January 2025
Roan Mountain Magazine
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Roan Mountain Magazine
Volume 1, Issue 4
January 2025
STAFF
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Amy Thurman
amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Diana Tolley
GUN TALK WITH JON
Captain Jon Strydom
NEWS FROM THE ROAN
Ranger Marcianne O'Day
THE LAST WORD & THE GRACE PLACE
Noah Blair
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Faith Lynn
CONTRIBUTORS
Angie Stoeltzing
Angela Greene
ARTICLES & FEATURES
12 Everyday Moments
An article from Angie Stoeltzing on enduring tough times by finding the magic in everyday moments.
13 CHS Named Reward School
For the second year running, Cloudland High School has been named a Tennessee Reward School.
16 January Fun Facts
Interesting holidays, history and more.
25 Cold Mountain Adventure A short story, by Diana Tolley.
Editor’s Letter
Gun Talk with Jon The Grace Place Taste of the Roan News from the Roan Kid's Page What's Going On ... The Last Word
Copyright © 2025
All content herein is copyright protected and may not be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission.
Roan Mountain Magazine is published monthly and can be found at multiple locations throughout the Roan Mountain area, free to readers. We are not currently offering print subscriptions, but please contact us if you are unable to find a copy. (423) 440-9012
Read the Digital Version at: www.RoanMountainMagazine.com
Visit us on Facebook: Facebook.com/RoanMtnMagazine
Roan Mountain Magazine is printed by The Elizabethton Star
Letters to the Editor: We would love to hear from you! Questions, comments, ideas, or whatever you’d like to share, please send to Amy: amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
ABOUT THE COVER:
Photos like this, taken from the top of Roan Mountain on a crisp, clear, winter day, make it clear how the Blue Ridge Mountains got their name.
Photo by Faith Lynn
Note to Readers:
The magazine has fewer pages this month, but not to worry! January is typically a slower time and we'll be back to our full page count very soon!
If you're a writer or photographer and would like to contribute, please reach out to Amy (email address to left).
From all of us to all of you, Happy New Year!
Roan Mountain Magazine
Here we are in a brand-new year and a quarter of the way through this century. (How did that happen?) When I was young, 2025 sounded so far in the future as to be the stuff of science fiction, and I’ll confess that I’m a little disappointed we still don’t have flying cars. Or self-cleaning toilets. But I’m still hopeful at least the latter could happen in my lifetime!
A new year is often a time of resolutions, going back to Roman times. There’s something about the start of the new year that ignites a spark to start fresh. We’ve closed the door on the previous year and have a clean slate ahead of us. After a year like 2024 though, it can be hard to look forward to 2025 with the positive attitudes we typically feel at the start of a new year. It feels more like we’re hanging back a bit, eyeing it warily, prepared for fight or flight should it lunge at us.
That’s an uncomfortable feeling for a perpetual optimist, which I am (as wearisome as my friends sometimes find this trait). I can’t help myself. No matter how bad things get, optimism comes bubbling up to the surface and I find myself looking for the good in the chaos, the silver linings in the clouds, and ways to turn negatives into positives.
And so, here I sit, feeling hopeful about what 2025 might hold and contemplating what I’ll do differently, do better, this year.
Each morning when we wake up is a chance to start something new, be better than we were, and explore new possibilities.
A resolution is nothing more than a goal, and the thing with goals is that we sometimes tend to look only at the end result. Maybe your goal is to be healthier this year. You can see yourself having more energy, accomplishing more, feeling better, and you like the idea of that version of yourself. But we sometimes forget to consider how we’ll get there.
But why wait for the start of a new year to make that happen? We each have a new beginning every morning when we get out of bed and put our feet on the floor, and if we’re being honest with ourselves, that’s when resolutions are either made or broken anyway.
For any goal to happen, we must have a plan that takes us step by step to it, the right attitude, and the discipline to stick to the plan. The plan is the easy part. The right mindset and discipline are often harder. And that comes back to the absolute certainty that what happens when we put our feet on the floor at the beginning of each new day is what gets the job done. As with most things in life, accomplishing any goal comes down to two choices. Quit or keep going.
Whatever your resolutions, goals, plans, or hopes are for the next 12 months, I wish you each success in achieving them. You’ve got this!
