Cabin Fever

Pool at Kings River Falls

After a long spell of temperatures in the single digits and wind speeds in the double digits, we woke up Sunday morning to sunshine and mild temps! Cabin Fever had hit us hard the last two weeks. To make it worse, we had spent the last week cleaning and arranging (again!) the basement. This is a job we do once a year when the 'to do' list demands it. Jack put up another set of shelves, and I filled them. Finally, we can see some real progress. Of course, the throw away/give away stuff outside the door is still there. It makes no sense whatsoever, but it seems like we have been working on that basement ever since we moved in seven years ago!

So, we escaped for the day to one of the most beautiful places I have seen in a while--Kings River Falls, part of the system of state "natural areas". It is maintained by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. (It is nice to see our tax dollars working here!) It has been on our list of places to go for some time, and we will definitely be back in the summer. It is located in Madison County and takes about an hour from our house to drive across Cave Mountain to the little community of Boston, where we turn on to county roads for the rest of the way. The drive was pleasant and we were in no hurry.

We were fascinated with the rock formations, the beautiful turquoise pool below the falls, the falls themselves, and the witch hazel bushes blooming along the edge of the water. The trail followed a fenced in pasture with an old farm house on the far side. In one corner of the pasture was a family cemetery, surrounded by an iron pipe fence, and a very large barn that looked as if it could come crashing down any minute. This was all on private land and, therefore, off limits. I noticed some signs of work in progress that makes one hopeful that the farmstead will be restored, at least in part.

I could imagine the old farm in better days. Summertime--cows grazing in the field, chickens scratching around the barnyard, the farmer calling to his mules as he plows the large garden near the house, his wife hanging out the week's washing--she catches the sweet scent of lilacs blooming near the fence. In the distance, a gently wind blows through the trees, and there is the ever present sound of rushing water as the river makes it way over large and small boulders on it way through the mountains. And, maybe, there is the happy sound of children playing in one of the many river pools glad for the freedom of summer. Down the road we saw an old school house--Dripping Springs, 1921, says the sign still hanging over the door.

No doubt the pastoral life on the farm as I envisioned it, was often wrought with sadness and hard times. The cemetery testifies to that. But, on this day, in 2009, I can imagine all was well, as it as with us when we made our way along the river trail.

"The days that make us happy make us wise." John Masefield

The Best Christmas Season Ever

Through a child's eyes

There are certain Christmases past that stand out in my mind. Like the year Santa brought my 'Toni' doll and a wardrobe of doll clothes exactly like the ones he left for me! I was about 6 years old. Mother must have spent hours at the sewing machine sewing the matching dresses--some with detailed embroidery on the skirts. She told me Mrs. Claus did it! As a teen, I remember the first Christmas gift I received from a boy--a pearl bracelet. I remember the beautiful wrapping that told me it was from a certain jewelry store in town, and therefore something special inside. I still have that bracelet--and the guy who gave it to me!

The Christmas of 2008 was another special Christmas and full of blessings. Early on I knew it was to be a very busy one, and my prayer was for safety and joy for my family and friends throughout this season. I also asked for a joyful spirit for myself as I prepared and participated in all the festivities. It was a precious Christmas gift that the Lord gave us. From the lights of Silver Dollar City and the Branson Belle Showboat to the special 'Journey On the Mountain" with church friends, and the four different family celebrations (ending with a New Year's wedding), it is a Christmas memory to cherish. Even the weather worked out perfectly with the warm, sunny winter days for celebrations coming between the fierce, icy storms that moved through these mountains intermittently throughout the month of December.

Our special joy was seeing the spirit of Christmas through the eyes of an excited little boy and his parents, (who forgot that Santa didn't bring everything fully assembled!) Jack Henry didn't know any better. Watching Daddy and Pops frantically put his toys together on Christmas morning was part of the fun!

Our family had much to celebrate this year--good health or a respite from health problems, new jobs, a promising future with a new wife, the expectations of the arrival of a new baby, the hope for a new adventure, a continuing contentment and peace, and the happiness of being together once more as we celebrated a holiday on the mountain. Our cup runneth over!

We know all these things are so fragile, and that thought makes them the more precious as we look forward to a new year that may or may not bring the best of news. But we know 'the peace that passeth all understanding will guard our hearts and minds'. And we are confident that 'He knows the plans He has for us..to give us a future and a hope'.

Rejoice in the Lord always!...Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4,6-7

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on me, and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29: 11-12

And one more--

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power...Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

Sharing Boxley Favorites

Sharing Boxley Favorites Cookbook

Speaking of "the heavens", (see previous entry) our Ladies Ministry at Boxley Baptist Church is excited to announce the publication of our newest cookbook, SHARING BOXLEY FAVORITES. It is a collection of recipes by some of the "best cooks along the Upper Buffalo River".

