Whether you are an Invite or not, who has chosen to give of your time to read the Titled Book, Gratitude is sent your way is sent your way if you have read the book or not. Your participation as a reader is no longer necessary due to change of direction by the author and Nick Hummingbird. Instead of combining 2 stories into one book. A new book titled, ‘LIFE with Nick Hummingbird in Las Vegas, NV.’, is currently under construction.
You are welcomed to stay and read. The length of the Book may or may not require more than one session. Website estimate is 36,300 words plus photos, which is equivalent to about a 3 hour read. Give or Take.
The reader will have to decide their own reading options. The ease of the website will permit the reader to return to the last read page by scrolling down the page.
The Book is written as a result of Knowings experienced by Fox Feather, the author. Wayne W. Dyer in his book ‘Wisdom of the Ages’-60 Days to Enlightenment’ describes a Knowing.
It was the morning of November 4, 2019 and the Gray Rental Chariot (GRC) was packed for the 2nd Leg of the 2019 College Football Pilgrimage. Included in the cargo were the Blessings & Gifts that my Feet received from Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field. For more on the Blessings & Gifts, visit the Pilgrimage Section on the Homepage and click on the Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field Story. This is a 16,000 word short story filled with pics and images.
The drive from near Atlanta to outside of Oxford, MS, the home of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and the 8th Oldest College Football Stadium in the USA, was advertised for about 300 miles. It was estimated that with the driving skills and habits of My Feet, it should take about 5 hours or less. Speed was not a priority, but Safety and Good Health was. Most of the drive was programed by the GPS to be on freeways and 4 lane roads. When venturing from one Shrine to another Shrine alone, many thoughts entertain My Feet. With no-control on the outcome of the Pilgrimage, My Feet ventured into the UNKNOWN.
There are
those who claim that they enjoy driving and there are those who do not make
such a claim. My Feet fall into the second category, for driving is a necessity
of getting from point A to Point B. As the driver, sightseeing is minimal as
one’s senses have to remain vigilant for the dangers that lurk on the roadways.
The GPS routed the trip back through Birmingham Ala, the landing point for the
start of the 2019 CFP. It was on the same freeway taken to Atlanta from
Birmingham. Mental notes were used as a reference for roadwork construction was
part of the drive from Birmingham to Atlanta.
Stops
were planned at the 100 and 200 mile mark to stretch and take a few Deep
Breaths while enjoying the scenery. The anticipated construction roadwork did
not cause any unexpected delays, but it did slow down the speeds of the
Chariots. Once beyond the construction, the higher speed limit gave a sense of
making-up for lost TIME. All seemed to be back on the original schedule around
the 150 mile mark. Then an unexpected sign reared its head with a Warning. It
read, ‘In 5 Miles, One Lane’. The Chariots were still flowing freely, but in a
short distance, all would change dramatically. At the 4 Mile Mark, the Chariots
pace dropped to a walk.
Though the walk kept moving, it changed into a slow baby’s crawl between the 4 and 3 mile mark. Progress was being made. To keep the Spirits of My Feet up, my thoughts kept reflecting on a statement once used in another writing. “Slow Progress is Progress”. One should remember that in the Game of LIFE, once the Progress Stops, the Dirt Throwin Will Begin. Eventually, at the 3 Mile Mark, both lanes of traffic were now at a Snail’s Pace. When one adds, a Snail’s Pace with no clock to inform the driver, one’s Patience is put to the test. The 3 mile converging drive took about an hour. Though the GPS kept offering new route directions with a few exits, it was decided to remain with Slow Progress.
Unlike my other two previous 2017 College Football Pilgrimage that were written on the road, my third story about Sanford Stadium is being constructed inside the Dream Home in Henderson, NV. I am thankful that my ASS has returned intact, after experiencing a safe and healthy Pilgrimage. In my thoughts, God was thanked. QVV & QVS were thanked in text messages for their contributions, as my Pen is Pals.
When my vehicle pulled into my campsite less than 10 miles from Sanford Stadium on Monday, October 9, 2017, my lower back was barking. Being away from the comforts of one’s writing chair and bed was producing not so welcomed results. The situation with my lower back actually began with a blowout of my front driver side tire on my Dodge 07, 2500 Diesel Truck on September 20. It was my birthday as I was traveling along the freeway at 75 mph to my haircut.
