joan medlicott: the pied piper of covington
by julie parker

Once upon a time, in the mythical town of Covington in the mountains of Western North Carolina, somewhat north of Asheville, three women “of a certain age” embark on an adventure at an age when they thought all adventure was behind them. Amelia, Grace, and Hannah had been simply passing time until they died in a graceless boarding house “up north”, when Amelia inherited an old farmhouse in the tiny township of Covington. (Covington is close to Mars Hill, which I am quite certain is not mythical, as I live there). On a lark, Amelia convinces Grace and Hannah to head south with her to take a look at the property before selling it. What follows in The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love by Joan Medlicott has sparked five sequels, countless study groups, and has inspired many women to make drastic changes in their lives. What tune has this piper been playing that has caught the imagination of so many women? It is the melody of friendship, of deeply valuing other women in their lives, and of ultimately assigning far greater value to themselves. The books offer a model for co-habitation in a world where women are aging, families are separated, and financial futures are uncertain.

As the story unfolds, Amelia, Grace, and Hannah decide to pool their resources and renovate the old house, then set up housekeeping together, as three independent and yet interdependent women. Their plan was that they would age gracefully in each other’s company, caring for each other when care was needed, until the end. However, not only the old farmhouse, but also their spirits undergo a complete renovation (renovation=to be reborn). Beginning as little more than acquaintances thrown together by circumstance, their friendship grows richer and deeper while they simultaneously re-discover themselves. They find new energy and enthusiasm to continue to grow themselves, to find new interests, and to develop new talents. They uncover deep wells of internal resources to nourish themselves. The internal nourishment is complemented by opening to friendships with each other that are committed relationships—a kind of ‘til-death-do-us-part among friends.

And does everyone live happily every after? Well, yes…and no. Challenges arise, of course. This isn’t really a fairy tale.
What about handsome princes? Do any show up? As a matter of fact, yes. And yet, not even handsome princes overshadow the value these women place on the role the other women have in their lives. There was no “now she is going to be okay as the handsome prince has arrived.”

The three women find friendship in unexpected places. Age, gender, background, sexual preference—none of these are barriers to rich and fulfilling relationships. They discover a new sense of ‘beloved community’ and an abiding love of the spirit of place.

Amelia, Grace, and Hannah break through their boundaries — boundaries imposed by society, by their children, and by their own fears and limited thinking. Joan Medlicott reminds us that a woman of any age can find new joy, new talent, and new discoveries—everyday for the rest of her life.

The Ladies series is about women creating their own happy endings—prince, or no prince. A toast to the ladies, and to finding and celebrating the Amelia, Grace, and Hannah within ourselves!

Note from Ed. We will be visiting Joan Medlicott’s career as an author in our April issue Women Minding Their Own Business.
I was adamant, you see, that there be NO RECIPES in WNC WOMAN. "This is not your mamma’s ladies magazine", I said. "NO!" I said. Then I realized what fun it would be to break my own boundary, so here…da dum, da dum! …is our first recipe! No, we are not going to have recipes as a regular feature. NO! Well, no, at least I don’t think so. But they will pop up from time to time in unexpected places. This bizarre-sounding recipe from the pages of the Ladies series Joan swears is delicious.

[If anyone else wants to send us a bizarre-sounding recipe they swear is delicious, go ahead…we might just surprise ourselves and print it.] Ed.
[Vegetarians-close your eyes!]

MEATBALLS AND PRUNES
ground beef – round or sirloin1 egg (for every 1 ½ lbs. of beef)Seasoned breadcrumbs as needed1 box of pitted prunes1 can of original tomato PASTE1 or 2 onions choppedSeasoning for meat1 quart of waterOlive oilShould make 8-10 meatballs, depending on the size of the ball. In a blender or a bowl add water, then tomato paste and blend until well mixed. Pour mixture into a deep pot (whatever you use for stew). Sauté onions in olive oil. Remove and drain them, then add to pot. Put meat in a bowl and crack the egg into it. Work egg into the meat with a fork or your hands. (You may have to sprinkle some bread crumbs into the meat mixture if it is not holding well. Go careful here because you will use crumbs on the exterior after you form the meatball.) Form round balls of meat in your hand and insert a prune into each ball. Be sure prune is surrounded with meat and not visible. In your hand, sprinkle bread crumbs, as needed, to hold meat ball together. Usually you end up with a meatball slightly coated in crumbs. Heat a skillet and add olive oil. When hot, brown meatballs quickly on all sides. Remove and drain. Add meatballs to pot along with the rest of the prunes. If you need more liquid, add water to cover the meatballs. Season to taste. Cover pot ( I use tin foil under the cover to make a good seal.) Bring to a boil. Then, reduce to medium heat for approximately 30 minutes (bubbling slightly). Lower heat again, keep covered and cook for approximately 60 minutes. Uncover. Bring back to boil for 30 minutes or less. You need to watch it because the gravy will become nice and thick. (Without adding flour or anything at all!) Caveat: If you let the mixture cook too long it will fry out and burn the bottom of the pot.

(Grace prefers it with rice, Amelia with noodles, and Hannah with potatoes.)

Julie Parker is the editor of WNC WOMAN and owner of handwovenwebs.com.