Half Breed - Chapter 15 "Spirit Lightning"
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Writing and Poetry
Chapter 15 "Spirit Lightning "
The road forked up ahead and Charity's wagon, had come to a halt. Not knowing which way to go... What's wrong? Uriah hollered, from behind. Nothing! she hollered back. I'm just trying to decide which way to go. She studied both roads. Then looked toward the sun. The fork to the left looked more to the north, but was not as long as the other... Oh Grandpa! she said. Why didn't you come to me last night? With a heavy sigh. She hawed the team, down the road to the left... saying a silent prayer that it was the right way. They traveled on for several hours, and Charity could tell, that they were getting further away from the river. After several more hours, Charity began to worry that they may not find a water source, close enough to camp by. It was a good thing the wooden keg, they kept on the back of the wagon, for the stock, was still about half full. But, by the time she watered the stock, there wouldn't be much left for her and the children... it was about that time, she noticed the vegetation changing, to the tell-tell signs of water nearby. She was pretty sure, that in the three days they had been on the road. They had probably covered at least seventy miles, maybe more. The days were getting longer, as the weather was getting warmer. She would have sworn, it had reached sixty degrees, today. It was getting into mid March, and the milder weather, should make it easier on her and the younguns, or at least, so she thought. The sandy ground and palmettos along side the road, let her know they were near the water. So she started looking for a camp site.
After several miles, she finally caught sight of the river, through the trees. So she pulled the wagon off the road, and down toward the river, so they could set up camp in a clearing next to a thicket of willows. Charity told the boys, to take the traps and go down to the river, to see if they could catch some fish for supper. It was still probably, two good hours of daylight left. So after she fed the baby, she told Martha Jane to watch her, while she took the musket up river, to see if she could kill them some fresh meat. They would lay over a day here, if necessary. The skies clouded up just before dark and Charity could hear thunder, way off in the distance... It had been a long time since it had last rained. The ground was so dry. The rain would help settle the dust down. The boys managed to catch several good sized catfish. They hated skinning them, but the meat, was some of the best tasting fish, you could get. Charity had killed a couple of squirrels, and gathered some herbs while she was out. The sage and bay leafs would be a great accompaniment, to the fish and meat. The bay leaf was a good flavoring for a pot of stew too. She thought she might start them a pot, in the morning... The loudness of the thunder, jarred her from her reflections. She set about getting the task at hand done, so they could eat before the rain set in. She told the younguns, that as bad as she hated it. They was all, gonna have to sleep under the wagons, even in this storm tonight. They was gonna let down the flaps, but that wouldn't keep out the running water.
They hadn't been finished eating five minutes, when the rain started. Charity had thought it might get rough. But the night ahead, was more than she could have expected. The thunder shook the ground and they could hear rattling inside the wagons, from the vibrations. The rain let up a moment, and the boys came crawling in, under the wagon with Charity and the girls. Boy Mama! This shore is a mighty bad storm, ain't it. Yes, it is Charles... it may calm down in a little bit, she said. But it didn't let up. The lightning was popping all around them, and the youngest, baby Mary was scared. So Charity had her snuggled up to her, holding her tight. Then Uriah said. Hey Mama, look! and as they were peeking out from under, the flaps of the wagon. They could see the lightning, dancing around on the ground. It was floating, rolling, and twirling, like an orchestrated symphony... it would come right up to them, then run and twirl the other way. Why is it doing that? the children wanted to know. It is the "Asgaya Gigagei" Lightning Spirit, Charity said. Remembering an old tale, from her childhood... The spirit will dance around you, while judging your courage. If you are brave, the spirit will let you live. But if you are afraid, the lightning will strike. So you must not be afraid! she told them. But Mama! I am scared... said little Nancy, with her voice a trembling. It's alright Nancy, you are young and the spirit recognizes that. You will not be judged, until you reach the age of knowledge... Have I reached the age of knowledge? several children asked at the same time. No, not yet Charity answered. Not yet...
