“My” Mountain
I’ve never had writer’s block. In fact, I have quite the opposite problem. Day and night, my noggin overflows with ideas for children’s books. But, if that dreadful beast ever rears its ugly head, I know what to do and where to go.
I’ll head home—Hibriten Mountain. "“My” mountain.
Located in Caldwell County, North Carolina, Hibriten boasts an elevation of over 2,200 feet and marks the far western edge of the Brushy Mountain Range.
Each time the seasons change, this landmark shares its unpretentious beauty with folks who are blessed enough to live in the area. Fluorescent green leaves burst forth on its trees and announce that springtime is nigh. A lush canopy of deep hunter green envelops the mountain in summer. In autumn a breath-taking display of mottled colors appears. A snow-white blanket occasionally covers the barren mountain in winter.
Homeplace of Clyde and Ruth Taylor, m
y great-uncle and great-aunt, Hibriten Mountain in background
Photo credit: Belle Taylor Carlton, my paternal grandmother (c. 1950s)
In daylight hours, the western summit of Hibriten reveals an indistinguishable, crisscrossed array of metal poles. But for two seasons each year—at nighttime—the nonsensical makes perfect sense. During Lent, an illuminated cross on the mountain serves as a reminder to the surrounding communities of the death of our Lord and Savior. And at Christmastime, when residents below and folks just passing through look skyward, they are treated to a star shining brightly to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. These seasonal lightings atop Hibriten are cherished symbols for a region steeped in strong faith.
Christmas star atop Hibriten Mountain
Photo credit: Eddie Little (2021)
I’m not alone in my love for this lofty parcel of God’s creation. For centuries, inhabitants and visitors alike have claimed an affinity for this mountain. And, not surprisingly, generations of onlookers have attempted to express their feelings for this place in books, songs, poetry, photography, and paintings.
Why are folks so enamored with this spot? The reasons are likely as diverse as the people who dwell nearby. My own affection for Hibriten has a simple and predictable explanation. My roots can be found at the base of Hibriten Mountain. And these roots run deep. This is my childhood home and the final resting place for my loved ones. Here, I find peace, comfort, contentment, strength—and yes, inspiration.
And who knows? Someday, this inspiration may be reflected in the cut-paper collage illustrations of a children’s picture book. Or in the written words of a middle grade novel.
In his book, Mountain Scenery, Henry E. Colton’s states, “Five miles from Lenoir is Hibriten, as pretty a mountain as any that adorns the earth.” Couldn’t have said it any better myself.
Hibriten Mountain. “My” mountain.
Cedar Rock Mountain, Hen Mountain, and Hibriten Mountain (L to R)
Cut-paper collage: Nan Carlton (2023)