Here I sit, enjoying a few moments of "cool" time. It has been unbelievably hot and I don't do well in heat like this. My son and partner know all too well that I tend to get quite ornery when it gets hot like this. My temper gets short and I really kind of turn into a not very fun person to be around. Thank goodness it won't last long. The heat that is!! My sister Laura is having a camp-out at her place this weekend, but I am going to opt for driving home every night because quite frankly I don't think I could spend the night in a tent in this weather and still be sane or civil the next day. Although I must say I have done it in years past when we have been camping.
My brother David is here with 2 of his 3 boys. Seth who is 3 and Grant who is 19mo. I sometimes forget how much time those little rug-rats can take. We picked them up and got home today by about 12:30. Fed them immediately.How do they ever get big based on what they eat is beside me! I remember Baby Prince picking at his food like that and yet he is a strapping 5-10 and 200+ now. Who knows!! After the meal which to me seemed flyby; all the toys that I in my wisdom had sense enough to save years ago were immediately everywhere. This can and does become dangerous, but no casualties. Then there is the issue of "Bob". Seth is completely obsessed with Bob. Bob is our 16yo cat. Is that like 102 in people years? I don't know, but I do know that he is old. Anyway, Seth picks him up and carries poor Bob everywhere. Bob hangs from his arms and has that look of "please save me" in his eyes. Bob even hangs upside down,bless his heart. I don't know if it's fear or what, well it is most likely fear, but Bob begins to shed his fur and when he gets the opportunity to leave those precious arms...Seth is COVERED in cat hair. So bad that his cloths have to be removed. Bob removes himself from the room and that is the last I see of him until about 2 hours ago. From whence he came, I know not! I'm pretty sure he'll be gone in the morning when he hears those sweet voices. Now somewhere in this time of chaos trying to get everyone settled and fed and worry about Bob, I had the brilliant idea that I was going to make hummus. I have had the beans soaking and the recipe out for a day or so now. First step, boil the garbanzo beans. I put them on to boil, get the boys into their swim suits for swimming, head out the door, help Ms K set up the canopy over the pool and help fill the pool. I reenter the house for sunscreen...oh shit, what is that smell. Yep, burnt to the bottom of the pan garbanzo beans!!! No hummus this weekend! Whatever was I thinking that I could, at this age, remember more than one thing at a time. Who did I think I was kidding?!
Because of the heat we decide that getting wet was the way to go. I man the faucet. Ms K has purchased a baby pool for the boys and really, when it gets like this, boys or no boys Ms K likes to sit in the pool all by herself. Found the little slide from years ago and weeeeee...what fun everyone had. More water on the lawn and sidewalk and driveway than stayed in the pool but then again everyone stayed happy and cool and wet. Lots of laughing and smiling. Before I knew it, it was time for supper.
Soon after it's bath and bed time. The house is quiet and it gives me just a moment to remember how special these little rugrats are. They keep you on your toes and remind you that they are the future. I hope it is a good one that we leave for them. So innocent, inquisitive and inspiring. Oh that we could all be that way. Sleep tight little ones! WL
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
What are we doing?
This is one of those posts when I suppose you could say that I get on a soapbox. With the state of the world today, economy and tragedies that seem never to end, flooding,bad weather and in this state, a threatened shutdown, it really is disheartening to complain about anything. I mean really, where do you even start or should you even start in on anything. There are times when I want to whine about something but then I realize I have my health, I have my home, I can feed myself. Really, what is there to complain about?
On this particular day I am going to make comment on the fact that the news reported that at least 3, maybe it was 4 Planned Parenthood Clinics here in Mn. were going to be forced to shut their doors. They are seeing reduced funding because of rules and changes at the federal level. On every single article that I saw the article always said. "Planned Parenthood, largest provider of abortions..." then the article would go on to say which cities were closing the doors. I guess what makes me the maddest is that PP does so very much more. It provides education, health care for women that have no other options, birth control, family planning issues, screening of STD's. Resources that would not otherwise be available to a vulnerable part of our population. And why? Because a vocal and misinformed part of the conservative population would have you believe that those who work in PP are doing nothing more than advising women to have abortions. The numbers just do not support that.
