Winter Issue 2018 Web

Possum John Rudisill was a relative of Sell this.
Bud Rudisill and his daughter Anita, Buy this!
featured in our story about The Henry Refined Finds
River Mill Village). They create space for
viewers to connect with their history and
the land under their feet. They remind
us, and they give us visuals for the
stories our grandmothers told us. They
fuel our imagination and our sense of
belonging, and that speaks to our souls.
Or, at least, it speaks to mine.
About that apple and tree
I mentioned earlier...
Arie Reinhardt Taylor is an accomplished
memory painter. Like her mom’s
before her, Arie’s work is focused
on showing events from her life, like
corn shucking, moon shining and
cotton picking. Her memories are
helping to preserve this history of
our land, and we are thrilled that she
continued to paint, well into her 90s.
She says, “Oh yes. It’s definitely in the
blood.” That jives with what Minnie
herself had to say about painting:

“I guess it’s always
in me, like when
I went to school
and sketched little,
ol d p i c tur es .”

(828) 324-1655

831 Old Lenoir Rd NW, Hickory
hickorytreeconsignment.com

101

Flights of
the Mind

DaVinci’s Machines
at Discovery Place
By Adam York

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In a cold room lit by candle light an engineer commissioned as a painter
wrote in his notebook, coding designs for his eyes only. In the studio
below his painting neared completion. The artwork would elevate
him to celebrity, but what he scrawled would change the world. The
year was 1500, the place, Florence, and the man, Leonardo DaVinci.

Now through May 6th Discovery Place in Charlotte celebrates the year of the Engineer.
To add to the celebration they will featuring a very special exhibit that brings the ideas of
Leonardo DaVinci’s notebooks to life.
The exhibit displays real life recreations of the machines that the Universal Genius himself
might have crafted, and changed the world as we know it.
Using copies of DaVinci’s original codex from private libraries around the world the Guild
of Artisans Of Florence has created seventy five historically accurate and interactive ma-
chines. For the first time students will have a means to touch, see, and move the machines
that existed in only in DaVinci’s mind. Viewers can shift the weights and pulleys in Da-
Vinci’s construction devices, turn the gears of the Archimedes Screw, or see the wings of
Gliders that could have flown hundreds of years ago.
The displays are divided into four sections, the war machines, the hydraulic machines, the
civil engineering machines and the beautiful flying machines. At the center of the exhibit
is an Art Gallery showing the world in which DaVinci lived and created. Special videos and
placards help the viewer to understand the relevance of the developments, both in the
renaissance and in the modern era. Guests may take pictures of themselves in a cut out of
the Mona Lisa, or step into DaVinci’s hall of mirrors. Towards the back of the hall a Stage
has been created so that performers can act out a short productions based on the letters
and journals written both by and to DaVinci.
As you round the corner you come face to face with the breathtaking flying machines. Da
Vinci created variations on helicopters, great flapping wings, and airfoils. Small versions of
parachutes hang from the ceiling, with a massive glider mounted to the back wall. Begin-
ning with designs based on bird wings eventually, the Universal Genius moves towards bat
wings, which better displayed the early principles of lift. As you follow his developments
you begin to see how his mind was determined to find a way for humans to one day take
to the sky.
The exhibit includes over 50 machines crafted from wood, rope, and canvases all of which
would be available to artisans in DaVinci’s lifetime. The idea began when the Niccolai
Family of Florence was commissioned to recreate some of the machines from the Codex
for a celebration in Florence. They wanted to make something that children could touch,
see and interact with.
Each machine was carefully crafted by members of the Nicccolai family and eventually
their work grew to include Guild of Artisans of Florence. As the popularity of the machines
grew, the family was able to acquire more copies of the codex. The machines now tour
the world, maintained by Tom Rizzo, the project manager and a member of the Guild of
Artisans of Florence.
Tickets are available online or at the Discovery Place box office. The cost of the exhibit
is included in Discovery place admission. Tickets for Discovery place are $17 dollars for
adults and $13 dollars for children. Seniors and veterans receive a discounted rate of $15
dollars. Lines are typically long so please come prepared.

At left, Leonardo DaVinci Self-Portrait, 1512 103
See this self portrait at Discovery Place’s Flights of the Mind.

Sean Parnell

Graduating from East Carolina University art school, Sean Parnell
has been a professional artist and art teacher for more than 20

years. As an artist, He has worked with a variety of media and sub-
ject matter. Using watercolor for as long as he can remember, it
is still his favorite medium. He isn’t afraid; however, to tackle any
media and mix and match them to get what he wants out of the
image. As an illustrator he has worked for gaming companies,
illustrated children’s books, and created the comic book “Johnny

Space Commander”. Working in the digital world he has done de-
sign work for a variety of businesses and organizations, including

the Raleigh Symphony and several political candidates.
Sean Parnell’s work is licensed through Mainline Art and Design.
He is represented by Providence Gallery in Charlotte North Carolina.
Providence Gallery is the only place the “Dogs” series of animal por-
traits can be purchased. You can also find his work in Hickory, NC at
the Hickory Museum of Art gift shop or at www.parnellart.com.

The “Great Horned Owl” is shown left,
followed by “Steamboat Springs”
and “The Great Blue Heron”
on the following pages.

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106

107

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nqatFhumoeioteEetdhdttihihlslroesinlDwlePidigrneotnsojetebcristeo! f

On November 13, Foothill Digest
took home the first place prize!

The Edison Project is sponsored by the Catawba County, Burke
County, and Caldwell County Chambers of Commerce and is a
celebration and recognition of the creativity and entrepreneurial

spirit of the area.
This competition includes a “Pitch Your Idea” portion, a Business
Plan portion, and a Final Public Presentation to the community. The
economic incentive is $10,000 for 1st place, $5,000 for 2nd place,
and $3,000 for 3rd place. In addition, applicants will participate in
workshops to enhance and refine their business idea.

Buddy Case - Santiago Ambroggio
Sanctuary, Inc. - Ge Yang

Philip Hart Guitars - Philip Hart
Appalachian Essentials Investments, LLC - Sean Williams
FarmToHome - Cedric Clyburn and Chanler Watts
InPort - Jens Roessler, Tomas Hans, and Sercan Cihan
Player Pass - Abigail McGarel, Christopher Taylor,

and Tylyn Triplett
Deliver Eats - Justin Lunsford
Foothills Digest - Carmen Eckard
Apple Valley Orchard & Cidery - Justin Fox
New Heirloom - Daniel Setzer
Blinktronic Candle Lantern - Bart Austin

Sponsored by: Alex Lee, Inc,
Catawba County, Catawba Valley
Community College, EDC Committee
of 100, Concept Frames, Lenoir-Rhyne
University for Commercial & Social

Entrepreneurship

110

Second Place went to Apple Foothills Digest, this magazine,
Valley Orchard and Winery. was selected as the First Place
Justin Fox and his family Winner. The magazine covers
already operate an heirloom the Foothills region of NC and
orchard in the foothills, but they highlights art, culture, food,
are working to expand their nostalgia, and right living. The
business to include a cidery in business plan focused on working
Downtown Hickory. There is with top-notch advertisers, and
much enthusiasm behind the we’re excited to say that we truly
project, and we’ll be featuring do work with the best around!
the business in a coming issue.
Third Place went to InPort. These
three European athletes are all
students at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
They each had to pay a large
sum of money to find universities
that needed players from other
countries. The gentlemen are
working together to create an
app that connects athletes and
universities without charging
multiple thousands of dollars.

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This is a list of theatres, venues and
museums in our area. If you know of more,

write the [email protected]!

Hickory Community Theatre

HCT is a top-notch community theatre in Hickory. The theatre
frequently wins awards and produces high quality entertain-
ment. In recent years, the theatre has been fortunate to be
allowed to produce plays that were previously only available
to professional companies, like Chicago and Rent. View their
site at hickorytheatre.org or call them at 828-327-3855.

Shaefer Center for the Don Gibson Theatre CoMMA
Performing Arts
In Shelby, with concerts from Home of CoMMA MainStage, this
Featuring a large array of events, nationally acclaimed touring theatre also hosts concerts and
including music, comedy, dance musicians. Art-deco appeal touring shows, like Fame, The
and more. Located in Boone. and intimate environment. Musical. Located in Morganton.
theschaefercenter.org/events dongibsontheatre.com commaonline.org

Jazz on Tap Boone Saloon Canyons Boondocks The Hotel The Little Theatre
Tavern of Gastonia

oldehickorytap- boonesaloon.com canyonsbr.com boondocksbeer.com thehoteltavern.com Local Theatre
room.com A watering hole for Featuring late night This West Jefferson Live music each in Gastonia.
Live Jazz weekly with “full-grown adults.” music and excep- Brewpub brings Thursday, Friday littletheaterof-
Rick Cline and friends. Musicians featured. tional views. musical acts regularly. and Saturday. gastonia.org

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The Local Whiskey Mill Music in The Bathtub charBAR Alleghany
the Mill Gin Jubilee
This Boone restau-
thelocalboone.com whiskeymill.com musicinthemill.com bathtubginnc.com rant has a variety of Enjoy mountain music
Excellent dining Sip whiskey, eat Hear musical Mooresville’s live music through- and dancing at this
and an array of delicious food and acts like Lee Nightlife scene is out the week. Sparta favorite.
live music. listen to live music Ann Womack. centered here.
in Bessemer City.

