Laurinda Wallace's Blog, page 12
April 17, 2013
What Did You Say?
A phone call came into my office the other day and after the caller identified herself, she asked for my copier's model number. Suspecting that it was a telemarketing scam of some sort, I asked, "Who are you with?" There was dead silence and then a click. Smiling to myself, the quick exit confirmed my suspicions. I didn't fall off the potato truck yesterday. Then the phone rang again. Caller ID said it was the same caller, so I let it go to voicemail. The line once again went "click" and no message was left. Surprised that she would call back, I was even more so when the phone rang a third time from the same number. Answering the call, I found that it was the same woman. She quickly identified herself and asked about the copier. When I inquired yet again, "Who are you with?" She replied, "I don't see why my marital status is important."As you might guess, I had to stop from laughing before responding. "I don't need your marital status, I need to know what company you are with."
"Oh, that question." Silence prevailed and then the click. There were no more calls.
My intuition was obviously correct about the purpose of the call since she was rather stingy with the company information. Apparently the woman's marital status was a hot button issue for her. How easily we misunderstand or miscommunicate on a daily basis! What seems so obvious to us is not so clear to the recipient of the question or information. Then we have folks who intentionally speak to deceive us. And there are those who prefer not hear the truth because it's too distressing.
There is One who speaks clearly and plainly to us through the written Word. He is the Author and His words are life. Real life, abundant for here and eternity. And if we don't understand His words, He tells us to ask for understanding. He wants the message to get through to us, without any misunderstanding. Psalm 119:130 says, "The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand." NLT
Good news for us. We don't have to be an intellectual or have a degree to understand God's Word. It's also practical, useful for everyday life, and teaches us to do the right thing.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between the soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12 NLTScripture states flat out what's wrong with us and we don't like that one little bit. We make up all sorts of excuses to not believe it or apply it our lives. Our struggle to manipulate it to serve our own purposes doesn't work. It may temporarily, but it will always come back to bite us. The Truth will always expose us.
Communication today can be confusing, full of lies, and way too much to comprehend. We have a glut of words and data everywhere. God's Word is crystal clear and absolute. Don't be afraid to read it, believe it, and live it.
April 13, 2013
Announcing the Arrival of Family Matters
I've been a mystery fan since I began reading my dad's boyhood favorites, the Sugar Creek Gang mystery books way back when. With a mystery, you have to put on your thinking cap to discover the murderer and really get to know the characters. One of them is the bad apple, but he or she is not always easy to find. The scare factor is part of the thrill, too. Spooky old houses, storms, cryptic letters, hidden rooms, creepy suspects...all great fun.
Writing about what I know, Family Matters is set in my hometown area of Western New York. It's a wonderful place to live, except for the winter part. The people are friendly and care about each other. When bad stuff happens, people show up to help. You can relate if you grew up in small town America. The local restaurant is the hub of information and the church is the other.
Family Matters introduces you to the fictional village of Deer Creek, located somewhere in Wyoming County. Gracie is a recent widow, reinventing her life by starting a new business with her late husband's dairy farm partner. As a lover of dogs, she's now running a boarding kennel. Her aunt's death precipitates spiraling events that put her life in danger. Perhaps she should have let "sleeping dogs lie," but Gracie isn't built that way. She's a determined redhead with a rather interesting family. Then to top it off, the kennel seems headed straight for bankruptcy after a successful start.
I hope you enjoy a little murder, some mayhem, and a few laughs as you get to know the folks of Deer Creek. Gracie and Haley, her goofy black Lab are waiting to get to know you.
April 11, 2013
Why Worry?
Do you remember that old Sunday School song, Why Worry When You Pray? It goes like this:
What if the medical tests I just had come back with bad news? What if I can't pay my bills? The "what ifs" get us so many times.
We forget that as believers we have have the solid promises of God that cover us. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24-25 "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?"
Jesus knew a lot of our worries are about money - usually the lack of it. That worry then spills over into every area of life.
