landing softly with a trickle-trickle sound as it travels through the downspout to the ground
Birds perched in the trees, chirp and rejoice as mother earth also welcomes the fresh water to nourish her parched parts beneath the lush green grass.
A Rain Day … I’ll take it
We didn’t have snow days this winter not even one, the first ever in my 50+ years of living the Appalachian Mountains, this will have to do.
And I, like the birds, grass and trees, welcome the sounds with open ears and an open heart to be still and listen.
There’s an expression I’ve heard or read: “Wherever you find yourself, therein be content.”
Today I have found myself in my little corner room, window open to hear and enjoy the sounds from the rain and birds and experience the wind as it gently blows across my cheek.
Red Bird lands atop the garden and tomato stake to view the latest morsels below for a scrumptious breakfast,
Daffodils dot the bank of grass in shades of yellow; while forsythia makes a show
Atop the pond, on a slab of granite, an Angel rests, hand on cheek carefully watching over the fish and fauna below,
It’s an overcast day with clouds gathering the 17th day of March, St. Patrick’s Day, and the grass is green,
With no Winter to speak of in 2023 in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, one can’t help but wonder, if we will ever see snow again?
Grateful am I to have a computer and ability to gather my thoughts to articulate what is underneath,
Three years of COVID, Russia at war with Ukraine, Earthquakes in Turkey, Enormous amounts of Snow in the Northern USA, stories of water shortages to come associated with climate changes and a homeless population that continues to grow out of control, increased food, and gasoline prices. We recycle, plant trees, garden, have rain barrels to catch water from the roof to water the garden, pond as needed.
If we didn’t have faith, love, compassion, and a true sense of gratitude for those in our lives and those gifts provided to us by our Creator, we’d go mad.
This is why writing and recording the days, months, seasons or years helps me to put my life into perspective. This is why I am sharing a snippet of what’s good in my backyard and what I know about worldly events.
This piece may wind up in a time capsule at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church to be uncovered in another 100 years.
Know that I am Catholic, a member of St. Eugene’s Parish in Asheville, NC, God willing, I will be 63 in June, I am married to Steve Henry, the Facility Manager of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and my friend for more than 19 years. I have two children, Richard, and Alicia and three grandchildren, Grayson, Lincoln, and Saylor Marie. My parents are Bob and Peg Adams of Windsor Road, Asheville. My Dad is an amazing Golfer with 20 hole-in-ones, they are both 91+. I have four brothers, Michael, David, Mark, and Richard. My husband Steve has two brothers, Paul and David.
As I close this piece of history, I will add to my picturesque view of the backyard oasis to say that with the Red Bird, Cardinal, Mrs. Cardinal appeared along with a Squirrel, and a Titmouse who are all seeking the black sunflower seeds I placed in a birdfeeder which hangs from the pruned Cherry Tree.
May this snippet of one’s life on this day, St. Patrick’s Day 2023, and the times as I see them, find their way to the hands and hearts of loving Beings who are seeing a world better than what we are experiencing and/or predicted to see.
Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains where there is snowfall beginning in October, ususally the 31st and sometimes not ending until the first week of April.
Now 2023, and NO snow to speak of. I miss it!
I realized the unexpected ‘Snow Day that becomes a Holiday’ hasn’t happened.
No sledding. No hot chocolate.
No TRUE ‘snow music’ that comes from just listening to the snow fall and its heavenly crisp tingling sound as it falls gently on the leaves, branches and any cold surface.
No unexpected adventure to the highest peak to walk in virgin snow and capture photos, make snow angels, sled and snowball games.
Winter Slumber
When ALL get to genuinely rest and the body and mind are able to restore themselves with a new peaceful vigor.
When and where ART becomes the activity of the day, or making a delicious pot of Chicken Vegetable Soup. And, for someone special, their favorite chocolate brownies.
Winter Slumber
Silent
Necessary
Inventive
Restorative
Creative
Peaceful
Longing for this necessary cycle of life in the Appalachian Mountains
Called to Write 