Tales of Frentress Lake

A compilation of short stories, poems, and custom jewelry reflecting love, life, nature, and the river - “Todd Malcolm” Todd D Malcolm

inspiration for my storytelling and jewelry design comes from my love of nature and the river. Having the opportunity to explore the outdoors by hiking and boating has opened my

of creativity. Come along with me on this journey of adventure. Told through stories and jewelry that can be adorned for a lifetime.

Springwell

Tales of Frentress Lake

© 2020 by Todd Malcolm Creations To view Stories From The Heart Collection visit Malcolm Jewelers at www.malcolmjewelers.com. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author. © 2020 Todd Malcolm Creations, INC Copyright © 2020 by Todd Malcolm Creations 2

- “Todd Malcolm”

Table of Contents WHO KNOWS WHERE THE TIME GOES? 5 WE HOLD OUR LOVE TOGETHER 6 BANKS OF THE RIVER 7 THE NEST 8 MASTERPIECE 9 CATTAIL 10 SOUNDS OF NATURE................................................................................................................................ 11 HIGH WATERS 12 BACKWATERS................................................................................................................................................14 BAPTISM ON THE RIVER 16 FISH CROSS PENDANT..............................................................................................................................17 OUR LITTLE RIVER TOWN 18 RIVER TIME................................................................................................................................................... 21 THE ART OF CLOUDS 23 SPRING HAS SPRUNG................................................................................................................................24 HEARTS OF LOVE IN FULL BLOOM 25 LADY SWAN....................................................................................................................................................26 OH, I WISH I COULD FLY 27 OUR RIVER BOAT QUEEN.......................................................................................................................28 A SUMMER EVENING ON THE RIVER 30 IN THE MOMENT........................................................................................................................................31 FREEDOM BUTTERFLY 33 STORY NIGHT...............................................................................................................................................34 SUNSET FALLS 35 OUR FALLING STAR...................................................................................................................................36 HUGS N KISSES 37 FLIGHT OF THE EAGLE...........................................................................................................................38 MESSAGE IN THE BOTTLE 39 SAILING AWAY..............................................................................................................................................43 © 2020 Todd Malcolm Creations, INC Copyright © 2020 by Todd Malcolm Creations 3

WHO KNOWS WHERE THE TIME GOES?

Enjoying the dusk of the evening orange skies

With my love by my side

Waiting patiently for the night skies

While nervously preparing for the twinkling of the starlight

So, I can kiss my girl for the love I can no longer hide

Who knows where the time goes

Where the endless river flows

Following downstream to eternity

For a moment time stands still

On the bluff and the hills

Where we always gather to watch the sunset

Right into the darkness of dawn

So thankful for the gift of daybreak

Where nature blesses us

To a brand-new day

As the years pass

We never wavered

It’s our love letter to one another

In our favorite spot

On the bluff overlooking the river

WWe Hold Our Love Together is a jewelry piece inspired by the strength of love and the beauty of that love that bonds us together. In today's ever-changing world we are constantly striving to find our unique place. As we travel through life there are those, we can count on to be there for us. Let’s stop and cherish them as they hold our love together.

Jewelry designer Todd Malcolm presents the We Hold Our Love

Together pendant expressing the strength of the love that ties together family, friends, and lovers. With its heart wrapped by a common thread, We Hold Our Love Together is a symbol of the bond between those who we love.

BANKS OF THE RIVER

The light shines on the banks of the river

Sun settles below the treetops

Where the branches shine golden

People with their boats head off the river for the day

As the sky fades blue to gray

The wild fowl goes silent

Enjoying the peaceful time

They to head into the branches

To nest down for the nighttime

Black night arrives

Moon and stars shine bright

Crickets, insects, and frogs take over the night

Orchestrating sounds of beauty until daylight

The day repeats itself in glory

Where the banks of the river tell nature’s story

THE NEST

A turquoise egg has fallen so gently from its nest

Cradled so softly on the bladed grass

As an observer of nature, I cannot be content to rest

While Mother Robin has flown the coupe

I will ever so quietly place the baby’s egg back in its nest

Interfering with nature is not my plan

But I hope a little understanding of humanity

Between animal and man

Is the cornerstone to God’s plan

MASTERPIECE

Fall arrives and our pallet is full of vibrant colors of yellow, red, orange, maroon, brown, and green foliage. Guided by strokes of creativity nature paints its masterpiece each year of our existence.