Goodbye 2024, and hello 2025!
Amy Campbell Clark Editor amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
Although deer season ended January 5, Tennessee's hunting scene this month is still rich with tradition and opportunity, but it also comes with a set of rules and regulations hunters must heed to ensure sustainability and safety.
Small Game:
Trapping season for fox, mink, muskrat, otter, least weasel and bobcat extends through the end of February. Night hunting for coyotes and bobcats, which was newly introduced, runs through the second Sunday in March, while other small game and furbearers are mostly all in season this month.
Waterfowl:
Waterfowl season wraps up at the end of January, with the daily bag limits for species like scaup varying by date. From January 1 to 31, hunters can take up to two scaup daily, and the overall possession limits are also set. Youth waterfowl hunts are scheduled for February, but January is the last chance for general waterfowl hunting.
GUN TALK WITH JON
January Hunting
By Jon Strydom (aka African Jon)
General Hunting Regulations:
Hunters in Tennessee must possess a valid hunting license for any hunting activity unless exempt by age (under 13) or through certain landowner privileges. License holders are required to adhere to bag limits, which can differ significantly by species and hunting unit.
Safety is paramount, and Tennessee mandates wearing 500 square inches of blaze orange during firearm seasons, including the young sportsman hunts, to enhance visibility and prevent accidents.
Conservation and Ethical Hunting: January's hunting practices in Tennessee are not just about the harvest but also about conservation. The TWRA works to manage wildlife populations through these regulations, ensuring that hunting remains sustainable. Hunters are encouraged to engage in ethical practices, such as not harvesting albino deer, which are protected in Tennessee, and bobcat night hunts have a daily bag limit of one.
Understanding and adhering to these rules not only ensures compliance but also supports the health and longevity of Tennessee's diverse wildlife populations. Remember, for the most current and detailed regulations, always check the TWRAs website: www.tn.gov/twra/hunting/tennessee-huntingseasons-summary.html
Happy New Year!
Muskrat season closes February 28.
Scaup has a two-bag limit in January.
Wearing 500 square inches of orange is required.
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By Noah Blair
Roughly 334 million people call the United States home, and as we turn the calendar to a new year, it’s estimated that 31%, or 103 million Americans, will make various “New Year’s Resolutions.”
The idea of a fresh start with the new year is enticing; it allows us the opportunity of a mental starting point to change or improve the current trajectory of our lives. Most of us have things in our lives we would like to change or improve and if given the road map to achieve the changes we seek, coupled with a guiding hand to help us along the way, we would jump at the chance. The best news in all of this is that we do have the map needed and the best companion we could ever have, not just to walk with us but to lead us every step of the way.
God’s word tells us over and over how much he loves us and is with us along our journey through life. For example, Deuteronomy 31:8 states: “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
That promise, among others, confirms to us that we have someone to travel along with us and that he has already gone before us and secured the path! Once we trust in Christ to be the way maker and rely on him to be the “good shepherd” that John’s gospel teaches us about, we can begin to look at the road map.
The road map is none other than the Bible, as it holds the keys to every facet of our lives. In Hebrews 4 we're told, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
At first, this verse might seem a bit intimidating; the idea of a sword that pierces doesn’t seem very pleasant. The fact is, most of the time it’s not, however like most things of value there is a price one has to pay for them. The good news? You will not find something more valuable than a relationship with the God of the universe and His Son. Forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life are bonus prizes just for trusting in Jesus Christ.
One more point to consider when we self-analyze and consider the changes we could make to, or for, ourselves to improve our lives. We know that our
THE
GRACE PLACE
Heavenly Father is perfect, this matter is no exception. As much as we need at times to change things, and ourselves, to improve our lives, God never changes. He does not change, simply because he does not have to. He is perfect, everything he does is perfect and as our Father, he does that job perfectly too. He loves his children and wants what is best for us even when there are some uncomfortable truths we need to face. I will end with this piece of scripture that once again shows just how much we can trust our Creator.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:1-6
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Photo by Faith Lynn
Finding the Extraordinary in Everyday Moments
By Angie Stoeltzing
I've come to believe that an ordinary life can be an extraordinary life, that there is beauty in imperfection, and that magic can be found in the everyday.
