Slide Off the Mountain

I drove to North Carolina to listen to stories about life lived in the mountains. What writer could pass that up? It's what we do; experience a slice of life beyond our own, and gather useful information.

Simply driving on steep terrain with my standard shift was an adventure. The lay of the land so sharply angled, I wondered what kept the cattle from sliding off the mountain.

However, before I arrived, my GPS bummed out, and I pulled up next to a farmer standing in his pasture. He got me back on the right path. I mean that literally.

What I learned from my hostess, Sandy, was the simplicity of the code of conduct that is accepted in this mountain community. For example, it is understood that if you own something, you have something to lose. So your goat dies; that's the risk you took when you acquired it. Although admirable, I don't snuggle up well to the idea.

Sandy herself is not elaborate. She is naturally attractive with dark hair pulled into a thick braid that runs all the way down her back. We met on the French Broad River, where she was my rafting guide, and an owner of the Blue Heron, a white water rafting company. Through multiple rafting experiences, I've grown to respect and trust her approach to the river and rafting. She's also a good storyteller. So when she invited me to the high ridge where she lives, I accepted.

She told me that it was not uncommon for people to live their entire lives within a few miles, if not yards, from where they'd been born. Alice, Sandy's neighbor was one of them.

Alice loved house guests. It was routine for anyone who considered themselves family to come and stay a few days. Once, after a long and heavy influx of visitors, Alice stood looking out the window forlornly. “Clyde,” she said to her husband, “It's going to be awful lonesome.” But he was reclined on the couch with his Bible propped open. “Aw, but it's a sweet ol' lonesome.”

And now, with fresh stories, characters, and setting, I'm progressing on an idea for a new murder mystery.

Make it a great week,

Judy