Paul told us in Philippians 4 not to be anxious (worried) about anything, but to pray about it. Why? Because our God is able to supply all of our needs - financially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. He's got all of the resources we'll ever need and more.
But, you say, "I've tried that. It doesn't work." Me too. Worry tends to feed itself and pretty soon we're consumed with it. Our fears become irrational and out-of-control. Anxiety is pretty much about fear and lack of control anyway. Most of our horrible fears never come true--not even close. Lately I've been working on letting go of some of those favorite worries--especially about money. Leaving them at the Throne of Grace is freeing. God keeps His promises. He has not let me down in this experiment of faith. I don't want to be that Doubting Thomas. I want to rest fully in His promises that never fail. Put Him to the test. He'll lead you one step at a time to peace.
Why worry when you can pray,Trust Jesus, He'll be your stay,Don't be a doubting Thomas,Rest fully on His promiseWhy worry, worry,worry, worryWhen you can pray?So simple, yet so difficult. But we have good reasons to worry, don't we? The world is a terrible place. Lots of bad stuff is happening all around us and sometimes to us. Moms are especially susceptible to worry. Our kids, even when they're adults are a great area of concern for many of us. The future is so uncertain - what if I lose my job, what if the stock market crashes and my IRA tanks?
What if the medical tests I just had come back with bad news? What if I can't pay my bills? The "what ifs" get us so many times.
We forget that as believers we have have the solid promises of God that cover us. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24-25 "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing?"Jesus knew a lot of our worries are about money - usually the lack of it. That worry then spills over into every area of life.
Paul told us in Philippians 4 not to be anxious (worried) about anything, but to pray about it. Why? Because our God is able to supply all of our needs - financially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. He's got all of the resources we'll ever need and more.
But, you say, "I've tried that. It doesn't work." Me too. Worry tends to feed itself and pretty soon we're consumed with it. Our fears become irrational and out-of-control. Anxiety is pretty much about fear and lack of control anyway. Most of our horrible fears never come true--not even close. Lately I've been working on letting go of some of those favorite worries--especially about money. Leaving them at the Throne of Grace is freeing. God keeps His promises. He has not let me down in this experiment of faith. I don't want to be that Doubting Thomas. I want to rest fully in His promises that never fail. Put Him to the test. He'll lead you one step at a time to peace.
April 6, 2013
Good 'Ol Dogs
Our Lab, Clancy is going to be 11 years old in a few weeks. We've had him since he was eight weeks old, just a squirming, yippy puppy. Once a way too energetic dog, he's just now beginning to slow down. Now that he's well into his senior years, a few quirks have come along that only add to his rather enthusiastic personality.
He likes to imagine that intruders are outside on a whim. He begins barking for no particular reason and stares out of the front windows. I vainly search for possible trespassers, but the yard is
empty. If a commercial on TV includes a doorbell ringing, he's immediately at the front door barking like a Rottweiler. I'm chalking up these reactions to old age. He used to be able to differentiate between TV and reality. Or perhaps he's watched too much TV over the years.
Clancy, who leads a rather sedate life these days, comes to life every evening around 7:00pm. He happily supplies entertainment just when we'd like to sit down and relax. He decides that it's time to play and drags out slippers, shoes, and dog toys. With a gleam in his eye, he strews them around the family room. If that doesn't get us off the couch to play, he begins pawing at the rocking chair cushion and finally flips it onto the floor. Proudly standing over it, this act usually elicits some sort of response from his people, who now have to get up and put the cushion back into place. Once the cushion has been replaced, he drags out his bed, which is in front of the fireplace into the middle of the room. Sometimes, he flops down on it and other times, he wrestles with it for a few more minutes. Next comes the "let me out so I can come right back in" game. Once he tires of that and we've probably told him that we're definitely tired of it, he begins backing up. I really can't explain this at all, but he backs up about three feet, stands there a moment and begins again. A friend of ours also has a Lab who likes to back up.
