Stone overlook built to last

Stone overlook - General Butler State Park

The Kentucky CCC workmen built this overlook that is now on the site of General Butler State park. This was a team activity.  We can go it alone.  We are better when we work together.  We are better when we think of how our actions can impact our family or friends.

William Orlando Butler served in the war with Britain we know as the War of 1812.  The Butler house is on the grounds of the General Butler State Park in Kentucky.

Hearts weighed and tested

Cliff - Near DuPont Lodge - Cumberland Falls, KY

Here is a poem by Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin
 

I Loved You Once - Poem

I loved you once, nor can this heart be quiet;

For it would seem that love still lingers there;

But do not you be further troubled by it;

I would in no wise hurt you, oh, my dear.

I loved you without hope, a mute offender;

What jealous pangs, what shy despairs I knew!

A love as deep as this, as true, as tender,

God grant another may yet offer you.


This is but one of many translations from his Russian.  What a very human expression!
This is the work one does in time and at Christmas time.
Not every Christmas is beautiful or fulfilling or warm.
But we work it out.   


Perhaps I am stronger than I think.
Thomas Merton

Christmas greetings

Loretto, KY

Around the walks one sees bows and garlands.   It is Christmas. The paths show the anticipation of the people.  The days are shorter; dark mornings are followed by short days followed by dark nights.  Some say that this season is a time for thinking of other people and acting with kindness.  Is it true?

Having hope and speaking of hope day by day

Outdoor scene - Rough River Dam, Corps of Engineers Property - KY

Laura Hillenbrand spoke to Louis Zamperini on her telephone on an almost daily basis for some time.  There are so many stories that come from our World War II veterans that show us something worth taking to heart. She grew to love her talks with him.  She has a good way of painting word pictures.  Of Louis she wrote, "His laughter was irrepressible because he looked about him and saw only blessings. The most beautiful thing about this wondrous man was that he wished for all of us to see in our own lives what he saw in his. His story was his gift to us."

I have written here about hope.  I will write here about hope.  In the outlook of Louis Zamperini I will write more.