And that's not all! Scattered throughout the book are photos and art work by professional and amateur artists in the area. The cover picture is by Tim Ernst a well-known nature photographer who lives on Cave Mountain. Other contributors (everyone, by the way, gave us permission for publication without charge) include Alice Andrews, Don Kitz,artists, and Ed Porter, Don Nelms, and Michael Dougherty, professional photographers who live and and work in the area. Other pictures are by members of the church.

You will also find a history with photos of the church and Boxley Valley.

It is truly a treasure for all who live or visit the Buffalo National River area.

For information on how to purchase a copy email me , Camille.

Price is $15 plus $5 mailing.
All proceeds go the the Ladies Of Purpose for mission projects throughout the year.

December Gifts

December Mountain Sunrise

I am again inspired by Ruth's Advent devotions--

These are the words of Zachariah, father of John the Baptist, at John's birth as he proclaimed the coming messiah.

"God's sunrise will break upon us, shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace." Luke 1:78-79

Many of us rise before the sun does, (and if you live in a rural area such as ours, most people do.) They either have a long drive to work, or they farm and have to "get up with the chickens" literally! In talking with friends this week, I have heard several comments on the spectacular sunrises of late. Jack and I have thought the same thing and so, this morning, after Jack drove off to work, I stepped out on the porch, braved the cold winds, and snapped the picture you see above. I told Jack as we drank our first cup of coffee in bed this morning, it would be nice to build a house so that the bedroom window is facing the east. What a wonderful way to wake up each morning watching the sunrise. It can't help but improve one's outlook for the day, nor can one help but praise God for such a beautiful gift each morning!

We moved from a house in the woods to a house on the mountain. It is still an awe-inspiring experience to observe the blazing oranges and reds of a sunrise, the azure blue noonday sky scattered with puffs of white clouds, the fading pinks and purples of the sunset, or the ominous dark gray storm clouds rolling in from the west. Even the vapor trails of silver jets traveling across the "wild blue yonder" are impressive! We named our long driveway up to our house "Blue Sky Road" because one has the feeling of traveling through the sky as the road winds its way to the top.

The weatherman can explain the scientific reasons for these occurrences each day, but no doubt God gave us sunrises and sunsets and a glorious sky as a gift to enjoy and help us remember his omnipotent power over the universe. My picture file of the heavens, as seen from below, continues to grow.

The holiday season is upon us, and there is so much to do. My prayer each morning for myself is -- "Dear Lord, Open my heart to the gifts of this day." I hope it will be yours too.

.

Ready For The Season?

Molly is ready for the season

We had a delightful Thanksgiving holiday--blessings galore! Great travel weather, fun with the grandson, wonderful cabin guests. And, for all that, and much more, we are very thankful. However, most of the time we don't get all the leftover turkey eaten before we are in the middle of "holiday anxiety"--planning, shopping, cooking, decorating (My! I am getting anxious just thinking about all the things I must do!) I was in that sort of mood as we traveled back home on Friday.

Yesterday, Sunday, was a good day to regroup. We attended church at Boxley in light snow. It continued to snow most of the day (I am now looking out the window at snow-covered mountains). In the afternoon, a dear friend, Ruth, stopped by to give me a gift--something she said I would want before Christmas. It is an Advent booklet of daily devotionals--one for each day of the Advent, along with a small candle encircled by a wreath. These are her original writings bound in a little book. What a treasured gift!

I will quote from her introduction:

"The Advent means 'coming' and is symbolic of Christ's coming to earth as a baby, His coming and presence in the believer's heart today, and His coming again in power and glory. This advent wreath is a reminder of God's unending love for us and of the gift of everlasting life that He gave us through His Son Jesus Christ. The candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and is to be lit as each devotion is being read. The Advent season begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (November 30, 2008) and goes through Christmas Eve."

No matter how hectic the day promises to be, I will begin each morning of this Advent season with the reading of her devotional for the day, and the lighting of the Advent candle. It is my hope that you will do your own version of this. And, may it make your holiday season one of joy and love.

Prayer for Sunday, November 30--

Dear God, as we begin the Advent season, teach us the true meaning of Christmas. Each time we light the candle, help us to think about the mercy shown to us, and help us as we look at the lighted candle to "lighten up" and stop needing "perfection" in our lives. Amen

Ruth Moore

Something Told the Wild Geese

Snow Geese

Something told the wild geese

It was time to fly--

Summer sun was on their wings,

Winter in their cry.

