While the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum was closed due to covoid I wanted to see the home where a woman who was a best selling author and Pulitzer Prize winner spent her formative years.
What a beautiful and serene spot to grow up in. This was a woman who was an advocate her entire life for civil and equal rights. As I visited the empty estate grounds I thought of her on the porch and in the barn as a young girl curious of what life had to offer.
“The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.” -Pearl S. Buck
Arriving in West Virginia all I spoke with wanted to share places I should visit in their State. Again and again I heard I must visit the Governor’s Hotel. I sought it out and here it is. It is quite a spot.
The Greenbrier Hotel
This Hotel is one of a bygone era, maintained to perfection, and glorious in stature and gardens.
It houses a casino and a world class golf course on the grounds.
The Golf Course Area.
Governor’s parking spot at the golf course..
There also is a bunker at the hotel which was developed during the Cold War era. For another blog.
Wanting an Amish rocker I sought out the web to locate the Amish in West Virginia. And I did in the form of Peachy’s, on 6587 Lieving Road, Letart, WV. Here Mr. Peachy has an array of wooden furniture for sale.
Here’s what I purchased.
Mrs. Peachy weaves baskets. Another purchase and I love it.
They also sell an array of spices and greeting cards that they make.
And down the road his daughter in law has a vegetable stand where even though I arrived on the wrong day for baked goods she was able to find a few delicacies from her cupboard.
This ancient Hemlock Forest is one of the few surviving in Applachia. The trees grow up to 90 feet in stature, and 21 feet circumference. There are several walks through these mighty creatures.
Be careful as you take the trek through the Hemlocks.
This lovely Park has much to offer for a family vacation regardless of season. While their lodge is currently undergoing renovations, there are many other places to stay in the area. For specifics check out their web site at northbendsp.com.
Then along Route 50…
is 72 miles leading to the Park. Pull off where you see a brown North Bend sign and find a walk. Going east along route 50 from Clarksburg, West Virgina, I found several interesting trails.
Here are some pics from my walks.
So look for those brown signs along Route 50 and enjoy the walk, but bring dog biscuits as often you’ll come across a protective critter who comes out with a vengeance. However, they always respond favorably to biscuits.
In these days of corona here are some simple helps to get through the day:
Close your eyes and think of something that relaxes you.
Step away from the craziness even if it is to hide out in a bathroom.
Appreciate your home. Sit in a comfortable chair, take deep breaths.
Think of the people who help you through life, give them a call, text or email telling them how grateful you are for them.
Start a journal – doesn’t have to be fancy, the blank back of a piece of paper. Just start..
Look over your to do list, send it blessings and gratitude.
Think of the successes you have had in this day. If only that you got out of bed.
Think positive. Think happy thoughts.
Go outside and look at the sky.
Force yourself to smile.
Think of something funny, laugh.
Rent the movie It’s a Wonderful Life..
Seek out web sites with articles on happiness and how to be..
Read Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman. It speaks to personal well being. Think you are okay, as you are…
Pet a dog, walk your dog, purchase a dog..
Write a list of your strengths, read it daily.
Eat well. Limit sugar, caffeine, alcohol.
Exercise.
Have more sex.
Pray.
Plant an herb garden or any type of garden.
Get your hands in dirt, feel the Earth.
Don’t dwell on past events. Stay present.
Choose what you want to think about.
When bad thoughts appear, tell yourself to change the channel and think of something else.
Limit the news.
Rid yourself of negative influences and people.
Appreciate yourself. Say good things about yourself.
If you have health concerns, don’t dwell on them..
Use positive affirmations, “I am extremely healthy.” You will be surprised as they work.
Tell those you love that you love them.
Walk barefoot.
Take a bubble bath.
Smell spices, burn candles, incense.
Be grateful for all you have, especially the small things. From small grows large, remember the mustard seed..
Recently I had a melt down and feel much shame from this. We all go through times when we are not proud of our actions. But after the appropriate angst I have decided to think of this as a gift and forgive myself. That is probably the best gift we can give ourselves.
It is a challenging time we are all going through, but if we do the work, and pull together we will get through this.
Arthurdale is a historic district in West Virginia established in 1933 through Eleanor Roosevelt’s efforts. It was the nation’s first New Deal Homestead Community. The plan was to give poor West Virginia families a “new chance at life,” as it’s brochure states. The community included 165 homes, a co-op farm, health clinic, cemetery, inn, and schools. It operated until 1947 when it was sold off and in 1989 joined the National Register of Historic Places.
The Community Center
A fascinating concept Eleanor often visited dining, dancing, and chatting with the residents of the community. She was the driving force. It was said she even handed out diplomas at the Arthurdale High School graduations.
Here are some pictures from this interesting concept and visit.
The Forge and Administration Building
Volunteers have recreated the Forge Building to early times.
The Administration Building where the Project Manager resided is now a museum to the era,
with model homes and an original community map.
There even was a gas station outside the Administration Building.
Not bad for 1933!
The Inn across the street where Eleanor often stayed still stands. If only the walls could speak what fascinating conversation would be heard.
A typical home.
And the farm outside.
There is a small fee for tour but well worth it. Tour guides from a federal program give the tours and live in the homes. The gal who gave my tour is working on a Masters Degree. Eleanor’s reach is still extending into the 21st century.
Directly across the street from the Penitentiary is the Grave Creek Mound.
This is the world famous burial spot of the Adena people. These people walked the Earth before the Christian era. There also is an interesting museum adjacent to the Mound.
The Cockayne Farm
Built around 1850 this restored home was the residence of a respected sheep breeder. Many interesting gardens and plantings surround the home. Worth the visit. Call for times.
The Palace of Gold
This is the temple of the world for the people of Krishna.
While not a follower this spot is one of great beauty. There are lovely rose gardens and you are able to tour the church at selected times.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 