Well, after years of saying I'm a writer, I've finally finished a book and have published it at Smashwords and Kindle through Sage Wind Publishing.
I'm very excited. I am only two or three chapters away from finishing the second book in the Trillium Trilogy. Telling Tree, the first. Once on a Blue Moon, the second. Under the Trillium Sea, is the third.
It only took working less days to be able to get things moving along. Editing takes time, but it is exciting to see things actually reach where the baby can move out into the world and leave home and live as a separate entity from now on.
Hope you are all doing well, and have a wonderful new year.
1.15.2014
12.15.2012
WRITING AGAIN
I am writing again.
For the past couple of months. So many times I've started a novel and life interrupts. I would just get into the middle of it and going good and something happens that knocks me off track.
In the last few years, I am working fewer days a week, which allows me more time to actually spend a good amount of time writing.
I picked up a book I had started about 12 years ago, and thought I'd just read through what was there and see where that took me. I had stopped at chapter 19, but could remember the over all ideas and jumped right back into it.
The rest of the first draft is done TELLING TREEand I am starting on the sequel ONCE ON A BLUE MOON Some very good friends, and my kids, are reading the first draft so when I get those back, I'll go through it one more time, then put it on my Web Site. WWW.lindamcgeary.com
11.17.2011
DOING NOTHING
There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want
Bill Watterson
Calvin and Hobbes
It has been two years since I wrote last.
Many things have happened.
The mystery of time, how two years can sound so long and go so fast.
I've had the flash of an urge to write on the blog, but that's all it has been over these past many months. I've just recovered from a bad cold and my energy is back up and I'm feeling good. It makes me grateful to be alive and moving.
The sun is shinning out side my store window and the cool crisp scent of fall is in the air, with winter just around the Corner. Customers preparing for the coming snows are in buying books so they can do nothing in comfort. (Some people think reading is doing nothing, some of us think it is much more than that)
This time of year often makes me want to curl up with my computer and write, and do nothing else for a while. Gather my thoughts, spin story wool, and make gold of it... if I can. I have so many stops and starts, I wonder if transformation will ever happen, and a satisfying ending find me. (A novel) No matter the outcome, I still have the impulse to write.
This weekend I'm going to cloister myself and attempt to restart.
At least I'm back on the blog doing nothing.
Bill Watterson
Calvin and Hobbes
It has been two years since I wrote last.
Many things have happened.
The mystery of time, how two years can sound so long and go so fast.
I've had the flash of an urge to write on the blog, but that's all it has been over these past many months. I've just recovered from a bad cold and my energy is back up and I'm feeling good. It makes me grateful to be alive and moving.
The sun is shinning out side my store window and the cool crisp scent of fall is in the air, with winter just around the Corner. Customers preparing for the coming snows are in buying books so they can do nothing in comfort. (Some people think reading is doing nothing, some of us think it is much more than that)
This time of year often makes me want to curl up with my computer and write, and do nothing else for a while. Gather my thoughts, spin story wool, and make gold of it... if I can. I have so many stops and starts, I wonder if transformation will ever happen, and a satisfying ending find me. (A novel) No matter the outcome, I still have the impulse to write.
This weekend I'm going to cloister myself and attempt to restart.
At least I'm back on the blog doing nothing.
9.21.2009
DEMENTIA
"THE MAP IS NOT THE TERRITORY"
Alfred Korzbybsk
Some people think they have their lives mapped out for themselves, then an unfamiliar landscape rises up and changes the map.
That is what has happened in my sisters life.
She worked as a legal secretary, now days called paralegal. She was very good at her job. She always had a very precise mind. Neat and orderly. A place for everything and everything in it's place.
Lois has always taken great pains to order her life and surroundings in a way that gave her control over them.
She is a very Private person.
I'm sixteen years younger and have always thought of her as my elegant sister. She has style! Even now, when she isn't feeling well, she is up and dressed, her hair perfect, lipstick on. You get the picture. Her look is very important to her.
I've always said, "You could wear a gunny sack, and still look stylish, I don't know how you do that?"
We are moving her up to Bend to assisted living. A very nice place just a few streets away from where we live and where our in town brother works. As I wrote before, it is very hard to be making these decisions for someone else, but that responsibility has basically fallen to me, with the moral support from the rest of the family, I'm doing my best for her. I want her to be as comfortable as possible.
Dementia is not something I'd ever read up on before, no reason, until now...
We still don't know what this will mean for her immediate future, or even the long run, but we know her life map has changed, and that right now she needs help.
She ask me last week, "When you lose pieces of your mind, where do they go?"
I didn't have an answer.
Alfred Korzbybsk
Some people think they have their lives mapped out for themselves, then an unfamiliar landscape rises up and changes the map.
That is what has happened in my sisters life.
She worked as a legal secretary, now days called paralegal. She was very good at her job. She always had a very precise mind. Neat and orderly. A place for everything and everything in it's place.
Lois has always taken great pains to order her life and surroundings in a way that gave her control over them.
She is a very Private person.
I'm sixteen years younger and have always thought of her as my elegant sister. She has style! Even now, when she isn't feeling well, she is up and dressed, her hair perfect, lipstick on. You get the picture. Her look is very important to her.
I've always said, "You could wear a gunny sack, and still look stylish, I don't know how you do that?"
We are moving her up to Bend to assisted living. A very nice place just a few streets away from where we live and where our in town brother works. As I wrote before, it is very hard to be making these decisions for someone else, but that responsibility has basically fallen to me, with the moral support from the rest of the family, I'm doing my best for her. I want her to be as comfortable as possible.
Dementia is not something I'd ever read up on before, no reason, until now...
We still don't know what this will mean for her immediate future, or even the long run, but we know her life map has changed, and that right now she needs help.
She ask me last week, "When you lose pieces of your mind, where do they go?"
I didn't have an answer.
9.02.2009
CHOICES
Fear Not.
What is not real, never was and never will be.
What is real, always was and cannot be destroyed.
Bhagavad Gita
Another sleepless night.
A few weeks ago my sister, who lives alone in San Francisco, hurt her back. I was in Portland visiting our sons when I got the call that she needed me right away. I fly down from PDX and arrive in an hour and a half. She was in a lot of pain and on pain meds, not very cogent in the middle of the night when I arrive. Pain meds make you loopy.
I spend two days lining up in-home service care. One twelve hour shift a day. Hugely expensive. I think twelve hours should be enough as she will be sleeping most of the other twelve hours. When I get home and call the care giver, I discover in talking to her that is not going to be enough. So another twelve hour shift is added.
Fortunately, my sister has been frugal all her life and invested well and has a good retirement and insurances, but in home service care is not sustainable on a long term basis. I'm her executor and power of attorney in case of death or incapacity. Health and financial.
