Living a Dream

Hello Blog Land:

Many of us here in Rappahannock County, Virginia are familiar with the contributions that honored author, historian, and "Octogenarian", James Russell has made to our community through his books, artifacts, writings, story tellings, and book signings of his families upbringing during the times of slavery to redemption. Mr. Russell is a wealth of heritage and we are lucky to have him here with us.

Next Sunday, April 25th, 2010, Mr. Russsell will be coming up on his 90th birthday. To celebrate this great man's life, there are some things that James has been working on that he would like to see completed. I thought I would take it upon myself to put the word out to our fine community to see if we might assist him in manifesting some of his visions!

When Mr. Russell first had his vision to create a community sharing space and meeting hall on his beautiful and senic property "Pleasant Acres" that he calls "The Octagon at Memorial Hill" located at 892 Woodward Rd, in Sperryville it was just a dream. Now Mr. Russell currently runs a miniature train on the grounds, a museum room and has space available for family and community picnics. There is a small stage available that he would like to use for his story telling and lectures, he would like to enclose it "pavillian style" so it is available for all weather use, and a comfort station has also been constructed on the grounds that is in need of finishing carpentry and plumbing installation.

If you would like to make financial contributions or birthday gifts and donations please mail them to:
892 Woodward Rd., Sperryville, VA 22740.

We are also hoping to acquire a lap top or light weight computer for Mr. Russell to be able to view his web page, sell his books and check his mail, if anyone has one they could make available (internet accessible).

In addition to all of this, Mr. Russell is also looking for a housemate to share a room or two in his home. The cost of $300.00 per month which could be exchanged in part for house cleaning, personal care, and cooking. It would be his preference for the housemate to be an older, single woman.

"One of life's greatest undisturbed joys is the comforting fact of knowing that you are welcome, respected, loved, and wanted in any 24 hour day"
James D. Russell
1997

James D. Russell; Story Teller, Author and Historian

"One of life's greatest undisturbed joys is the comforting fact of knowing that you are welcome, respected, loved and wanted in any 24 hour day"
James D. Russell
1997

James Daniel Russell, Born in April of 1921, Russell a retired postal worker, World War ll Veteran and great grandson of Caroline Terry Russell, is a native of Rappahannock County, Virginia. At the sprite, young age of 88, he looks back on a life of growing up in the village of Sperryville, where he attended a one room "colored" schoolhouse during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression of the 1930's. His memories span the days from his most memorable meeting with the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. A story teller by nature and an accomplished Author, Russell has published three books to date and has several more in the works. His books can be purchased directly through the Author James D. Russell Publications or on Amazon.com

Mr. Russell is currently scheduling dates for lectures, book signings, and story telling sessions, and visits to "Pleasant Valley Acres", the museum and miniature railroad are strictly by appointments only.

The Resting Rock
Ghosts, Memories and Folk Tales
The Resting Rock, develops the view of the author that at the end of our daily labors we seek sanctuary where the challenges, cares and successes of the day can be reflected upon and then dismissed. Whether we retire from day labor, workshop, studio, office, boardroom or classroom to the big chair, with shoes off, we seek a final release of the day's emotions and a pause from the too often hectic pace of our lives.

Here we can momentarily step out of our reality and share stories of humor, tragedy, drama and courage contained in this little book, which may then lie open on the arm of the big chair, our own personal resting rock, as Morpheus comes to spirit us off into slumber.

Beyond The Rim
From Slavery to Redemption in Rappahannock County Virginia

A unique work of black history, telling the
true story of "sis-tah Cah-line "Terry, who toiled as a slave on the plantations of Rappahannock County, Virginia. She witnessed the civil war, bore children of a white slave master, and endured to live to the age of 108 in 20th Century America. This is a lovely tale told by her great-grandson, who as a child heard her first hand stories of slavery days from this feisty women who never gave up her thirst for independence and dignity.

Felicia (1840-1915)
A plantation saga of beauty, betrayal, bondage and battle and how one women comes to terms with the civil war.

Mr. Russell still resides in Sperryville Virginia less then a mile from the house he was born in and continues to write, entertain and educate his community with tales of his lifetime. He continues his work to manifest his life long vision and ongoing dream of establishing "Helping Hands; The Octagon" which with the assistance of sales from his books and fund-raising efforts, the design and construction of a community center and museum on his own Pleasant View Acres where The Guy called Russell can be found giving demonstrations of a miniature model railroad line 260 feet in length that is constructed on the grounds for all to enjoy.

Passing Thought

I am now one who is old of years
Hardened by life's adversities, but weaned of tears
Facing the inevitable with faith at my side
Asking God to forgive those who tried.

Franklin D. asked many, many years ago
"how much time is left, before I go?"
"your work, Sir is almost done
The last of the great battles have been won."

The good man passed on April 12, nineteen forty-five
Few in number of his group are yet alive
Similar thoughts are near the same
What shall we do with the days that remain.

Personally I greet each day as opportunities anew
To tackle new adventures, others just renew
I, too, think of the time left to spend
Before I begin the journey without end.

James D. Russell
March 11, 2006