Summertime and the livin' is HOT!

Almost August's curtain call and it is 100+ degrees daily.  My prompt in Underground Railroad (Jill Badonsky) for this week was to write as if summer were a person. Here is my "off the cuff" quickie:

If summer were a person, she would expose herself, wearing shorts even to the post office, Walmart, with an attitude of letting go.

Summer would take her bra off as soon as she comes into her home and keep it off, even when delicately watering the plants and the neighbor dude comes over to chat.

Summer would heed the water and electricity conservation warnings because she wants the air conditioning to keep operating for all.

Summer would mourn the plants that dried up.

Summer would take a sabbatical from the kitchen.

If summer were a person, she would spend more hours reading and less time fretting about the house, the unsold rv and climate change. 

If summer were a person, she would make sure her fans were turning counter clockwise.

If summer were a person, daily siestas would be her mandatory mantra.

If summer were a person she would acknowledge her own individual voice of creativity just like fall, winter and spring so dauntlessly did before her.

Creating a Wildlife Habitat

How to Make Your Yard a Certified Wildlife Habitat - Native Backyards

I am onto this project! My backyard cottage garden is destined to become a natural wildlife habitat requiring the following:

• Water – provide at least once source of water
• Food – provide at least two food sources
• Shelter – provide at least two sources of cover
• Places to Raise Young – provide at least two places to mate and raise young
• Sustainable Practices – engage in at least two categories of sustainable practices

I will be planting Texas native plants and taking small steps to creating my backyard paradise for birds, butterflies, hummingbirds and all God's critters. I thought of persuing this project years ago but alas, probably got sidetracked with living experiences and work.

Now I am ready to do it "right." In this 100+ degree Texas heat, my hours outside are limited, but the delight in planning it and pursuing the project online is happening right now. This is undoubtedly an ongoing forever undertaking!!

Interestingly, the certification process is completed on the honor system with the certificate available for $20. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Why I Write

I am in the throes of taking another online class. This short four week course with Therapy Writing Institute is "The Slant Truth" with Nancy Scherlong as facilitator. Therapeutic Writing Institute – The professional training division of the Center for Journal Therapy (twinstitute.net)

Seeking to become a CJF, Certified Journal Facilitator, I usually sign up for one class per session.

Below is my reflection to Nancy's prompts and poems she included in her first week's readings. 

                                 Why I Write

Joan Didion  writes to “ find out what I’m thinking” and there I be! I write to seek guidance as the pen is more powerful than my intuition. Perhaps the pen is my intuition. No conscious reasoning is needed to make the pen move, to allow the pen its freedom. My pen, my secret weapon? I write to figure out what to do next. I write to figure out what not to do next which just might be more powerful than doing. I share my passions with the pen and as the ink dries the passions drift into nebulous (sometimes) anxieties. Then I know to eliminate the exposed passion. I write to whittle down possibilities. I write to eliminate anxieties, the wrongs, the rights and to face the actualities. I write to have something to cross out. I clarify as the pen displays brilliancy among thistles growing in my garden. Aaahh yes, my garden of words struggling to survive in this prickly word world. Everyone says it better than I. Sometimes I write to keep up with them. Most of the time I am not in the lead. However the option to be persistent outlives my pessimism that this world needs not my words, but my compassion.  And so I write more, to uncover the compassion that hopefully will press me into action. 

I keep writing and suddenly, I am overcome by the sheer indulgence, (the madness,) the meaninglessness, the ridiculousness of this list. (Terry Tempest Williams)

 

Axel Shopping

Today we went axel shopping. It isn't a top priority of mine, but alas, when the axel needs replacing, well, the rubber hits the road, literally and a new axel must be found.

The rv man just texted me and found one for this 30' travel trailer we have owned three years. It will cost $495 plus shipping.

And then hopefully, Eddie here in Anson, Texas will be able to put it on the trailer, add the spare tire/wheel and we're ready to go to Should Bee.

It is just another challenge when rving and stuck and relying on others to help out. And yes, we are getting help! Eddie came yesterday and removed the axel. Harley here at the rv park picked up Eddie at his house. We then went to the local trailer repair place and that gentleman sent us to Abilene, 30 miles down the road. We were discouraged with our first stop, but then Rick at Young's RV said he thought he had a source for this axel. He found one and we will be picking it up later this week, we think.