Hickory Museum of Art Granite Falls Brewery King’s Mountain
HMA is the second oldest This brewery and restaurant Little Theatre
art museum in the state. hosts bands regularly. You Community theatre in
It has a large collection can always see what’s com- Kings Mountain that
and features touring ex- ing soon at their website, also hosts musical acts
hibits. You can always see granitefallsbrewing.com. and touring shows.
what’s happening now at http://www.kmlt.org/
hickorymuseumofart.org.

Foothills Performing Arts

This theatre produces high quality and often very funny plays.
Birthed by a partnership between a local college and com-
munity theatre, the theatre’s productions are generally a cut
above. A small auditorium makes for intimate shows.
http://fpatheatre.org/

HOURS: EXHIBITIONS
Tuesday - Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM
Sunday, 1-4 PM

*Closed Mondays and Holidays

General admission is FREE!

MEMBERSHIP ENDANGERED: Joel Sartore NEW HORIZONS: Self- MICKEY AND PAUL: REFLECTIONS IN ART
Retrospective Taught Art in the 21st Century The Early Days 1.13.2018 - 3.11.2018
Individual: $40 | Family/Dual: $50 | Student: $30* Through 2.25.2018 Through1.7.2018 Through1.21.2018 BLOW-UP Inflatable

• 10% discount in the shopHMA store and Catawba Science HICKORY LANDMARKS ONE PERSON GROUP GRANDFATHER 113Contemporary Art
Center Shops SOCIETY 50th ANNIVERSARY SHOW: TheArt of Matt Diffee MOUNTAIN: Installation by
1.13.2018 - 4.8.2018 3.3.2018 - 7.8. 2018 Paul Hunter Speagle 7.21.2018 - 11.25.2018
• Significant discounts on HMA summer camps and year- 5.5.2018 - 8.5.2018
round art classes for all ages

• FREE admission to over 150 participating museums in the
Southeast Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM)

• Discounts at SERM museum on-site gift shops and cafés
• Invitations to exhibition openings, family days and cultural

programs
• Discounts on special events and programs
• Subscription to Artview, the Museum’s quarterly

newsletter
• Discounts at HMA Membership Partner locations

Crawdads
Baseball

On April 12th, professional baseball will appearances. Fellow award-winning former
make its annual return to Catawba County Crawdads include Jose Bautista, Aaron
as the Hickory Crawdads celebrate Opening Rowand, Magglio Ordonez, and Carlos Lee.
Day. Each April in Hickory, North Carolina, The recent Rangers crop to come through
a new group of men arrive in town to work Hickory features Jurickson Profar, Rougned
towards their dream. This year they will play Odor, and Joey Gallo. The list is likely to
140 games in 152 days, 70 in Hickory, and grow as 20 of the Rangers’ top 30 prospects
the remaining 70 scattered across 10 cities have donned a Crawdads uniform, including
from Lakewood, New Jersey to Charleston, their #1 prospect and 2017 Crawdad, Leody
South Carolina. They will spend every day Taveras.
over the next five months striving to get that In addition to individual players’ success,
extra step or that extra break in their curve the Crawdads have thrived as a team. The
ball that could help them reach the next team has posted 1,745 wins to 1,725 losses
level. for a .502 winning percentage (666-584, .532
Throughout their 25-year history, 814 players winning percentage as a Rangers affiliate).
from 17 countries have come through The Crawdads have won three South Atlantic
Hickory to pursue the dream of one day League championships, with the most recent
reaching the major leagues. There have been one coming in 2015.
156 Crawdads that have gone on to reach In October, the Texas Rangers announced
the major leagues, with 50 of them coming that they had purchased the Crawdads,
through since 2009, when the Texas Rangers their Class A Affiliate, ending Beaver Sport’s
became the team’s Major League Affiliate. 25 year ownership of the team. The team
At the conclusion of the 2017 season, 34 had arrived in Hickory in 1993 when Don
Crawdads alumni are currently playing in the Beaver purchased the Gastonia Rangers and
majors. relocated the South Atlantic League team
Perhaps the most accomplished of the to his hometown. “We hate to sell the team
alumni is current Pittsburgh Pirates center but it’s the right thing to do to ensure that
fielder Andrew McCutchen, whose trophy baseball stays in Hickory. The Rangers are a
case boasts an MVP Award, 4 Silver first-class organization that we’ve been able
Sluggers, a Gold Glove, and 5 All-Star to experience first-hand the last nine years.

114

The future of the team couldn’t be in more season. The Crawdads will also be joined
capable hands,” Beaver said. by a new front office member: Ashley
Right off the bat, the Rangers proved Salinas, who assumes the role of Creative
their commitment to baseball in Hickory, Services Specialist.
announcing $1 million in renovations to Over the course of the next few months
the Crawdads home, L.P. Frans Stadium, the staff will work together to get ready
to be completed before the 2018 season. for the season. Fresh off their year-long
The renovations were announced by Neil celebration of the team’s 25th anniversary,
Leibman, Chairman of the Texas Rangers they will need to come up with innovative
Ownership Group and new president of the promotional ideas and plan fan-favorites
Crawdads. “We are so pleased to be able to to entertain ballpark guests of all ages
announce a series of improvements to one of for all 70 games at L.P. Frans Stadium.
the South Atlantic League’s finest parks that Some of the staples in their promotional
will allow fans and players to have an even schedule include Fireworks Friday,
better experience at L.P. Frans Stadium,” Christian Concerts, guest appearances by
Leibman said. The improvements will include ZOOperstars and celebrities, such as WWE
a new video board measuring 16 feet by 54 wrestlers, TV stars or former MLB players,
feet (replacing the current 12x20 board), an giveaways, and quirky theme nights.
entirely new playing surface, new protective Theme nights of the past have included:
netting behind home plate and right field lines Where’s Waldo at the Ballpark, Willy Wonka
that will improve sightlines, a rebuilt outfield Night, Game Show Night, and Stranger
wall, and renovated home and away dugouts. Things: Fright Night. In preparation for
In addition to announcing the renovations, the season, the staff will also be selling
Leibman also revealed that the team will tickets, working with sponsors, creating
renew its lease with the city on the stadium marketing content, getting the stadium
and promptly sat down with city officials and ready, and appearing at community events
Rangers Co-Owner Ray Davis and signed with their beloved mascot, Conrad. They
the lease extension. The lease now extends will also spend time brainstorming ways to
through 2022 and includes an option through improve the fans experience from the time
2027. they turn onto Clement Boulevard to the
A small staff of 10 oversee all aspects of the time they leave, trying to ensure that they
organization from ticket sales to managing the have an enjoyable experience every time
team’s travel. At the helm of the front office they come to the ballpark.
is General Manager Mark Seaman. Charlie On April 12th, everything will come
Downs is the Assistant General Manager while together as thousands of fans will fill L.P.
Donna White is the office’s Business Manager Frans Stadium to see the newest Crawdads
and Douglas Locascio is the team’s Executive take the field for the first time and enjoy
Director of Sales and Merchandise. The group the return of baseball season and all it
sales staff is made up of Robby Willis, Mitchell has to offer. The grass will be freshly cut
Lister, and John Ryan. Kevin McAlee manages and the lines newly painted, as a new era
food and beverage, and Chris Dillon will take of Crawdads players begin their quest to
over as Director of Community Relations and bring another championship to Hickory.
Promotions after serving as an intern last

115

Ski Season

Several ski resorts dot our landscape,
and they provide many opportunities to
exercise and have fun during the winter!

Sugar Mountain, Sugar Mountain. This is North Carolina’s largest
ski area. It has ski slopes but also features a terrain park. Ice skat-
ing, a tube park, and snow shoeing make this place a winter won-
derland. Slopeside lodging makes this a perfect choice for a ski
weekend!
Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock. This ski resort boasts
12 slopes and is an excellent choice for family skiing. Two terrain
parks provide endless fun and six chairlifts keep everyone moving
quickly.
Ski Beech, Beech Mountain. This ski resort offers night skiing,
which sets it apart from the others. 15 trails offer a lot of variety and
10 lifts operate continuously.
Hawksnest, Seven Devils. This resort does not offer skiing, but
boasts the largest tubing park on the East Coast. 2 lifts and thirty
trails will occupy even the busiest tubers.

116

117

Staying Fit

in the Winter

Ryan Gant: Original Workout/Personal Trainer

As colder weather approaches, those new Netflix series, and Crockpot recipes
just get harder to stay away from. Our will to exercise and stay fit goes right out
of the window, while hibernation mode shifts into overdrive. Believe it or not,
the average person in the United States gains an average of 5-10lbs during the
winter months. That being said, it’s not always easy, but it is important to stay
active during this time of year. As we plan for the oncoming months, there are
many physical activities both outdoors and indoors we should think about.

Since family and friends spend more time together during this part of the year,
it’s ideal to look for activities everyone can enjoy together. Hiking is a prime
example. It is a fantastic all-body exercise suited for any fitness level: beginner to
advanced. Whether walking or running, just push the pace! We are blessed to live
where we do; the foothills area is primed with breath-taking trails for families and
individuals to explore. Aside from the obvious health benefits, hiking allows us
to get back in touch with nature and decompress after a stressful holiday season.
Challenge yourself, but remember, you must hike the same distance back to the
car!

Undoubtedly, there will be many folks who opt out of going out in the cold.

