Mount Vernon, A Stallion & Cinnabar - Part 1

Today's post is a little closer to home than Ireland, which I wrote about two weeks ago.  This time, we learn a little history about the town of Mount Vernon, which is located in the high desert country of Eastern Oregon.  Nestled in the John Day Valley, Mount Vernon is a city of  527 people, according to 2013 statistics.  Mount Vernon or Mt. Vernon,  is situated at the crossroads of Highways 26 and 395, in the heart of Grant County.  

Mount Vernon, Oregon

The town is uniquely named not after a mountain, but rather a black stallion.  A racing horse, Mount Vernon was considered so valuable that his owner built a stone fort or stable for him in 1879.  This was done to protect the stallion from marauding Indians, who were known to be on the lookout for good quality horse-flesh to sell or trade.  Aware of this, and not wanting to lose the prize-winning horse, two stonemasons were called upon to build the fort.  

With his excellent bloodline, Mount Vernon was prominently known as a high-class racing stallion.   His safety was assured with his high-class stone stable and he went on to live out 42 years in his retirement home.

Mount Vernon Fort

This fort is still standing on the north side of Highway 26 - about 3 miles east of Mount Vernon.  A fence was built around it to preserve the structure from elements of nature, which can include frequenting wild-life and grazing cattle.

Mount Vernon is situated in the scenic Aldrich Mountains that is part of the larger Blue Mountains range, one of which is called "Cinnabar Mountain".   Located close to the town, this mountain contained an ore called cinnabar which was used in mining.  It is a primary ore of mercury and utilized by placer miners in nearby Canyon City and vicinity in the gold rush of the 1860's in recovering gold from stream sediments.  Like several other red materials in nature, cinnabar was often known as "dragons blood" in earlier times because of its' vibrant red color. The mine has been abandoned for many years following the decline of gold-mining operations in the early 1900's.  

Cinnabar Mountain

Every year, Mount Vernon hosts a weekend event called the "Cinnabar Mountain Rendezvous", deriving its name from this particular mountain.  It is a community celebration complete with parade, competitive activities, potluck, dancing, even a toy duck race in the John Day River.  A patriotic city, it is held over Memorial weekend and is festive with displays of the American flag.  The two photos below were taken on Saturday, May 24...

Flag Raising

Cinnabar Mountain Rendezvous Parade

Be sure to 'tune in' to Part 2 of another segment on Mount Vernon.  We will explore more history including showcasing local talent from cuisine to wine and let's not forget the beautiful surrounding scenery!  Join me on Monday, June 9  for the rest of the story...

Mount Vernon Sunrise

Please Note
Since today is Memorial Day, check out this post that I wrote last year entitled, "The Rite of Remembrance" in honor of the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  The link is:
 http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html

"To Make Men Free" by Norman Rockwell

A lyric from "Taps"

Falling light... falling night...

Trumpet calls the sun sinks in flight

Sleep in peace, comrades dear...

God is near.

Ireland - Duiske Abby & Graignamanagh

I wrote about "Ireland and St. Patrick" on March 17 of this year... the first of a series that I will publish about my travels in Ireland.  Today, we revisit Ireland to an unspoiled haven of Craignamanagh, known as 'the Village of the Monks' and also 'the Valley of the Holy Savior'.  It is a medieval village in County Kilkenny in Barrow valley. They call it Ireland's best kept secret because of its' treasure in scenery and ancient buildings. 

One such ancient building is Duiske Abby, which was founded in 1204 by monks from England and was completed 40 years later.  The largest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland accommodated 60 monks and some hundreds of lay brothers and served as a hostel, hospital, school and farm.  The monks were suppressed at the time of the reformation in 1536, its' community dispersed and later went into ruin.  In 1728, a thatched "Mass House" was erected and in 1812, converted to parish status.  In 1974, a major restoration was commenced and six years later, the Abby church was rededicated.

Duiske Abbey - Roman Catholic

Walled portion of Duiske Abby

Processional Door

 It is always an amazement to me to be in in such places of ancient history.  If only the grounds and structures could talk!  What stories they would tell.  One such story that is incomplete is about the Knight of Duiske found in the Abbey.  This figure is a cross-legged, sword-seizing knight on a limestone base and dates from about 1300 and is one of the finest medieval effigies in Ireland.  Carved in Ireland from local stone, it reflects a style of profound knowledge of contemporary English fashion according to history "trivia".

Knight of Duiske

Who is he, this Knight of Duiske?  No one knows.  What is certain is that he was a 13th century knight of stature and most likely a benefactor, since benefactors were often buried inside the church.  The effigy is known locally as the "Crusader".