There's a lot to be said for old dogs. They're happy to hang out with you and take leisurely walks. They sleep a lot, slobber on you, and are grateful when you rub their ears. If you throw a toy for them to retrieve, they amble after it once or twice. After that, you'll be retrieving it, so think before you throw.
The old dog is stretched out by the TV, possibly dreaming of doorbells ringing and rabbits waiting for him to chase them. But you can be sure when 9:00pm rolls around, he'll be on his feet, waiting for his evening stroll. It's a well-oiled routine for the males in this household. They're both creatures of habit.
He likes to imagine that intruders are outside on a whim. He begins barking for no particular reason and stares out of the front windows. I vainly search for possible trespassers, but the yard is
empty. If a commercial on TV includes a doorbell ringing, he's immediately at the front door barking like a Rottweiler. I'm chalking up these reactions to old age. He used to be able to differentiate between TV and reality. Or perhaps he's watched too much TV over the years.
Clancy, who leads a rather sedate life these days, comes to life every evening around 7:00pm. He happily supplies entertainment just when we'd like to sit down and relax. He decides that it's time to play and drags out slippers, shoes, and dog toys. With a gleam in his eye, he strews them around the family room. If that doesn't get us off the couch to play, he begins pawing at the rocking chair cushion and finally flips it onto the floor. Proudly standing over it, this act usually elicits some sort of response from his people, who now have to get up and put the cushion back into place. Once the cushion has been replaced, he drags out his bed, which is in front of the fireplace into the middle of the room. Sometimes, he flops down on it and other times, he wrestles with it for a few more minutes. Next comes the "let me out so I can come right back in" game. Once he tires of that and we've probably told him that we're definitely tired of it, he begins backing up. I really can't explain this at all, but he backs up about three feet, stands there a moment and begins again. A friend of ours also has a Lab who likes to back up.
There's a lot to be said for old dogs. They're happy to hang out with you and take leisurely walks. They sleep a lot, slobber on you, and are grateful when you rub their ears. If you throw a toy for them to retrieve, they amble after it once or twice. After that, you'll be retrieving it, so think before you throw.
The old dog is stretched out by the TV, possibly dreaming of doorbells ringing and rabbits waiting for him to chase them. But you can be sure when 9:00pm rolls around, he'll be on his feet, waiting for his evening stroll. It's a well-oiled routine for the males in this household. They're both creatures of habit.
April 3, 2013
A Shot in the Arm
At a recent checkup with my doctor, she noticed that I was due for a tetanus immunization. Within minutes a medical assistant was plunging a needle in my upper left arm. Ouch! It really wasn't that bad, but my arm was sore for a few days. The shot will protect me over the next 10 years from getting tetanus. You know that often fatal infection you can get from stepping on a rusty nail or puncturing any part of your body. Because it's relatively easy to do something stupid like impale your foot or hand on a sharp object, the momentary discomfort is welcome because I'd much rather have the shot than have tetanus.
The expression, "a shot in the arm" also means a dose of encouragement that we all need from time to time. It's Wednesday or "Hump Day" and we're half-way through the work week. How's your week going? Busy? Frustrating? If you're feeling a little down on this beautiful, sunny day (sorry-perfect weather in AZ today) here's a painless shot in the arm for you.
The expression, "a shot in the arm" also means a dose of encouragement that we all need from time to time. It's Wednesday or "Hump Day" and we're half-way through the work week. How's your week going? Busy? Frustrating? If you're feeling a little down on this beautiful, sunny day (sorry-perfect weather in AZ today) here's a painless shot in the arm for you.
The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. Proverbs 11:30
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25.Generosity, prosperity, good deeds, friendship, refreshment--all excellent words to put in practice this week. They are sure protection from the stuff out there that can make you miserable. Maybe this week isn't so bad after all.
