Woodland -- my Woodland...the place I love so much. Where neighbors are friendly and know who you are; where the streams run free and clear, "Give," said the little stream--"Give, oh give, give, oh give!" We too must give of our time to accomplish a much needed task!
The River -- in the spring I can hear Her rushing rampantly, as the snow melts from the beautiful mountains. The season turns from spring to summer and She turns into a peaceful river, whose sound still carries in the stillness of the moonlight.
The River and streams water the ground and the ground sucks and gurggles with each thirsty drink offered generously by those loving hands who so tenderly care for Mother Earth.
Some things are timeless--such as Grandpa Mac's old tractor, fields that once belonged to Grandpa Bisel and the very process that takes place each season as grasses grow; are cut, baled and hauled in, hay is fed throughout the winter, and spring comes again and the process begins anew!
The cows contentedly chew their cud and munch on the lush, green grasses of the meadow as they watch their young ones grow.
Woodland is a place where the church organist stays the same for over 50 years! Hymns are just not the same if they are not enthusiastically and energetically played by Bonita!
Woodland is a place where people work tireless on projects to benefit others. Elizabeth loves to toil in her garden each summer, that she may place a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the chapel every Sunday. No one ever sees her as she places them--they are only aware of the heavenly scent and the stunning beauty of each arrangement. The Woodland church -- where each of you kids had a time of growing and working and learning to happily love and tend the building and grounds. The Church is the place where we had Billie Jo, Olivia and Allen's wedding receptions and where we've had more family parties than we can count!
The Woodland Cash Store -- each of you had many hours behind the register as well as going there to purchase a popsicle or candy bar. The Woodland Cash Store -- the center of the community and so many memories! Dad and I have spent endless hours trying to convince community members of the importance of protecting this beautiful little piece of heaven. We have been accused of working on this project for selfish, self-fulfilling reasons. We are willing to work and laugh as we labor because we do love this place so much and want to protect it for those we love, just as those before did for us. It's a fast-paced world now, and there's so much at stake to protect the stream of life that flows through Woodland. Wish us luck as we enter the final phase of our effort of the last two years--the Incorporation of Woodland!
The River -- in the spring I can hear Her rushing rampantly, as the snow melts from the beautiful mountains. The season turns from spring to summer and She turns into a peaceful river, whose sound still carries in the stillness of the moonlight.
The River and streams water the ground and the ground sucks and gurggles with each thirsty drink offered generously by those loving hands who so tenderly care for Mother Earth.
Some things are timeless--such as Grandpa Mac's old tractor, fields that once belonged to Grandpa Bisel and the very process that takes place each season as grasses grow; are cut, baled and hauled in, hay is fed throughout the winter, and spring comes again and the process begins anew!
The cows contentedly chew their cud and munch on the lush, green grasses of the meadow as they watch their young ones grow.
Woodland is a place where the church organist stays the same for over 50 years! Hymns are just not the same if they are not enthusiastically and energetically played by Bonita!
The Woodland Cash Store -- each of you had many hours behind the register as well as going there to purchase a popsicle or candy bar. The Woodland Cash Store -- the center of the community and so many memories! Dad and I have spent endless hours trying to convince community members of the importance of protecting this beautiful little piece of heaven. We have been accused of working on this project for selfish, self-fulfilling reasons. We are willing to work and laugh as we labor because we do love this place so much and want to protect it for those we love, just as those before did for us. It's a fast-paced world now, and there's so much at stake to protect the stream of life that flows through Woodland. Wish us luck as we enter the final phase of our effort of the last two years--the Incorporation of Woodland!
8 comments:
What beautiful pictures and tribute to Woodland. It is the place I will always consider "home". I think after you have successfully incorporated Woodland into a town, your first job should be as the travel and tourism director. Who wouldn't want to come to Woodland after seeing it though your eyes!
Those are beautiful pictures of our little "home," and a beautiful description and tribute to it as well. I am so happy you are working so hard---I know it will pay off!
We missed having you here this weekend, we can't wait to see you soon!
What a beautiful post. Those pictures are incredible! You two are such wonderful people and great examples to us. Thanks for all you do!
I do have to tell you thank you for working so hard the incorporation. I dido all you said about woodland and I could not have said it better. (seriously you have a way of wording things to make it sound so beautiful) I too love Woodland and am so blessed to be raised here and Lucky I still get to enjoy it. Thanks for the post it really reminded me of how much I really do love Woodland. Now get back to work on that incorporation.
You wear so many hats that I will never measure up to you. I am so proud of you for all your work and your words are priceless! Thanks for giving us such a wonderful HOME.
Sorry I haven't posted a comment before now. Every time I look on your blog to comment, my eyes tear up so badly I can't type. You know that I absolutely love that post. I especially like the picture of the Woodland church. It is hard to believe I have not been going to church there for 10 years. I have so many great memories about the Woodland church, and some not great ones (I'm talking about the time I hit my head on the bench and got a concussion, not the time I got whipped with the willow branch).
Billy Sue,
Thank you for the sweet comment. Gabby and I are very lucky be included in such a wonderful family. You all are amazing. I am very glad that I was able to help your dad. Your mom and dad are truley amazing people. I hope that Jason and I are that much in love and that happy so many years later. You and Earl have always been favorites of mine! Thank you for all of your support!
GREAT PICTURES!!!!! AH, It makes me homesick!!!
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