118

Never fear. There are always options. The
obvious answer would be to sign up for a
gym membership, but remarkably we can
push ourselves just as hard in the comfort
of our own home. Everyone will not
have access to a gym, or equipment, so
bodyweight interval and circuit training is
a great go to. Thirty minutes a day is all
we need. For example: a circuit of push-
ups, jumping jacks, body weight squats,
lunges, and crunches (repeated for 30
minutes at a high intensity) is a great way
to break a sweat and get the heart rate
going. If there is any hesitation due to
proper form or risk of injury, seek out a
qualified personal trainer in the area for
assistance and accountability.

It does not matter which route you choose
this winter. Whether it be hiking a trail,
hitting the weight room, or challenging
yourself in the comfort of your home, set
a goal to get off the couch and push the
pace! Your life depends on it.

119

8 Heart Attack Signs

JwReeitfvhfieNCweaeatdal,wDbbyOa: V- aallceayrdCiaorldoigoilsotgy

120

8 Heart Attack Red Flags Too Many Women Ignore

We’ve all seen the movie scenes where a man gasps, clutches his chest and falls to the ground
suffering a heart attack. However, in reality, when a heart attack victim is a woman, the scene is
often not that dramatic because heart attacks strike women much differently than they do men.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, but women frequently
overlook heart attack symptoms by attributing them to less life-threatening conditions like
heartburn, hormones or anxiety.

“Both men and women can experience chest pressure that feels like an elephant sitting across the
chest, but women frequently experience heart attacks without the stereotypical chest pressure or
pain,” said cardiologist Jeff Neal, DO, of Catawba Valley Cardiology.

“Instead, women often suffer more subtle symptoms that are ignored until it’s too late.”

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely
reduced or cut off completely. This happens because the arteries that supply the heart with blood
can slowly narrow from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances like plaque. To help
clarify these less obvious and potentially confusing symptoms, Dr. Neal encourages women to be
aware of the following eight heart attack red flags for women:

1tBoreaahtehainrtgaDttiafcfikcuiflytioeus’r–e Shortness of breath is a common and very frightening precursor
a woman. It may come on suddenly and without warning (i.e., not
following physical activity), for no apparent reason. Imagine gasping for air like you’ve just
run up a few flights of stairs when you’re sitting stationary.

2Hmeaakevya Pweorrskppirraetsieonnta–tiYoonu. might break out into a cold, clammy sweat when you have to
However, many women suffering a heart attack start perspiring
without any stressors present. The problem is women dismiss this symptom as a hot flash or
blame it on their monthly cycle.

3dDliesroufpateddeeSpleselepe–p Women who’ve suffered a heart attack often recall waking up in the mid-
unable to catch their breath. This form of sleep apnea can occur during
a heart attack, compressing the upper airway and robbing the heart of essential blood flow.

4Earxehnaoutsotriioonus– We all experience exhaustion when burning the candle at both ends. Women
for taking care of everyone else, but not themselves. Heart attacks are sneaky
in this regard, zapping women of energy, even when they’ve been getting adequate sleep
and eating right.

5tShtionmg aI cahteC!”raomftepns – Abdominal pain that is disregarded with the thought, “it must be some-
ends in a heart attack for unsuspecting women. So what you might brush
off as heartburn or a nasty stomach bug may actually be a more sinister heart issue.

6Schheasrtps—Uphpeaerrt BaottdayckPsafionr – While men may feel “the weight of an elephant” sitting on their
women often cause sharp pains in the upper body. It’s common
for women to complain of sharp, shooting pain or dull, gradually mounting pain in the neck,
upper arms, or jaw. Regardless, the pain can be so strong that it wakes you from sleep.

7 RinatepnidseHaenaxriet tRyaatned–s Awneaintitnegnsinelwy orumsheinngsuhffeearrintbgeaathweaillrtcoatmtamcko.nIlny accompany feelings of
fact, you might think
you’re having an anxiety attack, because it strikes suddenly, your heart overexerting, during
a non-stressful endeavor.

8 cChheessttpPaaininre–p Worhtieledminewnoomfteenn experience crushing chest pain during a heart attack, the
leading up to and during a heart attack is frequently de-
scribed as less intense. Instead of pain, women often experience an uncomfortable feeling
of tightness that is commonly described as a full feeling across the entire chest, not solely on the
left side of the chest.

Dr. Neal cautions women to keep in mind that there’s no simple deciding factor as to whether or not
you may be having a heart attack based on one, or more, symptom alone. “To distinguish whether
these problems are related to a possible heart attack, an electrocardiogram, blood tests, or imaging
studies are often required,” Dr. Neal says. “These diagnostic tests are typically only available
in a medical environment. So, if you are concerned that you might be suffering a heart attack,
immediately go to an emergency room or call 911.”   

Make 2018 the year you become heart healthy. If you are at risk, think you may be at risk or want
to learn more about how to reduce your risk for heart disease, consult your primary care provider
as your first line of defense in guarding one of your most valuable possessions of all: your HEART!

121

L I M I T E D L I G H T Heather Wood Davis

We are knee deep in the season of limited light. It gets dark at 5 o’clock in the af-
t e r no o n. I t ta kes m y dog weeks t o g e t ove r t h e t i me ch a n g e ; i t ’s d a r k a l re a d y - w h y
haven’t you fed me dinner?-she asks with those brown eyes and wagging tail. But I
love it. I love lighting a peppermint candle in mornings when I get up and everyone
else is sleeping. I love the warmth of a fire on a cold, dark evening. Light brings
such comfort in the midst of such darkness. And this has me looking forward to
E p i p h a n y.
In the Christian tradition it is the season that celebrates Magi searching and finding
J e s us, who Ch r i st i an t r adi t i on says, i s t h e l i g h t of t h e wor l d . I n Ma t t h e w’s g osp e l ,
these magi travel from the east to see “the child who has been born King of the
Jews.” (You can read the story in Matt. 2:1-12 if you need a refresher) The reason
Epiphany is so significant is because these wise men, these magi, are not Jewish!
M a tthew’s go spe l t el l s u s som e t h i ng b e a u t i f u l a b ou t t h i s Je s u s ’ b i r t h — i f f ore i g n -
ers—those outside of Israel—are able to see this Christ star shining, his birth must
have impact for all people.
Why else would these wise men care about a baby born in another country? These
are wise scholars and shaman; they are the wise men that others travel to for insight,
wisdom, guidance. So why seek out this particular baby? Because those Magi see
the light shining in the day and in the darkness and must go seek out its source.
The wise men follow a star to find Jesus-the light of the world. For years, people
have gazed out into the night sky, scanning for that same beautiful star. Now I bet
we have all scanned the skies at least once to look for that famous star. Maybe as
we have left the Christmas Eve service on a clear, cold night. There are even folks
who have studied the skies and have searched through historical records to find a
comet or some other celestial event that could explain the star in the sky that night
Christ was born.
But I’ll be honest with you, I don’t think it is necessarily worth searching the history
books for. So let me explain by talking about a specific story of light from the Old
Te s tament and t el l you a t r adi t i on th a t g re w f rom t h e Ta l mu d .
M a y be y o u are l i ke m e an d kn ow ver y l i t t l e a b ou t t h e Je wi s h Ta l mu d . Th e Ta l mu d i s
basically the or al t r adi t i on t h at gre w a rou n d t h e Tor a h . Th e Tor a h i s t h e wr i t t e n l a w,
the books of Moses or the first 5 books in the Hebrew scriptures in Christian bible.
There has always been the expectation that as faithful people we would question
scripture and wrestle with it; so the stories and explanations that rabbis and schol-
ars debated and shared became an important piece of the Jewish faith called the
Ta l m ud.
I n t he Talmud t h e re i s a st or y about Mos e s a n d t h e b u r n i n g b u s h . I ’l l g i ve y o u a
quick recap, but you can get another refresher if you go to Exodus 3. Moses was
t e n ding his fat her-i n-l aw’s fl ock wh en h e a l l b u t s t u mb l e s u p on a b u s h t h a t i s b u r n -
ing but not consumed by fire. The Lord speaks to Moses, Moses takes off his shoes,
God reveals the divine name and the rest is history.
B u t there’s more t o t hi s st or y. M ose s wa s t e n d i n g t h e f l ock; l i ke h e d i d e ve r y d a y.
Some days he went to the west and grazed the flock and some days he went east
t o g raze. So me days i t was nor t h an d ot h e r s i t wa s t o t h e s ou t h . Th e re ’s n o d o u b t
that Moses knew that countryside. Like any good shepherd, he was careful to keep
122

track of the animals. He was alert to the sounds of predators and thieves. The flock was
th e fami l y ’s l i v e l i h o o d . Mo se s w o u l d h av e b e e n a man w h o k n e w t he l ands c ape bec a us e
his family depended on him knowing it.
Yo u se e , th e Tal mu d e x p l ai n s th at Mo se s w as c o mi n g to g raze h i s f l o c k at Ho reb, l i k e he
always had done. He was looking out for normal things. He was looking for things that
sh e p h e rd s l o o k fo r an d w asn ’t n o ti c i n g G o d ’s p re se n c e an d l i g h t.
Th e Tal mu d say s th at th e b u sh w as al w ay s o n f i re ; i t w as j u st th at o n a parti c ul a r da y,
Moses turned aside to see. Moses took the time to notice the burning bush.

