Life Always Leads You Back to Southwest Arkansas

Have you ever seen "The Legend of Boggy Creek?"

Probably not.

It's a movie about a possible Big Foot-type monster at Boggy Creek in Fouke, Arkansas. Of course, growing up not so far from Fouke, I heard ample rumors of the "Fouke Monster."

In fact, we would drive to Fouke for world-renowned catfish at a lovely little restaurant that sat directly on the swamp, which also, of course, was the place that the Fouke Monster was reportedly seen.

The problem is that since we moved into our new home, I spend an ample amount of time outside. It's been quite nice out, and we have a lovely table, which is more than conducive to smoking, which I do quite regularly.

One of the selling points for me was that our house backed up to Reservoir Park. You can't see the reservoir or the park. All you see are woods. During the day, it's lovely. It's in the middle of the city, but when you're sitting on our back deck, you might as well be in Fouke. It's delightful.

While I spend much of my time worried about snakes coming out of those woods, when you're sitting outside alone after dark, it's more than just a little strange.

For example, I was sitting here thinking about the fact that I really should just go to bed when I heard leaves make the sound that only a human can make. Two large steps followed by two large steps.

Having grown up in the middle of town, which was also a bit country, I know the sound of an animal. Animals sound like two quick steps followed by two more quick steps. But a human takes two large steps followed by two more large steps. Trust me. If you've ever lived in the country you know this.

What I heard were two steps followed by two steps and, of course, figured someone was about to approach me and slit my throat.

Not surpirsingly, it turned out to be an opossum. I guess I don't so much know about the country after all.

But for more than just a second, I thought it might just be the Fouke Monster, or a homeless person spending the evening in Reservoir Park, coming for me.

Sometimes those childhood fears come flooding back.

With a vengeance.

L.