You say yes to this sort of thing because of love, wanting to set their minds at ease, never thinking what kinds of choices you may have to make for them when and if a break in health comes before death.
I never knew how hard it would be to make those choices. Is this the best thing for her, physically, financially, emotionally? I have all the necessary paper work, but what is right for her?
She has agreed to move up here to Independent or Assisted living if her health doesn't allow for a return to Independent living any more, but this has been the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make on behalf of someone else. Where to move her to, how to change over the insurance coverage. Finding another Doctor.
I know I'm not the first to go through all this, but it's the first time I've had to.
I want to make choices she can live with comfortably and that I can live with too, where ever that takes us.
In moments of panic, I think, I'm the baby sister, what do I know? How can I do this? Why did I say yes?
Then I think, its an adventure. (Duncan reminds me.) Like the river rafting trip. Not all quiet waters. O.K. I suppose some of it can be fun. (Once it's over, and she is living up here just a few minuets away at Aspen Ridge.)
So why all this being awake in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep. Searching the Internet for answers.
Love!
Wanting to make a positive difference in her life.
The one real thing.
What is not real, never was and never will be.
What is real, always was and cannot be destroyed.
Bhagavad Gita
Another sleepless night.
A few weeks ago my sister, who lives alone in San Francisco, hurt her back. I was in Portland visiting our sons when I got the call that she needed me right away. I fly down from PDX and arrive in an hour and a half. She was in a lot of pain and on pain meds, not very cogent in the middle of the night when I arrive. Pain meds make you loopy.
I spend two days lining up in-home service care. One twelve hour shift a day. Hugely expensive. I think twelve hours should be enough as she will be sleeping most of the other twelve hours. When I get home and call the care giver, I discover in talking to her that is not going to be enough. So another twelve hour shift is added.
Fortunately, my sister has been frugal all her life and invested well and has a good retirement and insurances, but in home service care is not sustainable on a long term basis. I'm her executor and power of attorney in case of death or incapacity. Health and financial.
You say yes to this sort of thing because of love, wanting to set their minds at ease, never thinking what kinds of choices you may have to make for them when and if a break in health comes before death.
I never knew how hard it would be to make those choices. Is this the best thing for her, physically, financially, emotionally? I have all the necessary paper work, but what is right for her?
She has agreed to move up here to Independent or Assisted living if her health doesn't allow for a return to Independent living any more, but this has been the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make on behalf of someone else. Where to move her to, how to change over the insurance coverage. Finding another Doctor.
I know I'm not the first to go through all this, but it's the first time I've had to.
I want to make choices she can live with comfortably and that I can live with too, where ever that takes us.
In moments of panic, I think, I'm the baby sister, what do I know? How can I do this? Why did I say yes?
Then I think, its an adventure. (Duncan reminds me.) Like the river rafting trip. Not all quiet waters. O.K. I suppose some of it can be fun. (Once it's over, and she is living up here just a few minuets away at Aspen Ridge.)
So why all this being awake in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep. Searching the Internet for answers.
Love!
Wanting to make a positive difference in her life.
The one real thing.
8.21.2009
GOOD INTENTIONS
"You know what they say about good intentions? Hell is paved with them."
Unknown
My father used to say this. I've heard it all my life in one form or another.
I'm a procrastinator, that's true, and I always have good intentions, but I hope it doesn't earn me hell.
What can I say? It's been a busy summer.
I've been to Portland last weekend and am going again this weekend. Todd, our oldest son and his girl, Sarah, and her sister Jessica, and their mother, Mary, and I went whitewater rafting on the Salmon river in WA., just across from Hood River.
That was really fun.
All of us.
Jess, in front, left side Sarah, right side Todd, left side Mary, and me with the green sleeves. And our guide in back.
The last time I went down a river like this was 12 or 13 years ago. I hadn't really planned to do it again... but there you have it. I didn't procrastinate long enough and had to wiggled into one of those ridicules looking wet suits, and booties and had a cold, wet, fun time. It was great!
The river had mainly class 2, 3, and 4 rapids. Todd and Sarah went down the big scary one, a 14 foot drop off rated a class 5. The rest of us begged off and were set ashore and walked down and watched them come over. They went completely under, but popped right back up.
We all got back in and finished the trip.
Even though the rapids were fun and it was a hot day, and getting splashed with cold water was a relief now and then, my favorite were the lazier slower times, when you didn't have to paddle and could look around. (Did I mention how sore the muscles you seldom use are at the end of this three hour ride?)
Most of the Salmon River is the remains of an old lave tube. So the rock formations were interesting and the flora and Fawne were beautiful. Especially the escaped cows from a nearby farm, that had moseyed down to the river for a drink of cold water.
The guide was a crack up, he kept telling us these outrageous stories, then he'd say, "Well, not really, I was just making that up, but..." and he was off again. We got tired of saying, "Really?" It became more like, "Really!" Or "I don't believe a word you say!"
"Do you write?" I ask, after the story about the Squirrel Bridge, "You should," I said, "You're a natural born storyteller."
He said he did write, actually, when he wasn't on the river, which he grew up on, (if you can believe that). His parents were river guides also.
The memory of this day of fun with family and friends will be with me for a long time, the sore muscles only lasted a few days. I'm ready to go again...well, maybe in a year... or ten. Maybe in a kayak, with no rapids, just a lazy float. Smile.
Toby, our youngest son, had to work most of the weekend, so I'm going back to spend time with Toby and Lisa this weekend.
I'm taking the game Settlers of Catan, maybe we can just have a quite weekend, go to Forest Park and walk the dogs, Sophie and Sasha.
That would suit me just fine, now that the aches are gone.
Unknown
My father used to say this. I've heard it all my life in one form or another.
I'm a procrastinator, that's true, and I always have good intentions, but I hope it doesn't earn me hell.
What can I say? It's been a busy summer.
I've been to Portland last weekend and am going again this weekend. Todd, our oldest son and his girl, Sarah, and her sister Jessica, and their mother, Mary, and I went whitewater rafting on the Salmon river in WA., just across from Hood River.
That was really fun.
All of us.
Jess, in front, left side Sarah, right side Todd, left side Mary, and me with the green sleeves. And our guide in back.
The last time I went down a river like this was 12 or 13 years ago. I hadn't really planned to do it again... but there you have it. I didn't procrastinate long enough and had to wiggled into one of those ridicules looking wet suits, and booties and had a cold, wet, fun time. It was great!
The river had mainly class 2, 3, and 4 rapids. Todd and Sarah went down the big scary one, a 14 foot drop off rated a class 5. The rest of us begged off and were set ashore and walked down and watched them come over. They went completely under, but popped right back up.