Sadly, this is an issue that arguing about with your neighbor will change no one's mind. The minds are already set. So then my questions and really I guess my issue is, how are those that are glad these clinics are closing proposing that we deal with the unwanted children? If we, as a society, don't want to support the children and we want to cut welfare and aid programs, just exactly how are we going to help these families. If we can provide no access to family planning what are we going to do to help them once they have the children. If we can't give these women and children the help and support they need, why the hell would we want to stop providing birth control and healthy choice options?
I do not advocate abortion as a birth control choice. But I do advocate "choice". There are indeed options out there.Sadly one of them may be abortion. Having worked in an NICU I have seen the results of babies born to poor women and women who make poor choices. What I'm inclined to believe with these decisions is that if we can't help these women and say they deliver a premature infant because of mom's health issues or poor nutrition or poor health care, we will pay lots of tax dollars to have them be in the NICU. But I guess that's okay because they are alive. Yes, I know, I am now getting nasty and sarcastic.
Given the degree of prematurity and complications we're talking long-term financial issues that you and I the taxpayer will have to deal with.
I'm waiting for someone to come forward with a viable plan that will address the needs these women, families and children will have in lieu of the clinics closing. It sounds so simple, close the doors, wipe the hands and "Whew another life saved!" Another job completed. Another mission accomplished for the "right". Another success! Yes, doors are closed and for the politicians and the vocal pro-lifers a smug smile of success. But we will suffer. Yes we will. The young, the poor, those with no other options,they will suffer. There will be needless and senseless deaths from botched abortions. We will have families with unwanted children. We will pay, somewhere down the road, for these insane decisions.
That's my soapbox for today. My thoughts...my blog for today. What are we doing??? WL
On this particular day I am going to make comment on the fact that the news reported that at least 3, maybe it was 4 Planned Parenthood Clinics here in Mn. were going to be forced to shut their doors. They are seeing reduced funding because of rules and changes at the federal level. On every single article that I saw the article always said. "Planned Parenthood, largest provider of abortions..." then the article would go on to say which cities were closing the doors. I guess what makes me the maddest is that PP does so very much more. It provides education, health care for women that have no other options, birth control, family planning issues, screening of STD's. Resources that would not otherwise be available to a vulnerable part of our population. And why? Because a vocal and misinformed part of the conservative population would have you believe that those who work in PP are doing nothing more than advising women to have abortions. The numbers just do not support that.
Sadly, this is an issue that arguing about with your neighbor will change no one's mind. The minds are already set. So then my questions and really I guess my issue is, how are those that are glad these clinics are closing proposing that we deal with the unwanted children? If we, as a society, don't want to support the children and we want to cut welfare and aid programs, just exactly how are we going to help these families. If we can provide no access to family planning what are we going to do to help them once they have the children. If we can't give these women and children the help and support they need, why the hell would we want to stop providing birth control and healthy choice options?
I do not advocate abortion as a birth control choice. But I do advocate "choice". There are indeed options out there.Sadly one of them may be abortion. Having worked in an NICU I have seen the results of babies born to poor women and women who make poor choices. What I'm inclined to believe with these decisions is that if we can't help these women and say they deliver a premature infant because of mom's health issues or poor nutrition or poor health care, we will pay lots of tax dollars to have them be in the NICU. But I guess that's okay because they are alive. Yes, I know, I am now getting nasty and sarcastic.
Given the degree of prematurity and complications we're talking long-term financial issues that you and I the taxpayer will have to deal with.
I'm waiting for someone to come forward with a viable plan that will address the needs these women, families and children will have in lieu of the clinics closing. It sounds so simple, close the doors, wipe the hands and "Whew another life saved!" Another job completed. Another mission accomplished for the "right". Another success! Yes, doors are closed and for the politicians and the vocal pro-lifers a smug smile of success. But we will suffer. Yes we will. The young, the poor, those with no other options,they will suffer. There will be needless and senseless deaths from botched abortions. We will have families with unwanted children. We will pay, somewhere down the road, for these insane decisions.
That's my soapbox for today. My thoughts...my blog for today. What are we doing??? WL
Saturday, June 18, 2011
My Mother
In my last post I commented on the fact that at this time I really couldn't think of any good female role models for today's young women. As of this writing I still have not found any, but then I have not been looking. I would however like to comment on a woman who has set the standard for how I live. That would be my mother, Joan. We celebrated her 82nd birthday this past Thur with a dinner at Red Lobster. 5 of her 7 daughters were there, her 2 sons and the other daughters were there in thought no doubt.