As we journey through the forest we look up into the canopy and the covered ground below. All we know is nature has placed the colorful quilt of memories to cherish nature's simple treasures for all to behold.

Taking quiet time for yourself along the banks of the waterfront has a calming effect on your mind and soul. Tranquil water creates a relaxing atmosphere as you listen to the sounds and harmony of crickets and birds chirping and frogs croaking. Beautiful cattails line the shore, creating a utopia as you enjoy life's special moments.

Award-winning jewelry designer Todd Malcolm presents Cattail, a rectangle pendant design featuring the cattail and either the sun or moon, depending on the moment of the day that captures you Todd uses the sun and moon in many of his designs as they signify that there is always hope in life and dreams to be reaching for, just beyond the horizon.

SOUNDS OF NATURE

Leaves blanket the forest floor with multitudes of Different shapes and colors

It’s a sign that winter is just around the corner

Walking through nature's bed of leaves

Creates a crunching sound beneath your feet

Creating solitude where we can retreat

Knowing it is a gift to be a part of the simple sounds of nature’s beat

HIGH WATERS

Water risen above the banks

Creating no shore to see

River floating with debris

Uprooted trees, barrels, old docks floating freely.

The way nature had attended it to be

Showing us the wrath and power of rising water

On our native land

Reminding the folks that live along the river

To hold on, that nature has the upper hand

Once Mother Nature has cooperated

And the water has receded back to shore

Family, friends, and folks along the river

Get started by pitching in and helping one another

Cleaning up beaches, yards, basements, and other related chores

A small sacrifice that we along the river are willing

To endure for our sanctuary

Creating every day, the solitude of beauty, nature,

Peace and tranquility

Forming the unwritten creed, we all go by, in that

It’s the price we pay

Each and every way

To live night and day

We pray

As a true believer Of custodians of the river

BACKWATERS

An early morning kayak ride down the backwaters of the Mississippi with not a care in the world. As the fog lifts off the surface of the water. I purvey the beauty and landscape to see what nature has to offer. Sun shining with blue skies above, with thick green foliage aligning both sides of the banks creates a wonderful summer day. The tranquil water without a ripple, creates a mirrored finish, showcasing the perfect backdrop of a masterful painting for all eyes to behold.

The light and shade created by the trees off the water forms a silhouette of my paddling technique as I push on in my journey. As I continue my voyage, a bald eagle soars above the wind current acting as my personal tour guide. Inviting me to follow on with him on this day-long adventure.

As I move onward the backwaters come alive with the sounds of wildlife. Birds calling out to one another in peaceful harmony. Water bugs scurry on the surface of the water, leaving small V-shaped wakes behind them. As I look ahead many small silver fish playfully leap out of the water, while splashing down, forming a round circular ripple effect. Giving the impression of coins being thrown from a wishing well.

By now I am lost in the moment just like nature had attended it to be. There is a true reason why it is called God’s country. Giving this

Todd Malcolm Creations

new-aged Huck Finn a place to unwind. and take in the moment of solitude that surrounds me.

Around each bend of the river is a new oasis to be awakened to. A large area of lily pads with white flowers blanket the surface of the water. Hidden beneath the lily pads are large fish hiding in dark pools, waiting to ambush a frog, cricket, insect, or the lucky cast of a fisherman’s lure that have perched themselves on top of the pads.

As I move forward to the next bend of the river. An old hollow dead tree aligns the banks half submerged in the water. Where a half dozen turtles take refuge to sunbathe for warmth on this hot summer day. As I wipe the perspiration from my brow with my hand. I witness a Blue Heron waiting quietly in the shallows to snatch up a small fish in his beak and quickly swallow it whole for nourishment Seeing life and death in the backwaters is part of nature’s cycle of life.

As my path up the river narrows, up ahead I see the end of the backwaters spilling into the main channel of the river. All good things must come to an end. I can’t stay forever. I must paddle on home. Nature said I am welcomed back. I just hope it is sooner than later

by Todd Malcolm Creations

BAPTISM ON THE RIVER

Lift the veil

Morning has arrived

River calm

Here comes the daylight

Fog lifts

Sun rolls in

Birds harmonize and touch your soul within

Not a cloud, nothing but blue sky

Open your eyes

Relent to an uncluttered mine

Have faith

Trust in the divine

Let everything unfold in natures sanctuary

Step into the river

Where family, friends, and folks gather

Rejoice Rejoice

Baptism on the river

Hallelujah Hallelujah

It’s a brand-new day

F T

The fish symbol transcends differences in culture and denominations and symbolizes faith in Jesus Christ. In ancient times the fish symbol predated the cross. By combining the two symbols together into one unique cross Todd created a pendant representing a strong bond and expression of faith in Jesus.

