Happy New Year, everyone! What? That was yesterday?
Well... yesterday didn't count, up here in Maine, at least not for me. The clock tick-tocked away on the night of the 31st of December, and I dozed peacefully, pretty close to a state of hibernation. For some reason, my eyes fluttered open at 11:58 PM... I watched it advance to Midnight, and when the minute and second hands tipped their way over the top of the clock, I envisioned year 2013 taking a tumble... and promptly having its' place taken up by a fresh, young, New Year, Year 2014. I closed my eyes by 12:01, sinking back into my pleasant hibernation.
Yesterday, I had no hurries, as I had the day off from work. I decided to take the day off from everything, take a "zero" day, and see how this New Year thing was going to work out. Pretty well, I think... I'm going to go for it! Having made all the proper assessments yesterday, and getting all rested up, I'm ready to officially start my New Year, TODAY, January 2, 2014. If it doesn't start well... I will go back into hibernation!
Praying that as you begin your New Year, it will be all you should want it to be!
Gods' Blessings!
Stickman
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Sunday, December 22, 2013
I wonder...
I wonder as I wander...
In the spirit of Christmas, thought I would share... Don't know why, but I had never heard this beautiful song until this year.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"I Wonder as I Wander" is a Christian folk hymn, typically performed as a Christmas carol, written by folklorist and singer John Jacob Niles. The hymn has its origins in a song fragment collected by Niles on July 16, 1933.[1][2][3][4][5]
While in the town of Murphy in Appalachian North Carolina, Niles attended a fundraising meeting held by evangelicals who had been ordered out of town by the police.[1][5] In his unpublished autobiography, he wrote of hearing the song:
A girl had stepped out to the edge of the little platform attached to the automobile. She began to sing. Her clothes were unbelievable dirty and ragged, and she, too, was unwashed. Her ash-blond hair hung down in long skeins.... But, best of all, she was beautiful, and in her untutored way, she could sing. She smiled as she sang, smiled rather sadly, and sang only a single line of a song.[2]
The girl, named Annie Morgan, repeated the fragment seven times in exchange for a quarter per performance, and Niles left with "three lines of verse, a garbled fragment of melodic material—and a magnificent idea".[2][5] (In various accounts of this story, Niles hears between one and three lines of the song.[2][4][5][6]) Based on this fragment, Niles composed the version of "I Wonder as I Wander" that is known today, extending the melody to four lines and the lyrics to three stanzas.[2][3][5] His composition was completed on October 4, 1933.[2] Niles first performed the song on December 19, 1933 at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina.[2][6] It was originally published in Songs of the Hill Folk in 1934.[4][6]
"I Wonder As I Wander" lyrics
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all
But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall
And the promise of ages it then did recall.
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing
A star in the sky or a bird on the wing
Or all of God's Angels in heaven to sing
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cpoUgTI9ZE
May you all have a Blessed Christmas, as we honor the birth of THE King, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Stickman
In the spirit of Christmas, thought I would share... Don't know why, but I had never heard this beautiful song until this year.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"I Wonder as I Wander" is a Christian folk hymn, typically performed as a Christmas carol, written by folklorist and singer John Jacob Niles. The hymn has its origins in a song fragment collected by Niles on July 16, 1933.[1][2][3][4][5]
While in the town of Murphy in Appalachian North Carolina, Niles attended a fundraising meeting held by evangelicals who had been ordered out of town by the police.[1][5] In his unpublished autobiography, he wrote of hearing the song:
A girl had stepped out to the edge of the little platform attached to the automobile. She began to sing. Her clothes were unbelievable dirty and ragged, and she, too, was unwashed. Her ash-blond hair hung down in long skeins.... But, best of all, she was beautiful, and in her untutored way, she could sing. She smiled as she sang, smiled rather sadly, and sang only a single line of a song.[2]
The girl, named Annie Morgan, repeated the fragment seven times in exchange for a quarter per performance, and Niles left with "three lines of verse, a garbled fragment of melodic material—and a magnificent idea".[2][5] (In various accounts of this story, Niles hears between one and three lines of the song.[2][4][5][6]) Based on this fragment, Niles composed the version of "I Wonder as I Wander" that is known today, extending the melody to four lines and the lyrics to three stanzas.[2][3][5] His composition was completed on October 4, 1933.[2] Niles first performed the song on December 19, 1933 at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina.[2][6] It was originally published in Songs of the Hill Folk in 1934.[4][6]
"I Wonder As I Wander" lyrics
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all
But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall
And the promise of ages it then did recall.
