Palabra Mountain

[Grizzy]

Away off the beaten path.. up the side of a big ole mountain.. I have a stout pony who knows the well worn path that lazily winds up to a lil cabin near the top. The fireplace is well stoked. In the kitchen, on the sideboard, is a basket of good bread, apple butter, and a wedge of cheese. Matches are beside the oil lamp. Pump the handle by the sink a few times an getcha a coooold cuppa water or fill the kettle to make hot tea..

Won't you come on in and find a comfy chair by the fire? Let's visit and see where our words take us. :yes4:

~Grizzy~

[Grizzy]

I'll start I reckin.. It's almost October. Where has this year gone so fast? I look out my window and see a leaf here and there that is becoming golden. The terrible heat of summer has taken a train to Australia or somewheres and now the breeze blows cooler, tho the days are warm and pleasant.

I want to eat butternut squash because it jus feels like fall is right around the corner.. well I gess it is..

I miss my momma an papa so much. I miss Wolfey. I thank God for good Friends and even tho things are not go'n so well in this world, I have hope for better days ahead.

I hope today is kind to yas and that you are well.

Be Strong
~Grizzy~

[Ironclad]

Ms Grizzy,
My promise, Im not lying
You did really take me up that trail
I smelt the aroma of that pony; some people dont understand?
Horse People can actually smell-up a horse. I know I can!
Most nothing I like better than horse aroma. Yea, I know that sounds bad and sounds stupid, but I just love being around horses...the smell of them, the sound of them... not to mention Riding Them!!! I love horses

And then that cabin...
...beautiful words, you describe so well.
I could actually smell that bread!! I seem to be able to smell up so many things. Gotta love my nose. Apple butter???

Thanks for taking me there!!

At my age, I gotta tell you... at my age, the only thing that still works right... is my nose!! But you gotta love my nose!! Hah Hah

But seriously...those words of yours, are good words. You aught to go on an carry away with them...see where they take you? I think you got visions of the backwoods mountain top, that most all of us would probably like to hear about... dont you?
Take me back up that mountain trail... Im ready to go.
--Ironclad

[Grizzy]

(Come'n in through the splintered door and hang'n up my jacket)

Well Hey There, Ironclad :)

I see ya found muh lil cabin. How many times have I perked up from the long ride up here jus as I approached where the waterwheel was turn'n.. slosh'n water, turn'n.. slosh'n.. ever so gently. That ole waterwheel has ben here since.. well forever I suppose..

I jus did plant those lovely yellow flowers along side the stepping stone to the ole porch. Those worn plank steps needed something to brighten um up doancha think?

If ya stay awhile you're going to love that ole bed back there. Gosh I would love to bring it out front for the winter an jus leave it there in front of the fireplace.. I jus might do that yet! On the quilt rack are some heavier quilts.. help yourself. The bowl and pitcher on the dresser are there for you, too.

Out back jus off the porch is a couple of stalls for the horses. It sure makes it easier in winter to tend to um there. Las winter I went out one night to make sure things were snug an all an a big ole buck was jus stand'n on my porch. When I opened the door I dunno who was more surprized hahaha. The buck looooked at me. I looooked at the buck.. then when he seemed bored he slowly turned and leaped over the railing sailing down into the snow.. disappearing quickly into the woods. I wonder if he was going to ask me if he could borrow a good book to read?

I brought you some meat an things. I betcha Mr. Grumble would enjoy coming up here to visit an stay awhile with yas. I jus bet you two could exchange some good stories. Gosh, I'd jus love to hear um, too! There is a checker board on the lil table under the window there an a deck of cards in the lil drawer.

Well.. get settled an lemme put these things up an we'll chat some. You like venison chili doncha? I will be head'n out in a few hours but we can have a good visit til then. Good to see yas and yeth.. me lub how a horse smells an sounds an the sense of humor some ovvum have :sarcastic:.

~Grizzy~

[Ironclad]

Ive gone over an over this in my own mind and with so many people on this blogsite thing and even prayed for understanding over it...and here's my confusion? I worry about my horses.

Dont feel its right to do like most people do, and not give it a thought. Horses are "herd" animals; hard wired like that; so it would be cruel to have only one. Have to have two, at least. And they need to run; run out hard and long; that's just what they do.

Have you ever seen a brand new young one, out in the pasture; running and jumping for joy; not able to help himself; that's just what he does.
God...few things like that can bring joy to a watching human heart. And that's a fact.