I believe in magic. Not card tricks, and hocus-pocus, those are just illusions. No, I mean real magic. Which is another name for God’s grace. Look around. Real magic surrounds us. Try to see life with the eyes of a child: watch a bird fly, plant a seed, observe things that are hard to explain.
I believe in healing. Not just fixing. Goodness knows we have all been in overdrive since the end of September. We’re exhausted from mending what’s broken.
We’ve all been trying so hard, but I propose we consider, even for a moment, we try softer. We’ve all had to do a lot of white knuckling since the flood, with so many important, life-altering decisions to make. All necessary. We haven’t had a choice but to be strong. I invite you to give yourself permission to lighten, to soften, to remember moments either past or present, and to give yourself permission to take a much needed break. You are a human being, not a human doing – you are more than what you do.
Train yourself to look for everyday glimmers: what I call small moments of joy or peace that come from appreciating simple things, as opposed to triggers, which spark negative feelings. If you train yourself, before long it will come naturally.
Here are a few suggestions to spark imagination and fun:
▪ There is nothing quite like a belly laugh. Having your entire body shake with laughter is one of the greatest feelings in the world! When’s the last time you had a good laugh? What was so funny?
▪ Make time for beauty. What a wonderful feeling it is to stumble across something so surprising and so beautiful that you're completely awestruck. So often
Photo by Faith Lynn
those places are right in front of us just waiting to be discovered. Think of places you’ve lived or visited. What beautiful, surprising discoveries did you make? How can you incorporate beauty into your life today?
▪ Make time for the little things. A wise person once said, “Someone told me to live for the little things in life. Live for 5 a.m. sunrises and 5 p.m. sunsets and you’ll see colors in the sky that don’t usually belong.’ What little things in life make it worth living for you?
▪ Think about what makes you happy, your likes and dislikes. Which do you prefer? Chocolate or vanilla, text message or phone call, mountains or beach, paper books or ebooks, drive-ins or movie theaters, libraries or bookstores, city or country, donuts or bagels, coffee or tea?
▪ Celebrate. We don’t have to wait for a holiday or special occasion to really celebrate things; sometimes it helps make us feel special and festive. If you could create your own holiday, what would it be? How would you celebrate?
▪ Focus on the good. Draw a simple heart on a journal page or piece of paper, write at the top: “What is filling my heart?”
▪ Notice kindness. We’ll never truly know the impact we’ve made on others, but we do see and feel when others make a difference in our lives. A small act of kindness from a stranger can stay with us for the rest of our lives. The selfless acts of kindness we experienced and witnessed in the past few months are amazing, and some we may never learn of this side of eternity. Think of a gesture that’s stuck with you.
▪ Live in the moment. When you wash the dishes, washing the dishes should be the most important thing in your life. Just as when you are drinking your coffee, petting your dog, watering your plants, or playing with your children. Play slowly, drink slowly, without rushing toward the future. Live the actual moment.
Last thoughts: Look for glimmers. The practice of noticing and appreciating glimmers can cue your nervous system to relax and have a positive effect on your health. Try and find a glimmer a day! Stop trying harder, try softer instead.
Let us always lead with love, not only for others but for ourselves as well.
Cloudland Designated a Reward School
In November, the Tennessee Department of Education released reward school designations. Each year, schools and districts are eligible for designations based on their overall performance across indicators that are essential to student success. These include: how they prepared students to be proficient (achievement), accelerated student learning (growth), encouraging students to attend school regularly (chronically out of school), prepared students for postsecondary success (graduation rate and Ready Graduate), and supported English learners acquiring language skills.
Cloudland High School made the list for the second time, after also being distinguished in the 22-23 school year.
Although Cloudland is a small rural school, faculty and staff continue to exemplify excellence in educating the students in our community.
"For us to be one of only five high schools in the First TN region to receive this honor along with North Greene High School, South Greene High School, Dobyns-Bennett High School, and University School, is really something special. Not to mention receiving this designation back to back years,” said Dr. Amy Horney, Cloudland principal. “We are striving to meet each student's academic needs where they are at, and the growth and achievement are the results. Our teachers and staff care deeply about our students, school, and community and strive to help each student be the best version of themselves they can be. We are blessed to be Highlanders!"
