Jeffrey Gabbard

Thoughts on a Fractured World

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  • Companies Are Only as Faithful as Their Options

    When I signed that job confirmation letter twenty years ago and promised not to cheat on my new employer by working for any other companies, I just assumed that loyalty went both ways. But as comedian Chris Rock once said, “a man is only as faithful as his options.” And sometimes you realize companies are… Continue reading

  • Black Jack Turner and the Ghost of Kale Holler

    Originally posted October 2011. “I am a poor pilgrim of sorrow. Cast out in this world to roam…” Granny Jo Whitaker sang as she lifted a washcloth from Ned Bishop’s cold face. The right side was still dark where blood had settled after he had died lying on his right side in bed. The baking… Continue reading

  • Griffy Lake and Nature Preserve – Bloomington Parks and Rec.

    Originally posted April 2007. Many students probably graduate from Indiana University never realizing that this jewel is just a stone’s throw from campus. Located just a few miles north-east of the football stadium, Griffy Lake and Nature Preserve is a special place.To me it exudes Bloomington. It has rolling hills, placid water and the scent… Continue reading

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  • Pokagon State Park (Indiana DNR)

    Originally posted April 2009. Pokagon State Park is a great example of what the Indiana State Park system has to offer.  At just over 1200 acres, this park has something for everyone. There are a wide variety of activities to choose from.  Bicycle rental, snow-ski rental, horseback riding, boat rental, hiking, fishing and a public… Continue reading

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  • Ravinia Woods (A Unit of the Morgan-Monroe State Forest)

    Originally posted February 2009. Ravinia Woods is a unit of the Morgan-Monroe State Forest located just 30 miles southwest of Indianapolis. This 1500 acre area of wooded rolling hills and valleys is interspersed with fields, small ponds and several streams.  The land was purchased in 2004 from AES/Indianapolis Power and Light and is open to… Continue reading

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  • As the leaves fall…

    Originally posted October 2008. The other night I dreamt I was standing underneath a huge sycamore tree surrounded by its fallen leaves. I felt happiness and connection as I took in the wonder of the scene. In the dream, each time I reached down to pick up a leaf, I was reminded of a family… Continue reading

  • Tippecanoe Battlefield

    Originally posted July 2007 The Tippecanoe Battlefield is located in Battleground, Indiana. The Battle of Tippecanoe is considered an important event that many of us in Indiana probably read about in elementary school. The story goes that white folks in southern Indiana (around Vincennes) were getting nervous about all the Indians gathering in Prophetstown and… Continue reading

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  • Chimney Tops Trail (Great Smoky Mountains)

    Reposted from July, 2007. Note that the trail no longer follows this exact route. The Chimney Tops trail is probably one of the most popular trails in the Smokies, but don’t let that keep you from hiking it. Most of the cars you see in the parking lot are for people playing in the creeks… Continue reading

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  • Peninsula Trail: Deam Wilderness, Hoosier National Forest

    Originally posted: March 6th, 2010 As the only designated wilderness area in the state of Indiana, the Deam Wilderness holds a special place in the hearts of all Hoosiers who like their nature experience just a little on the wild side.   It has been at least 15 years since I last hiked the Peninsula Trail. … Continue reading

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