Last Mule in the Holler

Creating art with your friends is a special gift we receive in this world.

We all think we have to go it alone for some reason. And, the most important lesson that collaboration proves to us is that with the time we’re given, the giving of ourselves—in our most vulnerable state: the creative process—is one of the most precious offerings we can hand over to another living soul.

And, in doing so, we find true meaning in the here and now—an ever-present reminder that we are not actually alone on this journey. That connection is why we write, why we seek to ask questions of life, why we seek other like-minded people who share that vision—and, why we play music together.

I have the honor of saying that I penned a few lines of this beautiful song, Last Mule in the Holler, that my friend, Montana Hobbs, wrote about her family’s mule, Red Rooster. Montana used to show gaited mules when she was growing up and by all accounts (her Daddy, Monte, told me) she was a showy, skilled rider in the ring and, well, we already know she is a badass with a banjo in her hands.

Montana’s way with words and her insight into life is one of the many reasons why I adore her heart.

Me and my friends, The Local Honeys, have been on a lot of adventures together. We have shared the stage, roamed the backroads and long highways, explored the deep woods of Kentucky, spilled our guts, and laughed until our sides hurt.

Their recent self-titled album is a gem among gems. I hope you listen to it and carry it with you on your travels down the road or simply through life.

You’ll find friends there within the beautiful arrangements and poetic lines of verse they’ve written and sing.

At some point, I’ll share a few photographs that I took during their recording session in Louisville (KY).

Enjoy—

x Anna