Harley owns this lovely Anson rv park and has been a source of great help. We just paid him the weekly rate of $165 to leave our trailer here until we can pick up the axel.

Now here are the facts! I have been planning on selling this trailer and surfed online thinking I could legitimately ask $26,000. Now as I look again I see that maybe I'll be fortunate to get $22 thousand.

Harley has offered me $17,000 and will take it "as is." Maybe I should really consider this offer. Maybe I will end up putting an additional $2,000 in it. What to do? 

Ambivalent

In my most recent post I wrote of being a multipotentialite. Perhaps ambivalency is a sub genre of that diagnosis. I waver between deciding the following:

As a lover of listmaking here is another list:

1) I am indeed ambivalent regarding the sale of my current travel trailer. It's 29', wonderful open floorplan, two very comfy recliners and plenty of storage. I paid $28k and the newest models are selling for as high as $39k. Mine is a 2021 model and I could ask as low as 26K and be happy. To sell or not to sell?

2) I am ambivalent regarding purchasing an Airstream. I very much want to own a small Bambi but Hubby is not keen on spending more than two nights in it. See how that would curtail our travels? However, I could join the clubs and caravans and have a really awesome time traveling and socializing with other Airstreamers. Mom and Dad did just that and I am inclined to follow in their footsteps. Not all bad, eh?

3) I am ambivalent regarding my recent membership in the weaving school. Do I have time? Should I stay in it? I am quite sure that once I begin weaving it is going to be my happy-go-to-hobby, next to my fiddle and piano, that is. I can unjoin in a couple weeks, but spending $19/month for a few months won't be too big of a debt.

4) I am ambivalent regarding how much gardening I should tackle. This hobby will probably work itself out as I spend a couple hours each morning before it gets too hot. I need to start small with one or two beds and/or backyard areas and proceed from there. Just take it bit by bit and poof (!!), blooms will delight all visitors to my yard, birds, butterflies, hummers and more, I hope.

5) I am ambivalent regarding my piano. Strangely, I am entertaining the act of returning to piano lessons. Shhh - don't tell. I know it would be another commitment but oh, such joy in accomplishing difficult classical music with a teacher that knows more than I. This is a secret thought and probably will not come to fruition. Shhhh.....

6) I am ambivalent about signing up with Story Circle Network to become a book reviewer. This offering is available to all members and I am truly interested, not only in reading the free new books that women have written, but then creating wonderful reviews. The latter takes practice and knowledge. I would enjoy the challenge.

Maybe tomorrow morning I will list activities I am NOT ambivalent about....just a thought!

Being a Multipotentialite

                                                                   Here I am! 

      Maybe my posts have already revealed this diagnosis! 

1) I joined another online school yesterday to motivate and challenge my beginning weaving commitment.

The school is called School of SweetGeorgia (https://www.schoolofsweetgeorgia.com) and includes all fiber arts. I need to delve into theories of color, design as well as the mechanics of my loom. This particular option was in my price range - $9 for month one and then $19/month thereafter. Or I may join for a year and add $148 to the $9 I already paid. I think it will be a great beginning for me as my rigid heddle loom and small backpacking loom have been dormant. 

I plan to create tapestries, but am not opposed to simply weaving an easy towel or placemat. I do NOT need another diversion but as a multipotentialite, diversions are commonplace for me.

2) We leave this park in one week. I am ready as is The Hubby. We are eager, very eager to return to hot Texas and the home we barely spent a few nights in before chasing the volunteer position up here in beautiful North Idaho.

3) Another diversion I am googling about is lamp redoing. I have a vision of a booth lit with rescued lamps from thrift stores and garage sales. This is certainly not a new idea. However, it is a lit up idea for me - a vision instilled in my noggin with gorgeous one of a kind lamps redone in a variety of unique ideas. Don't you think it could be brilliant? And I want my motto to be:

                              Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

Catching Up with Myself

It's been awhile since I have posted. No particular reason other than being focused on relaxing, reading and working in the Junior Ranger room here at Farragut State Park, Idaho.

