Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Come Go With Me



                                                Come go with me
                                                like a kindred friend
                                                we'll walk through the past
                                                where our ancestors have been

                                                We'll visit the places
                                                where they once grew
                                                and absorb every moment
                                                as we walk on through



                                             We'll stroll through valleys
                                              over hills and plains
                                              and capture the beauty
                                              of spring time rains

                                             We'll listen to the echoes
                                              in the distance afar
                                              those old familiar voices
                                              having raised high the bar




                                          We'll experience the joys
                                           that filled their days
                                           and follow the examples
                                           set forth in yesterdays

                                           We'll wear the same shoes
                                            and walk the same mile
                                            and remember the past
                                            with tears and a smile




                                           Then when we return
                                            to the present day winds
                                            let us never forget
                                            when our journey ends

                                            Susie Swanson, Copyright  2010

As another year comes to an end and a new year begins, I want to thank each one of you for your love, caring, prayers, friendship and most of all your words of encouragement. They mean so much to me.  Each one of you are very special  and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your uplifting posts.. They always make my day. I look forward to them. I may not have as much time as I would like to visit but I enjoy every minute and every post..
As eveyone knows by now, I'm a frequent visitor of the past.. There's something about it that inspires me more than anything I could ever explain. It may not appeal to some but I will eventually and hopefully come up with something you might like. I just have to pull myself back to the present every now and then.
With that said I would like to wish each one of you a Happy New Year. As for me, I'll be visiting the old year quite often, more yesterdays to write about.. May God Bless Each One..

Friday, December 23, 2011

The Savior



                                              Many long years ago
                                              in a town called Bethleham
                                              a baby boy was born
                                              a precious, little lamb

                                              Sent by God's own grace
                                              to save the world from sin
                                              a gift of undying love
                                              from heaven did descend

                                              From a tiny child he grew
                                              in this world he did trod
                                              spreading wonders did abound
                                              from this Savior sent by God

                                              A shining light to all
                                              each road that he walked down
                                              resisting the works of destruction
                                              he wore a shining crown

                                              He came not to call the righteous
                                              but the sinners to repentance
                                              from his father's hand above
                                              he was led by love and guidance

                                              He set forth a fine example
                                              for all the world to see
                                              to follow in his footsteps
                                              and do the things as he

                                              For God so loved the world
                                              he gave his only son
                                              that who so ever believeth
                                              their soul shall be won

                                              So pick up thy rod and staff
                                              and follow him each new day
                                              just know in heaven we'll live
                                              it's just a prayer away

                                              Susie Swanson, 2011

                                             From my Family to Yours
                                             Merry Christmas and May God Bless..

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

My Christmas Card To You



                                                Every name is a blessing
                                                upon this list of mine
                                                somewhere our paths have crossed
                                                in another place and time

                                                Perhaps it was years ago
                                                or only yesterday
                                                but every person on my list
                                                has changed my life someway

                                                A simple hug or conversation
                                                a friendly smile or meal
                                                a spoken prayer to God above
                                                has helped me grow and heal

                                                Perhaps God went through you
                                                and wove his magic twine
                                                in some small or kindly deed
                                                to touch this heart of mine

                                                You wished the gray clouds away
                                                 and prayed for sunshine instead
                                                 I raised my eyes to heaven
                                                 and found a rainbow instead

                                                Worldly things that trouble me
                                                 just seems to disappear
                                                 knowing you are always there
                                                 across the miles or near

                                                 You restore my faith, love and hope
                                                  a bond that will never cease
                                                  so many wonderful family and friends
                                                  brings to me an inner peace

                                                 Each day my list continues to grow
                                                 and each name I hold so dear
                                                 each one has brought Christmas joy
                                                 everyday of the year

                                                 This Christmas card I give to you
                                                  is more than just a wish
                                                  it's a "Thank You" to God above
                                                  for putting you on my list

                                                  Susie Swanson, 2011



                                                  Merry Christmas To All and May God Bless.


                                                 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

A Legend



While traveling down through life,I remember oh so well. An old gentleman I loved dearly that loved to talk and tell.

About his cherished memories of many years gone by. Learning was an humble experience and to listen I always did try.

He talked about his childhood and how he grew up rich and poor.With wealth not of money but riches a thousand ways more.

I'd just sit and listen and feast on every word. Now I want you to read this legend of a man's life as told in his own word.

I lived through the Great Depression when there was no jobs to find. We always had plenty to eat he said, each year the gardens grew more kind.

And when they came in, we canned everything we could. In the winter we killed our hogs we raised and had plenty of meat and the eatin was good.