Henry felt beaten down, defeated... The endless days of swinging the heavy pick-axe, and worrying about his family, where taking a toll on him. He was so depressed, he did not want to get outta bed, much less, follow orders. Which led to him, getting pushed around by the guards, who were quick with a kick, or a punch to the kidneys. The old man told him, if'n he didn't git his ass in gear, they was gonna be a toting him out, and burying him! I'd probably be better off, in a pine box.. Henry mumbled. But then, while he was sleeping... Charity came to him in a dream. She was laying, cuddled in his arms and whispering in his ear. As he began to hear what she was saying... she was whispering encouragements, and endearments of love. She told him, he must be strong! that she and the children, were fine and she was on her way, to a place called Cherokee... That he would find them there, when the time came, for them to be together again. She made love to him in his dream, and he awoke, to the feel of her naked body, pressed unto his... When Henry arose the next morning, the old man could see a big difference in his cellmate. He got up with a new headset, as to how he was gonna serve out, the rest of his time. The better he followed orders and conducted himself, the better off he was gonna be. He had to make it through this, in order to return to his family whole. So that he would be able to properly support his family. He tore into the slop, like a starving hog. He was physically weaken, from the days of hard work, and no appetite. He decided, he was gonna eat everything they put in front of him, in order to keep up his strength. Charity and the children would need that strength!
Half Breed - Chapter 14 "Dancing Rabbit Creek"
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Writing and Poetry
Chapter 14 "Dancing Rabbit Creek"
Charity, wasn't sure how far they made it that first day. But she didn't stop, until about thirty minutes before dark. They came to a bend in a good sized, river. She thought it might be the Oconee River, but she was not sure. She had tried to stay due north, and all she did, was follow a well traveled road. She knew it had to go somewhere. She and the children, started setting up camp. Which mostly consisted mostly of getting out the bed rolls, the coffee pot, hard tack and hauling some water up from the river. They was all dog tired, especially the youngest ones. So they were asleep, before their heads hit their pillows... The older younguns, wanted a story before turning in. They loved to listen to the stories, their mama told them. Passed down from her grandparents and other older relatives. They loved the ones about the Indians the best. So tonight, Charity told them the story of her other grandfather. Her father's, father. His name was Ka - wa' - ha, which was an old name, meaning lost. His parents had named him this, when he was a toddler. He had wandered off, and gotten lost... so the name kinda stuck. When he was a young brave. He had to prove his worth as a warrior. This was a custom of all Indian tribes. Before a male could marry, and have the privilege of being call a warrior, they must go out into the wilderness, meditate and make a brave kill. Proving, that they could provide for their families and the tribe. It was said, he was gone for one whole week and when he returned, he had a tale that most did not believe!
He walked miles from camp, where he came upon a creek that shimmered in the moonlight, as most shimmer in the sunlight... He decided, that this would be his place of meditation. He prayed to the great spirit, to let him prove his worth. Let him make a grand kill, the likes of which, had not been seen before, by his tribesmen. After meditating for two whole moons, he said the great spirit came to him... The great spirit told him to prepare many arrows, with small arrowheads. When he questioned the great spirit.. Why so small? they will not fell a mighty buck! The great spirit became angry, and lightning flashed from the clouds... So Ka - wa' - ha, did as he was told. Once this task was completed. The Great Spirit said, now you must wait by the shimmering creek, and be patient. Ka - wa' - ha, did as he was told. He waited, and waited, and waited... He knew, he could not question the Great Spirit again, or he may never prove his worth, as a warrior. Just at degalvyi "sunrise", the creek appeared to start dancing... but it was trembling from the movement of hundreds of rabbits! Ka - wa' - ha, started shooting his arrows, until he had none left... and when he started gathering up the rabbits, that his arrows had hit. He accounted for them all! He had fifty rabbits, enough to feed his whole tribe! Now, he knew why he had to make all the arrows, with small arrowheads. The Great Spirit, had sent him the rabbits. When he returned to his people that evening, with all the freshly killed rabbits, and told his story around the campfire. He was marked as a warrior, and the creek was named " ulisgisgu - tsi sdu - ama awaya," which was Cherokee for, Dancing Rabbit Creek.
