Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Grandparent(s) (04/03/08)
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TITLE: Up the Wynooch' with the Johnsons | Previous Challenge Entry
By
04/08/08 -
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My emotions peak when I visualize rolling pastures and farmhouses between stands of forest and glade. I remember each scene with a vivid rush of nostalgia. Though I was but a child, every fiber within my being seemed to embrace all that I saw.
With wide-eyed wonder, my mind would capture the trip in bold Technicolor and store it away to relive through each long, lonely year until we could be together once again. Memories piled on top of memories; yet there was room still for more.
I caught my breath each time we made the descent from the mountain pass into the lush green painting of rural existence. Purple fireweed, white daisies and yellow mustard lined the highway. Wild grapevines clambered over fence posts, while morning glories meandered across the rails. The excitement of going to the Wynooch’ for the summer never grew old.
When I’d see the mist hanging in the lowlands, I knew the sign for Wynoochee Valley was just ahead. With barely enough room for two lanes, the gravel road wound its way up through an evergreen forest. Shimmering rays of sunlight would slide down between gaps in the trees and light up the edge of the roadside like welcoming torches.
Along the way, I would count the sparse mailboxes while anticipating my favorite landmark...a craggy old tree, standing stark white against an emerald canopy. One more curve, and the entrance to the ranch would burst into view. A sign with “Johnson” carved on it hung by rusty chains from the middle of two tall poles. Once we were through the gate, and it was secure again, we’d head down the lane into the secluded valley.
I arrived each summer like a colt let out to pasture for the first time, never able to determine where I wanted to go exploring first. I found security in the white two-story farmhouse, adventure in the red barn and stables, and new treasures to tote home from the Wynoochee River that wound through the meadows. While I’d try to decide, you would come around the side of the car with your black wavy hair and sparkling smile and wrap your arms around me.
I would wait while you walked up from the barn, Grandpa, the rich earthy smell of silage and cow breath fresh on your overalls. You’d swing me around and give me a “smoogie.” Then you’d say to Gram, “Let’s eat, Johnnie; I’m hungry.”
And Gram would tease, “Oh, Johnson, you’re always hungry!”
The x’s and o’s from your cards were the only hugs and kisses I got at home, so during the next three months, I’d soak up the love you had for each other and for me. Bathed in the light of your happiness, my dark, troubled world would fade into nonexistence.
I always felt at home in the warm oak interior of the farmhouse. Two bear rugs, with heads and claws intact, stretched out before a stone fireplace. Open stairs led up to my bedroom under the watchful eyes of deer and elk heads mounted along the wall. A large picture window gave us a perfect view of the live versions of those graceful creatures. While watching them feed in the meadows at twilight, we’d eat homemade ice cream, topped with the wild blackberries we had picked earlier.
You filled my days with horseback riding through the pastures, fly-fishing along the river, and keeping me close beside you when you went hunting. During my Camelot-infused summers, you encouraged me to keep my dreams alive until the next year, but one dry season, a forest fire swept down through the Wynoochee Valley and torched every one of those dreams. The only thing left of the ranch was the sad reality of burned timber and ashes.
Nothing could have prepared me for the loss I felt then, nor for the loss I feel now that you are gone. You never returned to the Wynooch’ after that, but my heart takes me there every time I think of you. I miss it and both of you...so very much.
~*~
Based on true memories.
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I got a little bit impatient to meet them, after the first few paragraphs of description...maybe you could develop their characters more if you scaled those down a bit?
Your writing is always so peaceful and lovely. Thanks for sharing your gift.