Roan Mountain Magazine would like to extend congratulations to the school, staff and faculty for this distinction!
News Note: Roan Mountain Magazine is currently talking with Cloudland about multiple ways of getting students involved with the magazine and we look forward to working with staff and students on coming issues!
22 - 23 23 - 24
INGREDIENTS
1 lb lamb shanks (about 2 medium shanks) or 2 lbs leg of lamb
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
2 bay leaves
3 medium cloves garlic
3 leeks washed and sliced
1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
8-10 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 medium carrots, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 medium parsnip, finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
1 turnip, peeled and diced
1 rutabaga, peeled and diced
1 medium russet potato, finely diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
1/2 cup pearl barley
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
DIRECTIONS
TASTE ROAN of the
Scotch Broth
Submitted by Angela Greene
Angela prepares this traditional Scottish soup on Burns Night (January 25), a celebration of Robert Burns, the National Poet of Scotland. Given the Scottish heritage in our community, we thought it fitting.
Enjoy!
Selkirk Grace
Traditional blessing said before meal on Burns Night Some hae meat an canna eat, And some wad eat that want it; But we hae meat, and we can eat, And sae the Lord be thankit.
Translation: Some have meat but cannot eat, Some have none that want it; But we have meat and we can eat, So let the Lord be thanked.
• Season lamb shank with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over high heat until lightly smoking. Add lamb shanks and cook, turning occasionally, until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes total.
• Remove shanks and set aside.
• Add onions and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly softened, about 2 minutes.
• Add garlic and bay leaves and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add broth, and return shanks to pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to a bare simmer, cover, and cook until lamb shanks are tender and meat is pulling away from the bone, about 2 hours.
• Skim the fat with a ladle or large spoon.
• Remove the shanks from the stock. When cool enough to handle, gently remove the meat from the bones and tear it into bite-sized pieces. Reserve.
• Bring the stock back to a simmer and add leeks, carrot, parsnip, potato, and pearl barley. Cook until the barley is tender, about 25 minutes, then return the shredded meat to the pot.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper, stir in parsley, and serve.
If you have a family recipe or just a favorite dish you’d like to share, get in touch – we might be able to include it in an upcoming issue. Ideally with seasonally available ingredients, and if you have a photo of the prepared dish, send that along too! amy@roanmountainmagazine.com
January
Fun, Facts and Frivolity
January Flowers: Carnation and snowdrop
Birthstone: Garnet (Thought to keep the wearer safe while traveling)
Signs: Capricorn and Aquarius
Full Moon: Wolf Moon, thought to come from the Saxon word wulf-monath, which means "month of the wolf"
Fun Fact:
January was named after the Roman God Janus, the twofaced God, with one face looking forward and one looking back. He was also the protector of doorways and gates, symbolizing beginnings and endings. Romans made promises to Janus, in return for wishes being granted, which is thought to have been a precursor to New Year’s resolutions.
January Weather:
• On average, January is the coldest month o the year in the Northern Hemisphere
• Perihelion, when the Earth's orbit is nearest the Sun, always happens in early January, about two weeks after the Winter Solstice (this year it was January 4)
• Fog in January is thought to bring a wet spring
• A warm January is thought to mean a cool/cold spring (no danger of that this year!)
Holidays of Old
January 7, the day after Epiphany was once called Distaff Day and marked when the women went back to spinning after the 12-day Christmas celebration. A distaff is a wooden rod (staff) that holds flax or wool. Before the spinning wheel was invented, spinning was slowly and tediously done on a drop spindle. As is often the case, it’s hard to go back to work after the holidays and not much got done! The women’s husbands would mischievously try to set fire to the flax on their wives’ distaffs, while the women, lying in wait, would retaliate with humor by dousing their husbands with buckets of water.
