Love is the big booming beat which covers up the noise of hate.
--Margaret Cho (b.1968) American Comedian.
I love the sound of a waterfall in spring when the water roars with full force. This is Laurel Fork Falls outside of Hampton, TN, a 55-foot beauty and one of the most popular hikes in our region. Click here for directions and information. Listen to the roar in this short video:
When you try to control everything, you enjoy nothing. Sometimes you just need to relax, breathe, let go and live in the moment.
--Unknown.
Above: The rain didn't stop people from enjoying autumn on the Virginia Creeper Trail. :) Leaves are near peak in the Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands area. I'll be posting more pics of my trip this week.
Here's a somewhat grainy and shaky 'hyperlapse' I took of driving through the Mt. Rogers Recreation Area. What a fun app! Hard to believe, but I was driving slowly (and yes, mom, safely) -- the app speeds everything up and stabilizes the final video as well. You can see that fall is progressing very nicely in southwest Virginia!
Oh Shenandoah, I long to see you, Away you rolling river. Oh Shenandoah, I long to see you, Away, I'm bound away, 'cross the wide Missouri.
--American Folk Song, "Oh Shenandoah"
This shot above of the Nolichucky River in Greene County, TN reminded me of the song and video below. The song is done A-Capella -- all the sounds you'll hear were performed by Peter Hollens. The origin of the song is unknown. It's said to date to at least the early 1800s - but was not published until the 1880s. It has been recorded and performed by such diverse and legendary singers as Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Harry Belafonte, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. More lyrics here. From the Library of Congress website:
"As unclear as is the song’s origin, so is the definitive interpretation
of its text. Some believe that the song refers to the river of the same
name. Others suggest that it is of Native American origin, for it tells
the tale of Sally, the daughter of the Indian Chief Shenandoah, who is
courted for seven years by a white Missouri river trader. Regardless of these textual discrepancies, 'Shenandoah' remains an American classic."
My crazy friend Peter at "Twin Tunnels" along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
"When you grow up you tend to get told the world is the way it is and
your life is just to live your life inside the world. Try not to bash
into the walls too much. Try to have a nice family life, have fun, save a
little money. That’s a very limited life. Life can be much broader once you
discover one simple fact, and that is - everything around you that you
call life, was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you
can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that
other people can use. The minute that you understand that you can poke life and actually
something will, you know if you push in, something will pop out the
other side, that you can change it, you can mold it. That’s maybe the
most important thing. It’s to shake off this erroneous notion that life
is there and you’re just gonna live in it, versus embrace it, change it,
improve it, make your mark upon it. I think that’s very important and however you learn that, once you
learn it, you’ll want to change life and make it better, cause it’s kind
of messed up, in a lot of ways. Once you learn that, you’ll never be
the same again."
--Steve Jobs (1955-2011) American entrepreneur and inventor.
Each July for the last 35 years, the Friends of Sycamore Shoals have entertained audiences and kept history alive with the performance of "Liberty!: The Saga of Sycamore Shoals." From their website: "Tennessee's official outdoor drama is presented against the backdrop of
Fort Watauga. See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men:
colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. These
settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the
Cherokee, defended their homes, and fought a British army at the epic
battle of King's Mountain." Local wedding photographer Michael Kaal and I set out to capture the event, taking 'behind the scenes' photos as well as many of the performance itself. Watch the video above to see our work. I was struck by the dedication and professionalism of the volunteer cast and crew. Their passion for our region's history and for liberty is infectious. It was great to see so many young people take part in the production of this kind. Thanks to everyone involved!
We should be astonished at the goodness of God, stunned that He should bother to call us by name, our mouths wide open at His love, bewildered that at this very moment we are standing on holy ground.
― Brennan Manning (1934-2013) American author and priest.
I was saddened yesterday to receive news of author Brennan Manning's passing. He is best known for "The Ragamuffin Gospel," a book filled with "good news for the bedraggled, beat-up, and burnt-out." I heard him speak at a conference a number of years ago and was struck by his unflinching honesty about his own struggles and brokenness. In all his books and talks, God's relentless grace, love and compassion for us was the theme. He wrote, “To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side I learn who I am and what God's grace means.” Rather than cowering in defeat, he reminded weary and bruised pilgrims that "In Love's service, only wounded soldiers can serve." “My deepest awareness of myself," he wrote, "is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn it or deserve it.” Rest in peace, Brennan.
When Harvey and Ruth Brooks met with their architect in 1949, their vision for their new house was a quaint cottage with a white picket fence. What they ended up building was a sprawling, ornate house, "a modern adaptation of an antebellum mansion… a classic example of Georgian Architecture." Upon his death in 1969, the mansion was left to the city of Kingsport along with many of its furnishings, twenty-five acres and numerous outbuildings. Two conditions were placed on the gift, that the city maintain the property as it was during their lives and that it be used for public benefit. Today, the property is used for a variety of public events and is available for private weddings.
