Smoke Over the Bayou

  The Bayou is always a point of interest to any who come to visit.  At least it is to those who like to tromp around exploring new things.  This makes me happy as there is much to learn if only eyes can be opened. Instead of sitting inside all day letting the brain be dormant, it seems to me, that learning is a way of keeping the mind fit.  Just like our bodies, our brains need exercise. So even if no one else is here to explore, I hike to get the best of both!   This afternoon while hiking near the the marsh, I noticed smoke rising up over the pines.  Well, that just doesn't seem to be a happy event!  Smoke rarely means something good is happening...at least THAT much smoke!  This was far too much to be a grill or even a small trash pile.  I always get the ominous feeling about smoke ever since the first house here on the Bayou burned.  That was such a tragic day for us and to think of other folks experiencing the trauma of a house fire saddens me.  To lose everything in such a way is harrowing.  I said a prayer right then and there.

  The smoke was a reminder of our fire back in some ancient time filed in among the cobwebs in my brain.  At that time, we lost everything we owned.  All we had was each other and the clothes on our backs.  It was not a good time.  Had it not been for family, friends and even complete strangers, we would not have been able to regroup as quickly as we did. Then Hurricane Katrina hit us with all she had and left us struggling again.  Even though the Little Bayou House was intact, so much was lost. It is no wonder that I cling to whatever tidbit of my past that I can. Once things are ripped from you, the family "heirlooms" (no matter how small) bring comfort.  Ha!  This is why the Little Bayou House is filled to the brim and it is why I am the Keeper of All Things Weird and Wonderful.  They reassure me that I am still here.  

  Today, the smoke billowed for almost an hour.  I have yet to discover the source.  Hopefully, this was a controlled burn by the Forestry Commission and not some devastating house fire.  I hope no one ever has to go through that pain.  Again....it is not fun.