Civil War Cemetary-Vicksburg

The primary reason for visiting Vicksburg, MS is as a Civil War buff/historian. I am not a Civil War expert nor do I believe that war is the answer to all conflicts between nations. However, I do have a real interest in historic cemetaries and what they tell us about those who came before. As I drove through the section of the Vicksburg city cemetary that is dedicated to the Confederate soldiers of the Civil War, I could not help but, once again, see that war is fought by the young. The causes of wars are many and at times, in retrospect, appear to be events that really proved nothing but a nations' ability to wage destruction on its enemies-both real and imagined. Regardless of the cause of war the sacrifices that are evident in these silent cemetaries should force us to reflect on the results of these wars. To the families who lose their children and loved ones the toll is overwhelming and is never forgotten. Regardless of whether it is Arlington National Cemetary, the military cemetaries found in most major cities, or the monuments to "glories past," I can not help from thinking about the lives that were never allowed to find their natural end due to conflict between warring sides. George Orwell wrote the following concerning the willingness of young men and women to defend their country: "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." I am sad for these lives lost. And, at the same time, incredibly grateful that there are those "rough men" and women who gave it all over the years. Perhaps you will say that the Civil War is not an example of this sentiment,but none the less, on this day, in this cemetary, I was keenly aware that sacrifice is sacrifice.

Ruins of Windsor-Mississippi

Located between Natchez and Vicksburg Mississippi are the "Windsor Ruins." Personally, I had never heard of this place until a friend and native of Vicksburg introduced them to me. Located on a state highway off Highway 61 and near Alcorn State University one can find this magnificent relic of the past. As I drove down a small paved road and then turned onto a dirt "path" I wondered if I was about to go someplace I had no business going alone at 5:00 in the afternoon. As I rounded a bend in the "path" there stood these wonderful columns! Alone among the towering trees with dappled light coming through and the singing birds that seem to be everywhere in Mississippi, I could not believe what I was seeing. Today there are only the remaining columns of what was once a magnificent home. As the light began to change and the wind picked up, the columns took on new dimensions. I stayed on the sight, alone, for about 30 minutes trying to photograph every angle possible. This historic sight is so unlike anything I had seen in relation to old southern plantation type homes. If you are ever in Port Gibson, MS ("the town to beautiful to burn"), take some time to go to the Windsor Ruins. Here is more information :

http://home.olemiss.edu/~kcozart/ruins.html

Kudzu-Nature's Blanket

Anyone who has driven through the Deep South is familiar with this phenomenon known as Kudzu. This lush, incredibly fast growing vine covers nearly seven million acres of southern landscape. Introduced by the Japanese government in the late 1800's as part of a world exposition event, the plant has become in integral symbol of the South. Growing at one foot per day, this plant loves the humidity and heat that comes with this part of the country. In driving through the Deep South, one can have the same sensation as looking at cloud formations on a clear day. One can begin to see things and people in these massive vines. Whole landscapes disappear under this blanket of green. I think I saw an elephant with trunk extended rearing up on its hind legs. What do you see?

On the Road Again

While driving through Central Louisiana I came across this sign. I love homemade signs as they often have great syntax bloopers. It grabbed my attention so much I had to made a u-turn to get back to the place of business. My question was immediately "Are puppies used for firewood?" "What type of kindling does one use?"Now don't go postal all animal right's activists....it's just a funny thought.

Stopping to Smell the Flowers

On an ordinary day, stopping to get the mail at the end of a long day, there "she" was. This beautiful butterfly having a snack. Thank goodness I had my camera with me and did not miss this. God is in the small things more often than in the grandiose.

Glory Days and the Fading Star

This old service/gas station sign exemplifies America and our love for the automobile. When this sign was new and the gas station was "full serve" complete with a uniformed attendant, cars were relatively cheap and huge! They were solid hunks of steel reinforced with more steel. American made by Americans. The average car would hold entire families and the pet dog. It was nothing for families to take two and three week driving vacations. Gas was under $.25 per gallon.
As I passed this sign many months ago I was taken by the symbol of the fading star of a Texas legend, Texaco,founded by Texans in Texas where the state would become synonymous with oil. If you look carefully you will see the rust taking over the steel. Most of us feel like "rust" has taken over the American automobile companies and we are ambivalent about rehabing them. The service station was abandoned in this small town. That is also a metaphor on how many feel about the American Dream that was once exemplified by what used to be located on this site.
Today, the oil companies are viewed with suspicion; try to find a full service station and then be prepared to pay double the price. Most of us view the oil companies with suspicion as gas creeped up just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend and the start of summer. Irnonically more people are driving now due to the airline industries issues. And, we are driving much smaller and lighter cars make with anything but steel. I am not sure I miss the old days, but I would like for someone to check my tires without having to offer a bribe or pay $.50 at an air pump.

Old Truck in the Bonnets

I have talked before about living in the country, rural America, and the South's propensity to leave old vehicles just sitting outside until they rust. This old truck has not been totally abandoned;however, it is being overtaken by weeds and lucky for me, bluebonnets! The "birthplace" of Texas history is Independence, Texas. It is small, kind of run-down, but it is historically huge in our state's history. Bluebonnets surround every part of this little town. If you are ever off Highway 105 between Navasota and Brenham, Texas turn off on Hwy. 50. Go in late March or very early April. For our Lutheran friends, there are four historical Lutheran churches within two miles of one another. Wind your way around the beautiful hills, slow down, and see where the road takes you. You won't be disappointed.

Consider the Heavens

Driving along this one dirt road about 10:30 in the morning, I had the sun roof open and the iPod on playing Coldplay. There is something about Chris Martin's voice that makes a day like this in Texas better. Late March through early May is just awesome here. After that, it is every person for themselves in the air conditioning. As slowed down for a dog laying in the road..yes taking a nap....I looked up. The song playing was "Viva la Vida." There is a line, to paraphrase, that says that St. Peter will call my name. I mean, come on! How could I not just stop, get the camera, and look for St. Peter myself. When Texas is "on," it is RIGHT ON!!!

Beauty in the Small Things

What makes nature so incredible is not the grandious, but rather the small moments. The fence post, or stick, was simple in itself, but add the bonnets and you can see why people do believe that something or "one" put everything in motion. Once again, take that dirt road, slow way down with the windows down...you never know.

Texas Threesome

Here it is, Texas in one shot. The bonnets, the state flower of Texas, surround a gas transfer pipe. Natural gas/oil is of course the legends that made Texas. Protecting the pipeline is barbed wire invented by Glidden to keep cattle in and others out. Kinda cool, huh? Dirt County Road in Grimes County.