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Since going on my latest photo rampage, I’ve been meaning to take a trip to the Levi Jackson State Park just outside of London, Ky. Then the London office needed help at their auction in Corbin yesterday so it provided the perfect opportunity – the best of both worlds. (And don’t forget...this is still the same weekend that I am forcing myself to take a break from stress :)).
Let me just tell you that the Grist Mill at the park is surrounded by fall beauty everywhere. Of course, everyone else had the same idea, families were everywhere taking pictures, but it was cool! It felt great just to walk around the water, taking pictures of the ducks, enjoying the moment and the beauty. The oranges, yellows and red were breath-taking. If I’d had the time, a book, and a warmer jacket…I could have sat for hours soaking up the peace. Yes, I probably took more pictures I needed but I was being my own boss.
As I walked around the pond to the grist mill, I came upon an unexpected surprise. I should have realized a grist mill requires water. But so many historical buildings are moved from their original locations to parks for preservation that I had no idea there was a mini falls ‘behind’ the mill. I kept hearing water but the pond was calm and the huge drain only had a little trickle. As I leaned over the railing edge, I could hardly believe my eyes. I know I gasped and then I was tickled pink. Wow! What a scene!! Colorful leaves, flowing water, old log building, mill stones, ducks…what more could a girl ask for? Not one thing!
The grist mill is now on my top ten list of Kentucky sites to photograph more often! I will definitely be back! (Just so you know, I didn’t have a top ten list until now! :))After lunch and quick stop for shopping at Catos, I was tired but satisfied with my day.
But photography is contagious. So, later, on my way to the youth center, I stopped by the cave near my home to try to capture it. Then later, as I had to run one of the boys to his house to pick up his skateboard (what skater leaves his skateboard at home? ), we took some pictures of the sunset and geese at Lake Linville!! Have I exceeded my photo quota for this weekend? Maybe but the one thing I do know is that to shoot again…I must download some pictures for sure!
Enjoy the beauty of each season…joy 2 u! “C”
Let me just tell you that the Grist Mill at the park is surrounded by fall beauty everywhere. Of course, everyone else had the same idea, families were everywhere taking pictures, but it was cool! It felt great just to walk around the water, taking pictures of the ducks, enjoying the moment and the beauty. The oranges, yellows and red were breath-taking. If I’d had the time, a book, and a warmer jacket…I could have sat for hours soaking up the peace. Yes, I probably took more pictures I needed but I was being my own boss.
As I walked around the pond to the grist mill, I came upon an unexpected surprise. I should have realized a grist mill requires water. But so many historical buildings are moved from their original locations to parks for preservation that I had no idea there was a mini falls ‘behind’ the mill. I kept hearing water but the pond was calm and the huge drain only had a little trickle. As I leaned over the railing edge, I could hardly believe my eyes. I know I gasped and then I was tickled pink. Wow! What a scene!! Colorful leaves, flowing water, old log building, mill stones, ducks…what more could a girl ask for? Not one thing!
The grist mill is now on my top ten list of Kentucky sites to photograph more often! I will definitely be back! (Just so you know, I didn’t have a top ten list until now! :))After lunch and quick stop for shopping at Catos, I was tired but satisfied with my day.
But photography is contagious. So, later, on my way to the youth center, I stopped by the cave near my home to try to capture it. Then later, as I had to run one of the boys to his house to pick up his skateboard (what skater leaves his skateboard at home? ), we took some pictures of the sunset and geese at Lake Linville!! Have I exceeded my photo quota for this weekend? Maybe but the one thing I do know is that to shoot again…I must download some pictures for sure!
Enjoy the beauty of each season…joy 2 u! “C”
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Clarissa
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The past few weeks have been so crazy hectic that I have felt like the puppy on the lake. From a distance, he looks like he is smoothly sailing along but take a look underneath the water…his little feet are moving and getting it! Joining up with the photography group, church conference, Bittersweet festival prep, fall auction season in full swing, auction training sessions, photo sessions, unexpected trips out of town, illness and, then, the loss of our Aunt Dorothy…my schedule (and my emotions) have been up and down like a roller coaster. Totally wore out even though there were some precious memories made and doors of opportunities opened. I don’t regret one moment BUT…there comes that final moment when you finally have to hold up your hand and shout “Stop!” Time-out! And that’s where I found myself Friday morning! I needed a break from all the pressures, responsibility and expectations. (I’m no energizer bunny!)
