During my Campus walks, I have begun straying from the Beaten Path. It is a bit difficult to see wildlife if you are walking the paved path that everyone else walks. I have found the same to be true on the Path Of Lifes’ Journey. If I walk in the same steps as everyone else…I often see what they see. I tend to see things differently than some. I blame it on my artistic temperament. When everyone is walking in the same direction…I wonder what the catch is. Have you ever had a question for a member of a group…such as a church group…and their answer is almost like a tape recording of what the church leader would say? The same can be said for politics. Everyone is tutored in Poly Parrot Speech. There is little that I enjoy more than speaking to the real human in front of me…rather than their Artificial Intelligent Representative.

Family is what protects us and educates us and loves us unconditionally.

I saw a lonely woman today. She was sitting alone at an outside table at our local Sonic Restaurant. She looked sad and perhaps ill. She hung her head, at times below the table. Yet she was charging what appeared to be an iPhone and was carrying a nice backpack and a camera case. Her clothes were clean and she had a large Sonic Soda on the table beside her. I almost never indulge in the culinary delights of Sonic…but today and today only… they had Corn Dogs for 50 cents apiece. She checked her phone charge every few minutes and appeared to be waiting on a call…

We members of the largest family on Earth…the Human Family…are sad and lonely and looking for answers that we have not been able to find on the Prescribed Path to Nirvana. We are hopeless…and we are looking for hope. We are searching for loved ones…but we are afraid to reach out. Often we see the world through the prism of what it has done or has not done for us. A photographer would tell us that we may need to change the filter on our human camera…to see the brilliant hues and colors and richness of our surroundings.

Humility captivates me. When I witness it…I am stopped in my journey and pause to consider where I am going…and where I have been. The most influential people in my life have been humble and kind. Those who are humble shine as a brilliant diamond in our world of; ‘Me First’ and ‘The poor can get theirs just like I got mine.’

Billy B. and Chet were looking forward to the 4th Of July Picnic at Mahoney Park. Jane and Daryl were coming and Daryls’ dad, The Wiz, would be there. Neva J. was making her favorite Christmas Coffee Cake…as the theme of the Picnic was Christmas In July. The Wiz was the 6th-grade teacher and he and Daryl had come to Eldorado from Bath, England. In Bath, The Wiz had taught Medevil History and he was called The Wiz due to his penchant for wearing all black clothing and a pointy hat with stars sewn on it. He loved to perform magic acts and planned to do so at the Christmas In July Picnic at Mahoney Park. When The Wiz was at the Party…there was no telling what would happen.

Tommy L. was a bit disabled and did not have many friends. As the Christmas In July Picnic was being planned…his name did not come up…either to bring something or even be invited. Chet said that Tommy L. must come and that he not only was going to invite him but that he would sit with him at a picnic table and stay with him throughout the event. Jane said, ‘Chet…you are a special person…and I will join you and Tommy L. for the day.’ Chet blushed and was embarrassed by Janes’ compliment and he said, ‘Tommy L. is a cool kid and I want him for my friend.’ Billy B. was listening to Jane and Chet as they spoke and he was impressed with each of their humble natures. Billy B. thought to himself that neither of them wanted recognition for their actions…they just were being kind and loving to Tommy L.

Christmas In July…was in full swing. The Wiz had planned his Magic Act with a Christmas Story message and he was excited to begin. As more of the people at the Picnic saw Tommy L. and the manner that Jane and Chet and Billy B. treated him with honor and respect and had him sit with them at the head table that was directly in front of the Magic Show Stage…they began to come up and greet Tommy L. and tell him how happy that they were that he was there. Tommy L. had a humongous smile on his face. He was talking and laughing and even arose to illustrate his Tap Dancing skills. Tommy L. was the life of the party!

Up came; Buddy and Tommy C. and Jim and Debbie to join Tommy L. in the Tap Dancing extravaganza. The Wiz watched as a tear rolled down his cheek. When it was time for the Magic Show The Wiz stepped up onto the stage. He looked out at the extremely happy picnickers. ‘Tommy L…come forward and speak to us about Tap Dancing…’ Tommy L walked onto the stage and began to tell how he came from a Tap Dancing family and that his grandparents had been in Vaudeville and his mom taught tap dancing in New York City before they moved to Eldorado. Tommy L. told stories about meeting George Burns and Bob Hope and Fred Astair. Ginger Rogers was his pen pal.

