And how did that happen? Well, it seems that every time I follow the path the Lord has laid out for me, things fall magically into place, so apparently Branson is where I'm supposed to be.
For several years now all my roads kept leading to Branson. But every time I came, I left again as soon I finished as whatever I had come to accomplish. But each time much to my chagrin, Missouri would call me back... and off I would go. Three times I came, and three times I left, and this time would be no different. I had RV repairs that I needed to pay for and a second CD that needed to be recorded, and then I would leave.
It's not that I don't like Branson... what's not to like? But it's just so darn far from the ocean. I've lived most of my life on the coast and I firmly believe that I must have a mixture of blood and saltwater in my veins. The ocean is where I find my inspiration and my peace... and unfortunately, it's nowhere near Branson. And besides that, I really feel like my job as a "cheerleader for the people" has more impact in other areas of the country. Through my writing, I remind my brothers and sisters that God loves them and that this life on Earth is merely a blink of the eye. I remind them to find joy in the moment and strength in difficulty. Here in Branson, Christians are congregating from all over the country. God, country and family still reign supreme and there are more churches than theaters. Wouldn't I be more valuable elsewhere? Well, as they say, "Man proposes and God disposes," so I guess I live in Branson now.
My job is going quite well; well enough to replace my rear air conditioner, my rear furnace, my water pump, the pipes in my shower, and other small but important miscellaneous items. I had only planned to work as a waitress for one season and then go back to doing what I do... but each time I repaired something, something else would go wrong. Finally after 4 months, everything was in proper working order and I was ready to put my last few months wages into money for the road. But then it happened.
I met an elderly couple who owned what they call an "RV estate" at one of the nicest resorts in Branson; The Plantation at Fall Creek. Most of the lots have "park models" on them but some are simply cement pads with utility hook-ups and a storage shed. I thought it would be great to own a place I could call home, but since I am merely a poet, rich in every way but "money", I never actually imagined it would be possible.
But apparently, this nice couple didn't agree. They told me about a minister and his wife from Oklahoma who kept one of the RV estates for vacations but hardly ever used it. They gave me their telephone number but I was thinking more along the lines of seeing if they would rent the space. After all, how could I, a buffet waitress/poet who is unemployed (in the conventional sense) most of the time, afford to buy land. I couldn't, but it sure would be nice to rent space at a resort with six swimming pools, miniature golf, workout facilities, laundry, game room, restaurant, boat docks on the lake and more. And so I called them...
Amazingly enough, the owner insisted on driving all the way from Oklahoma to meet me on the property the following Monday morning. And so we did - and just one short hour later, I put my 10 years experience as a legal secretary/paralegal to good use and together we drew up an Agreement to Sell Real Property. Arlie didn't care about my employment or my credit history... in fact, he said that he felt like he and his wife had been "caretaking" the property for me until I arrived. Will miracles never cease!
For the last six years, the words I heard during the visitation that changed my life forever still ring clearly in my head: "Do not worry, everything will be fine. I will do my part - but YOU must do yours." And so now my part will be working 50+ hours a week and saving every penny I make. By doing that, the property will be completely paid for in one year. Just think, one year from now I'll have a place to park where I won't have to worry about rent. I'll have a place to write without worrying about whether my motor home starts the next morning and for the first time since the flood, a place to call home. I am so very blessed!
So, I just moved onto the property this morning, and it's amazing how the twists and turns of life can change your attitude. Before the flood, I'd have thought this tiny little lot was nothing to get excited about; but now I'm as happy as I was when I bought 24 ocean front acres in Gold Beach. It reminds me of the first time I found money in my "contribution basket" at one of my performances. Before the show, I had nothing left... and suddenly I had almost a hundred dollars. After filling my tank with gas, I still had $10 left... and I actually felt rich! I couldn't get the silly smile off my face as I walked into the grocery store and carefully added up my purchases... and once again as I left carrying my loaf of bread, sack of potatoes, peanut butter and brick of cheese. I was so happy I could feel tears of gratitude welling up behind my eyes. How could I have been so unappreciative for so many years? There was a time when I kept an extra thousand dollars in my checking account just in case I made an error in addition... and it meant nothing... Now I was absolutely joyful over $10 worth of food. Another wonderful lesson learned...
And now, here I am again; thrilled to have a few square yards I can call "home". Life is such a powerful learning experience. I'm just sorry it took me so long to figure out how to make the most of it.
Below is a picture of my new "home" in Branson. I'll keep in touch, even though now it looks like this "poetry" won't be "on the road" for the next year or so.
Best wishes and love to you all!
Abigayle
Picture below: My new "pad", little red car and storage shed