And hard work was never a stranger, I helped run that old gristmill everyday. If me and my daddy made fifty cents it was more than they could pay.


But we never did ask for money our satisfaction always came, in knowing we helped put bread on their table, it was money just the same.

Back then people growed big cornfields and worked from sun up till sun down. They brought it anyway they could to the mill just to get it ground..

Oh I remember a few that was just plain sorry back then. They'd lay around and let their family go hungry, the more you'd give em the more they'd depend.

I remember this one old feller was the worst I've ever known. Somebody offered him some corn one time and he asked if it was shelled and they told him no and he said drive on.

But most people wasn't like that, they learned to work early on. And there wasn't much time for schooling back then, what I learned I learned on my own.

Back when we were both younguns, me and my brother walked up the hill. To a little one room school housewaht time we wasn't at the gristmill.



That teacher taught every grade and she sure had trouble keeping us in line. I'd slip out the backdoor going home and the next day she'd whoop my behind.

I guess that's the reason I didn't learn and don't know much today. But you know common sense will get you pretty far and go a long way.

You know the younguns today learn alot and have more opportunities than we did. They got the best chances in the world to go farther, but first they need to be a kid.

I started out young learning to be a man and that was fine by me. Today younguns want to drive fast cars, I drove a wagon hitched to mules and it made me feel free.

I was pretty young when when I helped my daddy drive an old wagon to town. It took us all ady to get there and back but it was the only way around.

We'd haul a whole load of pulpwood and they'd pay us two to three dollars a load. Not much money at all for an all day trip on an old gutted out road.

And I can still remember the first car that came through the country side, An old A Model Ford, it spooked the mules pulling the wagons and the old feller just drove on in stride.



After that my daddy died back in 1937 and I helped make his casket before they put him in the ground.
People kept their folks at home back then, there wasn't any funeral homes around.

It seemed after he died times got even more rough.I had to pick up work wherever I could , but it never did seem to be enough.

I remember leaving home at two o' clock in the morning, walked every step of the way. I worked  hard at that old sawmill, never got home till after dark for fifty cents a day.

Most people walked everwhere they went, to me it was never a chore. You know people were a lot more healthy back then and enjoyed life more.

And people took time to visit their neighbors and check in on the sick. Mommy stopped at every house a long the way, carrying that old walking stick.

She'd take em some chicken and dumplins from an old hen she'd killed. Even if that old hen was sitting on a nest of eggs she didn't care, it was her favorite meal.

Mommy prayed a lot for us boys back then. Many a time I could hear her upon the mountain down on her knees praying and God was surely her friend.

And it payed off to, God surely answered her prayers. I made it right with God one night at an old revival and mommy jumped straight up in the air.





But before that I was meaner than the dickens I do recall. I used to slip out the front door of the church when they give the alter call.

Mommy's brother my uncle Tom was a preacher man and he got to watching us and one night he came up with a plan.

Just before he gave the alter call he walked to the front door and laid his Bible down. He said I dare anybody to step over God's word, we climbed out the window and jumped to the ground.

Well I better get off of this stuff or I'll be in a big mess. Uns younguns don't need to hear about so much meance today, it's for the best.

Well we lost Mommy back in 1960, the coldest time I ever seen. They liked to never got her grave dug, had to shovel the snow back and dig in between.

Back then people in the community dug every grave there was and I always pitched in. Some we had to shoot with a stick of dynamite when we got in a big rock den.

And that reminds me of digging wells he said, we dug everyone by hand. We'd dig for weeks or even months before we struck water and sometimes we just got sand.

And today when I walk up and down these roads, it comes to mind so clear, of how many I help build and how many's still here.

I started out when Roosevelt was President, working with the W.P.A. That was the best thing to come along back then and I worked for em many a day.

You know Roosevelt got the country back in shape, it was just about gone. Some people almost starved to death it was the worst I've ever known.



We built roads and dams all over the place and everyone I still recall. A lot of them roads and dams are still around today but they're more large now than small.

Everybody had it rough back then but we managed to make it on through. Even after me and your mammy got married and we had uns younguns too.

I had to go off to work again down south with that road crew. We built a lot of roads down there and never got to come home but once every week or two.

Come Sunday evening I always had to pack up and go straight back. She never would say it but I think your mammy had a lot of trouble keeping uns younguns on track.

I had to use my belt a time or two but I never did beat anybody to death. You know if anybody gets caught whooping their younguns today, they'll stay in jail until they draw their last breath.

Well I think I'll get my old walking stick and go out to the old place. Need to check on that corn, if the crows has got it again, I'll need to replace.