In my IMAGINATION, Queen Vampyre Sonata and Queen Voodoo Vixen were entertaining me. Warning signs about my tire were checked as my drive started after pulling over about one mile from the Dream Home. With no physical evidence to support a tire issue, my journey continued. After a few miles on the freeway and with a ‘Grin’ on my face, Imagining about the two Queens, the rumbling started. My first reaction was it must be a road problem. Those of you reading this, has your vehicle ever experienced a ‘Blowout’ at 75 mph? (Actual pics of tire)
Virgin Blowout-Birthday Gift from QVV & QVS
Virgin Blowout-Birthday Gift from Pen is Pals
My ‘Gut & Radar’ started to kick in and the Fantasies of the ‘3 of US’ took a back seat. In an instant, a very loud minor explosion then occurred. Instead of Fantasizing about the ‘3 of Us’, natural instincts now took command of my truck. With my truck in the far left passing lane, an extra wide emergency landing area was on my left. The truck violently rocked back and forth during the initial explosion causing my lower back to jerk violently. My right foot following the lead of my instincts pumped the brakes slowly.Read More »»»
My fingers type from Anderson, South Carolina about 10 miles from Memorial Stadium on the campus of Clemson U. Currently my position is in place for the second leg of my 2017 College Football Pilgrimage. If you have not done so and if your time permits, the previous story ‘Jordan-Hale Stadium & Pat Dye Field’ describes the ‘Celebration of Pigskin’ on the campus of Auburn University. With another ‘Child’ added to my list, Memorial Stadium is next.
Free time today permitted me to visit the Anderson County Museum. Recently, I have become a fan of ‘Mysteries at the Museum’ on the Travel Channel. Since my College Football Pilgrimage plays out like a mystery for the Unknown awaits me, a visit to a Museum might unlock a few mysteries of its own. Learning something new daily is vital to one’s progress. The day one stops making progress will be the day the ‘Dirt Throwin’ will begin.
I learned many things on my tour. Three things will be shared.
Anderson County has a Hot Air Balloon Tradition
The very first electrical transmission line was constructed in Anderson, SC.
Many Human Hand Hours were involved in the ‘Work of Love’ for this QUILT.
HISTORY OF MEMORIAL STADIUM & FRANK HOWARD FIELD Read More »»»
I write from my campsite in Opelika, Alabama, about 15 miles away from Jordan-Hare Stadium on the campus of Auburn University. This is the final leg of my College Football Pilgrimage Odyssey that actually began in 1970. Little did I KNOW then, that my days with the Pitt Panthers football team would be the start of my Odyssey. My high school Gladiator Football Skills permitted me to earn a 9 term Grant in Aid Scholarship with Pitt University. During my travels of 3 years, we played in majestic College Football Stadiums throughout our country.
As most alumni, I too was loyal to my university until the destruction of Pitt Stadium in 2000 to make room for a basketball arena, student housing, student fitness center, plus many offices, training rooms, and workout rooms for athletes only. My two part story covering ‘Pitt Football’-The Pederson Penalty at Pitt and Nebraska is archived in the College Sports Football section on our homepage.
After 15 plus years of witnessing the ‘Downfall of Pitt Football’ in Pitt Stadium, Three River Stadium, and Heinz Field, my yearly ‘Football Weekend’ from Henderson, NV with the Boys of Quiptown in Aliquippa, Pa changed. With my friend Greg in from Houston to watch a Thursday night game between Miami and Pitt at ‘Dismal Heinz Field’, Greg surprised me with a ‘Gift’. He had two tickets for the Temple vs Penn State Game at Beaver Stadium that Saturday in September of 2010.
Though I played in Beaver Stadium, the current structure had increased from around 60,000 seats to about 106,000 seats. The memories of driving and walking in the parking lot are still fresh. Fans were everywhere. The chatter and the noise added to the Tail Gating experience. However, it is always the most primitive sense that is staggered by the competing aromas of food being cooked. With such a large gathering surrounding Beaver Stadium, it dwarfed the crowd and atmosphere at Heinz Field for a Pitt Game.Read More »»»
‘TAKE 5’ DREAM NEWSLETTER #4: 12/31/16—PILGRIMAGES, A PIC, TOKENS,–CHANCE, COINCIDENCE, CAUSE AND EFFECT. IF ANY OF THESE TOPICS INTEREST YOU, THEN PLEASE CONTINUE. IF NOT, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SHORT VISIT. THE QUEST FOR THE TRUTH OF MY INSANITY CONTINUES.
NOTE: This story is a republication of the same story that can be found on our Facebook page, The Nick Feher ‘TAKE 5’ Foundation. Modifications and enhancements have been added. On with the story.
Facebook keeps reminding me that my followers (likes) have not heard from me in over 60 days. Some may feel relieved while others may have claimed, ‘I do not know Sam I am’. It is with great news to report that my tales continue. How many of you have ever been on a Pilgrimage?
This post is about 5,500 words.
WHAT IS A PILGRIMAGE?
* A journey out of one’s everyday life to a sacred site and return home, during which time a transformation has taken place.
* “One of the great common experiences of mankind”
* “A natural activity”
* The impulse to travel to holy sites appears to be a nearly universal component of human spirituality
For most people a Pilgrimage is not on their list of things to do for lack of time. Vacations are more popular. However, if you vacation at a preferred site and you return home, during which time a transformation has taken place, you have experienced a ‘natural activity’ that is common to mankind.
