It’s surprising the number of people I come in contact with who tell me that they are bored and having trouble finding something to occupy their time.
They watch television from the early morning until the late hours of the evening. During this time, they witness several fairy stories in a world of make believe and never really witness anything that is enjoyable or that might bring a few moments of peace of mind.
I don’t watch television very much because I don’t put much faith in today’s fairy world. I don’t think that some freak can suggest to me that he has some kind of product that will make you stay younger, smell better, live longer or be happy living on an island all by yourself. And I don’t believe that I can acquire that macho look by using a certain brand of snuff, smoking a certain brand of cigarettes or drinking a certain brand of beer.
Of course, no one has asked me the secret to being happy, and probably won’t ever. But I do believe that I can tell them a thing or two about happiness, adventure and several other things that can and will keep them occupied.
Especially at this time of year when the glorious winter and fall colors have dotted the countryside. I could map out a trip across the hills to the north that will cause them to throw rocks at their televisions.
I could challenge them to investigate certain stories and legends around this area that would keep them awake and wild-eyed for many hours. These investigations would create more interest and excitement than 40 murders or stories of hidden loves among the rich and famous actors on the television screen.
I could tell them the location of one early Indian village site that would provide enough interest and excitement to last a person a whole month. I could suggest going to a certain hilltop, not too far away, where viewing an evening sunset would be remembered for years to come.
I could give directions to a small creek where they could stretch out in its cool waters on a hot summer day and never move again until the frost fell.
I heard these excuses every day of being old, tired, afraid, retired or just plain lazy. After all these years, I’m yet unable to understand people. I could devote all my time roaming the countryside, seeking and discovering the many things that await there.
I feel sorry for those individuals who don’t have the initiative to go forth and search for the unusual and strange happenings that are to be found around the countryside and places right here within our county.
Once the barriers mentioned above have been overcome, the cost of supplying themselves an excursion is almost next to nothing. A good pair of walking shoes, a cheap coffee pot, a box of matches and some coffee in a small plastic bag, and you are ready for almost anything.
If they really want to live up to their highest expectations, they should acquire a cheap sleeping bag and a large piece of sheet plastic.
Search out the high hills and find one where the winds of the evening whispers through the pine trees. Prepare to spend the night there on a layer of pine needles.
Wrap the plastic around you and your sleeping bag to keep out the chilly winds and heavy dew. Lay there in the solitude of the coming darkness and listen to the lullaby of the sighing winds through the tall pine trees.
Don’t be alarmed if a curious armadillo tries to get in the sleeping bag with you. He won’t hurt you. He’s just looking for an easy evening meal.
Listen to the sounds of the night for awhile before going to sleep. Try and identify each of the sounds before the sandman makes his rounds and you fall asleep. If, at any time, you feel that you are not the luckiest person in the world, remind yourself where you are and the feeling of peace that has come over you.
Remind yourself that you are not alone, because just a touch away, there is one who controls all things: the Creator of Heaven and Earth is just a breath’s distance.
Before sleep comes upon you, promise yourself that you will learn to identify all species of plants that grow in the forests of our southland. Learn to identify those that can be eaten. Be able to identify those that can help cure various illnesses, know which ones are harmful and those that can be beneficial to man.
The knowledge of being able to cope with nature brings on great satisfaction. You become more aggressive and more sure of yourself. The desire to explore and seek out the mysteries of your surroundings draws you ever onward.
(A word of warning: You might become a wandering vagabond as I have.)
As darkness covers the land and your eyelids grow heavy, remember that you are part of this universe. You have the right to be here, but you must also respect the rights of everything else. They, too, are part of the great plan.
Happiness and contentment is here for all who search for it. Don’t be found wanting.
As the coming spring slowly approaches on the horizon, remember the words of the Indian prophet, Black Elk:
“March is the moon of the changing seasons. This is the time to view the glorious spring colors as they come across the land and see the handiwork of the Great Spirit. Raise your arms to the heavens and let Him know that the beauty that He has created is forever appreciated.”
Some words of an old Indian prayer might say it better:
O Creator of all the universe,
Make me know Thy presence, as I feel
The bark of the birch tree and smell
The blooms of the wildflowers.
And let me linger under the tall pine trees,
While listening to the lullaby of the winds.
(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He also helped organize the Monroe County Museum and Historical Society and was also a past president of that organization. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)
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