I wonder if this hoot gibson fellow is a real person? How could anybody know as much and done as much as he has? Besides that he sounds like a real hillbilly. No offence-just wondering.

-- Wilma Jones (Wilma@duco.com), August 01, 2000

Answers

I am sure Hoot is for real, as for knowing so much and having done so much, perhaps he is a real hillbilly and therefore that knowledge and experience would be self-explanatory!

-- Doreen (livinginskin@yahoo.com), August 01, 2000.

Ditto Doreen. LONG LIVE HOOT ! or as the Swede's say " I hope you live to be one hundred " Keep those memories alive, Hootster

-- Hoot's Friend (Joel681@webtv.net), August 01, 2000.

Wilma, I guess you don't get out much..no offence...should Hoot be a neurosurgeon,nuclear physicist,college professor,or of that ilk in order to have credibility????"A real hillbilly"...hmmmmm...there are many folks whom I have met in my lifetime who know as much and have done as much...I am humbled to listen to Hoot, learn from him and like him.....God bless...

-- Lesley (martchas@gateway.net), August 01, 2000.

According to Hoots own testimony, he was a policeman, and, if I remember correctly, a chief of police, for many years. And I think he likes to put on that country accent, just like some Scottish writers like to use the Gaelic. It gives the flavor. And I do enjoy his stories!

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), August 01, 2000.

I sure hope Hoot is a real person!! The world needs many more interesting, knowledgeable and entertaining people like him. Keep the stories coming, Hoot! I sure enjoy them.

-- Patti (trigger@mcn.net), August 01, 2000.

Wilma, you sound like a person I have know for over 35 years! She has told me how to raise my family--she has none!!!!!!!! She has told me how to run my businesses over the years --she has never owned one-- always punched a clock for someone else! I have done more in one week of my life as a Mother, foster Mother, Grandmother, wife, business owner, volunteer, homesteader--(the list could go on forever) than this self centered person, who thinks she is "Queen", will do in her life time!!!! Hoot, has more class as a "hillbilly" than you/ or you would not have posted what you did/ is my feelings--which don't amount to 2 cents--- but Hoot is part of "our family"! That is who he is!!!!! And Praise God he is here & has done what he has & knows what he knows & is willing to share with us! Sonda in Ks.

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), August 01, 2000.

Speaking as a person of the So. Illinois white trash persuasion .... (couldn't call us hillbillies after we moved here from KY 'cause there weren't no REAL hills...)

I believe Hoot mentioned that he is getting to the antique stage himself, and everyone knows how valuable antiques are!! Are you a city girl, Miss Wilma? Back in Hoot's day, and even in mine, at least in some families - country kids grew up being useful. Yeah, I had ballet lessons and played tennis - but I also helped in the garden and was in 4-H - where I learned how to do useful things like cook, sew and raise my own food. I also learned how to do a lot of other things because Mom wasn't about to PAY somebody to do something we could do. I watched my Mom and I watched my Dad and I watched my aunts and uncles and husbands and friends and I learned to do what they could do (maybe just not as well!!) I've done a LOT of different things in my short years on the planet - and listened to my Pop and other kin talk about all the stuff they've done. And when the work was done - well, we knew how to kick up our heels and have some fun. And we didn't need a bunch of fancy stuff to have fun either. Hillbillies?? I reckon so!

-- Polly (tigger@moultrie.com), August 01, 2000.

Wilma --your e-mail came back as no such e-mail address! So who are you????????????????????? Sonda in Ks

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), August 01, 2000.

I certainly haven't been on forum long,but I have an opinion on Hoot!He is A++++ in my book.I like him a bunch-am glad to have "met" him. God's richest blessings, ~~~Tracy~~~

-- Tracy Jo Neff (tntneff@ifriendly.com), August 01, 2000.

Great answers gals!!! Couldn't have responded better. I think Wilma got a bunch of us "hillbillys" backs up. Also from Kentucky Polly, and darned proud of it also. Keep the stories comin Hoot, there great!

-- Annie (mistletoe@earthlink.net), August 01, 2000.

