21 Comments
User's avatar
Sarah McQuaid's avatar

What a wonderful story and song! Thank you so much, Jeni. And I’m sorry to hear about the cancelled tour — I hope all is ok with you and yours. Sending love. ❤️

India Flint's avatar

You write with such an open heart, Jeni. Bless.

Jeni Hankins's avatar

Thank you, India! I brought my February project on the train today, but then a little boy named Caleb made his mom sit across from me because he saw Stanley Bear. So, Caleb and I talked about his plush animal kitty for about twenty minutes and I ended up making her a cape and a bow! So, having my sewing with me turned out to be the best thing ever even though I did very little February project stitching!

India Flint's avatar

And you will live on forever in Caleb’s heart !!

26thAvenuePoet (Elizabeth)'s avatar

Jeni Jeni Jeni the maker! What a constant source of bemusement and delight you must have been to your teachers and your parents both, and what an all-the-enthusiasms-at-once astonishment you remain. Thank you for sharing this! Marilyn and Elvis are smiling and humming along, where they are now.

Jeni Hankins's avatar

This is the most beloved review of me as a human ever! I’m going to print this and read it whenever I need a hug. Thank you SO MUCh, Elizabeth the poet.

26thAvenuePoet (Elizabeth)'s avatar

Hugs from all of us to you and all of yours! 💛🌿

Simon Brooks's avatar

Love the photo of Dolly. Love the song. Love the story! Thanks for sharing!

Bootlegs are the best!

Jeni Hankins's avatar

Thank you, Simon!!

Sarah C Swett's avatar

Well who could resist any of that! I loved reading it all, and just signed up for Nash Yarn Fest at Home. You're such a treat.

Sarah C Swett's avatar

You’re already fabulous with audiences —and this one will be full of devoted yarn-crazed fans. How can it be anything but awesome? Plus—you’re in GREAT company.

Jeni Hankins's avatar

Oh! What fun! Thank you, Sarah! I’m glad to know you’ll be out there. I think I won’t panic as much about being worldwide (LOL) if I can focus on a few people I know are really on the other side of the interweb. ;-)

Gail Gibson's avatar

How I loved reading this, Jeni! And what memories it brought back of those old days of talking cult and culture. It's wonderful to be your fan now as your curiosity about all things quirky and full of wonder animates your journey. Sending hugs.

Jeni Hankins's avatar

I LOVED writing about us and you and the whole moment!! I never quite know which song I’m going to pick each month or whether I might write a new one the day before, but I’m glad this one put its hand up in the air. I was thinking back to how John and I once had a Marilyn Monroe themed February party to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday since MM was such a Lincoln nut. Huge hugs right back!

Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

We need more performance art from you! And I love your interest in fandom as a form or religious experience. I'm very excited about the livestream.

Jeni Hankins's avatar

So excited that you'll be tuning in! The livestream will have a teensy bit of performance art because I'll sing with my sewing machine!

Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

Oh that will be so fun!

Dissident Daughter's avatar

Elvis kissed my mother. She said she didn't like it. I don't believe her.

Jeni Hankins's avatar

AMAZING! This is the best.

John Copenhaver's avatar

Thanks for the shout-out, Jeni! I remember you writing and recording that song well! Sorry to hear you had to cancel your tour. I hope all is well.

Jeni Hankins's avatar

I've sent you a direct message! Really glad to link to you and hope others will discover what a great substack you have for writing techniques. I love reading it.