But there's one more thing I'd like to say, you see these overalls I wear. When I die just bury me with my overalls and hat, I don't want no fancy attire.

And you see this walking stick here, just pass it on down. I won't need it anymore, let it help someone else walk these roads and get around.

And then he was gone, back in 1998 he passed away. And today this legend of a man is wearing his overalls and hat and telling his stories in heaven everyday.

And today I'm so honored to share these cherished memories of mine.Oh how I still miss and love my Dad, what a legacy he left behind.

                                             Susie Swanson, 2011

                                   In loving Memory Of my Dad....January, 18, 1904----April 27, 1998

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Santa And Me



                                                 One Christmas I had to help santa
                                                 or no presents there would be
                                                 It was very warm and rainy
                                                 a very unusual Christmas to me

                                                 The presents were stored and ready
                                                  in the old mill house across the creek
                                                  Me and santa thought we'd never make it
                                                  crossing that footlog and swelled up creek

                                                  But we managed to make it across
                                                  and we carried them on in home
                                                  The kids were fast asleep
                                                  and didn't even know we'd been gone

                                                  We left them in that old toe sack
                                                   and laid them near the tree
                                                   When the kids got up the next morning
                                                   what a sight there was to see

                                                   But one present came up missing
                                                   and my sister was awfully sad
                                                   Me and santa had to back track ourselves
                                                   or things were going to get bad

                                                   We found that little doll
                                                   a little piece out the road
                                                   Me and santa had surely dropped it
                                                   out of that big toe sack load

                                                   Then everyone was happy
                                                   thanks to santa and me
                                                   What a wonderful Christmas memory
                                                   every year I put under my tree

                                                    Susie Swanson,  2011

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Somebody Prayed For You


                                                   Somebody prayed for you today
                                                   when your feet ached and your back grew sore
                                                   and your heavy burdens weighed you down
                                                   and you cried aloud, "please God no more"
                                                   Somebody prayed for you today
                                                   when you were sad and you felt alone
                                                   and you vainly reached for the yesterdays
                                                   and the simple joys that you had known

                                                   Somebody prayed for you today
                                                   when nothing seemed to turn out right
                                                   and you longed for a friendly voice and smile
                                                   with never a living soul in sight
                                                   But somebody prayed for you today
                                                   within whose heart you'll always be
                                                   and the dear Lord listened and blessed us both
                                                   For the one who prayed was me

                                                   Grace E. Easley

I want to give you all an update on my niece. She got to come home today. They can't do anymore surgeries for three months until her body heals some from her ordeal and other surgeries. She has several more to go and they won't know if she will ever walk again for about two years. They will be doing therapy on her while she's home. She will have round the clock care, as she will be in a hospital bed. Her family has their hands full and still need prayers.. They are overwhelmed with so much caring, love and support. I know with God's help she will overcome this tragedy and they will make it.. Thank you all for your wonderful prayers and caring.. Please continue to pray.. May God Bless Each One.. Susie

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Award



My dear friend Delisa over at Dances With Yarn just gave me an award. I'm so thrilled.. Thank you Delisa. I'm suppose to pick five blogger friends and pass it on to them. After I choose them. I'm to go to their blog to let them know and they can come and pick it up. Copy and Paste it to their blog and pick five of their friends to send it to., so on and so forth..
I'm not suppose to break the rules but if you don't know me by now, you're fixing to....Here goes.. I can't pick just five to save my life..I love you all dearly and I just can't do it, so this is the way I'll do it...The first five to visit my blog, pick up this award and leave me a comment that you picked it up and place it on yours and then you can do the above..
I'm so sorry Delisa that I broke the rules..I'm good at breaking rules, always have and always will.. But thank you so much my friend it means the world to me...And all of you as well..
P.S. If you can't copy and Paste like old dumb me, just "Save As " to your Computer, like I did....Blessings, Susie

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Tomorrow I'll Leap



                                              I shall keep a memory in my heart
                                              to draw upon when days are cold
                                              I'll cherish it and never part
                                              until I reach my finished goal

                                              I'll gather to me each smiling face
                                              a thousand days of time or more
                                              then I'll gaze upon with love and embrace
                                              all the tender moments like before

                                              I'll take that step and walk that mile
                                              until my yearning destiny I'll meet
                                              when I fall I'll stand and smile
                                              for tomorrow I'm going to leap

                                               Susie Swanson



                                          For you Amber..