I worry about my horses; and then I picture The Bureau of Land Management rushing the wild ones into a metal corral; shoving them into a tractor-trailer; driving them all the way to Canada or Mexico where "Equine Slaughter" is still allowed; killing them and slaughtering them.

Yea... I'm a Mess!! The last person you want for a "guest". I will remain angry until this world is a better place. This world we live in is not fit for man or beast. I might drop by your cabin silently; and in the morning you might find something carved or twined, lying on the bench; to let you know... you are not alone, I was here, but I didnt stay, for your own good.
Trust me... bring me into your beautiful happy cabin; and Ill probably set it on fire before the night is over!! Im a Mess. Im like a wild crazy angry animal who really does need to live alone, up upon the ridgeline.

I bet you already knew this? The whole world knows this... cant begin to tell you how many times Ive heard it? There's work I need to do; miles and miles before I sleep; things need to change;things I need to do.

I cant even enjoy a new baby colt running jumping leaping in the pasture, before Im off in anger... remembering some dang Mexican shooting a retired racehorse thoroughbred in the head and hanging him up for the sharp knife. Things you surely dont want to know. My stuff is not like pretty yellow flowers. Ill always be that way, I guess. Good on Me.
--Ironclad

[Catalpa]

Well the heavy rains have passed on with the dawn, leaving the earth well-washed and fresh. The air is clean and sharp, smelling of leaves and cinnamon fern. The only sounds are the muffled thud of my pony's feet, the drips falling from the leaves of the trees to splat on the trail, and the panting of my dawg as she rushes about. Her eyes are bright, her tongue lolling out in a big doggie grin. To see her run, tail in the air, ears up, paws flung out before and behind is to see joy personified. I can't help but laugh as she looks up at me to say "ain't this great?!?!"

Arriving at Grizzy's cabin I put the horse in the stall, rub him down good and give him a bait of grain and some fresh water from the well. The dawg greedily laps up a bowl of water and then turns three circles on the porch before collapsing with a sigh. Going into the cabin I fling the windows open and let the draughts of fresh cool air flow in as I set about shakin' down the ashes and getting a fire going. As the water heats for tea I unpack my saddle bags, setting out cold venison roast, pickles, tomatoes, cheese, bread, applesauce and some cookies. The sun breaks through the morning mist and strikes fire off the maples and beeches on the hillside, the reds and yellows shining with water droplets sparking like diamonds. Lunch will be ready soon; y'all set aside your work for a time and join me.

There's so much beauty in the world, Ironclad! I hope you start to see past the ugliness and let go of the anger. C'mon up to the cabin and set on the porch a while. Breathe deep and let it be. Yes, sin, death and devil are all about us. All Creation groans under the burden. Animals are slaughtered, tornadoes rip apart towns, our loved ones fall victim to cancer, car accidents, and old age. This is not how it was supposed to be!

But look and see the intricate structure of a spider web, the joy and energy of a young colt, the shocked wonder of a man holding his new born child, the amazing flare of a winter sunset. God made all this, and He is IN CONTROL. Yes, we have to suffer here for a time, to live through the ugliness, doing our best to combat it....but we know it will All Come Right in the End. This world is temporary, and when it ends creation will be reborn as it was meant to be, before sin came into the world. And to think that the beauty we can see now is but a poor foreshadowing of the beauty to come! The mind can't contain the thought! We can only accept and take on faith that God sacrificed His Son to atone for ALL. All of us, all sin - the battle has been fought and won on our behalf. The Holy Spirit will support you, give you strength and faith to survive the bleak, hollow, and miserable times, if you do not turn your back on Him.

The whistle of the tea kettle interrupts, and I realize I've been speechifying again, tea bags crumpled in my hand. The screen door slams as I scurry back inside and rescue the kettle from the flame.

Come, everyone, the food is ready. Rest, eat, and be at peace for a while. Enjoy some conversation and fellowship before taking up your tasks again.

As for me, I have a tree full of apples and four buckets of tomatoes in need of attention so I can't stay long, but I am glad for this time in this restful spot.

[Grizzy]

(returning later to find Cat's dog layed out on the front porch beside Sweapea an Shugga Bear.. tails swish'n.. bright soft eyes. Set'n down an armfull of firewood an pet'n each dear fuzzy head, leave'n the door open coz now we gotta convoy go'n inside.. click click click of nails on the old wood floor. See'n the goodness Cat left out and smile'n.