Award-winning jewelry designer Todd Malcolm has designed the Fish Cross Pendant to be worn as your profession of faith. The pendant consists of one large fish placed vertically and two smaller fish placed horizontally. The three fish are interwoven to form a cross and to represent a community of believers.

OUR LITTLE RIVER TOWN

Summertime on the river

Where life can’t get any better

So, sit back and smile

As we forget about life for a while

Diving off docks

Skipping rocks

Nature has dealt its peaceful hand

While our toes are in the sand

Life on the water

Tells the story

Of our glory

While we our river bound

Where birds and waterfowl create the joy-full sound

In our little river town

Hidden in the backwaters

Home to muddy waters

Our homes align the shores

Where we spend time floating on rafts on a hot summer day

While enjoying neighborly ways

Where people take the time to

Wave, smile and ask about your day

As the weekend arrives

The world comes alive

Folks bask in the outdoors

Boats going up and down the river at full-bore

While waves roll a shore

Dock poles cling, cling, cling in unison

Echo like chimes

As natures freedom rings

This is how we along the river

Enjoy the sounds of our summer dreams

Light of the day fades

Orange skies follow

As two dance freely

Forming a silhouette

In front of the sunset

Gliding ever so gracefully into the night

Oh, what a sight

As they gaze into one another’s eyes

They say to one another

Oh, what a paradise

A place where we choose to smile

Because there are no frowns

In our little river town

RIVER TIME

Walking away from the daily grind

To enjoy my river time

Escape to a life of leisure

And a day full of simple pleasures

Warm sand

Working on my tan

Waves tumbling at my feet

Searching the shore for unique shells and rocks that intrigue me

With anticipation and excitement

I wash them off with glee

To see the treasures nature has left for me

Nature, walk along with me

To unearth each grain of sand

Helping me find hidden treasure

Teach me the way of the land

For this is part of this explorer’s master plan

As I continue my day

I stroll down natures waterway

Leaving footsteps in the sand

I pick up a piece of old driftwood

And throw it into the deep well of the muddy Mississippi

To watch it drift to uncertainty

Stated simply

My day is complete

Oh, what a journey

THE ART OF CLOUDS

I love to go to the river to swim and look up at the clouds and find life in images created by clouds.

Using your imagination to find eagles, angels, butterflies soaring in the blue sky, creating a wonderful day. You must look quickly because in a moment they are gone in the wind.

The blue sky is the canvas backdrop and your paintbrush highlighted with white paint serves as your tool to creativity.

It’s universal for all to participate, that’s the beauty of it all. Finding your inner you, in a relaxing fun-filled way.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Seeds germinate in the cold underground

In the call of spring, plants erupt

Reaching for the sunlight

In search of its guiding light

To blossom

Standing tall, firm, and green

Followed by a rainbow of colored dreams

Painting the world bright

Creating our spring delight

Goodbye tomb of winter

Time to remove your winter coat

Days become longer

Show me all that we will discover

Time to get out

Full fill dreams

Be a part of nature’s offspring

Shine bright my March queen

Serenade me with the songs of spring

Accompanied by the choir of birds and wildlife that surrounds me

2020 Todd Malcolm Creations, INC

HEARTS OF LOVE IN FULL BLOOM

Spring has sprung and the excitement of nature and life blooming into a beautiful flower is symbolic in many ways. To bloom is to change and develop fully in life’s journey. Enjoying the stages of growth and fulfillment as a couple or an individual makes you stronger and confident and full of vigor and achievement.

Award-winning jewelry designer Todd Malcolm showcases for your pleasure the Hearts of Love in Full Bloom pendant. Todd’s vision is to incorporate eight heart shapes interwoven into a pattern of a blooming flower, highlighted with eight beautiful pedals.

In the numerical world, the number eight’s spiritual meaning and symbolism resonate with authority, self-confidence, inner strength and wisdom, social status, ego, but most importantly, the love of humanity and the desire for peace.

LADY SWAN

The eloquent movement of the swan gracefully strolling along the lake captivates many. With her head held high and proud and chest arched, she exudes confidence as she navigates in her environment. The swan ' s beautiful image reflecting off the surface of the water reminds us she is the queen of the lake.

