Monday, November 2, 2009

Perfect Day in Paradise

If Coker Creek became a monarchy tomorrow, Charlie would be King of the Mountain and Deborah would be his beautiful and kind Queen. In order for kings to conquer foreign lands, they had to be great adventurers.

Charlie came from Florida and created a kingdom in the hills that he loves to share with all his loving and loyal friends. King Charlie holds great feasts with much music and mirth in his dining hall with many round tables. He also invites noblemen and their wives from surrounding kingdoms to share in the wealth of the land. He is a fearless leader, and all who know him love him and the Delightful Deborah.

King Charlie took upon himself the sharing the enjoyment of God’s cloak of many colors that is draped across this fall landscape. This being a very small kingdom, the king and queen have no men or ladies-in-waiting. They spent many hours planning this adventure and sending word to all area noblemen, many of whom spent their youth in defending their families and country, to mount their steeds with their fair ladies and follow him on an adventure to brighten their failing eyes and gladden their still-young hearts.

When all the knights were assembled in the sight of those who have become infirm, King Charlie allowed the infirm time to enjoy the spectacle of the noble steeds in full parade dress. This gave joy to those less fortunate folks.

At last, it was time to mount up and ride through the land. King Charlie and Queen Deborah led the way with the great warrior, Lord Adam, directly behind him to assist in keeping the royal entourage on course. This being a modern fable, Lord Adam’s Lady Josie led the steed on which they road, so that Lord Adam could ride shot-gun. This gave Lord Adam easier access to dismount and guide the followers. My king and I, with King Richard’s faithful Bronco, were blessed to be part of this following.

What beautiful sights abound in Monroe and McMinn Counties – miles and miles of rolling hills with contented cows and laughing llamas grazing in pastures surrounded by hills of fall fire! In the midst of this beautiful cattle country there lies a dairy farm that was beset be hardship when the patriarch fell ill. The daughter, a fair maiden living in a far-away land, took pity on her mother, and began a new life at the family farm. This new life is the company called Good Fortune which makes natural products for soothing and cleansing the body and spirit.

Many bought products knowing that their purchases help sustain, not only the family farm, but also part of the proceeds will help others to begin similar new life enterprises. Others took away nothing but photos and memories of the incredible view of the surrounding vista. This was a perfect place to see the mysterious mounds that cross the counties like scoops of clay planted by a playful potter.

King Charlie and Queen Deborah plan their adventures with resting places for the steeds where the noblewomen of the group will find enjoyable activities. Leaving Good Fortune behind, we traveled on through the lovely landscape to Englewood and honored the heritage of women working in the textile industry by stopping for a visit at the Englewood Textile Museum. We were then led to a great banquet at Nut ‘n Fancy back in the kingdom of Tellico Plains where King Charlie thanked the presidents and members of the attending chapters of the Antique Automobile Association of America for joining him in his grand adventure.

King Charlie and Queen Deborah could then retire to their kingdom of Coker Creek, tired but happy to have been able to share their blessings.