Look'n a way off out back at Ironclad sit'n onna fallen log gaze'n aoff to.. I dunno but far far. He sees me walk'n out to meet him, the dogs run'n jus everwheres wif lil ears flap'n.. Sweapea hops like a bunny thru the taller grasses.. we slowly walk back to the cabin.. I pour us some hot coffee and we set down to visit. He doesn't look happy at all..)

I'm glad ya stayed, Ironclad. You know (look'n around) I slam forgot to tell yas. This isn't MY cabin.. but I love it as tho it was. This place belonged to an ole man who jus loved it here an lived on this mountain for many years. He, too, had seen alot of things in this life that were more than his heart could carry. So.. he did what he could to fix some of the injustices, fight the dragons, and then came up here to rest knowing there were others behind him with good eyes who struggle to temper the stifling wildfires in the world. He was wise, you see, to know it was time to go on to something else. When it was time, he went to live with his daughter (somewheres in Colorado high country) and left this place to weary travelers need'n shelter, a respite, from the dusty trail. I've done a few things to keep the place up. I've seen the kindness of strangers do the same before move'n on.

Yea, I called yas a mess. (Smile'n look'n at yas make a face) Well, Friend, Imma mess, too. We get messed UP.. from all of the things we see on our Journey paths, sometimes. Not everyone gets that way, but we're not given a choice in the hand we're dealt, mostly.

As I look back on my life, I realize the most Important things I craved and sought out were not given to me. I struggled and sweated an groaned on through, tho. I'm not good. There is no goodness in me, aside from what my Father has brought into my life when I surendered it to Him. HIS strength is what keeps me from madness. HIS peace is what calms my restlessness. HIS promises give me courage. Gosh, without my God to lean on.. I dunno where I would have ended up, myself. And you know, as I read His Word, am told to let go of the ugly because He will handle up on all of the ugly this world can spew out. So, I do what I can, as am able.. I cannot forget but I sure as heck can rest things at the foot of the Throne of Grace.. just like you can. :)

(sigh) If ya take it into yur head to burn down the cabin.. burn it to the ground. I'll just rebuild it.. a hunnerd times if I have to. If you want to break a few chairs.. bust um to kindle'n. But, remember this.. it is rare to find a place where there is peace an comfort. It is rare to find folks who will give ya a hug an some grub an listen, try to understand the nightmares. And it's slam precious the one who is stronger than the pain and can fight his way to healing.. under the watchful eye of the Creator.

(git'n up to make us sandwiches from Cat's cold venison and sniff'n the cookies that smell soooo good)

Yea messes ain't we all.. Well gess what. I never backed down yet from a tussle, but I do try to avoid um. I din't buy those dum yella flowers by the stone walk.. someone left um on the table here and I found the packet. I almost jus layed um back down. Then I thot.. I'm gonna plant these seeds. They won't solve anything, but my heart will see yella flowers under the warm sunshine.. when the pines are whisper'n an my heart is heavy.. and for that brief moment.. all will be well with me.

Well, (clean'n up my mess) I needta go down yonder where there are a few smaller cabins an spruce um up. You never know who will drop by..

Be Strong
~Grizzy~

[sissy]

Well hello there all,
Grizzy, my friend, ya always know when some of us need a resting spot. With working on the homestead, here & at work. I needed to sit a spell. I brought some black pepper bacon to cook up, with some eggs & grits. Also bought some fresh maters off the vine, ( they bout through but ant got the heart to pull them up yet) lol. Got some green peppers & hot peppers too. Stating to fry up the bacon. While its cooking smelling up the cabin, ummmm smells so good. And ya know breakfast foods are great in the evening. Listing to the crickets chirp right outside the window. Ya know its so peaceful here. And Grizzy ya flowers do brighten up the place.
Well ya'll come on in & sit a spell I'll have supper done soon, & with all the goodies here we can have a feast.
Sitting & resting a spell.
sissy

[Ironclad]

I stuck around up on my ridgeline, close enough to the cabin so I could listen... but far enough away that all the gathering women didn't know I was there. I should have just left. Curriosity? Men always have had this "wonder" about women. Men will sit up on the ridgeline... and watch, and listen, and wonder.

And then I heard... "The only sounds are the muffled thud of my pony's feet, the drips falling from the leaves of the trees to splat on the trail, and the panting of my dawg as she rushes about. Her eyes are bright, her tongue lolling out in a big doggie grin. To see her run, tail in the air, ears up, paws flung out before and behind is to see joy personified. I can't help but laugh as she looks up at me to say "ain't this great?!?!"

