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cypress swamp inspiration life lifestyles mississippi travel natchez trace

Natchez Trace: An Adventure at Cypress Swamp

The Natchez Trace has a long history of explorers. From the beginning of the Natchez Trace in Natchez, Mississippi to the end in Nashville, Tennessee are 440 miles of pure wonder. This is a wonderful road trip filled with many adventures. Each part of the Natchez Trace tells a story of times when Mississippi was a frontier.

Jess and I decided to explore a site on the Natchez Trace that is an hour from our home. We visited the Cypress Swamp off the Natchez Trace and experienced the beauty of dark waters, cypress trees, and reflections from the sun.

The exploration of the Cypress Swamp began as soon as we parked the truck. There is a large sign explaining some of the swamp’s history. We read the sign and then continue walking to the stairs leading to the bridge that crosses the swamp. The stairs are made of wood and steep. There is a sharp drop between some of the steps so we proceed slowly down watching our every move. Finally we reach the last step and move onto the bridge.

cypress swamp stairs march 2017

The stairs and bridge across the swamp show all types of life. The still black waters are the home to bugs, snakes, and the occasional alligator. A few young cypress trees are on dry land. There are trees and undergrowth surrounding the swamp. The quiet is interrupted by the sounds of birds from the surrounding paths. I take several photographs and Jess is filming a video to be posted on YouTube about our experiences on the swamp.  Serenity is abundant in this tranquil environment as we walked the trail.

alligator on the golf course may 5

The still black water is haunting and stagnant on this sun filled afternoon. The cypress trees reflect in the sunlight causing a mirror of trees to reflect in the swamp. It is truly a beautiful site to behold. I ponder the meaning of the stillness.

I am struck by the large cypress trees that inhabit this ecosystem. They are still but yet teaming with life. This swamp has been here for many years and I wonder at the stories the trees would tell of the visitors who come here if they could speak.

cypress tree seedlings april 20

These cypress trees will take root when the swamp does not have much water. As the swamp fills with water, the trees will live in this environment for an extended period of time. Cypress trees in this swamp have adapted to the environment.

The cypress trees tell a story of survival and life in the forest. Long ago a river channel fed this area and a swamp developed. As the cycle of life in nature has continued the river channel has slowly dried up and is now no longer supplying life-giving water to the swamp. The change is gradual and will take a long time but eventually the cypress trees will be gone. It will be replaced by new types of trees and undergrowth. It is a sad thought to me that this swamp will disappear and future generations will not have this serene and tranquil experience. Still the cycle of life must continue with death and renewal.

cypress swamp trees 1 march 31

Jess and I reflect upon life and ponder some questions about it. Are all living things meant to continue or disappear completely? Will the cypress trees be remembered or just a distant memory? Nature continues to grow and renew itself. Like us there are parts of our lives that continue and other parts that disappear. The memories of our lives will be gone within a few generations. There will be new stories and adventures to be told and experienced.

cypress swamp from left side march 31

The sun continues to reflect the trees as we continue our journey across the cypress swamp bridge. We look for an alligator, snake, or some other form of swamp life but are disappointed to only find insects grazing across the water. The stillness is deafening as we approach the end of the bridge. Carefully we watch our steps while climbing up the steep stairways.

I turn to take a few more photographs while Jess is finishing filming for the afternoon. We discuss the introduction and ending to the video of Cypress Swamp. It is difficult to decide what is the most interesting experience in this swamp. Jess and I decide to edit the video and see what story the cypress trees would like to tell.

The time has come for us to leave this beautiful swamp. It is a relaxing ride home on the Natchez Trace and we return to our home refreshed. Nature has renewed our spirits and we are ready for the next adventure.

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce

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culture daily prompt inspiration life lifestyles transition

Temporary: A Lifetime Journey of Transition- How Are We Affected

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/temporary/”>Temporary</a&gt;

Our journey through life is filled with transitions. The world around us is constantly changing and demanding a response from us. From the time that we are born till our final breath we are in transition. Some of the changes are fun and automatic. Others are filled with challenges that change the structure of our lives.