Th i s p i c tu re si ts i n my o ffi c e an d re mi n d s me o f th i s sto ry o f th e Ta l mud. That I, tha t we,
must turn aside to see—because the bush is always burning. I believe that the star of
Epiphany, I believe it has always been in the sky, shining brightly, just like that bush that
was always been on fire. That light of Christ is always guiding us; that light is shining in
the darkness, because the darkness will not overcome it.
That beautiful star is in the sky and in the stable and in the inn, and in the church, and
in the schools, and in the grocery stores and prisons; that star is in our homes and in the
h o me l e ss te n t c i ty — th at l i g h t i s w h e re v e r G o d ’s p e o p l e are , i n al l the nati o ns , gui di ng us
to see this anointed one born among us, “Pleased as man with us to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel!”
So maybe this isn’t the season of limited light. Maybe it is in the eyes of our children,
and the laughter of our great aunt on the phone or even in that person who just cut you
o ff i n traffi c . Pe rh ap s G o d ’s p l an al l al o n g w as to ti l t th e p l an e t o n that wi nter s o l s ti c e s o
that in these days and weeks and months ahead, we’d turn aside to the light all around
us.

123

SEASONAL
AFFECTIVE
DISORDER

Kelsey Crowe, LCSW, LCAS, CCS

As the winter months and appetite. Overeating, weight gain,
holiday season approaches, and cravings for carbohydrates
our schedules are often full of are also common with SAD. It is
spending time with family and important to pay attention to how
friends. We often look forwards long these symptoms last for you
to the cooler temperatures, and when you begin to experience
holiday celebrations, and time them—both helpful pieces of
off from school or work. However, information for your physician or
if you happen to find yourself therapist should you decide you
feeling down, depressed, or need extra support.
sad during these times, you There are a few factors that
may be experiencing seasonal have been studied for those that
affective disorder—a commonly experience SAD more often.
misunderstood type of change Overwhelmingly, females are
in mood that happens with the more likely to experience SAD
changing of the seasons. than males. It is diagnosed four
Seasonal Affective Disorder times more often in women than
(SAD) is a type of depression in men. People who have a family
that fluctuates with the seasons. history of depression are also
It typically begins in late fall likely to experience SAD or other
and early winter, and often depressive disorders more often.
resolves itself by spring or early In addition, if you already have
summer. The symptoms of SAD a diagnosis of depression, the
look similar to depression. You winter months can exacerbate
may experience feelings of those symptoms. Young adults
hopelessness or worthlessness, have a higher occurrence of SAD
difficulty concentrating, feeling than older adults. Finally, people
overly tired, having difficulty that live far north or far south from
sleeping or sleeping too much, the equator seem to experience
loss of interest in activities you SAD more often.
used to enjoy or changes in
124

WHAT CAN YOU D O TO HELP?

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or have risk factors to develop SAD,
there are things you can do to mitigate them!
Sunlight- Sunlight has been a treatment for SAD for the last 35 years. Replacing
the light you would be exposed to in the spring and summer months can be very
helpful. You can do this by using artificial light sources such as sun lamps, or in-
creasing the amount of time you are outdoors during the day. This can be tricky if
you spend most of your day indoors. It is helpful to get exposure to the sunlight
or sun lamp first thing in the morning, for 20-60 minutes.
Therapy- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence based treatment for
SAD. The CBT that has been adapted for use with SAD involves supporting the
person in identifying their negative belief patters and replacing them with posi-
tive thoughts. It also employs a technique called behavioral activation that helps
to identify activities and behaviors that are enjoyable to help during the winter
months
Vitamin D- While a direct correlation has not been made in using Vitamin D as a
standalone treatment for SAD, lower vitamin D levels have been found in those
struggling with SAD. It may be helpful to consult with your physician and have
your levels checked, as low Vitamin D can impact mood.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of
depression that fluctuates with the seasons.

The symptoms are similar to depression.

Avery, D., Roy-Byrne, P. P., & Solomon, D. (2016). Seasonal affective disorder: treatment. Roy-Byrne, and
Solomon, editors, UpToDate. UpToDate.
Berk, M., Sanders, K. M., Pasco, J. A., Jacka, F. N., Williams, L. J., Hayles, A. L., & Dodd, S. (2007). Vitamin
D deficiency may play a role in depression. Medical hypotheses, 69(6), 1316-1319
Partonen, T., & Lönnqvist, J. (1998). Seasonal affective disorder. The Lancet, 352(9137), 1369-1374.
Terman, M., Terman, J. S., Quitkin, F. M., McGrath, P. J., Stewart, J. W., & Rafferty, B. (1989). Light therapy
for seasonal affective disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology, 2(1), 1-22.

125

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Reinvented it into a Craft Brewery.

We made it Cool again.

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47 Duke Street
Granite Falls, NC 28630
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Join our 19,000+ GFBeerhead Facebook Community!

SALT
and its Benefits
By Carmen Eckard

You know that feeling you get when you’ve been Salt therapy, including salt lamps, increase
at the ocean? It’s more than just relaxing...we of- the negative ions in your space, which make
ten leave feeling healthier and more energetic. you feel better. Don’t take my word for it. Salt
Science is beginning to point to the salinity of lamps are inexpensive, and you can also get
the ocean, and the positive ions it puts into the more intensive salt therapy at places like Sa-
atmosphere, as the cause of this benefit. linity in Hickory, NC, where you will also find a
huge selection of salt lamps.

Salt Therapy harnesses the power of salt, without
giving us the negative side effects we would get
from consuming it, mainly, high blood pressure.

You may have noticed a salt lamp in a wait-
ing room or a friend’s house recently. They are
becoming much more popular. These lamps
are chunks of pink salt, lit from within. They
are beautiful and calming, but many peo-
ple claim they are very helpful in other ways.
Ions are molecules that have gained or
lost an electrical charge, and they are all
around us. Positive ions are abundant in our
world today, They are shown to have neg-
ative effects on our bodies, and can turn to
free radicals. These age us, inside and out.
Negative ions are found in abundance in nature,
especially around the ocean, waterfalls, and our
beautiful mountains. These negative ions, along
with the Vitamin-D your body creates when you
are in sunlight, make us feel good.

“Generally speaking, negative ions increase the
flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in high-
er alertness, decreased drowsiness and more
mental energy,” says Pierce J. Howard, PhD.

DEAR DAVID,

I am concerned about my teenage son’s aspirations for the future. His father and I
are both college educated and know that he has to get a college education as well
to be successful. The issue is that our son wants to be a mechanic. How can we help
him understand that this is not a wise decision for a career?
Sincerely,
Frustrated But Wanting The Best

Dear FBWTB,
First and foremost, I encourage you for wanting to push your child to be their best.
With that said I must disagree with your perspective. There are many successful
mechanics, hair stylists, welders, furniture makers, and other trade craftsmen. It
is rare that someone so young identifies a passion and the commensurate desire to
pursue it as a career. I would encourage you to support your son’s interests while
reminding him that he can pursue a four-year degree at any point in life should
he so choose. It will strengthen your relationship with him as well as his sense of
independence. A four year education is certainly valuable but it is not a requirement
for professional success.
Sincerely,
David Zealy-Wright LPC, LCA

David Zealy-Wright is a Licensed Professional Counselor,
a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and a Clinical
Supervisor Intern. He graduated from Catawba Valley
Community College in 2005 earning an Associate in
Arts, Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2008 earning a BA in
Psychology, and in 2010 an MA in Agency Counseling. His
specialty areas include addiction, depression, anxiety, life
changes, men’s issues, relationships, and LGBTQIA issues.

128

DEAR DAVID,

I have been trying to quit smoking but my husband won’t quit with me and its
making it so much harder! How can I make him quit with me?
Sincerely,
Ready To Quit The Cancer Sticks
Dear RTQTCS,
Boy that’s a hard one, any time one spouse wants to change a habit they share
with the other it is always difficult. With smoking it is often involved with
various other activities like eating, drinking coffee, and driving which can make
it particularly difficult to quit. My suggestion to you is to find a good support
system outside of your relationship to encourage your efforts. This can be a
therapist, a support group, or even an online forum, you might even consider
talking to your primary care provider about some prescription medications that
can help. As difficult as this may be to hear, the only way to get your husband
to quit smoking is for him to want to. Perhaps consider discussing some harm
reduction interventions like asking him not to smoke around you or consider a
nicotine replacement product when not smoking around you isn’t convenient.
Congratulations on your decision to pursue a healthier lifestyle, it is not easy to
conquer any addiction.
Sincerely,
David Zealy-Wright LPC, LCAS

