HollyWritten By: Cora Parker
Small Town Girl
Let’s go back to a small town in North Carolina named Riegelwood. That is where it all began for me. I can remember my daddy planning a weekend of hunting. I would always invite myself to go even though it was meant for him and my brother. Daddy never told me no though.
The game lands we hunted were right down the road from my Mamaw’s house. We would always stop in to see her at some point on our trip. She would usually cook lunch or dinner for us. I always looked forward to her delicious potato salad!
I can remember her pulling me to the side multiple times and asking me if I wanted to stay with her. She hated the thought of me being in the woods. She don’t think girls should be hunting lol. I always nicely declined and headed back to the woods with my daddy and brother.
High School
When I was in high school, I remember thinking how different I was. While most girls were in dance and softball, I was in auto shop and agriculture. I was also in FFA and 4-H. I was usually the only girl or one of very few.
When I turned 16, I didn’t want a fancy little car. I wanted something four wheel drive that I could hunt out of. I also was determined to find a 5 speed and learn to drive it. Happy to say, I did just that! I got a 1988 Ford Bronco II and it was a manual. It may have been raggedy and old, but it was mine and I loved it!
I was Different
I always knew I was very different than all of the beautiful girls in my class. I had different interests so therefore I had very few female friends. Most of my friends were guys. While it would bother me from time to time that I didn’t fit in, I was proud of who I was!
I tell you all of this to bring you today and why I own the business that I do. I started “Girls with Hounds” for all of the girls and women out there who feel different. For the ladies who mind their own business and keep to themselves. For the ones who just simply enjoy hunting and running their dogs!
I wanted to finally meet other women who were like me. I knew I couldn’t be the only “different” one out there haha. Through GWH, I want young girls and women to know that there is nothing wrong with not being like everyone else. That it didn’t make them different, but it makes them unique! Embracing the uniqueness God gave us is what GWH is all about. Don’t ever be afraid to be who you are. Always be willing to embrace the real you! Check out www.girlswithhounds.com for stories about other women and men who live to hunt and live outdoors!