Wow! I leave the puter for a few hours and find i'm a know it all. Thanks Wilma Jones! Nope, I don't know it all but everything I've written about is the truth and have actually donw all I've accused myself of. LOL. I AM a big old hillbilly for sure. I DO have a legit email address listed on here. I DO exist---just like I said. I'm sorry I don't know it all--if I did I'd gladly share with all these precious friends that Almighty God has given to me. He's the reason I write--He's the reason I share and He's the reason I'm still alive. Praise His Holy Name. I'm actually living on borrowed time and don't know how much more I really have. That's another reason I post so much. In case He calls--I want my brain to be empty of the stuff I've gathered over the years. After all, life is to share with friends and yes, even people that we may not really care a whole lot about. I hate nobody and am not mad at anybody. I do respect your convictions but would've liked you to use a valid email addy. If you're still not convinced that I'm who I say---email me and I'll actually post my real snail mail address. I've nothing to hide. For all my friends on here--I thank you from the bottom of my old bypassed heart for all the kind things you've said about me but I'm nothing special--just an ordinary man trying to live life as Almighty God wants me to. My prayer is to not let Him down. Thanks everybody. Old hoot 'hillbilly' gibson. Matt. 24:44

-- hoot 'know it all' gibson (hoot@pcinetwork.com), August 01, 2000.

Hoot,that makes you special. God bless you and keep you, In His love, ~~~Tracy~~~

-- Tracy Jo Neff (tntneff@ifriendly.com), August 01, 2000.

Just stoppin in for a few words in defense of Hoot. Wilma, who put the bee in ur bonnet girl? Get a life. Quit your whinin. If ya'll don lik it, don reed it.

God bless and long live Hoot!

-- john leake (natlivent@pcpros.net), August 01, 2000.

Mr. Hoot, do not allow yourself to cut your self short. You have provided a lamp to this soul, with your recollections. It was ointment, balm. I have to leave it with that.

-- Church Fan (h@ndwaver.com), August 01, 2000.

Email is crobbr1@bellsouth.net. I take my physical life in my hands at real email, oh, what the hell! Mr. Hoot, email me, let me know on forum if you have difficulty. some others have. Blinking stupid computers. My heart pulsates for a good car mechanic. My Story, and I am Sticking.

-- Church Fan (h@ndwaver.com), August 01, 2000.

Dear Hoot: You represent the soul of America. Keep up those wonderful stories. We need them for they show us what the media wants us to forget that our country is filled with folks who have real substance, who love their families, and who show loyalty from one generation to another and that real faith in a Real God is NOT dead. Keep praying and keep talking and keep sharing. God Bless. P.S. Besides I am older than you are so think young.!!!!!!!

-- Norma Lucas (trooper806@webtv.net), August 01, 2000.

Wilma, I'm NOT going to jump down your throat about this. I did have one private email from Hoot a long time ago now, in circumstances that would convince me (chatty - no big thing) if the picture I see here didn't already do so. Hoot is "just country folks" - done a bit more some ways than some of us have, but then most of have, one way or another. Definitely a "Bible bashing" Christian - but then so are my family - I'm convinced there. Next biggest thing is that he's lived long enough to see and do a lot, under a range of conditions, and to learn how to tell it as an interesting story - happens country folk tend to do a wider variety of things in the course of their daily lives than city folks, too. Nothing uncommon there either, if you take the time to talk to people who've lived a while.

Which brings me to my question - I've formed the opinion that maybe you're not quite as... ummm... I could get myself in trouble here, from both sides - oh, heck with it - mature as some here. Nothing wrong with being young, mind you - it's correctable, and even I learnt better, a bit, eventually, but - how old are you? No offence- just wondering.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), August 02, 2000.

Wilma, amazing, isn't it? But truly, people have lived just like Hoot describes it! Life is grand...and I wish I could do half the things he talks about!

When my grandparents were alive, they did everything! They made all their own stuff. My grandpa was a self-taught (imagine! no college degree or anything) engineer. He made jewelry, archery equipment, his own food (!) and I won't bore you with the rest. He just made up his mind to figure it out and he did it! My grandmother made her own clothes, knit, crocheted and tatted enough to convince banks to lend her $ to run her own business. On top of that, she taught school, had her own dance band (grandpa played pedal steel guitar) and got her Master's degree in music (would have been a concert pianist but had kids instead..stayed home.)This was all during the Depression! My great aunt was one of the first women in the US to get her pilot's license...before Amelia Earhart! She also wrote and published books. My mom was state tennis champion in a couple of states. She also taught school. I could go on, but nobody would read it or care!