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing
A star in the sky or a bird on the wing
Or all of God's Angels in heaven to sing
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cpoUgTI9ZE
May you all have a Blessed Christmas, as we honor the birth of THE King, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Stickman
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Stickman... "World Traveler"!
Hello Friends,
Wondering where I've been?!? Well, truthfully, I've not been far... pretty much been right here in Maine. I do get out and about, but "physically", I'm NOT a "World Traveler". I did get out for a bit, this Saturday, past. I had the honor, once again, of providing transportation for Craig "Hoosier" Clapper, who completed his Appalachian Trail Thru-hike on Friday.
***A BIG round of applause for Hoosier, as it is a tremendous accomplishment to hike the 2,185.9 miles of rugged trail in a year!
I picked up Hoosier at the Appalachian Trail Lodge, in Millinocket, scooted over to the Appalachian Trail Cafe (yum!) for a bit of breakfast, then headed for Stratton, where he had left his vehicle with Sue, at the Stratton Motel. We had a wonderful time, chatting about the Trail, lessons in life, and the like. Hated to see you drive off, Hoosier, as I was really enjoying your company! I suppose that we will meet again, Lord willing... God Bless your travels, as you continue on in your journey! Read Hoosier's Journal... "Hoosier" at Trail Journals.com!
Speaking of journey... although the ol' Stickman hasn't had much opportunity to travel any great distance lately, he did some interesting "browsing" the other day. In navigating the 'blog site, I saw that I could look at various statistics. One thing I found very interesting was a list of the countries which had viewers of my blog. I was not surprised to see that there were folks from the United States, or even the United Kingdom that had visited me. I was surprised to see MULTIPLE visits from people in Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Slovenia, South Korea, Ukraine, Japan, and China! Whowouldathunkit!?!
I guess that even if I don't leave home, with todays' technology, I should expect "company from away" to show up at my house anytime! Of course, you're ALL welcome, no formal invitation needed! I'll keep the coffee on.
God Bless the steps of your individual journeys,
Stickman
Wondering where I've been?!? Well, truthfully, I've not been far... pretty much been right here in Maine. I do get out and about, but "physically", I'm NOT a "World Traveler". I did get out for a bit, this Saturday, past. I had the honor, once again, of providing transportation for Craig "Hoosier" Clapper, who completed his Appalachian Trail Thru-hike on Friday.
***A BIG round of applause for Hoosier, as it is a tremendous accomplishment to hike the 2,185.9 miles of rugged trail in a year!
I picked up Hoosier at the Appalachian Trail Lodge, in Millinocket, scooted over to the Appalachian Trail Cafe (yum!) for a bit of breakfast, then headed for Stratton, where he had left his vehicle with Sue, at the Stratton Motel. We had a wonderful time, chatting about the Trail, lessons in life, and the like. Hated to see you drive off, Hoosier, as I was really enjoying your company! I suppose that we will meet again, Lord willing... God Bless your travels, as you continue on in your journey! Read Hoosier's Journal... "Hoosier" at Trail Journals.com!
Speaking of journey... although the ol' Stickman hasn't had much opportunity to travel any great distance lately, he did some interesting "browsing" the other day. In navigating the 'blog site, I saw that I could look at various statistics. One thing I found very interesting was a list of the countries which had viewers of my blog. I was not surprised to see that there were folks from the United States, or even the United Kingdom that had visited me. I was surprised to see MULTIPLE visits from people in Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Slovenia, South Korea, Ukraine, Japan, and China! Whowouldathunkit!?!