Duiske Abbey is also home to exquisite stained glass windows.  Since I am a fan of stained glass windows, my camera was always 'set to go' whenever the opportunity came about to take photos of these wonders in transparent color.  The following photos are a just a few that show off the artistic beauty, which leaves the viewer in awe of designs in a colored spectrum that floods the sanctuary and inspires the soul...  (click on the photos for enlargement to see greater detail)

Duiske Abby Altar

It is interesting to note that at the time of dispersion in 1536,  Abbot Charles O'Kavanagh sent some of his younger monks to the Celtic monastery of Regensburg in Germany.  There they perpetuated the Irish traditional form of singing "Gregorian Chant".   The Craignamanagh people, after the struggle of successive generations, have determined to maintain the continuity of worship in the Abbey bequeathed to them over the centuries by their fore-bearers in the faith.

We will return to Ireland in a future post about more of my travels in discovery of the history and timeless beauty in this ancient land.  

Until we meet again (Monday, May 26).... here's a bit of Irish wisdom, "May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far."

Valley View, Caregivers & Baby Chicks!

Spring keeps unfolding its beauty in varied forms of apple and lilac blossoms, trees showing off their new foliage and hills and pastures vibrant in carpets of green.  The smell of fresh rain refreshes and exhilarates the senses in welcoming a new day.

Petals

Lilacs & Lace

As spring can be a season in our natural lives, so is winter.  I would like to introduce to you, my readers, touching photos of some wonderful folks who are in the winter of their lives.  These particular ones share a common thread, living out their days being cared for and nurtured by those who are known as caregivers.  No longer able to stay in their own homes for a variety of reasons and out of concern for their well-being, many go to a facility or a private home for assistance by a professional or family member. 

Valley View Assisted Living is one such facility resource. We have come to know it well, since our Doris lives there in supervised care. I am grateful for the diligent attention administered to Doris and others.  Jim and I are in close communication not only with his mother, but with the caregivers and those who oversee in this particular facility. Since we became a part of this phase in Doris's life, in the process we have made new friends with those in the senior community.  It has become a treasured and valuable experience to participate in the winter of Doris's life and to support her during this season of her journey and meet special people along the way.

As family to Doris, we take responsibility to see that she gets the best care possible in a loving environment.  This means... being active and involved.  This means... frequent visits.  This means... a constant eye out for her health and welfare.  This means... watch guarding for proper facility care. In our experience with Doris, I have nothing but praise for the caregivers and to their immediate supervisors at Valley View, who work hard to give the residents a quality of life with dignity and loving assistance in meeting their individual needs.

Mary Lou

The above photo was taken by Kim Ausland including all the pictures used in the below video.  Kim is the activity director at Valley View and is very creative with ideas to stimulate and encourage fun interaction with the residents. One day before Easter, Kim brought some of her baby chicks for the enjoyment of the residents. She captured some poignant moments transpiring between a human heart and a fuzzy, feathery chick through her photography.  Her photos show the comfort and tenderness that even a little chick can bring. With Kim's permission to use her pictures, I created the following PhotoShow called "Valley View Chicks".  Please take time to view each picture and you will truly be blessed to see an emotion in every one.  Each human heart shown has a name and he or she is truly a star who has lived a long life.  They carry a wealth of personal history in the road-map of their lives and often, just need recognition that they too, still matter. 

You can also view this clip at:  http://www.photoshow.com/watch/xx8qr8XA
It is best to view from a computer rather than an IPhone, IPad or Android.  Unfortunately, there are some "glitches" that exist preventing background music and special effects to appear on these devices as originally produced in the video.   Ahh! These days of high tech can be a challenge!

Doris is now 92 years old and you can read about her on a post that I did entitled, "Rose the Riveter and Doris"...  http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/09/rosie-riveter-and-doris.html
There is also a piece called "Aging in the Dance of Life"...
http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013_06_01_archive.html

I refer to the above links since this story is inter-related with them. 

Until we meet again (Monday, May 12),  have wonderful spring days ahead.  I leave you with this thoughtful quote by John Maxwell... "People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care."

New Life

I'd like to introduce you to the latest addition.... the first colt born this spring on the Clark Ranch.  Surprise! Surprise! This little filly awaited us early Saturday morning.  The photo below shows proud mama with her baby and proud papa standing in the background.  

Spring has a way of introducing us with new life, just as the spiritual season this time of year. As we enter Holy Week, with the celebration of Palm Sunday, we consider an Act of Love which changed the dynamics from darkness into light in Resurrection Life.  Holy Week offers Christians a chance to celebrate their faith in honor of Christ this week in special remembrance.  It is an intense time in reflecting this journey of Jesus beginning with his entrance into Jerusalem riding on a lowly donkey, and people proclaiming Hosanna!  We recall the Last Supper, washing of the disciples' feet, the agony in the garden, the consequent betrayal and arrest of Jesus which led to His torture and death on the Cross.  This end was only the beginning culminating in a risen Lord who impacted the world in influence and effect on history.