March 28, 2013
Supper with Friends
Our dining room was full of friends a couple of months ago. We laughed, ate a lot and had a good time being together. Stories were told, there was a discussion on politics, and also spiritual matters were discussed throughout the evening. It was a good time. That's what supper with friends is supposed to be.
Not so for Jesus as He gathered his disciples together for the meal we call "The Last Supper." The ragtag group of men were on their way to Jerusalem. The political scene was awful. Cruel Romans and corrupt priests held absolute power over the people. If you read the Gospel of John, you feel tension of the scene. It's as if Jerusalem is about to explode.
Jesus knew what the next 24 hours held in store. These men who claimed to be his friends were all liars and cowards. Judas betrayed him to the priests that night. Peter who so glibly spouted his allegiance, would in a few hours deny that he'd even known him. The rest would run to save themselves from the Roman soldiers and the temple guards.
But yet, Christ washed their feet, even of the one who would sell Him out for a measly 30 pieces of silver. The price of a slave. He told them that He loved each of them--even though He knew exactly what they were. Their weaknesses and their sins were all well known to the Savior. They wouldn't even be able to stay awake to pray with Him and yet He loved them. Jesus didn't tiptoe their sins, He told them straight out that everything was known to Him.
"I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!" John 13:21 "But why can't I come now, Lord?" he asked. "I'm ready to die for you." Jesus answered, "Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me. John 13:37,38
Maundy Thursday-that remembrance of friends having supper together. It's a time of reflection on the Truth. The truth is we are all sinners, destined for hell. But He loves us. The truth is we can't make things right on our own, no matter what we do or say. But He loves us anyway. And even though we don't deserve it, Christ died for us to make it right. To make a way for a restored relationship with God, to give us real life that means something here on earth, and eternity in heaven. Because He loves us.
We don't like to hear the truth about ourselves. It's harsh and of course we want to think well of ourselves. After all, we're doing the best we can. Here's the truth: F or everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23. Here's some more: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23.
So that we could have this: "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation.For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." Romans 5:8-11
Someday I will sit around a table in Heaven with all the friends of God. What a grand day that will be! All because of His love. Will you be at the table?
Not so for Jesus as He gathered his disciples together for the meal we call "The Last Supper." The ragtag group of men were on their way to Jerusalem. The political scene was awful. Cruel Romans and corrupt priests held absolute power over the people. If you read the Gospel of John, you feel tension of the scene. It's as if Jerusalem is about to explode.
Jesus knew what the next 24 hours held in store. These men who claimed to be his friends were all liars and cowards. Judas betrayed him to the priests that night. Peter who so glibly spouted his allegiance, would in a few hours deny that he'd even known him. The rest would run to save themselves from the Roman soldiers and the temple guards.
But yet, Christ washed their feet, even of the one who would sell Him out for a measly 30 pieces of silver. The price of a slave. He told them that He loved each of them--even though He knew exactly what they were. Their weaknesses and their sins were all well known to the Savior. They wouldn't even be able to stay awake to pray with Him and yet He loved them. Jesus didn't tiptoe their sins, He told them straight out that everything was known to Him.
"I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!" John 13:21 "But why can't I come now, Lord?" he asked. "I'm ready to die for you." Jesus answered, "Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me. John 13:37,38
Maundy Thursday-that remembrance of friends having supper together. It's a time of reflection on the Truth. The truth is we are all sinners, destined for hell. But He loves us. The truth is we can't make things right on our own, no matter what we do or say. But He loves us anyway. And even though we don't deserve it, Christ died for us to make it right. To make a way for a restored relationship with God, to give us real life that means something here on earth, and eternity in heaven. Because He loves us.
We don't like to hear the truth about ourselves. It's harsh and of course we want to think well of ourselves. After all, we're doing the best we can. Here's the truth: F or everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23. Here's some more: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23.
So that we could have this: "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation.For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." Romans 5:8-11
Someday I will sit around a table in Heaven with all the friends of God. What a grand day that will be! All because of His love. Will you be at the table?
