Deep in the Forest, Beyond the Clouds

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into someone else's life, to feel the emotion in their experiences from the outside without having to change anything about your own life?
Deep in the Forest, Beyond the Clouds is a collection of stories, poems and prose written by members of the Frazier Mountain Communities of the Los Padres National Forest, CA. Each small community is characterized by its own unique personality, and yet isolated from big city living, we come together as one.
The book is organized into sections: Our Mountain, Our Home; Bears and Other Wildlife; Ghosts, Mysteries, and Sky Sightings; Our History and Landmarks; Poetry, Ponderings and Inspiration, Adventures and Short Stories, Local Authors Excerpts; and more.
Located on the San Andreas Fault, the Frazier Mountain area has embraced a multitude of changes in its rich history. It has been inhabited by humans for over 35,000 years and yet some things have remained constant: dynamic beauty over four seasons, mountain peaks, valleys, meadows, and wildlife.
Though life is peaceful, the communities must always be aware of the potential for wildfires, especially in these times of climate change. We do not take the forest for granted.
Curl up inside by the fire, or relax on a sunny day to read Deep in the Forest, Beyond the Clouds. Meet the people who live in nature by choice; surrendering the conveniences of living in or near big city conveniences. Share in our astonishment and laughter, and the inspiration that comes from walking beside wildflowers and living among bears, mountain lions and other wildlife.
We invite you to join us as we tell of our lifestyles, gathering to enjoy the works of talented artists, writers, and musicians who live among us, and delighting in the simplicity that life in the forest affords.
There are challenges, yes, but ask anyone and they will smile and say, it's worth it.
The following poem describes us best:

Deep in the Forest, Beyond the Clouds

Deep in the forest beyond the clouds, behind the wind and rain
Charming little villages wrap 'round scenic winding lanes

In neighborhoods folks cluster, between valleys and tall peaks
Meadows lead to secret places, hidden waterfalls and creeks

Wild creatures roam among us, vibrant plants and wildflowers grow
Fruit and nut trees, fragrant pines, wave over the forest below

We live our quiet lives in peace, sharing hot soup, tools, and seeds
Reaching out to help each other, heeding calls of those in need

When winter's chill surrounds us with fresh snow and crystal ice
Mountain life can be daunting at times, yet worth the sacrifice

As the sun sinks on the horizon, we hear the night bird sing
With quiet minds we close our eyes, wondering what dreams will bring

In silence the bright moon rises, while twinkling stars mesmerize
And the mountain folk rest gently under twilight's darkened skies

Judith Cassis (c) 2020

Deep in the Forest, Beyond the Clouds is the perfect gift for visitors, and those who like to read, and especially for those interested in exploring their imaginations via life in the Los Padres National Forest.