Thank you for your prayers, she is slowly improving. They had to wire her jaws this week and she's getting used to it and looking better.. Bless her heart, she's an inspiration to everyone around her.. She still has a long road but she'll make it because she's young and strong..Her mother said she hasn't let it get her down to much yet, but I worry that she'll get depressed later on, so continue to keep her in your prayers and rest assured they are being answered.. Blessings, Susie

Thursday, November 24, 2011

God's Way



                                                            He calms the mighty ocean
                                                            with the whisper of his breath
                                                            heals the sick and afflicted
                                                            restores a lost soul from death

                                                            His eyes are always wide open
                                                            to this world of peril and woe
                                                            he rises to each occasion
                                                            and miracles continue to grow

                                                            He is the road to salvation
                                                            our mighty sword and shield
                                                            the rock of all the ages
                                                            he proved on Calvary's hill

                                                            I'll look to his love in all things
                                                            in the wave of each swaying branch
                                                            in each breath, each step and moment
                                                            I'll pause to my God and give thanks

                                                            So when turbulent waters surround me
                                                            and clear skies turn to gray
                                                            I'll look for sunshine beyond them
                                                            and let God have his own way

                                                            Susie Swanson

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Please continue to keep my niece in your prayers, For the ones that haven't heard, she was in a head on collision on Nov. 15th. It's a miracle that she's still with us. She has broken bones from her head to her feet, but Thank God no head trauma or brain swelling. She's had three surgeries in one week with more to come. They are having to reconstruct her legs , feet and arms.. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. She has a long road ahead, the doctors said even with therapy it may be a year before she puts her feet on the ground.. May God Bless Each One.. Blessings, Susie

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Clotheslines



                                                     A clothesline was a news forecast
                                                     to neighbors passing by
                                                     there were no secrets you could keep
                                                     when clothes were hung out to dry

                                                     It also was a friendly link
                                                     for neighbors always knew
                                                     if company had stopped on by
                                                     to spend a day or two

                                                     For then you'd see the "fancy sheets"
                                                     and towels upon the line
                                                     you'd see the "company table cloths"
                                                     with intricate designs

                                                     The line announced a baby's birth
                                                      from folks who lived inside
                                                      as brand new infant clothes were hung
                                                      so carefully with pride



                                                     The ages of the children could
                                                     so readily be known
                                                     by watching how the sizes changed
                                                     you'd know how much they'd grown

                                                     It also told when sickness struck
                                                     as extra sheets were hung
                                                     the nightclothes and a bathrobe too
                                                     haphazardly were hung



                                                   It also said "Gone on Vacation"
                                                   when lines hung limp and bare
                                                   it told "We're Back" when full lines sagged
                                                   with not an inch to spare

                                                   New folks in town were scorned upon
                                                   if wash was dingy and gray
                                                   as neighbors carefully raised their brows
                                                   and looked the other way

                                                   But clotheslines now are of the past
                                                   for dryers make work much less
                                                   now what goes on inside a house
                                                   is anybody's guess

                                                   I really miss that way of life
                                                   it was a friendly sign
                                                   when neighbors knew each other best
                                                   by what hung on the line

                                                   Author Unknown

I wish I could take credit for this one but I can't. It was given to me by a dear friend, Malinda Wiggins. We both agreed that others would enjoy it as much as we did.
I can honestly say that clotheslines are not gone for me. In the warm months, I still hang my clothes on the line. I start when the weather warms up in early spring through late fall. The main reason,is, I love to smell the freshness of clothes that's blown all day in the wind, especially the bed linens. The second reason,is how much it really saves on the electric bill.. Of course there's always more ironing to do, (not my favorite job).  I just wonder what the neighbors say, one thing's for certain, they won't see any undies, they're hidden behind the sheets.... Blessings, susie
                                                   

              

Monday, November 14, 2011

A Walk Down Memory Lane



My old hometown looks the same, so many memories still remain. Through all my yesterdays I'm walking down memory lane.

There's the old L&N Depot sitting oh so quiet. I just wish I could see that train coming in sight. And hear the whistle blow  one more time, running those tracks and moving on down the line.

I want to see the old Marble Courthouse, sitting so grand on the square. With that little time clock ticking high in the air.


And the jailhouse behind it, oh no where did it go? A town without a jailhouse, how could a place change so.

I can't believe my eyes where's Lay's Five and Dime, and that old creaking floor, I wanted to walk it one more time.

I'm going to visit the place where I was born, Providence Hospital upon the hill. The Catholic Nuns owned it and I can see them still.

Walking down the hallways with their habits waving so. Gosh, when did Ivie's Funeral Home move there, that's a place I sure don't want to go.

What happened to the little hospital down below where Dr. Whitfield was at? He was my grandma's favorite doctor, if another was mentioned she'd go crazy as a bat.

