Author Description

Return to Appalachian Magic delves into the childhood of Janet Rice and her experiences in growing up on a farm that hugged the banks of a muddy river. Life in the 1940's was hard for the hill people and ?making do? was considered a way of life, along with the religion and the folklore that was mixed into the hill culture. The favorite gathering place was the kitchen table. Here, neighbors and family would discuss ghostly sightings, spells and curses. The local witches and fortune tellers were talked about in great detail and sometimes the talk became so frightening that fear spread in the room. Growing up in Appalachia involved a lot of hard work. There were chores that had to be done every day by young and old alike. In certain seasons, there was hog killing, making the potato hole to store potatoes for the winter, and smelling the sweet scent of apple butter in the fall. Through all of the seasons, there was a magical feeling that merged with everyday life. A feeling that is unique in the hills of Appalachia and where people had a gift that is called ?knowing?. Janet Rice took all of the magical knowledge and power that her ancestors bestowed upon her and along with her gift of ?knowing?, has become a nationally known Appalachian fortune teller.