129

The History of
Commercial
Dog Food and

Marketing

By Steve Watson
The inception of commercial dog took place in England around 1860.
James Spratt, an American working in London, was supposedly inspired
by sailors, throwing hardtack, which was a thin cracker or biscuit and
part of the sailors’ diet, to the wharf dogs. These were leftovers from
their meal and had juices and food remnants attached. Mr. Spratt’s
formula contained wheat, beef blood, vegetables and beetroot, and
was made in the shape of a biscuit. In 1950’s the Spratt’s Patent Limit-
ed Company was sold to General Mills. In 1960 it was sold to Spillers,
a UK subsidiary of Purina, and is still available today under the name
“Bonio”.
That bit of history is included to make the point that from the very
beginning commercial dog foods were made from the parts that were
“thrown away”. As we follow history we will see this throw away men-
tality arise again and again.
After WW1 horse meat was cheap and plentiful and led to the invention
of canned dog food by Ken-L-Ration. By the early 1940’s canned food
accounted for as much as 91% of the market. During WW2 there was
a shortage of tin which made canning an expensive proposition. Enter
“dry” dog food. Marketing companies began telling consumers that
these products were superior because they were able to use recycled
or leftover grain products and meat not fit for human consumption.
After the war, dry dog food sales picked up dramatically. One reason
was that dog food was moved into the grocery stores. Today it is not
uncommon for pet foods to take up more aisle space than baby sup-
plies. The second reason was a marketing blitz instituted by the Pet
Food Institute, warning the public of the “dangers” of table scraps and
the importance of feeding a processed dog food. Press releases were
used to spread the “word” and were used in newspapers, radio, and
several of the large women’s magazines. More marketing strategies
include celebrity endorsements, the use of food dyes, and ingredients
that make gravy.
Up until 1974 the National Research Council was responsible for the
guidelines for setting nutritional values in dog food, then AAFCO, the
American Association of Feed Control Officials took responsibility,
though is made up of individuals in the feed manufacturing business.
They relaxed the guidelines for measuring the nutritional components
and ended the use of feeding trials. In 1985 the National Research
Council developed new nutritional guidelines. The most important
130

change was to measure the nutri- that it is a cheap additive for dog
tional content AFTER the food was food companies). You should look
cooked. These changes were met for the word proteinate after each
with such hostility from the food of your minerals. This indicates the
manufacturers and “their” organi- minerals are chelated and therefore
zation, that we are still working more easily assimilated and metab-
under the old requirements. The olized. Lastly, it’s important to add
important take away is that this or- probiotics and digestive enzymes to
ganization is manipulating our de- a dog’s diet. Some foods list these
sire to look after our pets, and be- on the bag, but heat and pressure kill
ing quite dishonest. enzymes and probiotics. Basing and
So how do you, a consumer who extruding are only two ways commer-
loves your dog, know what to feed? cial dog food is made, and you can
I have for years used the old adage do the math.
“if you can’t pronounce it, don’t There are still some good foods out
feed it”. Look for a brand whose there. Armed with this new knowl-
first, or second ingredient is a high edge and a little common sense, you
quality meat meal, or chicken meal should be able to find them.
or even fish meal. Corn should
NOT be in your list of ingredients. 131
Dogs do not need corn and do not
digest it very well. It often causes
allergic reactions, and there isn’t
any advantage to using it (except

foothillsfoothills astrologer
astrologer

Most people these days can tell you their “sign”. When someone tells you they
are a Virgo, they mean that when they were born, the sun was in the section of the
sky we call “Virgo”, which used to be near the constellation Virgo, but has wiggled
over a bit in the last several thousand years. They probably don’t realize that’s
what they mean. That’s just all they know about astrology, and they open up the
astrology pages in magazines to read about the forecast for their sign for the next
month.
But the sun isn’t the only astrological body that matters. The moon, the other
planets, our angles, and nodes all are very important to personalized readings
and forecast. The placement of these bodies at our births, as well as at the current
time, creates an extremely detailed forecast that is much more accurate than the
paragraph description you normally read that’s meant to describe 1/12th of the
population.
But I don’t know when you were born, and I don’t want to water these pages down
so much they are useless. So I’m going to go about this in a manner most magazine
columns do not.
Instead of bothering with your personal nativity (that’s the planetary placements
at your birth), I will write about the current configurations. They are influencing
everyone in the world, and have specific start times and energetic signatures. I feel
biltAosohnysoapteretkroeai-ynlmdrootgoghuam.yfilowIiitnrs’islagmltnhifnmtioenlcyrerdeseftladutudhtidfeb:fiy.stltyahomAieclfseooattdmhsrroeteprilnourlefeglsooxleyar,gfmtlubeiooluaron@tttkshismohfaoinapnoot,stabytthhoeoqieltufluwspwdiceclaahiekgcnanestpumtsyhtmuoe.ecrunmcoltohsmaeocaraefs.ytetiifhonoaenrmcpoehalfaagaccnarehetzltiaenssnsueatdsnitaaliasnnibgptdoenedrnr.piseeIorfwsenysta’osapnutabdipoiarelntirfhrees,
and also the current or future placement of planets. Typical reports like these would include
a simple paragraph for each of the 12 signs-there isn’t enough room to provide helpful
information in that format. Instead, I’ll explain only the current placements. What you read
will be felt by everyone, so your sign doesn’t matter here. For info about your natal chart, or
132 for custom horoscopes, email [email protected].

january 7-28 Jupiter sextile sow. For this full moon, the asteroid
Ceres is joining the moon. The
Pluto: Jupiter is the planet of moon represents emotions and our
expansion, and Pluto is about personal feminine side. Ceres is also very
transformation. When the two join in a feminine. Ceres represents our
harmonious way, like they are now, it nurturing abilities, as well as how
creates a power surge. we feel nurtured. Ceres is closely
This is a very good time to plan for associated with harvesting wheat, so
your future and to take a chance. again, there is a reaping energy here.
There might be support that you are She’s also associated with modern
not expecting to find, and it could be mothering, and this combination will
very helpful to you. Good judgment be very good and empowering for
will abound and good opportunities mothers.
will fall in people’s laps. Lunar Eclipses function as very strong
full moons, so the potential here is
january 17-19 Venus and the very strong. When we have a lunar
eclipse, it means the sun is opposite
Sun enter Aquarius. Aquarius is the the moon, which is a strong energy.
sign of the entrepreneur, the outcast It ties together our whole self and
and the mad scientist. When the our emotions and makes everyone
Sun enters Aquarius the whole world stronger.
seems to benefit from that free- Specifically, this eclipse should
wheeling energy. There is tolerance help clear your emotions-a sort of
in the air. This is a great time for emotional reset for the last 6 months.
experimenting and for having fun. It’s a powerful energy.
The sun rules over our whole selves, This degree of Leo has the symbol
and the general energy of the day. “An evening lawn party of adults.”
Venus represents our love life and This brings a mature, socializing
our softer side. In love, people will energy to this moon. It’s a good time
crave more freedom this month, and to connect with your adult friends.
experimental relationships will seem Ladies...plan a wine night with your
more tempting than normal. It’s very girl friends!!
important to allow others the space
they need at this time, and to be january 31 The same day
impartial in our judgments.
as the full moon, Mercury enters
january 31 Full moons are Aquarius. It joins the sun and Venus,

times of harvest, of reaping what we

133

January 15 chrysalis.” This is tremendously
meaning this brilliant, rebellious positive and reaffirms the power
energy is focused on our whole lives, of today to help with personal
our love and now our communication transformation.
as well.
Everyone will be reaching for new february 17-18 We will feel
ideas and thinking outside of the box.
It’s a fun time where novel solutions a big shift of energy as Mercury and
should present themselves. the Sun exit Aquarius and enter
Pisces. They are joining Venus. Pisces
february 10 Venus enters rules empathy and devotion. It’s very
selfless.
Pisces. Venus is soft. Pisces is soft. The rebellious, off-beat energy
This is a mushy-gushy energy perfect that has abounded will now soften
for Valentine’s Day! Venus in Pisces is and our general focus will be more
tender, emotional, but a little hard to altruistic. Since Mercury is traveling
reach. with the sun, this giving, altruistic
Borders are blurred during this time, energy will express itself with our
and the softness makes it possible communication style most obviously.
to be victimized. Be on the lookout The danger of sun in Pisces is that
for that, but enjoy the affection and we are much more motivated to
closeness this time brings. think and dream than to actually do.
But the advantage is that we are all
february 15 New moons are imaginative.

times of setting intentions. This one march 2 This full moon is the
is a partial solar eclipse, making it
very strong energetically. Mercury reaping time for the previous new
closely aligns with the moon today, moon with eclipse. This day, we
making the focus of this moon might expect the butterfields from
communication. The moon is also February 15th to emerge.
making a beneficial aspect to Uranus, The energy of the moon today is “A
meaning you will be able to make bride has her veil snatched away.”
good use of rebellious energy. This means this is a full moon of
This is an eclipse of freedom and revelations. It will be hard to keep
choice. things hidden, but the exposure will
The energy of the emotions today be positive, or for positive purposes.
is “a butterfly emerges from its

134

Full moons tend to highlight opposites march 8 Jupiter turns retrograde.
in our lives because they occur when
the sun is opposite the moon. Virgo is All planets appear to turn in
the sign of analyzing and the sun is in retrograde motion from time to time.
Pisces, which is soft and empathetic. When that happens, the energy
It’s an interesting dynamic when they is turned inward, and expressed
combine. differently than normal. Jupiter is the
planet of expansion and luck, and
march 6 Mercury and Venus when it goes retrograde, we are lucky
in unexpected ways. This retrograde
enter Aries. Aries is bold. Aries rushes last 4 months and is an excellent time
forth. This energy will come into your to revist the things you’ve learned in
love life during this time, and your the last 13 months. The things that
communication style as well. move you forward...it’s a really good
Aries is not patient. Aries doesn’t ask time to pay attention to those things
a lot of questions, but instead rushes and to revisit them.
headlong into whatever it wants.
Above all Aries is blunt, which doesn’t If you want to know more about
always sit well with softer types of your own personal astrology, you
people. If you already tend to be blunt,
there won’t be much stopping you can order an interpretation of
now, so keep in mind that everyone is your chart by emailing
sharper than normal, and also sharper
than they realize. [email protected].
But Aries is also TONS of fun. Speak up
for yourself. Stand up for yourself. This You can also download the app
will be a good week. “Time Passages” which is an
excellent resource for keeping
track of your personal transits.