Wow! John said. I wish the great spirit would send us a bunch of rabbits! I could shore go for one fried up, right about now, he laughed. It is not nice to poke fun at the Great Spirit! his mother admonished him. The Great Spirit provides for us all, one way or another, she said. We need to get some rest. I want to leave very early in the morning. I liked the story! Charles said. Maybe one day, I can go off on my own and meditate about being a great warrior! Charity looked at him. Knowing that his heritage showed, as clearly as her own did. His hair was straight and black as night. His eyes, black. Not the brown of his fathers, but the black of his Indian ancestors... She laid for hours, it seemed. Trying to sleep, but her mind traveling everywhere but to sleep land. They were on the road, before the sun was up in the sky good. Again they traveled, til about an hour before dark. When they again made camp by the river. Today however, Charity left the boys setting up camp. While she took the old musket, and went up along the river. It wasn't long before they heard the "boom" of the old musket. Then a few minutes later another "boom". Their mother came back, toting a rabbit and a squirrel. She set the boys to cleaning them while she dug through the wagon for her cooking supplies and frying pan. That night she told them the story, that old Two Feathers had told her, while they dined on fried rabbit, squirrel, and some batter bread, fried a golden brown. With satisfied stomachs, the children soon fell asleep.
Henry, tossed and turned in the bunk. His back and arms aching, from swinging the heavy pick-axe all day long. Although he swung and busted rocks all day. His mind was on Charity and the younguns... As soon as he caught him a chance. He was gonna make a run for it. He had the pick-axe. He could easily bust the chains off and then he could make a run for the woods... The old man said. I know what you got on your mind boy, and you best not try it! I've seen better men than you, try and fail. Well... maybe they didn't have what I have. Something worth trying for, Henry said. We's all got something worth trying for son. Be it a woman, or a bottle... but that don't mean we can make it! They'll hunt you down like a dog, if'n they don't shoot you in the back, whilst you are a runnin'. You best give up that notion boy, and try ta stay in one piece til yer time is up. Then, they'll let walk right on out the gate and not say a word. Here, chew on this willow bark. It'll help ease the pain. I know, cause I done been in this situation afore. It'll git easier as the days go by. Your appetite will come back and you'll be able to sleep at night. You'll even git use to the hard labor. You'll be lean and strong as an ox, when you git outta here! Right then, Henry wondered if he would even be able to live, on the grub they was feeding them... He had never had to eat slop like a pig before, and he was sure hoping, Charity and the children were eating alright. He had taught her how to shoot the musket and he knew she was a good shot. The boys knew how to fish, but he had not started teaching them to hunt yet...
With - Poem (not Blank)
Current mood: loved
Category: Writing and Poetry
"With"
With the sweetest smiles, you got my attention... With the tenderest kisses, you won my heart... With admiration in your eyes, you took my hand... With passion, you fanned the dying embers... With steadfastness, you gave me resolution... With equanimity, you calmed my storms... With acceptance, you gave me someone to believe in... With your Devotion, you gave me a sense of oneness... Together in harmony, we are made whole... My Darling, My Heart... I will always love you, til my dying breath...
Half Breed - Chapter 13 "Echos in The Darkness"
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Writing and Poetry
Chapter 13 "Echos in the Darkness"
Halos surrounded the angel's heads, and Charity looked in awe at the lovely picture... it gave her such a serene feeling, to gaze upon the image. Mr. Botter asked. If there was something he could help her with? She said. Yes sir there is. Do you know of a place called Cherokee? Well, yes ma'am as a matter of fact I do. It's about a hundred and fifty miles due north of here. In Cherokee Indian territory. They's been clearing the Indians out for years, but there is still some renegades running lose up there in them mountains... why you wanting to know? if you don't mind me a asking. Well, I just need to get there, she said. I'm supposed to meet my husband there, she lied... Well now, I didn't even know you had heard from him! I didn't Mr Botter. We talked before he left, and he said. That if he wouldn't back by the end of the month for me and the younguns to head up that way, to Cherokee... I just forgot to ask, that's all. The name of the town is Canton. That's what you need to ask if'n you get lost along the way. There's a large lake up there called Allatoona by the Indians... It'd be a good place to set up camp once you get there, just a saying, in case you hadn't got that part figured out yet. Thank you, Mr. Botter. That's good to know, Charity said. If somehow, me and Henry miss one another and he happens to show up here, would you mind letting him know, where me and the children were heading... Of course, I don't mind ma'am! Are you interested in trading that there Indian pot, for some supplies? he asked. Seeing that Charity was holding the pot, that Charles had found near the creek.
