For bells are the voice of the church;
They have tones that touch and search
The hearts of young and old.
Bell at Buffalo Mountain Camp, Washington Co., TN
Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.
--Thomas Merton (1915-1968) Author and Monk
The Founding Fathers established a nation under God, ruled not by arbitrary decrees of kings or the whims of entrenched elites but by the consent of the governed. Theirs was the vision of a striving, God-fearing, self-reliant people living in the sunlight of justice and breathing the bracing air of liberty.
--Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) 40th President of the United States, who would have been 99 years old today.
To see a similar shot that I took last year, click here.
Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.
--Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Roman Catholic saint
Another photo from beautiful Rock Creek Park in Erwin, TN.
Directions: From I-26 take the Erwin Main Street Exit (#36), at the end of the ramp turn east towards town and you will immediately arrive at a stop light. Turn right onto Rt. 107 and drive 1/2 mile, turn left at stop light onto Rock Creek Road (Rt. 395) -- continue on for 3.1 miles, turn left at entrance to Rock Creek Park.
There are obviously two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.
--James Truslow Adams (1878-1949) American writer and historian
Above: Rock Creek in Unicoi County, TN.
I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.
--Nelson Mandela (b.1918) South African anti-apartheid activist who was jailed for 27 years; Following his release, Mandela was elected President of South Africa. He relieved the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Above: Rock Creek Road outside of Erwin, TN.
Look at life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror.
--Byrd Baggett, motivational speaker
Stopped along an I-26 ramp to get this shot of Unaka Mountain this past weekend.
Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity.
--Plato (428-348 BC) Ancient Greek Philosopher
Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
--Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Roman Catholic saint
Covered Bridge at Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens, Unicoi, TN.
[The Christian message is that] “no ground is more holy, no work more sacred, no life more worthy than any other. Every moment, every place and every interaction is sacred and holy, infused with the Spirit’s presence."
--Rev. Davida Foy Crabtree (b.1944)
Sitting on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
I'm just sitting on the dock of the bay
Wasting time
--Otis Redding (1941-1967) American soul singer. This well known song was recorded just three days before the airplane crash that took the life of the "King of Soul" at age 26.
Above: Blue Heron sittin' on the dock on a rainy day at Warrior's Path State Park, Kingsport, TN