...and because I heard those songs of joy... a tear fell down off my eye, and my face got flushed hot... and I said to myself, oh hell no... Ive got to go!! I don't have time or room in my spirit to feel this good. I have hard and ugly things that I have to take care of. There aint nothin "great" about what I need to take care of.

Off the ridge, so off and down I ride...down into my purpose...down the other way... away from comfort. I dont need to check my weapons. I am a pistolero of old report who knows at all times, the condition of the deadly machines I carry on or about my person or upon the saddle. The only thing I need to check is... this map of mine. This map, showing me the direction down to the valley, that place of darkness. That place is going to become my place of reconning. A place of my vengeance. Way down below the mountain, there are those who are going to be my targets... those bastards who corral and transport and butcher those beautiful friends of mine... "the wild horses". I have spent years studying those bastards who chase down and harvest those wild friends of mine. I know them well, those evil men who harvest the horses. I have decided that their asses now belong to me!!
I will ride down upon them in a fury, without mercy. It is now... "Harvest Time"...

time for God's Vengeance. It's time...for me to harvest Them!!!!
Tell them Im coming!!! and tell them this!!!
Im riding a pale horse... and Hell is coming with me!!

[Ironclad]

...3am in the morning
moon bright, real bright, just like I planned it. I was wishing I had better weapons than I did (like having a silencer??), cus... it was loud as hell, that quiet time of the morning!!...when I pulled the trigger.

I used my .308 to put a hole thru the rear end of that helicoptor...that spinner part...you know what Im talking about? I broke down that damn horse-chasin monster machine... saw the machinery fly apart in useless parts...broken useless...good on them! Useless!!

So...Im running fast across that beautiful nightime moonlit patio grassland.
Every step I run, I wonder what it would feel like to catch a bullet in the back, but I keep running. And, I get away. But when I get to my horse I feel guilty... for the first time I realize, I got my horse involved in this danger? Feeling really bad about that, but I ride him off, just the same. I change his name... to OutLaw. He looks different to me now. He looks better now.
Know what?...I think he feels better too!!?? He's running like it... were running like the wind, in the night, thru the darkness, under the moon, it is wonderful. Im smiling. Im imagining, that he is too. Were both smiling, running, thru the night. It's wonderful. Two OutLaws... in the moonlight... running like the wind.

[Ironclad]

Two days later... I ride straight up in front of Grizzy's Cabin.

Im dismounting an holding on to OutLaws bridle, and I stand there secretly hoping for God's mercy, and I say...

"Hello The Cabin... Don't Shoot... It's Just Me!"

Sissy, and Catalpa and Grizzy all come walking out, all at the same time and startle me; cus I knew I could lie to or fool one person at a time; but I knew I couldnt lie to or fool that many good women... not all at once. And I couldnt! They take one look at me, and they says... "Oh no, what have you done this time?"

I don't say a word, but OutLaw...he shutteres and shiveres and gives us away! These women could tell right off, by the way he was shuttering and shivering, that me and him were guilty of something!! I guess he thought they was talkin to him? Damn horse!

You can trust a horse with your life; and a good horse will run itself to death for no other reason than other that they just love you; but... when it comes to women; a horse will just shutter and shiver and give up all the lies you were hiding inside? Damn horses...can't trust em.
--Ironclad

[Grizzy]

a bear hassa cold an fever with it an is feel'n awful, so me haven't been too creative. Hopefully inna day or two me can visit some more.

Ironclad leave me some of them vittles for when me eat'n agin!

~Grizzy~

[Ironclad]

All this silly "word-play" aside...

Geez...Miss Grizz... I pray you get well?
I pray you got someone to come make you some chicken soup or something?

Do you?... are you OK??

[Grizzy]

I'm work'n on being okay, Ironclad. Thank you for ask'n. I had fever for a few days and thas the one thing that does me in. Anyways, it gave way to an awful cold with hurty bones and sore throat.. am jus BLEK. I tried to write in here but my mind was justa dishrag. I ben hang'n out in the chatroom at night coff'n an sneeze'n an so glad they couldn't hear me. For right now am sleepy and not do'n too much but rest'n but thas hard too up an down all night. I doan want too much to eat except cole stuph but me did make some good cheekin an dumplins (it took me alla day tho haha). I'll git hungry agin soon I bet.

