Evening of the Rain Crow

I heard the rain crow cooing
in the distance this evening,
as the sun sank crimson

and honking geese formed a wedge
behind the Shewbird Mountain.

He perches in barren oak
whose crisp leaves rustle golden
and brown to the frozen ground below.

I hear his shrill caw
resounding still through
chilled October quiet,

and know that by night
silver droplets will begin.
             --Brenda Kay Ledford

This poem first appeared in Appalachian Heritage Magazine.

During the early 1900's, farmers in the Blue Ridge Mountains had no radios, televisions, iPhones, computers, no modern technology, to listen to the weather forecast.  They depended upon the signs of nature including the rain crow or mourning dove cooing to predict rain. 

Healing Gardens

"Nature is but another name for health," said Thoreau.

Studies show that gardens can reduce stress and pain in less than three to five minutes!

This mural was painted by Hayesville High School art students at the Master Gardener's project in Hayesville, NC.  This little garden is located beside the "Clay County Progress," and may be missed by folks unless you "slow down and smell the roses," to enjoy this lovely garden.

This lovely fountain is located at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville, NC.  Elizabeth Rybecci and Father John Rice created the healing gardens at this sanctuary. 

This is a view of the entrance to the Good Shepherd Church.

One characteristic of a healing garden is a place to sit, relax, and pray.

Master Gardeners included birdhouses in their healing garden in Hayesville.

You'll also find a birdbath with birdhouses in this healing garden.

You may sit on a bench and savor the peace here.

Color and beauty are major characteristics of a healing garden.

The pathway at a healing garden needs to be accessible and somewhat meandering.

The kiss of the sun for pardon,

the song of the birds for mirth,

one is nearer to God's heart in a garden

than anywhere else on earth.

From "Garden Thoughts" by Dorothy Gurney

This is the steeple at Good Shepherd Church.

This little girl is located in the healing garden at Good Shepherd Church.

There's a garden glowing

with the light

of the Good Shepherd,

"tis the beautiful

Garden of Prayer.

Hardscapes such as statues fit with a healing garden.  This angel graces the garden at Good Shepherd Church in Hayesville, NC.

Healing Gardens blend soil and the soul.

Studies find that patients recover faster if they have a window view of nature.