A Bold Creek Runs Through It

Taking leave from the intense summer heat and humidity along the coast where we live, we often travel to our cabin in the mountains. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, above a nice flowing creek, dotted by waterfalls and rhododendron plants, it has become my favorite escape. It is located on a densely wooded parcel, in a somewhat secluded area, just
outside of the quaint little town of Burnsville, N.C. This town has just the right amount of amenities to offer and alot of old time charm to go along with it. You will often spy local folks there pruning their well planted gardens or just sitting for a spell beneath the cool shade of their front porches. But they always take the time to wave a friendly hello to passersby.
The thing that I have come to enjoy the most about our visits there is that everything is low key! There is no t.v., no phone, no nintendo ds, and the nearest neighbor is about 1/4 mile away so it is quite peaceful. It seems as though we are living in a different era when we are there. We sit in our rockers on the porch listening to and enjoying the quietness. The only noises are provided by nature. Birds chirping, squirrels jumping from limb to limb high above and the tranquil sounds of the waterfall in the distance. Now this is how God intended life to be.....peaceful. The kids have a great time too! They play cards, boardgames and enjoy going on hikes through the woods and along the creekbed collecting shiny mica stones which glisten up to them from beneath the water. My husband and I also find more time to enjoy these things
as well as reading books and listening to the radio. The local station that we receive there only plays a mix of country, bluegrass, and old Christian hymns. I find it amusing, however, that they also broadcast a "Lost and Found" for pets...saying " Black dog wearing green collar found yesterday up by Old Pond road." And they have a "Yard sale" listing..."Hey folks there's Two Queen sized beds and a tractor for sale...call 555-2078." But my favorite is the radio Obituaries.
" Emma Sweeting passed to the good Lord yesterday in her home town of Micaville. She was 82 years old. A lifelong resident she worked at the Clips and Curls salon in town for 40 years. She enjoyed singing in the choir in church on Sundays and is survived by......"
I have to smile at the charm and simplicity of it all. Perhaps this is why when I find myself quite often in the middle of something tedious or frustrating at home...(You know the normal 15 loads of laundry, kids fighting over t.v. channels, and the phone ringing off of the hook)...I begin to long to return to our place in the mountains.


SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY
A cheerful heart is a good medicine
But a downcast spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs