Roller Derby: A Flourishing Southern Subculture

By: Timothy C Hare

 My girlfriend tells me that the hardest part of roller derby is the ground. All jokes aside, the visiting team (Mobile’s Derby Darlings) had to learn that lesson first hand with the Acadiana Roller Girls winning after a significant lead of 385-84.

 She’s a new member to the Roller Girls working her way onto the roster. Being the great significant other that I am, I decided to join her and help out. We showed up early to help set up, quickly realizing the amount of community support given to these girls. There were groups of people setting up booths and chairs for spectators, even laying down track lines. You won’t find any dainty, helpless women in this arena, these girls are completely capable of handling any of the tasks here and won’t hesitate to prove it.

You won’t find any dainty, helpless women in this arena…

Rubber suddenly pressed violently into the rink, I heard thunder as if Thor himself were hammering on this track. Following some very last minute readings into the rules I concluded this… “there are two teams that consist of blockers and One Jammer. The Jammers job is to get past the blockers to be awarded points for every blocker they pass. The Blockers job to stop the opposing jammer the best they can. The team with the jammer around the track the most times is the winner. 

    

After gathering  my wits, I turned focus to the arena just in time to see the incredible velocity at which Foxxi Cleosmackuya #7 was flying around the rink, passing blockers with amazing agility. I couldn’t imagine anyone moving around on skates the way these girls do. Roller Derby isn’t your run-of-the-mill push and shove game, it’s a full contact sport. Seeing Beete Yer Bollocks #606 rocketing around the track dancing through the blockers so effortlessly and Frisky Risky #21 powerfully drop it/like/its/hot on some of these jammers, had me feeling like someone should send flowers to their next of kin. I had for example witnessed earlier in the night an unsuspecting jammer come around the rink, realizing far too late what they were truly up against. Risky, poised to strike unleashed those hips making contact with a jammer attempting to pierce the line. She flew out of the ring at least 10 feet, laying there a moment trying to gather what exactly just propelled her through the air. Needless to say,  I watched this jammer avoid whatever side Risky was on for the rest of the game.

She flew out of the ring at least 10 feet…

I saw bravery and empowerment today. Southern Goddesses battling it out on roller skates:  moms, sisters, daughters all embracing the rough and tough side of life. Independent and strong. Confident and Self reliant. These women are confident in their ability to change the world. They will inspire future generations of young women to be strong and independent. Bring your daughters here, give them someone to look up too. That’s what I liked most about watching the Acadiana Roller Girls.

 

You can learn all about the Acadiana Roller Girls here on their Facebook page: facebook.com/acadianarollergirls

It’s time to Vacation..Locally

The Issue…

The other day I overheard a conversation between an older couple at local coffee shop, Reve Coffee Roasters. The woman was arguing with her husband about the lack of quality time and vacation they’d taken in the past few years. The husband, visibly flustered replied “Where’s this money gunna come from honey!?” “You know how expensive travel is nowadays, hell I’m not even retired and I’m almost 65.” The woman froze, paralyzed with disbelief she quietly replied, “But we used to make the most of what we had, money or not we always found a way to make ordinary life more interesting more eventful.” The husband let out a long “grufff” in reply, a clear signal to end the conversation. The woman looked down, ashamed of her failed attempt at rebuilding a lost connection with her significant other. I looked down just as quickly with pressured relief. I was eavesdropping, and most people consider that to be a little rude…

Think Time…

For the next few hours I pondered relentlessly about what the woman had said at the end of that conversation, “We used to make the most of what we had, money or not we always found a way to make ordinary life more interesting more eventful.” It got me thinking back to all the times I’d told friends, family, even my own girlfriend I couldn’t come along because of prior time restraints or funds. This mindset left me in a perpetual state of doubt in my ability to balance school and work while finding quality time for friends and family. Paired with an ever flowing social media storm raining photos and videos of  friends traveling and doing expensive things in exotic places. It left me not even knowing what to do with myself on my days off. I was hopeless…

Please Explain…

We are made to think that of the 20-something days of vacation we on average get every year, 95% of has to be spent in lavish fashion filled with endless #foodporn pics and #travelmore photos.  That if we don’t achieve this societal standard our vacation will be forgotten, laughed at by our peers at its simplicity. It almost appears as if miles traveled in a trip directly correlates to the level of ego satisfaction upon return to normal life. Well I’ve got news for you, 1.) You will feel really good when you get back 2.) This feeling will end quickly once you realize you’ve used up 95% of your vacation time and it’s only March.