We all got back in and finished the trip.
Even though the rapids were fun and it was a hot day, and getting splashed with cold water was a relief now and then, my favorite were the lazier slower times, when you didn't have to paddle and could look around. (Did I mention how sore the muscles you seldom use are at the end of this three hour ride?)
Most of the Salmon River is the remains of an old lave tube. So the rock formations were interesting and the flora and Fawne were beautiful. Especially the escaped cows from a nearby farm, that had moseyed down to the river for a drink of cold water.
The guide was a crack up, he kept telling us these outrageous stories, then he'd say, "Well, not really, I was just making that up, but..." and he was off again. We got tired of saying, "Really?" It became more like, "Really!" Or "I don't believe a word you say!"
"Do you write?" I ask, after the story about the Squirrel Bridge, "You should," I said, "You're a natural born storyteller."
He said he did write, actually, when he wasn't on the river, which he grew up on, (if you can believe that). His parents were river guides also.
The memory of this day of fun with family and friends will be with me for a long time, the sore muscles only lasted a few days. I'm ready to go again...well, maybe in a year... or ten. Maybe in a kayak, with no rapids, just a lazy float. Smile.
Toby, our youngest son, had to work most of the weekend, so I'm going back to spend time with Toby and Lisa this weekend.
I'm taking the game Settlers of Catan, maybe we can just have a quite weekend, go to Forest Park and walk the dogs, Sophie and Sasha.
That would suit me just fine, now that the aches are gone.
8.05.2009
IMPOSSIBLE THINGS
"There's no use trying," she said: "one can't believe impossible things."
"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
Lewis Carroll
I had to laugh, even though I'm thinking of children in general, my nieces in specific, this quote also makes me think of politicians and corporations. They ask us to believe impossible things all the time. (And we do.)
That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what is motivating them and us to believe impossible things. The greed factor is still so high in the U.S. right now.
But that is not what I want to talk about this morning.
I choose to believe the impossible in a different way. Like writing a fantasy poem for my nieces. (Which you will find on my poetry blog.) Or writing anything that doesn't consist of facts only.
One would think that believing in anything fiction would certainly encompass the impossible, but facts don't always hold the truth, and sometimes fiction, impossible fiction, has more truth embedded in it than, "Just the facts, Mam, just the facts."
But if we didn't believe in impossible things, we would never write anything, or create anything, or discover anything or invent anything. Soloving the impossible is the lure to the human heart and mind that keeps us moving forward.
I just talked to my brother, Lee, this morning. They are back home now and relaxing from they long journey.
It was so good to see them. And I'm believing the impossible when I say I'm going to see them next year.
"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
Lewis Carroll
I had to laugh, even though I'm thinking of children in general, my nieces in specific, this quote also makes me think of politicians and corporations. They ask us to believe impossible things all the time. (And we do.)
That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what is motivating them and us to believe impossible things. The greed factor is still so high in the U.S. right now.
But that is not what I want to talk about this morning.
I choose to believe the impossible in a different way. Like writing a fantasy poem for my nieces. (Which you will find on my poetry blog.) Or writing anything that doesn't consist of facts only.
One would think that believing in anything fiction would certainly encompass the impossible, but facts don't always hold the truth, and sometimes fiction, impossible fiction, has more truth embedded in it than, "Just the facts, Mam, just the facts."
But if we didn't believe in impossible things, we would never write anything, or create anything, or discover anything or invent anything. Soloving the impossible is the lure to the human heart and mind that keeps us moving forward.
I just talked to my brother, Lee, this morning. They are back home now and relaxing from they long journey.
It was so good to see them. And I'm believing the impossible when I say I'm going to see them next year.
8.03.2009
This is what half of 340 books looks like. They all came in today.
How fast the time goes. I had to run a few errands after work and fill the gas tank and by the time I got home it was eight o'clock.
Kent, the man who works for me at the Bookmark is down in Ashland with his daughter, who has cancer. He will be there for a week or two. I know what that worry is like as Duncan's sister also has cancer, they are both doing the treatments.
Because Kent is out of town, I'm working on his Mondays and Tuesdays for a couple of weeks. I used to do this all the time. The six days a week thing, but I can tell you, having three days off in a row has spoiled me. Duncan has been working seven days a week since January and I work for him at his store once in a while, but I know I just couldn't do what he's doing for such a long time.
I need my crash days.
We had a spectacular lightening show here last night, along with a beautiful sun set. These are some of the pictures from my new camera from our back deck. I'm still learning how to do the focusing and figuring out what settings to use. I thought the colors in this one were really pretty.
8.02.2009
CREATIVITY
"Time is the longest distance between two places."
Tennessee Williams
After Lee, Brenda and the girls left that Monday morning I went to Sun River to the book store there and bought a couple of Enya CD's and a blank book. I had lunch and eventually went home.
I began to play the small pocket flute I bought at the Summer Festival down town a few weeks back before they came and got out the blank sheets of flute tablature and started writing songs for the girls. I haven't felt like doing that for a while. So it felt good. I wrote the first song, "Once Upon a Time" and really liked it. So I did another, "Little Acorn".
I decided I'd try for 8 or 10 and make an album for them. (I have Garage Band) It has spurred a whole new series of songs. Over the years I've been playing the flute, Native American, I've made about 50 songs. A few of them pretty good, most of them mediocre at best. But I love playing and making new songs. And I think these are some of my best. So far I have five new ones.
The album will be, "The Silver Oak Tree". "Forever Oak", "Seat of Dreams" and "Branches and Roots", are the other three so far.
The weekend after they were here, Todd, our oldest son brought his girl friend Sarah home to meet us. They were camping in the area and spent one night on our back deck.
Sarah is a horticulturist. She works at a food co-op, and when she saw Duncan in our back yard pulling weeds she went out and joined him. "These are my favorite weeds," she said as she pulled them along with him. They talked about gardening and other things. When he came in, he told me, "I don't want to jinks this for him, but I really like her. She's great!"
After what he went through with is first wife, Todd and Sarah make a very sweet couple. They are crazy about each other. She is a more open and honest person, more down to earth, and loves the same kinds of books, movies, and activities that Todd does, and I never see her roll her eyes at him over something he says or does.
It was really good to meet her. It's good to see them happy.
They went home and this weekend he is back for his 20 year high school Reunion. He's a very social person and he's having a great time talking to old friends.
I want to get up to Portland soon to see Toby and Lisa, our other son and his wife, they are talking about moving to Oklahoma where she grew up. Her mom is very ill and Lisa owns some land back there, and they want to spend time with her mother. I hate to see them go so far away from me, but I also see the pull.