For how to live a life she has set the bar pretty high. She would argue otherwise but I beg to differ. Let me give a brief history of her and her life. She was born to a fairly well-to-do farmer in rural "Plaintown". She had aspirations to be an opera singer or so she told me once but realizing that would not happen, instead took a stab at nursing. For some reason she didn't pass a required physical and dropped out of college. Before I go on, I will tell you she had a beautiful voice. She sang at weddings and funerals. I wish her grand-kids could have heard her. As for nursing, having 9 kids, she did her share. Anyways, she met my dad when she was 17 and he 24 at a church function or maybe it was a bowling party! They married 2 weeks after her HS graduation. She just 19. They remained married 51yrs. until his death. I was the first of what would become a family of 9 children. My dad was a farmer and life was hard. They were poor farmers. The babies, as near as I calculate, were born about 1 every 18mo. There are 15yrs between me and my youngest sister. It wasn't easy being a farmer's wife. She worked hard but rarely did I hear her complain. I remember her helping with chores, preparing meals for the men working the fields and at harvesting times. As the oldest it was assumed that I would take on farm duties and I did so. I loved working outside but I also remember helping with laundry and hanging out clothes. I digress, sorry. I guess what sticks the most was the dedication she had to family and church and her giving to others. In everything, church came first. We went every Sunday and on most church holidays. We were not Catholic but Lutheran, Mo. Synod. We went to parochial school. We were to remember that for everything, we were to say thanks to the Lord. As we grew up, we had devotions at every evening meal. Today she starts every day with a devotion and a Bible reading. For every bit of health and all things that happen in her life, she trusts that the Lord has a plan and she is in his hands. Would that I could be so trusting and faithful.
We were poor, but I remember her saying that every Sunday they gave their offering. She told us that we must repay the Lord for the many gifts he has given us. She has ALWAYS had faith that the Lord would meet her needs. It seems as though she is right. Even now when I know her money is tight. She meets her church pledge.
As for family, she loves us no matter what. She worked hard to make ends meet. She worked nights in a canning factory for over 30 yrs. While working nights and raising a family she also drove school bus. When our family barn burned and my dad had to quit farming there were new challenges. They were met. I'm pretty sure none of us really has turned out as she might have envisioned. I think she said once, all she wanted was for us to be happy. I, her oldest, am living a life that she could never have imagined, with another woman. Coming out to my parents was not easy given the "religious" connotations. But she and my dad were able to say, "You were given to us by the Lord. He loves all and we love you as well." When we had our son she was able to tell her friends that he was very much loved and wanted. 5 of us have our college degrees. Myself not included, the remaining 8 married and all but two were subsequently divorced. 3 have remarried. She has never wavered in her love and support for any of us. No matter what, she has stood by.
We have had to admit to not being the "perfect" family. Though it looked like it for many years, a nasty divorce in the family caused a family split. It has been very painful. My mother grits it out and continues to give love, send gifts, visit,and attend events. And really, acts as a Christian should. If I were to wear a bracelet that says WWJD, it would be what would Joan do.
She is on the go all the time.Visiting, playing cards at the Sr. center, making bread and cookies and pies for events at the church and in town. Tying quilts, sewing, doing the books for the church ladies, teaching Bible classes, helping a granddaughter drive. I need a calendar to keep track of her.