Jack and I happened to be on the porch when we heard the cry of wild geese flying overhead. Looking up, we saw the "V" formation as they made their way south, ahead of what was to be a major storm. All night the winds howled at the windows. We had already prepared for winter weather by moving all signs of summer out of the yard and off the porch. Still, a few things bumped and squeaked most of the night. The rains blasted the windows and doors despite an 10 foot porch overhang. We later learned the wind speed got up to 60 mph. I can imagine the jet stream coming right over our house!

Sure enough, the next morning all signs of early fall had disappeared! The brilliant gold, red, and orange leaves had flown south with the geese! What few leaves were still on the trees were brown and falling. That's okay. It is time. This is a transition time preparing us for the winter that is just around the corner, or over the mountain, or still up north. Already, the weatherman teases us with "chances of snow" predictions. We get excited, knowing all the time it won't be but a dusting. And, hoping it doesn't turn into an ice storm.

I love this time of year. Probably because it is my birth month. I can always count on a first winter blast about this time. The woolly worms are out. I have seen solid black ones as well as those with a brown band around the midsection. Never figured out which is a sign of a hard winter. Another harbinger of a hard winter is the persimmon. If there is a "shovel" inside it means lots of winter snows. This is a banner year for persimmons, and I have heard you can find most anything--fork, spoon, knife, whatever! inside. I haven't really looked, but I did eat some that were really tasty!

If fogs in August are any indication of a harsh weather, as some old timers tell us, we are in for one bad winter! I didn't count them, but there were quite a few very foggy days and nights in August. Something that isn't too common. The fogs have been discussed at the feed store since August!

Most everyone around here has a favorite way to predict the coming winter weather. One that makes sense to me is the one about gauging the harshness of winter by watching how high the neighbors' stack their supply of firewood. It makes one want to go out and cut more wood! Just in case.

What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord...When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings...For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory...What joy for those who trust in you. Psalm 84:5,6,11,12

And A Good Time Was Had By All!

Cave Mountain Road

There is an air of excitement in the mountains this time of the year. The colors are glorious! A main topic of discussion is whether the colors have "peaked" and how do they compare with last year's. Who cares! We don't complain! The temperatures range from cool in the morning to "just right" in the middle of the day. It is a great time to do anything in the mountains!

I was in Jasper this week, and the little mountain town was bustling with visitors and locals. I stopped by Emma's Museum of Junk (by far the best little antique store anywhere!). I am on a mission to rid our house of clutter and "stuff". Emma needs "stuff" to sell in her store. We both agreed it was nice to let go of things now and then. But, it is hard to do. These are little treasures that I fell in love with through the years as I shopped little places similar to Emma's. When we moved to the mountains, those things were packed away in boxes and they have just taken up space in the basement for seven years. I hope Emma's customers will love these old and nostalgic things as I once did and take them home to enjoy. Emma and I agreed on a price, and soon my "stuff" will be on her shelves. She has a way of displaying items that make you want to take them home. I just hope I don't walk in her store some day and purchase some of the same items I sold her!

The same day we took Mother out to eat at one of her favorite little restaurants, The Boardwalk Cafe. They serve only organic foods, most is locally grown, even the buffalo burgers and elk sausage (all meat is farm raised, not wild).

Joseph, the owner, was happy with the business they were getting throughout the week. We both wished for several months of fall weather that brings out the tourists. We ordered our favorite winter meal, Janet's Cajun gumbo. The couple are originally from New Orleans, and the seasonings reflect that!

Saturday was a good day to do some yard work. I always leave some plants standing for the wildlife in winter, but some of the grass had to go! Got one bed done with two more to go! For another day, no doubt! It was a good day all around with the Hogs winning and the cabins full of nice folks who came to enjoy the Ozarks.

We capped off the weekend with a hike to Hawksbill Crag up on Cave Mountain. I really prefer to call it by the name most locals use--Whitaker Point. We went with a group of friends from church and packed a picnic lunch. There were about 15 of us--all ages, from 3 to 63! Lots of fun, even though this was not your "quiet walk through the deep woods" sort of hike. Seems like everyone else had the same idea. This is probably one of the most publicized scenic areas anywhere in the Ozarks, and people come from everywhere to view it, especially when it is clothed in fall colors. We even met a group from Japan! This was our third time to hike there--only about 2 miles round trip--not too strenuous, but hold on to the little ones as they near the bluff line.

Today, it's back to school for Jack, and back to the cabin business for me. Looks like another beautiful week to be living in the Ozarks, or anywhere you live for that matter. It is especially a good one for me. I am having a birthday on Friday, and I plan to celebrate all week!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16