I bought a new camera after Todd and Sarah left. Still trying to read through all the instructions. It's a couple of steps up from my little Kodak that has been doing some wired things lately.
Anyway, change is coming. I'm going out to meet it!
Tennessee Williams
After Lee, Brenda and the girls left that Monday morning I went to Sun River to the book store there and bought a couple of Enya CD's and a blank book. I had lunch and eventually went home.
I began to play the small pocket flute I bought at the Summer Festival down town a few weeks back before they came and got out the blank sheets of flute tablature and started writing songs for the girls. I haven't felt like doing that for a while. So it felt good. I wrote the first song, "Once Upon a Time" and really liked it. So I did another, "Little Acorn".
I decided I'd try for 8 or 10 and make an album for them. (I have Garage Band) It has spurred a whole new series of songs. Over the years I've been playing the flute, Native American, I've made about 50 songs. A few of them pretty good, most of them mediocre at best. But I love playing and making new songs. And I think these are some of my best. So far I have five new ones.
The album will be, "The Silver Oak Tree". "Forever Oak", "Seat of Dreams" and "Branches and Roots", are the other three so far.
The weekend after they were here, Todd, our oldest son brought his girl friend Sarah home to meet us. They were camping in the area and spent one night on our back deck.
Sarah is a horticulturist. She works at a food co-op, and when she saw Duncan in our back yard pulling weeds she went out and joined him. "These are my favorite weeds," she said as she pulled them along with him. They talked about gardening and other things. When he came in, he told me, "I don't want to jinks this for him, but I really like her. She's great!"
After what he went through with is first wife, Todd and Sarah make a very sweet couple. They are crazy about each other. She is a more open and honest person, more down to earth, and loves the same kinds of books, movies, and activities that Todd does, and I never see her roll her eyes at him over something he says or does.
It was really good to meet her. It's good to see them happy.
They went home and this weekend he is back for his 20 year high school Reunion. He's a very social person and he's having a great time talking to old friends.
I want to get up to Portland soon to see Toby and Lisa, our other son and his wife, they are talking about moving to Oklahoma where she grew up. Her mom is very ill and Lisa owns some land back there, and they want to spend time with her mother. I hate to see them go so far away from me, but I also see the pull.
I bought a new camera after Todd and Sarah left. Still trying to read through all the instructions. It's a couple of steps up from my little Kodak that has been doing some wired things lately.
Anyway, change is coming. I'm going out to meet it!
8.01.2009
The Silver Oak Tree
"As we acquire more knowledge, things do not become more comprehensible, but more mysterious."
Will Durant
A couple of weeks ago my brother, Lee, who lives in Ft. Meyers, FL. came to visit. Lee is 6 years older than I am, I'm the baby of the family. Lee and his wife, Brenda, and their two little girls, Rachel and Riley.
It has been 8 years since we've seen each other. Rachel was only one the last time I saw her. I've talked to the girls on the phone on a number of occasion and sent them things over the years, but it's nothing like actually being with them.
It was great to see all of them. Be with them, even if it was for such a short time.
They spent an evening with our sons in Portland before coming to visit us in Bend, Duncan and I, and my in town brother, Dave, and then they went off to see our other two sisters down in the San Francisco area.
Uncle Dave and Riley. (and his hound dogs)
Rachel and Cotton.
Brenda and Riley.
While they were here we had a great time, though. Us adults talked, and talked and laughed a lot.
The girl are somewhat shy. Rachel is a reader, and read three books while they were here. Riley watched, Spirited Away", and "My Neighbor Totoro." Rachel watched and read.
Everyone got to pick as many books from my store as they thought they could fit in their suitcases for the trip home.
I have a small space under the stairs, my prayer room, and the girls were quite taken with it, and were going to spend the night at our house while their Mom and Dad went back to their Motel room, but at the last minuet Riley got scared of a giant mosquito eater bug and fled out of the house just as they were leaving. So Rachel stayed and slept in my prayer room. Kids love small spaces. It's about a five foot cube, give or take a bit in one direction or another.
They all came with me to church Sunday morning, Lee and Brenda Co-Pastor a church in Florida, the same church I attend in Redmond. (18 miles North of here) He saw people he knew from years ago, it was a great visit for everyone.
When we came home the girls and I and Brenda went out to our back yard and planted an acorn from my sons yard in Portland, we don't know if it will grow here in the high desert or not, but we're hoping, and watering it. It commemorates their visit. It was sprouting already.
Someday, maybe it will look like this.
They were headed for Crater Lake the morning they left and I lead them out to Lava Lands, about 12 or so miles south of Bend. A butte that used to be a volcano. A cinder cone now.
When we first got there at about 9:30 am the chipmunks were out in full force. So cute. There were signs everywhere saying don't feed the chipmunks and squirrels, but obviously people had been, as they would come right up to you, stand up on their hind legs and lean on your pant leg. The girls were waring flip-flops and were afraid the chipmunks would think their toes were peanuts.
Lee, Rachel and Riley walked around the rim, while Brenda and I took pictures of the munks.
Munk catching some shade.
Lee and Rachel. Riley and Brenda in the background.
If it takes us 7 or 8 years before we are all together again those girls will be grown.
Somehow that just made me cry. It's sad when family is so far apart and money and work don't allow for more time spent together more often.
It makes me cry just thinking about it. It was hard to say good-bye.
Will Durant
A couple of weeks ago my brother, Lee, who lives in Ft. Meyers, FL. came to visit. Lee is 6 years older than I am, I'm the baby of the family. Lee and his wife, Brenda, and their two little girls, Rachel and Riley.
It has been 8 years since we've seen each other. Rachel was only one the last time I saw her. I've talked to the girls on the phone on a number of occasion and sent them things over the years, but it's nothing like actually being with them.
It was great to see all of them. Be with them, even if it was for such a short time.
They spent an evening with our sons in Portland before coming to visit us in Bend, Duncan and I, and my in town brother, Dave, and then they went off to see our other two sisters down in the San Francisco area.
Uncle Dave and Riley. (and his hound dogs)
Rachel and Cotton.
Brenda and Riley.
While they were here we had a great time, though. Us adults talked, and talked and laughed a lot.
The girl are somewhat shy. Rachel is a reader, and read three books while they were here. Riley watched, Spirited Away", and "My Neighbor Totoro." Rachel watched and read.
Everyone got to pick as many books from my store as they thought they could fit in their suitcases for the trip home.
I have a small space under the stairs, my prayer room, and the girls were quite taken with it, and were going to spend the night at our house while their Mom and Dad went back to their Motel room, but at the last minuet Riley got scared of a giant mosquito eater bug and fled out of the house just as they were leaving. So Rachel stayed and slept in my prayer room. Kids love small spaces. It's about a five foot cube, give or take a bit in one direction or another.