We have settled into this idea that we can't really accomplish so much, OR ELSE we have become accustomed to a much easier lifestyle: TEEVEE and and other vicarious experiences....

Try to see how much you can do in one month, one year, or ? You will absolutely amaze yourself! It's great. Write it down so you don't forget to give yourself all the credit.

Sorry if this is long. Humans have given up on their species!

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), August 02, 2000.

Not much I can add, except to say God has indeed blessed hoot with a heart for people and a will to share his awesome faith! He inspires me! Thanks, hoot gibson, stay the course!! Wendy

-- Wendy@GraceAcres (wjl7@hotmail.com), August 02, 2000.

If you learn something every day---and it is not a hard thing to do-- you will be surprised at the useful skill you have accumulated. I am GLAD that others in this forum choose to share what they have learned with others. Hoot, you just keep on sharing; I enjoy your stuff, and it has the good ring of authenticity to it.

-- Leann Banta (thelionandlamb@hotmail.com), August 02, 2000.

I have to comment on the "hillbilly" discussion. I was born and raised in West Virginia and of course still have that "hillbilly" accent. Once when I was in Tucson I had a woman ask me where I was from and when I told her she asked if folks in West Virginia still marry their cousins, brothers/sisters, etc. and if incest was still common. This was not a joke, she was serious.

One day when I first moved here, we were in the process of installing a inside toilet. A fellow who lives up the road (he is a CA native) stopped by and was watching us. He asked if this was the first time that we had ever had a inside toilet. (I guess he assumed that hillbillies didn't have toilets)

Country folks have always been stereotyped and probably always will. I decided years ago that country folks are plain, those that stereotype are plain stupid.

-- Marci (ajourend@libby.org), August 02, 2000.

Sonda and Polly, those responses seem a little harsh for someone who was just checking in re: who someone is...albeit not in the most polite way. Sheepish, your answer was kind and made the point. Frankly Sonda, I don't use my real e-mail address either (see the other privacy posts) because I don't want flaming god-fearing letters from anyone.

-- Anne (HT@HM.com), August 02, 2000.

I have alot of respect and admiration for those who not only have the years behind them but have alot of experience and wisdom. The reason I say that is some people may have the years but haven't learned a thing. I rank Hoot right at the top of my favorite posts to read! He is for real. I suggested my husband ask Hoot about a few things he was interested in and I thought Hoot would know about. Hoot would have never recognized the name as he had never been to the forum before. Well Hoot gave him great advice and a willingness to help that my husband was very surprised at. Many thanks Hoot! You are an inspiration. Oh and Sheepish , I agree. You can learn to do just about anything if you determine to do it. Alot of people I know don't have the confidence that they can really do very much out of the ordinary. I guess too much dependence on modern conveniences.

-- Denise (jphammock@msn.com), August 02, 2000.

You don't have t be a senior citizen to have had many experiences or to have gained wisdon. This month is my 48th birthday, and I could relate as much or more than Hoot. They wouldn't be the warm wonderful memory filled experiences, but experiences none the less- mostly in the city. It's not fun having someone question you, (calling you a liar or exaggerator) Some of the people I have met....A street singer named John, a 74 year old man that rides his bicycle across the country, a couple from Australia, all interesting with their own stories. If you keep you eyes and ears open, you'll have your own stories to tell. And as far as being a hillbilly, I'm a Hoosier hillbilly, what's better than that? Wilma, you might as well live while you're alive.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), August 02, 2000.

I'm just glad Hoot's a hillbilly with a computer. Having him on here is the next best thing to having him living next door. (I sure wish he lived next door!!)

Keep writing Hoot!

Pauline in NC

-- Pauline Adderley (tworoosters_farm@altavista.com), August 02, 2000.