The pendant Lady Swan is a free-form design featuring a silhouette of a swan, commemorating a creature of power and grace, and symbolizing the attributes of today's woman.

OH, I WISH I COULD FLY

River gull the acrobats in the sky

Always filling the blue sky

Traces of the white blur

Seen through my eyes

Floating on the wind current

Oh, I wish I could fly

Diving for its next meal

Oh, I wish I could fly

Calling out its freedom

A songbird, singing in perfect harmony

While casually flying the friendly skies

Oh, I wish I could fly

Flying just above the water line

Then an abrupt vertical climb

Way above the treetops

Touching freedoms skyline

Gone in the wind

Until next time

River gull fly high

OUR RIVER BOAT QUEEN

Hot summer night

Cruise leaves at sunset on a Saturday night

Conductor takes our ticket

So, climb aboard

It’s time to leave the shore

Captain barks out to the crew

Unhook the ropes from her morn

Sing a song to me

My riverboat queen

Picking up speed

Bow to keel carving through the water to a new destiny

Air whistle blows

Organ music echo’s

Folks dancing on the top deck in the breeze

While enjoying conversation while drinks flow

Creating a moment that sets us all at ease

2020 Todd Malcolm Creations, INC

The powerful paddle wheel rotates

Going around and around

Creating a cool refreshing mist

As we exchange our first evening kiss

Riverboat captain

Cast the wheel hard to starboard

Follow the moonlight

Hidden amongst the starlight

It’s our beacon of light

On this endless romantic night

A SUMMER EVENING ON THE RIVER

Living along the riverside

Where the boats ride freely

And the sunshine’s deeply

On a peaceful evening night

The water-logged heron sits patiently on the warm dock

Drip drying while basking in the late sunset

Not worrying about nature's clock

Using his long beak to groom and straighten

His feathers for evening flight

Preparing him for his destination which will be to settle

Into the treetops for a warm good night

Capturing nature's simple pleasures in are lifetime

Where we don’t feel greedy

And not in a hurry

Because natures unfold its wrath of beauty

So, we can enjoy the journey

A great ending on our first day of vacation

Can’t wait for what tomorrow brings

On our summer fling

IN THE MOMENT

In the shade

In the shadows

Hidden from civilization

To watch nature be

Being an observer of nature

They way God had intended

It to be

Be still not even a twitch

Don’t want to interrupt

The miracle in front of me

As glimpses of simple pleasures

Unfold

In its rare and raw beauty

A tip of a stick pops up in the river

It wasn’t there seconds ago

Is it a turtle just saying hello

I believe so

The caterpillar walks slowly

Down the branch ever so gracefully

That power’s thee

As nature changes in time

So, will the caterpillar in his prime

As it metamorphoses into a beautiful butterfly

As it takes flight

Into the night

Flapping his wings

Waving bye, bye

Freedom

That’s the joy of nature

Talking to me

In the moment

FREEDOM BUTTERFLY

Floating, soaring, and drifting on the beautiful wind current of life in search of that never-ending feeling of love, peace, and freedom in our everyday life.

Award-winning jewelry designer Todd Malcolm has a motto that he goes by when designing jewelry in that “Unique jewelry should hold personal interest, thus creating a conversational piece when worn for personal adornment.” So, the next time you are out in public, and someone compliments you on your “Freedom Butterfly “Pendant. Ask them if they can find sublimely hidden the three symbols of the heart, peace sign, and the butterfly. Live life to the fullest and on your terms, soaring on the wings of the “Freedom Butterfly “Either it be at work, play, or with family and friends this is a feeling to which to strive for, pursue your life dreams and ambitions and go for it!

STORY NIGHT

The moon rises into the night

Stars scattered bright

River calm through the moonlight

As friends gather in a circle

Around the fire on a Saturday night

All walks of life sharing stories along the shoreline

While drinks flow

Cool sand in our toes

Eyes fixed on the fires amber glow

On a golden story night

SUNSET FALLS

Setting

patiently along the river

When the sun set falls

I might know where heaven lies

High in the skies

Above me

Etched in my mind until eternity

There is one certainty

That I am never alone

I am at peace

Knowing I can go on home and rest my head

After the sunset falls

OUR FALLING STAR

Night has fallen

Calm of the river has arrived

Day replaced by night

Where our world has slowed down for the better

Let us take the time to gather it all in

Seize the moment

Observe every detail

Where you and I and nature become one

Now, a true love story has begun

Look into the heavens

In its dark state of mind

Stars glitter and fill the sky

Fulfilling our dreams on this romantic night

Galaxy of the Gods

Don’t worry we’re not in a hurry

For the moment is so right

Just grant us one wish, make sure our star graciously falls before the morning light

It does not matter if we are young or old, everyone needs hugs and kisses from their loved ones. We must take more time to let our loved ones know that we love and appreciate one another daily.

