It was a cold, January day in the early 1990s when I moved into a suburb west of Knoxville, TN. Our house was just down the hill from a road that led into town.

The first morning I drove up that hill to run some errands, I nearly gasped. Through the clear, cold winter air I could see the Smoky Mountains!

That day began my love for this very special national park. Living less than an hour from the park was a gift that I now miss since I’ve moved to NW Arkansas.

Assembled Story: “Save the Parks – Great Smoky Mountains National Park”

It’s hard to imagine that we could lose our national parks. Pay attention and speak out when you can. Our voices matter.

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir

The players:

• Assorted Great Smoky Mountains National Park clothing from my collection
• Evergreen branch from the yard
• Vintage Smoky Mountains National Park “Giant Postcard”
• “The mountains are calling and I must go” refrigerator magnet
• Black bear from my Mom’s bear collection
• Orange bandana because, duh, the TN Vols (go Big Orange!)