Who is Jesus... really?   The following passage is taken from this same written article:
"Throughout history the influence Jesus had on the lives of people has never been surpassed.  No other great leader has inspired so many positive changes in the lives of his followers.  People who encounter the risen Christ are totally transformed.  Their outlook on life is altered forever.  Staying true to their faith, they do not hesitate to face hardship, persecution and even death.  Many devote their lives to serving others, minimizing their own needs and desires."
The below link will take you to this website which has wonderful information to reflect on...
 http://www.whoisjesus-really.com/english/impact.htm

 "I will rise... I will rise... as Christ was raised to life

Now in Him... now in Him... I live"

The above video is presented by xGilliam.  The song is Beneath The Waters (I Will Rise)  by Hillsong.  You can also watch it at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruIAH7VenOI

 Have a blessed Easter

Meet me at the Turn-Up Patch on Monday, April 28.  "See" you then!

 

 

Time & Eternity

In my last post (March 16), I referred to an Irish proverb which states:  "Time is a great story teller".  How true this is.  Time marks the seasons of our lives as well as God's creativity in nature.  Time is a treasure which encapsulates our past, our present and our future.  Time does not determine but rather is the conduit through which our lives flow.  Time is a witness...

- to yesterday's history 

- to the current moments of our today 

- to the movement into tomorrow's future

In the course of time, the season of spring is evident in the beautiful blossoms exploding on barren trees in nature's rhythm of life.  I recently traveled into the western region of Oregon as trees and foliage are being resurrected from winter's dormancy into a living panorama of color and beauty.

Time has a way of revealing the birth and death that lies within the cycles of season.  And so it is with our lives.  We were created to be eternal, where no time exists in the Divine and yet our humanity is subject to time and to its limits.

As we are in the spiritual season of Lent, time honors  a Savior born nearly 2000 years ago and whose human life was cut short at the age of 33 and went on to experience the power of resurrection.   In the Christian community, the Lenten season can mean many things to many people of denominational faith.  Some use the passage of Lent as reconciling to God, some use it as a time of fasting and prayer, some use it as a time of reflection in consideration of the Cross of Christ.  Jesus said himself... "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11:25). 

As these photos show the glory of blossoms... a tree "birthing anew" in expression of life, so it is with us as we change through seasons, passing through the conduit of time, carrying within us God's own eternal life.  As we give attention and consider the beauty of the blossoms of a tree, it seems reasonable to give attention and consider the glory of the Lord within our hearts.  Our spiritual eyes are lifted to something beyond our humanity into the living presence of God and we experience life in His wholeness. 

This time of Lent in my personal conviction, is not about penance but rather gratitude to One who so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son..... 

"Allegory of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ"

Artist - Patrick Devonas

Join me at the Turn-Up Patch on Monday, April 14.  "See" you then!

Ireland and St. Patrick

I was privileged to have visited Ireland a few years ago.  It's a country that I have always wanted to see... could my maiden name of O'Leary have anything to do with that??  I will be sharing with you some of the sights of Ireland along with historical reference in this ancient land.

Today, being St. Patrick's Day, I'd like to devote this post to this honorable saint who has remained a popular and well-known figure throughout the centuries in many countries.  The photo below is a cathedral built in his name in Dublin.  It is here that St. Patrick was said to have baptized converts to Christianity in the 5th century.  A church as been built on this site ever since.  The present one was constructed in 1225 but has been enlarged and restored many times.   St. Patrick's Cathedral, which was previously Roman Catholic, is now the Anglican Church of Ireland, following the English Reformation in 1537.

St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland

Sanctuary inside St. Patrick's Cathedral

Legends abound about Patrick; but truth is best served by our seeing two solid qualities in him:  He was humble and courageous.  The determination to accept suffering and success with equal indifference guided the life of God's instrument for winning most of Ireland for Christ.

Old Statue of St. Patrick in Cathedral

Duiske Abbey statue of St. Patrick

- Varied dates are given for his birth and date, but it is believed that he was born around 387AD and died in 461AD.
- Enslaved as a young teen by pagans and Druids, he turned to God in captivity.  Escaping at age 20, he returned to his family and began studying for the priesthood.
- He preached throughout Ireland converting many for 40 years.
-  St. Patrick is often shown with a shamrock.  The shamrock is a three leafed clover and is a world-renowned symbol of Ireland.  The Shamrock was used by Saint Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish.
- In a relatively short time, the island had experienced deeply the Christian spirit, and was prepared to send out missionaries whose efforts were greatly responsible for Christianizing Europe.
- One of the few certainly authentic writings is his "Confessio", above all an act of homage to God for having called Patrick, unworthy sinner, to the apostolate.

   

 The Lorica or St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer

Here is a little background on the word Lorica  which means breastplate... (1) In medieval times, it was a protective shield, a piece of armor that was placed over the chest while in battle for protection.  (2) A vestment worn in ancient times by a Jewish high priest and set with 12 gems bearing the names of the tribes of Israel.