The Indians broke or buried most of the pottery, that they wouldn't able to take with them, and that one looks to be in great shape... Yes, it is in great shape. I really hate to part with it, but I need to make sure, I can get some more flour before we set out for Cherokee. Well, I'll do you a fair trade, for it. So it was that she got the supplies she needed, before she struck out for Cherokee. The children really hated to leave this place. They liked exploring the area and finding treasures, but when Charity explained where they were going, to Cherokee Indian country. They got real enthusiastic about leaving. She lied to them, same as she did Mr. Botter. By telling them that their father had told her to meet him there. That night as Charity lay, trying to go to sleep. She could hear the lonesome call of a whippoorwill, and she wished she could shush him, to be quiet! His lonesome call, was just a reminder of how lonesome she was, without Henry... That night as she slept, she was in a strange land... a land of darkness, and she was wandering through the foothills in the darkness. She came upon a darker place and she became lost. It did not matter, which way she turned, or how far in every direction, there was nothing but darkness. She called out to her grandfather... but there was only, Echos in the Darkness... her voice returning to her unanswered. So she called out again, and again, and again, but there were only the echos, over and over. She was awakened by Uriah's firm pressure on her shoulder, shaking her awake. Mama wake up! he said. You were calling out for your grandfather. Why was you calling him, mama?
It was just a dream, Uriah. But mama, you sounded scared! I was, she said. But, it was just a dream and I was lost in the darkness, and I thought he was there. So I was calling for him. Why did you think he was there? Uriah asked. Because she said. He comes to me in my dreams, and helps guide me. He has ever since he died. When I was about your age... Now, you need to try and get some sleep. We got a long, hard day in store, for tomorrow. But sleep was elusive for Charity. She could not get back to sleep, so she wrote a letter to Nancy and Eli, letting them know that they were alright, and were going on to Cherokee. She dared not, tell them that Henry had went off, trying to win land in a lottery. They would be too worried about him, and her and the children. After the sun rose and they had everything back on the wagons. They struck out due north, which took them back through town and Charity dropped off the letter to be mailed. As she was getting back on the wagon. She saw the two men. The white man and hawk faced Indian, from the other day. The white man tipped his hat, toward her and smiled his leery smile, while to Indian just looked hard at her! What did I ever do? she wondered, to make him dislike me so! She grabbed the rains, and said. Haw! to the horses, and headed on out of town. With Uriah, John and Charles following in the second wagon. She was hoping to make it, at least twenty miles today. She had cooked up enough biscuits, and the deer jerky, would sustain them for several days before she would have to stop earlier in the day to do some cooking.
Henry was looking out the barred window, feeling sorry for himself. Wishing he could go back and rethink his decision, to go off on his own chasing rainbows... Why don't you quit feeling sorry for yourself, and sit down awhile! Standing, staring out that window, ain't gonna get you outta here. Tomorrow, they's spose to be taking us over to that Walton County prison. After that, you ain't gonna feel like doing nothing, for at least a week... Cause yer ass, is gonna be a dragging. They work you to death over there. A bustin big rocks, down into little ones. They get ye up afore daylight, throw some slop in front of you for yer breakfast. Then work ya til dark. Then, they throw some more slop in front of ye. By then, you try to sleep, but it takes awhile to get use to it. It took me nearly a month last time, just to be able to sleep at night! Last time? Henry said. You mean, you done be in there, before? Well, no. Not that one. But they's all the same! I done been in several, over the years, and they was all the same. That night, Henry tossed and turned, worrying about Charity and the children. Although he didn't have any doubts, that she could take care of herself and the younguns. He knew she didn't have any idea, of where he was. She might even think he was dead... What if she went back home... What if she went on to Alabama... He wondered, if she would just stay where he left her... If it was allowed, for her to even camp out that long. That might be considered squatting. He wouldn't rightly sure, what she might do, or where she might go....
"Be careful what you wish for...." A Poem
Current mood: adored
Category: Writing and Poetry
Be careful what you wish for....
My head is always running in about forty different directions at once... I'm in the process of writing "way to many things" right now, but they just pop into my head and I have to write it down even if its just a line... most of the time I write from start to finish, poems in only a few minutes but the "novels" LOL are day to day, cause I have so much other crap to do... Sometimes I wish I could just sit and write without any intrusions for as long as I wanted... but I fear I may never stop...... Be careful what you wish for..... IS WHAT, I've always heard. Because you may not like what you get! and I know that's true. You can't always get what you want, but you usually get what you need. Anyhow, I sat down for a diet Pepsi and cigarette break and thought I'd post a little sumthin, sumthin. & if y'all get a chance go read chapter 12, of Half Breed and let me know what ya think {{Hugs}} Happy Thanksgiving!