I Have A Solution…

Travel LOCALLY. Yes, it’s that simple, straight-to-the-point and cost friendly. I understand how this could seem exceptionally lame at first thought. But let the idea simmer and stew in your brain, you’ll soon begin to realize the proposition isn’t as sinful as it sounds. Besides cost effectiveness, spending vacation at home can turn into quite the thrilling experience if you open yourself up to the possibilities. I’d like you to imagine yourself as a newcomer to the place you live, unknown to anyone, unaware of what the city has to offer. You need to rekindle that burning curiosity that pushed you to enter those old shops filled with antiques from times past. That curiosity that compelled you to try that corner restaurant that smells like diabetes in a box…..just cuz. In my case, I moved from New Orleans to Lafayette, LA about 5 years ago to attend the University of UL at Lafayette. During the first couple years I was obsessed with being in the “know”, about current events happening in my newly adopted city. It actually was an insanely fun period, one that exposed me to those special “secret” things every town has to offer. However, over time I became numb to the countless waves of happenings, instead looking to my phone as an escape to another country or locale. Living Vicariously through others. It wasn’t until that day spent eavesdropping at a local coffee shop that I realized my priorities were seriously misaligned.

Just Do IT…

Screw you Nike. But your slogan is brilliant, it’s really that simple to get started on a local vacation of your own. Spend a few weeks beforehand checking calendars and flyers for local upcoming events. Plan each day during your vacation, (I recommend 4 days to start) as if you were planning a special outing with your boyfriend or girlfriend, friend or family member. Ask around, talk to art galleries, talk to business owners, find out when and where to go so you can just be YOU. I promise you’ll be astonished at the sheer number of experiences you’ve been missing out on since your leave of interest first began. Our communities have so much to offer and you can truly make a difference by giving your time to support the smaller things in life….Vacation Locally.  Go to Festival International this year. Share your Local Travels with Freetown Press!

 

Guide to a Saturday in Lafayette!!

JaRon’s Guide: To wearing Designer Clothes for the price of your Lunch

British Philosopher Francis Bacon stated, “Fashion is the only attempt to realize art in living forms and social intercourse.” Fashion is one of the most monumental forces in culture. What we choose to wear is actually just highly functional art. Now, this art form has given way to the artists behind the art. Fashion designers are on another level, bridging all knowledge of fashion together to perpetuate a new era of style. That being said, in this age we have the upper hand (too much of an upper hand) on fashion trends. If Kanye West wears something today, it’ll be sold out tomorrow. These swagger-jacking “hypebeasts” crave the attention that the celebrities have, so they steal their appearance. I’m sure Mark David Chapman would be proud… Some of us are more expressive in our style; we dig deep into that special place that allows us to create combinations that make us look and feel good. Confidence is everything in someone’s personal appearance and can only come from within. It cannot be found in the price tag of your garments, but how you wear them.

For those of you who are always looking how to expand your approach to clothing, check out these reviews on my favorite spots around the area to stay sharp for less than the price of your lunch. So skip a meal and step your style game up kids!

1. (2$-10)

With less than 10 dollars, you could walk away with some killer stuff from these places.

• Salvation Army (Across the Tracks 115 E 3rd St, Lafayette, LA) – Thrift shopping is no secret. Go to this location right now and find some cool stuff. Men’s shirts are priced at $2.50 and you can always find some with like new quality. You’ll find great things like high quality men’s dress shirts worth $50 (95% savings!!)

