Great selection of one-of-a-kind Rocks and Fossils
On the North side of the Courthouse Brown County
Rock & Fossil Shop
Great selection of one-of-a-kind Rocks and Fossils
( 812) 988-2422
COPPERHEAD CREEK
MINING COMPANY
PAN FOR GEMS, FOSSILS, OR ARROWHEADS!
Downtown Cottages & Suites
Lodging in the middle of Historic Nashville’ s downtown shops, restaurants, theaters
www. visitbrowncounty. com
( 812) 988-2422 office @ visitbrowncounty. com
WINTER READING continued from 36
A creative writing instructor once told a class,“ if the words aren’ t compelling enough to move you to action, the writer failed.” Then he added that such writing, if the student was to pursue, would be one of the most difficult tasks in the language arts. Yet some authors have a knack( or skill) to convey action, movement— a change. Others spend time. Winston Churchill, the great British orator and writer, was known to have spent an entire day on the flow of one sentence. He would say a sentence out loud several times, emphasizing a different word, not knowing how future readers would hear, and hopefully reflect on the message.
Winter also allows a visit to museums and art galleries to see up-close the talent of landscape, bird, and wild place painters. Having observed a lot of natural areas, and familiar with the woods, I think I have a pretty good feel for lighting— how shade covers the ground or how sunlight is reflected off tree trunks and water. Until I see an exquisite painting that captures the scene so eloquently. That the artist spent enough time to study the likeness is a credential I’ ll acknowledge— they spent the time. Like a select few authors I admire, only a few artists can convey it perfectly.
The DNR web page < www. in. gov / dnr / parklake > is full of winter activities at many state properties. You can get outside for guided hikes, ski tours, and toboggan runs, and have warm places to go afterwards. Notices remind you to dress in layers and know your limits. Snowshoes and ice fishing keep outdoor enthusiasts active. Wide, winter tires on mountain bikes keep park trails full of tracks. Long, skinny trails side-by-side indicate cross-country skiers. We are fortunate to live in a place that offers so much year’ round.
It is with a tinge of guilt I stay indoors on cold and stormy days. Tending to the stove and watching birds, I reach for another story in the treasury book. I recall a duck-hunting trip a few years back when I left the warmth of the house to freeze. My hunting partner reminded me that the coldest, most inhospitable day for humans is a great day for ducks. Now, I go less and enjoy reading about the duck adventures others recount.
Enjoy these long winter days with a good( nature) book. Share what you are reading and a favorite passage. Happy New Year! •
38 Our Brown County • Jan./ Feb. 2014