"Be careful what you wish for...."
A Poem
When you wish, upon a star you'd better be careful, what you are wishing for...
Some wishes, do come true but they were never meant, to make you so blue...
Once, I wished for a man so fine but that man, he wasn't mine, in the end, I nearly lost my mind...
Then I wished, for another love one that was sent, from up above while I was in the pains of labor, he was making love to our neighbor...
So then for awhile, I closed my heart... trying to keep it from breaking apart. I stole love, from all around, but kept my feet placed, firmly on the ground.
Then, from outta nowhere you came... and my life, would never be the same. You dusted off my halo, and loved me true... Now my greatest wish, has come true.
It has been years, since my heart's been broken... but every now and then, I remember the token. It may truly be better, to have love and lost Then never to have loved at all...
Half Breed - Chapter 12 "Saunderville"
Current mood: artistic
Category: Writing and Poetry
Chapter 12 "Saundersville"
After Charity fixed the youngun's some fresh venison to go with the left overs from the night before. She told the children, that she was gonna walk into town, to see if she could trade some of the fresh meat, for some flour and beans. She took the tenderloin, which was the most tender part of the deer, and the two hind leg quarters. Hoping they would be enough to get the supplies she needed to keep her children fed. She took Charles with her to help carry the meat. It was a long walk, carrying the fresh meat. When they finally made it into town. She went straight to the mercantile. The man who owned it was named Benjamin Botter. He was a kindly man with a warm, friendly smile. She explained what she was wanting to do, and although sympathetic, he said he really didn't have much call for venison... seeing the tenderloin, she was holding out to him and the desperation in her eyes. He said, alright ma'am. I'll give you twenty pounds of flour and ten pounds of beans. I'll also throw in five pounds of sugar, and the wax to seal your canning jars. Charity was so thankful, she wanted to hug him. So she did! He laughed and said, that was a first. Most folks was usually mad, about how much stuff cost these days! As Charity and Charles, made their way back to the camp along the dirt road. They came face to face with two rough looking riders. One was white, but the other was a Indian! Charity had never seen an Indian that looked like him before... He was hawk faced, with just a strip of hair, right down the middle of his head. She didn't like the way, they was looking at her... She had never had anybody, look at her like that before. It made her feel exposed and vulnerable. The white man, was practically leering at her...
That shore was a funny lookin' injun, Charles said. Shh... she said. He might just hear you, and come back and scalp you! He sure looked like he would enjoy doing it to. Yeah, Mama. He was mean looking, that's for shore. I can't wait to tell Uriah, about him! As they neared the campsite, the youngun's was all waiting for them, out by the road. Little Aaron, trying hard to keep up with his big brothers, grabbed one of the bags, which was nearly as big as he was... Uriah, could tell that something was bothering his mama. So as soon as they were alone, he asked. What's wrong mama? She told him, that it wasn't nothing for him to be concerned about, but he came back with, well since poppa is gone, I'm supposed to help you look out for trouble, and take care of my brothers and sisters! Charity looked at him with a different set of eyes, right then, realizing he was growing up. We ran into two scraggly looking fellas, on the way back from Saunderville, she said. They made me a little bit scared... Well, don't you worry mama! I'll help you watch out for any sign of trouble. She hugged him and told him, she was proud of him, he was growing up so fast! Now, lets get this stuff put up. Mama, I wonder how long poppa is gonna be gone... I don't know son. It might be awhile, but in the meantime we have got to keep the family fed, and keep ourselves safe. Charity made a mental note, not to go anywhere, without the big hunting knife tucked in her waist belt... She was happy to see, that all the children were safe, for the time being.
She decided, that since she had sugar, for a special treat she was gonna make them, a gallon of sassafras tea. The water was still cold enough to cool it down good before supper. The creek was where, she had been keeping the milk and such. By the time she fed the youngun's and got them into bed, she was wore slap out! She thought for sure she would sleep like a log, but the dreams came... dreams of Henry, his head bleeding. But for some reason, although she knew he was hurt. She knew he would return safely? it was confusing.... but the dream of the man and the Indian she had seen today... that was not a good dream. She woke in a cold sweat, fighting demons in her dreams, that she knew would soon become realities... She tossed and turned, trying to get the rest, her body so badly needed! In her dreams she saw a white buffalo. That came charging from the forest, and shots echoed across the fields... and the mighty buffalo fell to his knees, in a slow motion... every frame more painful than the last... She ran to the buffalo, and before he took his last breath, he spoke to her, in her native Cherokee... You must go to the place named Tsalagiyi, which in Cherokee meant "A Place called Cherokee". She knew the buffalo spirit, was her grandfather... But Grandfather, I can't leave here! It is where Henry knows we are! He will come, he said. Then he said. Donadagohvi, which meant "We will see one another again ".... Don't leave me grandfather! she screamed. But the buffalo, was dead. Then she awoke, softly she cried... not knowing what tomorrow may bring.