So I texted Jeanette and said do you work tonight? Let’s go to Chick-Fil-A, visit the new Christian bookstore and find Silver Creek Falls! As you know by now, my “twin” cousin is always up for good food and shopping. At 4:59 p.m., I was past ready to leave work! Finally, we were on our way. But plans changed… first, we stopped by Lake Reba to see if the leaves had changed yet. Nope, still ordinary there but we did find a heron and lots of ducks! Ducks everywhere! Then instead of Chick-Fil-A, we went to Outback for some aussie cheese fries dipped in ranch, warm bread smothered in butter, you get the picture.
Storms were on the horizon as we finished dinner but I was still hoping to find the Silver Creek falls before it got too dark. I had no idea what to expect but a visitor to my booth at the Bittersweet said they were a must-see, must-photograph site. Of course, I’ve been itching to find them. After several miles, I thought we had passed them, the road was getting more narrow and a little scary with the ominous storm clouds (felt like we were in a Twilight scene) when suddenly off to the right there they were. It was too muddy to pull in so Jeanette parked on the side of the road while I went through the mud (yes – through the mud!) to the falls. Although small, they are long and totally gorgeous with the day’s rains. Worth the trip and effort, in my opinion, but I definitely need to make a trip back in the daytime! I was a little nervous down there by myself when I had just been thinking of Twilight on our drive down…if you get my meaning!!
Mission accomplished – then back to Richmond where we shopped at the bookstore until closing time! Then a stop by Culver’s for a Custard Sundae topped with raspberries, raspberry sauce and whip cream. A fantastic way to end the evening!!
Take a moment for yourself this day… “C”
So I texted Jeanette and said do you work tonight? Let’s go to Chick-Fil-A, visit the new Christian bookstore and find Silver Creek Falls! As you know by now, my “twin” cousin is always up for good food and shopping. At 4:59 p.m., I was past ready to leave work! Finally, we were on our way. But plans changed… first, we stopped by Lake Reba to see if the leaves had changed yet. Nope, still ordinary there but we did find a heron and lots of ducks! Ducks everywhere! Then instead of Chick-Fil-A, we went to Outback for some aussie cheese fries dipped in ranch, warm bread smothered in butter, you get the picture.
Storms were on the horizon as we finished dinner but I was still hoping to find the Silver Creek falls before it got too dark. I had no idea what to expect but a visitor to my booth at the Bittersweet said they were a must-see, must-photograph site. Of course, I’ve been itching to find them. After several miles, I thought we had passed them, the road was getting more narrow and a little scary with the ominous storm clouds (felt like we were in a Twilight scene) when suddenly off to the right there they were. It was too muddy to pull in so Jeanette parked on the side of the road while I went through the mud (yes – through the mud!) to the falls. Although small, they are long and totally gorgeous with the day’s rains. Worth the trip and effort, in my opinion, but I definitely need to make a trip back in the daytime! I was a little nervous down there by myself when I had just been thinking of Twilight on our drive down…if you get my meaning!!
Mission accomplished – then back to Richmond where we shopped at the bookstore until closing time! Then a stop by Culver’s for a Custard Sundae topped with raspberries, raspberry sauce and whip cream. A fantastic way to end the evening!!
Take a moment for yourself this day… “C”
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Clarissa
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Since Kevin and Donna moved to North Carolina, it’s so hard to have one-on-one time with anyone person during visits whether in Kentucky or North Carolina. So, this past weekend, when Donna agreed to go with me to my basic photography class, I was pretty pumped! I figured it would be overwhelming based upon my experience the first few weeks. But I also know both Kevin and Donna enjoying taking pictures as much as I do even if they don’t have as much time what with jobs, home-schooling, and three boys.
