet

From powdered hostess donuts and the big shop truck that drove us to get both from 7-11 after Saturday morning chores.

I am from the tallest house on the block with the colorful walls

and the furniture that never stayed in the same spot for too long, because you can rearrange your furniture when you can't rearrange your life.

I am from the plum tree that filled the air with its natural sweet perfume

whose fruit gave us the perfect quick juicy bite mid horseback rides.

I am from John Steinbeck's "The Pearl" readings that went over our heads at the time, and the old sail boat that sat in the garage that served as our favorite spot to hide

From Gertrude and Virgina

and from hard workers that stood in the lines of the great depression and pulled yourself up by your bootstraps attitude.

From a father who gave up countless hours to others, only to leave his own family too soon. I am from three long hours of church every Sunday morning and reminders after leaving that I am a child of God, and don’t worry about finding a perfect husband.

From homemade wheat bread and grandma's crisp sugar cookies

From my dad massaging my mom's feet from his hospital bed

And from early morning breakfasts at the pantry, best pancakes in Los Angeles!

From an engraved Book of Mormon on my 8th birthday

I am from the moments, from birdy and eagle in the backyard , from ABC donuts, from annual Disneyland passes, from long road trips through the hot Arizona desert.

I am from diet coke and powdered hostess donuts.

I am from the Tommy’s on rampart.

From Saturday matinees at The Avenues

I am from Boyd and Barbara.

Where to find Alyson:

Website: https://www.alysonshelton.com

Substack: https://whereimfrom.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byalysonshelton/