Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

John's Journey

The fall weather is upon us and by the time you read this homecoming will be over with for another year.

When I was younger, fall was a terrific season. It seemed like family and friends always made it a little easier to smile.

My grandfather and I would fish as long as the season allowed, up in Hagerstown, Indiana. Fishing was his favorite sport. Back then, mine was either golf or fishing. Whichever I was doing, I was dreaming of what I was going to accomplish in life.

I remember my high school girlfriend, Joni, and all of the things we used to do. We had leaf fights in the woods and laughed and joked and just acted silly. We were a couple of young country kids who could not get enough of one another's company.

When I got older, I remember falls in Southern Illinois and Arkansas, where I have worked as a newspaper man. The world worries about elections. I always worried about getting home to the faithful porch and watching the cars go by.

As I write this, it is Jacob's birthday. He is 16 today. I wonder what he would have asked for if I were still in his life? Knowing that Boy Scout enthusiasm, it might have been a deer shotgun or deer knife. The last couple of years with my stepson, we went deer hunting with my best friend, Mike.

I never did get to shoot a deer. I took a shot once, but missed because I waited too long and let the thing get up speed to leave. It was exciting though, for me, and I think for Jacob.

So fall also meant the holidays. This year I will probably spend the holidays with my long-time friends, Terry and Cynthia, over in Malvern. That is, when I am not covering events for this newspaper.

Terry and Cynthia owned a clowning business back in the 1990s. I had just suffered a break-up with my wife Doris and met "The Clowns." They are full of life and enthusiasm and have time to listen to a fellow's hopes and dreams. They have sort of been like a second family to me.

When we left Paragould to move to Malvern so I could get work, the clowns came too and got them the house where they now live. I remember many fall days with them, walking, talking and enjoying cook-outs.

Fall in Gurdon seems pleasant to me. I watch as the last of the season's yard sales take place, with young wives, and the rest of us, trying to save a few dollars for their families. I know I will be experiencing my first Fall Festival this coming Saturday, Oct. 30.

I am told it is quite a Gurdon celebration. Fall... I guess I enjoy it so much because it just feels comfortable. Let me know of some of your fall experiences if you like. I am looking for some letters to the editor for our newspaper. Until next time, this is John, still on his Journey.