Tommy L. sat down to a thunderous standing ovation and his promise to begin teaching Tap Dancing at Hillcrest School on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

”The lesson of Christmas In July has been expertly taught by each of you and most especially by…Tommy L…” said The Wiz…

Our Tuesday is a bit cooler with the promise of rain in the forecast. I was thinking that we all have some of God in us…in that we each attempt to fashion organizations that we are a part of and people that are close to us…in our image and after our likeness. I just left Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale…or the University that Delyte Morris built. Almost every success for the past over 70 years has his fingerprint on it. President Morris envisioned a University without prejudice and bias and with an international outreach…and he brought all of those wonderful elements to pass. Dr. Morris saw a world-class university that never forgot where it came from and thus had its’ primary mission to the people of impoverished Southern Illinois.

Eldorado, my hometown, Duquoin, and most of the little Southern Illinois Towns and Villages were founded with purpose and vision by a handful of people. While those Visions flourished…the town prospered…when they were forgotten…the forgotten towns languished. The Bible tells us that, ‘Where there is no vision…the people perish.’

Churches are governed by members of our human family. But…then again…our Bible was written by the same. In George and Ira Gerwishins’ popular song from their Opera, Porgy, and Bess that is sung by the character, ‘Sportin’ Life, he sings, ‘It ain’t necessarily so, The things that you’re liable to read in the Bible, It ain’t necessarily so.’ The media spends an inordinate amount of time covering either the far right of politics or the far left and basically ignores the preponderance of people that are neither..but rather in the middle. Many of us have thought deeply regarding the very divisive subjects of the day and our opinions can not be expressed in a soundbite. Nor are our opinions hanging off of the edge of political/religious thought. If we are not careful we can be guilty of fashioning our churches in our own image…and forgetting the many who are not like us and who can not find a home in our narrow faith and worldview.

‘We see through a glass darkly,’ Paul told us. We search for God and his will for our lives and our churches and our world. Often we see the shadows…while the image stands in dim light…

Billy B. was excited about his and Chets’ upcoming trip to the DuQuoin State Fair. Each Labor Day they rode with Neva J. to DuQuoin to attend the last day of the Fair. The Fair was the capstone of the Summer’s Events…and it was anticipated for some months. Living in Eldorado…the State Fair was a big deal. They were accustomed to Carnivals both in Harrisburg and Eldorado…but the DuQuoin Fair had a mystery all of its own. Billy B. had ridden the Scrambler at the Eldorado Carnival and had hit his mouth on the metal side of the cart when it turned violently and Neval J. lost hold of him. The owner of the attraction had run over to see how Billy B. was and brought a massive Teddy Bear for him as a gift. Neva J. tore the owner a new A-Hole and assured. him that he would be sued if there was any damage to Billy B.s’ mouth or teeth.

Chet announced…when he and Neva J. and Billy B. arrived at the Fair… that he was seeking the mystery of life and that he was sure that he would discover the ‘Mystery’ somewhere in the many dark and inviting corners of the Fairgrounds. Chet had seen the movie NightMare Alley with the actor, Tyrone Power, and he had been intrigued with searching out what the DuQuoin Fair had to offer him in his quest for knowledge. So…Neva J. and Chet and Billy B. made their way to the tent that had a Carnival Barker in front of it who was announcing, ‘Enter here…all those who are seeking answers to the mysteries of life!’ Inside the tent was a gentleman dressed in a top hat and tails. He had on white gloves and carried a walking stick with a pearl handle. He wore a handlebar mustache that had been carefully waxed. Chet looked around to see that the tent was full of people…perhaps 100 or more… The well-dressed and serious man began to speak. ‘Take warning all of you who have entered here…this is neither a game nor a sideshow farce.’ ‘This tent is erected over a geological certainty…while being a terrifying mystery,’ the Top Hat man said. ‘You are sitting directly over a Black Hole…that can take you forward or backward through time,’ he whispered. ‘If you are afraid…please leave now…if you have a heart or nervous condition…leave now.’ ‘There is a caveat to this Mystery of Life…you will not be able to pick where you are going or if it is ahead in time…or backward in time,’ he said as a tear coursed down his cheek.

