Stuff & Nonsense: All-American by Celeste Parsons

We have now celebrated three of the major summer holidays, and are a month and a half from the holiday that traditionally brings summer to an end. While winter holidays are occasions for gift-giving and family merriment, the summer holidays are times when we reflect on what makes the United States of America what it is. Memorial Day is for honoring those who have fought and died for our country and for its ideals.  Juneteenth remembers the day when the final communities of enslaved African-Americans learned that they had been freed. The 4th of July is Independence Day, when we commemorate the events and personages who declared that the American colonies of Great Britain "are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States." And Labor Day recognizes the contributions of the working men and women of this land to our national prosperity, and their rights to have a level playing field in negotiating working conditions with their employers.
 
When my husband and I were bicycle touring along the upper Mississippi River, we rode into Quincy, Illinois, past All-American Park, which turned out to be a dirt bike course. This got me to thinking about all the ways in which we use the term All-American and resulted in the following poem.
 
All-American
 
(Angie)
I’m the All-American girl, that’s me, 
And my forebears fought over stamps and tea.
They came to this land with their hopes and dreams
And a passion to succeed.
They were people of thoughtful and learned bent,
And invented our laws and our government,
But applying a theory to practice means
Things weren’t always what was agreed.
 
(Shandra)
I’m the All-American girl next door.
My forebears came chained from a distant shore.
They were snatched away from their hopes and dreams,
And they hungered to be free.
So they persevered through the toil and pain
Till the words of freedom were proclaimed,
But applying words to actions means
Things weren’t always what was agreed.
 
(Kaydee)
I’m the All-American girl you know.
My ancestors hunted the buffalo,
And they passed to their children their hopes and dreams
And a reverence for the land.
They were stripped of their homes and the lands they knew,
And their children were stripped of their language, too,
For the ones who said what the treaty means
Didn’t always state what was agreed.
 
(Nina)
I’m an All-American girl also.
My grandparents walked in from Mexico,
And they held on tight to their hopes and dreams
As we lived ten to a room.
We worked in the fields, we cleaned, we learned,
And we took the jobs that others spurned.
We paid our taxes on what we earned
Even though that wasn’t agreed.
  
(All)
We are all Americans, just like you.
We are choosing to live red, white, and blue,
And we all have different hopes and dreams
And different lives to lead.
But the Liberty Tree will grow strong and tall
If it’s nourished by and shelters all.
Separated we fail, but together succeed—
And on this, we are all agreed. 

Celeste Parsons lives in a log house built on a former dairy farm with her husband Jim, her Westie dog, Spook, and a revolving population of deer, turkeys, chipmunks, hummingbirds, and other wildlife. She has written poems, plays, technical documentation, and newspaper articles since childhood, and is the editor of Nelsonville from A to Z. Her first children's book, Wait Until I Grow Up!, was released in 2021.

This Week @ Monday Creek: Hole in the Ville

Author Curt J. Robinette and storekeeper Jessica

Ohio Charm: Hole in the Ville, Nelsonville, Ohio USA

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, the Hole in the Ville boutique beckons with its authentic charm. Whether you’re a Bohemian soul seeking flowing dresses or a seasoned shopper searching for local flair, this little gem promises an enchanting experience.

Picture a weathered wooden storefront adorned with flower baskets and hand-selected vintage displays. The creak of the screen door welcomes you, and the scent of lavender incense lingers in the air. As you step inside, vintage hardwood floors and chic lamps illuminate racks of carefully curated clothing. 

Their Boho dresses, with flowing silhouettes and delicate lace, transport you to sun-drenched festivals. Imagine twirling in a white cotton dress, the hem brushing against your sun-kissed ankles.

But wait, there’s more! For those nights when the fireflies dance and the barn parties come alive, the carefree-vibe section awaits. Picture turquoise-studded bangles, embroidered hats, and one-of-a-kind handbags. Delicate lotions, delicious soaps, and candles in crystal keepers shimmer like constellations. You can’t help but feel transported.

It's the perfect opportunity to create a gift basket for your best friend. Choose from a selection of local books by the region’s best authors, delicate scarves, baubles, and unique treats for every taste. If you can’t decide, a gift certificate is a welcome choice!