March 26, 2013
Peeps, Eggs, and Jellybeans
No holiday is ever complete without the appropriate candy. Candy canes for Christmas and candy corn for Halloween--you know how it goes. Easter is no different and there is a magnificent sugary buffet to choose from. Jellybeans are iconic. Pink, red, yellow, white, green, and black. Now I've never really cared for the black ones, plus they turn your tongue black. They're the last ones in the dish at our house. I'm really not into the gourmet "beans" and off brands are not really up to the quality either. Just give me a bag of Brach's with the traditional flavors.
Peeps have come a long way since I was a kid. Once those little fluffy marshmallow were in basic yellow, but now they're in a rainbow of colors. You can also get them in other shapes such as rabbits. Peeps have been crafty over the years, expanding their wares to fit into other holidays as well. Ah, American ingenuity. A Peep for every holiday.
Then we have the decadent Cadbury egg. Chocolate outside and full of absolutely the sweetest "white" and "yolk" on the planet. I don't think I've ever eaten one without feeling a little sick afterward. I've pretty much sworn off those 10,000 calorie treats now that I'm firmly headed to my dotage. They really can't be good for me.
The eggs I do love at Easter time are the Reese's peanut butter eggs. They're about the right size--not too big and not too small. They are the perfect combination in my book. Yes, I know they're just a Reese's peanut butter cup in another shape, but you can only get them once a year, so they're special. The malted eggs are also a fine treat, as are M & M's chocolate eggs. They're both small and go down quite easily. Why, you can polish off a bag in no time.
So, dear readers I encourage you to leave a comment about your favorite Easter candy. It'll be interesting to see what gets the highest rating. And now, I wait for my husband to deliver the Peeps.
Peeps have come a long way since I was a kid. Once those little fluffy marshmallow were in basic yellow, but now they're in a rainbow of colors. You can also get them in other shapes such as rabbits. Peeps have been crafty over the years, expanding their wares to fit into other holidays as well. Ah, American ingenuity. A Peep for every holiday.
Then we have the decadent Cadbury egg. Chocolate outside and full of absolutely the sweetest "white" and "yolk" on the planet. I don't think I've ever eaten one without feeling a little sick afterward. I've pretty much sworn off those 10,000 calorie treats now that I'm firmly headed to my dotage. They really can't be good for me.
The eggs I do love at Easter time are the Reese's peanut butter eggs. They're about the right size--not too big and not too small. They are the perfect combination in my book. Yes, I know they're just a Reese's peanut butter cup in another shape, but you can only get them once a year, so they're special. The malted eggs are also a fine treat, as are M & M's chocolate eggs. They're both small and go down quite easily. Why, you can polish off a bag in no time.
So, dear readers I encourage you to leave a comment about your favorite Easter candy. It'll be interesting to see what gets the highest rating. And now, I wait for my husband to deliver the Peeps.
March 21, 2013
I Know the Plans I Have For You
I've been involved in planning a wedding for the last year. In just six weeks that big event is finally happening for our daughter, Emily and her husband-to-be, Chris. Everyone knows that weddings require scads of planning - the cake, the dress, the attendants, the church, the reception, the music...you know the drill. It's a happy and wonderful event. Families get together and no one has died. It's a celebration of a new family being formed. A man and a woman deciding to do life together--loving and supporting each other no matter what. But, no one plans an entire wedding on their own. Many other people are involved and there is a great deal of trust placed at their door. We trust that the pastor will show up to marry them and that the cake will be ready that day. There are a couple of dozen people that we will rely on to make the day absolutely perfect.
As any planner knows, the unexpected shows up frequently at events. As the old as saying goes, "the best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry." (We can thank Robert Burns for that line.) A good planner has flexibility built into the plan for those little bumps in the road.