They all came with me to church Sunday morning, Lee and Brenda Co-Pastor a church in Florida, the same church I attend in Redmond. (18 miles North of here) He saw people he knew from years ago, it was a great visit for everyone.
When we came home the girls and I and Brenda went out to our back yard and planted an acorn from my sons yard in Portland, we don't know if it will grow here in the high desert or not, but we're hoping, and watering it. It commemorates their visit. It was sprouting already.
Someday, maybe it will look like this.
They were headed for Crater Lake the morning they left and I lead them out to Lava Lands, about 12 or so miles south of Bend. A butte that used to be a volcano. A cinder cone now.
When we first got there at about 9:30 am the chipmunks were out in full force. So cute. There were signs everywhere saying don't feed the chipmunks and squirrels, but obviously people had been, as they would come right up to you, stand up on their hind legs and lean on your pant leg. The girls were waring flip-flops and were afraid the chipmunks would think their toes were peanuts.
Lee, Rachel and Riley walked around the rim, while Brenda and I took pictures of the munks.
Munk catching some shade.
Lee and Rachel. Riley and Brenda in the background.
If it takes us 7 or 8 years before we are all together again those girls will be grown.
Somehow that just made me cry. It's sad when family is so far apart and money and work don't allow for more time spent together more often.
It makes me cry just thinking about it. It was hard to say good-bye.
6.28.2009
PIRATES AND HIGHWAY ROBBERS
"If your out go exceeds your income, your up keep will be your down fall."
Unknown
I've often thought Insurance companies and Banks are Pirates and Highway Robbers.
The health insurance company I pay every month on time every time, has gone to a new billing system. It is no longer done locally. The company has a local office that I visit every month. Why? Because ever since they changed their billing system, my bill hasn't been right once. That is over a year and a half now.
The things that are wrong, every single month are; Wrong amount. Wrong date. They say I'm behind three months, or two. Even with that, which they do every month it is never the same wrong amount any month.
I had to jump through hoops to even get on with them for a 2,500.00 deductible. Mostly this is home insurance for us, so if I were in an accident or some other unexpected thing happened... You all know how that goes, at least we wouldn't have to sell the house to pay the medical bills.
I do get four well check up visits a year, paying only $35.00. The last time I'd been to a doctor was eight years ago. So in January this year I went in. Everything was fine, as I was sure it would be. Other than the typical aces and pains of getting older, the doctor said I was in good health.
It drives me crazy that they can't fix my billing mix up though, so every few months I go in and talk to someone at the local office. Bringing my dates of when I paid, and when they cashed them, I keep copies and leave one with them. I bet they hate to see me coming. They know what it's going to be about.
Their nice enough about it, and I try to keep my cool, even though sometimes I'd like to scream. I just don't get how they could be so completely wrong.
They have told me more than once, different managers every time I go in... "Well, don't feel bad, it happens to a lot of our customers." (I'm wondering why they can't get more competent help.)
The last time someone said that to me, my eyebrows tented in a meet and greet.
"Why?" I ask, "Is it a policy of yours to confuse people's bills so after an exasperating few years they quite and you never have to pay out on their policies?"
We both laugh, she a little nervously, me thinking I wasn't really joking? I do wonder, you know, is that a tactic some companies take?
Well, this month I got two bills! One on the 19th and one on the 24th. Both different. Both wrong amounts. And wrong due dates. Now they've doubled my fun! Oh Joy!
Even two different account numbers. Ah ha, I thought. Maybe that's the problem. They somehow have me with two account numbers.
So guess where I'll be on Tuesday?
I sure hope this will solve this problem and relieve this hassle every month.
I don't have the answers about all this insurance business, and the medical costs, etc. etc.but surely, there's got to be a better way than this!
Unknown
I've often thought Insurance companies and Banks are Pirates and Highway Robbers.
The health insurance company I pay every month on time every time, has gone to a new billing system. It is no longer done locally. The company has a local office that I visit every month. Why? Because ever since they changed their billing system, my bill hasn't been right once. That is over a year and a half now.
The things that are wrong, every single month are; Wrong amount. Wrong date. They say I'm behind three months, or two. Even with that, which they do every month it is never the same wrong amount any month.
I had to jump through hoops to even get on with them for a 2,500.00 deductible. Mostly this is home insurance for us, so if I were in an accident or some other unexpected thing happened... You all know how that goes, at least we wouldn't have to sell the house to pay the medical bills.
I do get four well check up visits a year, paying only $35.00. The last time I'd been to a doctor was eight years ago. So in January this year I went in. Everything was fine, as I was sure it would be. Other than the typical aces and pains of getting older, the doctor said I was in good health.
It drives me crazy that they can't fix my billing mix up though, so every few months I go in and talk to someone at the local office. Bringing my dates of when I paid, and when they cashed them, I keep copies and leave one with them. I bet they hate to see me coming. They know what it's going to be about.
Their nice enough about it, and I try to keep my cool, even though sometimes I'd like to scream. I just don't get how they could be so completely wrong.
They have told me more than once, different managers every time I go in... "Well, don't feel bad, it happens to a lot of our customers." (I'm wondering why they can't get more competent help.)
The last time someone said that to me, my eyebrows tented in a meet and greet.
"Why?" I ask, "Is it a policy of yours to confuse people's bills so after an exasperating few years they quite and you never have to pay out on their policies?"
We both laugh, she a little nervously, me thinking I wasn't really joking? I do wonder, you know, is that a tactic some companies take?
Well, this month I got two bills! One on the 19th and one on the 24th. Both different. Both wrong amounts. And wrong due dates. Now they've doubled my fun! Oh Joy!
Even two different account numbers. Ah ha, I thought. Maybe that's the problem. They somehow have me with two account numbers.
So guess where I'll be on Tuesday?
I sure hope this will solve this problem and relieve this hassle every month.
I don't have the answers about all this insurance business, and the medical costs, etc. etc.but surely, there's got to be a better way than this!
5.28.2009
BACK AGAIN
"Look not for the donkey you are sitting on."
Chinese Proverb
A taste for simple things.
Simple pleasures, like the company of someone you love and enjoy while tramping through the Eastern Oregon desert.
We decided to leave Sunday night when Duncan got home and packed up for an over nighter and headed out. We took a lot of pictures all the way to Burns, found a motel, and camped out. We love doing this kind of thing, a loose destination in mind, and the freedom to go off course if we are so lead.
One of the amazing things about the high desert this time of year, is how green it is. And red, and white too. The darker stones mixed with red volcano rock. There is a wide open beauty to it that is appealing and repelling at the same time. You want to be with the land, but there is such an exposure to the elements. There is a soulfulness to the desert.