• GoodBuys Good Will Outlet (On the Frontage Road 4712 Hwy 90 E, New Iberia, LA 70560) – May be a road trip to some, but if you want to get some serious thrifting done, look no further than here. EVERYTHING is priced at 2 dollars. No Tax. Just some incredible finds. You can go here and get a full, matching suit (tie included) for 8 dollars even (10 if you throw in the suspenders). After you get that tailored, you are ready for business. Less than 30 bucks later, you’ll have a high quality suit that looks like a $750 suit.

2. ($10-50)

Let’s take it up a notch.

• Burke’s Outlet (Right past the Ambassador intersection 5700 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503) – This Burke guy is known for bringing us low prices. Outlets on items still popular today. You can find some cool stuff here. It’s a good place to find some solid staples, such as a white dress shirt. If you want cheap athletic wear I suggest this seller as well, if you want to look good while you workout for less.

• TJ Maxx (Conveniently next to Burkes Outlet) – TJ Maxx reigns supreme ruler of the slogan, “Designer clothing, without the designer prices”. If you stumble in the right location you may even find some Maison Martin Margiela. For those of us that aren’t into the Italian fashion scene, you can find some serious heat here. Ralph Lauren is usually priced half off, so whether you have a polo match coming up or you just have a thing for Americana, run over there and make a good steal. TJ is best place to find nice designer pants; corduroys, joggers, chinos, etc., some are even priced at $15.

3.  ($50- up)

Who spends this much on lunch..

• If you made it this far, I will just give you some sound theology. I call this the 50 dollar rule. Given these above places, among others (do research) I believe that you should never spend over 50 on a garment of clothing. You can get high quality stuff for way less. If done right, you will look like you dropped $100s on your outfit every time. One thing that I do do, occasionally is spend over 50 on certain accessories. Shoes, Jewelry, and other accessories can and will take you over the top in your appearance (in the best way possible). Pair a 75-dollar pair of shoes with your 10-dollar outfit and look like a million bucks.

Never tread lightly. Always dress nicely.

The History of the Mouton Monument Downtown

acadiansingray.com

This is a special piece dedicated to anyone who has ever been down Jefferson St. in downtown Lafayette, LA. More specifically, this is a piece intended for the folks among us who’ve gotten caught at that three way stop in front of the Filling Station, looked around frantically for any other drivers, said a prayer, and jetted across the intersection hoping to reach the other side in one piece. Among all the commotion you may have noticed a large, commanding, marble statue staring you in the face.  If not, that’s ok. Just look at that instead of the road next time you’re cruisin’ downtown. Joking…….

acadianamuseum.com

That “statue” being referred to is the monument of General Alfred Mouton, a confederate leader during the American Civil War. He was born in Opelousas, LA in 1829 and soon moved to Lafayette where he spent most of the rest of his life. Mouton is remembered for many feats of courage, his undying loyalty and relationship with his fellow brigadier members of the confederacy. Mouton played a key role in keeping the union army from infiltrating the Bayou Teche region of Acadiana. Sadly, the general died at the forefront of a cavalry charge at the battle of Mansfield in 1864.

acadiansingray.com

So Who Created the Monument?

According to Eric Scott of Acadiana Historical, “The motion to construct a monument to General Alfred Mouton coincided with the founding of the General Alfred Mouton Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1914. The decision was ultimately approved that year at the U.D.C. statewide convention. During World War I, members of the U.D.C. dedicated their time to the Red Cross, and planning for the monument came to a temporary standstill. By June 1921, the U.D.C.’s fund raising efforts were back in full swing, and the city had contracted the monument to F. R. Blakesley.”

Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (civilwartalk.com)

A sketch of a photo of Mouton was draw from a photo taken years earlier and sent to Italy. Here a local Sculptor named Valdemar E. Smith, (whom I’d like to find more out about), sculpted a full-bodied replica of Mouton from solid marble. Four biographical plaques were also set in stone at the base of the statue, highlighting Mouton’s life and accomplishments. The statue was unveiled in 1922 by Alida and Alice Mouton to the city of Downtown, Lafayette. Since then, it’s remained at the corner of Lee and Jefferson St. for all to reflect and remember this southern hero’s life.