I guess that even if I don't leave home, with todays' technology, I should expect "company from away" to show up at my house anytime! Of course, you're ALL welcome, no formal invitation needed! I'll keep the coffee on.
God Bless the steps of your individual journeys,
Stickman
Friday, August 23, 2013
Wandering... but not lost!
“Not all those who wander are lost.” J.R.R.Tolkien
Hi folks, it's been awhile since I have posted up. I would like to apologize for my long absence, and ask forgiveness for wandering so far away with no explanation. I am not sure that I even have an explanation, but I assure you that it was not intentional that I walked away... I just started walking, and the direction I took was "away".
Although I wandered, poking around on life's trails that ascend to the heights, descend to the lowest valleys, and take sudden turns that reveal the previously unknown, I knew that I would someday return "home".
There have been SO many things that I have experienced since we last chatted, some that have made great memories, and some that have also stretched me a bit. I don't need to go into the telling of the journey in whole right now... there is too much to tell, and I'm not sure that the teller would adequately tell. Perhaps it is best to just walk together for a while, and talk of things as they nudge me to speak of them.
The path I am on right now includes being part of the Praise and Worship team, alongside my wife, Cari, at the wonderful Church we attend. Pray for us all, that we might be used of the Lord to help bring the congregation into a place of praise and worship for our wonderful Savior!
Another section of trail has blessed me with being able to lend my support to Craig "Hoosier" Clapper.
http://www.trailjournals.com/about.cfm?trailname=14243
Hoosier will be jumping back on Trail, shortly, and if all goes well... I will be able to be a help to him after his completion of the AT, as he summits Katahdin!
Other stuff... other stuff... but, now, we must walk. My heart is with the hikers, especially those on the AT. (My heart is with you, also, as we are ALL on "the journey", together!).
My latest wandering took me to Caratunk, delivering a load of lumber up to Pleasant Pond. Coming back down from the Pond, I arrived at "the 'tunk". Across from the Post Office were a dozen or so hikers. More hikers were making their way up the road from the Kennebec River, where they had been shuttled across by the Ferryman, Dave Corrigan. I pulled over, getting out to wish them well, congratulate them for persevering to make their way this far North.
As we exchanged bits of hiker pleasantries, Marie Beane, the Postmistress extraordinaire, of Caratunk, stepped outside to warn me... "Kelly, you CAN'T go with them!". We all had a great laugh, and I admitted that I surely would like to join up with that little band of hikers... but, for now at least, that is a trail I cannot take.
Praying that all of YOUR wanderings are Blessed, whether on trail, or off...
Stickman
Hi folks, it's been awhile since I have posted up. I would like to apologize for my long absence, and ask forgiveness for wandering so far away with no explanation. I am not sure that I even have an explanation, but I assure you that it was not intentional that I walked away... I just started walking, and the direction I took was "away".
Although I wandered, poking around on life's trails that ascend to the heights, descend to the lowest valleys, and take sudden turns that reveal the previously unknown, I knew that I would someday return "home".
There have been SO many things that I have experienced since we last chatted, some that have made great memories, and some that have also stretched me a bit. I don't need to go into the telling of the journey in whole right now... there is too much to tell, and I'm not sure that the teller would adequately tell. Perhaps it is best to just walk together for a while, and talk of things as they nudge me to speak of them.
The path I am on right now includes being part of the Praise and Worship team, alongside my wife, Cari, at the wonderful Church we attend. Pray for us all, that we might be used of the Lord to help bring the congregation into a place of praise and worship for our wonderful Savior!
Another section of trail has blessed me with being able to lend my support to Craig "Hoosier" Clapper.
http://www.trailjournals.com/about.cfm?trailname=14243
Hoosier will be jumping back on Trail, shortly, and if all goes well... I will be able to be a help to him after his completion of the AT, as he summits Katahdin!
Other stuff... other stuff... but, now, we must walk. My heart is with the hikers, especially those on the AT. (My heart is with you, also, as we are ALL on "the journey", together!).