She is an inspiration for me. She would tell you she is not perfect. She confessed to me she has had some bad thoughts about an ex daughter in law. Justified, but still it bothered her that it had happened. I could go on and on, but I think you get the gist of it. She has taught me to be who I am. To love others and treat them as I would want to be treated.She has shown me that you do not need lots of money to be happy or say your life is a success. To forgive, even when it is extremely difficult to do so. But most of all she has taught me to trust, trust in the Lord, trust that there is a purpose and meaning for everything and that though we may not see it or understand it the Lord is guiding our way. I admit I sometimes have a problem with that but when I 'm around my mom and do things with her she exemplifies everything she believes in. And really, isn't that how we should live our life? WL
For how to live a life she has set the bar pretty high. She would argue otherwise but I beg to differ. Let me give a brief history of her and her life. She was born to a fairly well-to-do farmer in rural "Plaintown". She had aspirations to be an opera singer or so she told me once but realizing that would not happen, instead took a stab at nursing. For some reason she didn't pass a required physical and dropped out of college. Before I go on, I will tell you she had a beautiful voice. She sang at weddings and funerals. I wish her grand-kids could have heard her. As for nursing, having 9 kids, she did her share. Anyways, she met my dad when she was 17 and he 24 at a church function or maybe it was a bowling party! They married 2 weeks after her HS graduation. She just 19. They remained married 51yrs. until his death. I was the first of what would become a family of 9 children. My dad was a farmer and life was hard. They were poor farmers. The babies, as near as I calculate, were born about 1 every 18mo. There are 15yrs between me and my youngest sister. It wasn't easy being a farmer's wife. She worked hard but rarely did I hear her complain. I remember her helping with chores, preparing meals for the men working the fields and at harvesting times. As the oldest it was assumed that I would take on farm duties and I did so. I loved working outside but I also remember helping with laundry and hanging out clothes. I digress, sorry. I guess what sticks the most was the dedication she had to family and church and her giving to others. In everything, church came first. We went every Sunday and on most church holidays. We were not Catholic but Lutheran, Mo. Synod. We went to parochial school. We were to remember that for everything, we were to say thanks to the Lord. As we grew up, we had devotions at every evening meal. Today she starts every day with a devotion and a Bible reading. For every bit of health and all things that happen in her life, she trusts that the Lord has a plan and she is in his hands. Would that I could be so trusting and faithful.
We were poor, but I remember her saying that every Sunday they gave their offering. She told us that we must repay the Lord for the many gifts he has given us. She has ALWAYS had faith that the Lord would meet her needs. It seems as though she is right. Even now when I know her money is tight. She meets her church pledge.
As for family, she loves us no matter what. She worked hard to make ends meet. She worked nights in a canning factory for over 30 yrs. While working nights and raising a family she also drove school bus. When our family barn burned and my dad had to quit farming there were new challenges. They were met. I'm pretty sure none of us really has turned out as she might have envisioned. I think she said once, all she wanted was for us to be happy. I, her oldest, am living a life that she could never have imagined, with another woman. Coming out to my parents was not easy given the "religious" connotations. But she and my dad were able to say, "You were given to us by the Lord. He loves all and we love you as well." When we had our son she was able to tell her friends that he was very much loved and wanted. 5 of us have our college degrees. Myself not included, the remaining 8 married and all but two were subsequently divorced. 3 have remarried. She has never wavered in her love and support for any of us. No matter what, she has stood by.
We have had to admit to not being the "perfect" family. Though it looked like it for many years, a nasty divorce in the family caused a family split. It has been very painful. My mother grits it out and continues to give love, send gifts, visit,and attend events. And really, acts as a Christian should. If I were to wear a bracelet that says WWJD, it would be what would Joan do.
She is on the go all the time.Visiting, playing cards at the Sr. center, making bread and cookies and pies for events at the church and in town. Tying quilts, sewing, doing the books for the church ladies, teaching Bible classes, helping a granddaughter drive. I need a calendar to keep track of her.
She is an inspiration for me. She would tell you she is not perfect. She confessed to me she has had some bad thoughts about an ex daughter in law. Justified, but still it bothered her that it had happened. I could go on and on, but I think you get the gist of it. She has taught me to be who I am. To love others and treat them as I would want to be treated.She has shown me that you do not need lots of money to be happy or say your life is a success. To forgive, even when it is extremely difficult to do so. But most of all she has taught me to trust, trust in the Lord, trust that there is a purpose and meaning for everything and that though we may not see it or understand it the Lord is guiding our way. I admit I sometimes have a problem with that but when I 'm around my mom and do things with her she exemplifies everything she believes in. And really, isn't that how we should live our life? WL
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Oprah
I confess that though I have followed the career of Oprah I only rarely watched the show. But of course with her TV show ending and the big hype over the finale I jumped on the wagon and taped the last shows. I watched the shows tonight and now can only imagine everything I missed by not watching her show. I had tear drops and really, sat in amazement as I listened to some of the guests speak and watched pictures from her projects. What an amazing woman. How is it that these amazing women come into the world and leave these incredible marks? I mean, she has influenced women and men alike. But really, it's happening every day. People are leaving their marks somewhere and everywhere. It's like she said, we have to use what has been given to us and act on what is calling us. She is so humble and continues to give.
