Monday, May 23, 2011

The Past Few Days


Beautiful Cove Lake State Park.

Friday I stopped by here for a few minutes after visiting my mom.

~~       My mom wanted to know who I was :~(       ~~


A charming scene at the entrance to the
library.

♪ ♫ Green, green ... it's green they say,
on the far side of the hill.  ♫ ♪

I see this beautiful scene when I go to the grocery store.

(A beautiful idea for a watercolor landscape)


Still haven't decided what the "story" is about this bear sculpture
at the library.  It appears its story is painted on it but
a part of me might prefer to have the bear plain
and make up one's own story.

My family roots began near this river, the Clinch River in Clinton, Tennessee.

My relatives on both sides of my family lived near this river.  On my dad's side
of the family, their land was on the river.  I am wondering if the exact location
is shown in this photo of the spot where my grandmother took me fishing one
day when I was very young.  I can't tell you if we caught a thing but I have never
forgotten the corn cob horse she made me while sitting on the bank.  That woman sure knew
how to use a pocket knife!

Still on the bank of the Clinch River when I was walking closer to the river,
a fat furry animal was scurrying to the water.  My sister, who lives very close by
told me it was a ground hog.


To my faithful blogging friends, sorry for the lack of posts recently.  I have some new blog ideas and hope to post them soon.  Thank you again, each and everyone of you, who spend time visiting and for your sweet comments! ~~


13 comments:

Clint said...

Yeah---I don't much like my bears with tats, either. I love that first photo of the mountains and the lake.

Shady Del Knight said...

You are surrounded by greenery, Cindy. Yours is certainly one of the most beautiful areas in the country. A few years before my father's death I traveled back up north to Pennsylvania to visit him. We drove to the rural area where we lived when I was born and where we remained until we moved to suburban York when I was four. We parked the car and hiked up over the hill behind our old house. With every twist and turn of the trail memories of my earliest childhood came flooding back. They included the memory of my dad constructing and hand painting a wooden giraffe some four feet tall that stood guard at my bedside in those early years. It's amazing how memories can make you feel so much! Have a wonderful day and week, dear Cindy!

Kathy Farmer said...

Cindy, I'm so sorry about your mom. My dad has Alzheimer's disease, and he hasn't known who I am for a few years. It's really painful to see the confusion on his face when he sees me.

I'm so glad you are back in Tennessee!

Mining for Diamonds said...

Love your photos, Cindy. My in-laws live not too far from Cove Park. It sure is beautiful there in East TN. Love those lakes! You and Clint are making me miss it there with all your pictures of our old haunts. My daughter and hubby were both born in Knoxville, in the same hospital.

Carol Blackburn said...

Hello Cindy, it must be difficul to see your Mother like that but when you visit bring some old photos of yourself and her and show them to her. Ask her about her daughter Cindy. She might start talking up a storm because the old memories are still there. It's your new adult face she has lost recognition of and what she ate for breakfast, too. A bouquet of her favorite flowers can help too. As a nurse I have had many Alzheimer's patients and they need a delicate approach, direct look into their eyes, a soft voice and a smile. I hope one thing I've mentioned helps you have a more enjoyable visit next time.
Great photos, by the way. I agree with Clint on not liking statues wiht tattoos.

Franz said...

What a wonderful place!

A hug!

Cindy Ellison said...

Shady, how interesting that your dad made a wooden giraffe for you as a child. I hope it is still in the family, what a special memory! A few weeks back, you had mentioned Thomas Wolfe's short story, "The Far and The Near". Last week Clint and I read it, since then we have had several discussions about it. Even an hour ago, there was a circumstance we were discussing and I was reminded by Clint, "remember the story we read the other day". Thank you for bringing up the story, we both really liked it. It's unforgettable.

Kathy, it is so good to hear from you. It's sad to learn your dad has Alzheimer's, too. I know what you mean, Kathy, it is so sad to see them confused. It's good we are in touch on FB, I hated I was not able to attend the reunion and see everyone, including you! ♥

Kimberly, it sure is a small world! Yes, I am so happy to be back in these hills. North Carolina has some beautiful places, too. I wonder if your husband was born at St. Mary's in Knoxville.

Carol, thank you so much for your suggestions on dealing with my mother. The flowers are a good idea, something that she liked with a fragrance. My sister and I made her little photo albums. (Copies of photos, you know how they can't keep up with things) Clint and I are what you might call "old fashioned", we don't even like humans with tattoos. ;~D

Mining for Diamonds said...

They were born at Ft. Sanders. I was actually planning to birth at the Lisa Ross Birth Center (awesome facility!) but unfortunately I had issues so had to go to Ft. Sanders. Jasmyne is so proud of the fact that she was born at the same hospital as Daddy!

I was telling Clint this, but I'll tell you too, I played in the Knoxville Symphony for 7 years, you guys ought to check out their various offerings. Besides the green hills and mountains and lakes, I miss KSO most of all. Have you been back to the TN Theater since it was renovated? It's gorgeous!!!!

Mining for Diamonds said...

Oh, I was going to add that I am SO glad you get to be near your mother. We live with my mother who is fortunately healthy, but it's still nice to be near her in this time of her life!

Karen Kyle Ericson said...

These photos are beautiful :) I love the bear statue. And the scenery is lovely.

Shady Del Knight said...

Cindy, I am very happy to know that both you and Clint read that short story and found value in it as I did. Believe me, it will stay with you and you will be reminded of it many times as you go through life.

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Cindy,
What a beautiful name you got!! I chose that name to call my daughter when she was born 32 years ago in New York. Her name is Cindy Caprice. I love your blog, sweetheart. You are an amazing painter, photographer and artist. I also love TN, your home place. I enjoy going through your posts in your amazing blog.
God bless you, Cindy, and those you love!!
In God's Garden,
Poet Starry Dawn.

Patti said...

(((( Cindy ))))