Open Spaces
Vol.: 23.11
By John W. Vander Velden
November 20, 2023
Dear friends,
First off. I must apologize for not providing a newsletter last month. I was under the weather as October wound down and set the task aside, and by the time my strength and motivation rose sufficiently, it was November. In any case my second bout with COVID is now behind me…mostly, and I find myself at the keyboard thinking about you. So today I assemble a few words about a recent adventure Jackie and I shared in October.
We set our sights on the trails of Turkey Run and Shades State parks. Leaving on the 18th we arrived at Turkey Run on a bright and sunny Wednesday afternoon. Jackie and I have always felt trail 3 the most challenging, and so it was that trail we boldly challenged. With our hiking poles and in our boots, observers would know it was not our first rodeo. As we wandered through the canyons, up and down stairs and trails, I captured many images of the valleys and cliffs of the park.
But the weather on Thursday was not favorable for the hiking part of our adventure to continue, so we looked for other entertainment. It so happened that Park County had their annual Covered Bridge Festival that week. So, donning our rain gear we entered the fray of the thousands that gathered in the 10 locations for that event. Not that we went to all 10, 3 was quite sufficient to get a feel of the festival, a festival that locals take extremely seriously.
The following day we headed south stopping at one of our favorite places, Cataract Falls, and then off to Nashville, Indiana, in Brown County. The light misty day couldn’t dampen our spirits and two stops made for a delightful time.
Friday broke clear and bright, and Brown County State Park was that day’s adventure. The actual park was a place we had not entered before. Several times we had skirted the park itself as we enjoyed the scenery of Brown County, Indiana, so we were excited to see the park itself. The leaves showed color but had not yet reached their peak. We were not the only folks that chose that particular day to visit that particular park. Fortunately, we arrived early and saw some of the amazing wonders, such as the mist on Ogle Lake and some of the grand vistas from the hill tops. Jackie and I were even so bold as to climb the 90-foot fire tower. Later we took another hike through the woods and down into a valley at the edge of Ogle Lake. It made for a day neither Jackie or I will ever forget.
But alas, somewhere I picked up the adversary that made me ill less than 18 hours after our return. But as I mentioned at the opening of this letter, I have overcome the disease…once more, and hope never to meet that enemy again.
Now for a bit of writing news:
It has been a busy two months for this guy. An Author’s Event in early October at the Walkerton Public Library finished three Saturdays in a row of events. Then I made a two-day appearance at the La D’zert’s Café’s Christmas Open House and a fun meeting with the Argos (Indiana) Page Turners in mid-November. I especially enjoy meeting with book clubs, and those folks were indeed a delight.
As my writing goes, I am working on the first editorial revision of When Light Comes Unexpected. I am sorry to say I have been put behind on that project, but I have managed to reach quarter way through this revision. Much work lies ahead of me, but I am determined. And determination provides motivation, and motivation makes the task possible. I have no idea of when you will see this finished project, but rest assured when you do, it will be the best I can do. For my readers deserve the best I can give them.
It seems I’ve run long so I will only add these words:
Life has its challenges, and among them is our health. So, my friends take care of yourselves. It is my hope and prayer that you are able to avoid this illness I have once again defeated. But like all of life’s challenges we face, remember we do not face them alone. For we have friends, and family, but most of all, the God that loves us. And with their help and God’s aid we face each day’s difficulties. It is in that knowledge we can be confident to do more than endure whatever we must face.
With God’s blessing and Christ’s love,
John
A Journey Through Words 