She has definitely had a positive influence on women and particularly young girls that have now become young women. Good for her. There are times when one does have to wonder who the role models of today are. Maybe I'm just behind the times, but I struggle to think of some women, right now, that I could say are role models. In this day and age, any one who tries to make a difference stands to be tweeted, facebooked and literally media picked to death. So much so that the message,project or goal or whatever it is never gets anywhere. Maybe I'll make it a project of mine to find some women that are making a difference.
I know someone tonight that was taking her 10 yr. old daughter and about 6 other 10 yr olds to Taylor Swift. Is that good or bad, I don't know what to think. If you're pretty and can sing that makes you great and you have lots of money and they want to be like her?? Or is it, you go girl! You've made it and you are doing it your way and you boys can kiss my you know what!! You can be whatever you want to be. I just don't know what to think.
This then takes me to another thought but I won't go there tonight. But, back to the beginning of this post, about Oprah and making a difference. I retired from working in an NICU. I don't know what my next step will be. I'm trying to figure that out. As I listened to Oprah and thought about my own career, I know that I made a difference. Cards and notes my friends gave me assured me of that. Maybe I didn't realize it at the time but I have no doubt about it now. Maybe what I'm trying to figure out is how I can continue to make a difference. Watching her leave one career and move to the next made me think about what my next step should be. We'll have to see. WL
She has definitely had a positive influence on women and particularly young girls that have now become young women. Good for her. There are times when one does have to wonder who the role models of today are. Maybe I'm just behind the times, but I struggle to think of some women, right now, that I could say are role models. In this day and age, any one who tries to make a difference stands to be tweeted, facebooked and literally media picked to death. So much so that the message,project or goal or whatever it is never gets anywhere. Maybe I'll make it a project of mine to find some women that are making a difference.
I know someone tonight that was taking her 10 yr. old daughter and about 6 other 10 yr olds to Taylor Swift. Is that good or bad, I don't know what to think. If you're pretty and can sing that makes you great and you have lots of money and they want to be like her?? Or is it, you go girl! You've made it and you are doing it your way and you boys can kiss my you know what!! You can be whatever you want to be. I just don't know what to think.
This then takes me to another thought but I won't go there tonight. But, back to the beginning of this post, about Oprah and making a difference. I retired from working in an NICU. I don't know what my next step will be. I'm trying to figure that out. As I listened to Oprah and thought about my own career, I know that I made a difference. Cards and notes my friends gave me assured me of that. Maybe I didn't realize it at the time but I have no doubt about it now. Maybe what I'm trying to figure out is how I can continue to make a difference. Watching her leave one career and move to the next made me think about what my next step should be. We'll have to see. WL
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A day with wood
Am getting ready to relax after a hard day of working with the wood. I love cutting wood and today Ms K and I cut up some very big pieces of oak that have been lying about. I love smelling oak as it is being cut. I can't get enough of it. Crazy I know. Once we got it cut up and put in the place where it can be split Ms K started on putting her pallets together for stacking. She is of course the stacking queen. She has all the pallets placed just so. She has the level out so they sit just right and everything is supported as it should be. A pile she has stacked has never fallen down and she has been doing it for quite a few years now. When it comes to stacking, I am just the lowly assistant. I do the splitting and piling among other things. As we worked, we were entertained by the antics of the cats. Rascal wanders about just looking to get into trouble and he likes to pick a fight with Jasmine. To his credit today concerning varmints, it was Rascal 1---Chipmunk 0. He is earning his keep.
Other thoughts on this beautiful day. Took this morning to compose a letter to the local editor in response to a gentleman who needed to voice his concern over gays being allowed to marry. He is concerned for the children and grandchildren. I maintained my composure and tried to make the point that children will do well no matter the type of parent.They need to feel they are loved and also feel secure. Why keep arguing and arguing over this point? I'd like to believe that in my lifetime I might be able to legally marry and I will voice my opinion over such, but the reality is there is so much division that I just think there are more important issues and concerns in this world right now. Of course some would argue that if you don't keep fighting for it people will think it not important and as a result not pursue it in earnest. Progress is being made but granted, it is slow. Why in my lifetime alone there have been so many changes. No more secret knocks to get into clubs and no fear of being arrested for where you might be eating or drinking. I think the younger generation is much more accepting and open. Yes, I think eventually it will change.