Up early (a re-curing theme with this photography group), hitting the road, enjoying the trip between Danville and home. We had a good drive, talking about this and that. The Cedar Creek Lake was absolutely gorgeous with the sun peeping up but the lake and surrounding trees covered in fog and mist with the lone fisherman out in his boat. (No pictures – I was the driver.) We arrived in plenty of time to introduce Donna to my new friends, at the least the ones I knew as there were so many new faces in the group.
When Alan used his white studio walls as a chalk board, I think we were all shocked. But he just kept on instructing and writing! He is an awesome teacher – very passionate about photography – again…contagious! We covered so much in three hours that I didn’t feel as bad about having to leave early. We headed out during the lunch break with only a little feeling of regret but it dissipated fast! A few extra hours with my family is not something I am willing to sacrifice on my road to become a better photographer, especially since I have so much still to learn. Compromise – remember, a wonderful thing!As we made a speedy journey back to Mt. Vernon, I remembered Jaden’s love of airplanes and the one sitting in the park at Crab Orchard. Detour and a chance to practice what we had learned that morning – a can’t miss combination! Although I knew the helicopter was there, I didn’t realize there were veterans, eagle and ten commandment commemorations as well. A pretty cool little park in town but hidden out of sight.
Thanks Donna for that special time together and for all of your support. Thanks also to my brother for packing up the van and the boys so we could go on to class!
Bless you for reading my posts…. “C”
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Kevin, Donna, and the boys were in Kentucky last weekend on another unplanned, unexpected visit. But we will take their visits whenever we can get one! Six states in less than twenty-four hours, they were exhausted and wanted to do nothing but hang out and relax on Saturday. So we ate, played Boggle, Scrabble, and I-Spy for hours, and watched Monsters vs. Aliens way too many times.
I remembered the re-enactment at Camp Wildcat was going on this weekend and I was truly hoping to get to visit as I had never been to you before and it was so close but then plans changed so I put it on the to-do list for another time. I could tell Donna was getting bored so I mentioned Camp Wildcat to her. But it was a rainy, cold day so I didn’t think much about it. Then on the spur of the moment, we decided to go – first, just us girls – then the boys, too!!
Since it was spur of the moment, we arrived just as Saturday’s battle was ending! Oops – our timing always seems to be a bit off! We got to see some of the troops, visit the mountain lookout, and see the horseman in action! A bit disappointing but okay! Or so I thought!
Later that evening, Dawson had a “moment” – the lamest day, no battle, boring – boo hoo! What to do? I had photography class early the next morning and they were heading home! Do I sacrifice my class but what if they don’t even stay? Personally, I had already been torn between the two – learning to take awesome pics or go take some awesome Kentucky pics. (Of course, the verdict is still out on Dawson’s “moment” – did he really want to watch the battle or spend a few more hours in Kentucky with his grandparents? Hmmm!)
Compromise can be a wonderful thing! Needless to say, Donna and I arrived home from class (another blog) just in time to get in the vans to head to the camp. Grandma and Grandpa even went with us! I know my brother wanted to get on the road to start the long drive home because he is just like my dad in that respect! Trips are okay but when it’s time to go home, it’s time to go! I, on the other hand (and Donna and Jeanette), want to delay the arrival at home and back to routine as long as possible!
I had no idea the re-enactment was such a huge deal. Locals and people from all over were there. I knew so many people that I was just amazed. (In case you’ve not realized, my family is not always at the top of our game when it comes to being prepared – of course, we are usually adventuring to first time events with no idea of what to expect!) So we sat on the cold ground on the front row – no chairs, no blankets, how crazy! But we got caught up in the excitement so we didn’t feel the effects…until later. I had to move on down from my family because where they sat – in every picture would have been the huge yellow rope! Come on now folks!!! I am missing photography class, I have to have something good to show for it!!!