I had never been past Burns before, so we went on to Vale and then Ontario. We even went into Idaho. Payette and Fruitland.
Does an hour stay in Idaho count as being to idaho?
Ontario was much bigger and more active than we thought... going on what Duncan remembered of it from forty years ago. If the old downtown isn't the main street going through town, like most small town are, we hunt it out. Used book stores are often in the old downtown areas.
What we found was a closed up downtown though, as there was some big swap meet, Harely rally, or something, that we didn't know about going on at Sumpner. So, even the stores which are usually open on Mondays were closed.
Oh, well. The traffic was light. It was free sailing most of the way home and we turned into our driveway by 7:00 Monday night.
Duncan, took many pictures too,
he was looking for fences.
I like small roads and paths.
Chinese Proverb
A taste for simple things.
Simple pleasures, like the company of someone you love and enjoy while tramping through the Eastern Oregon desert.
We decided to leave Sunday night when Duncan got home and packed up for an over nighter and headed out. We took a lot of pictures all the way to Burns, found a motel, and camped out. We love doing this kind of thing, a loose destination in mind, and the freedom to go off course if we are so lead.
One of the amazing things about the high desert this time of year, is how green it is. And red, and white too. The darker stones mixed with red volcano rock. There is a wide open beauty to it that is appealing and repelling at the same time. You want to be with the land, but there is such an exposure to the elements. There is a soulfulness to the desert.
I had never been past Burns before, so we went on to Vale and then Ontario. We even went into Idaho. Payette and Fruitland.
Does an hour stay in Idaho count as being to idaho?
Ontario was much bigger and more active than we thought... going on what Duncan remembered of it from forty years ago. If the old downtown isn't the main street going through town, like most small town are, we hunt it out. Used book stores are often in the old downtown areas.
What we found was a closed up downtown though, as there was some big swap meet, Harely rally, or something, that we didn't know about going on at Sumpner. So, even the stores which are usually open on Mondays were closed.
Oh, well. The traffic was light. It was free sailing most of the way home and we turned into our driveway by 7:00 Monday night.
Duncan, took many pictures too,
he was looking for fences.
I like small roads and paths.
5.24.2009
ON OUR WAY
"DOPELESS HOPE FIEND"
bumper sticker
Finally, Duncan and I are having a day off together.
New Years day was our last one off at the same time.
We will put up "GONE FISHING" signs and will high tailed it out of town for the day.
Just packing up a lunch and moving down the road.
Out to the desert. Under a tree, that's where we'll be. Maybe we'll check out the Petrified Forest. Or the Painted Desert again. Or the Steins or French Glenn and the Bird Refuge.
We're just going to point the horses under the hood and let then follow their noses.
When one day seems like a vacation, Wow, we've been working to much.
I did get to go the Portland and see our kids last weekend, so I'm not as deprived as Duncan has been. But it is always so much fun to travel down the road with him.
We always have the best time just driving and talking and stopping to check things out, or following some side road we've never been on before.
Just getting to spend the whole day together out of town is exciting.
bumper sticker
Finally, Duncan and I are having a day off together.
New Years day was our last one off at the same time.
We will put up "GONE FISHING" signs and will high tailed it out of town for the day.
Just packing up a lunch and moving down the road.
Out to the desert. Under a tree, that's where we'll be. Maybe we'll check out the Petrified Forest. Or the Painted Desert again. Or the Steins or French Glenn and the Bird Refuge.
We're just going to point the horses under the hood and let then follow their noses.
When one day seems like a vacation, Wow, we've been working to much.
I did get to go the Portland and see our kids last weekend, so I'm not as deprived as Duncan has been. But it is always so much fun to travel down the road with him.
We always have the best time just driving and talking and stopping to check things out, or following some side road we've never been on before.
Just getting to spend the whole day together out of town is exciting.
5.11.2009
BOOKS, A MIND ALTERING EXPERIENCE
"As we acquire more knowledge, things do not become more comprehensible, but more mysterious."
Will Durant
5.06.2009
ADVENTURE AND SOLACE
"... that I began to feel stirring of anxiety that was unconnected to the story itself. I was distracted: my thumb and right index finger were sending me a message: Not many pages left. The knowledge nagged more insistently until I tilted the book to check. It was true. The thirteenth tale must be a very short one."
(The Thirteenth Tale) Diane Setterfield
I always have more than one stack of books of want to read soon going. I've been clipping right along this past month, as in April I had been sick, then hurt my back, and so was sort of not my usual busy self. I was able to read more or listen to audio books.
The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield was my all time favorite for the year so far. A complex store with a few surprises alone the way. Really well done. The story is about twins, books, writers. The writer, Vida Winters, within the story, said, "Every story has a beginning, middle and end, it just depends on whether you get them in the right order, if the story is to live and breath, or not."
This author got them in the right order. I really enjoyed this book. It was rich with the five senses.
I finished a small book by the Dalai Lama, which I really loved. A paper back that was mildly intertaining, and bits and pieces of interesting looking books that crossed my work table at the store.
Right now I'm reading a young adult book by an author I've not been aware of until now, I'd never seen any of his titles before. Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo, by Obert Skye. It has an ominously dark and shinny, attractive cover with a young boy and a little critter of some kind. (Have I mentioned, I'm like the crow in the Secrets of NIHM, Oooh, shinny, sparkley).
The young adult or junior readers really have some wonderful authors to choose from these days.
With "Leven Thumps" I'm only a few chapters in so far so don't really have much to say as yet, but it has intrigued onto the next page.
I'm also listening to Shelter of Stone, by Jean Auel. When the first of her books came out, Clan of the Cave Bear all those many years ago, I read it and the second one, but she spends some real time writing her books, so, I sort of moved on to the other things and never got back to them, this one is the latest one she's done and it is a few years old now. I like to listen to story's when no one is in my store, while I'm cleaning, pricing and putting books away. It makes that work go faster. Although lately, the store has been so busy, I've been listening in the car, more than at the store.
What has been your favorite book this past month, or year?
(The Thirteenth Tale) Diane Setterfield
I always have more than one stack of books of want to read soon going. I've been clipping right along this past month, as in April I had been sick, then hurt my back, and so was sort of not my usual busy self. I was able to read more or listen to audio books.
The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield was my all time favorite for the year so far. A complex store with a few surprises alone the way. Really well done. The story is about twins, books, writers. The writer, Vida Winters, within the story, said, "Every story has a beginning, middle and end, it just depends on whether you get them in the right order, if the story is to live and breath, or not."
This author got them in the right order. I really enjoyed this book. It was rich with the five senses.