Award-winning jewelry designer Todd Malcolm presents the passionate pendant titled: Hugs N Kisses. A heart-shaped pendant with an alternating X and O pattern was selected for this design. To make sure in life we have an unlimited supply of Hugs & Kisses. To share with those that are close and dearest to our hearts.

Todd's approach is to honor the long-lost design work of the open weave style of canning, creating that old-world craftsmanship in modern jewelry.

FLIGHT OF THE EAGLE

The flight of the North American eagle, a proud and stoic creature, a symbol of our country, a national treasure. Watching this majestic bird interacting naturally in our environment, it is easy to understand why she represents our country and its values. A free and powerful creature, soaring high in the sky. In its element, covering long distances at high speeds with acute accuracy.

A white adult bald eagle soaring on the wind currents with its wings stretched out flat while gradually slowly transcending down and around in a cylinder pattern of airflow. Eyes fixed, while constantly purveying the top surface of the water in pursuit of a fresh fish to feed its appetite.

Suddenly a quick burst to the surface of the water, with Palins spread wide open, the eagle has plucked a fish gracefully from the depths of the river. Seconds later, the fish flops frantically back and forth in the tightly clutched Palins grip. The eagle continues to fly closely over the top surface of the water, heading for the shoreline, where it will quickly rise into the treetops to quietly devour its prey.

If you are as lucky as I have been in life to witness this beautiful, powerful, and graceful animal perform this unbelievable feat. It leaves an indelible imprint on your life forever. It’s rare moments like these that always bring you back to the shoreline of the river to witness these incredible moments. This is nature at its finest!

Malcolm Creations

MESSAGE IN THE BOTTLE

Bottle rolls to shore

You find me

Pop the cork

And, read what’s inside me

Take care of the water

Take care of the shores that bind me

Clean it up for my brothers and sisters

Who come before or after me

Take the oath

Do the work

Leave the land how we left it

Clean and pristine, undisturbed

Just the way nature wants it

Now your deed is done

Roll my story back up

Place it in the bottle

Tighten down the cork

Throw it out into the water

So, the current will take me

For the next environmentalist to fine me

The message in the bottle

The glass bottom boat

With words of wisdom written inside me

I Hope my words inspire thee

In search of a new breed of folks to follow me

Only time will tell what lies out there for me

Bottle roll on

At the mercy of the current

Explore inlets and navigate the backwaters

For the next chapter of Naturalist

To discover me

Letting me tell my story

That defines me

In the backwater

I reach a dead-end

I run ashore

Caught up on dry land

I hope this is temporary

For, I have a long journey at hand

With a strong message to deliver with a master plan

The sun beats down

The road has been hard and long

I hear the faint ticketing of death’s clock

I am wearing down

Bottle scratched, nicked, my cork is crumbling, almost gone

My tongue is tied

I have no words

I hope I can hold on

In the faint distance, I hear the crack of thunder

Black clouds appear

The heavens have opened Rain, Rain, coming down

Falling from natures well

No fear, we are not going to drown

For these are the good river of tears

To lift me from my morn

To help carry on my destiny

So, natures words can be profound

The message in the bottle states

We can clean up the river

It’s not a garbage can

A little cooperation between nature and humanity

Working hand in hand

Will solve this crisis on the water and land

Leaving a better place for Wildlife, children, women, and man

No better feeling than heading out on the water, hoisting up the sails, and catching the wind current. That exhilarating feeling of excitement comes over you knowing your journey has begun. A yearning to find your inner self in life and leisure. Getting lost in the moment, sailing beyond the shoreline and not looking back, while pushing onward beyond the horizon.

Award-winning jewelry designer Todd Malcolm presents the Sailing Away Pendant A free-form design featuring concave and billowing surfaces replicating the boat riding at full mast. The pendant is highlighted with a black onyx bead.

Sailing Away A place where you are in control and in charge of your own destination with only the sun, wind, and water as your companion.