Unveiling of the Statue (acadiana historical.org)

PRO TIP: View the Statue at night to see the dramatic effects the lights at the base of the monument have on Mouton.

“General Alfred Mouton Monument,” Acadiana Historical, accessed August 6, 2015, http://acadianahistorical.org/items/show/87.

6 Incredible eats in Freetown

There is one ultimate truth in Freetown. You will NEVER go hungry in Freetown. Walking the streets today I found six local eateries that will leave you speechless. Full. But otherwise speechless. 

1. Taco Sisters Lunch

 

corner of johnston and E Vermillion Street

 

Recommendation: smoked chicken burrito w/black beans, cheese, jalepenos and sisters secret sauce

2. Gary’s Breakfast 

 

on the corner of clinton and lamar st.

 

Recommendation: Burgers. That is All. 

3. Tammy’s Lunch

 

on the corner of Gordon and Jefferson St.

 

Recommendation: fried chicken with a side of bread and boudin. Tammy fries almost everything. 

4. Borden’s Dessert

 

on the corner of johnston and jefferson st.

 

Recommendation: large chocolate-strawberry shake. Add chocolate syrup with a coffee

5. Cedar Deli Lunch 

  

 

on Jefferson St.

 
Recommendation: Chicken curry wrap and a box of hookah coals 

6. Acadiana Superette Breakfast

 

on the corner of stewart and lamar st.

 

Recommendation: Plate breakfast with a side of homemade cinnamon sticks add ham and toast 

What the F**k is Wrong with Downtown Business Development?

I took a stroll through the streets that make up Downtown Lafayette today. Sure this seems like an unordinary beginning to a story but it was actually a very rare occurrence.  The problem is Downtown is in such disarray that almost no one  every takes a leisurely walk through it’s streets unless perhaps they are intoxicated or forced to for business or the occasional bite to eat. Maybe a nostalgic few of you may disagree, but in my experience a personal love for the past doesn’t include numerous unoccupied buildings and rotting facades. I am aware of the “Downtown Development” movement and the lack of funding they receive from the city and the state. That, because of lack of funds and politicians hell-bent on sending the money elsewhere the situation is only going to get worse in the coming years. I personally know many individuals working tirelessly to do what they can with what we have,but what if “what we have” isn’t enough?

This article is merely a desperate plea for something to be done because the situation is getting critical. Just walking through the entirety of Downtown today I counted not one but FIFTEEN abandoned buildings in the main street area. Maybe I’m biased because one of these closed businesses is in fact my beloved “Frankie Burger”, but what about the other fourteen, what about all the others I didn’t see today? We need Solutions.

Freetown Press Presents Freetown Jiration! (Latin Session) Instructed by: Britlyn Delahoussaye

Freetown Press is insanely excited to announce it’s first event “Freetown Jiration” instructed by Freetown’s very own Britlyn Delahoussaye.

What: A FREE Latin Meringue dance class

Who: Instructed by local Britlyn Delahoussaye

People?: Open to ALL members of the public, if you ever wanted to get those hips swingin’ like Shakira now’s your chance=]

Time: A pre-lesson get together will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will include free food and alcohol until 7:30!

Dance Time: The dance lesson will begin at 7:30 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., maybe even LATER!

DAY: Sunday July 12, 2015

Booze: Alcohol will be provided, BYOB is also very very accepted

Food: A local Freetown mystery chef will be present to fill y’all to the MAX.

Attire: Is there an attire in Freetown? If so let me know…

Singles, Couples and anyone in between is strongly advised to come prepared to have an incredibly good time!

See y’all there!!

