The Fence Post

What Life Lies in the Old Cedar Post?

In 1981, nestled in the picturesque town of Lilburn, Georgia, our family embarked on an adventure as we moved into our first home. With the enthusiasm of new homeowners, we eagerly set out to explore every nook and cranny of our property.

A Connection to the Past

It didn't take long to realize that our neighborhood was once part of a sprawling dairy farm, its legacy evident in the remnants of the original fence that still bordered the eastern edge, weaving a connection to the area's pastoral past.

Amidst the lush landscape, a charming discovery awaited us: an old cedar fence post standing sentinel next to a majestic pine tree marking our property line. Just beyond this weathered fence lay a serene, year-round creek whose melodious babble became the soundtrack to countless warm days spent frolicking in its cool embrace.

Memories and Adventures

We brought three children into this world while living in this home. It was here, amidst the gentle flow of the water, that my children and I found recreation and a classroom where the study of geography unfolded with each ripple and eddy.

One autumn, our wanderlust led us to Dial, Georgia, where we reunited with cherished family friends. During the day, we immersed ourselves in the rustic beauty of the woods, relishing hearty breakfasts cooked over an open flame. To this day, the memory of savoring pancakes, sausage, and eggs beneath the vast expanse of the sky remains one of my most cherished recollections.

Our adventures continued as we embarked on hikes along the legendary Appalachian Trail, traversing the rugged peaks of North Georgia. Towering mountains, including the formidable Blood Mountain, stood as testaments to nature's grandeur, their peaks reaching heights unmatched along the trail for hundreds of miles.

The highlight for my children? Undoubtedly, it was the thrill of crossing the longest swinging bridge east of the Mississippi, suspended majestically over the Toccoa River, spanning an impressive 270 feet.

Evenings found us gathered around crackling campfires, wrapped in a tapestry of old tales and harmonica melodies courtesy of our friend Fred. Each story was a kaleidoscope of color and whimsy, weaving laughter into the fabric of our memories.

Nature's Bounty and Legends

Inspired by the natural splendor of our surroundings, we returned home laden with native shrubs lovingly transplanted from our friends' property. Among them, the "Cat's Paw," or "Hearts-a-burstin'-with-love" (Euonymus americanus), held a special place in my heart. Its vibrant pinkish-red capsules, bursting open in a triumphant display of orange seeds each fall, captured the essence of the season's transition.

For those interested in Sleeping Beauty, the Euonymus americanus has a European cousin called the Spindletree. Legend has it that this tree contains a poison that would put you into a deep sleep if you pricked your finger on it. And that’s what happened to Sleeping Beauty!

Determined to bring a piece of north Georgia to our home, I eagerly added it to my planting plans for the coming fall. Against all odds, my decision to plant the "Hearts-a-burstin'-with-love" next to the weathered cedar fence post proved fortuitous. Come spring, the shrub erupted in a profusion of delicate white flowers, heralding the arrival of a bountiful harvest of fruit that quite literally burst open with love.

Stories and Fences

And so, as I reflect on our adventures, I am reminded of the interconnectedness of nature's wonders and the timeless tales that bind us all. From the legend of Sleeping Beauty, with its echoes in the European cousin of the Euonymus americanus, to the silent stories whispered by fences weathered by time. Fences have stories to tell, from old cedar posts to wire mesh growing around trees.

What they would tell us if they could talk. But you can talk, so dear reader, won't you share your fence tales with me? All of us are full of stories, so don’t be bashful like the dwarf; tell me your stories! Do tell!

After all, dwarves aren't the only ones with stories to tell!

For inspiration (or is this “fence-piration”?), visit my online store at Louis Page.

Warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Absolutely, that’s 131 years owned and run by our family)