All of my plan A's usually come with a Plan B. However, there is One who never needs a Plan B.His plan A is right on track even though I may doubt Him when things seem to go wrong.
For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
But the LORD's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. Psalm 33:11 NLT
Chris & EmilyThe wedding plans will come to an end on May 4 and we will celebrate (later we'll nap). But that event is really only the beginning for Emily and Chris' life together. God has much more in store for them. Good things are ahead that give them a future and a hope. Human plans always come to an end. But the LORD's plans are forever - full of hope and good things for us when we've placed our trust in Him. Plans for good that last forever. I really like that. A future full of God's goodness. It doesn't end on earth, but carries into eternity. Trust the Master Planner, who gets it right the first time.
The LORD will work out his plans for my life--for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Psalm 138:8 NLT
As any planner knows, the unexpected shows up frequently at events. As the old as saying goes, "the best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry." (We can thank Robert Burns for that line.) A good planner has flexibility built into the plan for those little bumps in the road.
All of my plan A's usually come with a Plan B. However, there is One who never needs a Plan B.His plan A is right on track even though I may doubt Him when things seem to go wrong.
For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
But the LORD's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. Psalm 33:11 NLT
Chris & EmilyThe wedding plans will come to an end on May 4 and we will celebrate (later we'll nap). But that event is really only the beginning for Emily and Chris' life together. God has much more in store for them. Good things are ahead that give them a future and a hope. Human plans always come to an end. But the LORD's plans are forever - full of hope and good things for us when we've placed our trust in Him. Plans for good that last forever. I really like that. A future full of God's goodness. It doesn't end on earth, but carries into eternity. Trust the Master Planner, who gets it right the first time. The LORD will work out his plans for my life--for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Psalm 138:8 NLT
March 10, 2013
You Get a Line and I'll Get a Pole
Do you remember catching your first fish? I do. It was a beaut. A 14 inch rainbow trout snagged out of Wiscoy Creek at Mill's Mill. I don't know who was more astonished - my father or me. Fishing is a childhood rite of passage if you live in the country. In Western New York there are plenty of rivers, lakes, creeks and ponds to choose from. Learning to fish is an art and teaches many valuable lessons. You learn to sit still, be quiet, and wait. All very difficult to learn if you're a kid. But you'll willingly embrace them for the glory of reeling in a thrashing trout, bass, or bluegill.
Fishing equipment is also a big draw. My Dad's tackle box was full of intriguing lures, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, and extra line. Weird looking, brightly colored bits to put on your line might just entice the unsuspecting fish. Before any fishing excursion, we'd wait until dark to go looking for fat night crawlers to toss in our little bait bucket. There would also be a trip to the Castile Gun Shop to buy salted minnows for bait too. Dad would check our poles and we'd practice casting our lines before climbing into the car and heading off to fish.
My mother usually packed a picnic lunch and we'd sit on the bank trying to be quiet so the fish would be tempted to nibble on the wriggling worm firmly impaled on the hook. Baiting the hook was also something you needed to learn. No squeamishness was allowed for girls. You had to do it. The salted minnows were easier because they were already dead. My big catch was dumped into a big bucket of water and we hauled it home. The beautiful trout had a short reprieve and was allowed to swim in the bathtub for a little while before my Dad finally filleted it and added it to the day's catch in the cast iron frying pan.
My favorite fishing memory is an early morning adventure with my Dad and brother. We were going to be treated to a very early morning fishing trip and we had to get up while it was still dark. We tiptoed out of the house so as not to wake my mother and sisters. We could hardly wait to get to the new fishing spot where we were sure to catch a ton of fish. We were duly warned to be quiet and we followed Dad through the thick woods, trying to walk like Indians, stealthy in the darkness. Finally we came to the embankment above the creek. Somehow in the scramble to get down the bank, Dad slipped (he was carrying all the fishing equipment) and tumbled out of sight in the pre-dawn darkness. My brother and I weren't sure how to react to this turn of events. I think we laughed and were a little scared at the same time. There was some muttering and a little yelling, but Dad was injury free, except for his wounded pride. I don't remember much fishing that morning. It could be that the rather noisy entrance to the creek scared the trout away and it was decided to go home to have some breakfast. I'm sure my father will correct me if my memories are not quite right.