From The Old Farmer's Almanac
January Holidays
1 - New Year's Day, beginning of the calendar year
3 - National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
4 - National Spaghetti Day
5 - National Bird Day
6 - Epiphany, when the Magi brought gifts to baby Jesus
10 - National Save the Eagles Day
12 - National Pharmacists Day
14 - Ratification Day
15 - National Hat Day
16 - National Nothing Day
17 - National Bootleggers Day (really)
20 - Presidential Inauguration Day and MLK Day (this year)
21 - Squirrel Appreciation Day
22 - National Answer Your Cat's Questions Day
23 - National Pie Day
25 - Burn's Night, a Scottish holiday celebrating Scottish poet Robert Burns (he contributed to writing Auld Lang Syne, among other things)
27 - Holocaust Remembrance Day and National Chocolate Cake Day
31 - National Hot Chocolate Day
January is National Blood Donor Month, National Book Month, National Thank You Month, and National Soup Month!
Historic January Events
1, 1735 – Birth of American Patriot Paul Revere
1, 1776 – George Washington unveiled the Grand Union Flag, our first American flag
1, 1863 – Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation
1, 1892 – Ellis Island opened as an immigration station.
1, 1908 – First year the ball was dropped at midnight in New York City
2, 1947 – Mahatma Gandhi began his March for Peace
3, 1959 – Alaska became the 49th state
4, 1790 – President George Washington delivered the first State of the Union Address
4, 1847 – Samuel Colt signed his first contract with the US Government, for 1,000 .44 revolvers
6, 1412 – Birth of Joan of Arc
7, 1610 – Galileo discovered four of Jupiter’s moons
8, 1935 – Birth of Elvis Presley
13, 1943 – Hitler declared “total war” against the Allies
14, 1784 – Congress ratified a treaty with England ending the Revolutionary War
15, 1943 – The Pentagon opened (at the time the largest office building in the world at 6.5 million square feet)
21, 1799 – Edward Jenner introduced the Smallpox vaccine, which eventually eradicated the disease
24, 1935 – Beer was first sold in cans.
29, 1900 – American Baseball League was founded.
30, 1835 – Andrew Jackson survived the first assassination attempt on a US President
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Carissa Bailey
Carissa Bailey is our Gift Shop Coordinator here at Roan Mountain State Park. She is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the shop, including selecting & displaying merchandise and helping our many visitors find just the right item. Originally from the Tri-Cities, Carissa attended Happy Valley and holds a degree from Northeast State. She enjoys exploring her creative side both at work and at home. Her gorgeous hand-lettering is featured on all our slate signs. She draws, paints, and is currently learning to sew. Carissa loves spending time with her family, including her two older sisters, and her dog, Bandit.
NEWS FROM THE ROAN
By Marcianne O'Day Park Ranger
Roan Mountain State Park
If you’re a local maker with merchandise you think would fit well in our shop, please contact our gift shop at (423) 547-3906. We prioritize locally-made and “green” items. We’d love to hear from you!
Nestled at the northern gateway to Roan Mountain State Park, our gift shop is a must-visit for those looking to take home souvenirs of our beautiful Appalachian landscape. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., we offer a delightful variety of Roan Mountain-themed gifts, souvenirs, and tasty snacks that celebrate our region's rich culture and natural beauty.
We proudly feature a selection of locally and regionally sourced items. Visitors can find refreshing Dr. Enuf, our beloved East Tennessee drink, along with books by local and regional authors, perfect for any literature enthusiast. For those who love outdoor adventures, there are hiking sticks from Bristol Classics, and we have locally made jams from Das Jamhaus in Limestone, Tennessee.
Also available are Roan Mountain Soap & Candle products, perfect for bringing a bit of the park’s tranquility home, along with elderberry syrups from The JC Syrup Shop and handcrafted goods from Shell Creek Sellers.
Whether you're looking for a unique gift, a local treat, or something to remember your visit by, the Roan Mountain State Park Gift Shop has something special for everyone. If you’re looking for a bargain, we often have discounted items as seasons change. Come in and explore!
Cold Mountain Adventure
A Short Story by Diana Tolley
The air was crisp and cold, with the smells of winter all around the east Tennessee mountains. Old Rufus Street leaned up against a tall pine tree and looked out over the Roan High Bluff. Snow covered the ground in varying depths due to the wind playing hide and seek over the last couple of hours. Every now and then ice crystals tapped his ruddy cheeks as if to say, “How ya’ like that, my friend?”
