Concerts in the Park

Soft breezes whispered through the trees above, as the pink and gray stroller bounced along the path.  Sounds of laughter and snippets of conversations accompanied them as they meandered their way through the tall trees.  Misty Falls was built around the huge wooded park in its center.  They followed along one of the walking paths.  Dappled light played all around them as Chris and Evan Gunn walked briskly toward their destination.   

The park is filled most every day, with kids playing, people walking or jogging, or riding their bikes.  There are always the picnickers and the soccer players, and of course, the impromptu guys with their Frisbee games.  Not to mention the bird watchers and the nature enthusiasts.  But today, many of the people in the park are here for a special event.  

Coming around a bend, the park opened up into a natural amphitheatre.   Evan looked around, scouting out a place on the gentle slope to lay out their blanket.  Chris gently lifted Angie out of the stroller to make it easier to push it along the grass.  She smiled as Evan waved her over to the perfect spot and they settled in to get ready for the concert. Their baby girl, Angie, waved her tiny little hands in the air, aware that there is something special about the evening.  

The hill is filling up quickly.  Attention is now being directed to the pavilion stage where, one by one, members of the local orchestra walk on and start to set up their instruments.  Random sounds of violins and flutes and french horns being tuned up fills the air.  All of these musicians are residents of Misty Falls.  The concert series is the showcase for the volunteer orchestra who practice together all summer long. 

Many of the members are also professionals who play in the Capital City Music Hall.  But many more are those who just love to play.  Elaine Sloan and her daughter Taylor belong to the latter category.  They both play the flute, so they set up next to each other with their families looking on and cheering for them.  

It is impossible to hide the smiles.  All the hours of practice, so painstakingly fit into their busy schedules, are  worth it.  As soon as the conductor steps up in front and welcomes everyone to the concert, they are ready to let the magic begin to flow through them. 

The sun is just thinking about setting when the notes of the last symphony drift away.  An hour of beautiful music ends much too soon.  Everyone remains sitting, letting the remnants of the experience sink in and fill every available space in their souls.  

Angie is asleep in the crook of her daddy's arm.  Evan kisses the top of her head and lets his gaze fall on Chris.  She had been leaning forward, drawn into the magic.  Music speaks to her she often says, he completely understands.  She turned her head, as if aware that he was looking at her.  They share a smile, and she moves closer to kiss his cheek.  

Cooler air of the approaching night fills the park as the crowds pack up and leave.  The open invitation, to return next week for another inspiring evening, is foremost on their minds.  Next Sunday they will be back, eager to hear what the orchestra has planned for them.  Traditions run deep in Misty Falls.  Evan and Chris discovered that when they moved here two years ago.  Now they have found that that it one of the best things about living here.     

    

Upper Falls

Shaded by the tall pine trees, a group of ten year old kids stop and rest on the blanket of pine needles and moss covering the ground.  Each has a backpack, and each of the children can be seen digging out their bags of Gorp trail mix and their canteens of water.

This is a typical scene during the summer months.  Everyone takes advantage of the great weather to get their fill of hiking and exploring up in the mountains.  This particular group is part of the school district's Adventurers program.  With the help of several of the teachers, and a bunch of youth counselors, the kids have been hiking all day.  Their destination is always the Upper Falls.  It is one of the closest of the falls, and it is the hike with the longest trail.

Every hour they stop for a small nature lesson, all part of the curriculum.  Conservation, water, soil, plants, it is all covered.  The best part of the whole thing is that it does not feel like school, but they are still learning.  Kara is one of the favorite counselors, she's always showing the kids that they can do much more than they think they can.  Learning with Kara is effortless because she makes each child feel so smart when they are around her.  This is her second year as a counselor, and she loves it as much as the kids do.

Now that they have had a few minutes to rest, Kara has her notebook in her hands, and she knows that the kids are watching her write another poem for them.  They love this part, and one by one the kid's notebooks are coming out of their backpacks too.

