grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park ~ a bucket list place!

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Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park - gateway to the West!

Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park

I’ll just say this right off. Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park is now at the top of my favorite historical sites in Arkansas. A few weeks ago when I was in southeast Arkansas, I took a little side trip to this incredible spot.

That bucket list you have? Go ahead and add this park to it.

It’s located not too far from Brinkley, Arkansas.

Don’t Know Much About History…

My intro to American history came about via Keiser Elementary. You remember how that went down? We memorized a few facts about the Boston Tea Party and—boom—through the magic of history book time travel, we were on to the Battle of Gettysburg after a few brief paragraphs regarding the Louisiana Territory.

We skimmed through a plethora of battles and memorized the names of the U.S. presidents (many named John or James). There were oh-so-many dates to know! History, for the most part, lay flat on the page for me.

Insert the voice of Charlie Brown’s teacher…

There was one exception. (Technically two.) American Indians and early explorers of the New World. I found those brave souls to be incredibly intriguing, their way of life and community, the way they set out for parts unknown across seas and wilderness.

Oh my.

So what does this have to do with Arkansas and the Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park?

The Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park is located at the unassuming junction of Lee, Monroe, and Phillips County in southeast Arkansas.

What’s the significance?

The starting survey point for the Louisiana Purchase territory just happens to be located in a swamp inside this park.

This quiet, natural spot, only a few miles from the Mississippi River, served as the doorway to the American West. Only after THIS point was established could western land grants be issued, prospector claims be made, towns be platted.

Let that sink in.Continue Reading

Sunday Letter: 02.18.18

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Today makes two Sundays in a row for my Sunday Letter. I’m not patting myself on the back yet, but one more, and we may have ourselves have a trend. If you missed my inaugural Sunday Letter, you can read it HERE.

The past week disappeared into a windy blur, a jumble of weather. Yes, we had seventy degrees followed by freezing weather followed by sun then fog. Nature always promises surprises this time of year. Just when I feel I may wither from cabin fever, sharp-bladed daffodil shoots slice through the soil. But the moment I dare to dream of spring, cold weather returns to let me know winter isn’t done with us yet.

Soon, though!

Continue Reading

A Spring Day during Winter. Another School Shooting.

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Yesterday, Mother Nature blessed us with a spring day during winter. A brief respite. The chance to shed sweaters and coats and feel warm sunshine on bare arms.

Northwest Arkansas enjoyed temperatures in the mid-seventies.

John grilled steaks wrapped in bacon.

I searched for signs of spring. New life hides beneath dry leaves.

This all happened after I spoke at the University of Arkansas OLLI luncheon held at Bordino’s. OLLI invites an author to speak monthly. Lunch with an author, they call it. It was an honor for me. I’m always a little amazed when anyone shows up to hear me talk about my book.

So overall, it was an A+ sort of day for me. Even so, throughout all of it I couldn’t help but think about the parents who lost sons and daughters in another school shooting. This one in Florida.

Those families don’t care one iota about their tulips coming up from the soil. They don’t give a rat’s ass about reading my book or any book. They probably didn’t eat lunch yesterday. If they did, they certainly didn’t taste the food.Continue Reading

Food. Farm. Garden. Life.

THANKS FOR READING!