Click on the thumbnail photos to enlarge. The first is of the entryway, the impressive staircase (the second image) and the exterior columns and portico were bought by Mr. and Mrs. Brooks in Knoxville and shipped to the building site. The third image is of the pink room (Bride's Bedroom) on the second floor.
Click here to visit the official website which contains more of the history of the mansion, photo galleries, and directions.
Here's a video tour of the mansion:
One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy.
--Elisabeth Elliot (b.1926) Christian author and speaker (click to read her daily devotions)
"Consider the Lilies"
Consider the lilies of the field,
How they grow, how they grow.
Consider the birds in the sky,
How they fly, how they fly.
He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky.
And He will feed those who trust Him,
And guide them with His eye.
Consider the sheep of His fold,
How they follow where He leads.
Though the path may wind across the mountains,
He knows the meadows where they feed.
He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky,
And He will feed those who trust Him,
And guide them with His eye.
Consider the sweet, tender children
Who must suffer on this earth.
The pains of all of them He carried
From the day of His birth.
He clothes the lilies of the field,
He feeds the lambs in His fold,
And He will heal those who trust Him,
And make their hearts as gold.
The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.
--Tommy Lasorda (b.1927) Former Major League baseball pitcher and manager
I was saddened to hear of the death of Ron Santo, who played third base for the Chicago Cubs from 1960-74. After what many regard as a Hall of Fame career with the Cubs (including nine All Star Games), he eventually moved on to broadcasting, calling the Cubs games with the same enthusiasm on radio as he showed on the field. Throughout his life and career, Santo struggled with diabetes, a condition he somehow managed to keep hidden from his teammates for most of his playing career. Later in life he would lose both legs to the disease. Throughout his ordeal, he never lost his passion for life or his love of baseball--his positive attitude, courage and determination inspired others with diabetes or other difficult conditions to never give up and to smile at life regardless of its struggles and sorrows. He was a hero to many both in and out of baseball -- and an inspiration to all of us whose lives he touched.
The above photo of me was taken by my dad at Wrigley Field in 1978.
Ron's son, Jeff, wrote and produced an inspiring video documentary of his dad entitled "This Old Cub" -- the trailer is below. Other web tributes to Santo are linked here and here.
Some favorite quotes from Coach John Wooden (1910-2010), the Hall of Fame UCLA basketball coach, revered by many as the greatest basketball coach ever -- who passed away yesterday at age 99. (Article here, inspiring speech by Coach Wooden here).
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
"Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability."
“It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”
“Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”
“The worst thing about new books is that they keep us from reading the old ones.”
“What you are as a person is far more important than what you are as a basketball player.”
"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."
"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail."
“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”
“If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.”
"Learn as if you were to live forever; live as if you were to die tomorrow."
"Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."
A good dog never dies. He always stays. He walks besides you on crisp autumn days when frost is on the fields and winter's drawing near. --Mary Carolyn Davies
Yesterday, my beloved dog Duke was put to sleep. This was very sudden and unexpected. On Wednesday, he was running and playing, on Friday he was paralyzed and in terrible pain -- and the prognosis was not good given how quickly and aggressively the paralysis was spreading. It was an awful decision to make. Duke was my best friend -- a constant companion for six years. If there's consolation it's that he lived a very full and happy life -- he took in more trails and beautiful vistas than most people I know. He always stayed on the trail and led the way. And when I stopped to take pictures, he stopped and patiently waited. He brought lots of joy to my life -- I'll miss our walks in the woods and curling up with him on the couch. He was so smart -- he knew lots of tricks and loved to put on a show for friends. Today, everything I see reminds me of him. The house is quiet and empty without him here. I know the hurt will one day heal, but I'll always cherish the memories of a dog named Duke.
More photos of Duke here, here, here, here and a picture of us together here. I'm grateful to my friend Lee who put together a wonderful slideshow of photos of Duke.
He clothes the lilies of the field, He feeds the lambs in His fold, And He will heal those who trust Him, And make their hearts as gold. --Roger Hoffman
Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil. --James Allen (1864-1912) British writer
She's an internet phenomenon and a singing sensation -- this plain, unassuming, quirky 47 year old woman who appeared before a cynical audience for the show 'Britain's Got Talent.' Nothing in Susan Boyle's initial appearance gave any indication of her extrordinary talent. I love this video of her powerful rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" from the musical "Les Miserables." It's funny, touching, suprising and inspirational. And a great reminder to us all to dream lofty dreams. (Above: Sunset at Watauga Lake in Carter County, TN)
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love. --Robert Robinson (1726-1790) Methodist pastor and hymnist
Kiner Creek Falls, Laurel Run Park, Church Hill, TN.
Not necessarily an Easter hymn, but it's the one that came to mind -- and it fits the photo for today. In a way, this is a song for Peter -- Whose heart, like ours, was prone to stray. Here's a very moving version of this beautiful hymn...