I want to say a couple of things. First of all, Hoot I think your great and I really appreciate you sharing your life experiences with us. There are many things you have to hand down to us young'ns. Thank you for your insites into life. They are truly a wonderful gift. My fifteen year old son is fascinated with the things you have written and would like to be able to e-mail you and chat, if you are interested. Second of all, does anyone else think that the reason that "Wilma" is so distrustful is because so many people today don't really live? People spen their time going from one entertainment venue to another, that they don't really experience life. We've shut ourselves up into cities, and for that matter into our houses, and we don't get out into the real world to experience anything. To me Wilma's post is just a scary example of the emptiness of people's hearts. People just can't grasp what they haven't experienced. I am working hard to give my children the kind of real living that Hoot share about in a world where that is rare indeed. One of the things we do is encourage our children to build relationships with people who have experience to offer them. My eldest son, who I mentioned above, has spent quite a bit of time being mentored by several Christian adult men who have had a strong effect upon his life. Just about a year and a half ago he was working with a man named Mr. Stanley. They had built quite a relationship, and my son worked with him often. On this particular day they were clearing brush in Mr.Stanley's Orchard. His wife showed up with lunch and when they went to find Mr. Stanley, he had died of a heart attack. My son still has things that Mr. Stanley gave him. He will never forget that relationship. He will never forget How he could see Christ in Mr. Stanley's heart. You see that is real life. My son matured as an individual from knowing that sweet christian man. My Son frequently also works for and helps out other elderly people in our area. They give him so many gifts that he will carry with him for a lifetime. People are like books, you never know what is contained within their pages until you open one up and begin to explore, and like books they have so much to teach. We send our children down to a school building and call them educated, but real education comes from life experience, and the people that cross your path.

Little Bit Farm

-- Little bit Farm (littlebit@calinet.com), August 02, 2000.

Just thought I would add my 2 cents worth in defense of our beloved Hoot. Wilma, I'm sure that Hoot is as real as they come, no plstic personality there. Just try reading and enjoying his pots like we do and just maybe you'll learn something about life.

Dear Uncle Hoot, you just keep on posting for your "family" here on the forum. Just reading your posts reminds me of my Dad, ( God Bless him and you too)!!!

Jim Tanner

-- Jim Tanner (tanner_jim@hotmail.com), August 02, 2000.

First of all hillbilly's come from all states ! We are born that way and can't change it .I think the world would be a better place with more of them .I'm also starting to think that some people with nothing better to do are trying to get are goat !It seems funny that within the last 2 weeks or so there have been a few post that have got us all upset , and they were posted by people we have never heard from before .Lets all consider the source .One last thing , all of you who don't use correct e-mail addresses please think about a yahoo or like account .I have gotten some very nice private e-mails that have made my day .Most of us only have positive things to say , so just give it a thought.

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), August 02, 2000.

some of the posts here were really quite harsh. I must admit Wilma's post was a bit inconsiderate of hoot's feelings and wasn't very polite. neither were some of the things said to her. i have heard it said in this forum that we are welcoming and tolerant of people. it's seems that we are tolerant of only those that are like us. isn't that what the outside word does to homesteaders? Let's be a little kinder around her. I have probably posted some dumb things on here before because of my lack of knowledge, i'm sure glad someone didn't take a bit out of my butt like the did poor wilma's.

-- Amber (ambrosia75_@hotmail.com), August 02, 2000.

LBF. I'd be most honored to receive emails from your son as well as anybody else that should want to email. If what I have in my old head can help somebody then I'll gladly share. We learn from seeing, doing and listening to others. I'm not real brilliant but I guess one doesn't really have to be to have something of value to others. So, if I can help anybody or just to share, loaf around a little then don't hesitate to email. Thanks to all. Matt. 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), August 02, 2000.

Heck, I always thought old Hoot was a lot like me until I started reading here what a great guy he is and now I'm not so sure we have anything in common.

-- Joe Cole (jcole@apha.com), August 02, 2000.

I am relatively new to the forum and just wish to say that this sort of intellectual salon-type converstation is what I've been looking for in my life. I thank Whoever's in charge for people of all ages and backgrounds to share the planet and my life with, because a painting of just one color gets boring pretty quickly (although I hear if you call it Modern Abstract, you can sell it for scads of $) To Hoot: You're who I wanna be when I grow up (I'm 31 now), although if you don't mind, I'll pass on the bypass (hopefully my veggie lifestyle will work as advertised!). Thanks for being you.

