Today being St Patrick’s Day I just had to post something green. The Great Blue herons are often seen quietly stalking the shallow waters looking for a fish to nab. You don’t really know excitement until you’re crossing a footbridge and a huge dinosaur sized bird with a six foot wingspan nearly knocks you into the water. However, when not buzzing about the heads of unsuspecting pedestrians they are quiet and graceful. They always bring me sense of peace and I love just sit and watch them wade the shore. They were a bit of a rare sight in the 70s and still considered endangered. We’ve got one that walks our property in the summer. I hear it call more than I see it. But just knowing it’s around somewhere gives me sense of peace.
Tag: Appalachian mountains
The First Bloom
I was so excited to see this when I pulled into the lot at my day job that I almost forgot to go clock in.
I’ve been waiting for this sight since November 2017. Life is returning to my world! I know it just a Bradford Pear and that we still expect some more snow but this simple little flower made me smile. 😀
False Petroglyphs Of Summerville Lake
When I was a kid I was fascinated by petroglyphs. Being of the Indiana Jones generation, I wanted to be the one who cracked the code and uncovered ancient secrets. I just knew that there had to be a golden idol at the bottom of a cave close by. I would study the markings on the cliff and I could even see the hunters stalking some strange dinosaur. (Left side of the image behind the small bush. ) This had to be a map! Right? There’s a pod of dolphins in the center. And strange symbols throughout the whole thing!
The unfortunate thing about gaining knowledge is the loss of the adventure. What we see here is pretty common in my area. Painted Sandstone. The stone was formed when different colored mud ( in laymen terms ) came together and mixed, then turned to stone. The result was these wonderful patterns in the canyon wall of Summersville Lake that resemble some prehistoric record. There’s other spots like this and even some real petroglyphs but I haven’t found one that is as realistic as the one here. If you find yourself in the Summerville Lake area the best way to see them is by boat.
The Memory Of A River
From foundation of the world I came forth. Yes, I know the voice of God Almighty.
I remember the time before your ancestors came. And the time before those who first walked here.
As the ages passed this bounty was my joy to provide. My purpose in creation was providence.
I remember your laughter along my shores.
I know the names of every young boy who laid aside his responsibly to draw a fish from my waters.
I remember when your young maidens played and danced here.
I have worked without rest to deliver the boat and it’s cargo. My strength is yours to command.
I remember your struggles and the days when brother killed brother.
I remember the hard times when you had very little money and yet so much joy.
Today, I weep with you for I remember the things which you have forgotten.
Perhaps, if you can just put away your little black gazing box for a little while. Put it back in your pocket and pull the wires from your ears.
Gaze on my shores instead. Listen to the songs of birds and insects in the day. And, the frogs and crickets by night.
Do your legs remember running? Can you still feel the joy of racing the wind along my shores?
The melting ice will soon give way to a blanket of moss.
The warm sun will awaken the bloom and color will return.
Awaken yourself. Return to me. Come and play in my waters.
I am the River.
A Promise
Every storm should end with a rainbow. The Bible says that God gave us the rainbow as a sign that he would never flood the entire world again. When times get dark and stressful we should look for the promise that things are not going to be tough forever. The storms will eventually pass.
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