The Linn Cove Viaduct is the most recognized feature of the Blue Ridge Parkway and an icon of the Southern Appalachians. A twelve-year debate over what path the Parkway should take over and around Grandfather Mountain led to this curving, floating engineering marvel at mile 304 of the Parkway. Although construction of the Parkway was begun in 1935, its completion was slowed by World War II. During the 1950s and 60s, work on the Parkway resumed, but progress was slow. Finally in 1968 the entire 469 mile span was completed, except for a seven mile section around Grandfather. Hugh Morton, who had inherited the mountain in 1952, successfully argued that the Parkway should go around, rather than over, the majestic and environmentally sensitive Grandfather Mountain. The 'missing link' was completed and the entire Parkway finally dedicated on September 11, 1987, 52 years after groundbreaking. I've posted previous shots and directions here and here. Click here and here for more on the interesting history of this unique section of the Parkway. To really appreciate the Viaduct, I recommend parking at the Visitor's Center and then taking the Tanawha Trail that snakes its way underneath to get an up-close look at the engineering that went into this landmark.
Click here to read the history of the mountain from the Grandfather Mountain website.
Click here to check out "A View to Hugh," a website chronicling Hugh's photographic achievements.
Click here to visit a terrific site with numerous video interviews exploring Hugh's life (he passed away in 2006). I've linked to the page with video of a fascinating interview in which Hugh describes the fight to prevent the Blue Ridge Parkway from becoming a toll-road and from having it go over Grandfather Mountain.
Try to remember the kind of September When life was slow and oh so mellow Try to remember the kind of September When grass was green and grain was yellow Try to remember the kind of September When you were a tender and callow fellow Try to remember and if you remember Then follow, follow --Try to Remember, Lyrics by Tom Jones
If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive. --Eleanora Duse (1858-1924) Italian Actress
This quote got me singing "Simple Things" and digging through my CD collection to find Copland. Composer Aaron Copland borrowed the traditional Shaker melody in creating his quintessential American classic "Appalachian Spring." Click here to listen to an NPR discussion of Copland's masterpiece ('real' player required). And click here to watch a short 1981 video of Marilyn Horne performing "Simple Gifts" -- and you'll be singing it all day...
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, 'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd, To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd, To turn, turn will be our delight, Till by turning, turning we come round right.
It is our task in our time and in our generation, to hand down undiminished to those who come after us, as was handed down to us by those who went before, the natural wealth and beauty which is ours. --John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) 35th US President
Here's another shot of a great blue heron in front of the waterfall at the Elizabethton Covered Bridge taken from a slightly lower angle than the one I posted yesterday. I thought it lent itself to black and white -- and I couldn't help but keep the eye it's bright orange color. (Click photo to enlarge).
On a completely different note, I have my friend Andy to thank for introducing me to this cute and hilarious video. It gets my vote this Super Tuesday...
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.--Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) Minister and Civil-Rights Leader
Above: Grandfather Mountain, NC (click photo to enlarge)
When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.
For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost. When I'm feeling most ghost-like, it is your remembering me that helps remind me that I actually exist. When I'm feeling sad, it's my consolation. When I'm feeling happy, it's part of why I feel that way.
If you forget me, one of the ways I remember who I am will be gone. If you forget, part of who I am will be gone.
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." the good thief said from his cross (Luke 23:42). There are perhaps no more human words in all of Scripture, no prayer we can pray so well. --Frederick Buechner (American Author, 1926-2022)
We remember. And we carry Steven with us. His wide smile, his quick wit, his sweet and gentle spirit, his exuberance for life and love of nature, his faith and compassion -- all are remembered, and when remembered, he lives on in us. For those who knew him, Steven was unforgettable - and his mark upon us, indelible. Click here and here to watch video tributes. Here is my post from last year.
[The photo of Steven was taken by his friend Autumn Pruitt on Roan Mountain, October 2nd, 2005].
Click on the thumbnail photos to enlarge. The first is of the entryway, the impressive staircase (the second image) and the exterior columns and portico were bought by Mr. and Mrs. Brooks in Knoxville and shipped to the building site. The third image is of the pink room (Bride's Bedroom) on the second floor. 
A good dog never dies. He always stays. He walks besides you on crisp autumn days when frost is on the fields and winter's drawing near.
Duke was my best friend -- a constant companion for six years. If there's consolation it's that he lived a very full and happy life -- he took in more trails and beautiful vistas than most people I know. He always stayed on the trail and led the way. And when I stopped to take pictures, he stopped and patiently waited. He brought lots of joy to my life -- I'll miss our walks in the woods and curling up with him on the couch. He was so smart -- he knew lots of tricks and loved to put on a show for friends. Today, everything I see reminds me of him. The house is quiet and empty without him here. I know the hurt will one day heal, but I'll always cherish the memories of a dog named Duke.
Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Try to remember the kind of September
If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.
It is our task in our time and in our generation, to hand down undiminished to those who come after us, as was handed down to us by those who went before, the natural wealth and beauty which is ours.