We thought Keagan would have been scared when the cannons started booming away. But, no – Grandpa and Keagan had gotten some kettle corn and he was in popcorn heaven. (For the record, his favorite food is popcorn!) So we girls were jumping and squealing when the blasting was going on but not the boys! The Calvary came charging by with pistols blazing and swords sparing with the frontiersman. Then, the soldiers on foot – bearing flags and marching to the beat of the drummer boy (or girl, in this case). I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the south. They were bedraggled, few uniforms, fewer guns – using whatever they could find to fight for their homes, their rights, and their livelihood as they knew it at that time. They were up against big guns and trained soldiers in resplendent blue uniforms! We had a moment where we really wanted to support the south but yet oppose slavery. It’s amazing the emotions and thoughts that well up within you as you watch the battle. I could just imagine the heartache as brother fought against brother, father against son, friend against friend. Then, united at the end, tending to each other’s wounded and honoring the fallen of both side as the bugle played in the background.
The history of our nation came alive in a very dramatic way. Yes, it was fun and exciting! But it also reminded me of the sacrifices given throughout the history of our nation. Time and time again battles rage, some won, some lost, for freedom, for independence, some for ourselves, some between ourselves, and some for those of other nations who cannot fight for themselves. We are a blessed nation, once founded upon a love for God and country. But where do we find ourselves today? What kind of history are we writing today? Is it still founded on a love for God and country? Will our children and grandchildren be proud to say “I’m an American”? Truly, only God knows!
The re-enactment wrapped up with prayer and a speech by Abraham Lincoln. The boys had an opportunity to take a picture with President Lincoln and were so not even impressed. In fact, they said the whole experience was okay!!! Me, I’m still not over it! But the boys had to have their confederate caps! Evidently wearing them all the way home!
It was cool to see some of our classmates involved in the re-enactment with their own children. I think participation would make history come even more alive. Jeanette was telling me of one of the guys and I asked which side was he on? Her response – The dark side! Maybe we are the ones in need of a history lesson!
Joy 2 u! “C”
I remembered the re-enactment at Camp Wildcat was going on this weekend and I was truly hoping to get to visit as I had never been to you before and it was so close but then plans changed so I put it on the to-do list for another time. I could tell Donna was getting bored so I mentioned Camp Wildcat to her. But it was a rainy, cold day so I didn’t think much about it. Then on the spur of the moment, we decided to go – first, just us girls – then the boys, too!!
Since it was spur of the moment, we arrived just as Saturday’s battle was ending! Oops – our timing always seems to be a bit off! We got to see some of the troops, visit the mountain lookout, and see the horseman in action! A bit disappointing but okay! Or so I thought!
Later that evening, Dawson had a “moment” – the lamest day, no battle, boring – boo hoo! What to do? I had photography class early the next morning and they were heading home! Do I sacrifice my class but what if they don’t even stay? Personally, I had already been torn between the two – learning to take awesome pics or go take some awesome Kentucky pics. (Of course, the verdict is still out on Dawson’s “moment” – did he really want to watch the battle or spend a few more hours in Kentucky with his grandparents? Hmmm!)
Compromise can be a wonderful thing! Needless to say, Donna and I arrived home from class (another blog) just in time to get in the vans to head to the camp. Grandma and Grandpa even went with us! I know my brother wanted to get on the road to start the long drive home because he is just like my dad in that respect! Trips are okay but when it’s time to go home, it’s time to go! I, on the other hand (and Donna and Jeanette), want to delay the arrival at home and back to routine as long as possible!
I had no idea the re-enactment was such a huge deal. Locals and people from all over were there. I knew so many people that I was just amazed. (In case you’ve not realized, my family is not always at the top of our game when it comes to being prepared – of course, we are usually adventuring to first time events with no idea of what to expect!) So we sat on the cold ground on the front row – no chairs, no blankets, how crazy! But we got caught up in the excitement so we didn’t feel the effects…until later. I had to move on down from my family because where they sat – in every picture would have been the huge yellow rope! Come on now folks!!! I am missing photography class, I have to have something good to show for it!!!
