AlexSandra Lett "Lett's Set a Spell"

Lett’s Sett a Spell:
Coming Home to my Country Heart

Growing up on a large farm in Buckhorn community, I resisted the daily chores and hard labor required to raise animals, grow produce, and harvest crops. Being labeled as a “day dreamer” at an early age—since the term “artsy” was not used by my family— I suffered the usual teasing thrust upon anyone different. I loved to write poetry and prose, and fantasized about becoming a dancer, singer, and actress. Even though I was a farm girl I didn’t like to get my hands dirty—in fact, I wore white gloves when I worked in tobacco to avoid that sticky stuff under my nails.

Folks decided “Sandy Lynn” was “quar” and I didn’t know that word was really queer until I went off to school, first at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst and later at UNC-Chapel Hill. When I started classes at Carolina in 1973—35 miles from home— I traveled 35 years ahead of time in Buckhorn. Mama (Ruby Lett) nagged me about staying away from the “the devil’s brew” and Daddy (Bud) warned me about not becoming one of those “hippies.”

In college I preferred long cotton dresses to faded jeans, drank herb tea instead of beer, embraced my creative spirit, and studied literature and journalism. As I pursued a career in newspapers, magazines, television, and public relations, folks back home accused me of being “above my raisin’.” My nephew Wayne decided one day that “Aunt Sandy” had become “educated beyond her intelligence,” and Uncle Gilbert shared this diagnosis with everyone in several counties.

During a mid-life reassessment I realized I had stifled the artist in me in favor of financial rewards. I left behind my communications company and “citified” trappings in Raleigh and retreated to a cabin in the woods to seek greater meaning and purpose in my life and work. Discovering a new voice as a writer with my nostalgia columns and books I moved back close to my family’s farm. Now I understand the strong values and simple pleasures that my parents enjoyed. I feel a sense of harmony in the country and am in tune with nature.

Living next to a pond reminds me of my childhood joys. One neighbors’ cow pasture borders my property and another’s horses graze in a nearby fence. I am surrounded by splendor … the richness of bountiful land and the comfort of caring neighbors. Each day I am grateful that I have found what Grandpa (Puzie Lett) called “the good life.” Finally I am at peace with the “mighty fine folks” of Buckhorn.

During the last holiday season I relished spending time with family and friends, and while I missed Mama and Daddy, I know they are free of earthly concerns. While Mama is directing the angels’ activities and Daddy is playing his “gui-tar” for Heaven’s best band their “quar” daughter is back in Buckhorn and still writing stories. I am following my artistic calling and honoring my deep roots. Yes, I have come home to my country heart.