Chet marveled as he looked at his well-appointed office in the White House. ‘The President needs you immediately,’ said his Executive Assistant. ‘Russia has launched a…First Strike…’

‘At least I live in a nice house…this time,’ thought the four-year-old Billy B. as he walked on his front porch in Sauk Village…

Pastor Kerry preached a sermon about Love this morning…and it was lovely. MJ and Jonathon and I were back in our physical Church Building and it felt very good to be there. There is something about fellowshipping with your fellow parishioners that can not be replicated on Zoom. When you see…in the flesh…your fellow congregants…you know and understand that you are not in this walk of life…alone. Others are facing the challenges of the Christian Walk and being members of our mutual Human Family…on Earth.

Love is a deep well that we have yet to discover its’ bottom. When a couple stays together for years and years…it may not be immediately apparent to observers in the cheap seats…but they are witnessing love… The term ‘Tough Love’ was often bandied about in our last Century. Tough Love was supposed to represent bringing a person to tasks to admit their mistakes and to seek the help that they need for their problems. I have seen Tough Love misused much more often than I have seen it done correctly. Fundamentalist folks often engage in what they call Tough Love…which is a political/religious amalgamation of their ‘John Wayne Theology’ and which takes advantage of hurting people at their most vulnerable times.

Jesus did drive the money changers out of the temple…but he also was a friend to the woman who was caught in the act of adultery… and he then knelt down and began to write in the sand and slowly all of the faithful hurlers of stones…crept away on little cats feet. He then asked the woman, ‘Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more.’ John 8: 10 – 11. KJV

‘Love covers a multitude of sins,’ Peter told us. Love is not essential to support someone who is able physically and mentally to work…but as the old saying goes: ‘Give a man a fish and he will eat today…teach a man to fish and he will eat for his entire life.’

So…Verizon Phone Service offers a deal that you can’t refuse… I saw a television commercial that said that anyone could come in and trade their old iPhone for a new iPhone…for Free. I learned many years ago that things that seem too good to be true…usually are. In any case, we went in and I traded my XR iPhone for a new iPhone 13 at no additional cost except for the upgrade in memory…and we kept the same plan. A young man named Gabriel waited on us for the majority of our time at Verizon and he was a delight and a truly nice person. Where his colleagues did not seem to be overly interested in assisting us…Gabriel stepped up and even worked 30 minutes after his quitting time to ensure that we were well taken care of. He was enthused about two handcrafted writing pens that he had recently purchased as MJ noted that one that he was using was exactly like her formerly favorite pen that she had purchased in Paducah, Kentucky. As he worked diligently on our phone transfers he told us the story of his handcrafted pens and even found the person’s business card for MJ to photograph to facilitate her contacting the craftsman.

Mrs. Baker was Billy B.’s English teacher at Washington Junior High School in Eldorado. Billy B. liked Mrs. Baker as she talked with him often and encouraged him in his studies. Mrs. Baker was a prim and proper lady…with blue hair. Billy was mesmerized by her blue hair…he had never seen blue hair before. Mr. Baker, Mrs. Baker’s husband was a teacher at the Eldorado High School. Mrs. Baker often spoke of Von and sometimes her words were a bit personal…but tasteful. Billy B. and Chet especially enjoyed the film that Mrs. Baker showed the class of Eldorado during the 30s… 40s… and 50s. Many of the buildings were recognizable while some were not. At one point Mrs. Baker or as Billy B. thought of her, Gwendolyn, mentioned that if the class looked closely we would see her crossing the street near Burnetts’ Bank…and Chet laughed when he saw his respected instructor as a young lady…who as she laughed she did a little jig in front of the Bank. The 8th-grade classroom was hot that day and the lights were turned off in order to see the historic film…and suddenly Billy B. and Chet were standing beside…Gwendolyn.