It's coming to a close and for that I am grateful. Everything is hunky-dory here in the park. It's just that I want to be in my new-to-me home in Texas. I feel as if I am biding my time. I am more than ready to tackle all those projects we left after spending a mere ten days in our "new" home. 

What else have I been attempting? 

1) Reading and participating in Story Circle Network's book club that meets bi monthly. It's not particularly structured, more like conversing with a couple friends about the books and how it "sets" with one another. I may/may not continue with this zoom. The fee has been waived. We discussed Laura Davis' The Burning Light of Two Stars last evening.

2) Writing with Jill Badonsky twice a week. She provides funky prompts, not the usual stuff and I am entertained. I am going to post several poems I have written later this week. I pay $23/month for this opportunity - it's a month-to-month commitment.  The others are very gifted participants, both in writing and artistic endeavors. Yes, I feel inadequate, but that is why I am following Jill. She is VERY upbeat, witty and creative, Thus, her following seems to be very talented and creative.

3) Being with Granddaughter and Daughter here in the park. We have been to the beach and geocached. The latter took several hours and we found 7/8 boxes. It's a challenging program from the Junior Ranger room. The geocache backpacks are loaned for free and each contains a $200 Garmin with coordinates programmed in it.

4) Shopping on my days off at thrift stores finding children's books for my Little Free Library bookmobile. I am eager to resume our farmer's market visits on Saturday mornings. Goodwill has 49 cent children's books and they are lovely. I buy about 20 books each visit, maybe more.

5) No weaving yet. And that hobby was to unfurl this summer. I had better spend a couple hours after work today beginning the process, at least on the small hand loom. My granddaughter received a loom for Christmas and I have prompted her to continue the activity. She is interested is seeing my loom(s). Oh dear, I am not very knowledgeable yet.

6) Selling on Craigslist a couple towing items that Dave transported up here in the truck bed. I just listed the tow bar we used on the Scion when we had the Class C and the bike rack we used on the Class C. Money is lost as my asking prices are low, hopefully some interest will be shown. There is a Coeur d' Alene swap and shop site I should also be putting the items on.

7) Sitting by the fire and working on my current Bible study, Beth Moore's Psalms of Ascent. I love it. This is my first study by her. She is very popular among women, but alas, I have not been in the right loop for years. I read a recent autobiography of hers spontaneously and that started me on this particular journey. 

8) My fiddling has taken a back seat to everything. There is no reason other than sitting outdoors by the fire and hummingbird feeders is a delightful escape. I want to resume my hour per day fiddle practicing. I want to be back in the routine. 

For now, it's off to the Junior Ranger room for six hours of fulfilling my commitment.

Talk more later!

Review Mirroring It

                           

 “Sometimes we don’t know why we’re on a certain road with God until miles have made their way to the soles of our feet.” from Stepping Up, by Beth Moore.

Review Mirroring It

as life follows its curves

motives contribute to change 

the bends, the detours

of delights and disturbances.

the certain road might

vanish we are distracted

dismayed 

disappointed.

my feet are calloused rough

bunioned toes angle

unbecoming but functional.

soles know my story

a different kind of soul seeks

to transport me as that road

that certain road 

becomes where i have journeyed 

all along… 

through the years… 

and it’s ok.

The above poem was written this morning in response to a Jill Badonsky prompt:

• Open a book and grab a sentence, make it your own and keep going.

I am currently working my way through Beth Moore's Bible study, Stepping Up, on the Psalms of Ascent. I thoroughly enjoy her literary approach to this study. Needless to say, I love this particular sentence from Day One, page 13. I am just beginning and excited to have this resource.

More about Jill's class next blogging effort and the possibility of becoming trained in her method of creative life coaching.

Bob, The Gadget Man

I think it might have started with the spiral zucchini cutter. I didn’t have one so Bob generously gave me 

one, “Here’s your delayed wedding present.” I had just married Dave a few months earlier and was attempting to eat healthier pasta that summer. I did….twice!

Then we invited Bob over for homemade doughnuts baked in my air fryer. He just had to try it! Only he used a silicon doughnut making mold and gifted me with one. I tried his process once and returned to my metal doughnut pan baked in the ole’ oven. But then… I went doughnut - sugar free.

