Blue Ridge Poet

THE MESSENGER

2012-01-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

THE MESSENGER

On a cold winter morning,
a crimson cardinal perched
above Pepper’s dogloo, captured
my attention as tears

flowed down my face.
The messenger lifted
songs of, “Cheer, cheer, cheer,”
and brought hope

to my broken heart.
He assured me that
the cycle of life continues.
Then a dozen birds

landed in the apple tree
bowing over Pepper’s lot.
Males and females sang together:
“Keep the faith.”

PEPPER

June, 1996--December 28, 2011

A NEW YEAR CONSIDERED

2011-12-31T08:06:00.001-08:00

My friend, Ethelene Dyer Jones, e-mailed a beautiful New Year's poem. She gave me permission to share it on my blog.

A NEW YEAR CONSIDERED

Standing on the threshold of a new year
Poses questions with answers yet hidden:
If we are worriers we could fill with fear
For the pitfalls and obstacles unbidden
Lying within our way to be tackled,
Hidden scares frightening and ominous,
And faith under such duress is shackled,
When our God stands ready and luminous.

A new year considered brings to bear
Experiences of past years as guide:
We need to take each day of the year
As it comes, never cower or hide,
But go gallantly to face what may come,
Just resting in God's promises true,
Deriving the strength we need from
God's blessings which come daily anew.

When this New Year passes into aeons of time,
May we view it in retrospect as prime!
--Ethelene Dyer Jones

Ethelene Dyer Jones enjoys writing poetry. She's a columnist for "The News Observer," Blue Ridge, GA and "The Union Sentinel," Blairsville, GA. She has a book of poems co-authored with her son, Rev. Elton Keith Jones, titled: MOTHER AND CHILD REUNION.

Ethelene received the Georgia Governor's Award in the Humanities on Thursday, October, 6, 2011.

She resides in Milledgeville, GA. Ethelene has two grown children, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

I appreciate very much Ethelene sharing her lovely New Year's poem with us.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my blogger friends.

HAYESVILLE HOLIDAY TOUR

2011-12-13T12:24:00.001-08:00

The mountain town of Hayesville, NC is decked out with Christmas decorations on every street. Come with me for a holiday tour of my town.

This cute horse gives people rides in a cart around the Hayesville town square.

Miss Louise owns the Garden Shoppe. She sells flowers, gifts and bakes delicious bread and pastry. It's a beautiful shoppe.

Rob Tiger owns Chinquapins. It's a unique gift shop and he has a snack bar with the old-fashioned soda fountain. Chinquapins were like hickory nuts found in the mountains, but much smaller and black in color.

Cutworm Specialties is like a museum loaded with old-timey items from yesteryear. Cutworm Phillips was the owner of this place that used to be a country store. He was a colorful person, loved to laugh, tell stories, and was named Cutworm because he played football at Hayesville High School and would cut across the field with the football. His daughter, Mrs. Judie Greenstone owns and operates the shop now. In the back of the shop, her son remakes autos.

The Best L'IL Ice Cream Parlor serves burgers, sandwiches, and delicious ice cream. It's a step back in time at this place. Antiques from the 1940's line the walls of this unique shop.

The beautiful rock church, Truett Memorial First Baptist Church, sits on a hill and overlooks the town of Hayesville. The church was named after Dr. George W. Truett, a world-renown Southern Baptist minister who pastored the First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. He was born in Hayesville, NC and grew up here on a farm.

I wish my blogger friends a blessed Christmas and joyful New Year. Jesus is the reason for the season!

CLAY COUNTY SHERIFF'S CHRISTMAS DINNER

2011-12-03T10:06:00.001-08:00

Blanche L. Ledford receives a warm welcome from Clay County, NC Sheriff Vic Davis to his Christmas dinner held for senior citizens at the Hayesville High School cafeteria on Saturday, December 3. A large crowd attended and enjoyed turkey, dressing and all the fixings. Several singers entertained folks with carols and Christmas songs. It was a beautiful, sunny day and a great gathering for the community that put folks into the holiday spirit.

Mrs. Linda Davis, Sheriff Davis' wife, greeted folks and served food to senior citizens.

Officer Fred Davis and Keith Mills served plates of food to senior citizens.

The staff from the Clay County Sheriff's Office served up turkey, dressing and the fixings.

Santa's little helper served delicious cake to folks.

Diane Crowder entertained the crowd with carols and Christmas songs.

Jimmy and Johnny Hogsed sang gospel songs at the Christmas dinner.

A crowd of senior citizens attended the Clay County Sheriff's Christmas dinner and enjoyed the wonderful food.