I suggested in an earlier issue of CC that some of you might be willing to share how you “connect” with Creation – as a composer, writer, poet, artist, or one having deep roots in a place where you experience God’s presence. Marilynn Strayer responded to this suggestion with the following:
Prior to moving to the Pacific Northwest, I was privileged to live on 90 beautiful acres at the edge of Appalachia in southern Ohio. It was a long wooded narrow hollow with high rock walls and waterfalls. The left fork Queer Creek ran through it. I lived in a small chestnut log cabin for a year before my cedar log home was built and I met Sam.
My love of birds made this a special haven for me. I especially miss the many warblers I would hear and see and all of the Cardinals at my bird feeder in winter. The spring flowers were delightful with dutchman’s breeches, hepatica, dog tooth violets, trillium, and Jack in the pulpits. Fall colors were the oaks, sycamores, beach and poplar. Winter brought snow and lots of beautiful icicles on the waterfalls.
My love and faith in God this further revealed every day that I lived in and explored that lovely hollow. A special in quote “thin” place was a high overlook back up the hollow where I often sat and meditated. There were Turkey vultures roosting in the rocks across the way and deer at the Creek below. One day I was surprised by a nest of flying squirrels that exploded out of a hollow tree that I wrapped on.
My time in that special “Eden” was truly blessed. I recently stopped by and I’m happy to say that the hollow is now under the care of The Nature Conservancy so will be preserved for generations to come.
Thanks for listening.
— Joe Sheldon
Direct comments to Joe Sheldon at [email protected]
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