When Henry regained consciousness. His head, felt as though it was the size of a watermelon, and the pain was so intense, that the little bit of sunlight, that did manage to sneak through the barred window, sent sharp pains through his eyeballs and deep into his brain. The Sheriff said. Well it looks like you are finally, back with the living! He then walked over to Henry and kicked him several times in the ribs. Making Henry wince and moan in pain. Now, why don't you just leave him be! came a voice from behind Henry. If you don't shut your trap old man. You gonna get some of the same! Well it just ain't right, kicking a man when he's down... mumbled the voice from the corner. I need to get to my family... Henry said. Well, that ain't gonna happen for awhile, said the Sheriff. I got you on drunk and disorderly, and also on assault charges. With those words, Henry vaguely remembered, taking a swing at somebody... The next day, him and the old man, was drug in front of the judge. The sheriff and several others, testified against Henry and the old man. How do you plead? asked the judge. They both said guilty. Can either of you make a bond? They both answered no, being neither owned land. So the judge sentenced both of them, to one year of hard labor in the Walton County prison. This was like a final blow to Henry. All he had ever wanted, was better for his family. To be a man of his own and not have to be handed down to, by his father. He had really let Charity and the children down, this time. What was gonna happen to Charity and the children, with him locked up....
Half Breed - Chapter 11 " Georgia Country"
Current mood: artistic
Category: Writing and Poetry
Chapter 11 "Georgia Country"
'Well, I caught myself a lookin' down alongside the creek, that's when I found it! she heard, Charles excitedly saying. Found what? she asked. He was surrounded by his brothers and sister, all trying to scooch up to him, for a closer look. This! he said, holding up a clay pot and several arrow heads. The pot was near perfect, although Charity was unfamiliar with the markings. She was pretty sure it was Creek. They were the Indian tribes, that had lived here... Martha Jane, Get the baby and your sister. Now Charles, come show me where you found em at, she said. We might can find some more! So she and the children, spent the next several hours, exploring the creek banks looking for treasures... They would spend many more days, exploring the areas around the campsite. It gave the children something to look forward to, and it gave Charity, a relief from worrying about Henry. The boys had gotten good at trapping fish, but Charity and the children, were getting tired of eating fish every day. That night at supper, she told the youngin's, that when they got up in the morning. Not to wander off from camp, not even to go to the creek. Why? they all asked. Because, I'm getting up before daylight, and see if I can kill us something to eat, besides fish! she said. I wanna go with you! both Charles and Uriah said. No, she said firmly. I need y'all here, to take care of the little ones. But... Mama! No buts about it, she said. When your daddy, gets back and he sees fit, he'll teach you boys how to hunt. Right now, I will need y'all to watch out for the little ones.
When the pale light of dawn was rising in the east, she was squatting in thicket, next to a meadow, about a mile south of the camp. She had found this spot, while they were exploring the creek banks, looking for relics of the past. Left behind, by a people forced, to leave their homes and move on... She had already loaded the musket. She didn't want to be caught off guard. She was getting cramps in her legs, from squatting so long... she had wore the most muted color of dress she had, hoping not to stand out in the thicket. She would have worn her buckskins, they would not have stood out at all, here where all the animals lived, but was afraid, she would get mistaken for a wild Indian, and shot or sent off on the Trail of tears... these were the thoughts running through her mind, when she heard the rustling of the bushes, about twenty feet behind her. What ever it was, it had undoubtedly gone the other way. As she was repositioning herself, something hit her hard in the back, nearly knocking the breath out of her! Then it hit the ground with a thud, about five feet in front of her! It was a white tailed buck. She jerked up the musket, and took aim as he was jumping up, he looked stunned but when he saw her, he turned to make a run for it. She tried to hold steady although, She could hear her heart pounding... Easy she told herself, as she squeezed the trigger. Boom! the old musket fired, but she couldn't see a damn thing for all the smoke! You got him, mama! she heard.