I finished a small book by the Dalai Lama, which I really loved. A paper back that was mildly intertaining, and bits and pieces of interesting looking books that crossed my work table at the store.
Right now I'm reading a young adult book by an author I've not been aware of until now, I'd never seen any of his titles before. Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo, by Obert Skye. It has an ominously dark and shinny, attractive cover with a young boy and a little critter of some kind. (Have I mentioned, I'm like the crow in the Secrets of NIHM, Oooh, shinny, sparkley).
The young adult or junior readers really have some wonderful authors to choose from these days.
With "Leven Thumps" I'm only a few chapters in so far so don't really have much to say as yet, but it has intrigued onto the next page.
I'm also listening to Shelter of Stone, by Jean Auel. When the first of her books came out, Clan of the Cave Bear all those many years ago, I read it and the second one, but she spends some real time writing her books, so, I sort of moved on to the other things and never got back to them, this one is the latest one she's done and it is a few years old now. I like to listen to story's when no one is in my store, while I'm cleaning, pricing and putting books away. It makes that work go faster. Although lately, the store has been so busy, I've been listening in the car, more than at the store.
What has been your favorite book this past month, or year?
4.26.2009
LIGHT
"To the dull mind nature is leaden. To the illumined mind the whole world burns and sparks with light."
Emerson
There are some spring days that seem...radiant. The glow that is more than light, it's a feel to the air, a scent. A peace that seems unrelated to anything going on in your life. Like Mother Earth is saying, "I love you. All is well. Don't worry ".
When this radiance over comes me on occasion, out of a golden blue sky, the world goes away for a time and I'm enveloped in this peace, a stillness that is pregnant with potential. And a springing up of joy to meet it.
I love these moments!
They give me strength to be the kind of person I want to be. Be like Mother Earth, "I love you. All is well. Don't worry".
And somehow I know this is true, but at the same time I see there are troubles in the world, people who are hungry, afraid, suffering from all kinds of things, sometimes through no fault of their own, or because of their own poor choices. No matter, when we hurt and suffer, whether from our own actions or those of another, it doesn't make the pain less.
The thing is... We all want the same things out of life. We want to be happy and we don't want to suffer. We all need the same thing. Enough food for the day, shelter, safety. Loving people around us.
I don't remember who said it, "You must be the change you wish to see happen in the world."
When we see the Light, and understand that we are all one, there can be no enemy.
My husband, Duncan, says I'm like an eight year old girl, with a woman wrapped around her. He is not implying that I am naive, although I've been accused of that, but he is saying, I have the spirit of a child, curiosity, faith, trust, belief in people. He says I'm an incorrigible optimist.
I can't help it.
Spring gets in my bones and I want to dance.
So what do we do with all these difficult feelings and experiences that seem counter to the message of spring, the song in the heart of Mother Earth? How do we live with the reality that seems to be in our face everyday?
Well, that is the personal struggle we each face. No one else can give you your answer. And yet we can support each other on our search.
Love is a verb. That mean it has hands and feet, ears to listen with and a mouth to bless.
If you think this is getting all to sappy sweet, just think of the work ahead of us in a changing world. Me and mine has not worked all that well, maybe it is time to think of We and Us instead. And if you think that is sappy sweet, it's just plain hard work we're looking at, but could have huge dividends.
I had a dream not long ago, where I was walking in a beautiful woods. I heard a woman crying. It was a heart broken weeping. I went looking for her. When I found her, I knew she was Mother Earth. I ask, "Why are you weeping?" She said, "I am drowning in human flesh and misery".
I don't know exactly what that might mean, except the feeling I have that Love weeps for the suffering happening around the world.
Does the earth feel? Is there an awareness there. Who can say for certain? But it is a true fact that there is pain and fear out there. We all feel it. It's part of the human condition. The question is can we change it? Even a little more Light would be good.
We need spring, and the message, "You are loved! Somehow all will be well! Don't worry!".
Now, get out there and do something good for someone.
Emerson
There are some spring days that seem...radiant. The glow that is more than light, it's a feel to the air, a scent. A peace that seems unrelated to anything going on in your life. Like Mother Earth is saying, "I love you. All is well. Don't worry ".
When this radiance over comes me on occasion, out of a golden blue sky, the world goes away for a time and I'm enveloped in this peace, a stillness that is pregnant with potential. And a springing up of joy to meet it.
I love these moments!
They give me strength to be the kind of person I want to be. Be like Mother Earth, "I love you. All is well. Don't worry".
And somehow I know this is true, but at the same time I see there are troubles in the world, people who are hungry, afraid, suffering from all kinds of things, sometimes through no fault of their own, or because of their own poor choices. No matter, when we hurt and suffer, whether from our own actions or those of another, it doesn't make the pain less.
The thing is... We all want the same things out of life. We want to be happy and we don't want to suffer. We all need the same thing. Enough food for the day, shelter, safety. Loving people around us.
I don't remember who said it, "You must be the change you wish to see happen in the world."
When we see the Light, and understand that we are all one, there can be no enemy.
My husband, Duncan, says I'm like an eight year old girl, with a woman wrapped around her. He is not implying that I am naive, although I've been accused of that, but he is saying, I have the spirit of a child, curiosity, faith, trust, belief in people. He says I'm an incorrigible optimist.
I can't help it.
Spring gets in my bones and I want to dance.
So what do we do with all these difficult feelings and experiences that seem counter to the message of spring, the song in the heart of Mother Earth? How do we live with the reality that seems to be in our face everyday?
Well, that is the personal struggle we each face. No one else can give you your answer. And yet we can support each other on our search.
Love is a verb. That mean it has hands and feet, ears to listen with and a mouth to bless.
If you think this is getting all to sappy sweet, just think of the work ahead of us in a changing world. Me and mine has not worked all that well, maybe it is time to think of We and Us instead. And if you think that is sappy sweet, it's just plain hard work we're looking at, but could have huge dividends.
I had a dream not long ago, where I was walking in a beautiful woods. I heard a woman crying. It was a heart broken weeping. I went looking for her. When I found her, I knew she was Mother Earth. I ask, "Why are you weeping?" She said, "I am drowning in human flesh and misery".
I don't know exactly what that might mean, except the feeling I have that Love weeps for the suffering happening around the world.
Does the earth feel? Is there an awareness there. Who can say for certain? But it is a true fact that there is pain and fear out there. We all feel it. It's part of the human condition. The question is can we change it? Even a little more Light would be good.
We need spring, and the message, "You are loved! Somehow all will be well! Don't worry!".
Now, get out there and do something good for someone.
4.25.2009
SPRING IS IN THE AIR
"All know that the drop merges into the ocean but few know that the ocean merges into the drop."
Kabir
Anyway, that's what the birds are saying.