My latest wandering took me to Caratunk, delivering a load of lumber up to Pleasant Pond. Coming back down from the Pond, I arrived at "the 'tunk". Across from the Post Office were a dozen or so hikers. More hikers were making their way up the road from the Kennebec River, where they had been shuttled across by the Ferryman, Dave Corrigan. I pulled over, getting out to wish them well, congratulate them for persevering to make their way this far North.
As we exchanged bits of hiker pleasantries, Marie Beane, the Postmistress extraordinaire, of Caratunk, stepped outside to warn me... "Kelly, you CAN'T go with them!". We all had a great laugh, and I admitted that I surely would like to join up with that little band of hikers... but, for now at least, that is a trail I cannot take.
Praying that all of YOUR wanderings are Blessed, whether on trail, or off...
Stickman
Monday, July 2, 2012
Testing....
Pardon me... this is only a test! I have not been able to post up lately, so if this works... I will talk to you all later!
God Bless you,
Stickman
Friday, May 11, 2012
Trail Days in Damascus and Sensory Overload
Hello everyone!
A special shout-out to Johnny "Four-Iron" Male! Johnny was so kind to invite me along on his trip to Trail Days at Damascus this month, but alas... I can't quite swing it! I had approval from my workplace, the go-ahead from my wife, Cari, and a free ride with Johnny... but just couldn't do it.
Work is picking up, with the promise of more hours, and I need to be realistic in regards to my financial situation. My "recent" (10/21/11) quadruple bypass surgery put a damper on my plans for this year, but, Lord willing, next year will be a bit more to my liking. I suspect that when Gods' plans supercede my plans, great things will happen!
At any rate, "Thank You!", Johnny... and I hope you have a fantastic time down there in Virginia. Hope the weather holds out for you, too, so you can get a couple of good days hiking in.
The weather... not so great lately. I'll be the first to agree that we needed some rain... but, come on now!?! There is, however, always something to be appreciated, regardless of the weather, in spite of the weather, or because of the weather. I am trying to get more exercise as of late, and have taken to poking around with a metal detector.
(If it seems that I just "stepped off trail", I might have... but stay with me, anyway.)
So... I took a stroll up into the woods, figuring to metal detect an old Boy Scout camp area. It had been raining, now reduced to a light drizzle, and my walk in was refreshing! The terrain and "feel" of the short hike was not unlike some of the Appalachian Trail that I had enjoyed. I was slowly being transported to the Trail, my detector transforming into a hiking stick! I suspect that I could have chucked a stone a mere ten times, and hit my truck, which was parked at the access... but it seemed that I had put in a good days' hiking. I was getting close to camp, and passed by a privy. It was a beauty! Certainly another wonderful variation of the vast array of privies that one might find on the AT. I was really starting to get in the groove!!! Hey, there we are! Boy Scout Camp! But, boy oh boy, it had the feel of an AT shelter! There was the firepit... being the first to arrive, I would take great pleasure in having a toasty campfire burning, to kindle the spirits of the other hikers, when they began to arrive. Visually, it was hard to take in my surroundings as reality. It "seemed" to be an AT rest stop! ...then the smell found it's way to the brain. Yes, this place smelled like it was supposed to! I looked it over real well... but I couldn't find a shelter log in which to leave an entry. I went to the picnic table, resting from the day, and thinking that I might want to filter some water before it got late. Sure would be nice to have a cup of hot Ramen noodles with a bunch of dehydrated veggies tossed in... then do up a coffee to enjoy while cozied in the sleeping bag. ... ...
Realizing that it was getting dark and raining steadily, I came out of my "AT experience" and started back downtrail... but, I can assure you, I will be back!
Hope all your days are sunny, even in the rain!
May God Bless your path with the proper amount of rocks, roots, and mud.
Stickman
A special shout-out to Johnny "Four-Iron" Male! Johnny was so kind to invite me along on his trip to Trail Days at Damascus this month, but alas... I can't quite swing it! I had approval from my workplace, the go-ahead from my wife, Cari, and a free ride with Johnny... but just couldn't do it.
