"From" Kentucky

I have a confession to make: I have not always been proud to be a Kentuckian.  When asked about my home state, I simply replied with the following:


"I am not FROM Kentucky, I was simply born there."


The stereotypical statements about people from Kentucky made me angry and determined to ensure that I would never be saddled with the same identity.  I remember being in a theater when "Clueless" was released.  Cher (Alicia Silverstone) kisses the boy, and then states "Well, you know what happened next..." The scene cuts to a wedding, and Cher states "As if! I am only 16! And this is California, not Kentucky!"  That only solidified my determination to never be labeled a Kentuckian.

Age and maturity have a way of bringing new perspective to life.  As does meeting those who have pride in our home state.  Kentucky is a state with a proud heritage and a lot to offer. Why am I NOT proud to be a part of it?  In all honesty, it is because for a long time I didn't like myself.  I hid who I was and my true feelings.  I spent a lot of time trying to make those around me comfortable that I compromised my own heart.

No longer.  I have grown into an adult who is PROUD of who she is.  I am free thinking, opinionated, and happy.  I am confident enough in myself that stereotypes and misconceptions no longer bother me.  In addition, I have realized that I have spent so much time denying the heritage of my land that I don't know very much about it.

So, I have decided to set out to rectify that.  I had initially decided to start with my home area and work my way around.  However, research has led me to a much more fluid way to do it:

So, using this map as my guide, I am going to spend the next little bit learning as much as I can about each area.   First up tomorrow, the Western Lakes & Rivers.

And maybe, along the way, I will learn a little more about myself as well.