As you leave, your arms are laden with treasures—a fringed top, a frilly skirt, and memories of a Boho afternoon. This country boutique promises timeless style and Ohio hospitality.  

Special thanks to the ladies at Hole in the Ville for creating a wonderful atmosphere for award-winning author Curt J. Robinette’s launch of his new book, Until I Have No More To Give: A Hiram Robinett Story of the Civil War. It was a special event. Thank you for embracing the literary arts in our community.

Follow on Facebook and Insta @ Hole in the Ville Community

Curt J. Robinette's New Book on Amazon

 

Hole in the Ville, Nelsonville, Ohio

Good Habits Rabbits! Habits! An Interview with Ohio Author Mark M. Dean

Good Habits Rabbits! Habits!: An Interview with Ohio Author Mark M. Dean

Mark M. Dean released a new children’s book earlier this year, Good Habits Rabbits! Habits! Beautifully illustrated by Emi Olin, Dean writes about the importance of good hygiene, kindness, and good habits. Recently, I caught up with Mark to ask him about his new book.

Welcome, Mark!

GM: What is the premise for your new book?

MD:  The premise of my new book is to teach children in a fun fashion some of the basic manners that will help them throughout their lives.

GM: What would you like readers to take away from your book?

MD:  I'd like the older generation to realize many basic manners aren't being taught to children the way they used to. 

GM: What are you currently writing?

MD:  I'm currently writing a series of books on a Bigfoot Family.  It takes place deep in a "Holler" where the extended family has fun adventures with each other and their community.

GM: Besides writing, what do you like to do for fun?

MD:  Spending time with my family, playing ice hockey, and working on the family hobby horse farm.

GM: Do you have advice for novice writers?

MD:  Start.  Simply get that first sentence down and don’t worry if it’s perfect, you'll be able to circle back and polish it up after you get in your groove.

GM: Who is your favorite author?  

MD:  I have several.  Two of my favorites are JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. These two authors opened the door to my imagination at a very important time in my childhood. Their writing style, creativity and depth of characters were amazing to me.

GM: What are you currently reading?  

MD: I'm reading a book of poetry, Good Poetry, complied by Garrison Keillor and the fourth book in the American history saga, The Furies.

GM: Take us through a day in your life as a writer...

MD:  I'm an early morning writer before anyone in the house is up and the horses haven't started stirring yet.  I head right to the kitchen table, crack open the computer, and turn that puppy on.  While its coming to life I head to the coffeepot and get the java a-brewing.  From that point, I have about two hours before the day starts for the rest of the family.

GM: Any thoughts on the state of the world? Has current events impacted your role as a writer?

MD:  Unfortunately, I think our world is in a very historic time, and not in a good way.  How do we get to a better place?  Serve your higher power, love this journey and those who you are on it with, embrace your inner child, and keep it simple!

The style and subject matter of my writing isn't as impacted by world events as other authors may be; serving others in some capacity, keeping it simple.

Connect with Mark…

Facebook

Instagram

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

 

Mylee's Corner: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

 

Glorious Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens should be on your summer bucket list! It has many different exhibits from rainforests to deserts, there’s even a whole room of butterflies. There are indoor exhibits as well as the outdoor gardens. There’s also a huge children’s area full of themes the little ones would love!

I was able to explore the place and all of its beauty in two hours but I definitely could’ve stayed longer if it hadn’t been raining. It’s a little confusing to navigate the place so make sure you grab your map at the beginning because you’re going to need it.

The Garden Café was full of delicious foods and the portions were decent size. The prices of tickets, food, and items from the gift shop are pricey but it was worth all the joy and happiness it brings. Check it out at 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio. It’s quite a glorious adventure!

Photos by Mylee

Mylee is a journalism student at Tri-County Career Center. She resides in Logan, Ohio. Mylee enjoys reading, writing, and crafting. 

Milliron Monday: Necessity is the mother of invention

Dr. Smith, his mother (Betty), daughter (Jessica), father (Abbott), and dogs in the back of Dr. Smith's truck
 

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, Dr. Pete and Jody Smith. 

"Necessity is the mother of invention."