Freetown Press Contributor JaRon Marshall: Gets the Low-Down on “Genterie” with owner: Ross Fontenot

I was heading down the Jefferson Street sidewalk on a sunny, South Louisiana morning. As I walked through the glass doors of Genterie I humbly accepted the AC’s cold welcome. Turning to my left I was quickly greeted by a woman, Yetta working at the front register whose job description was women’s wear. After our brief conversation my gaze turned inwards towards the cavernous store. I was blown away. An almost rustic vibe, with relics such as buck heads, bicycles, and a retro barber’s chair were among the countless meticulously chosen items that covered the store. As I perused the various shelves and display tables I felt like the heat had actually ended my life, and this was what heaven looked like. At least my heaven…

Midway through giving one of the store manikins props for its swanky suit style, Mr. Ross Fontenot owner of Genterie Supply Co. walked in and approached me. After we chopped it up for a few and held a brief photo shoot, we began the interview..

JaRon – Tell me something that is unique about your store?

Ross- Well I think everything in the store is pretty unique, but I think unlike a lot of stores in town, I think we try to use a lifestyle… we convey a lifestyle in our clothes and the rest of the products, and that is not common

When was the store founded?

We opened as a men’s store in June of 2011 and December 2014 is when we expanded into women’s apparel.

What inspires your company to continue?

Just because I think we’re doing something different and I have a lot of fun doing it, I enjoy it. It’s a labor of love. I think it’s something that Lafayette deserves; we’re just providing Lafayette with products they don’t really get anywhere else in town.

And when you push something that’s unique to yourself and achieve success from it, it always will feel like a labor of love, like you said..

I agree.

What does fashion mean to you?

I’m not like one of the most fashionable people out there, I just think on some level it’s fun to dress well or dress with a flair, I always kind of enjoyed that myself.. I think it’s a way of self-expression. I think that’s it.

How important is self-expression in fashion versus trends?

As a store we’ll somewhat follow trends, but we’re somewhat of a classic store, we do a lot of that because not only does that sell well, its timeless, I think those are the pieces of the wardrobe that are great. Classics at the same time are sort of trends..

Me- I feel like “Classic” is in right now…

Yea, I guess so.. I think it always is.. Every time you see a trend it’s always based on something done before.. It depends on the trend… But to answer your question, I think self expression is important, I try to do a balance of self expression and trends, but I think all fashion is self expression.. Whatever you’re comfortable with. I feel like this store may give inspiration as to where either trend are going or something that you might feel is just more of your own self expression. I personally have a balance, but some people completely do their own thing; those are my favorite dressers, those that just boldly completely do their own thing.. To each its own.. I feel like trends guide us, we as a human race, we follow trends for the most part”

What are some of the most common trends that you are seeing in Men’s Fashion?

Whenever we opened, a big reason that we opened, was that you see a lot of classic Americana.. Your denim, your simple button up shirts.. “Made in the US”; a lot of American work wear combined with some suiting.. As far as trends go you see a lot of urban street wear progressing into fashion. It’s still a mix; I think there’s a place for everything.

Which trends do you dislike the most?

I don’t like wooden bow ties, I haven’t necessarily seen it as a trend, but that’s just a pet peeve of mine.. But I don’t think there’s anything that upsets me.. Once again I think there’s a place for pretty much everything.

What about things that you don’t see on the street now, but you see with celebrities, such as men wearing dresses?

There’s this store somewhere in Europe, and they made themselves entirely unisexual, and I think that’s cool. Its just an evolution of everything that’s been done.. I personally won’t be wearing a dress anytime soon, but I think it’s bold. But if I start to see it everywhere…

It’ll be watered down

“Yea.. And I think when it’s good when it’s done right and the people that are doing it are doing it right”

Are man bun’s here to stay?

[laughter] I think they are going be around a little bit longer..

I feel like with long hair and fashion in general, it is gearing towards a more metrosexual vibe”

Exactly.. But that’s the thing, we realized that 4 years ago.. It’s funny when I hear the term metrosexual, for guys, because I feel like it doesn’t really exist anymore, now it’s just guys taking care of themselves.. Wanting to dress well or stay groomed, there is no metrosexual, its just guys doing what women always did and it being more widely accepted

Are beards here to stay?