As our lives begin we are completely dependent upon other people. The love and caring that we receive from people has a profound effect on our future. If we are well cared for then the journey of life is positive and the transition to independence is wonderful. Unfortunately the journey of life may be cut short if we are surrounded by neglect and abuse.

The journey continues through our young lives as we become more independent. Transitions such as birthday parties, school days, and award for achievement in a specific interest are celebrated. This is a joyful time in a person’s life.

Soon the years pass and it is time for graduation from high school. This is an important transition in the journey of life. There are decisions to be made that will determine the course of a person’s life. This transition is usually filled with joy as the young person ventures into the world to pursue their life’s work. The challenges ahead are marked with great anticipation and excitement. It is a wonderful time to be alive.

The next stage in the journey of life is affected by the circumstances surrounding a person. An individual in a positive environment will transition into a comfortable life expressing love and positive change in the world. These people will be involved in their community making life better in the environment around them. Often these efforts will extend to other places in the world making the circumstances of other people better.

The opposite is often true of individuals in a negative environment. The circumstances of these people have the potential to transition into violence, poverty, and crime. These issues can be spread outside the community into the outside world. War may break out and the circumstances of these people become worse. The journey to peace and comfort in life may seem out of reach.

Middle age in the majority of people sees transitions that are positive and negative. Some people have progressed through life smoothly and have not experienced serious life challenges. It is often difficult for these people to relate to the anxiety and devastation of these challenges.

Divorce is common in this age group as people come to a crossroads in life. Many feel that the choices made early in life are not fulfilling and they divorce their spouses in search of an elusive goal. This is a devastating transition for everyone involved and the outcome is often not what was imagined.

Some people in middle life have experienced job loss. This is a difficult transition in their lives. The road to new employment may be long and challenging. The new job may come at a lower salary or in a new field in which they are not familiar. Many people will not face this challenge well and the results are devastating to their lives. Some of the new challenges may be loss of self-worth and financial loss. Recovery is possible but a change in the way life is viewed is required.

Other people in middle age choose to transition to a life of service and improve the community around them. These people see community transformation as a way to redeem themselves from the perceived mistakes of the past. Working with a positive attitude leads to a productive life and improvement of well-being.  Generally this will lead to a better life for all people involved.

The next transition in life is becoming a senior citizen. For many people this is an exciting time in life. Now there is the time and resources to search and accomplish interests that were delayed due to work or family obligations. There is great peace and joy in this part of life’s journey.

In a person’s senior years there is a passing on of knowledge to the younger generation. It is a time for reflection on one’s life. The transitions through life are examined and words of wisdom are spoken.

strawberry patch park memorial april 24

The final transition is the passing from this world. It is the hope of most people that this will be peaceful and with dignity. If we are fortunate the transitions of life will be remembered and celebrated. Our journey through life was exciting and wonderful.

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce

via Daily Prompt: Temporary

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daily prompt inspiration life lifestyles Mississippi nature spiritual squirrel

Bitter: How a Family of Squirrels Won the Bird Feeder War

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/bitter/”>Bitter</a&gt;

There is a family of squirrels at the bird feeder this morning. It is difficult if not impossible to keep the squirrels out of the bird feeder. Each day there is a constant war going on between me and those squirrels. I have become bitter toward this rodent.

Such is the way that events affect us in life. The battle with the squirrels eats away at my soul. It has become an illness in my life weakening me each time I get after them with the broom. To the observers in the house watching me chase the squirrels with the broom it is quite funny and they are entertained each day.

In an effort to make peace with the squirrels and repair the damage to my soul, I have decided to understand the life of this animal. In many ways it is a cute little rodent that is fun to watch.

Squirrels are small rodents that live in the woods. They come in a variety of gray and brown colors. The ones in my yard are light gray with big fluffy tails. The squirrel normally lives in a wooded area where there is protection from predators. The wooded area provides a place to burrow and make a warm pleasant home.

The squirrel likes to eat a variety of nuts, plants, and meat if it is available. A rodent with a well-balanced diet is healthy and playful. Bird seed is an easy food to obtain and apparently extremely tasty to a squirrel.