According to tradition, St. Patrick wrote a prayer in 433 AD for divine protection before successfully converting the Irish King Leoghaire and his subjects from Paganism to Christianity.  This prayer has become known as The Lorica, or St. Patrick's Breastplate Prayer.  This prayer invokes God's protection on a journey, either literal or the metaphorical "journey of life".  The following is just a part of this beautiful prayer....

"Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me,

Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love me,

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I arise today

Through a mighty strength,

the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the threeness,

Through confession of the oneness

Of the Creator of Creation."

St. Patrick's day is celebrated throughout the world each year on March 17th and it is tradition that people wear a shamrock on their clothing and dress in green to honor St. Patrick and celebrate being Irish.

Country scene overlooking city of Dublin, Ireland

 A view of the Connemara region in western Ireland

The above photos are just a few of this picturesque country, unique in history and turbulent in times, which has had heroes and villains throughout the centuries.  The Irish spirit is indomitable, capturing the world through their music, their humor and their faith.... yes! Even to St. Patrick who is recognized and renown beyond the borders of Ireland. 

From time to time, I will be sharing about places that I visited while traveling in Ireland along with history and photos.  Scotland is another country that I was able to see... beautiful, ancient and raw in the human turmoil of personal drama.  Each country has examples of triumphs and tragedies that are shown in narrative from generation to generation.  I will take you there on virtual trips through my blog in future posts.

Let's meet again at the Turn-Up Patch on Monday, March 31.  Until then, here is a great and very short Irish proverb with a lot of truth in it....  "Time is a great story teller."

Wintry Potpourri

I decided to do March 3rd's post with photos in continuance of our winter scenes experienced in January and February in Grant County.  Now that March is upon us, green grass is beginning to shoot up through the dormant earth heralding the advent of spring.  I notice the miracle of life with buds beginning to form on trees, the first indication of spring and summer foliage.  This country is known to have the odd snowstorm which comes in March or April, but it doesn't last since winter is in its "last hurrah".

January Sunrise (click on photos for enlargement)

I'm usually a night owl rather than an early bird, but I'm glad I was up early enough to catch this gorgeous sunrise which bathed the hills in all its colored glory.  A sharp contrast from the gray days that winter can bring.  

The classic strawberry mountain range is always a photographer's dream, no matter the season.  The shots below are just a few of many taken on a winter's drive along Highway 26 above Prairie City in February.

Mountain Road on Highway 26

Strawberry Mountain Range near Prairie City

We also have our resident geese, which stay throughout the winter season.  They don't seem to mind the snow and manage to eat the crumbs of hay left behind after pasture feeding.  You can spot them in various fields throughout the John Day Valley surviving the winter weather.  You can read extensively about geese in a December 9, 2013 post that I did, entitled "Life Lessons From Geese" that includes a PhotoShow.    
Link is:  http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/12/life-lessons-from-geese.html

Resident Geese

The Eagle Pair

Several eagles flew into our area and for a short time, liked to perch in the same tree surveying the activity around them.  Perhaps they had an "eye" for dinner, looking for a solitary rabbit or a carcass to eat off of.  Perhaps they were just resting until they took flight for a meal elsewhere.  These were the same two that I photographed and had in my recent post, "The Eagle Factor" written on January 20th.

Also in January, we were treated to a hoar frost nature display.  One of the simplest explanations for hoar frost is frozen dew that forms a white coating on a surface.  Trees, brush, weeds, wire fences and fence posts are suddenly transformed from the mundane to magical as they are painted in nature's array of ice crystals.  The frosty wonderland slowly disappeared as the day warmed.  But for a while, it was great to view the sights that took on new life in this splendid coat of white crystal.

Pasture tree painted with hoar frost

Cobweb Magic in white crystal

Wire, weed & fence posts

In my last post, I introduced you to Charlie.  In today's post, I'd like to introduce you to Ring and Bud.  They are two new members of our family acquired this winter.  They are Border collie dogs and brothers from the same litter.  At the time this photo was taken, they were barely two months old.  They are quickly growing and doing stuff that puppies like to do, such as trashing the back yard with all kinds of things they find to chew on.  Now, don't they look sweetly full of mischief??  (Oh yes, they do get along with Charlie!... the dog-cat has taught them some manners.)

Ring and Bud

Until we meet again at the Turn-Up Patch, here is a wonderful quote by St. Francis de Sales ~
... God attracts our minds to himself by his supreme beauty and incomprehensible goodness
... So God, Father of all light, supremely good and beautiful, by his beauty draws our intellect to
    contemplate him,        
... and by his goodness he draws our will to love him."


 See you on Monday, March 17th, which by the way, is St. Patrick's Day.