Fanciful Fireflies

by Dee Dee Parker

An Invitation has been issued. 

Please join me at day-down (sundown to you non-mountaineers) on my front porch for The Fanciful and Fabulous Firefly Parade.

I wait on my front porch expectantly, supper dishes washed, and apron hung on its peg. My eyes focus on the huge field across from my farmhouse. 

Darkness descends like a velvet curtain pierced with miniature stars. I step quietly into the thousands of flickering lights, as the magic slowly rises from the grass, and then disappears into the tops of the trees.

My Sweet, Sweet Jim

I am a blessed woman.

I'm going to Lake Junaluska today, but this time alone. Jim joined our daughter in heaven on Dec. 25th, 2020. Today, we would have celebrated 55 years . . . of a beautiful and blessed marriage. I'll go to the lake to reflect and to thank God for giving Jim to me for so many years. 

I would have loved more. 

10 years ago, I started a post about our anniversary with, "I am a blessed women." I am still highly blessed to have been Jim's wife and shared in over 50 years in the ministry together. 

Yes, I am blessed beyond measure.

1966:

I stood on stage waiting for the soloist to arrive. My college choir was at the beautiful Lake Junaluska assembly grounds in Western North Carolina for a retreat and to sing for a conference. The building in which we were performing was cavernous, round and ringed with ceiling-to-floor windows; it looked out upon the peaceful lake and stone chapel.

The soloist arrived, took his place at the podium and our choir director raised her baton. The beautiful voice of the young man filled every nook of the building. His talent and his testimony blessed me. Truth be told, I lost my place in my music in awe of such beauty.

1967:

A year later I received my engagement ring under the cross that overlooks Lake Junaluska. The large cross, sitting on a native stone base, is outlined in light bulbs and can be seen from any spot on the grounds. I said yes to my future husband and to a life of Christian ministry under the light of that holy symbol.

1968:

I walked down the aisle of the Memorial Chapel at Lake Junaluska on my wedding day. My waiting groom was the young man that had sung the solo and captured my heart. 

2013:

This week marks our 45th wedding anniversary. We will walk the assembly grounds and again bow at the altar in renewal of our vows. We will stand underneath the light of the cross and will thank our Lord for a beautiful and blessed marriage. We will celebrate the gift of two wonderful children. Our daughter, who now resides in heaven, was also married in the same chapel.

I am indeed blessed to have been married for all these years to the love of my life. I pray for you young couples as you stand at the threshold of your married life. I rejoice with you older couples who have weathered storms and who stand firm within your bonds of marriage.

That wonderful husband of mine gave me the most precious anniversary gift…a light bulb that lit the cross at Lake Junaluska encased within a handmade wooden case.

God, give us more years to share our love with each other and to proclaim our love for You. 

Yes, I am a blessed woman.

Happy 45th, my love.

Happy Easter! Big News Coming!

Dear Sweet Reader,

Happy Spring!

We here at the Gazette want to wish everyone a happy spring. Thistledown had snow flurries early this morning...so pretty falling on the cherry trees already in bloom.

Thistledown Hollow Gazette

April 2023

Vol.14

Spring's a Coming

Dear Sweet Reader,

Thistledown Hollow folks, make sure to stop by The Hive and pick up a complementary pot of shamrocks, donated by Liam O'Mally, in honor of his father, Connor O'Mally, who is visiting from Ireland. Be sure to wear green on St. Patty's Day in order to avoid the dreaded pinch!

Thistledown Hollow Gazette

March 2023

Vol.11

A Card Came Today

Dear Sweet Reader,

A card came today. 

I thought it might be an early birthday card...my birthday is March twenty-fifth, and my birthday cake will hold the weight of many candles. 

But no, Sweet Reader, it was a card to tell me the sender loved and missed me. The sender said she enjoyed handwritten cards and so do I.

In this hurry-up world, we can't seem to find the time to write even a small note. I re-read my pink flowered watercolor card over several times. 

I held the card close to my heart and gave thanks the sender took the time to pick a card she knew I would love, wrote meaningful words and sent it by plane and truck to my mailbox. 

I have been almost homebound since the pandemic, venturing mostly out to my doctors and drive thru windows. I've missed being with friends and family. Covid stole my dear husband of over fifty years and his silence is deafening. 

Cards have been a lifeline with memories written between the lines.

The pink watercolor card rekindled a renewed purpose in my heart...to write, and possibly paint cards again to send on their way to those who might also need a lifeline of hope and encouragement. 

I hope you, Dear Reader, will feel the tug on your hearts to send cards or handwritten notes. I know you and the recipient will be blessed.  

A card came today.

Love,

Dee Dee

The Hollow's Famous Dog

Dear Sweet Reader,

I've received several questions regarding Traveler. For you new readers, Traveler is the hollow dog that we all here in Thistledown Hollow feed and care for. Traveler has the uncanny ability to recognize who needs a visit from him. Take for instance, the other week when the Gilmore twins, Krista and Carla were ill. Traveler stayed a few days with the girls until they were back-in the-pink. Good Dog, Traveler. No one here in the hollow knows how the sweet dog found his way to Thistledown...we all just are happy he did. Corey Akers said the other day after church that Traveler seemed to know who would have the best supper leftovers on any given night. I got a call the other day from the newspaper wanting to do a story on Traveler...we are hoping the fame won't go to his head.

Thistledown Hollow Gazette

February 2023

Vol. 9