The war with the squirrels continues as I write this piece. We are at the critical point in the morning where the bird seed is gone from the ground. The time for the acrobatics has begun. Watching a squirrel scale the poles of the feeders is entertaining to watch. Climbing and sliding down the pole several times is the game of the day until the edge of the feeder is reached. The squirrel grabs some seed and shakes the feeder. This small amount of bird seed sustains him until the next round.

The second act is now upon us as the other squirrels attempt to jump on the feeder from the retaining wall. It is a bit of a distance but these persistent little rodents are successful in landing on the side of the feeder. The bird seed scatters to the ground and the squirrels on the bottom of the feeder delight in the prize. It is reminiscent of a pinata being broken and the candy spilling to the ground.

By this time the game is old and I decide to allow the squirrels to have the remainder of the bird feed. It would be nice if a hawk would come and scare these rodents away from the yard. Ah there is the bitterness creeping back into my soul.

My husband suggests that instead of feeling bitter each morning that I find a compromise that ends the war. Since negotiation with the squirrels is not possible due to communication issues I decide to take action that will be acceptable to both parties.

The first action will be to scatter a certain portion of the bird seed on the ground for the squirrels. There will be some seed near the feeder and other seed a little distance away. This will ensure that there is seed for them and the birds.

The second action is to observe what time the squirrels appear in the feeder. By changing the refill times on the bird feeder the seed will last for a longer time. The birds will have a chance to enjoy the feeder.

My last course of action is to watch and enjoy the antics of these rodents. They are entertaining to observe running from each feeder trying to win the prize of bird seed. If left alone to eat the squirrels appear to pose for photographs. We both win on this one since photography is a hobby of mine.

With this course of action the war will end. Bitterness will be replaced with joy and all will be right in the world again. The squirrels will have their food and be happy with the cornucopia put before them each day.

My soul is nourished and renewed as I ponder the possibilities of a day without bitterness for these rodents. It will be nice not to be running outside every ten minutes with a broom. My family will miss their entertainment each morning but there will be peace within my soul.

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce

 

 

via Daily Prompt: Bitter

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culture daily prompt inspiration life lifestyles social issues spiritual

Exposed: Random Kindness Shines in a Dark World

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/exposed/”>Exposed</a&gt;

Our world is filled with acts of violence that make the news each day. It appears that the world is filled with evil and that there is no hope. Darkness fills the soul. But then one day a ray of light enters a person’s life. Someone commits an act of random kindness.

Acts of random kindness are committed everyday around us. Our world has become so jaded that it is difficult to notice small nourishing acts done for the human soul. This is an exploration of some random acts of kindness during a typical week.

It is a Monday and we are rushing to get to work or school on time. Everyone is in a foul mood and negative thoughts fill the air. The family is in turmoil until one of the children decides to give up their treat and put it in a siblings lunch box. At lunch time the sibling is surprised and a smile emerges on his face. There is a change in the tone of the day. The sibling decides to share the extra treat with a friend and the chain of random kindness continues. There is a ray of light in the soul.

Tuesday comes and the father feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. The company has announced that everyone will take a salary reduction in an effort to keep the company from having to shut down. The family is struggling to make ends meet and the father’s soul is beaten to the core. Walking around the corner at lunch he sees a homeless man on the street. Without thinking the father hands the man a dollar and his lunch. All of the sudden the father remembers that his family is together and that there is love in the house. Random kindness has renewed the father’s soul.

It is Wednesday and the middle of the week. The mother is doing the family errands. There is food to get at the grocery store. It has been a frantic day at her job and she is in a bad mood.  Someone has not put their shopping cart where it belongs and now there is a scratch on the car. Then the mother sees a young man running trying to collect the shopping carts and put them in the correct place. He looks frazzled and tired. The mother gets out of her car and begins collecting buggies and putting them in the proper place. The young man smiles and thanks her for this kindness. The mother smiles and both lives are brightened by acts of random kindness.

Thursday comes and it is a busy day for all the family. There are school activities in the evening. The youngest child decides to secretly pack a treat for the family to enjoy later in the evening. The tired family returns home to an unexpected treat. Smiles and laughter are now the order of the day. Random kindness has again renewed the soul.

