Fare Thee Well, Shepherd Of The Hills

Usually, when I blog about a business or entertainment, it is in the hope that readers' interest will be piqued leading them to go try it for themselves. I'm afraid it is too little too late for The Shepherd Of The Hills, but how can I not write about such a wonderful part of the Ozarks culture?

It began with a book written in 1907 by Harold Bell Wright, a story based on the mountain people he had come to know when vacationing in the Ozark hills (specifically, Branson,MO). He titled it, The Shepherd Of The Hills. The story itself is wonderful... romance, drama, comedy, and the excitement of the Baldknobbers! You should definitely give it a read. Reading not your thing? That's okay, you can watch the movie adaptation starring John Wayne as Young Matt. Although, according to Wiki the movie departs markedly from the book, which leads me back to the theatrical performance of The Shepherd Of The Hills in Branson, Missouri. Seeing Harold Bell Wright's story performed live on the stage is the only way to do it! Unfortunately, tonight is the last show and then the production will be closing permanently (unless a very wealthy angel takes it over). *crossing fingers* 

The Shepherd Of The Hills has been performed outdoors on a stage nestled in the trees, high on a hill in Branson, Missouri since 1959. That's four generations, literally MILLIONS of people, who have enjoyed the theatrical performance over the years. For so many folks in the Ozarks, it is a family tradition. Children who saw the show in the 1960's returned decades later to share it with their grandkids.

 Many of the cast and crew grew up on the stage, performing together for years. I've heard tell that some even met, fell in love, and married after having grown close performing together night after night.

These are fine actors...as good as any broadway cast!

I couldn't write about this show without mentioning the animals. We saw about 40 horses, a dozen mules, and a small flock of sheep throughout the show. Being outdoors and having the animals on the stage really lends to the enchantment. You witness the story being told and performed in the exact hills the author wrote of, acted by locals who have a true understanding of this land and its people. You breathe in the dust, manure, gun powder and if God sees fit, the rain. All of your senses are engaged during the show. 

I had heard the show was closing several weeks ago and made a mental note to get tickets. Somewhere along the line I lost track of time and it wasn't until Mark opened the Wall Street Journal yesterday and saw a write up about the show closing that I remembered. Shoot! How would we ever get tickets on the penultimate night? Mark called anyway, and a miracle had happened. Two seats had just opened up due to cancellation and he just happened to be the next call on the line! The woman who took the call assured him that had he tried even five minutes later it would have been for naught, the final two nights were sold out. We felt really lucky that we would be able to see this story of the Ozarks at least once. 

It rained. During the entire show, if it wasn't raining it was spitting on us, and it was great. Not a person left because of the weather. As a matter of fact, the rain may have actually added to the show in some strange indescribable way. It mattered not; it could have been snowing, and we had a great time. I felt regret that I was only seeing it for the first time, and now, the curtains were closing. I had no idea that such a gem even existed in Branson. It occurred to me that this was the case for a lot of other folks and probably the reason the show won't keep running. 

The thing I love the most about The Shepherd Of The Hills in Branson is that, in telling the story of the Ozarks, night after night, for fifty some-odd years, the play itself became a part of our culture and history; something that I am very sad to see go. Something that I am extremely happy I got to experience even just once. 

The Shepherd Of The Hills Branson, Missouri 2013

~ Love & Light ~

Exploring The World: First Assignment

Hey guys! I said I would keep you updated as I work through the book I'm reading, How To Be An Explorer Of The World: Portable Art Life Museum by Keri Smith, so here ya have it!

The first exploration was pretty simple but I decided to share it anyway because it is something YOU can try too (even if you're at work ;).


Exploration #1

Write ten things about where you are sitting right now that you hadn't noticed when you sat down. Use your senses. Do it quickly. Do not censor. Okay, begin.

Leanne's Observations

These were my observations on Wednesday while I was sitting on the back deck. For fun,write down your ten observations and share them in the comment section below. Stay tuned for the next installment of Exploring The World. 

P.S. I had a great time with my friend, Amber, while she was here in Oz last week and wanted to share a photo. 