I feel like the way the media talks about lumber-sexuals, its going to get old ..

Everything gets blown out of proportion..

Right the media has a very funny and interesting [way of doing that]… I don’t really like the word hipster either because everyone has a different version of what a hipster is.. Some people call the store hipster [laughter] I’m like you have no idea, yea we’re up to date.. I mean hipster to me is always further out there.. I feel like the term doesn’t apply to anyone anymore

I feel like hipster was always associated with vintage wear that you get from your local goodwill, but now that classic wear is in, people get it confused with vintage or something that is weird, but it’s actually a staple…

Exactly, there’s so many definitions of it now

I feel like fashion is more accepted now, movie stars have always done it, but your NFL stars or your NBA stars are dressing big. They were always the big icons, but now there expected to do that, and I think that a lot of people who were once hesitant about dressing well are now following.

I love it

Right, right it’s the best thing to happen to sports.. Its’ great.. for fashion, for menswear brands, Its good for my store

And for the women, they don’t have to worry about a man that doesn’t want to dress up

That’s one thing I never liked to see.. A woman dressed nice and her guy wearing like a fishing shirt to go eat out

EXACTLY

Its good to see men on par with the ladies

What inspires you?

Gosh.. Music, musicians, other entrepreneurs who have done something similar to our store in larger cities. To see it being done is always a drive. To see how successful other entrepreneurs could be in retail is always inspiring.

What is your favorite quote?

Cock your hat, angles are attitudes and that’s Frank Sinatra.. I think it goes deeper than just how to wear clothing.

What advice would you give to up and comers in the clothing business?

Don’t open up anything similar to my store [laughter]… Know your market

What advice would you give to someone who has given up on life?

It has to get better, from wherever you are at.. I can only imagine what its like to not want to live anymore, but I would say that it can only get better, it has to.. Everyone needs someone to talk to, find someone to talk to about it.

Be sure to visit Genterie Supply Co. located in Downtown Lafayette, visit their website at http://www.Genterie.com, and follow them on Social Media!

A Proposition for the Creation of “Griff’s Lookout” at the Lafayette Horse Farm

According to the Lafayette Park History Page, In 1903 the Schoeffler Family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana and purchased the expansive green space now affectionately known as the “Horse Farm” for cultivation purposes. Fast-forward to the early 1920’s and the newly founded Southwestern Industrial Institute (now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) purchased the 125-acre parcel of property for use as a dairy farm for the university.

For the next seventy years the farm remained under ownership by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Long gone were the horses and deep tracks left by years of plowing, in fact the only remaining trace of cultivation activity was the red barn built by the Schoeffler family in 1903. The land was now being utilized for school field trips, ROTC, hay piling, and other university related activities.
However, in the early 2000’s a cash-strapped university and panicked governing body made the decision to sell the farm to the highest bidder. Generations of history and merit were quickly thrown out the window, it seemed as if this once surreal, almost magical place was going to become….. a strip mall.

Now, you can imagine the local public’s panic at hearing this news. Families had roots at the farm, event he oldest generations living in and around the city had memories as children running through this haven. You can also imagine the anger that it spurred in certain circles that actually had the power and determination to make a difference in the outcome.

That leads us to the introduction of our protagonist in this story, Eldred “Griff” Blakewood IV. Griff was a Baton Rouge transplant who eventually became a legendary Professor of Geosciences at ULL. Through sheer will power alone he became a main figurehead in the Lafayette environmental movement. He inspired students to believe they could achieve greatness and truly make an impact in their community by persistence and passion alone. When Griff caught wind of the future plans for the Horse farm, he quickly took action and did what he’d always done best, inspire others. He rallied behind a student- run campaign to “Save the Horse Farm” and gave legitimacy to a cause, which would have otherwise been ignored by the former powers-that-be. In the end the farm was saved and the university made the decision to sell the property to the Lafayette Consolidated Government.