Friday is here and the weekend is near. The family has decided to have a game night with pizza. There is an elderly person that lives near them and does not have visitors. The family invites this elderly person to their home to join them. All involved enjoy the evening of conversation and food. This random act of kindness has nourished the souls of everyone.

Saturday is a work day for the family. There is yard work to be done and the house to be cleaned. The oldest child has noticed that a family down the street has an unkept yard. The mother remembers that there is a sick family member and all resources have been used to care for the family member. The oldest child suggests that their family clean up the yard and take a meal to this family. The random kindness nourishes the souls of both families.

Sunday comes and it is a day of rest and reflection. The family gives thanks to God for all the blessings that have been given to them. The act of random kindness on this day comes in the form of saving a group of small birds from being the meal of a feral cat. The youngest child chases the cat from the fence where the bird house hangs. The youngest child’s efforts ensures the baby birds will survive another day.

Random acts of kindness nourish our souls in a dark world. Seeing all the violence in the world is a frightening thing that can discourage us. When we commit acts of random kindness hope is restored to all that we encounter.

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce

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daily prompt happiness inspiration life lifestyles personal spiritual superheroes

Better: Superheroes in a Modern World : How Average People Can Become One

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/better/”>Better</a&gt;

Superheroes are popular in present day culture. There are movies, games, and comic books depicting the various adventures of modern-day heroes. There are many characteristics that all these characters have in common. I wonder if many of these characteristics would not apply to all of us.

Some superheroes have supernatural strength which enables them to perform incredible feats. One such feat is the ability to lift a heavy object with little effort. Lifting heavy objects can be achieved by many people after a considerable time lifting weights. In times of great stress others are able to lift heavy objects to save their life or the life of a loved one.

There are other types of supernatural strength such as the ability to deal with a crisis. It is easy to see this mental strength in a children’s hospital, a person with a disability, or someone dealing with an extreme circumstance. In these instances a person becomes a superhero. They have the super powers of courage, overcoming tremendous obstacles, and the ability to light up a room with a smile.

The next superhero power is the ability to spontaneously heal from a wound or other crisis. Superheroes are immune to physical infirmities of this realm of reality. Ordinary people have become healed in what seems to be an impossible condition. Some are healed of these conditions through modern medicine. Others are healed through the power of prayer and faith. In our modern world these people are superheroes conquering conditions that would have been fatal in the past.

chapel in strawberry patch park april 24

There are a few special people in the world who have been given the power to heal with a touch or a prayer. They pray boldly to God for the healing of a person or community. These special people walk the earth quietly and go where God sends them. This is a quiet super power.

Another superhero power is the mental superiority. They are more intelligent than the average person. The hero has the ability to resist the manipulation of other people. These superheroes may develop the ability to move things with their minds and telepathy. To have these abilities is amazing and fun to contemplate.

The average person can achieve some of these abilities through modern technology. There are computer programs that allow an extremely handicapped person to communicate and move about the world with only the blink of an eye. Telepathy is an ability that many people have with loved ones. The average person is able to communicate with their loved one without words being spoken. This communication comes with living and getting to know their loved ones.

In society there is a form of telepathy as well. Average people are able to read what a person is thinking by observing and interacting with them. Our body language is a powerful tool for humans. Often thoughts and emotions are conveyed by the way we move our bodies. Anger is expressed by a stiff body and a frown. It not difficult to interpret what these people are thinking. The same is true with a smile and a relaxed body posture. Although not always accurate this super power can be achieved by average people.

Some superheroes are able to maneuver in nature and appear to be able to control all things in the ecosystem. The animals seem to do whatever task they are commanded to do. This is another area that an average person can accomplish. Each person is familiar with the environment in which they live. People living in the forest or other area close to wildlife are able to predict what animals will do in the wild. By understanding these behaviors these people are able to use an animals natural instincts to accomplish certain tasks. The average person has become a superhero.

alligator on golf course 2 may 5

Another superhero power is the ability to control the emotions of people. They are able to manipulate situations by sparking intense emotions in people. Emotions are a powerful human force. This force may be used for good or evil. The average person has the power to influence others around them. A simple smile or a sincere compliment can fill a room with joy and happiness. The opposite effect will happen when a person enters a room complaining or filled with hate. All the people are absorbing the negative energy and soon violence will erupt.

