THE SOUND OF SILENCE #2
Richard J. Thayer – May 26, 2006 “In the rustling grass I hear Him pass – He speaks to me everywhere.” These familiar and oft sung words remind us of a world “out there” that is far removed from the … Continue reading →
Category Archives: Prose
THE SOUND OF SILENCE #1
To be in silent meditation can be a healing experience, and even more so as I visualized being alone in the forest, with only the sounds – and silence – of nature. My thoughts went back to my childhood days … Continue reading →
FOREST NOTES…. (AND BELATED THANK YOU!) [Written for the First Reformed Church of Bethlehem newsletter November 2001]
I take this opportunity to come out of the “woods work” and express my sincere appreciation for the recognition given Margaret and me for our past years of work in promoting and caring for our church forest. At last I … Continue reading →
Life Lessons of Richard J. Thayer
ALWAYS BE HONEST DO NOTHING THAT WOULD DISGRACE YOUR PARENTS OR FAMILY
Continue reading →Crossroads
At one time or another, I believe we have all had a time of “if only” or “what ifs” – incidents that have directed our lives in an entirely different direction, or road if you will – a crossroad that … Continue reading →
Eight Years In A One Room School House
It was called School #2 – the typical box-like building with white clapboard siding, Vermont slate roof, an open front woodshed, and pit toilets all in one structure. This was located about a mile from any home, thus giving every … Continue reading →
Memories of the Great Depression – Been There – Done That
It was called “Black Tuesday,” October 29, 1929. The news we got on our battery-powered Atwater-Kent radio that night was most disturbing – the Wall Street stock market had crashed and triggered the Great Depression. Many banks already had closed, … Continue reading →
Turning the Sod
He is dressed in the customary farmer’s work clothes of the time: blue gingham shirt, overalls worn out at the knees, leather boots, and a straw hat with a sweat-stained brim. Gently leaning on the plow handles, he takes a large … Continue reading →
Fetching The Cows
As a young boy growing up on a small dairy farm in Vermont I had a few afternoon and after school chores to do, such as filling the wood box behind the kitchen stove, chunks for the parlor stove, and … Continue reading →
An Evening Meal in Paris
A light rain is falling on the canopy of an outdoor café as we sit with dozens of others gathered there. It is 10:00 p.m – a typical time for Parisians to dine. As we examine the menu, I am … Continue reading →