Singleton says that spring mornings are an ideal time for 'gathering-in'

George Buster Singleton

(For decades, local historian and paranormal investigator George “Buster” Singleton published a weekly newspaper column called “Somewhere in Time.” The column below, which was titled “Spring mornings ideal for ‘gathering-in’ time” was originally published in the April 2, 1987 edition of The Monroe Journal in Monroeville, Ala.)

Now is the time of year to put aside the heavy clothing and the many items that have been necessary to survive the cold-weather months. The time if now to go forth with the fresh mornings of spring and become a part of the living world.

Put aside the television programs, and reach for your work gloves and something to dig with. Roll up your sleeves and tackle that flower bed that has long been in need of some work. Take on that fence row or get eyeball-to-eyeball with those weeds and the other undesirables that clutter up the yard.

If cleaning the yard is not your cup of tea, build a bird feeder. If you are not the creative type, buy one. This will be one of your best and cheapest investments. Watch the beautiful birds as they prance and strut for your enjoyment. Become a part of the world around you.

See God’s creation

If none of the above is of your choosing, pick a place where you can walk in the woods and watch nature blossom forth in all its splendor and beauty. See God’s creation firsthand, and marvel at the little things that have gone unnoticed for these many years.

Take notice as to how careful the Creator has been, and is being, in the management of His world. Become a part of the works of our living God. Feel His presence around you. Learn to know Him and walk with Him. Look to Him as a companion. He is always with you. Marvel at His universe, and let Him know that all is well within your soul.

Seek out the high places, and when you have found that special spot, pause for a moment. Don’t be ashamed to raise your arms to the heavens, all the while thanking the Great Spirit that you have been allowed to witness His magnitude and greatness. Don’t be alarmed if the tears burst forth. Feel the eternal love that is about you and within your surroundings.

Remember that you are a part of this plan. You have a place within this Creation. You have a right to be here. This world is yours if you accept the challenge. This life is what you make of it. You can plan and discipline yourself for all the enjoyment that will come from it, or you can throw all the happiness aside and live in agony and depression. Only you can make this decision. No one has the power to decide for you.

The news programs are full of the many suicides among the teenage population of this country. What a waste, what a pity, that these young people have wasted such precious time when life could have been so beautiful. These tragic happenings have such simple answers. Some personal discipline, a sprinkling of family love and togetherness, and then becoming a part of your surroundings. After the above, create a driving desire to be what you are supposed to be, a child of the universe.

No amount of money or wealth, no political party or inside assistance can buy this place for you. To gain your place in life has to be done by none other than yourself. Only the love for your surroundings and the driving desire to find this place within, bring the contentment and peace that are here for all. Demand and reach for your place in the sun. And this place in the sun that I speak of is forever near, if only we seek.

Put obstacles aside

So don’t wait any longer – go forth with all the passions that you can muster. Clear your mind of all that might hinder you from reaching your goal. Put aside anything that might become a stumbling block in the path of life. Be at peace with yourself and travel only the high road. Soar with the eagles, and watch from a distance all of those who want to drag you down and make you unhappy.

Find some good in everything that you undertake. Seek the beauty in all that is before you. Remember, there is beauty in everything that He has created. The impossible is for those who seek it. The high peaks are reached by those who climb. Be happy, ride 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.)