Rufus appreciated the windbreak provided by the wooded area behind him because the wind across the lookout surely felt like a well-honed knife. He’d spent many years traipsin’ about over every inch of the Roan, and every year he’d noticed changes in the old girl. A lot of trees now stood dead here and yonder, destroyed by the Balsam Wooly, but nature had a way of makin’ up for it. Young saplings would take off in the spring, and the verdant undergrowth would flourish to protect them until they grew big enough to survive. Rufus loved how the good Lord always took care of things like that. A man could count on Him to make the very best from the worst. That was a fact, sure enough.
The wind blew some a scattering of leaves across the huge rock just out from where he stood. His eyes followed as they drifted further out and over the cliff. When the gust picked up a bit more, Rufus wondered about the storm he could see off in the distance. Might get more snow before morning, or maybe just sleet, but that was OK by him. He’d never minded winter, figuring it was just resting time for the mountain ridges he’d lived on and loved all of his life. Spring would be just around the corner and then the Roan would wake up, stretching her beauty as far as the eye could see.
In the middle of his musings, Rufus suddenly heard the snap and crackle of steps on the dried twigs
and leaves behind him. He didn’t dare move an inch, holding steady, breathing in and out quietly. Keeping his eyes straight ahead and his ears open, he waited. There was a short silence followed by more sounds of whatever wildlife was behind him.
A deer, he figured, but didn’t get too excited. He wasn’t hunting today, just enjoying the mountain. Slowly, he slid his right foot to the side, to better support the rest of his body then quietly straightened. The movements behind him stopped, so Rufus held his breath a minute. He kept the relaxed position, anticipating that the deer might show to his left if he could be absolutely still for a little bit longer. He moved his head just a tad to better hear above the wind. The cervine apparently wasn’t picking up his scent because it was upwind; long as the gusts didn’t change direction, it should keep making its way toward him without fear.
The sounds of movement grew closer as the minutes ticked by. Rufus needed to move his hands as they were stiffening from the cold, but he didn’t. His nose had started to run a bit and he knew if he sniffed, he’d never get a chance to see his visitor, so he didn’t. Doing so would make the deer take off faster than the leaves he’d been watching earlier.
Slowly, the frozen ground heralded the approach of the animal, steps so soft he could barely pick up on them. There was still no grunts or snorts, but he could tell it was a cautious sort. A step or two then pause, a half step then pause. Instincts were high for both man and animal, just as they should be.
Rufus’s heartbeat sped up as his cold lips formed a grin. He couldn’t wait to see the deer. He imagined in his mind a big, thick-furred buck with a rack to be proud of. Maybe, an eight or ten pointer, he thought to himself. He caught the soft disturbance of pine needles and brambles that indicated it was almost within view. Rufus took a slow, deep breath, then held it as he slowly turned his head toward the animal.
The cold wind was making his eyes water like a sieve, but he knew it couldn’t distort the image of what he saw. Chills raised on his arms but not just from the twenty-degree temperature. Chills also ran up and down his backbone but not just because he’d been motionless for a long time. Indeed, they weren’t covering his entire body due to appreciation for the mountain majesty surrounding him.
The big cougar standing right at six feet away from him was the source of his marble-sized goosebumps.
As he stood perfectly still, his heartbeat in his
throat, the mountain lion turned its head and looked straight at him. A low caterwaul signaled either it had been aware of him the whole time, or that it recognized Rufus was pretty far down on the food chain.
Either way, to his way of thinking, this was bad. Thoughts skittered through his mind in rapid succession. He couldn’t exactly say that his life flashed before his eyes, but he was remembering a lot of things in a short amount of time. The cougar kept his eyes pinned on Rufus, with head lowered. It growled, low and deep. But it was loud enough over the wind to pump heat into Rufus’s frozen limbs. He felt a flush creep up his neck as his fight or flight instinct suddenly kicked into high gear.
There was no use running, though. The big cat would be on him in a blink. He had his gun but he was pretty sure that by the time he could bat an eyelash, it would already have him. They were too close for him to possibly get any more than one shot off, so his mind raced. Everything his Pap had told him about dangers in the wild sort of clashed into a tangle of driedup weeds in his head. the list, he thought, that the wind keeps blowin’ downwind. Second, play statue and maybe it’ll think I’m a tree.