― Plato

Dr. Smith had always been a man of practical solutions. As a country veterinarian, he patched up countless farm animals, from ornery bulls to skittish sheep. He faced unique challenges and created innovative items to help him in his daily tasks, including a sturdy rack to haul livestock. The rack fit neatly into the bed of his pickup truck. Funds would not always be available to purchase the newest (or even oldest) gadget/livestock trailer. Creative ideas saved money.

I was looking through old photos and noticed this photo of Dr. Smith and his family. Hmmm… I’ve seen this rack before. I remember my dad’s pickup truck with the same rack – it was even white! The racks were almost identical. My dad, a fairly good carpenter, had used Dr. Smith’s idea. Most likely, Dr. Smith inspired my dad to build his own.

An avid equestrian, Dr. Smith probably used his rack to haul horses, but being a small-time Hereford farmer, my dad needed something to haul cattle to Dr. Smith’s Milliron Clinic, to the local stock sale, or to the meat processor. When my dad wasn’t using the rack, he removed it from the bed of his truck and all the neighborhood kids would play in it (good memories).

 

Like my dad, Dr. Smith exhibited an innovative spirit, often finding practical solutions to challenges. They adapted to limited resources, crafted makeshift tools, and embraced unconventional methods to care for animals. Their hands-on approach and resilience reflected a commitment to helping one another, their livestock, and a deep understanding of rural life.

Have a great week ahead.

  

Connect with Gina...

Milliron Facebook Page

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.

This Week @ Monday Creek: A Hay Baling Tale

Hay delivery @ Monday Creek

This post is in honor of the family who brings hay to my barn every year. Even though my fields are full of beautiful meadow-grass hay, which is baled and stored for winter, I buy hay every year for my Quarter mare. The square bales are much easier to portion than round bales, easier to handle on freezing winter days, and the hay is a better quality for horses – clover, alfalfa, canary grass, and timothy. With plenty of hay in perfect stacks in the barn, we're ready for winter. In appreciation, here’s a short story about the joys of baling hay…

A Hay Baling Tale

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the rolling fields. It was hay baling season—the time when the air smelled of freshly cut grass and the rhythmic hum of tractors echoed through the countryside.

Ethan wiped the sweat from his brow as he guided the tractor, pulling the hay baler behind him. His calloused hands gripped the steering wheel, and he squinted against the bright sunlight. The baler’s mechanical arms chewed through the rows of hay, compressing them into neat rectangular bales.

Beside him, his younger brother, Jake, rode shotgun. Jake was the talkative one, always full of questions. “Why do we bale hay, Ethan?” he asked, his voice carrying over the engine’s rumble.

Ethan chuckled. “Well, Jake, hay is like gold for our livestock. It’s their winter food—keeps 'em warm and fed when the snow blankets the ground.”

They worked in tandem—the baler spitting out bales, and Ethan stacking them onto the wagon. The sun climbed higher, and the heat intensified. Sweat soaked through Ethan’s shirt, but he pressed on. There was a rhythm to it—the steady clunk of bales hitting the wagon, the smell of dried grass, and the distant song of a meadowlark.

As the wagon filled, Jake hopped down. “Ethan,” he said, wiping his dusty hands on his jeans, “do you think we’ll ever leave this farm?”

Ethan paused, leaning against the wagon. He looked out at the expanse of green, the distant hills, and the red barn waiting for their harvest. “Maybe,” he said softly. “But this land—it’s in our blood. Our ancestors worked it, and so will our children.”

They finished loading the wagon, and Ethan climbed back onto the tractor. The baler chewed through the last row, and he glanced at Jake. “Ready?”

Jake nodded, and they headed back to the barn. The wagon creaked under the weight of the bales, and dust billowed around them. As they approached the barn, their father stood waiting, his weathered face breaking into a smile.

“Good work, boys,” he said, clapping Ethan on the shoulder. “We’ll stack these in the loft, and come winter, our animals will thank us.”

Together, they unloaded the bales, the sweet scent of hay filling the air. Ethan watched Jake—he was growing stronger, more capable. Maybe one day, he’d take over the farm.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows, Ethan leaned against the barn. He listened to the crickets and felt the ache in his muscles. The hay baling season was hard work, but it was also a reminder of their legacy—the ties that bound them to this land.