Jus please be a bit more patient an we'll keep go'n here. Issa good thing, Palabra Mtn. I reckin.

Tanks agin for your kindness
~Grizzy~

[Grizzy]

Well, am back inna saddle agin. Whew.. That cold sure whooped a bear!

I remember standing on the creaky steps with Sissy an Cat know'n somethin was wrong wrong.. an I doan have all the answers but I do know that some things that matter soooo much to us are worth the effort to preserve. There will come a day of reckoning for all the injustice. But This day, we have the opportunity to make provision for some goodness to yet be done.. even if it is only a meager result.

Ironclad.. if you want to keep some of your beautiful horses here on Palabra Mountain to live in peace.. do it. Care for them, keep them free, a remnant of the first wild herds roaming without restraint. The telling of the story, of these magnifigant creatures, helps us to understand. Perhaps, it will give folks some incentive to become involved in preserving these horses.

This cabin.. this mountain.. is a resting place for folks to stop and say what is good or bothersome this day. It's a place where we can encourage and listen and try to help one another.. or jus share a happy moment say'n Hello to Friends.. it's all good...

Be Strong
~Grizzy~

[Catalpa]

The steps creak as Cat turns and climbs back into the cabin, heaving a deep sigh as the echo of violence disturbs the peace of the mountain.

Why must men bring noise and action into quiet, calm places? Why must people destroy rather than build up? It seems to happen over and over, all through history. Ah, the questions are too hard, so Cat just sits doing some mending by the fire enjoying a quiet chat with the others.

[sissy]

Sissy comes up the creaking steps, noting how good it feels to be in this peaceful place. She's carring supper for all (pattie melts & home fries). She needs to rest a bit. Been washing clothes & canning hot peppers today. Nowhere better to have supper than with friends. Sissy sits the food on the table & plops down in another chair beside the fire. How is everyone tonite she ask.
sissy

[Grizzy]

Coming in through the old front door, Grizzy smiles at the soft light an warmth. Laying down firewood in front of the fireplace Grizzy turns an sees smile'n faces of good friends. I stoke the fire some an set the rest of the wood in the basket.

Dust'n my hands off, I look over to where Cat is mend'n. You know, Cat, there is some pain, even anger, that becomes so ingrained in us that we simply cannot check it at the door.. or at the beginning of the path that leads up here. But I do understand what ya mean. Somehow, if we can use that upset to bring about some sort of change.. then at least we can come to a place where we don't jus simmer miserably. I would like to think that here we can come to terms with some things, help each other find a way to get past whatever haunts, disturbs, robs the peace. (Slip'n off muh jacket) By the way, my pockit's rip'n a lil.. could ya stitch it back up for me? :D

Sissy, bless yur heart, what have ya brought us? I'm famished! (Go'n to the kitchen an sniff'n aroun.. come'n back by the fire) I'd be happy to share some bone soup anna stale crust of bread with good frens like ya'll but Oh Gosh! Me LUB pattie melts even MORE! Have ya'll eaten yet? I'm gonna put on the kettle to make some hot tea. That wind was blow'n a lil chilly as I was git'n the firewood. I do believe snow is not far off, 'specially this high up.

I do so hope to see some more good folks soon.. I git up here when I can an am always so happy to see whoever might be here at the cabin.

Tomorrow Let's Go Fish'n.. Fried fish, grits, hushpuppies.. omg..

~GrizzyWithaSlobbers~

[Catalpa]

Cat takes the Bear's jacket and turns the pocket area inside out looking for the-oh, here it is- as she waggles her finger through the hole. Alright, dearie, I'll stitch this up right quick iffen you'll fix me a plate and pour a cuppa hot tea.

Sissy, the melts and fries smell wunnerful! Thanks for bringing them along. How much canning did you get done? Are the peppers whole, pickled, or chopped and made into jam?

Bear, you done with that gnarly cold yet? Sorry you was so sick!

Had a rotten day at work today, so glad for a good spot with friends and a warm fire.

[sissy]

Well Cat they was whole with little green maters in them. Hubby sure does love the hot peppers with maters. I got 19 quarts done this time. I done all the preaping while on the homestead working. Ya know a little of this & a little of that. I sure know the feeling of a womans work is never done lol. Spending a little time with friends sure makes it better.
sissy

[Grizzy]

Gosh, Cat so sorry bout the lousy day at wurk.. but jus think.. is almos the weekend ;).

Gimme some of that, sissy, haha souns so good!

~Grithy~