Superhero powers are within all of us. The characters in our literature express a combination of many people. The superhero is fun to watch and live out a fantasy life for a few hours. In reality we can all be superheroes to the world. How cool is that!

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce

via Daily Prompt: Better

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daily prompt food inspiration life lifestyles Mississippi picnic

Lifestyle: A Spring Picnic at Mississippi Petrified Forest

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/lifestyle/”>Lifestyle</a&gt;

The warming of the days bring on the urge to connect with nature. Mississippi is filled with exciting and beautiful places to engage the outdoors. On a recent visit to the Mississippi Petrified Forest we discovered a picnic area on the park property. Jess and I packed a picnic basket and journeyed to a park table surrounded by trees and a field. This was a calm and quiet area during the week with only a few people walking the grounds.

We decided to decorate the table and enjoy the simple pleasures of the nature around us. The trees were full of green leaves that moved to the light breeze blowing through them. There were birds chirping and small insects buzzing around the table. We were amazed at the serenity and tranquility of the spot.

With a full picnic basket containing a table-cloth, napkins, plates, candle, and goblets the table began to take on a festive theme. The food is usually simple and easy to pack. Our meal consisted of shrimp sandwiches, fruit, carrots, and baked beans. Shrimp sandwiches have become one of our favorite picnic foods. Grilled to perfection with a mix of jalapeno peppers and garlic the shrimp travels well as the ingredients continue to marry each other as time passes.  Jess and I love this time to connect with nature and reflect upon all of our blessings.

After the meal was finished it was time to take a gentle stroll around the field and trees. We walked and took photographs of the presentations of nature’s beauty.

IMG_4191

I reflected upon how some of the landscape reminded me of my grandmother’s land. As a child visiting my grandmother was an adventure. The land upon which she lived had many types of flowers, trees, and a large yard. This picnic area had pine trees and a large area of grass that blew gently in the wind. This walk and photography session were a pleasant relaxing memory.

Jess and I packed our picnic basket and camera as the day came to a close. It was getting to be late afternoon and we were relaxed and ready to head home. The day was wonderful and some day soon it will be time for another picnic.

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce

via Daily Prompt: Lifestyle

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inspiration life Mississippi nature panic tornado Uncategorized

Panicked : A Personal Tale of the Damage Done By a Mississippi Tornado

pine tree in bloom april 1<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/panicked/”>Panicked</a&gt;

Mississippi has a large number of thunderstorms and tornadoes each year. These storms are part of the adventure of living in this state. Most storms pass through the state with only downing trees and power lines. Occasionally there is a storm that will destroy houses and communities. Sometimes people will die from being struck by debris. This is my experience of the damage caused by one tornado.

It was late afternoon on a day in March when the thunderstorm began to move across the sky. The thunder and lightning were deafening as we prepared the patient’s rooms for the tornado warning. There were sounds of the warning sirens going off around us. Everything went smoothly and no one was injured at the hospital.

We were listening to the news when a coworker came to me and said that there had been major damage in my neighborhood from the storm. I began to panic as the thoughts of where were my loved ones. This was a difficult time in life for me as the pain of divorce was still lingering.

The panic continued on the way home. Phone calls had been made before leaving work assuring me that my loved ones were safe. No one knew the condition of my home. As I pulled into the driveway there were trees down in the yard and one tree had been speared into my home. The rain was still coming down into the opening of the roof as I opened the door. Standing at the door for a moment it looked like a pretty waterfall coming over the tree now in the living room.

When the shock of what was happening wore off I thanked God that the damage was only in the material things and then the panic set in. Where was I going live? How would my house be repaired? Is there ever a safe time in life?