‘My goodness…Sally…look at these cute boys and what unique clothes they are wearing,’ said Gwendolyn. ‘Are you on your way to School,’ asked Chet? ‘No…Sally and I are going to Carter and Chossiers’ Drug Store for a tall and frosty mug of root beer…would you like to join us, said Gwendolyn. ‘Would we ever,’ announced Billy B. ‘You two are a lot of fun…how old are you guys…anyway, asked Sally. ‘How old do you need us to be,’ asked Chet. ‘Well, Sally and I are 17 and we are on our way to college at SIUC Normal in Carbondale this September,’ replied Gwendolyn. ‘We are both 17…would you girls like to go with us to see the new film, The Wizard of Oz, at the Orpheum, asked Billy B.? ‘We would like nothing better, smiled Gwendolyn…

‘Sally…excuse me for a moment I need to go to the Teachers’ Lounge and call…Billy B….to see what time he will be able to leave EHS for our vacation to Gatlinburg,’ Gwendolyn said. ‘When you find out I will call Chet and tell him to pack the car…I like the idea that we will be traveling at night…especially with this 1969 traffic…

Memorial Day was fast approaching. This was a Red Letter Day on Billy B.s’ calendar as it was the opening of the Pounds Hollow swimming area. Pounds Hollow was the primary activity along with movies at the Orpheum Theatre…with at least a weekly visit to the Starlight Drive-In…from Memorial Day until Labor Day when Pounds Hollow closed. Neva J. loved swimming even more than Billy B. She was not only a good swimmer but she could swim for long distances and did not seem to get tired from the effort. Neva J. relished the tranquility of the cool water and the serenity of the Creeks’ environs.

Neva J. laughed when there seemingly was little to laugh about. If others that were around her seemed down or depressed she was quick with a, ‘How you doing Kiddo,’ and a ready smile and a laugh at life’s reversals. Chet had lost his father, Carol, suddenly and it had only been a month ago. Neval J. said to Billy B., ‘Why don’t you call Chet and see if he would like to go to Pounds Hollow for the day?’ ‘But Mom…it does not open until Memorial Day and this is only Friday the 13th.’ ‘I know…but there is a place where there is a hole in the fence and we will climb through the hole and swim to our heart’s content…and after that, we will get a bag of burgers at the Moo and Cackle,’ said Neva J. ‘I will bring a package of Oscar Mayer Weiners for Chet..you know how he enjoys them right out of the package, said Billy B.

Chet was reading a Lost In Space Comic Book when Billy B. called. ‘Yes, I would love to come with you and Neva J….but won’t we get in trouble due to the facility not being open until Memorial Day, asked Chet? ‘Mom says that will be half of the fun of going and that that Hidden Creek is magical when it is snuck into,’ laughed Billy B. ‘So…Neva J. has now renamed Pounds Hollow…Hidden Creek,’ asked Chet? ‘It looks like it, my friend,’ responded Billy B.

The Rag Top was down on Neva J.s’ 57′ Chevy and the wind was blowing through their hair as they drove to…Hidden Creek… Neva J. led the way as they descended carefully down the long flite of uneven stone steps that led to the fence that surrounded the Creek. ‘Follow me… the hole is behind these bushes,’ whispered Neva J. Chet laughed at the hijinks and antics of Neva J. She seemed to always be attempting to cause others to feel better. Chet rubbed his eyes as he peered at Hidden Creek…as it was nothing like Pounds Hollow…although they drove on the same road that leads to Pounds Hollow and they descended the same uneven stone steps that lead to Pounds Hollow…yet this was not Pounds Hollow…

‘Hi Chet…it is good to see you…son,’ said Carol as he sat on a large boulder that was near the swimming area. ‘Bring me a hot dog…I am famished, laughed Carol. ‘But Dad…how are you here,’ Chet said with a massive smile on his face and tears in his eyes. ‘Well, you remember that we learned at the Social Brethern Church that there is life after death…I am the proof,’ Carol laughed heartily. ‘I am always with you…son…you are never alone,’ Carol said softly.

‘What a great day at Pounds Hollow…and what an outstanding beginning to swimming season…early,’ Billy B. added. Chet slept peacefully in the back seat of the Chevy…the wind tousling his hair as he enjoyed his dreams of…Hidden Creek…

It was another lovely day on West Street in Eldorado. Billy B. had been ill with another bout of bronchitis and had visited Dr. Ferrel Hospital at the hospital that was named after him. Billy B. loved to read the Bible Story Books that were in the waiting room at Ferrel Hospital. Dr. Ferrel was a nice man with a smart mustache and a good bedside manner. Billy B. had spent time in Ferrel Hospital when he had pneumonia. Billy B. had always admired the peace and calm demeanor of friends and neighbors that he knew who were Christians.

