Special Delivery

NO! I  DID NOT KNOW IT WAS CREATED OR COMING!!! As I was getting ready to go to an optometrist appointment, a truck pulled up and I saw the fellow come to the door. In the back of the truck was a very large, chain saw carved statue. He asked me where he should put it and we decided that it needed to face the road and be on a kinda-sorta level area. He drove the truck to the spot for unloading and his wife was here to help. The fact is that this lady was one of my 4-H club horse leaders and I have known her for about 40 years! WOW! 

Another surprise to knock me off of my heels! The series of images below tell the story. MEET JAMES 2 — Chain saw carving to replace the original, which will be removed after the bee infestion becomes dormant. Of course I had to document his arrival even though I was shaking in my efforts to capture the difficult placing of this wonderful artwork. I am honored to know the artist and happy that James will live on.

He was still here this morning with the sun shining brightly on his face and he brings me joy and a feeling of peace.

I'm not alone. I have wonderful caring and sharing friends. What more could I ask for?

(My friend who arrived to take me to the optometrist appointment met Razor and Becky. They live close to each other and she recognized the truck!) There are "connections" that come to be just about every day if you think on it. About 60 years ago I did some oil paintings  and one is quite close in appearance to Razor. I sold it but kept a photo. Here ya go!

tap on image to view larger

Oh! My! Goodness!

James is slowly disintegrating due to over 13 years of living in the elements. Bees live in him. Birds peck him. I am facing the fact that that soon he will endure his end and I want it to be in a certain manner. I have called the fellow, "Razor" who carved him for me as "The Spiritual Guardian of Cabin Tranquillity" in April of 2010. He is carved in the image of my Great Grandfather, James Marshall Folkner, but in a whimsical manner. I have left several messages to Razor for a consultation about how to handle James's last days.

Surprise! This morning Razor showed up. Unannounced. I looked out the window and saw him stepping back quickly and then realized that he was trying to avoid being stung! After several applications of bee repellent sprayed into every hole by my yard guy, they are still there! I quickly went out and invited him in to have a talk and develop a plan. Maybe, just maybe he can save the front with James' face and I can keep it indoors. The rest would be taken away. 

Razor, as he left said he had to go to the truck for a minute and he soon came back in carrying a replica that he made. The thoughtfulness and preparation for this gift overwhelmed me. It was so unexpected. It is so beautiful!  LONG LIVE JAMES!!

(October 1, 1914 was my mother's birthday. James was her maternal grandfather.)

Oh and I finished my clothespin angel picture! Her name is Pauline.

please tap image to view larger

James

James is now twelve years old and aging fast! He was carved by a friend just learning how to do it after cutting down the magnificent Blue Spruce tree, and the result was perfect and wonderful. You see, I had shown the carver a photo and asked him to create the face of my maternal great-grandfather but have it a bit whimsical. He did just that! The beautiful pine tree had to be cut down as it was badly infected with spider mites according to the arborist. I had him check to see why it was dying. The fact that a pine tree stump has lasted this long is unusual. Yes, bees, ants and worms have all established homes inside of him. He is picked on by woodpeckers as well.  There is no keeping up now with his internal damage so I'll go on dressing him with garlands and honor as long as he stands. James is the "Spiritual Guardian of Cabin Tranquillity." 

April 2010

May 2022

tap on image to view James larger

James Marshall Folkner and wife Malinda Ann

The name James means "supplanter." Supplanter means someone or something that takes the place of another.

The name Marshall means "steward." Steward means manager or someone who acts in the stead of another.

James Marshall Folkner is my maternal Great Grandfather.

"James, Spiritual Guardian of Cabin Tranquillity," is named after him, in honor of my Mother's Grandfather, her mother's father. He even looks a bit like him.

Out of Season...

Yes, I know - Halloween is over but my granddaughter just sent me photos of her "creation" and I love him! She's exploring her creative side and draws, paints, and sculpts, and... and... and... and...and. Wonder where she gets it from? Hahaha!

She says,

"I used a ruler and free-handed it. Just measured little 1"x1" squares. His name is "Bubble Bobble"

James - 2011

Frozen in January.

He started of the year with a new scarf and continued to become a fashion plate. His duds were varied through the seasons. In April, his attire drew a comment from a young grandson, who said, "Grandma! James would be embarrassed if he saw himself in flowers! He's girly!" Well, yes he was, but Spring was here and she brings birds, bugs and flowers. Besides, what is most beautiful in virile men is something feminine!

July brought flags, banners, and fireworks as he celebrated Independence Day with us by displaying the symbols of our independence.

August is a grand month for going fishing, exhibiting your license on your hat of course, and then for a birthday party celebration! As anticipated, his buddy "Wylie" breezed in.

When we left him for our extended vacation in September, he was chained to the premises as it was important to ensure he'd remain safely on guard. He aged during that time, becoming a bit greener around the gills, but staunchly held his ground even though his hat was snatched by a crow!

Turkey feathers RED??? Well, why not! Thanksgiving is all about thankfulness for colorful leaves, pilgrims, indians, gatherings, friends and family.

James is, after all, family!

Meet James 2010

The Actual James Creation.

One of my 4-H'er's married this fellow around 25 years ago and they have 4 children. He works a full time job and, as a sideline to support his family, he cuts down and trims trees. He has just started trying to make creative carvings. When he cut down our old and very sick blue spruce family tree, I wanted to save a part of it so...........

I stood there and cried when it came down. Now it is called, "James Marshall," after my maternal great grandfather. James is the spiritual guardian of "Cabin Tranquillity" a primitive log cabin that was built in 1960. My parents had this built and came for summer vacations for many years, and we live here today. The carving looks a bit like my relative because I gave him an old photo to have an idea of what I wanted. I also gave him full artistic freedom to make it as he wished, except it had to be a bit whimsical. WE all love "James," don't you?