Thursday, September 27, 2012

Celebrating Alabama Farmers...

Farmers are busy all over the nation as they have entered into the Fall harvesting season. Many in our state of Alabama are now harvesting peanuts.
 
My hometown, Dothan, celebrates this harvest season with a peanut festival in November. Prior to this event are poster, essay, beauty, and recipe contests as well as a parade with entries numbering over 200.
 
Gloria Jeffcoat, a good friend of mine, is married to George. They are Alabama farmers living in the small town of Gordon and members of the Alfa Farmers-Alabama Farmers Federation. George is President of the Houston County Farmers Federation. Both are involved in the promotion of farming for our area. One area that Gloria promotes is the poster and essay contests for Farm City.
 
 
She and I were co-workers for a number of years at Grandview Elementary School. Some years ago she asked for assistance with the poster contest, and I was honored to help her. I can honestly tell you that the past years have been such a joy for me.
 
I am so happy to tell you that Gloria invited me to assist in the promotion of this year's poster and essay contests. I am excited. This week she and I have been visiting the private schools and the city and county high, middle and elementary schools distributing farm fact coloring books to all first grade students, bookmarks to all elementary students, a book donation to the elementary libraries, and necessary information sheets to enter either the poster or essay contests.
 

 
 Selma Street Elementary School 


 
It has been extremely fun for me because I have been able to see the schools firsthand and help promote this wonderful tribute to the farmers of Alabama. I can't wait to see who wins the poster and essay contests. And, I definitely can't wait to ride along with Gloria as she goes to the schools where the winners attend to recognize them and award their prizes.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

***PEACE***

 
 
The Real Meaning of Peace...
 
There once was a king who asked artists to paint a picture of "Peace" for a prize. Many painted, and the king ended up choosing two that were his favorites...one of a lake and one of mountains.
 
The lake painting mirrored its surroundings of tall mountains, blue skies, and white fluffy clouds. This artist had captured what some believed to be "Perfect Peace".
 
The mountain painting was rough and rugged looking showing a furious, rushing of water down its side creating a pit of foamed spew. Dark skies streaked with lightning surrounded these mountains, and this artist's rendition did not look anything like "Peace".
 
Looking closely at the mountain painting, the king noticed a very small bush growing in a crack beyond the waterfall. Nestled in the bush was a mother bird who had built her nest.
 
In the midst of the angry looking mountain painting sat this mother bird on her nest very quiet and in what appeared to be peace.
 
So who won the prize?
 
The artist who painted the mountain scene. Can you explain why?
 
"Peace" as explained by the king is not meant to be a place of no disturbance, trial, or hard work. "Peace" is a heart that is calm even among the aforementioned circumstances.
 
...summarized/author unknown
 
 


Monday, September 3, 2012


 
one~ wheat~unique
G~C~P
always