Chet and Billy B. and Jane and Daryl…often spoke of the stories of the Old Testament and of Christ. The times of the Bible were fascinating to them and after watching The Ten Commandments with the famous actor, Charlton Heston, in the role of Moses…they were intrigued with the power that the God of the Hebrews had at his command. Billy B. found a big stick that was relatively straight and thus he began using it as a Walking Stick and believed in his heart that he was carrying a Staff such as Moses did in the great movie. Billy B. had what was called a Trundle Bed in his bedroom in the little red house on West Street and one night Chet stayed over. Billy B. slept on the top bed and Chet slept on the bottom bed which rolled out from underneath the top bed. Daryl and Jane were at Billy B.s’ during the evening and they had decided to put on a Play of the Ten Commandments movie…that they all admired. Chet would portray Aaron, Moses’ assistant, and Jane would be Moses’ sister…while Daryl would be Pharoh. The Play would be performed at Hillcrest School and it would be as a fundraiser for their favorite teacher, Mrs. K, who was ill. Jane said, ‘Let’s make the proceeds of the Play be for not only Mrs. K…but also Mrs. B…who is now in a wheelchair and not doing well.’ They all agreed and the performance was set for Good Friday.

Good Friday had arrived and the mimeographed advertisements had been placed all over town. The Schools’ auditorium was full as Mrs. K and Mrs. B. were beloved teachers in Eldorado. Billy B.s’ costume had been made by Neva J. and Thelma had assisted in the sewing of the other Middle Eastern Clothing. Billy B. reflected on the simple faith that he had learned in the Bible Story Books at Ferrel Hospital and the stirring of his heart while watching Moses part the Red Sea… Neva J. had a small role in the performance as Mrs. K and Thelma played Mrs. B. and Daryl had even obtained a wheelchair for Thelma to sit in. At the conclusion of the elite production and after the very professional bows of the young Theatre Troupe…Jane walked to the microphone and requested that each person in the large audience…pray for Mrs. K and Mrs.B….that they would be healed…

‘If you have the faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there,’ and it will move. ‘Nothing will be impossible for you,’ said Mrs. B. the next morning when she called Billy B. to tell him that she had taken a few steps and felt remarkably better.

Beulah Campground has been just down the block from my Grandma Askews’ home. It contained numerous block buildings of various sizes and I was fascinated by it each time I passed by the campground facility. Today I read the sign and it says, ‘Beulah Holiness Camp.’ A google search yielded the following information: ‘Come enjoy our open-air tabernacle and our air-conditioned dining hall. We have celebrated over 100 years of holiness preaching and worship and would like to add you to our family. Beulah Holiness Camp Meeting is an interdenominational Christian Association established for the purpose of getting sinners saved, backsliders reclaimed, and believers sanctified wholly. It is especially established for the preaching of the Wesleyan doctrine of baptism of the Holy Spirit (i.e. sanctification, Christian Perfection, holiness) as a second definite work of God’s grace in the human heart. When you enter Beulah Campground in Eldorado, Illinois, you are standing on holy ground.’

On my fourth photo-snapping excursion through my old home town I was struck by the many areas that are impoverished…alongside or just down the road from lovely homes and well-kept yards. Eldorado is not unlike many formerly thriving towns in Southern Illinois and indeed all over the United States where the business activity has moved to the main highway, Route #45, that runs alongside the edge of town. There are Hardees and Mcdonald’s and the Big Johns Supermarket and Dads’ Restaurant and other business establishments on either side of this corridor. Downtown is mostly quiet with many of the historic buildings vacant and foot traffic almost non-existent.

The old Orpheum is the center of Eldorado…and my memories of it.

