Rain fell softly at first. Each drop gifted a unique reflection. The thunderclap and lightning strikes reminded me how fast, furious, and loud change can happen. Out of nowhere yearning grew intense like the sudden storm. My mind went to one year ago.
May 11th, 2022-Ozark North Elementary–Guess what? Finn and I go BACK NEXT WEEK (God-willing!)
The 3rd-grade students were such delights. Attentively they sat listening to the writing process presentation (even though Finn TRIED to distract them🐾) Despite the tough winter, spring had sprung with new hope! Another book in the works, future visits with family, traveling around my state, and a renewal of spirit. The day’s celebration ended with cheeseburgers (one for me, one for Finn). That night the pain grew intense. It wouldn’t go away like typical. Within 12 hours I needed a ride to the hospital.
It’s been a year of learning. And yearning. There are dark days. Light breaks through. Family is beside me on the days I think are the end. A new day dawns and they’re still beside me. Most days I stand alone. It’s strange. One day I’m strong and the next day, I can’t move (for example-yesterday versus today). With eager expectation, I’ll seek goodness. Hourly, I’ll count my blessings. I’ll accept the things I cannot change. I might yearn. I’ll definitely learn. We have a beautiful relationship, Faith and me. We know each other so well. No matter what, FAITH NEVER LEAVES.
In a world spinning and sputtering with disasters, deaths, mass shootings, divisiveness, and tragedies…a crazy world filled with messy humans (like me) doing absurd things with little regard to how it impacts others or any thought of how to be civil…in a world that is still filled with beauty and simplicity if we choose to see…how do you find faith? It’s Mental Health Awareness Month-can we do our part by being aware? Put down the phone, look around, call family and friends, and tell someone they’re loved.
For, in the end, love will win. 💚
Have you heard of NET, Yet? 🦓
This Friday, May 12th, I will “celebrate” my first anniversary of this diagnosis by appearing on a local morning show, Ozarks FOX AM (for those on Facebook-@OzarksFOXAM) sometime during the 8am-9am hour, C.S.T. Gage Becker (illustrator of Faith and Finley Tour Missouri) will accompany me to visit about our book journey. You might see “double” with an appearance by my twin. The easiest thing in my life would be to hide. I’d rather write. Not be seen. IF my journey can just help ONE, I must follow the call. Without the support of my family and friends, I wouldn’t be here. Thank you all so much. I love you.
The Springfield ArtsFest lifted my spirits! I hope you enjoy this salute to amazing local Ozarks artists!
Five regions make up “The Ozarks” and I sit in the Springfield Plateau, closer to the White River Hills, which includes Branson and south to Mountain Home Arkansas. The peaks in the Ozarks of Arkansas are mole hills to some of you folks. Nestled in our rolling hills and plateaus are beautiful lakes, rivers, streams, and trails. Amid them, minus a bit of traffic near our “big” cities, if you listen…really listen, you might hear legacies leaving their sweet melodies. Even better? A living legacy.
K.L. Hale
Barn Burner
Older Ozarkians might describe last night’s event a barn burner. Small town and big city folks, combined with the young-un’s like me and the “older” generations, all gathered for ham and beans, cornbread, and bluegrass music. There was clappin’ and knee-slappin.’ Whoops and hollers could be heard with a good run of notes. Laughter lingered after the whoppers were told. My toes were tappin,’ and my soul was swirling with the sounds of times before me-and the times I wish would never change.
Only in the Ozarks, after nearly a foot of snow, would a Cabin Fever Variety Show be quickly scheduled for the community. And to beat all, I learned of a society (RIGHT UNDER MY NOSE) that was formed to PRESERVE the history, folklore, and traditions of our area. That’s not all! They aim to protect Ozarks’ wildlife, secure its proper recognition, the natural beauties of its historical spots, and to teach our own people the value of the great heritage we possess in these regions (https://societyofozarkianhillcrofters.com/our-mission).
My love and interest in my home area has only fattened since self-publishing my kid’s book. Gage, my illustrator, is an old soul like me. We often discussed our culture and traditions during our collaboration times and even chewed on the idea of a folklore project. Our culture and history are phenomenal!
If you’re familiar with this area you might be aware that the greatest interpretation of our people and ways might be felt by visiting Silver Dollar City (#2 Best Amusement Park in America by USA Today-July 2, 2021, and Best Theme Park holiday event, Old Time Christmas- Dec. 17th, 2021). It has changed with the times; yet I still find the Bluegrass & BBQ and Fall Festival to feel more like the traditional feeling of my childhood. The park’s founders have left a legacy. But I know an even greater legacy in my Ozarks.
Living Legacy
Lingering on legacies lulls me. When one thinks of a legacy you hope that whatever you leave behind is powerfully positive to whomever might be gifted it–will it be carried? Followed? Passed down? There’s been a legacy left in my family. Through tough times, good times, changing times, loss of time, everything that could happen in nearly 58 years, a legacy of love has been left. When Larry met Darlene, a Baptist preacher’s daughter, he had to toe the line. Traditions were set. Church activities would be considered “acceptable” for dates. Bowling and revivals might coincidentally be on the same nights 😉. They were small-town kids with small-town values.
Larry Hale was born 80 years ago today. He’s an overcomer-he’s left a legacy. But he’d be the first to tell you that he’s only half of any legacy-Mom’s the other half. 🤍 Oh, and did I tell you these two can sing? The legacy of music vibrates my veins. Daddy sang bass and tenor, we all sang alto and soprano! I’ve told this story before, but my youngest son one time asked my Dad, “Pop pop, can I have that fiddle?” (pointing at Great-Grandpa’s fiddle/violin hanging over Mom’s piano). “When I’m dead and gone you can have it, Jay,” Dad replied. “Aren’t you close enough to dead I could have it now?,”…oh boy! Dad was in his 50’s. The sound of laughter and music is what I hear walking into that living room.
Dad, thank you for teaching me about the Word and the never-ending, no-matter-what kind of love just as God, humility, responsibility, the right ways to swing a bat or club even if I couldn’t, shaking it off and moving ahead, wisdom on leadership, creating trip maps and then ignoring the itinerary if necessary, appreciation for history and learning…and the best? Marrying Mom. For what would we all be without her, too? You’ve been my rock. I love you both more than steak and the entire universe.
Happy 80th, Dad!
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” sung by the adorable and talented, Emalee Flatness. This song speaks of our family’s legacy (I can hear Grandma singing it!). Emalee is being accompanied by mandolinist, Larry Sledge, who will begin his 48th season at Silver Dollar City. He also spent time during his youth, after his service to our country, with Bill Monroe.
Legacy? The Ozark Mountain Music Association preserves and promotes traditional music of the Ozarks. They host an annual music camp and young musicians are mentored by experienced ones! Starting with the banjo player here are their ages: 20, 16, 17, and 13. They brought the house down, folks!
Some folks might not think they’ll leave any legacy, or a good one, anyway. Don’t sell yourself short. No matter the job, relationship, your IQ, your past, or whatever you feel has or hasn’t defined your life, you’re a legacy. So fix what needs fixin’ and just love what needs lovin’.
Have faith🤍
“We will not hide them from their children, but will tell the next generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” –Psalm 78:4
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”-Proverbs 17:6
“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”-William James
“The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives.”-Billy Graham
While Flannel with Faith is where I share my heart, Finley River Publishing is where you'll find my book and the shop collection. Read the story behind the collection here!