He almost snorted at the raw humor of that. The big cat’s pupils were very aware of what and who he was. The next thought was less than helpful but in that kind of situation, a person was doing good to control his bodily functions, let alone his brain. What in the world is a cougar doing on top of this mountain in winter? he realized that didn’t matter nor help the situation in the least.
He moved his eyes slowly down the entire length of the animal. Gaging its weight to be well over a hundred pounds, maybe six or seven feet long, he guessed it to be an older male, maybe just out for some quality time alone. Like himself.
beside the bed. He’d prayed for the protection of his children and grandchildren, but for the life of him, he couldn’t remember asking for his own safety.
Okay, Lord. Just in case I forgot this morning, I’d like to ask for my protection against all harm, evil and sickness. Including gettin’ mauled by my friend here. He prayed silently with his eyes closed. And Lord, I’d like to ask that this wild cat standing a few feet from me be well fed and feelin’ neighborly. I don’t wanna be presumptuous here, Lord, but I’m no threat to him and if you could maybe move him along, I’d be the best tickled child you have, right about now.
Rufus slowly cracked one eye open and saw the cougar blink. It turned its head to look out over the bluff and hissed one more time before looking back towards him.
That notion brought on a snort before he could stop it. Dumb. That was just plain dumb. The cougar heard it and laid its ears back with an intimidating hiss. If it was possible, Rufus stilled even more. He didn’t dare breathe; didn’t dare blink.
He remembered praying on his knees that morning,
The mountain lion stood there for maybe thirty long seconds, then eased over to the edge of the woods and leaped off the rock, headed down the mountain towards North
Time stood still for a bit.
The wind died down and silence stretched over the surrounding area.
Taking a deep breath, Rufus Street inhaled, then slowly blew it all out. His ears still rang a little from the amped up adrenaline surge but, as his heartbeat gradually slowed, a Bible verse from the book of Psalm came to him so clearly. No sound permeated the area around him. No wind, no creaking of the trees, nothing.
“Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Rufus quoted out loud, his voice reverent in the stillness.
And as his legs finally moved in the direction that would lead him home, he smiled, before speaking.
“Let’s me and you talk about this heathen word, Lord. Cause I’m sure you was referring right then to that cougar. But even if you wasn’t, I’m mighty thankful you heard something else besides my knees knockin’ together.”
He stopped and looked at the view spread out before him. Roan Mountain. Home.
Yep, Rufus thought, A man sure could count on the Lord to make the best out of the worst. That’s a fact. Grinning, he went on down the mountain.
Winter Word Search Fun & Games
(For
kids of ALL ages!)
Blanket
Boots
Brumation
Carnation
Earmuffs
Evergreen
Firewood
Flannel
Frigid
Garnet
Hibernate
Hot Chocolate
Ice Skating
Icicle
January
Mittens
Rime
Ski
Sledding
Snow
Snowflakes
Soup
Thermometer
Windy
Winter
Wolf Moon
FIND 10 DIFFERENCES
Dart Night Every Tuesday, 7 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E (423) 732-0450
Karaoke with Jesse
Every Friday 7 pm to 11 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E (423) 732-0450
17 Hampton Creek Cove
Clean-up
9 am - noon
760 Hampton Creek Road (Hosted by RM State Park)
Help clean up storm debris in left prong of Hampton Creek. (888) 867-2757
(event listed on Facebook)
17 Krazy Karaoke with Jesse
7 pm - 11 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E
Celebrating Jessi's 6th anniversary (423) 732-0450
(event listed on Facebook)
18 Men's Monthly Breakfast
8:30 am
Lower Shell Creek Christian
Food and fellowship for men/boys of any age.