Even the postoffice has moved, nothing ever stays on track. I wouldn't know where to find it, it'd be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Changes and more changes, what's the town coming to. They don't even have a jewelry store, Davis Jewelry Store is gone too.

And why so many banks, did someone strick it rich? Maybe to many goldmines and Citizens Bank they decided to ditch.

Oh there's a familiar place, Parker's Drugstore is still here. I'll stop in for a soda pop at the little snack bar in the rear.

Maybe I'll see a familiar face and we can reminisce about the past. They might be able to explain to me why nothing ever lasts.

Then I'll shop at those old department stores down the street a little ways. Jableys and Collins and Crains, like I did in the good old days.

I can see those dry goods now, laid out so tidy and neat. And the downstairs toys at Super D , what a Christmas time treat.

And that little shop called Maggie Bells and the beautiful window display. That's where I bought my wedding dress and had my hair done on my wedding day.

But first I'll say hello to Mr. Hembree at Hembree's Store. I want to thank him for the many times I couldn't pay, he gave me credit galore.

Oh my goodness where has he gone, Mr. Hembree's not even there. He was truly a good man with a kind heart to share.

There's that stately Methodist Church standing graceful and tall. It's a landmark to the town and so easy to recall.



Through out history it's presence will always be, in every picture and postcard for everyone to see.

And then I look across the street and no Western Auto do I see. I'll never forget that little red wagon, my son's second Christmas under the tree.

Mauney's Drug beside it must have closed down. I guess one drugstore is all they need to supply the whole town.

And the Chevrolet Place too, I can't think of its name. I always called it the Chevrolet Place because chevrolets was its game.

Oh what a beautiful memorial across the street on the square. All those veterans names placed upon it, it didn't used to be there.

Their families must be so proud to know they can see, how the town honors their loved ones who fought and died with dignity.



I think I'll take in a movie at least the Henn Theater is still around. Maybe Gone With The Wind is still playing, the best movie at the best theater in town.

Well it seems Gone With The Wind is not playing but I'll go in and sit for a spell. To much walking I'm tired and to many changes to dwell.

Maybe I'll wait until dark and run into someone I know. We'll cruise town like we used to and hope time goes by really slow.

Every Friday and Saturday night it was the place to be. With gas twenty cents a gallon, we worked for it tremendously.

Sitting on top of car hoods and the tailgate of trucks. Boys checking out girls, girls checking out boys, hoping to have some luck.

What time we weren't cruising we were over at the football game. Most every Friday night it was much the same.

While the big dogs were playing the little dogs were known, to hang out with their friends and rough house and roam.

We never did get arrested, we were out to have some fun.Kicking up our heels all part of being young.

And when we got hungry over to the Buzy Burger we'd go. It had the best food around and today I miss it so.

Everytime I pass by, I can still catch a smell, of those good old hamburgers and tater tots, man they were swell.




Each year when the fair came to town, we'd get out a half day of school. We rode every ride and walked the fairgrounds out, we really thought it was cool.

Then after a week or so when it finally packed up and closed down, we'd go back and pick up change and dollar bills laying all around.

Today there's a big, beautiful park there with plenty of green grass. Ballfields and Walkways and something for everyone, it sure has class.

I'll never forget the first big grocery store the town ever had. It was called the A&P and oh my did it make me look bad.

The first time those big doors opened on their own, I thought my heart was gonna stop and man I was gone.

This walk down memory lane is stuck in my mind. I know I'm leaving alot out but I'm not leaving it behind.

Like those pretty, little flowers on the corner in town. A beautiful memorial in place of the old Regal Hotel that burned down.





And some changes are for the better they enhance my view. They make a simple hometown girl's memories look brand new.

There's the Hiwassee River still a running on through, with that old train tressel from a bird's eye view.





So many times that old train traveled those tracks, beside Brumby's Textile Mill loaded with big stacks.

And that old mill provided jobs for so many folks so long. It seems so sad today to see it closed down and gone.

Yes there is sadness and a lot of joy in between and this path I've traveled, so many changes I've seen.

But with all the world in turmoil and days like endless nights, I can always go back to my roots and see those hometown lights.

No matter where I go or how far away I may be. My mind's blueprint will forever capture old familiar places and Memory Lane holds the key..


                                              Susie Swanson   2011

Whew..., to say it was long is an under statement and I know a lot of you local folks are saying, She left alot out. Well... I know in my heart I did but my mind is saying I'm tired. So all I can say is stay tuned for chapter two or maybe three..Someday.....Maybe,,.Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the Walk Down Memory Lane... Blessings, Susie