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135
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Bronchitis

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Carolina
Reads

136

The Last Ballad by Wiley Cash $27 Harper Collins, 2017 ISBN 978-0-06231-312-6

This book tells one of the foothills’ most important stories. Set in 1929 in Bessemer City, NC, this book
tells the story of the mill strike that changed the lives of everyone involved. Using many unique voices, it
unfolds naturally, almost tenderly. It’s truly heartbreaking. It never shies from the harder truths and is, at
times, devastating.
The labor movement was enormously important, and its stories are not often told. This story makes per-
sonal the struggle to win basic labor rights and draws valuable parallels to today’s world.
New York Time’s Best Selling author Wiley Cash’s unique style is very well-suited to tell our stories. It’s
down-home, natural, and entirely compelling. -Carmen Eckard Cover art courtesy of Harper Collins.

Ghost of the Innocent Man $27 Brown Little, 2017 ISBN 978-1-47893-707-4

This novel highlights one of our more regrettable histories. In the United States, over 2,000 people have
been falsely imprisoned in the last 30 years. Willie Grimes, unfortunately, was one of them. In 1988, he
was sentenced to life imprisonment for first degree rape. There were many times that proper policing
would have cleared Grimes, but that didn’t happen in his case.
This novel is now a best seller, surprising critics with its success. The story is very empathetic. Willie
Grimes is not a faceless man, but a person you will care about. You will mourn his sentencing, and you will
rejoice that he was freed. I bet you’ll also feel anger, and a host of other emotions.
Benjamin Lachlin’s style is crisp but unhurried, playing our empathy like a well-tuned instrument. This is a
tale you should know, because all of the characters belong to us. This is our story, and instead of being
ashamed, we should learn from it, and guard against it happening again. -Carmen Eckard

Grant by Ron Chernow $40 Penguin Press, 2017 ISBN 978-1-59420-487-6

Ulysses S. Grant is a polarizing figure in the South. As a symbol of the north’s aggression against state’s
rights, he’s often a hated and reviled figure set against the symbol of Robert E. Lee. Chernow’s hefty new
volume on Grant posits that while Grant respected Lee in public, calling Lee the “ablest general in the
Confederate army” (367), Grant was upset that even his own men considered Lee a “demigod,” at least
in their minds. Grant worried that history would see him as a “brutal plodder who relied on numbers”
while Lee would be considered a fighter with “elegant finesse.”
Ron Chernow, author of biographies on George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, delves deeply
into the psyche of Grant, warts and all, calling Grant a humble yet insecure man, a man whose bonafides
paled in comparison to Lee’s who called McClellan the best, most able Union General.
At 1074 pages, Grant reads quickly and smoothly like Chernow’s other tomes. For those who like having
everything they know about a historical figure in one book, Grant adds Chernow’s psychological insights
into men and the war that still creates conflict in the 21st Century. -Robert Canipe

Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire; A 500-Year History Kurt Anderson $30
Random House, 2017 ISBN: 978-1-4000-6721-3

In Kurt Anderson’s Fantasyland, meet an America that might not have existed except for the unstoppable
optimism of hope. “Wishful dreaming” and “magical thinking” seem to be sewn into the fabric of the
country from as far back as 1517 and the religious ties to faith itself—the belief in something that one
cannot see—and the ideas of Sir Walter Raleigh who knew, just knew there was gold in the New World.
In fact, people trusted enough in the belief in the gold and the freedom that they gave up all the modern
comforts of the 17th century to travel the sea to America for the fantasy. They’d perish, yet more would
go, the modern cynicism not inherent in their minds.
Anderson posits that had they not had that belief in the supernatural, that belief in “the fantastic” is now
in America’s DNA and has led to the modern beliefs in conspiracy theories, fake news, crackpot ideas and
that the Internet now allows the distribution of these ideas to grow exponentially. While it used to take a
while or suckers to be drawn in by hucksters, today all it takes is a click of a mouse and a Facebook post
to get Americans believing in anything.
Anderson’s book doesn’t treat this idea glibly or with malice. He simply states and thesis and proves it,
realizing that America might not exist today had it now been for the belief that something worthwhile is
out there, somewhere, and if we work hard enough and believe, it will come our way.
I’m going to buy a lottery ticket, I believe.

137

Rural Legend
by Anna Wess
Winner of the Appalachian Heritage Writer’s Symposium

Poor Naomi Proffitt had come down with lay in willful agony, praying to God with her
the worst kind of homesickness, the sort last breaths to lead her to that place she
for which she had found no cure. She dreamed of. She knew it wouldn’t be long.
longed for a place she had never been, She had put enough arsenic in her coffee to
a home to which she could not return, a kill off half of Big Creek.
haven that didn’t exist upon this earth. Naomi was married to the Devil himself.
There is no word that I know of to describe That’s what the talk was in those days,
such an aching grief, but Naomi had it just anyway. Tom Proffitt was Hell bound, and
the same. even the good Pentecostal mouths down
It was the summer of 1929, a sultry over the hill would have said the same. The
afternoon in dog days when not even a Proffitts had lived in the imposing white
hint of a forgiving breeze offered itself house overlooking Big Creek for as long
to clear some of the madness out of that as anybody could remember. They had no
stifling house. In the east bedroom, Naomi children and rarely had any company to
138

speak of. The Devil’s growling voice could Naomi died in that room soon after,
be heard on most nights as it echoed down her fingers and toes still twisted oddly
the hill. Naomi could be heard soon after, inward. Her I do to the Devil was done.
wailing and praying. Her body was covered with one of the
On the morning of her chosen fate, Naomi sheets that she had washed and hung
had washed and hung out bed sheets on on the clothesline earlier in the day.
the clothesline in the backyard. Ol’ Pastor Before the next year’s dog days, the
Mullins, the very one that had married the body of Tom Proffitt was found beneath
Proffitts fifteen years earlier, was making his the bridge on the bank of Big Creek.
witnessing rounds on the outskirts of town. Nobody knew for certain what had
He strolled across the bridge with his Bible killed the Devil, but even decent folk
and walked up to the Proffitt house. He praised the Lord that he was gone and
cornered Naomi right there amidst the bed the world was finally rid of him at last.
sheets and commenced a proper sermon Mamaw and Papaw Silcox bought
about the Rapture and the coming of Jesus. the white house on the hill in the mid
Such talk made Naomi nervous. She politely thirties, unaware at first that some
feigned a coughing spell and excused woeful woman had up and removed
herself, but it was already too late. The herself from the world in one of the
church talk must have woken the Devil from five bedrooms. Mamaw learned of
his drunken slumber, as Naomi had feared Naomi soon after settling in. Those
it would. Tom Proffitt flew out the backdoor Pentecostal women down over the hill
in a furious hurry, and with bourbon soaked didn’t let a week go by without getting
words he accused her of sneaking behind his to the old news and gossip, and they
back and cohortin’ with ol’ Pastor Mullins, had been there when it had happened
and he informed the dumbfounded preacher so they knew firsthand, they assured
that he’d never see a dime of his money or her. Mamaw had already suspected
his wife again. Naomi was mortified and something wasn’t right with that place.
heartsick. That was all she could take, and She felt it in her bones, she said. She
that was the moment she decided to leave. wasn’t psychic, she insisted. Lord no.
After Naomi’s coffee had kicked in, the Devil It just didn’t sound very Christian at
came running like a madman down off the all. She would say she was sensitive
hill and across the bridge, hollering for help. instead, and be done with any further
His wife had fallen suddenly and strangely ill. talk of it.
The neighbors who came to survey the scene Thanks to Mamaw’s sensitivity, the
were struck by the sight of Naomi Proffitt first time she saw Naomi Proffitt, the
lying atop her rose chenille quilt in the east apparition didn’t bother her in the
bedroom of the house, her body writhing least. She would be frying chicken and
and shaking, her face frozen in an expression fixing buttermilk biscuits on her wood
of odd serenity. Her fingers curled inward stove, turn to get a spoon of lard and
toward their palms in a bizarre manner, as catch the passing vision of a grayed,
did her toes. That’s a sign of poisonin’, one opalescent woman floating past the
of the neighbors said. A cup of what was door to the east bedroom. I don’t
left of a lethal concoction of Maxwell House believe in no ghosts, she told us. But I
and rodent poisoning was left sitting on the believe in Naomi. I seen her a hundred
kitchen counter. A spoon laced with a silvery times.
residue rested on a cloth napkin next to the The east bedroom was Daddy’s room
cup. in those days. He recalled humid

