Free Root Jumper by Justine Felix Rutherford Page A

her rocks, she wrote little stories with them, and they really began to sell. I loved the little stories. I think that is what sells her rocks.
    Lou Ella had a terrible fall which crushed her right shoulder. She had surgery, and her shoulder was reconstructed. She was in the hospital for weeks. She then went to her son’s house for a month. After she had come home, she called me and said. “I’m home,” and I said, “Oh, that’s wonderful!” I was so thrilled to know she was home. Lou Ella is about my age, but her mind is so clever. She said that she was depressed, but I told her I was very glad she had called because I wanted to put a story about the rock lady in my book if she didn’t mind. She said, “Oh, I don’t care.”
    I asked Lou Ella if she could use her hand, and she said that she could use her fingers. She said I can print, but I can’t write. I told her that when she felt like it, I wanted some of her stories and for her to think about it. We continued to talk, and I told Lou Ella that I would like to read her some of my book that I am writing. I said, “I don’t know if it is any good or not.” I then began reading some of my book to her. She said, “Oh, Teen, I just loved it.” This just made my day. She said, “You know, I am not depressed anymore.” Isn’t it ironic how we helped each other?
    I later went to see Lou Ella. We just sat on the porch since it was such a beautiful spring day. She told me that she had fixed some rocks to sell on e-Bay. She said that she had used her computer for the first time since her fall. We laid out the rocks she had fixed.
    She had a small, flat rock with five smaller rocks on top and two long rocks. She called this arrangement “Potatoes on a Plate.” Her description or little story was:
     
    Are you ready for Sunday dinner? Potatoes with jacket just waiting to be peeled and put on a plate with a lop of butter on top. These are a little hard and may have to be cooked a little more. These two eating utensils are also added straight from the kitchen rock pile.
    On Sale!
     

     
    She also had three rocks with holes in them. Her caption said:
     
    Lovely rock jewelry. 3 stones of the same symmetry ready to be strung and worn. God’s holy stones. Made with the help of water, age, and wear. Some of Ashton’s finest. None alike—Be the only one stoned at the party. Don’t Delay! Buy today!
     

     
    Lou Ella had a stone with a hump like a bird’s head. She called it “The Bird Rock.”
     

     
    All you need is an eye and you will have a perfect bird head. Stone found on the bank of the Ohio River at Ashton, WV. If you cannot find this stone a day or two after you purchase it, I am sure it will have flown. P.S. I will add on package “Return to Sender.”
    Buy Now!
     
    She also had three oblong rocks which she called “Rock Singers.” Her description said:
     
    Rock Singer! Yep, that’s what they are. Straight from the shores of the Ohio River. Well known for the depths of their singing can only reach high notes when the wind circles the length of their backs and the lightning and storms are flashing round about.
    When the conditions are right they can sing any time day or night.
    Might even do a little wind dancing.
    Own Today!
     

     
    Lou Ella had an oblong rock with a white spot on it, which she called “Listening Rock.”
     
    This rock will listen to your troubles. Carry it in your pocket. Money troubles and sweetheart troubles just hold it in your hand. Be sincere, help will come within 24 hours. If not put it in a different place try again.
    If that doesn’t work throw it in some water. It will think its back in the Ohio River, works better when it’s in familiar territory.
     

     
    Lou Ella is known as the Rock Lady. She sells her rocks all over the United States and overseas. I think she is a remarkable lady.

Friends and Unusual Pets
    The Crows
    A couple of friends and I went to visit one of our neighbors, Willa Mae Roberts, who is