Although I haven't fished in many years, those childhood memories are cherished. So as April approaches and fishing season opens in New York, you might want to dust off the fishing gear and get outside. I can hear Andy and Barney sitting on the front porch singing..."You get a line and I'll get a pole, honey." The fish are waiting and there are new tales about the one that got away to tell.
Photo - Streamside Charters
East Koy Creek - another favorite fishing hole
Fishing equipment is also a big draw. My Dad's tackle box was full of intriguing lures, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, and extra line. Weird looking, brightly colored bits to put on your line might just entice the unsuspecting fish. Before any fishing excursion, we'd wait until dark to go looking for fat night crawlers to toss in our little bait bucket. There would also be a trip to the Castile Gun Shop to buy salted minnows for bait too. Dad would check our poles and we'd practice casting our lines before climbing into the car and heading off to fish.
My mother usually packed a picnic lunch and we'd sit on the bank trying to be quiet so the fish would be tempted to nibble on the wriggling worm firmly impaled on the hook. Baiting the hook was also something you needed to learn. No squeamishness was allowed for girls. You had to do it. The salted minnows were easier because they were already dead. My big catch was dumped into a big bucket of water and we hauled it home. The beautiful trout had a short reprieve and was allowed to swim in the bathtub for a little while before my Dad finally filleted it and added it to the day's catch in the cast iron frying pan.
My favorite fishing memory is an early morning adventure with my Dad and brother. We were going to be treated to a very early morning fishing trip and we had to get up while it was still dark. We tiptoed out of the house so as not to wake my mother and sisters. We could hardly wait to get to the new fishing spot where we were sure to catch a ton of fish. We were duly warned to be quiet and we followed Dad through the thick woods, trying to walk like Indians, stealthy in the darkness. Finally we came to the embankment above the creek. Somehow in the scramble to get down the bank, Dad slipped (he was carrying all the fishing equipment) and tumbled out of sight in the pre-dawn darkness. My brother and I weren't sure how to react to this turn of events. I think we laughed and were a little scared at the same time. There was some muttering and a little yelling, but Dad was injury free, except for his wounded pride. I don't remember much fishing that morning. It could be that the rather noisy entrance to the creek scared the trout away and it was decided to go home to have some breakfast. I'm sure my father will correct me if my memories are not quite right.
Although I haven't fished in many years, those childhood memories are cherished. So as April approaches and fishing season opens in New York, you might want to dust off the fishing gear and get outside. I can hear Andy and Barney sitting on the front porch singing..."You get a line and I'll get a pole, honey." The fish are waiting and there are new tales about the one that got away to tell.
Photo - Streamside Charters East Koy Creek - another favorite fishing hole
March 3, 2013
What's the Amerind?
While Cochise County may not have big city attractions to entertain, it does have quite a few little gems tucked here and there throughout its many mountain ranges. One such treasure is the Amerind Museum located in Texas Canyon about an hour from Casa Wallace.
Between 1906 and 1917, William Fulton Shirley, a native of Connecticut made several trips to Arizona and thus began a fascination for the early cultures of the Southwest. By the 1920s, he traveled east to west on a regular basis digging for ancient ruins and artifacts in the canyons and mountains. His collection of Native American finds continued to grow as did his passion for uncovering the long forgotten Indian culture. He finally purchased property in Texas Canyon which is between Benson and Willcox in 1931. The Amerind Foundation was formed in 1937. Shirley brought in archaeologists and other experts in the field to establish a private museum to preserve the fragile relics of the past. You'll find much more information at the museum's website.