Roasted brats over the fire and sat and enjoyed the cool evening air. It may feel cool tonight but after Tues when it was 102 I will just add a sweat shirt and enjoy the evening. And the air is full of the smell of cut oak! Yummmmm!!!! WL
Other thoughts on this beautiful day. Took this morning to compose a letter to the local editor in response to a gentleman who needed to voice his concern over gays being allowed to marry. He is concerned for the children and grandchildren. I maintained my composure and tried to make the point that children will do well no matter the type of parent.They need to feel they are loved and also feel secure. Why keep arguing and arguing over this point? I'd like to believe that in my lifetime I might be able to legally marry and I will voice my opinion over such, but the reality is there is so much division that I just think there are more important issues and concerns in this world right now. Of course some would argue that if you don't keep fighting for it people will think it not important and as a result not pursue it in earnest. Progress is being made but granted, it is slow. Why in my lifetime alone there have been so many changes. No more secret knocks to get into clubs and no fear of being arrested for where you might be eating or drinking. I think the younger generation is much more accepting and open. Yes, I think eventually it will change.
Roasted brats over the fire and sat and enjoyed the cool evening air. It may feel cool tonight but after Tues when it was 102 I will just add a sweat shirt and enjoy the evening. And the air is full of the smell of cut oak! Yummmmm!!!! WL
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Day's Work
I need to figure out how to get some photos on my blog. I worked hard today mostly pulling weeds and cleaning out the back area of the house where I started planting hostas and other plants that like the shade. I'd like it if things were instantaneously filled in and beautiful, but it doesn't happen that way now does it? In looking at parts of it now, it does look nice. Especially the area I planted 3 yrs ago. It really didn't take that long to fill in. I crab and complain and my hands hurt but it's not so bad when I look at everything at the end of the day. I was going to call it my memory garden and still do. I've put out some things that I've found that were a part of my youth.
Hidden behind some bleeding heart is an old typewriter. No one of a youthful age would even know what a typewriter is let alone how to use it. I rather like the computer keyboard and how easily it corrects errors and spelling. There are some milk cans out there that remind me of life on the farm when the milkman came and picked up the cans and took them to the creamery in town. I remember riding with "Rudy" as he made his morning stops. My goodness what parent nowadays would let there daughter ride around with the milkman?!
There is a chicken waterer for baby chicks that we had. There is an old electric roaster. Oh, and I found some silo staves from our old silo at the family farm. I'm using them for steps and other things. So you see the gardens are a lot like my mind sometimes just wandering about.
What do I do while pulling and hoeing weeds you ask? Lately I've been into listening to classic country but sometimes I have on "Oldies but Goodies" and sometimes I listen to public radio. Lots of times I dream about what it will look like when done or what more I can put in. There are times when I get melancholy. Usually after spending too much time in the sun and I start to wonder, "What's it all for?" It's about this time when the cats find me and give me a boost. Or, a woodpecker drums nearby and makes me pause or like today, Ms K calls me to come see the bald eagle flying overhead but by the time I get my ass from a bending position and moving, I've missed it. It would be wise at that point to stop for a beer but no, I carry on.
The weeding is done and tomorrow it will be time to mow. Always something isn't it? The weather was perfect today and will be tomorrow as well. Now, to figure out this picture thing. Well, it appears I have accomplished said mission. WL
Hidden behind some bleeding heart is an old typewriter. No one of a youthful age would even know what a typewriter is let alone how to use it. I rather like the computer keyboard and how easily it corrects errors and spelling. There are some milk cans out there that remind me of life on the farm when the milkman came and picked up the cans and took them to the creamery in town. I remember riding with "Rudy" as he made his morning stops. My goodness what parent nowadays would let there daughter ride around with the milkman?!
There is a chicken waterer for baby chicks that we had. There is an old electric roaster. Oh, and I found some silo staves from our old silo at the family farm. I'm using them for steps and other things. So you see the gardens are a lot like my mind sometimes just wandering about.