And so, beneath the summer sun, they stacked bales high, bridging the gap between generations. The barn stood as a silent witness, its wooden beams echoing stories of resilience, love, and the simple beauty of hard labor.

Stacking hay @ Monday Creek

Writing History: An Interview with Historical Fiction Author Curt J. Robinette

Writing History: An Interview with Historical Fiction Author Curt J. Robinette

Currently visiting his hometown of Nelsonville, Ohio, I caught up with Curt J. Robinette and asked him about his new book, writing, and more. His new book UNITL I HAVE NO MORE TO GIVE: A Hiram Robinett Story of the Civil War, released this month. Curt will be signing books tomorrow, July 20th, at the new Hole in the Ville, on the Nelsonville Public Square.

Welcome, Curt!

GM: What is the premise for your new book?
CR:  Like most Americans, I believed that 1861-1865 encompassed the most terrible years in the history of our country. Very little effort has taken place to put those four years into proper perspective. While not suggesting that Hiram's story will enlighten you totally to this incredible time in history, it will give the reader the opportunity to see the challenges our country faced after the shooting stopped. "Reconstruction" was no such thing. Our government, led by an uncaring bigoted and prejudiced President, failed miserably to handle the transition of 4-plus million freed blacks and then blamed that failure on 1,000 members of The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands. My grandfather's half-brother was one of those Freedmen's Bureau personnel and I tried my best to show the daily insurmountable challenges faced by these true American Heroes. Their accomplishments still shine brightly today. Sadly, most of us do not know the story.

GM: What would you like readers to take away from your book?
CR:  To understand how incredibly difficult "Equality for All" has been and continues to be. I could offer bunches of opinions, including many facts, perhaps an equal number of excuses; but I would hope that folks discover it on their own.

GM: Certainly, a lot of research has gone into your new book. The hours spent in research will enlighten those looking for more information about that era. What are you currently writing?
CR:  I have multiple "starts" that I would like to turn into something enjoyable. Having a limited imagination, I really have to rely on facts. I have several stories lumped together in a group called "Stories I May Never Complete". I believe I have one more 'good' story in me focused on my great grandparents and their children. Maybe that's next.

GM: Besides writing, what do you like to do for fun?
CR:  The NEW Nelsonville Tribune is a facebook group that hopes to keep the spirit of Nelsonville alive. I spend three to four hours a day living in the past and looking for fun and funny things to share. I spend an hour or so a day watching the Nelsonville Chamber of Commerce Live Cam, hoping to see folks that I know. I absolutely love the public square. My heart is there.

GM: Do you have advice for novice writers?
CR:  Find someone who believes in you and what you are trying to do. Number one, above all else, try it. I absolutely had no idea if I could tell a story or not. If you don't try, guess what? You won't know either.

GM: I don’t think people realize the hard work that goes into writing a book! I am sure you have derived inspiration from other authors along the way. Who is your favorite author?  
CR:  Hasn't changed over the years. Zane Grey and Larry McMurtry.

GM: What are you currently reading?
CR:  Civil War period articles are my favorite. Not particularly the battles, more the lives of the folks involved and those impacted.

GM: Take us through a day in your life as a writer...
CR:  I get on Facebook and The NEW Nelsonville Tribune, do birthdays for members, look for interesting tales or facts offered up by members or Facebook offerings. I don't write every day or it wouldn't take five years between books.

GM: Any thoughts on the state of the world? Has current events impacted your role as a writer?
CR:  Just spent a few years in the years 1865-1868 which really helped me in dealing with the pathetic situation today that we call our Government. Things were absolutely terrible for at least a decade called the 1860s. Our current situations, not only in the US, but throughout a large part of the World, are potentially as bad and could become worse in a heartbeat. Realistically and because of the new weapons compared to the past, we probably should be worried.

My current book was hard to tell because it was such a negative time in history. You have to get involved to understand and have any chance to tell a story that appropriately creates the environment. I don't believe I am capable of writing of our current circumstances. Far too complicated for this country boy.

Connect with Curt…

Chauncey's Blood

Until I Have No More To Give

Curt's Facebook Author Page

The New Nelsonville Tribune