December 21, 2005

Falls City Notes / Dorothy Cassidy

I grew up in an area of Oregon that had quite a bit of snow. (We actually prayed for snow for Christmas!) When I was too young to worry about doing the driving, I enjoyed it very much.

After a good snow I would walk a path through the woods to my Aunt Ruby's house. It was so peaceful and so quiet, except for the occasional "plop" of snow falling from the fir branches and the chatter of birds above.

I have seen lots of snow on the hills around here lately. It is a good thing the library had volunteers to get a large portion of the new landscaping done before the cold snap started.

The Garden Club held its Christmas Social. There was lots of good food and carols to sing afterwards. Dana Norman showed pictures of the water feature project he, with helpers, finished in a local yard. It took many weekends, but it is beautiful!

I attended an Art in the Library program at the elementary school this past week. The project was partially funded by the Polk County Cultural Coalition. Mary Christensone, a local artist and former teacher, did a wonderful presentation on the art and life of primitive artist Grandma Moses.

Then the budding local artists were given opportunity to practice what they had learned. Did you know about foreground, middle ground and background in artwork? I didn't. Who knows -- maybe a Falls City student will be a famous artist some day.

Did you see the tower going up beside the elementary school? I guess we can't hide from the advance of technology even in Falls City.

Seems we often resist winter, especially January and February. But it is sort of like the blanket of snow in the forest. It gives us time to reflect and let go of the past year and all it brought, both good and bad.

After Christmas and New Year our activities slow down and our hearts and minds quiet as well. Let's use this time to look ahead with renewed hope to "spring" -- in our lives and gardens and the whole new year ahead.

Until next time, blessings on your home.