Work is picking up, with the promise of more hours, and I need to be realistic in regards to my financial situation. My "recent" (10/21/11) quadruple bypass surgery put a damper on my plans for this year, but, Lord willing, next year will be a bit more to my liking. I suspect that when Gods' plans supercede my plans, great things will happen!
At any rate, "Thank You!", Johnny... and I hope you have a fantastic time down there in Virginia. Hope the weather holds out for you, too, so you can get a couple of good days hiking in.
The weather... not so great lately. I'll be the first to agree that we needed some rain... but, come on now!?! There is, however, always something to be appreciated, regardless of the weather, in spite of the weather, or because of the weather. I am trying to get more exercise as of late, and have taken to poking around with a metal detector.
(If it seems that I just "stepped off trail", I might have... but stay with me, anyway.)
So... I took a stroll up into the woods, figuring to metal detect an old Boy Scout camp area. It had been raining, now reduced to a light drizzle, and my walk in was refreshing! The terrain and "feel" of the short hike was not unlike some of the Appalachian Trail that I had enjoyed. I was slowly being transported to the Trail, my detector transforming into a hiking stick! I suspect that I could have chucked a stone a mere ten times, and hit my truck, which was parked at the access... but it seemed that I had put in a good days' hiking. I was getting close to camp, and passed by a privy. It was a beauty! Certainly another wonderful variation of the vast array of privies that one might find on the AT. I was really starting to get in the groove!!! Hey, there we are! Boy Scout Camp! But, boy oh boy, it had the feel of an AT shelter! There was the firepit... being the first to arrive, I would take great pleasure in having a toasty campfire burning, to kindle the spirits of the other hikers, when they began to arrive. Visually, it was hard to take in my surroundings as reality. It "seemed" to be an AT rest stop! ...then the smell found it's way to the brain. Yes, this place smelled like it was supposed to! I looked it over real well... but I couldn't find a shelter log in which to leave an entry. I went to the picnic table, resting from the day, and thinking that I might want to filter some water before it got late. Sure would be nice to have a cup of hot Ramen noodles with a bunch of dehydrated veggies tossed in... then do up a coffee to enjoy while cozied in the sleeping bag. ... ...
Realizing that it was getting dark and raining steadily, I came out of my "AT experience" and started back downtrail... but, I can assure you, I will be back!
Hope all your days are sunny, even in the rain!
May God Bless your path with the proper amount of rocks, roots, and mud.
Stickman
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wishing for some walking...
Good evening Friends!
I thought I would stop for a quick minute to give an update on the goings-on around here. Everything is looking up these days, and I hope it is the same for you.
My health continues to improve, and I feel strength being restored. I continue at my Rehab sessions, three mornings a week. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays find me up at 4:00AM, to enjoy a light breakfast, then head off to my 6:00AM Rehab. I am told by my Rehab Nurse, Heidi, that I am achieving my goals ahead of schedule!
Heidi DID frown, however, at my suggestion of my heading South next month with Johnny "4Iron" Male, to do a week or two on the Appalachian Trail. I am SO wishing for some walking... you know... There is nothing more health restoring, (in my mind...), than a pleasant hike on the A.T.! Heidi is of the opinion that I need to BE a little healthier before I attempt to GET healthier!?! I think she is afraid I might die in the woods, alone... which I wouldn't find to be a BAD way to go! I figured it might take the edge off for her, if I tagged along with a friend, but I guess dying in the woods with a FRIEND is not really acceptable to her, either. I guess her primary goal is to keep me alive. I will have to learn to be a good patient, and be patient...
Great news! God is good, and cares for us, if we let him! My family, friends, (and my Church family and friends), have taken care of me and my family in such a loving way. We did the best we could these last four months, tightening up the spending, lowering the thermostat, reducing our driving, and more. Then, we gave it to God! We have been behind financially, but have never been without! I will not "name names", but I thank all of you, your kindnesses have overwhelmed.
