Janine Musser

I have never considered myself a “real writer.” Mainly, I write letters and grants. 

As a letter writer I have long appreciated pouring my love onto paper and sending it to friends and
family. As director of the Appalachian Heritage Alliance I have written many grant proposals to help our mission of serving the region through the Arts, arts education, and cultural events.

I am so grateful to the wonderful authors who have lead the AHA workshops and to each of the
participants around the table who have inspired me over the years. I am humbled and honored to sit around the table with such incredible writers.

My husband, David, and I raised two children and built a home in the beautiful Red River Gorge. In
1989, I was a founding member the Wolfe County Arts Association which later became the Appalachian Heritage Alliance.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Garden Grace

Let the bean push
the blossom away with its slender green tenderness


Let the eggplant
fill out its deep purple skin


Let the tomato cover
itself in bright red deliciousness


Let the banana pepper
hang like a shiny yellow ornament on its bush


Let the okra change
from a magnificent flower to a tasty burgundy stalk


Let the sweet potato
hide its orange goodness deep in the dirt

             
Let dinner grow
in the colorful canvas of the garden
             
And nurture our bodies and souls


Janine  Musser 
August 8 , 2012 at Crystal  Wilkinson’s workshop