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 “Searching for peace of mind” was
originally published in the Oct. 17, 1996 edition of The Monroe Journal in
Monroeville, Ala.)
It’s surprising the number of people that I come in contact
with that tell me that they are bored and have 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 our 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 or
smoke a certain brand of cigarettes.
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 one
occupied. Especially at this time of year when the glorious fall colors dot the
countryside, I could map out a trip across the hills to the north that will
cause one 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 certain hilltop, not too far away, where after
viewing an evening sunset would be remembered for years to come. Or, I could
give directions to a small creek where one could stretch out in its cool waters
on a hot summer day and never move again until the frost fell.
I hear 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 that 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 within right here in our county.
Once the barriers mentioned above have been overcome, the
cost of supplying one’s self for 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 you really want
to live up to your highest expectations, 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 of a layer of pine needles. Wrap the plastic around you and your
sleeping bag to keep out the 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. Also, remind yourself that you are not alone, because
just a touch away, there is one that controls all things; the creator of heaven
and earth is just a breath’s distance.
And, 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 cure various illnesses; know which ones that are harmful, and those
that can be beneficial to man. The knowledge of being able to cope with nature
brings on great satisfaction. One becomes more aggressive and more sure of
one’s self. The desire to explore and seek out the mysteries of our
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 a 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 that search for it. Don’t
be found wanting.
Remember the words of the Indian prophet, Black Elk:
“October is the moon of the changing seasons. This is the time to look at the
glorious colors 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:
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 on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County and
served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from 1964 to
1987. 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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