In this corner…Jiujitsu Joey from Gatlinburg Tennessee

by

Shannon Hollon

A few years ago we traveled to Gatlinburg Tennessee for a little family getaway and on our way home we made one last stop at a mountain side petting zoo, this zoo had your typical goats, sheep and donkeys but the one animal that I will never forget was this Kangaroo.

This Roo seemed pleasant and gentle but was truly a marsupial from hades. As my wife and kids were petting and feeding the sheep and goats I walked over to introduce myself to the smiling Roo, after a few gentle pets on his head he commenced to dig his claws in my forearm(yes Roos have claws) and place my arm in some sort of Jiujitsu lock while he began to kick with the force of a Missouri Mule my legs out from under me.

1923 US Navy Sailor boxing a Roo (US Naval Institute)

I remember looking at my wife and kids in horror thinking of tomorrow’s headlines: “Alabama man killed by Gatlinburg Kangaroo”… My wife and kids laughed and loved the show and did not realize I was fighting hand to hand combat and in a life and death struggle.Thankfully I got away with only a few scratches and bruises and a funny family memory and the knowledge that hillbilly kangaroos are not as friendly as they look. It must be the altitude.

Bestselling novel RIBBON OF LOVE: 2nd edition – A Novel of Colonial America (Tapestry of Love Book 1) is the story of a first family  in colonial America who eventually migrated to Alabama 

Inspired by actual people and historical events! Based on the Cottingham ancestors of Bibb County, Alabama.

Coming from diverse cultural backgrounds and separated from the mainland by the Chesapeake Bay, the real world of the settlers of “The Kingdom of Accawmacke” is revealed and secrets about America’s history are discovered in this well-researched novel. Actual court records dating back to the early 1630’s create historical accuracy as the reader is taken back to the primitive days of colonial America where the Pattendens encounter life-changing difficulties with Indians, ducking stools, illness, massacres, death, loneliness, love, and greed.

“We’re all going to die!” echoed from below deck amid the frenzied screams and cries from terrified women and children between decks. Sounds of chaos below deck filled the air as the hands scrambled to free the foremast before it broke through the ship. “Quickly, men” We need to free that fore-mast now!” bellowed Captain Potts. “But, by God be careful, we don’t want to lose another man!”

The Pattenden’s inspiring story begins in 17th century England during the reign of Charles I and continues with their journey to the eastern shore of Virginia where they experience joy, tragedy and loss. Based on actual court records and historical events, RIBBON OF LOVE is a work of fiction that provides the reader with a glimpse of life in 17th century England and Virginia.

REVIEWS FROM READERS:

 

Ribbon of Love was a wonderful love story of Henry and Mary living and struggling to succeed as one of the first families in the colony of Virginia in the 1600s. In addition to the love story, the descriptions of the clothing, home furnishings, personalities, family life, church and community are most intriguing. The exhilarating action and subplots keep the reader in constant anticipation. It is almost impossible to put the book down until completion. – Dr. Don P. Brandon, Retired Professor, Anderson University