For us, it was a little getaway to enjoy the unique rock formations of Texas Canyon and see what the museum had to offer. It's been open to the public for many years now and houses a one of a kind collection of Native American artifacts. Not only are Pueblo, Apaches, and Navajo represented, but you'll find bits and pieces from tribes from the Arctic Circle to South America. We were fascinated with the uses found for the common yucca plant. It's strong, tough fibers were usually woven into baskets, belts, and other utilitarian objects. It was also interesting to learn that the savage Apaches originally migrated from Alaska to the Southwest. What a change of scenery for those people! The Spaniards that brought livestock and horses with them changed the Indian cultures forever. The beautiful Navajo rugs that hang on the walls there are one example. Horses revolutionized travel, warfare, and commerce.
The grounds are beautiful and construction is ongoing to make the exhibits more accessible. The art gallery which is next to the museum has some wonderful Western art. My favorite was a Remington bronze which you'll see below. You also get to visit William Shirley's office there with its wonderful Spanish furniture and other treasures. There's something for everyone and the friendly docents offer helpful information. One disappointment is the ban on picture taking in the museum, but the art gallery staffer allowed me one of the Remington.
The picnic area which is a stone's throw from the grounds offers a peaceful spot for enjoying the views and wondering how those rocks got piled up like that. God must have had a bunch of fun arranging them for us. Admission to the museum is cheap - $8 for adults. Take a picnic lunch and do a little hiking afterwards. And by the way, if you're wondering how Texas Canyon got its name, it's because of all the Texans that settled there. Just another hidden treasure in Cochise County.
Amerind Photo
Kachinas - Amerind Photo
The Remington Bronco
Texas Canyon - Picnic Area
Between 1906 and 1917, William Fulton Shirley, a native of Connecticut made several trips to Arizona and thus began a fascination for the early cultures of the Southwest. By the 1920s, he traveled east to west on a regular basis digging for ancient ruins and artifacts in the canyons and mountains. His collection of Native American finds continued to grow as did his passion for uncovering the long forgotten Indian culture. He finally purchased property in Texas Canyon which is between Benson and Willcox in 1931. The Amerind Foundation was formed in 1937. Shirley brought in archaeologists and other experts in the field to establish a private museum to preserve the fragile relics of the past. You'll find much more information at the museum's website.
For us, it was a little getaway to enjoy the unique rock formations of Texas Canyon and see what the museum had to offer. It's been open to the public for many years now and houses a one of a kind collection of Native American artifacts. Not only are Pueblo, Apaches, and Navajo represented, but you'll find bits and pieces from tribes from the Arctic Circle to South America. We were fascinated with the uses found for the common yucca plant. It's strong, tough fibers were usually woven into baskets, belts, and other utilitarian objects. It was also interesting to learn that the savage Apaches originally migrated from Alaska to the Southwest. What a change of scenery for those people! The Spaniards that brought livestock and horses with them changed the Indian cultures forever. The beautiful Navajo rugs that hang on the walls there are one example. Horses revolutionized travel, warfare, and commerce.
The grounds are beautiful and construction is ongoing to make the exhibits more accessible. The art gallery which is next to the museum has some wonderful Western art. My favorite was a Remington bronze which you'll see below. You also get to visit William Shirley's office there with its wonderful Spanish furniture and other treasures. There's something for everyone and the friendly docents offer helpful information. One disappointment is the ban on picture taking in the museum, but the art gallery staffer allowed me one of the Remington.
The picnic area which is a stone's throw from the grounds offers a peaceful spot for enjoying the views and wondering how those rocks got piled up like that. God must have had a bunch of fun arranging them for us. Admission to the museum is cheap - $8 for adults. Take a picnic lunch and do a little hiking afterwards. And by the way, if you're wondering how Texas Canyon got its name, it's because of all the Texans that settled there. Just another hidden treasure in Cochise County.
Amerind Photo
Kachinas - Amerind Photo
The Remington Bronco
Texas Canyon - Picnic Area