The response from friends and neighbors was immediate. There were offers of a place to stay while the house was being repaired. Food was brought and assurances made that I was not alone. People in Mississippi are wonderful and quick to offer a helping hand when needed. There were kind strangers that brought chain saws and began to help me clean up the damage. I will be forever grateful to all of these people.

Recovery from a tornado is a long slow process. In addition to the material damage done there is a sense of loss in terms of security. The illusion that we live in a relatively safe environment is gone. Panic struck as I attempted to put my life back together again.

It took three months before the contractors could begin to repair the house. There was a waiting list due to the number of homes damaged or destroyed by the tornado. Each day I would come to the house and clean up a few more things. Finances were tough at the time and I worked as much overtime as possible. The home insurance would repair my home but not provide for the other needs in life. Food, shelter, and transportation are required elements of life regardless of the damage done during a storm.

The contractors finally were able to begin repairs on the house and it took three months for the work to be completed. Finally after six months I was able to move back into my home. It was a relief to begin setting material items back up in the house. The panic from the storm began to subside and things seemed to be getting back to a new normal.

The tornado damage was a wake up call for me. During this time I began to reevaluate what was important in life. Blessings of friends, family, and the kindness of strangers caused me to realize how important our communities are to all of us. We need each other to survive in this life. Kindness and cooperation are essential to all people to succeed in this world.

Nine years have passed since the tornado and I am a changed person. Material things are no longer important to me. Volunteering has become a part of my life. Contributing to world instead of taking from it gives me great pleasure. I no longer take life for granted and have a healthy respect for nature.

There was a round of spring thunderstorms that came through my community last week. Sirens sounded again to warn of a tornado in the area. As I sat in the closet with my husband and dog there was a brief moment of panic. Then I remembered that God protects me and that all is well within my soul.

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce

 

via Daily Prompt: Panicked

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daily prompt happiness inspiration life lifestyles

Happiness: How to Wander But Not Be Lost

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/none/”>None</a&gt;

Most people aspire to be happy. There are stories, poems, and music that take on the topic of how to be happy. Many people wander throughout a lifetime searching for how to accomplish this goal. There are two types of wandering in this existence. One type is about sadness and the other about happiness. Nothingness is foreign to the group who are wandering without being lost.

People can wander and be lost. They are caught up in the struggles of life. None of the things given to them will make them happy. The daily grind of work wears them down. Their families are scattered and in disarray. Wandering is a curse instead of a blessing. Life is sad and disappointing. The path to happiness is forever elusive.

The more exciting and fun type of wandering is to be happy but not lost. Happiness is found through different paths of exploration. The word none is used far and between in this form of wandering. There are many avenues to this form of wandering.

The first avenue to wandering without being lost is through travel. Many people take extended trips to explore the world. It may be a trip into the past by exploring ancient artifacts from past civilizations. These may include the pyramids in Egypt or the ruins of the coliseum in Rome. Each has an exciting element of learning how ancient people lived. Happiness is achieved by experiencing the thrill of touching or seeing ancient items.

The second avenue to wandering without being lost is through minimal living. The concept of having few possessions is appealing to some people. There is happiness in using material things in more than one way. The minimalist finds happiness in limiting the amount of things owned and consuming less in the physical world. Inner peace is more important than possessions.

The third avenue to wandering without being lost is through loving relationships with other people. Love is a feeling rather than a material item. Love may be expressed in many ways such as the touch of the hand, a compliment, or simply sitting with someone in a time of crisis. This form of wandering without being lost is fun and exciting.

Some people wander without being lost in a family setting. Each person brings joy and committment to a unit of people. There is shared love and respect. During times of crisis a family is drawn closer with a common interest. The addition of people to the family is welcomed and encouraged. Each addition adds strength and stability to the family. Happiness is increased with this type of wandering when family members grow and succeed in life.

The fourth avenue to wandering without being lost is spirituality. The concept of something higher than oneself. To serve God is a wonderful and exciting experience. Wandering into someone’s life with no expectations except to serve is a wonderful feeling. Spirituality is also expressed in worship. There may be singing, meditation, chanting, or a combination of these things. Each experience is unique and exciting.

chapel in strawberry patch park april 24

The fifth avenue to wandering without being lost is through the search for inner peace. This is a special experience for people and there in no specific way to achieve this form of happiness. The wandering soul may explore many different paths to achieve the goal.

