Gourd Girls

by Priscilla Wilson

Gourd Girls is Priscilla Wilson's funny, open-hearted, and moving account of her 29-year journey into "the gourd life" with her partner, Janice Lymburner. It is the story of their struggle to learn about farming, to become artists, to make a living against all odds, to come out as a lesbian couple in a rural area and find their community of friends. Although the evolution of their unusual business provides the central story line, the themes of the book are numerous: long-term commitments and faithfulness, love of family and friends, the charm of the rural South, the healing power of nature, the meaning and function of art, and the wisdom of foolishness.

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Gracielou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Priscilla and her partner Janice are dear family friends. In fact they were the last to visit my mother and bring some of their whimsical gourd creations to share with her just weeks before she passed away. She adored them and supported them, their life and their work...as it should be.

Theirs is a touching story of the struggle to be gay in a small mountain community where minds are NOT always open and the roller coaster ride of starting and maintaining a business based entirely on their sweat, creativity and often their unique sense of humor. If you are ever in Cleveland Georgia you MUST stop by their shop to see some of the amazing things they've done with the versatile gourd including exquisite pottery cast from the gourd's beautiful and organic interior.

However, I digress. Filled with wisdom and sometimes wry observation, this book imparts to the reader in a very real and moving way that life is an adventure and true love and life-time partnerships are the right of all, regardless of the gender of the person you find yourself deeply in love with. I was moved to tears several times. I think you will be moved too.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful memoir of a lesbian couple exploring their relationship in 1970's northeast Georgia. Meanwhile, they give up their stable teaching jobs to make a living with creativity centered around gourds, yea that's right, gourds!!! Priscilla takes us through the losses of loved ones, financial struggles, and coming out of the closet with such grace. This is a self published lovely little book. We have a similar couple in our family; I will gift this book to them in hopes they can finally tell their parents and be released from these societal imposed limitations and fears.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilson's recounting of the "gourd life" is as sweet as it is inspiring. Her simple straightforward style reminds me of they way stories were told around the quilting frame or while shelling butterbeans when I was a girl. How she endured without bitterness mystifies me. Perhaps the power really is found in love.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pain we go through when hiding

This is an excellent book that talks about the pain LGBT's go through when they are afraid of exposing their. Congratulations on finally leaping over the fence.
Now, where can I get gourds and how do I dry them...in NYC?

[Bettycindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok. I got tired of all the agonizing about coming out.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!