My best friend called the other night. He has been there for me, always. When I ended up in the Hospital, he called me. He told me that he would come to Maine, immediately! The exclamation punctuation of the preceding sentence is warranted, as he lives in Florida, and would, indeed, have headed right off to Maine. I had to beg him not to come home, assuring him that his thoughts and prayers would suffice. He has been faithful in calling me, offering up encouragement, and entertaining me. He gave me good hope.
His call to me the other night was much enjoyed, as usual. We talked a lot, of things we would do together when he makes his trip to Maine this Summer, and of the other adventures we would like to take on someday. We talked of my health, and the great news that I had returned to work, (kind of). I was so happy when my employer offered up some "light duty" work, at one of his other stores! I have completed my first week of work, and all is well... when payday comes, I can start helping with the bills! My friend offered up a financial gift, to help us get back on level ground, but I begged him not to. God has been so good, and now, I can not only help pay the bills, it is time to start giving to those less fortunate...
I have wandered a bit tonight... but I think my point was to give an update, relating my happiness to Gods' Goodness, rejoicing in the wonderful people that He places in our lives... and, oh yeah... let you know how much I was wishing I was walking!
May your trails be straight and crooked, walked alone, or with a friend, and always travelled with God as your Guide.
Blessings, in abundance...
Stickman
I thought I would stop for a quick minute to give an update on the goings-on around here. Everything is looking up these days, and I hope it is the same for you.
My health continues to improve, and I feel strength being restored. I continue at my Rehab sessions, three mornings a week. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays find me up at 4:00AM, to enjoy a light breakfast, then head off to my 6:00AM Rehab. I am told by my Rehab Nurse, Heidi, that I am achieving my goals ahead of schedule!
Heidi DID frown, however, at my suggestion of my heading South next month with Johnny "4Iron" Male, to do a week or two on the Appalachian Trail. I am SO wishing for some walking... you know... There is nothing more health restoring, (in my mind...), than a pleasant hike on the A.T.! Heidi is of the opinion that I need to BE a little healthier before I attempt to GET healthier!?! I think she is afraid I might die in the woods, alone... which I wouldn't find to be a BAD way to go! I figured it might take the edge off for her, if I tagged along with a friend, but I guess dying in the woods with a FRIEND is not really acceptable to her, either. I guess her primary goal is to keep me alive. I will have to learn to be a good patient, and be patient...
Great news! God is good, and cares for us, if we let him! My family, friends, (and my Church family and friends), have taken care of me and my family in such a loving way. We did the best we could these last four months, tightening up the spending, lowering the thermostat, reducing our driving, and more. Then, we gave it to God! We have been behind financially, but have never been without! I will not "name names", but I thank all of you, your kindnesses have overwhelmed.
My best friend called the other night. He has been there for me, always. When I ended up in the Hospital, he called me. He told me that he would come to Maine, immediately! The exclamation punctuation of the preceding sentence is warranted, as he lives in Florida, and would, indeed, have headed right off to Maine. I had to beg him not to come home, assuring him that his thoughts and prayers would suffice. He has been faithful in calling me, offering up encouragement, and entertaining me. He gave me good hope.
His call to me the other night was much enjoyed, as usual. We talked a lot, of things we would do together when he makes his trip to Maine this Summer, and of the other adventures we would like to take on someday. We talked of my health, and the great news that I had returned to work, (kind of). I was so happy when my employer offered up some "light duty" work, at one of his other stores! I have completed my first week of work, and all is well... when payday comes, I can start helping with the bills! My friend offered up a financial gift, to help us get back on level ground, but I begged him not to. God has been so good, and now, I can not only help pay the bills, it is time to start giving to those less fortunate...
I have wandered a bit tonight... but I think my point was to give an update, relating my happiness to Gods' Goodness, rejoicing in the wonderful people that He places in our lives... and, oh yeah... let you know how much I was wishing I was walking!
May your trails be straight and crooked, walked alone, or with a friend, and always travelled with God as your Guide.
Blessings, in abundance...
Stickman
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