Ceedy Kooker

Every morning I play a new song for Ivy. I love sharing my love of music with her and knew I must get a head start before her Daddy poisons her with his taste (I know I must be the only person that does not like Journey). But seriously, one day we were listening to Pink Floyd and he said how can you listen to this? It's painful. And I almost cried and then told him to never say that aloud in public.

But now I go and out him here. Ah well. We can laugh about it now. But I still sometimes cry about it inside.

Today's song was a tribute to what is in my blood, and now Ivy's. She's a true mountain girl.

My grandparents are from the hills of West Virginia. Just this past weekend my grandfather, whom I lovingly call my Poppal, came to see the baby for the first time. He has army "taptoos" (according to Carter) on his arms and a saying for absolutely every situation that only makes sense to him.

That'll make a tadpole slap a whale... I think this means something is really good. He's always saying he's busy stacking bbs or he's gonna take his marbles and go home.

Growing up we'd visit family in West Virginia and there was always a new cousin to meet that I'd never known about, and sometimes maybe even a new aunt popping up that no one had known about and it smelled there. Always felt old and like we were going back in time. Back then I just didn't understand that to my family, that was home.

Poppal's always called me his Ceedy Kooker. I don't know what that is, but it makes me feel special.

And so does this song.