                                                                        Free
                                                                    Flying High
                                                             Watches Home Below
                                                           Soars With Open Wings
                                                                        Free

She stands, walking around the perimeter of the group, reciting her Cinquain poem.  The kids all know this style, she has taught them well.  Pencils are scratching paper as more poems are created.  Danny is the first one to stand, the signal that he is ready to share his poem.  Kara hides a smile as he very seriously clears his throat and begins to read.

                                                                    Sneaking
                                                                Eyeing Its Prey
                                                        Wait for the Right Timing
                                                         Pouncing, it is over now
                                                                      Dinner

Everyone cheers and claps and Danny sits down, satisfied.  Immediately heads are bent, and the kids return to their notebooks.  Kara is so proud of them, after only two weeks, they are grasping the concept of sharing their thoughts this way, and they are not as afraid to get up and read them out loud anymore.  This is so much fun!

Several more poems are listened to and after the applause and smiles, the kids started chanting,
"Dorie, Dorie, Dorie, Dorie"  They clap their hands in time to the chant that continues until a small girl with light reddish blonde hair shyly stands up in her place.  She has her notebook clutched to her chest with both hands and she's trying not to let her grin show.

On the first day, Dorie was the only one who was willing to share her poem.  She broke the ice, allowing several others to be brave enough to stand up too.  So every day since then, they made sure that she got up and read what she had written.  Kara and the other adults were impressed.  These kids were supporting and encouraging each other.

Of course it was exactly the way it should be, but seeing it happen sure did make their hearts feel lighter.  All eyes are still on Dorie.  She slowly opens her book and waits until it quiets down.  Her voice is soft, starting out as just a whisper.  Her confidence grows, as it always does, and the volume gradually increases.

                                                                   Caterpillar
                                                           Beautiful, Mysterious
                                                       Hiding, Waiting, Changing
                                                     Finds a New World Outside
                                                                      Butterfly

Again the kids cheer, and Dorie lets her smile light up her face.  They are learning so many things as Adventurers.  But nothing is as important as what they are learning about themselves.  

  

Scottish Festival

 On the way to the fairgrounds this morning, everyone can see the foggy clouds hanging low over the ground.  It brought smiles to see the base of the mountain looking a lot like the Highlands of Scotland.  Especially today, since it is the time again for the annual Scottish Festival.

With a large part of the community sharing a Scottish heritage, this is a big deal. At some point during the weekend, most of the population of Misty Falls will spend time at the Festival.  Many of them will be dressed in their authentic tartans and kilts.

First thing in the morning, while the mists are still clinging to the hills, several pipe bands will welcome everyone to the Highland Games.  The insistent, rapid tapping of the snare drums can be heard far and wide as it echoes off of the mountain.  Add the distinctive droning of the bagpipes and it calls to that part of all of us that loves our homeland, even if we have never actually been there.

Presentation of the bands is an impressive sight.  From the latest high school band to the Eamon Duncan and Sons band that had been playing for several decades, the performances bring a thrill and a deep pride to all who are watching.  Traditions run deep in Misty Falls.  Old and young alike are glad to be part of it all.

Over thirty clans are represented.  The array colorful plaid tartans is spectacular, but never more so than when seen in the form of a kilt worn by the police officers.  Even Patrick Sloan, working with the Highway Patrol, joined the ranks several years ago, wearing his families green tartan.

As the ladies can attest, and most assuredly agree, there is just something about a good looking man in a kilt!  And while Misty Falls definitely has its fair share of those men, it is also true that the men love to see the women proudly wrapped in their tartan sashes, pinned with the large traditional crest pins from their clans.  Resulting in a mutual admiration society!

Mouthwatering aromas lead the crowds right to the treats that they have been waiting all year to sample again.  Ranging from Scotch eggs, and scones first thing in the morning, to bangers and chips (smoked sausage and fried potatoes) and bridies (flaky pastry with beef and onions) later in the day.

Everyone can find their favorite foods to eat while watching the Highland dancing performances, and the sports competitions.  Parades and processions, shetland ponies and sheepdogs, athletic, dancing and music competitions are enough to keep everyone busy for two whole days.