I love this time of year. Duncan and I began dating in the spring and married in the fall. They have always been our favorite times of the years.
Never to hot or to cold.
As I was checking in with some of my favorite blog sights, and because it's spring, I just have to mention the #1 on my list.
Red and the Peanut
The reason I love this blog is the obvious joy in what Kelly is doing. And the pictures. It is like an educational visit every time I go there. I'm not a bird watcher, per say, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate what Kelly is showing. I'm a natural nature watcher.
It's like I get to go on her bird watches with her. I can hear the sounds of nature and feel the human noise sluff away into a silence that hears the voice of nature alone.
I'm always so amazed at the talents and interests of the people at these places I go to in my blog time. When I read their posts, I always wish I could sit down with them and just talk. Find out what lead them to the loves in their lives, what drives their passions, and where do they think they get the welling up of their creativity. Did they have to work at it or was it just ...there?
Thank you Kelly for the joy you share with every post.
Kabir
Anyway, that's what the birds are saying.
I love this time of year. Duncan and I began dating in the spring and married in the fall. They have always been our favorite times of the years.
Never to hot or to cold.
As I was checking in with some of my favorite blog sights, and because it's spring, I just have to mention the #1 on my list.
Red and the Peanut
The reason I love this blog is the obvious joy in what Kelly is doing. And the pictures. It is like an educational visit every time I go there. I'm not a bird watcher, per say, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate what Kelly is showing. I'm a natural nature watcher.
It's like I get to go on her bird watches with her. I can hear the sounds of nature and feel the human noise sluff away into a silence that hears the voice of nature alone.
I'm always so amazed at the talents and interests of the people at these places I go to in my blog time. When I read their posts, I always wish I could sit down with them and just talk. Find out what lead them to the loves in their lives, what drives their passions, and where do they think they get the welling up of their creativity. Did they have to work at it or was it just ...there?
Thank you Kelly for the joy you share with every post.
4.22.2009
DEEP PEACE
Deep peace of the
running wave to you.
Deep peace of the
flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the
gentle night to you.
Moon and stars pour
their healing light on you.
Deep peace of the
Light of the World to you.
-A Gaelic Blessing-
Last night I heard of the death of a friend of mine. He and his wife attend the same faith community as me. About eight months ago they learned he had cancer.
It has been a long eight months. And not long enough.
There are no words to express my feelings right now. The loss of his presence, for his wife, their children, and grandchildren, and our group, is simply to sharp to form words on that edge.
You always wonder, how will the family adjust. I don't doubt they will though. The love that is in the universe will support them. And so will we.
My sister in law, is in the hospital today, with problems due to cancer. We are waiting for the results of some tests and the sibs are all flying in, the oldest brother, and two younger sisters. Duncan and I went to meet with her two best friends at the hospital last night. We all talked about what we can do.
The Dr. said he couldn't say how long. It could be soon, or it could be two years.
My prayer for us all right now is Deep Peace, that peace that knows and swallows up sorrow and loss, and fear of loss.
4.09.2009
ON THE ROAD
The shortest way to Good Health is the Natural Route.
By Dr. R. A. Riggs
I found this quoit in a small blue book, publication date 1940. "Gold Nuggets of Health" abundant health, natures gift.
Thinking a lot about this sort of thing right now as yesterday was my first day back to work after four day at home. The first two I slept most of the time, the third day I had to drop my store rent off. And the fourth I actually had to do some errands. By the time I got home I was ready for my comfies, but then I remembered the Readers Group that meets at the store the first Tuesday of the the month and knew I'd have to go open up for them, but I just gave them the key to lock up and came home.
Looking at this little blue book, thinking about all the advances in medicine and health since 1940, 68 years ago.
Right now, when you tell someone you've been sick, it's, "Oh, Yeah, I had that...." "Just got over it..." "Yeah, a whole bunch of people at school are out with it..."
You get the picture. It sounds like everyone in town has been touched by it. If not them, in their home with the children.
We sure don't like to get the flu these days anymore than any other age in time, but for the most part it is not killing us off by the thousands like it used to do.
We can all be thankful for that.
I know the medications may help us recover more quickly, but I've got to say, some of the side effects of the over the counter medicines are about as bad as the flu. I debate with myself every time I take them, "do I really want to take this stuff?"
We just had our spring break a couple of weeks ago and we figured, that this could have been an out of town bug.
Nothing like a little dose of illness to humble you and remind you we all come from the same weak flesh.
That no one is above the forces of nature we are all a part of.
That life is precious.
And good health is not to be taken for granted but lived with thankfulness.
By Dr. R. A. Riggs
I found this quoit in a small blue book, publication date 1940. "Gold Nuggets of Health" abundant health, natures gift.
Thinking a lot about this sort of thing right now as yesterday was my first day back to work after four day at home. The first two I slept most of the time, the third day I had to drop my store rent off. And the fourth I actually had to do some errands. By the time I got home I was ready for my comfies, but then I remembered the Readers Group that meets at the store the first Tuesday of the the month and knew I'd have to go open up for them, but I just gave them the key to lock up and came home.
Looking at this little blue book, thinking about all the advances in medicine and health since 1940, 68 years ago.
Right now, when you tell someone you've been sick, it's, "Oh, Yeah, I had that...." "Just got over it..." "Yeah, a whole bunch of people at school are out with it..."
You get the picture. It sounds like everyone in town has been touched by it. If not them, in their home with the children.
We sure don't like to get the flu these days anymore than any other age in time, but for the most part it is not killing us off by the thousands like it used to do.
We can all be thankful for that.
I know the medications may help us recover more quickly, but I've got to say, some of the side effects of the over the counter medicines are about as bad as the flu. I debate with myself every time I take them, "do I really want to take this stuff?"
We just had our spring break a couple of weeks ago and we figured, that this could have been an out of town bug.
Nothing like a little dose of illness to humble you and remind you we all come from the same weak flesh.
That no one is above the forces of nature we are all a part of.
That life is precious.
And good health is not to be taken for granted but lived with thankfulness.
4.06.2009
I CAN HARDLY THINK
I'm still sick, and have been home for three days with this. No energy yet. Don't eat much. Upset stomach.
I know it's going around, but I don't usually end up with bugs. We've worked with the public for so long we are usually well exposed to everything though.
I'm going back to bed.
I think Utah recommend chicken soup when she was sick. I think I'll go get some.
Can't believe Duncan can still be working through this.
I know it's going around, but I don't usually end up with bugs. We've worked with the public for so long we are usually well exposed to everything though.
I'm going back to bed.
I think Utah recommend chicken soup when she was sick. I think I'll go get some.
Can't believe Duncan can still be working through this.
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