Most recently Bob gave me a small red and white plastic egg poacher/cooker to be used in microwaves. I have not tried it. However, the coffee lady at the farmer’s market uses one in her coffee stand to cook the egg for her egg/muffin/bacon sandwich. I watched the perfect egg emerge.

Bob’s most recent acquisition is not a gadget. It’s a major commitment - a Blackstone outdoor griddle. Guess the receiving line for gadgets has closed down. He is in the big time of grilling’. What to gift him with? He is out of my kitchen ballpark? 

How about a cast iron garlic roaster? Doesn’t every boastful dude, “I’m making tacos on my Blackstone,” need one?

A Day in the Junior Ranger Room

 Good Morning!

I am not there yet!

I am not in the most marvelous delightful area for ALL ages here at Farragut State Park, Athol, Idaho. 

I am speaking of the Junior Ranger Program located in The Brig which is a WW II museum! Farragut was the largest naval training base in the United States during WW II. Only The Brig structure remains.

The Junior Ranger Program is located in two rooms within The Brig, two absolutely beautiful rooms that were once the kitchen and mess hall for the officers. A well taxidermized mountain lion holds court over the entire first room, often causing small children to be alarmed and definitely amazed. As a facilitator in the room, I answer questions to the best of my ability while guiding the children and  parents/grandparents to circle the correct answer on a small clipboard at various stations. For example, the first station is about canines and felines, identifying tracks. Second station asks whether a bat is most like a human or a bird.

As they circumvent the room the final station is measuring the child's "wingspan" and then identifying a bird with a similar wingspan from diagrams on the wall. This station is very popular and often a parent's wingspan, similar to the 79" eagle, is measured by the children.

The last requirement for a Junior Ranger badge is to stamp several boxes in the park booklet given to each participant. The boxes are identified by activities the child has participated in within Farragut. For example, completing the clipboard activity is one box accomplished, hiking with parents another.

It is a marvelous program. Errin, the park ranger in charge, adds more hands-on activities annually to the rooms. This year there are puzzles yet to be opened and skull replicas yet to be examined.

Now it's time to put on my "Dedicated Volunteer" shirt and travel to the museum.

Come visit - you won't be disappointed!

Sunday Sanctuary

I am but a mere older woman seeking God's Way in this World of Much Uncertainty. Only a few find it, the Bible says. A few, although many seek, or do they? 

I am meditating this morning about a blog I follow. The woman who is about my age, maybe older, regards herself as an atheist. Why do I follow her? She writes about her life, her solitude, her enjoyment of nature, her delight in the simple things in life, her dog and often shares a painting. This all appeals to me. Seldom does she get political and/or religious in her postings. When she does vent in said manner,  I still follow her, even though her political leanings are not mine and most certainly her religion (Is atheism a religion?) is not what I choose. She evolved into this decision because of her experiences with organized religion and her treatment in the workplace subordinate to men. I understand all of this, every single syllable. Man's interpretation is not always God's meaning. 

The God I worship offers so much more than mankind's doctrine. My God's doctrine, although the Bible is puzzling to me at times, can be explained and illustrated as He leads me.

This morning's devotion includes the above familiar verse, one that I often just lope over. To slide into sinful greedy materialistic ways is easy. I do it frequently. However, it is more difficult to right my path, think of Jesus' teachings and follow His Way. It is challenging and not for the lazy and/or excuse-finding individual whom I often represent. 

I ponder the paths that I have followed 

                                               am following  

                                                   will be following in the future. 

Are the gates easy to open and walk through? If so, does that mean they are not God's Chosen Paths? It's very acceptable to have questions, to try and figure out options, our chosen paths and  purposeful plans.

One peek at this link gives an extended explanation. I have cut/pasted just a few sentences.

Matthew 7:13-14 meaning | TheBibleSays.com

Sadly, the gate that is wide and the way that is broad is the one most people travel. That way leads to destruction. But because people go by appearances rather than by faith, there are many who enter through it. Conversely, few people find the narrow gate that leads to life.

May your Sunday be a blessing in your corner of the world.