Many hours of Celluloid Bliss were spent at the Orpheum. I loved to hear the, now forgotten sound, of the film clicking along with the projector’s metal teeth as it ran it in front of the brilliant light bulb that in turn displayed the movie miracle on the silver screen. I relished the darkness of the theatre and the immersion in the story that was playing out in front of me. For a time…home was on the giant screen…

Movies at the Orpheum taught me that freedom of thought and purpose and life…was a precious gift that should not be squandered or thought of lightly. The streets and avenues of Eldorado were big to me and contained much to be understood…and they still do…

I enjoy admiring Fine Art. I can look at paintings for hours on end and find something new in them each time I look. As a child, I loved the action figures of the day and they caused me to imagine what it would be like to be them… I was a storyteller in training. Indeed, MJ and I have few mutual enjoyments that surpass our affinity for Art. The Arts are a window of our souls. Whether it be an intriguing story or mystery or a lovely painting…we of the human family are engaged and excited by the stirring up of our hearts with the human message that Art brings us.

Billy B. had seldom seen a more exquisite painting. It was an outdoor pastoral that was hanging in Downs Furniture Store…where he had recently been employed…and he was 17 years old. The painting had a price tag of $50 on it and that was like $500.00 to Billy B. However when he inquired regarding being able to put the work of art on lay-away until he could save the money to purchase it for Neva J. for Christmas…David said that he could have it at cost and that he could buy it at $5 per week. He was in ‘Hog Heaven’ as Neva J. often said.

Chet and Billy B. took to the road on a snowy Christmas Eve with the magnificent painting in the back seat of Chet’s 57′ Chrysler. They stopped at Mr. Snack in Christopher, Illinois to enjoy a couple of Italian Beef Sandwiches and played Christmas In The Country on the old car radio. Billy B. could not shake the deja vu of having seen the scene in the Christmas Painting…a long time ago. ‘It must be my imagination…Chet..but I could swear that I have been in the location of the Plein Air Painting,’ said Billy B. ‘It has a magic about it,’ replied Chet. ‘When I was looking at it before you wrapped it in Christmas paper…I felt like that I was there under the big oak tree…and I even saw me in the painting…under the tree,’ exclaimed Chet. ‘It is a rather timeless painting,’ noted Billy B.

Chet wheeled into Neva J.s’ driveway in Eldorado. There was Neva J. with her arms opened wide and a smile from ear to ear on her face. ‘I have opened a fresh box of wine…Franzia…and I have the wine glasses out for our enjoyment, Neva J. proclaimed! When Billy B. and Chet entered the kitchen…which was adjacent to the coal stove…that they kept fire red hot…they saw the Wine Glasses…they were 16oz glasses and Neva J. had already filled them…to the brim… As the three of the Holiday Reveliers quickly shed their winter coats and scarfs and sat down…they began to imbibe the fruit of the vine. Peels of laughter resounded through the house and suddenly Neva J. said, ‘Let me show you the New Room.’ Now the New Room was the enclosed front porch…that Demetrius had been working on for months. It was resplendent in a red and black theme…which were Neva J.s’ favorite colors. ‘Mom…I have a Christmas gift for you,’ announced Billy B. As Billy B. and Chet brought in the Christmas Painting…as it took both of them to carry it…Billy B. said, ‘When you unwrap the gift…tell me if it reminds you of anything that you have seen before.’ Neva J. began unwrapping the Painting and suddenly she stopped abruptly as she gazed at the scene. ‘This is my home when I was a girl in Mt. Vernon,’ cried Neva J. ‘There is Mom and Vema and Wanda and ‘Fetch’…which was her nickname for her brother, Gene, and there I am swinging on the old tire swing in our front yard,’ Billy B.s’ Mom said with tears in her eyes. ‘And there you are Billy B….standing on the large hill that was next to our house,’ said Neva J. ‘What do you see, Chet, asked Billy B.? ”I see us here at your Moms’ in Eldorado…and we are presenting her with her Christmas Painting and there is my dearly departed Dad…waving to me…from the front porch,’ replied Chet as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

‘What do you see in the Christmas Painting,’ Chet asked Billy B.? ‘ I see Aaron and Jonathon and MJ waiting for me to come home from work at the University…and laughing and dancing around our six-foot Chrismas Tree in our little four-room house in Elkville…and hugging me and me hugging them as we unwrapped our Christmas Gifts to each other,’ replied Billy B. ‘I see the Little Porcelain Nativity Scene that MJ and I purchased for our first Christmas with Aaron, Billy B. said in little more than a whisper…

‘It is a bit of Christmas Magic,’ said Neva J. ‘It is a Christmas Miracle,’ said Chet. ‘More Wine,’ proclaimed Billy B.