Some may try to obtain inner peace through humanitarian projects that will improve the lives of others. They may travel to countries where the people live in extreme poverty providing relief in the form of education or medical intervention. This form of wandering provides happiness and inner peace by helping the person focus on an external factor.

The sixth avenue to wandering without being lost is to focus on the land. There are people who grow flowers and plants in search of happiness. Each plant will represent a story in their lives. The cycle of life is wonderful and fills them with joy.

Other people will hike a path in the forest or canoe on the water.They find a deeper meaning in the beauty that nature provides. Nature is always changing and there is a new discovery around the corner waiting to be found. There is the renewal of life in each season that brings them happiness.

petrified forest water path 1 april 14

There is no clear path in wandering without being lost. It is a unique experience for each one of us. There is always a new adventure to be engaged in. Life is a wonderful experience filled with joy.  Do you wander without being lost? I hope that your wanderings are fun and filled with joy.

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce

via Daily Prompt: None

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food inspiration life Mississippi summer heat

How to Control Mississippi Heat: An Adventure in Keeping Cool

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/control/”>Control</a&gt;

Mississippi is beginning to get hot. The temperatures are rising the farther it gets into spring. Soon summer will arrive and it will be one hundred degrees in the shade. This is an exploration of the ways Mississippians beat the heat.

Mississippi has an abundance of water venues that are open to the public. The rivers, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs are filled most days of the spring and summer with people trying to keep cool. There are many options for entertainment while trying to keep cool on the water.

Kayaking is a fun way to beat the heat. The early humid mornings lure people into the water with their kayaks. People will begin their adventure at an inlet and paddle into the scenic routes along the river. They will be greeted by ducks, geese, and other waterfowl searching for breakfast.

red headed duck strawberry patch park april 24

As the trip progresses there is an occasional alligator that will swim under the kayak. This cooling adventure may last an hour or most of the day. There are many small sand dunes which serve as a place for a picnic lunch or a place to take a cool dip in the river.

Swimming is another option to cool off on the hot spring and summer days. There are swimming pools which are filled with children. The cool water is splashed around and there is much laughter and joy.

Many people choose to control the Mississippi heat by exercising in the outdoors in the early morning. The humidity is lower in the mornings before the temperature rises. There are paved paths along the roads for walking and bicycling.

Spring and summer weekends are filled with 5 k walk and run races. These races are used as a venue to raise money for various causes. Walkers and runners are fond of these races due to the dual purpose they serve. Often the participants are a part of a team. These teams provide a source of encouragement for the participants and a reason to exercise. The team provides a sense of pride in the money that is raised for the cause.

Bicycling has become popular in the spring and summer months. The gentle breeze that blows on the biker as he rides is refreshing. The Natchez Trace provides a beautiful venue for a morning ride. The road is smooth and even with little traffic. There is a century ride each year on the Natchez Trace. This race is fun to watch and encourage the riders as they complete the hundred mile course.

The Mississippi heat can be controlled by the use of fans. This is a popular option among the senior citizens of our state. Most housing options in Mississippi have a porch or a patio to enjoy. Ceiling fans are a popular choice for these places. Older adults spend many hours enjoying conversations sitting on the porch. Neighbors will come visit and enjoy a relaxing cold glass of lemonade or sweet ice tea. A wonderful way to control the Mississippi heat.

Another option to control the Mississippi heat are decadent desserts. Ice cream is a popular option. During family gatherings ice cream is made in a churn type maker. A fun way to make ice cream is use a churn that must be turned by hand. This is often a task for the children. It is exciting for them to watch and participate in the process of making ice cream.

Popsicles are made in the freezer and distributed to the children on hot afternoons. These are creative treats that may be made with juice or kool aid. Many people have gone a step further and added fresh fruit to the mix. A fun cool treat to beat the heat.

During the summer holidays jello molds are popular. Often decorated with various colors this dessert represents the creativity of those who are assigned to make it. Jello molds often are the centerpiece of the holiday table.

