March is a month of reflection and new birth. Readers of this blog know that novels aren’t the only place where written treasures are hidden in the narrative. Some are revealed in the chapters of a novella, the paragraphs of a short story, or the flow of a poem. My walking buddies and I decided to make a range of written material available to other hikers who frequent the Buffalo Creek Preserve and Trail.
The article posted this month was written by new contributor and hiking buddy, Barbara Baker. In her short story, "Do I Jump, or Don't I" Barbara reveals the genesis of her journey into the world of writing.

About - Barbara Baker
Barbara Baker is a retired Kindergarten teacher, who has been writing poetry for over 50 years.  She was born on the US Naval Submarine Base in New London, CT, but grew up in south Central New York State.  After graduating high school Barb chose to explore life for a few years before entering college. Her journey is captured in her writing. She can be contacted at poemtree68@gmail.com.

February is the shortest month of the year. For some readers , in some cultures, this birth month is represented as the month of the goat. Readers of this blog know that novels aren’t the only place where written treasures are hidden in the narrative. Some are revealed in the chapters of a novella, the paragraphs of a short story, or the flow of a poem. My walking buddies and I decided to make a range of written material available to other hikers who frequent the Buffalo Creek Preserve and Trail.
The article posted this month was written by James Polk. He describes a very special goat in his story titled, "Me and Miss Prissy."

About - James Polk
James is a frequent contributor to Trail Tales. To learn more about James, click on his name in the sidebar column.

As we begin the new year, you may wonder how you will face new challenges. Our featured story this month provides one possible path. Written by Craig Scott, the story is titled, Comradery by Cedar Poles.

The story was written by Craig Scott. it captures Craig's first real encounter with a horse and how the experience foreshadowed his ministry.

About - Craig Scott
A graduate of Appalachian State University, and holding a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Craig is currently working on a Doctorate of Ministry. Craig Scott is pastor of Liberty Station Cowboy Church (4370 Zion Church Road, Concord) and is also interim pastor for Grace Missionary Baptist Church (East 11th Street Kannapolis). To learn more about the services contact Craig. You can reach Craig at pastorcraig1@windstream.net  or call at 980 622 7034.

Novels aren’t the only place where written treasures are hidden in the narrative. Some are revealed in the chapters of a novella or the paragraphs of a short story. My walking buddies and I decided to make a range of written material available to other hikers who frequent the Buffalo Creek Preserve and Trail.

The story this month was written by Tommy Doonan,
Titled “A Trip Home for the Holidays.”

About - Tommy Doonan. He retired in 2014 after twenty years with the Brown-Forman Corporation, the makers of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, and an additional twenty-five years in the hospitality industry.  With retirement he began writing poetry, essays, and short stories with a focus on every day people and events, as well as his memoirs.  He resides in Kannapolis with his wife of over forty years. Many of his writing can be found on his website: https://eruditustheyounger.wordpress.com/home-page/
You can reach him by email at tdoonan47@gmail.com

As we celebrate Veterans Day this month we feature a story written by Alberto Perez. Titled, "Unsung Courage", the story recalls a harrowing day at sea, when Alberto served his country in the United States Coast Guard.

About - Alberto Perez
Alberto is a frequent contributor to Trail Tales. Alberto Perez wrote his first book titled, ‘The Second Coming: The Arrival’ a year ago. The book illustrates an account of the Rapture. His second novel titled, ‘The Second Coming: The Gathering: Part One’, will be available for purchase through Amazon in November 2018. You can also learn about his work at www.albertoperez.co or join him on Twitter @albertoperezmba, or by mail at P.O.Box 1857, Concord, NC 28026.

The article posted this month was written by Vincent James Vezza. Titled, "Change Happens", the story describes a special meeting for very special children.

About - Vincent James Vezza
Vincent was an early contributor to Trail Tales and now manages the column. More about Vincent is available at his initial post in this blog.

For readers in the United States, it's time to kick back and enjoy this Labor Day weekend. Readers of this blog know that novels aren’t the only place where written treasures are hidden in the narrative. Some are revealed in the chapters of a novella, the paragraphs of a short story, or the flow of a poem. My walking buddies and I decided to make a range of written material available to other hikers who frequent the Buffalo Creek Preserve and Trail.

The article posted this month was written by Ralph Whitley. Titled, "Safari Experience" the story is constructed around a poem that Ralph published several months ago.

About - Ralph Whitley
Ralph is a retired educator who taught history at Central Piedmont College in Charlotte, NC for thirty-five years. After retirement, he taught part-time at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, NC. Ralph enjoys reading, painting, Wii bowling, traveling, attending cultural performances, participating in church activities, walking, and writing poetry. Some of his poems include “Fiesta Celebration,” “Mother,” “My Dad,” and “Smile.”
Ralph is currently a member of Central Piedmont Community College Retiree Association, N.C. Retired School Personnel, Kannapolis History Association, and church historian at Jackson Park United Methodist Church. He is a life member of the American Historical Association, N.C. Association of Educators, Nation Education Association, and UNC-CH General Alumni Association.
You can reach Ralph by email w.whitley@carolina.rr.com.

Readers of this blog know that novels aren’t the only place where written treasures are hidden in the narrative. Some are revealed in the chapters of a novella, the paragraphs of a short story, or the flow of a poem. My walking buddies and I decided to make a range of written material available to other hikers who frequent the Buffalo Creek Preserve and Trail.

The article posted this month was written by Craig Scott. Titled, "Safe Harbor", the story is constructed around a poem that Craig published several years ago.

About - Craig Scott
Craig is an avid writer, hiker, and pastor. He loves the sea and all stories about pirates and treasure. More information about Craig is available in the January 2018 posting on this blog site.

To readers in the United States, Happy Fourth celebration. To our friends north of the border, Happy Canada Day. Readers of this blog know that novels aren’t the only place where written treasures are hidden in the narrative. Some are revealed in the chapters of a novella, the paragraphs of a short story, or the flow of a poem. My walking buddies and I decided to make a range of written material available to other hikers who frequent the Buffalo Creek Preserve and Trail.

The article posted this month was written by James Polk. "The Little Girl at the Top of the Stairs" recalls a story that was shared with James in his early childhood.

About - James Polk
James is a frequent contributor to Trail Tales. To learn more about James, click on his name in the sidebar column.

Readers of this blog know that novels aren’t the only place where written treasures are hidden in the narrative. Some are revealed in the chapters of a novella, the paragraphs of a short story, or the flow of a poem. My walking buddies and I decided to make a range of written material available to other hikers who frequent the Buffalo Creek Preserve and Trail.

The article posted this month was written by Alberto Perez. Titled, "Write What You Know", the story is dedicated to the memory of Susan Wright Beard,one of our fellow writers and a contributor to the Trail Tales column.

About - Alberto Perez
Alberto is a frequent contributor to Trail Tales. He recently published his first full length novel titled, ‘The Second Coming: The Arrival.’ That book illustrates an account of the Rapture, as seen through the eyes of the author. It’s available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can also learn more about the author at www.albertoperez.co or visit him on Twitter @albertoperezmba.