What do I do while pulling and hoeing weeds you ask? Lately I've been into listening to classic country but sometimes I have on "Oldies but Goodies" and sometimes I listen to public radio. Lots of times I dream about what it will look like when done or what more I can put in. There are times when I get melancholy. Usually after spending too much time in the sun and I start to wonder, "What's it all for?" It's about this time when the cats find me and give me a boost. Or, a woodpecker drums nearby and makes me pause or like today, Ms K calls me to come see the bald eagle flying overhead but by the time I get my ass from a bending position and moving, I've missed it. It would be wise at that point to stop for a beer but no, I carry on.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Start of a journey
I begin this blog with trepidation, but then again there is absolutely nothing to be lost. I do so enjoy reading blogs although I must confess, there are so many out there that those I actually have viewed and followed are really quite limited. To spend hours following and reading gives one a sense of intimidation. Why put myself through that stress? What could I possibly have to say that hasn't already been said or at least thought of? Don't you sometimes think of that when you hear some music. I mean really, there should be a limited amount of ways the notes can be put together but still...new compositions arise all the time.
I've had this on my mind for some time, the idea to blog. What has delayed me? Well, the title has to be just so! Those that know me and have worked with me know that when I gave a talk or presentation I put a lot of emphasis on the title. Because after all, that is what is going to catch your eye and pull you in. What should the title be? Hmmmm.... Well, it is really all about me but then again I do have this partner here in the woods with me so would it be right to just call it Lady in the Wood? No, I don't think so.Thus the name: Ladies in the Woods.
Surprisingly,title not taken or maybe they don't really say it is or it isn't, they simply give you a way to find this particular post.
Next step, start the process. Ramble on and on or just take it slow. Let's try slow.Why me, why now? I have just started my 6th decade of living. 5 behind me and who knows, 5 to go.So, am I on the upswing or the downswing? I like to think they have been very successful. I also have recently retired from 31 years as an RN in an NICU (that's neonatal intensive care). 37 yrs as an RN. So have started that whole process of adapting to life at a different pace. I am learning to let go of "work" but struggling with not seeing co-workers on a daily basis. Missing teaching opportunities but knowing that I still have a lot to give.Getting used to the change in income and trying to figure out what to do next. As you read this, then you know, she has a hell of a lot to ramble on about!! And so I will. I tend to go on and on and on. These then will be my challenges: Keep it Simple Stupid, Just the Facts Ma'am, Tell Me More, and What the Hell Was That all About! Maybe I should also put Get Down off the Soapbox! Mmmm...one more, Don't Forget about Me. My history with journaling in the written form, with pen and bound journal, is good for about well lets just say I have a number of journals lying about with anywhere from a 6 month gap to a 20yr gap! The challenge is on. Later my friends, WL (let's go with that rather than Wood Lady).Something different after 60 years of the same name and a variety of other titles.
I've had this on my mind for some time, the idea to blog. What has delayed me? Well, the title has to be just so! Those that know me and have worked with me know that when I gave a talk or presentation I put a lot of emphasis on the title. Because after all, that is what is going to catch your eye and pull you in. What should the title be? Hmmmm.... Well, it is really all about me but then again I do have this partner here in the woods with me so would it be right to just call it Lady in the Wood? No, I don't think so.Thus the name: Ladies in the Woods.
Surprisingly,title not taken or maybe they don't really say it is or it isn't, they simply give you a way to find this particular post.
Next step, start the process. Ramble on and on or just take it slow. Let's try slow.Why me, why now? I have just started my 6th decade of living. 5 behind me and who knows, 5 to go.So, am I on the upswing or the downswing? I like to think they have been very successful. I also have recently retired from 31 years as an RN in an NICU (that's neonatal intensive care). 37 yrs as an RN. So have started that whole process of adapting to life at a different pace. I am learning to let go of "work" but struggling with not seeing co-workers on a daily basis. Missing teaching opportunities but knowing that I still have a lot to give.Getting used to the change in income and trying to figure out what to do next. As you read this, then you know, she has a hell of a lot to ramble on about!! And so I will. I tend to go on and on and on. These then will be my challenges: Keep it Simple Stupid, Just the Facts Ma'am, Tell Me More, and What the Hell Was That all About! Maybe I should also put Get Down off the Soapbox! Mmmm...one more, Don't Forget about Me. My history with journaling in the written form, with pen and bound journal, is good for about well lets just say I have a number of journals lying about with anywhere from a 6 month gap to a 20yr gap! The challenge is on. Later my friends, WL (let's go with that rather than Wood Lady).Something different after 60 years of the same name and a variety of other titles.
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