Air conditioning is the final control of the Mississippi heat. During the afternoon the heat can become stifling in the spring and summer months. It is a relief to walk into a cool indoor place after having fun in the sun. The shopping malls are popular during this time of the year.

The methods to control the Mississippi  heat are varied and many are used in the same day. The spring and summer are wonderful months to enjoy all that Mississippi has to offer. Living in Mississippi is an adventure worth living.

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce

 

 

via Daily Prompt: Control

Categories
history life mississippi travel natchez trace personal preservation

Rocky Springs : An Adventure into the Past

Rocky Springs is an adventure into Mississippi history. Located on the Natchez Trace the ghost town has now been transformed into a campground and a trail detailing it’s past life. The remnants of this town are haunting and intriguing. Jess and I pack a picnic lunch and take to the Natchez Trace for an afternoon adventure.

Visitors entering into Rocky Springs are greeted by beautiful trees in the forest landscape. The paved road is filled with the options of turning into the campground or driving and parking at the entrance to the trail around the remnants of Rocky Springs. We decide to park at the trail and tour the site before our picnic.  At the entrance to the trail there is a board enclosed in glass that has a map of the trail.

The trail begins with the birth of the town and ends at the remaining sites of Rocky Springs. The sites contain an old church and a cemetery. A haunting reminder of the history of this town. The trail is beautiful and surrounded by a forest. The sun shines through the trees on this day and there is a pleasant breeze. Jess and I read the signs of the birth of Rocky Springs.

The ecosystem surrounding this area had a spring that served as a source of life for the plant and wildlife. In the late 1700’s this was a perfect spot to form the town of Rocky Springs.  The Natchez Trace was still well-traveled and there was farmland close by to provide food and cotton for traders. Rocky Springs thrived for many years as a community.

It is not hard to picture the life of the people at this town. The town was growing at a steady pace. There were merchants, teachers, and doctors to aid the people in their daily lives. This was a prosperous time when the people would be laughing and enjoying life. The ecosystem is alive with birds, animals, and other wildlife. It was a wonderful time to live in Rocky Springs.

As the years passed there were changes in the ecosystem. Hard times began to fall on the people of Rocky Springs and the surrounding farms. The landscape became diseased and crops began to fail. These changes may have been preventable if the people had known how to manage the land . Insects and erosion became the invading army and the land was devastated. The people began to move away as the food supply dwindled and the hard times continued. It would take years for the ecosystem to recover. But as time passed and preservation initiatives took hold the land regained its fertility.

rocky springs tree april 28

Other changes were occurring in the life of the town. The country was experiencing the Civil War and it would not be long before the war reached the town. Many people on both sides of the battles were killed or wounded. The blood shed would aid the poor management of the land to destroy the town.It was a horrible time in history for all involved.

This war would cause much hardship to all people in the country. Rocky Springs was one of many towns in the country to suffer. Many tears would be shed over the loss of loved ones and economic stability. Years would pass before the people of both sides could move forward. There is much pain and suffering in a war.

A third invader of the land would mark the end of the town. Yellow fever is a disease that took many lives. There was no modern medicine to aid the people and the cause of the disease was poorly understood. The outbreak would be contained and the survivors were relieved. The disease would be contained for several years and then returned to inflict pain and suffering once more. The death toll continued to rise. The remaining people would move on in search of a better life.

rocky spring cemetery april 28

Eventually Rocky Springs became a ghost town with a beautiful church and a haunting cemetery left to tell the story. The church is still alive and services are held in the building. The cemetery behind the church has many old graves of people who once lived in this thriving town. It is a solemn reminder of how fragile life is and how we are only in this world for a brief time.

rocky springs church 2 april 28

Jess and I make our way to the campground to find a picnic table. The afternoon sun is warm and the gentle breeze is still flowing through the trees. We enjoy our food and then pack the truck to return home. The Natchez Trace continues to be a pleasant drive with beautiful scenery. We reflect upon our blessings and ponder on what our next adventure will be.

copyright 2017 Debbie Pierce