Blog 1869 -11.05.2020

Paul Bunyan

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Paul Bunyan

Even in this brief version any story about Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox is quite a tall tale. Two years ago I was glad and grateful to land a six month’s work assignment in Bemidji, Minnesota, home town of the two lumberjack heroes. At the edge on a beautiful park on the southern edge of Lake Bemidji, near the visitor’s center stand the two statues pictured today.

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox larger than life stories began being told when Minnesota was considered by many to be the western frontier. Mister Bunyan, his faithful colorful companion, and the mighty Mississippi River all hail from Bemidji, Minnesota. I still keep a little plaque that I picked up there in my travel trailer, my little house on wheels on the prairie, that reminds me that life is always better after a walk by the lake.

Many hold a vision of white sandy beaches with lapping waves and ocean breezed blowing through swaying palm trees as their perfect paradise, but my idea of paradise resembles more a lake reflecting snow capped mountains covered part the way up with trees decked out in different dresses for each of the four seasons.

Paul Bunyan and Babe were in the business of harvesting those trees which built homes and factories across this land and provided the paper upon which stories about their exciting adventures were printed and spread. The lumber industry still thrives in the land of lakes and the stories about the larger than life pair still survive.

Heroes do not have to leave a bloody trail or always win the sport’s championship to be heroes. All those who do the job at hand well are heroes and deserve to have their stories told and retold. “Not to the strong is the battle, not to the swift is the race, but to the true and the faithful victory is promised through grace.”

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David White

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No Matter How Strong