We thought Keagan would have been scared when the cannons started booming away. But, no – Grandpa and Keagan had gotten some kettle corn and he was in popcorn heaven. (For the record, his favorite food is popcorn!) So we girls were jumping and squealing when the blasting was going on but not the boys! The Calvary came charging by with pistols blazing and swords sparing with the frontiersman. Then, the soldiers on foot – bearing flags and marching to the beat of the drummer boy (or girl, in this case). I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the south. They were bedraggled, few uniforms, fewer guns – using whatever they could find to fight for their homes, their rights, and their livelihood as they knew it at that time. They were up against big guns and trained soldiers in resplendent blue uniforms! We had a moment where we really wanted to support the south but yet oppose slavery. It’s amazing the emotions and thoughts that well up within you as you watch the battle. I could just imagine the heartache as brother fought against brother, father against son, friend against friend. Then, united at the end, tending to each other’s wounded and honoring the fallen of both side as the bugle played in the background.
The history of our nation came alive in a very dramatic way. Yes, it was fun and exciting! But it also reminded me of the sacrifices given throughout the history of our nation. Time and time again battles rage, some won, some lost, for freedom, for independence, some for ourselves, some between ourselves, and some for those of other nations who cannot fight for themselves. We are a blessed nation, once founded upon a love for God and country. But where do we find ourselves today? What kind of history are we writing today? Is it still founded on a love for God and country? Will our children and grandchildren be proud to say “I’m an American”? Truly, only God knows!
The re-enactment wrapped up with prayer and a speech by Abraham Lincoln. The boys had an opportunity to take a picture with President Lincoln and were so not even impressed. In fact, they said the whole experience was okay!!! Me, I’m still not over it! But the boys had to have their confederate caps! Evidently wearing them all the way home!
It was cool to see some of our classmates involved in the re-enactment with their own children. I think participation would make history come even more alive. Jeanette was telling me of one of the guys and I asked which side was he on? Her response – The dark side! Maybe we are the ones in need of a history lesson!
Joy 2 u! “C”
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Clarissa
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The Rockcastle Co Extension office sponsored a day of play and good health downtown Mt. Vernon one sunny Sunday afternoon. I arrived a bit late but there were still plenty of happenings: cloggers in the streets, foot races, give-aways, music, blood pressure testing, and the ROTC obstacle course. But I think the ones who enjoyed the day the most were the skateboarders and BMXers.
Community Trust Bank allowed them to skate their parking lot and skate they did. Skaters were all over that parking lot, showing off their latest tricks and flips, trying new things, chatting, laughing, making new friends and connecting with old ones, and games of S-K-A-T-E were happening everywhere. Then during the final few minutes of the day, Main Street was opened up to the skaters and bikers, boy oh boy, did these guys and girls take to the street. They were so excited to get a chance to skate without getting into trouble. I would have thought they would be exhausted after all the stunts in the parking lot but, no, they must have gotten a second wind. Up and down the street, doing ollies, flips and jumps or just skating by with the wind in their hair. It was truly enjoyable to watch their excitement and kind of contagious as well. I wanted to get out there and skate but, thankfully, I had the good sense not to give in to the moment!
Although the Main Street was re-opened to traffic, several hours later on our way to church, we stopped by to check on them, they were still going strong. I would say if success was defined by a good time then a good time was had by all! This afternoon provided the perfect opportunity for the kids to have some good, clean fun here in Mt. Vernon. I truly hope we see continued community support for future events.
Have you hugged your kid today? "C"
Community Trust Bank allowed them to skate their parking lot and skate they did. Skaters were all over that parking lot, showing off their latest tricks and flips, trying new things, chatting, laughing, making new friends and connecting with old ones, and games of S-K-A-T-E were happening everywhere. Then during the final few minutes of the day, Main Street was opened up to the skaters and bikers, boy oh boy, did these guys and girls take to the street. They were so excited to get a chance to skate without getting into trouble. I would have thought they would be exhausted after all the stunts in the parking lot but, no, they must have gotten a second wind. Up and down the street, doing ollies, flips and jumps or just skating by with the wind in their hair. It was truly enjoyable to watch their excitement and kind of contagious as well. I wanted to get out there and skate but, thankfully, I had the good sense not to give in to the moment!
Although the Main Street was re-opened to traffic, several hours later on our way to church, we stopped by to check on them, they were still going strong. I would say if success was defined by a good time then a good time was had by all! This afternoon provided the perfect opportunity for the kids to have some good, clean fun here in Mt. Vernon. I truly hope we see continued community support for future events.
Have you hugged your kid today? "C"