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afternoons in dog days when he would and forth for me once. I remember that as
sit by the window and paint scenes of much as I remember my own name. I grew
endless oceans that he had never seen up with Naomi. I never feared her. I never
and landscapes of mountains that he had, knew that all houses didn’t have their own
and the room would grow cold even as souls like that one did. Mamaw sold the
the oils permeated his canvas, and the house after Papaw died. He had been an old
vague silhouette of a woman would cast man since he was forty; too much coal dust
her shadows on the walls in the very light and worry, I suppose. The house held too
of day. Old coins appeared in odd places. many years of memories and mental visions,
Footsteps could be heard on the long and it was much too large a house for one
front porch when nobody was out there. aging widow to keep up. I helped Mamaw
Mamaw would see a woman in the kitchen pack her trinkets and curios. I remember
some nights when the moon shone brightly my thoughts as I sat on the concrete steps
enough. She’d be standing by the counter, of the front porch as I had so many times
her transparency evident, her hand stirring before. I felt a solemn sadness for Naomi,
something in a coffee cup that wasn’t there who would be left behind. Mamaw sat in
anymore. the east bedroom for half a day by herself,
Never minding the talk of the Pentecostal looking at her picture books and talking to
neighbors down over the hill and Papaw’s nobody we could see, and I overheard her
spinster sisters that would never set foot telling Naomi that she would sure miss her,
in the house for fear of specters, life was and she was welcome to come with her, if
mundane and peaceful on the hill above she could.
Big Creek. Naomi never hurt a soul, As we drove down the hill and away, I looked
Mamaw insisted. She was just a poor back a final time. I imagined Naomi was sad
wayfaring stranger, just as the age-old to see us go. I watched as the house grew
lyrics say. We all had tales to tell about further away, and then finally disappeared.
the times we saw or felt her or heard her I suspected Naomi would not accept the
footsteps. The Silcoxes lived in the house invitation to leave. The new place in Lake
for all of five decades, more than twice Park became Mamaw’s house. But as I
as long as the Proffitts. They raised six suspected, we never saw Naomi again.
children there. They survived harsh winters I had vivid recollections of the old place on
and that sweltering summer humidity. They Big Creek. I dreamed of that house from
suffered the drowning of their youngest the time I was seventeen until last night.
son in the creek when he was two. They Odd dreams, too, the sort that lingers long
saw ten grandbabies born, of which I was after the waking hours of morning. Those
one. And so did Naomi. nocturnal visions made me feel as if I’d
I spent the first years of my life in that forgotten something. They kept reminding
house, back in the days when Daddy was me that some things are more permanent
still a struggling artist and scraping to save than others. I felt in my bones that the old
his meager paychecks to buy us our own place had not forgotten me. At last, I felt the
house. Mamaw swore to God that she same longing for somewhere that Naomi
would find old coins in my cradle. Gifts had once felt. That aching, that grief for a
from Naomi. I only saw her once for myself, place that I cannot return. It was, indeed,
back when I was too young to consider that the worst sort of homesickness.
she might just have been a pure figment Last August, during the faithful dog days,
of shadow and light. She revealed herself Daddy and I made a trip to Big Creek. I
to me, that gray and weightless lady, and had wanted to go back and see the home
she made Papaw’s rocking chair sway back
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place again, to take some photographs for my Cline on the phonograph. I envisioned
own picture books and converse with the past. the red bricks of the fireplace still shining
I walked across the bridge that Papaw had and polished. I saw Daddy’s paintings
rebuilt with railroad ties way back before I was still adorning the walls. And I wondered
born. The house stood faithfully in the distance, if Naomi was still there. I wondered if
as if it had been waiting for our return. From she remembered me as I remembered
the end of the bridge, it appeared exactly the her. I am no longer a child. Perhaps she
way it did when I had solemnly looked back at wouldn’t know me now.
it through the car window. “Naomi?” I said out loud. I waited.
We got close enough to see the damage that There was no noise, no answer.
time and negligence had done. No one had That was the only word I could muster.
made it a home in a long while. An old sofa sat Naomi. After all, it is quite a formidable
on the porch where Papaw’s rocking chair used task to produce mere words in the
to be. The concrete steps that I used to sit on presence of a legend. That’s what it all
were cracking and falling apart in places. The has become. That house, Mamaw and
white paint that was once crisp and clean was Papaw Silcox, and Naomi Proffitt. Rural
eroded and eaten away by several decades of legends, they are.
weather. I was unable to peer through the dirty I took the photographs that I wanted and
windows. The wood of the old porch creaked left all resting things to their sleep again.
beneath my footsteps. As I retreated down the steps, a small
I didn’t say a word. I couldn’t muster a single object reflected sunlight and caught my
one. We just stood there and imbibed the attention. On the faded concrete, near
nothingness that had stolen the places of the very place I used to sit and watch
my grandparents, their children, and Naomi. the sun drop behind the pastel ridge,
Daddy hid his misty eyes from me and headed was a weathered 1929 penny. The winds
back to the car, but I remained awhile longer. I changed and a forgiving breeze swept
could have easily pushed the front door open. through the pines and tousled my hair.
The lock was surely rusty and frailer than time With my gift tucked in my pocket, I
itself. turned to look back at the old imposing
I didn’t or wouldn’t have. The inside was just house as I walked down the hill, and I
as neglected as the outside; I didn’t have to wondered for a second time if I’d ever
see to know beyond a doubt. All the dreams return again.
I’d had of the old place had been a peculiar
brand of beautiful magic, tokens reminiscent Anna writes at https://appalachianink.net.
of days that I’ll never see again. Christmases 141
and Sunday dinners. Sipping Mamaw’s hot
chocolate in front of the fireplace on frigid
winter nights, and her laughter echoing
through the house.
It had become the home to which I could not
return. If I had forced the door open, all of it
would’ve been gone, sucked clean out and
taken away with the dwindling hum of jar flies. I
stood with my hands on the warmed and faded
wood of the front door, and I imagined Mamaw
and Papaw were on the other side in the living
room, watching Gunsmoke or playing Patsy

Selections from L2

by Tim Peeler

25

Out on the dirt bikes Burton
Bought us when I was thirteen,
We slipped through pasture gates down
Pine needle covered horse trails
Whipping the handlebars side
To side between scrub pine, oak
Saplings and briars, crossing
A nameless creek rutted by
Knobby tires, to a clearing
Where a leaf plastered hill rose
All the way up to the sky.
We sat there awestruck looking
When the river rats arrived
Like a swarm of hornets ring
Ding a dinging across the
Creek, surrounding us where we
Idled, fat ass Sam and me,
Then one at a time they pealed
Out, slinging rooster tails of
Mud and leaves climbing skyward
Through the trees toward the one
Faint patch of blue.

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26

I watched in amazement, my
Yamaha 125
Vibrating in the throttle,
Sam in sagging overalls
Ragged cutoff shirt flapping,
What the hell was that Larry?
And about the time he spoke,
The whole racket enswarmed us
Again, having circled back down
From the ridge along the bank
Leaning into the descent
Then stopping beside us, the
Ugliest most hare-lipped one
Dropped his hand and at once they
All cut their engines, and he
Turned his crazy eyes to me
And said, You can’t do nothing
At the bottom, you gotta
Get to the top, spitting chew
And what looked like a brown tooth.
Then he said it one more time
Before they all cranked at once
And they all sped off except him
He sat there for a moment
Spinning bark off a fallen
Limb then his bald head bare back
Blue jeans cowboy boots were
Gone.

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For the Kings and
Queens of Appalachia

By Anna Wess

This is a hard place. And we are hard people. All of us know that hardness,
even those who have escaped into the rest of the world. We are proud
o f i t . It ’s a b i rth ri g ht. A c ertai n bad blood cour ses t hrough us, as arca ne
as the land itself. These mountains are family, our very ancestors. They
have taught us lessons that haughty Northerners and other foreigners
will never learn or understand.

We a re c hi l d re n o f the p i n es. Walker s of t he high r idges. Teller s o f
stories too wild to be true… but are. We are the daughters and sons of
central Appalachia. We are, by birth, Kings and Queens of this nowhere.
We know this. These mountains have told us so. They love us and want
to keep us all to themselves. The wind has whispered it to our souls
since we knew how to speak and listen. And we listen very well.
Here, in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, it is early December, and I
have watched the land falter from hues of cinnamon and gold into a vast
vista of only shades of gray. A pearl and leaden mist falls down from the
heavens, cloaking the rich coal black of my mountain.
Yes, it is mine. The one I look on and the others beyond it, as far as I can
see. That is one of our secrets. This place belongs to us, and we to it.
But as I said, this is a hard place.
Th e re ’s a s ti ff p ri c e to p ay f or being A ppalachian royalt y. W hen we a re
born, the mountains lay claim on us all. They protect and shelter us
from the outsiders, from the unrest and corruptness that waits outside
our mothering hills. It is difficult to leave this place. And even harder to
get in. Any stranger who comes too boldly to our door after sunset will
most likely be met with a gun barrel. There will be no warning shot. No
idle threats. We do not take kindly to disrespect. We do not want your
charity, neither. We have lear ned to make it just fine on our own.
We consider ourselves Southerners. But this place is not the South of
Scarlett O’Hara. This is not the south of flowery plantations and slaves
and cotton. This is the other South. The one nobody talks about. This
one is the real deal.
We are the real deal.
The South of Scarlett is not just gone; it is silent in the grave.