Amber & Leanne

~ Love & Light ~

Hunter's Moon 2013

In 2013 the Hunter's Moon falls on October 18-19. Native American tribes gave the full moon of October this name because it was the time to go hunting in preparation for the coming winter. We may also hear October's full moon called the Blood Moon, for it often appears to glow red in the sky.

 Many trees have already shed their leaves and visibility is high. With the moon glowing brightly, men could carry on hunting late into the night. Most of us don't hunt our own food, (although here in the Ozarks it isn't uncommon), but it is still a good idea to stock the pantry with staples and to fill the freezer with quality (local if possible) meats. It is so nice to return from a day of work, hang up your coat, and know that you won't have to go back out into the cold winter night because dinner has been prepared for.

Art by Robert Harris

Some cultures believe the veil between worlds is thinnest on this night and use this time to connect with and remember loved ones who have passed. This would make a good time to visit the cemetery to remove flowers left on Memorial Day and leave a special offering that will make it through the winter months, like a letter in a glass bottle.

Photo by Dan Bush

After the hunt, whether it takes place in the forest or at the grocery store, the Hunter's Moon is a magical time to gather around a bonfire with family and friends sharing stories and recharging. Hunter's Moon is special to me, as it is a time I remember my Uncle, Lee Jernigan, who was one of the finest bow hunters, and has left this world for the Spirit Realm. I will be thinking of him when I gaze upon the moon tomorrow night. 

Uncle Lee after a hunt.

Hunter's Moon Blessing 

The brilliant Hunter's Moon shines down

This crisp October night

Be alert as The Wild Hunt roams the skies

And the fields are bathed in light

The veil between the worlds is thinnest

So show us loved ones we have lost

Bless and guide our dreams and meditations

As the land is blessed with the first frosts!

~Heidi-Jo Swain 

~ Love & Light ~

How To Be An Explorer Of The World

I am currently re-reading How To Be An Explorer Of The World: Portable Art Life Museum by Keri Smith. This is more of an activity book than one you actually sit down and read through.

From the back cover:

" !WARNING
To whoever has just picked up this book. If you find that you are unable to use your imagination, you should put this book back immediately. It is not for you. In this book you will be repeatedly asked to...suspend your disbelief, complete tasks that make you feel a bit strange, look at the world in ways that make you think differently, conduct experiments on a regular basis, and see inanimate objects as alive."

Sounds like fun to me! I have read through this one before but this will be my first time actually doing the activities. I'll keep you posted as I go along.


~ Love & Light ~

Samhain Oil

With Samhain (sow-in) right around the corner (Oct. 31st), I thought it would be fun to share a recipe I found for a Samhain oil. Now that Fall is upon us, I have been feeling a little Witchy and have been looking over the Magical Almanacs I have collected over the years. In Llewellyn's 2001 Magical Almanac, I found instructions for making Samhain Oil by Ayla. 

The following is taken directly from the book:

"1. Always use clean, dark glass bottles like amber and glass droppers for adding essential oils.

2. Keep oils in a cool, dark spot for storage. A magical cabinet is ideal, of course. 

3. Add essential oils first, swirl gently to blend, then pour the base oils (almond, olive, etc.) into the bottle. Put the cover on and roll the bottle between your palms to mix the oils together. Then uncap and add the herbs and crystals.

4. Clean, clear, and charge all crystals and herbs before adding them to the finished oil. You can use any methods that appeal to you for doing this, like salt-water baths to cleanse and clear, then sunlight or moonlight to charge. My favorite method for crystals is to submerge them into a glass bowl of spring water mixed with 1/2 cup of sea salt and then put the bowl in the sun for the whole day. 

5. Label the bottle with the name of the oil, time, date, day, Moon phase, and sign with water-proof, acid-free ink. You may also want to add a colored ribbon around the bottle neck that correlates with the sabbat colors. Another idea is decorating with holiday stickers on the outside of the bottle. For Samhain red, orange, black, pumpkins, skeletons, cats, witches, or besoms. 

