Today’s post was written by Chitter.
Stamey Creek
What is it that makes Appalachians so tied to their land? Is it the tall mountains, the bubbling streams, or the trees that sway with the wind?
I think it’s all of those things along with a deep ingrained admiration for nature and her gifts.
As a child my days centered around the outdoors. My only thought in school was when would class time be over so recess could begin?
On weekends I played in every nook and cranny of the woods and creek that I could find. I felt like an explorer with new territory to be charted. Everything is an adventure when you’re a kid.
Early on I decided I never wanted to lose my child-like curiosity and feelings of adventure and I’ve managed to hold on tightly to it.
Every chance I get I visit Stamey Creek. After all these years I know that creek like the back of my hand. All the turns, shallows, and deep standing pools. I know the best rock-collecting places and where the salamanders and craw-dads hide. The intimate knowledge of the creek is precious to me.
I’ve recently taken my love for jewelry making and working with my hands and applied it to my favorite place: Stamey Creek.
While I’ve always collected rocks from the creek, now I collect them to specifically cut and polish for my jewelry making.
The creek routinely presents me with other gifts such as pottery, old car parts, bugs, critters, and the occasional snake. In this life I’ve learned that value comes from things that are constant. While visiting Stamey Creek I can be in God’s creation where his promises can be heard in the whispers of the waters and seen in its shear beauty.
Chitter
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Great post…..
Lovely feelings. What sort of rocks are common to the creek?
A cathedral of the heart. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing!
Wise beyond her years…
Tipper,
Pap would have been proud of Chitter writing stories like this, matter of fact, he loved all his granddaughters. Chitter writes and tells stories a lot like You. She’s Great! …Ken
Yes, it’s the tall mountains, the bubbling streams and the trees that sway with the wind but more that that, Chitter, it is the spirit of Appalachia that holds us close to her bosom. Your post captures it perfectly…Good Job girl!
I can identify with this excellent essay. The wonder of God’s nature never grows stagnant…even at my age.
Katie’s words seem to flow like the melodious waters of Stamey Creek.
Well done, Beautiful description of God and His love for us as shown in His world –nature.
What a wonderful little essay!
Well written. Don’t ever lose your sense of curiosity and exploration.
I love creeks too. Great post.
Such a wonderful post, Chitter! I enjoyed it so much. Sending much love to all of you today!
Wonderful write up. I too enjoy those small streams especially the ones that I can wade fish. My favorite stream to fish has huge boulders, lots of limestone, quartz, and chert. No precious stones like you probably find. One deep hole has a mill stone in it that I would love to have but there is no way to get it out. There are no roads close and the creek is surrounded by high cliffs. I also enjoy all of the other things of God’s creation. He surely made a lot of beautiful places.
Here in E.KY. we have 3-4 inches of snow this morning.
Thank you, Chitter. You say all the things I feel in my heart while listening to the creek that God made. Each spring I anticipate the dogwood blooms, redbuds & rodadendrum & hope I get to travel up your way.
There is nothing more peaceful than wading a creek on a warm summer day. I refuse to grow up when it comes to playing in the creek.
Chitter: Collector of creek rocks left for her by the Rock of Ages
Beautifully written. I’ve always loved the water.
Chitter, loved your post. Creeks have always been a special part of my outdoor experience. The picture is beautiful, and it could have been taken right in Camp Creek State Park in WV. I hope to be seeing more of your posts in the future. Unlike things invented by man, nature never becomes boring or obsolete. Something I always loved about my own favorite creeks was the sound.
Chitter as I was reading you post this morning, my mind went back to a small boy and his growing up days. I have always loved to be near a creek, I like you, love to hear the whispers of God as he seems to speak to me sometimes through the whispers of Nature. I enjoy seeing the different formations in all His creation. Thanks for the reminder of all the beautiful things God has given us in His creation, and reminding me to always keep my childhood vision. Thanks again for your beautifully written post.
Except for the jewelry making, you could be describing my growing up years. And I have never quite lost that feeling of exploration in the woods, never knowing what one might find just around the next bend in the creek or across the next ridge. And I don’t mind myself as my only company. Those two together are probably why I ended up in forestry. One thing for sure, you will never run out of discoveries in nature so it doesn’t wear out.
Not only a muscian but a great writer too
Hi Chitter….loved your write up…..beautiful words!
Like Mama like Daughter.
It seems the older we get the more we appreciate the beauty of nature. I was sure when I retired I would get back to all the crafts I did as a young girl. My interests have changed and now just sitting or walking outdoors is a great way to spend the day. Reading has become my passion and there is nothing better then on a snowy morning like this to walk the dog and then curl up with a good book and watch it snow.
Chitter,
Beautiful thoughts and very well written.