Published: November 09, 2007 12:57 am            

Mississippi, the beautiful

Oh, the glory of a beautiful fall season in Mississippi, warm and dry, but absolutely gorgeous — too pretty to stay at home, so the husband and I took a little day trip through Kemper County and toward the lovely, historic, and sweet southern town of Louisville.

As the news reported a comet bursting in the northern sky throwing a cloud of gas and dust into the universe, and making a once in a lifetime visual to the naked eye, and as the politicians trod their final campaign trials, we chose to drive north — north through the communities of Damascus, Moscow, Preston, and finally to our destination, Lake Tiak-O’Khata, Louisville, Miss.

It was an impromptu trip and sometimes those are the very best. I want you to know that the fall foliage is not happening “somewhere else” but right here in our dear state of Mississippi, as the native Dogwood, Oak, Sumac, Sweet Gum and Hickory all try to outdo each other with blazing colors of orange and gold. What a sight!

As we traveled state and county highways, we were excited to see many new bridges built out of concrete structures and widened for safety, along with newly paved highways and roads. Highway 45 was a dream for our return trip to our home located in Lauderdale County as the corridor is now completed, running north to south throughout Mississippi.

Even with daily reports of drought, and the drought is very serious, we were amazed to see farm ponds full and beautiful as the cattle grazed in green pastures. Much of Mississippi’s water supply, especially on the farm, is from fresh water springs located deep in the rich earth. God is good.

The hay fields were ongoing with many bales ready for the barn and hungry livestock during the coming winter months. We noticed large fall gardens with turnip greens and collards in abundance — made my husband want to stop and admire such a sight.

Our piney woods are showing a big crop of pine straw and even when a clear cut, and cut-over has occurred, the little pine seedlings have been planted to start a new stand of growth, although it is painful to see the hard woods leave the forest.

As we drove through the small communities, we could see families sitting together on the big front porches or in the porch swing. Many residents were walking the streets and pathways enjoying the lower humidity and cooler temps. We were excited to see in each small community volunteer fire departments. VFD’s are the backbone of each small community. This is a place where one can meet courage face-to-face. Yes, in Mississippi we know what courage is all about. We’ve lived it for years.

Next it was lunchtime — where I positively can testify to the best chicken pie in the entire state, and it was at the Sunday luncheon-buffet at Lake Tiak-O’Khata. As I rounded the buffet line for seconds I talked to one of the employees. I asked if she had made the chicken pie. She answered with a pleased smile, “No, one of the other ladies made it, but we are all very proud of her.”

Pride in Mississippi — nothing better. Oh, and did I mention the yummy, made-from-scratch desserts? My husband declared the lemon pie as authentic, and made right there on the spot. No one can fool him when it comes to the real-thing- lemon-pie.

As always, I scope out the historical signs of a small town. My husband calls them hysterical signs, because I sure do get hysterical if I miss one. I noted an impressive monument remembering Louisville’s fallen heroes, and a couple of beautiful churches, plus several historic homes. But mainly I made note of the clean streets and obvious pride of community — again, I declare — nothing better in Mississippi than community pride. As you will agree, we have something to be proud about here in the Deep South!

As we drove east from Louisville and toward Hwy. 45, the most impressive sight of the day was before our eyes. At one of the beautiful historic churches, and gathered in the cemetery adjoining the church, was a funeral in process. A large number of family and neighbors had come together to bid farewell to a loved one and friend. We can never be reminded too often that we are all pilgrims passing through this ole world.

And then it was time for a quick stop to visit the grands before heading to our own little abode located in the beautiful State of Mississippi. I urge you to indulge in a day trip somewhere in our state. You won’t be disappointed.

Mississippi, the beautiful — beautiful as poetry, therefore, it is entirely appropriate to announce the following:

Time Out For Poetry will be held Thursday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. with reception to follow poetry readings at the Meridian Activity Center, 3300 32nd Ave., Meridian, Sponsored by Mississippi Writers Guild. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students

Come out to hear Meridian/Lauderdale County leaders, students, and citizens present their favorite poem, and why the poem is important to them. Some of those presenting: Sheriff Billy Sollie, Dr. Scott Elliott, Ken Storms, Tom Maynor, Terrence Roberts, Fredie Carmichael, Craig Hitt, Ed Lynch, Dr. Charlotte Tabereaux, Sharon Pratt, Barbara Wells, and others, plus, senior class presidents from several high schools.

It is the hope of the Mississippi Writers Guild to ignite the hearts of the attendees, and to help bring poetry back into the mainstream of literary works, plus, to re-introduce the excitement of poetry, that it can be dynamitic, entertaining, and fulfilling as well as a powerful tool to overcome diversity.

For more information: Call (601) 681-8525 or (601) 880-1089. Mississippi Writers Guild is a statewide 501c3 — www.mississippiwritersguild.com.

        

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