6. If you have trouble finding specific small crystals, then use clear quartz crystals. These work well in all situations-just charge with your intentions. I like to use the small nugget crystals you can get from long gemstone necklaces. They are fairly inexpensive, the perfect size for small bottles, and usually good quality. You could also use small crystal/stone round beads or anything that fits your bottle. 

SAMHAIN OIL:

3   drops cedarwood

3   drops clove

3   drops frankincense

3  drops patchouli

3   drops rosemary

1/2 sunflower or grapeseed oil

Add a piece of dried marigold and three dried pumpkin seeds with obsidian, amber, and ruby crystals. This is a light and dark oil that captures all the mystery and ambience of the special night of meditation."

Samhain ritual oil.

About the Author:

Ayla is a solitary witch and mom whose interests include crystals, aromatherapy, frame drumming, reading, and scrapbooks. She loves writing poems and "Goddess-cooking," and is a loyal contributor to environmental and animal safety organizations. She has had poems and articles published in Circle Magazine and in Llewellyn's Magical Almanac. She lives happily and magically in New Hampshire with her family and adopted black cat, Mr. B.

For you readers here in the Ozarks, the oils and gemstones needed for this recipe can be purchased at Renaissance Books and Gifts in Springfield. 

~ Love & Light ~

Liberating The Mad Monkey

I am currently re-reading, Liberating The Mad Monkey: A Practical Approach To Tantra by Acharya Japasiddhananda Avaduta. This one I found years ago on the shelves at It's A Beautiful Day, and it has managed to stay with me through a dozen moves since then.

~ Love & Light ~

Replenish on the Historic Square in Ozark

This past week provided summer-like temperatures, and my friend Cynarra and I took a trip to the square in Ozark to peruse the local shops and enjoy the sunshine. We grabbed drinks at a coffee shop and walked around exploring. The fall goodies and decor are out on display and we saw many fun things. Once we had our fill of window shopping we decided to head back to Chigger Chalet and relax on the deck. When we arrived at my car, I noticed I had parked in front of a shop called Replenish. I had admired the window display of this place before when Mark and I had been on the square for the Farmers Market. Cynarra and I decided to go inside and check it out.

Love the window display

We entered and a fresh clean scent hit us. This was a bath and body product store! It smelled delicious and not overbearing like the gag-inducing places at the mall. A man greeted us and told us that everything in the store was made on site. He showed us around and explained what was going on at the different stations. In one area you can fill bottles with the handmade shampoo or lotion and pay per ounce. Bring your bottle back when you're ready for more, or bring your own container.

Cynarra looking at the shampoo

Turn the handle and fill your bottle

I was drawn to a table displaying hand poured candles in holiday scents. They were on sale for five dollars each! (or four dollars if you bought more than one) They looked like candles that retailed for fifteen dollars at other places. I quickly grabbed three and went to place them at the register and continue shopping. At the register I met another gentleman who introduced himself as Lance Renfroe. He and his wife, Wendy Renfroe, started the business in 2006. They began selling their wares online and had enough success to open a storefront. I left the candles with Lance and continued to browse. He told us that plain bath salts are offered with a selection of pure essential oils. You pick your scents to create your own unique bath experience. I immediately thought that sounded like a great gift idea! Dried flowers and herbs displayed in beautiful glass jars are also there to add to your creations if you wish. 

Flowers for the bath

On the other side of the store was a station for making your own lotions or body wash. The station is low to the ground and very kid friendly. Choose your base, scent, and even add glitter if you fancy! 

Creation station

Lance says that they plan to start offering soap making classes in the space upstairs and Cynarra and I both thought that would be something fun to come back and try. What a beautiful little local shop! 

Everything needed for a luxurious bath experience

With not much time left before Cynarra needed to pick up her kids from school, I paid for my candles, popped a shea butter body treatment sample into my bag, and thanked Lance for showing us around. As we walk out the door I'd already decided to blog about Replenish in the hopes that you too will pay them a visit.

Front Desk

Replenish

The responsible bath, body & home boutique

109 N. 2nd st.

Ozark, MO. 65721

www.replenishproducts.com

417.413.3399

~Love & Light ~