Wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then (Bob Seger, Against The Wind) Not easy being 15 and not easy being a parent of a 15 year old son or daughter… I wasn’t big on advice, I think we all have to live it for ourselves….I just had a lot of hope and faith they’d come through relatively unscathed….every age has its difficulties and is character building….even old age, the final chapter. Looking back on all the earlier chapters helps you fill in the jigsaw but you’ll never see it completed. All the sad pieces are there to teach us and give us perspective and I think the happy pieces, if any, are there just to encourage us to keep going and give us hope.
What sweet pictures of your 15-year-old self, Jeni -- looking so much like the woman she'll grow into. I have a hard time thinking about who I was at 15 without crying a little. She was baffled and wistful about girl-things, that girl! But she was writing poems and charming the socks off her English teachers without trying to, and she got me here, and I love her for that.
Thank you for sharing your stories and your songs with us. What a gift you are.
I like to imagine that our fifteen year old selves could meet up and be the best of friends, writing poetry and songs, and making our English teachers proud. We'd weave friendship bracelets and take our bears for picnics. We'd sweep the churchyards together and speak to the birds.
Oh, and PS - I just found a little collection (2001) of James Still’s poems from various sources that I had not seen before! Called “From the Mountain, From the Valley.” There’s a fun autobiographical essay at the beginning. Anyway, I ordered it from a used book place, and when I opened the copy it was autographed! 👏🎉 How’s that for one of those unexpected gifts?!
Ah, Jeni! This reminds me so much of me and two friends in high school. I am sending it to both of them because they will love it! So glad you decided to share this song!🩵🩵
Thank you so much for sending this song to your friends, Carol. I'm glad it reminded you of times with them. And that's exciting to hear about your finding the James Still poems. I'm going to look for it too! And what a beautiful surprise that it was autographed!
Hi Jeni , Thanks for sharing with us ! Letters from old friends has become a rare treat. And the pictures was sweet ! Like how i remember you. I can't imagine how it would be , living over there in England. Its nice that you have included that in your life. I'm kinda jealous !!
You're the best, Daniel. I'm so glad that we met all those years ago and that we keep in touch. Our long lasting friendship means so much to me. I do love living in England. But I'm also enjoying Nashville right now and the chance to sit on the front porch of my house and watch the neighbors go by with their dogs and babies.
I love this, Jenni. And yes, teen girls today are smart as whips and so savvy. And I think it is still hard for them to not focus on their looks and boys and all the rest. I call my 13-year-old granddaughter a force of nature, and she is--but she also struggles emotionally at times.
Thank you, Charlotte. And thank you for letting me know about your granddaughter. What teens today are facing with so much information coming through screens must be overwhelming. I remember how places like the library and the card catalog were so grounding for me and made me feel safe and good. I feel a bit lucky that the only screen I knew back then was the TV. I got my first PC in Freshman year of college. I'm so glad she has you as her grandmother. You are such a star and so affirming in your view of life and creating. LOVE to you and Chip, and the plushies, and all there with you.
Oh Jeni what a beautiful post and song. I remember 15 well, I had just started my first job after leaving school early. Then my parents up and moved us to a fishing community from our friendly small village. Hated it and couldn’t wait to leave, but took until I was late 30s to do so. When I used to listen to At 17 by Janis Ian it reminded me of those times as does your song. But I made it through and now decades later I think ‘well it made me who I am and I’m glad’
Thank you SO MUCH! Yes, when I look back I wonder how I ever came out of such a strange time, too. But we did! Good for you and good for the songs like 17 that inspired us.
Wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then (Bob Seger, Against The Wind) Not easy being 15 and not easy being a parent of a 15 year old son or daughter… I wasn’t big on advice, I think we all have to live it for ourselves….I just had a lot of hope and faith they’d come through relatively unscathed….every age has its difficulties and is character building….even old age, the final chapter. Looking back on all the earlier chapters helps you fill in the jigsaw but you’ll never see it completed. All the sad pieces are there to teach us and give us perspective and I think the happy pieces, if any, are there just to encourage us to keep going and give us hope.
Great article and great song Jeni.
Loved the story and really enjoyed the song. Some great lines: "your glamorous disguise"...and that last stanza - wow.
What sweet pictures of your 15-year-old self, Jeni -- looking so much like the woman she'll grow into. I have a hard time thinking about who I was at 15 without crying a little. She was baffled and wistful about girl-things, that girl! But she was writing poems and charming the socks off her English teachers without trying to, and she got me here, and I love her for that.
Thank you for sharing your stories and your songs with us. What a gift you are.
I like to imagine that our fifteen year old selves could meet up and be the best of friends, writing poetry and songs, and making our English teachers proud. We'd weave friendship bracelets and take our bears for picnics. We'd sweep the churchyards together and speak to the birds.
💛💛
Oh, and PS - I just found a little collection (2001) of James Still’s poems from various sources that I had not seen before! Called “From the Mountain, From the Valley.” There’s a fun autobiographical essay at the beginning. Anyway, I ordered it from a used book place, and when I opened the copy it was autographed! 👏🎉 How’s that for one of those unexpected gifts?!
Ah, Jeni! This reminds me so much of me and two friends in high school. I am sending it to both of them because they will love it! So glad you decided to share this song!🩵🩵
Thank you so much for sending this song to your friends, Carol. I'm glad it reminded you of times with them. And that's exciting to hear about your finding the James Still poems. I'm going to look for it too! And what a beautiful surprise that it was autographed!
…songwriting that cuts to the quick….
Thank you, India. xoxo
As usual you have given me goose bumps. Beautiful song and beautiful essay. ❤️
Thank you, Tina!
Hi Jeni , Thanks for sharing with us ! Letters from old friends has become a rare treat. And the pictures was sweet ! Like how i remember you. I can't imagine how it would be , living over there in England. Its nice that you have included that in your life. I'm kinda jealous !!
You're the best, Daniel. I'm so glad that we met all those years ago and that we keep in touch. Our long lasting friendship means so much to me. I do love living in England. But I'm also enjoying Nashville right now and the chance to sit on the front porch of my house and watch the neighbors go by with their dogs and babies.
I love this, Jenni. And yes, teen girls today are smart as whips and so savvy. And I think it is still hard for them to not focus on their looks and boys and all the rest. I call my 13-year-old granddaughter a force of nature, and she is--but she also struggles emotionally at times.
Thank you, Charlotte. And thank you for letting me know about your granddaughter. What teens today are facing with so much information coming through screens must be overwhelming. I remember how places like the library and the card catalog were so grounding for me and made me feel safe and good. I feel a bit lucky that the only screen I knew back then was the TV. I got my first PC in Freshman year of college. I'm so glad she has you as her grandmother. You are such a star and so affirming in your view of life and creating. LOVE to you and Chip, and the plushies, and all there with you.
So much LOVE to you and all of yours! I can't wait to see you on the livestream next weekend!
When I was rehearsing today, I thought about how you’ll be watching on Saturday and that made me smile so much!
Oh I love that!!!
Oh Jeni what a beautiful post and song. I remember 15 well, I had just started my first job after leaving school early. Then my parents up and moved us to a fishing community from our friendly small village. Hated it and couldn’t wait to leave, but took until I was late 30s to do so. When I used to listen to At 17 by Janis Ian it reminded me of those times as does your song. But I made it through and now decades later I think ‘well it made me who I am and I’m glad’
Thank you SO MUCH! Yes, when I look back I wonder how I ever came out of such a strange time, too. But we did! Good for you and good for the songs like 17 that inspired us.
Beautiful post as always, Jeni. Sending love.
Thank you very much for listening, Sarah. Love right back to you.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️