TumbleDweeeb

Emmitt Owens

  • Untitled

    I need no fortress for my safety,No ember’s glow to warm my bones,No guiding beacon through the darkness,I dance when thunder shakes the stones.I seek no proof to trust my knowing,No nods of praise to feel my worth,No final answers to life’s mysteries,From unknowns I extract new birth.My words flow honest, unfiltered,My actions stand without Read more

  • The Empty Creators: A Digital Mirage

    There’s a fascinating divide in today’s creator economy that rarely gets discussed openly: the gap between those who create and those who merely perform the identity of “creator.”   Real creators leave a trail of work behind them. Their digital footprint consists of actual creations—videos edited until 3 AM, photographs that required dozens of attempts, essays Read more

  • Appalachian Dialect Features

    The Appalachian dialect is a distinctive variety of American English spoken throughout the Appalachian Mountain region, spanning parts of states including West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, eastern Tennessee, northern Alabama, western North Carolina, southwestern Virginia, and parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Here are the key features of Appalachian dialect: Pronunciation Features– A-prefixing: Adding “a-” before verbs Read more

  • The Journey

    When you can stand tall in the face of failure,And see each setback as a chance to learn;When you can face your fears without wavering,Yet understand the wisdom in concern; When you can listen more than you are speaking,And find the truth in views you don’t embrace;When you can help another who is struggling,Without expecting Read more

  • Stolen Melody

       The late June sun was bearin’ down somethin’ fierce on the old wooden dock where Jessup Reed and I sat with our lines cast into the slow-movin’ waters of Paint Rock River in Jackson County. High above, a group of buzzards circled lazy-like against the clear blue sky, their dark wings spread wide as Read more

  • Buzzard Dust: From Ancient Folklore to Modern Understanding

    Introduction: The Mystique of Buzzard DustIn the rich tapestry of American folk traditions, few substances have acquired the peculiar mystique that surrounds “buzzard dust.” This enigmatic material—associated with turkey vultures (*Cathartes aura*) and black vultures (*Coragyps atratus*), collectively known as “buzzards” in many parts of the United States—represents a fascinating intersection of natural observation, medicinal Read more

  • Cokehead: Understanding The Metaphor

    Definition: A metaphorical term describing a person who exhibits the intense, compulsive behaviors associated with substance addiction, but directed toward creative pursuits. Like someone addicted to cocaine, a “cokehead of creativity” experiences euphoric highs during inspired creative periods, develops tolerance requiring increasingly intense creative experiences, suffers withdrawal when unable to create, and often sacrifices personal Read more

  • What Makes Traditions Important

    Traditions play a multifaceted role in human societies across cultures and throughout history. Here’s why they remain important: Cultural Identity and CohesionTraditions serve as anchors for cultural identity, giving people a sense of belonging and connection to their heritage. They create shared experiences that bind communities together through common practices, values, and celebrations. Whether it’s Read more

  • The Art of Posting Without Seeking Validation

    In the attention economy of social media, there exists a refreshing counterculture: posts that stand alone, unburdened by the implicit plea for approval. These posts break the unspoken contract of social platforms where content is currency and validation is payment. They represent a different approach to digital expression—one that values authenticity over affirmation. The Hallmarks Read more

  • Elements of Traditional Appalachian Folk Writing

    Traditional Appalachian folk writing has several distinctive characteristics that reflect the region’s unique cultural heritage and way of life: Oral Storytelling Roots– Stories passed down through generations before being written– Rhythmic, repetitive language patterns that aid memorization– Call-and-response elements and audience participation devices– “Jack tales” and other traditional story structures Authentic Regional Voice– Distinctive mountain Read more