-- Soni Pitts (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), August 02, 2000.

Shhh. Marci. Dont let it get out about West Virginia. If people find out we have indoor plumbing and all of the other "pleasures of life" someone like Wilma may actually move here! Call us "hillbillies" all you want. We KNOW what life is really about. God Bless You, Hoot. I admire you as much as I do my daddy and all of his beautiful perspectives on life!

-- Terri Perry (tperry@stargate.com), August 02, 2000.

If Hoot's a hillbilly, I'd like to count myself amongst that number!!! You know, I really do love folks who affix labels on people they've never met. As to whether he's a real person or not, I surely do hope so -- the world needs more folks like him!!!!

-- Tracy (trimmer@westzone.com), August 02, 2000.

Wilma, if you are there, please say something!!!Stay around...share our other troubles, teach us what YOU know!

-- Anne (HT@HM.com), August 02, 2000.

Hoot "hillbilly" Gibson, thank you for letting Jesus light shine through!! I do so truelly appreciate it! Sonda in Ks.

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), August 03, 2000.

I just had to get in on the ACCOLADES ( a ceremonial embrace, an expression of praise, a mark of acknowledgment......) Oh what the heck WE LOVE YA HOOT !!!!!! And Wilma, SHAME ON YOU!

-- Bonnie (Josabo1@juno.com), August 03, 2000.

All I know is that I never want to get the countryside mad at me!

-- Deborah (ActuaryMom@hotmail.com), August 03, 2000.

All I know is that I really like Hoot! There should be more people out there like him. Bergere Appalachian Hillbilly And proud of it!!!!

-- Bergere (Autumnhaus@aol.com), August 03, 2000.

Three cheers for Hoot, and all those like him. You are all proof positive that it is possible to crowd a LOT of living in the time we are given, if we just get off of the couch and go for it.

-- Connie (Connie@lunehaven.com), August 04, 2000.

My Goodness! Don't we have a fine bunch of folks here? Hoot has been a mentor, as have Ima, Tracy, Cindy, Lesley, et al infinadum! (I'm sorry - I should have mentioned at least 20 others, but those just came to mind first - the sign of a "senior moment"). We all know something that others don't. And we share. That's what's great about this site. We all have fun! the Maineiac -

-- Brad (Homefixer@SacoRiver.net), August 04, 2000.

Patty, I just had a revelation after reading your post. You said we are hillbillys because we are born that way, we can't help it. I LOVE that. That explains my whole life. Thanks- and thanks to Hoot for being.

-- Peg (NW WI) (wildwoodfarms@hushmail.com), August 04, 2000.

To all my "forum family". I am humbled by all the good things said about me but please lets give the Praise to the ONE who is worthy. If it wasn't for Jesus Christ I wouldn't even be alive now. He has allowed me to continue on for awhile-although I don't understand why exactly. I did have a vision about 4 years ago but so far nothing has come of it-at least to my old brain. I'll share it for those that wonder if He still speaks to us. He wanted me to start a ministry of helps to start. In this helps ministry a Christian school for people who can't afford to pay, a home for mothers that want to keep their baby's vs. abortion and finally-later, a preachin ministry. I've already laid claim to some property but am waiting for the financing. He will provide when the time is right. I'm not posting this in anticipation of donations or offerings. It would be fine if you folks would offer prayer up on my behalf though. I'm supposed to finance the entire project. BTW- the name He gave me for the ministry---IN His Hands. Please don't put me above anybody-I'm nothing special at all. I'm still a hillbilly just unloadin my brain with stuff that may or may not help others. Lots of others on here a whole lot smarter than I am. I've emailed Steve and when he answers, I may have something to say about Wilma. I think I may know who HE is. Thanks folks. How about sweet tater pie? Matt. 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), August 05, 2000.

Hoot strikes me as being as real as someone who "listens and speaks in balance". Don't know how old or young he may be (doesn't matter). His yarns and views are timeless. I do think he "has been to the big gate a time or two" as the old timers would say. Hoot is a real as anyone else that comes here to the "electronic cracker barrel at the general store". If we only had interactive checkers at this site.

-- Jay Blair (jayblair678@yahoo.com), August 06, 2000.