Surprised, she turned to see Charles, her explorer and most curious son, right there behind her! What are you doing here? she asked. Didn't I tell you to stay at the camp! What if I had mistaken you for a buck? That might be you laying there, kicking and squirming on the ground! She was furious at him, but had to smother a smile, as he said. But mama, you shot him graveyard dead! Sure enough, the deer was no longer kicking and squirming... she pulled the big knife out of her waist belt and said, well since you are here, you gonna have to help me bleed him out, and I will show you where the scent glands are, we have to be careful not to cut them, when we dress him out, or it will ruin the taste of the meat. They fashioned a tote from a felled tree. Charity tied the deers legs together, and then slid the pole through the deers legs. She took one end and Charles the other. This made it a lot easier, to tote their prize back to camp. She was still, piqued that Charles had disobeyed and followed her, but thankful, that he was here to help her. She would have had a hell of a time toting the deer by herself... They followed Carter's Mill Creek, back toward camp, getting there before the youngest ones had awakened. Uriah was perturbed that Charles had gotten to help his mama, carry the deer back to camp. But got over it, once he realized he was gonna help dress out the deer. It took them about an hour and a half, but she told the boys, they did a fine job and she was proud of em! She could see that they to, were proud of their accomplishment.
Meanwhile, several counties over. Henry was getting into some mischief, of his own. The last name had been drawn out of the hat, and again he had failed to make the cut. He was growing more and more discouraged. Feeling like he was letting his family down... so when the grizzled old man offered him a drink of whiskey, he took the jug and swigged down several big gulps. He had never before imbibed of spirits, but the hot liquid sliding down his throat and into his stomach felt good... and after several more swigs, so did Henry... He and the old man, sat and drank for the greater part of the afternoon. Henry, bemoaning the fact that he still had not been drawn in the lottery, and the old man, just thankful for some company. The old man seemed to get louder and louder, the drunker he got. Whilst Henry, just got more and more depressed... Some of the men, who were also camped out for the lottery. Were getting fed up, with the old man's loud, vulgar mouth! They started to complain to the pair, asking them to take it somewhere else. When the old man jumped up and took a swing at the leader of the protesters, Henry was right behind him. They lit into the crowd with a furry! The old man driven by drunken pride and Henry, driven by shame and a rage, that even in his drunkenness, he did not understand. Next thing they knew, shots were being fired into the air, by the sheriff. That's when Henry, turned and punched the sheriff, right in the jaw. The last thing Henry felt, just before everything went dark, was a hard jolt to the back of his head...
Well, it’s happening again!!
Current mood: sleepy
Category: Life
Well, it's happening again!!
It happens every year, about this time. I get an incredible yearning for the mountains... the smell of wood smoke, wafting outta chimneys, hot boiled peanuts and warm, spicy, apple cider. The cool, crisp, crunch of frost, underfoot on the fallen leaves... With Amos Lee and Van Morrison, rocking my gypsy soul, also throwing in a little Leonard Cohen, as we cruise through the back roads, of those small, back country towns... If I close my eyes... I can almost see it and smell those smells... yes, living here along the southern coast, where people flock to the beaches. We still have green grass, and leaves on the trees... I reckon that's why, I crave the other. Seems we always want, what we don't have. But, maybe next year. We can save up and load up, and go... this will be one of the few years, that we haven't been able to go, on our yearly trip to north Georgia and then the Smokies. We usually trace our honeymoon route, each year around our anniversary. On the bright side. This morning, the lake was at it's most beautiful time. I know, I say that all the time. Because it is beautiful all the time but this morning it was so still and flat, that it looked like a giant mirror, reflecting the heavens and the trees, some slowly changing colors, along its coastline.. I know that I am truly blessed, to be able to gaze daily, upon such a beautiful sight. I still have so much to do, it ain't funny! I'm in
adventurous
relieved
loved
adored
{{Hugs}} Happy Thanksgiving!
artistic
sleepy
but this morning it was so still and flat, that it looked like a giant mirror, reflecting the heavens and the trees, some slowly changing colors, along its coastline.. I know that I am truly blessed, to be able to gaze daily, upon such a beautiful sight. I still have so much to do, it ain't funny! I'm in