(event listed on Facebook)
18 Peg Leg Mine Geoventure
1 pm to 3 pm
RM State Park Visitor’s Center
1.2 mile hike back in time to explore the geology and iron mining history of Roan Mountain. (888) 867-2757
(event listed on Facebook; must register)
18 Music Circle
3 - 5 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E
Local talent gather to jam together, all musicians welcome. (423) 732-0450
19 Beginner's Fly Tying
2 - 4 pm
Participants will learn the basics of the art of fly-tying and make their very first fly. (888) 867-2757
(event listed on Facebook; must register)
24 Senses of the Night Hike
8 pm
RM State Park Visitor’s Center
Park Ranger Rodriguez will lead you through the dark on a half mile hike and discuss nocturnal wildlife. (888) 867-2757
(event listed on Facebook; must register)
25 Twang Bangers Concert
7:30 pm
The Appalachian Station at 19E 9367 Hwy 19E
Texas Alt Country with a bit of Tennessee Twang (423) 732-0450
(event listed on Facebook)
What’s Going On ...
January Events
25 Tree Ring Printmaking
6 pm
RM State Park Visitor’s Center
Use repurposed wood from Hurricane Helene to create your very own work of art!. (888) 867-2757
(event listed on Facebook; must register)
28 Paint a New Year
Snowman
6 pm (come early to order dinner)
H & H Whiteway Grill 7317 Hwy 19E
Tennessee Mountain Arts leads guests in acrylic painting party. (423) 772-3289
(event listed on Facebook)
If you would like to attend an event hosted by Roan Mountain State Park but can't afford the fee, Roan Mountain Magazine might be able to sponsor you! Email request to amy@roanmountainmagazine. com
To have your events included, send them to: amy@ roanmountainmagazine. com
THE LAST WORD
The Benefits of Cold Weather
By Noah Blair
On average, January is the coldest month of the year, a fact that most of us are all too familiar with. The majority of people look at the cold as a negative because with the cold comes things like snow, ice, higher power bills, etc. No one likes slipping on ice or having our monthly bills increase, however, the cold temperatures have a purpose, and because of the cold temperatures, we can enjoy the rest of the year much more richly. The cooler weather has major impacts on the world around. While some can be negative and cause us to change our daily lives, the majority of effects from the cold are instrumental in how the rest of the year plays out. Things like the water table, a decrease in pests, and even our own mental and physical health are positively impacted by colder temperatures.
The impact of cold on Nature can last all year long. Soil is the largest beneficiary; cold temperatures and any snow that comes with it provide several major benefits for the soil. The first is efficient germination. Perennial (plants that come back annually) shrubs and trees use the warmer months to collect energy and store that energy in their roots. They then use winter as a time to build strength for the spring season where they will emerge stronger and better than the year before.
Snow does two very important jobs: it fertilizes and insulates the ground. Nitrogen attaches to snowflakes as they fall through our atmosphere and is then dispersed in our soil, as much as two to twelve pounds per acre as the snow melts away. The Old Farmer’s Almanac calls snow “the poor man’s fertilizer”. Snow insulates the soil as it rests on top of the ground, which helps prevent cold air above from causing deeper freezes. This is important because the deeper the soil freezes the greater the impact it has on plant root systems. The very same root systems
mentioned earlier, which store energy to produce robust and beautiful plants for the rest of the year.
Our physical and mental health are also positively impacted by the colder weather. The number one documented New Year’s Resolution has stayed the same for the past decade – to lose weight. The good news for those resolutioners beginning their fitness journeys this month is that cold can boost our metabolism enough to help burn those stubborn fat cells.
Another big bonus of frigid temperatures is a decrease in inflammation. Just like when we apply ice to our twisted ankles, the cold acts as an anti-inflammatory agent which helps minimize some pain. Unless you were to slip and fall of course.
Improved brain function is also a product of the frigid winter weather. Other bonuses are fewer allergies, enhanced circulation, and faster recovery after workouts.
The winter season has its challenges and difficulties, which can make our daily lives more difficult. But hopefully after reading a few of these benefits of colder weather you can at the very least acknowledge the silver lining in the cloud of winter.
The fact is when God created our planet He created it perfectly, and that includes winter weather. So do not blame Dave Dierks on channel 5 or get mad at the weather app on your phone when incoming winter storms are forecasted. You can choose to be mad at God if you want, but you will be on your own; this ol’ boy won’t be going after the God of our universe. Instead, I’ll do my best to remain positive and appreciate all the good that comes from the chilly temperatures and slippery snow!
Stay warm and safe, and don’t forget, God Loves You!
Winter on the Roan. Taken at Carver's Gap.
Photo by Faith Lynn
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