While driving to College Station from Fort Worth Texas, time alone in one’s car permits for reflections. Three legs of my 2016 College Football Pilgrimage had been completed. For those of you reading this and missed the other two previous stories short titled, “Darrell Royal Stadium”, and the second one “TDECU Stadium and Amon G Carter Stadium”, they are located in the Sections titled Pilgrimages and/or College Sports-Football, or scroll down the Homepage and check recent posts.
As I was reviewing the many ‘Blessings’ that were bestowed upon me, two really had a major impact on me. Remember a ‘Pilgrimage’ is “A journey out of one’s everyday life to a sacred site and return home, during which time a transformation has taken place”.
My home in Henderson, NV awaited me upon my return the Saturday after Thanksgiving. However, the ‘forces’ in Texas had already begun my transformation. Many, who shared my Pilgrimage with me, blest me with a safe and healthy journey. As I thought about the many ‘Blessings’ that were created, the two that affected me the most were:
* Meeting 4 West Virginia Faithful who watched me play in the Greatest College Football Game at Pitt Stadium. It was Pitt 36-West Virginia 35. For the complete story, see “Darrell Royal Stadium”
* Having a ‘Random Act of Kindness’ created for me by Amon G Carter Stadium. That can also be found in the story “TDECU Stadium and Amon G. Carter Stadium”.
TDECU STADIUM CONTRIBUTES TO UPSET 11/17/16–AMON G. CARTER STADIUM CREATES ‘BOLTS OF STUPIDITY’ & ‘A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS’—11/19/16
After leaving Austin, Texas on 11/16/17, my camp was moved to Columbus, Texas for my visit to TDECU Stadium, home of the U of Houston Cougars. Even though it was located about 75 miles away from the Stadium, the proximity would shorten my drive to Fort Worth, Texas.
There would be no pre-game ritual for TDECU Stadium since it was a ‘Side Dish’ for my Pilgrimage. I would pay homage to those that have come before me on game day.
My stop in Columbus provided some rare ‘Blessings’. One never knows what awaits them on a Pilgrimage. For this post, a slightly different format will be used. Snippets of information will describe certain photos as the story is told.
The Motel Manager at the Columbus Inn was very helpful with her Texas charms. As a native of Columbus, history was shared with me. A couple of places made my stops, others remained a story. Columbus, Texas was the sight of the first court ever held in the state, the tree stump still remains. That did not make my list of stops.
This pic of the largest documented living Oak Tree in the state of Texas did.
DARRELL K. ROYAL-TEXAS MEMORIAL STADIUM HARBORS APPREHENSION–11/12/16
The University of Texas would be the starting point on my 2016 College Football Pilgrimage for four games of College Football within an 18 day period. Two travel days make up the agenda. My Pilgrimage began on Wednesday, 11/8/16 and will end upon my return home on Saturday, 11/26/16.
The main goal of each Pilgrimage and travels is to return home safely and in good health. Any and all things that I encounter are as Marcus Aurelius says ‘are there to entertain me’. For I have no control over outside forces, but only how I respond to them. I hope to leave more than I take.
My College Football Pilgrimages were ‘Inspired’ by my friend Greg who lives in Houston, Texas. During a Pitt Football game at the ‘Morgue’ disguised as Heinz Field on a Thursday night during September of 2010, Greg surprised me with a ticket for the Temple @ Penn State game on Saturday.
It had been many years, since my previous visits to Beaver Stadium as a player and Grad Assistant Football Coach for Pitt University. The Stadium had gone under numerous renovations increasing its size from 60,000 to over 100,000. Though once yearly rivals, Pitt and Penn State had not played in a football game for many years until this year.
IT WAS AS BILL SHAKESPEARE DESCRIBED IT “A MID-SUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM CELEBRATION”. MARILYN MONROE IS QUOTED, “SOMETIMES GOOD THINGS FALL APART, SO BETTER THINGS CAN FALL TOGETHER”. OUR THANKS GO TO MANY OF YOU.
As I was swimming in my ‘Fishbowl’ in ‘Ye Olde’ Henderson, NV on the night of Tuesday, June 14, 2016 off into the distance, I heard a bell. The bell was a signal from my cell phone that an email had been sent to me.
Prior to this bell, as I floated in my ‘Fishbowl’, I was trying to connect the dots from where The Nick Feher ‘TAKE 5’ Foundation started to the ‘The Road Not Taken’ beginning at 6:30pm Friday night. A new relationship was to be started with ‘no guarantees’.Another relationship would go separate ways. (CAUTION THIS POST IS 10,500 WORDS)
This other relationship had completed seven years. Forces dictated that it was now time to part. It is normal to reminisce as one moves forward on the journey of life. This is an excerpt of last year JUNE 2, 2015 letter that I sent to the HLL.
*After the physical passing of Nick on November 27, 2007, and through the generosity of the ‘YE OLDE” Henderson Community, and others, a Memorial Scholarship Fund was set up in his memory. The original purpose of this Fund was to honor one senior baseball player from Basic HS who exemplified “DO YOUR VERY BEST”.Read More »»»