This story is about an experience I had with my dad on a sunny afternoon in the mountain holler where we lived. I was about nine or ten years old at the time, and my dad would have been about thirty. The details of that afternoon are not entirely clear,Continue Reading
Black bears are as Appalachian as moonshine and fiddle music, and most anyone who has lived here has a bear story. In fact, most folks who visit our mountain hollers and trails have a bear story, even if it’s just a chance sighting from the road. They are fascinating animals.Continue Reading
I have a little wonderland in my backyard. Among this happy place, dragonflies hover, rabbits abound, squirrels cavort, and a few dozen bird species flutter about. I love birds, but I do have my favorites. I love chickadees and owls. I think blue jays have gorgeous markings. The plain littleContinue Reading
Something deplorable is occurring in the hollows of Appalachia. A person might trek through the woods or walk along a dirt road and see deer carcasses lying here and there. They are not dying for natural reasons. They are not succumbing to disease. Instead, they are victims of people whoContinue Reading
My son and I sometimes meet a friend at the park and have lunch together. She’s as cute as a button. Here she is: We named her Chippy because the first time we saw her, she came to our picnic table and we fed her chips (baked, no salt).1)For futureContinue Reading
All photographs were taken by Delonda Anderson. **Featured Image: Cow Staring. Taken on a farm in Campbell County, Tennessee. Delonda Anderson, photographerContinue Reading
I wasn’t totally sold on getting a puppy for several reasons – chief among them is that puppies are a lot of work. I’ll admit, though, my wife made a good choice for the family. Coors plays well with Sierra, he’s been a good comfort to my wife, and he’sContinue Reading
“Hmm,” I muse quietly to myself, “great series.” I’ve just finished an old Alan Moore comic book saga – Swamp Thing: The Curse. I like all sorts of books. Usually, I spend my time reading non-fiction, environmental journals, or the Beat Generation – and a whole lot of Internet, toContinue Reading
For the past dozen years, the Young-Williams Animal Center has sponsored a Mardi Growl Parade and Festival in downtown Knoxville. Hundreds of dogs in costume are paraded by their owners to raise funds to support the efforts of the Young-Williams Animal Center, which seeks to find a home for every unwantedContinue Reading
Today, I am hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I’m sharing this adventure with my friend, Steve McQueen (yes, his real name). Pleasant winter morning out here among decaying brown leaves and sleepy rhododendron – pleasant because the day feels more like a warm spring afternoon, as opposedContinue Reading