Happily ever after, except for one exception. In early 2013 Griff was diagnosed with cancer. A cancer he still managed to teach classes through, (I was one of his students), and a disease that he didn’t make apparent to the university until shortly before his death in 2014 at the age of 54.

If Lafayette ever had its darkest day this was the one. Someone who encompassed our culture so fully and effortlessly was taken from us too suddenly and too quickly; it was heartbreaking. From what I heard in class I always thought it would’ve been in a showdown with a cypress logging company or serial litterer. Shocking, as it was sudden I needed to reflect on this local hero’s life, and something inside told me to go to the Horse Farm; So I went. I went and it was as beautiful a day as ever and the sun was shining, the birds were singing an all-familiar southern tune, the grass was golden green and I virtually had the park to myself. “It was strange”, I thought. “I’m alone here for a reason right now, things are too silent, too perfect, too surreal”. And then it hit me, Déjà vu.

I’ve never been a spiritual person, but that day an all too familiar breeze rolling silently, but powerfully over the gently rolling hills of the park guided my sight to an old decrepit oak leaning on it’s side in the center of the farm. Uncanny as it was timeless, I had the overpowering feeling that I’d been here before or that I was supposed to be here. That a force more powerful than myself was leading me to this tree and what I would find there would give me solace and peace for the loss of a dear friend and mentor. Thinking back to what happened next always gives me chills, but to this day I wholeheartedly believe the Earth thanks those who give their life force to it’s preservation. That, possibly, individuals are chosen at random for certain moments of realization and epiphanies that set in motion a series of events uncontrollable by mankind. Let me reiterate, I am not religious by any means, but I will stand firm in my spirituality and loving of the Earth until the day I am too taken back into my land’s embrace.

So, I began walking, practically the longest most beautiful walk I’ve ever experienced. It was quiet but loud, calm but fierce and commanding. I approached the tree from the left side so as to have a clear picture of what it actually looked like. From the front of the Horse Farm the actual body of this giant is hidden by its lopsided branches and rolling hills, making it difficult to see. The main trunk is split into two pieces to form what appears to be an eye. The branches do not grow on this side; they merely act as a shield for the shelter within. Towards the bottom split a fallen third trunk forms a natural walkway up the side of the tree into the center of focus. Taking advantage of the seemingly simple route. I took  a giant step up to grab the foothold in the fallen branch and hoisted myself into the clutter of branches. Finding a comfortable resting place I finally relaxed and really took in my surroundings. To my astonishment this “eye” of the tree literally put me directly in the iris of its focus. What seems to be a naturally formed picture of an owl “the spirit animal of wisdom” lay low to my left gazing directly at my line of vision in the oak. It appeared to be drawing my gaze to the expansive field to my right. So, I listened and looked and was completely and utterly astonished at what I saw. It was breathtakingly beautiful; from my point-of-view I had a direct line of sight across one of the greenest most untouched fields I had ever seen. The sun was setting low- to my left, shedding warm rays through the tall grasses beckoning the deafening night chirp of crickets through the air. The leaves around me gently shook across the top of my shoulders, a warm embrace for an overwhelmed, tired soul. “This was Griff’s final resting place”, I thought.

Later that evening, long after leaving that magical moment at the Horse Farm, I had an epiphany. There was a reason much deeper and more important why I was led to that awe-inspiring lookout. Then I had it. I was in fact sent to that place to receive a message, sure it wasn’t in typical form, but nature has its ways. The message was one of preservation and remembrance, maybe even thankfulness for the man who gave his life for this Earth and the Horse Farm. This spot I was led to needed to be respected and loved by the community. It needed to become…

Griff’s Lookout

This article was written as an ode and as a proposition for the people of Lafayette. Let’s dedicate that spot on the Horse Farm to Griff and all that he has done. Let’s rally as a community to install a plaque of honor to this man who gave so much for so little. Together we can make a difference and remember him through a place of beauty, and turn this seemingly ordinary place into hallowed untouchable ground. Thank you

By: Damon Robert