144

A large handful of us die young, too. Not by the atmosphere—this
air is as clear and pristine as it was a hundred years ago—but by
the poison that has trickled down our mountains from beyond our
confines. Oxycontin and Methadone and Xanax, and other little liars
that promise escape from here, if only for a little while. On every
s treet c o r ner y o u’ l l fi nd a b ank o r a l aw y er’s o ffi c e. Or a ch u rch . Jo bs
are scarce these days, and even more scant when drug tests come
back positive. Those folks end up on the draw, living check to check,
perpetuating their misery onto their children, imbibing in their young
a sense of entitlement and disdain, letting them know without saying
s o tha t i t’s j us t fi ne to l i v e thi s w ay. No p reac her c o uld pra y th e m o ff
the dope, and no street corner lawyer could save them from jail or the
c e m e t e r y.
The rest of us cannot help this. That is the South nobody here talks
about. We are not proud of such things. And the royalty amongst us
shun the idea that we are doomed to such a memory.
My own great-grandmother lived to be a righteous ninety-seven. Her
name was Dixie Virginia Belcher Adkins. I saw the woman catch hornets
in the air and rip their heads off. She could conjure up a meal for a
family of twenty plus with little more than bacon grease and flour and
cool water. She was a Queen, too. And she knew it. The mountains had
told her the same story it has told us. They nurtured and protected her
and provided for her. She was well loved by this hard place. And she
may have been partial to a shot of ‘shine or a smoke from her corncob
pipe, but she was never taken with the notion that anyone owed her a
thing.
Do not ever entertain the thought that we are less intellectually
endowed than the outsiders. Not for a fleeting second. This is the land
of Dolly and Loretta and June, of the words of Lee Smith, of the sound
of a porch banjo, courtesy of Dr. Stanley.
Surely, we must be blessed. If not by God, then by the mother mountains.
Because we are a hard people, us Queens and Kings.
Despite the ones who have fallen victim to the woe of the outside,
most of us will last long into our eighties and beyond. The hardness is
the price we pay for our pride. We accept it. We welcome it. Most of
us w i l l l i v e to tel l o ur tal es . To si ng o ur so ng s. To remin d, w ith a so ft
and dulcet twang, that we are mountain royals, thank you very much.
Rain taps on the windowsill, and the pearl gray of the fog retreats into
a resounding echo, and fades to coal black.
And I hear my mountain speaking to me. Yes, I hear it. Audibly.
I will never let you go. Never. You are mine, and I am yours. Forever.
I listen very well.

145

“Laying Beneath Rain,
On A Strange Roof”

A Column of Nostalgia,
growing up in the Foothills

by Robert Canipe

Comic books meant a lot to me as a kid. plump, red-faced kid who couldn’t wait to
The cost 12-15 cents each, and I read get out of there, leave the confusion and
them over and over to where, to this day, noise of the real world for the confusion
I can see the panels in my mind, and when and noise of another galaxy where
I buy a reprint today, I notice first that the Galactus might just eat your world.
paper is too good, the colors too bright. I’d ride my bike away from downtown as
Neighbor kids would trade comics—many fast as possible toward home, excited
coverless and yellowing—and would read over the books in my basket (yes, I had a
anything. We read superhero books, metal basket on my handlebars) and I’d
Harvey comics, Disney. Anything. often make it to a large white oak near
I remember riding my bike six miles to home before I’d tire and stop and read
the newsstand, pocket jangling with under that tree in the shady humidity,
change earned through chores, found in alone but with my DC and Marvel comics
grandparents’ sofas, snatched from my friends. That oak is still there and was a
dad’s bedside table. Chaining my bike great friend to me for a long time, until
to a telephone pole, the ringing of the I earned a driver’s license eventually
bell on the door signaling leaving the opened my own comic shop. But I sat in
summer heat for the air conditioning of the lap of that old tree many a summer
the newsstand/café/pornography shop. day, a mile from home and millions of
Seeing the new issue of Green Lantern miles into my imagination.
or Spiderman bowing in the spinner Today, my Grandson Sam loves comics but
rack, crammed in front of a dozen earlier doesn’t ride his bike to the newsstand.
issues gave me a thrill. I’d counted my His comics show up on his tablet, a push
money thoroughly before leaving home on the App showing its arrival. However,
(including what tax would rob me of—I the excitement is the same, the buzz of
hated taxes early; 10 cents tax is 2/3 of “wow” accompanying another adventure
a comic!), knew exactly how many I could with SpongeBob or Jonny Quest. Sam lays
buy. Sometimes I’d straighten the rack, in his room or sits on the front porch and
pulling each title from each pocket and reads just like I did. He reads them over
putting them in order, and the lady who and over, collects the bits and bytes of
worked there would give me a couple for the colorful characters, constrained only
free. Sometimes I’d straighten the rack by his imagination and the time between
and get nothing but irritated looks from issues.
other customers who were trying to get to
the adult magazines and books past the
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The biggest difference is
this: Where I sat alone under
a tree in the summer, Sam
often brings the tablet to
the sofa, settles beside me,
saying, “Pawpaw! Pawpaw! A
new ‘Creepy Stories for Kids’
is here! Let’s read it!”
I’d never have sat with my
grandpa or dad and read
comics. They were busy,
grownups, serious, no time
for childish pleasures.
I still love comics. To me
comics are what keep the
artificial busy seriousness of
adulthood at bay. Instead of
being an outlet for a lonely
kid, they are the connection
between a boy and his
grandad, a clear change from
a generation before, clearing
the way for more humanity
between people instead of
isolation. Moreover, even
though Sam misses the trip
to the newsstand, the shade
of the tree, the overstuffed
pocket of change nickels and
dimes, he still does chores for
his tablet time and comics.
He’s still thrilled with each
new issue of MAD, Boy’s Life,
and National Geographic.
It’s just delivered differently.
That said, Sam loves a trip
to a real comic shop, a real
bookstore. If you haven’t
taken a kid to a bookstore
or newsstand lately, do
that thing. Cement your
relationship with them. Yeah,
lots of white oak trees may be
lonesome, but the kids will
never be. I know Sam won’t
be. Here he comes now with
a new LEGO magazine. See
you later.

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148

The North Wind Doth Blow
A traditional poem

The north wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what will poor robin do then?

Poor thing.

He'll sit in a barn,
And keep himself warm,
And hide his head under his wing,

Poor thing.

The North wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,

And what will the dormouse do then?
Poor thing.

She'll curl in a ball,
In her nest oh-so small,
And wait for the coming of spring,

Poor thing.

The north wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what will the swallows do then?

Poor things.

Oh say, don't you know?
They were gone long ago,
To a country much warmer than this,

Poor things.

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Golden: A Love Letter to Appalachia
By Anna Wess

Now I was always advised that silence is golden, and I’d be best off in the end to keep my
mouth shut and my thoughts to myself and behave like a lady, lest I be thought a wild woman.
Well, I’ve been thinking on that good ol’ advice, and I’ve come to my own conclusions.
Winter falls hard here. It comes while we’re sleeping, like a thief in the night, and steals the
blues from the heavens and the greens from the cedars, leaving a black and white silent film
of a world. We’ve seen this old flick before, and we know how it ends. It all reminds me of
the Mother Mountain in her current gray steel and silent reverie. She’s absolute and raw and
real, like that old black and white film. She tells it like it is. She wears that silent gray like a
cloak of honor and stays still for months on end. Nothing worth sowing grows from her soil
in these dark days. The technicolor blues and golden yellows of our summertime youth and
playground days are hidden beyond the layers of clouds and holiday bills, and we long for
the return of warmth and her winsome yellows.
But we can only stay silent for so long, Mama.
It’s a particular outfit that I recollect, a pale yellow ensemble of cotton stretch pants with a
matching top, little black pinstripes and all. Now I was proud of that outfit, and truth be told,
I didn’t have others like it. It was a hand-me-down from one of the church girls that was more
fortunate than I had ever been, and it fit my blossoming thirteen year-old frame like a regular
glove. Eighth Grade girls can be cruel, and I’ll never forget the day when a schoolmate, a
fortunate girl with a big brick house and a big perm asked me why I wore that yellow outfit
almost everyday, and didn’t I know that people notice. And good Lord, your shoes don’t
even match. Are you poor?
Well, I suppose I’d never considered that other folks paid attention to what clothes I wore,
much less the bright pink jelly shoes that had already seen a summer or two. Maybe three.
But they did. Oh, yes, they did. But silence was golden then, too, as I’d been told, as golden
as my yellow outfit, and I said nothing despite my embarrassment.
But yes, we were poor. Appalachian poor, indeed, which is a sight worse than any other poor
in this great country. We were poor to the point of that good ol’ yellow government cheese
I’m reminiscing on, and how, despite the poverty of my youth and Daddy being laid off from
the coal mines and us having nothing to show for his years of labor and strife but a modest
mobile home and a small piece of Appalachian ground, that cheese made us feel regal and
blessed when we’d slice off a slab and make grilled government cheese sandwiches, which
we’d cut gingerly into four small squares. They last longer that way, you know.
And the cornbread, too. Golden yellow from the cornmeal, all grainy and good and even
more wonderful with that good yellow cow butter, the real deal, churned from scratch by one
of the Pentecostal church ladies that donated to our family when the Kroger or Acme didn’t
trust Daddy’s checks anymore. We’d have gladly paid with food stamps, if we had them, but
Daddy had worked too much and stayed golden silent for too long and the numbers never
added up. We got nothing for free, despite that yellow outfit. I paid for it with the cruel
comments from my Eighth Grade peers. And not a dab of that good butter was wasted.
Waste not, want not.
And Lord help us if we didn’t eat what Mama put on our plates. Have mercy. Throwing away
a piece of a fried golden tater or turning up your nose at the third bowl of soup beans for

150