Wild West Adventure Day 5...The Bear Lake Incident

Day 5: This post is a bit of a digression from my wild west travelogue. Today I thought I'd share a personal side story from our road trip adventure  It's about taking short cuts or taking time to smell the flowers. First off, let me say that my husband, J.B., and I have been married for 40 years so we've pretty much figured out how to get along with each other by now. However, during our day to day lives at home, I'll admit we occasionally bicker and disagree. But a curious thing happens whenever we travel together. We get along perfectly. We like the same things and we always agree about where to travel, what places to sightsee and so forth. We never argue when we're on a trip...whether it's to Europe, Tahiti, Hawaii, or the Grand Tetons. I've often said to J.B. that if we spent our lives doing nothing but traveling...we'd have the perfect marriage.

Day Five started off with a plan to drive from the Grand Tetons in northern Wyoming to Zion National Park in southern Utah near the Nevada border. A distance of over 600 miles. Around 1:00, we looked for a place to stop for lunch in the little burg of Montpelier, Idaho. The weather had turned surprisingly hot and the temps were in the high eighties. On our map, I noticed that there was a lake nearby and I suggested we take time for a cooling lakeside picnic. From the image on the map, the lake, which is called Bear Lake, looked like the ideal spot. I'm thinking...relaxing lunch, picnic tables, shade trees, water view. Nice.

We stopped at a small grocery store in town and purchased sandwich fixings: some good bread, Swiss cheese, lean turkey slices, a couple fresh peaches and a jar of mustard for spice.  After we got back in the car, J.B. decided he wanted to take a short cut since we had such a long way to drive. However, the short cut did not pass by Bear Lake where I had been envisioning our lovely picnic. I finally persuaded him that it would be good for us to stop and rest, enjoy a relaxing meal by a refreshing lake and get re-energized for the rest of our long day's journey. Begrudgingly he headed toward Bear Lake.

Forty miles later...we finally found Bear Lake. Turned out it was much farther than it appeared on the map. And it was huge! We pulled into a beach area and looked around. There were no picnic tables, no grass, tall weeds obscured the shoreline and saddest of all...there was not a single shade tree anywhere. The entire area all along Bear Lake is nearly devoid of trees. Just a barren, blisteringly hot valley. By this time, it was getting incredibly warm, the sun burned mercilessly and there wasn't a hint of a breeze (who knew it got this hot in Idaho!)  J.B. was steaming because I derailed his precious short cut and I was upset because my relaxing little picnic turned into a swelterama drama.

We parked the car, cranked up the A/C and I made sandwiches for us. JB dribbled mustard all over the steering wheel and I almost choked on the peach pit. As if on cue, the wind picked up and blew sand everywhere. We both cursed Bear Lake. So much for relaxing and unwinding. Life isn't always the picnic you want it to be. We finally got underway again but to get back on the right road, we found ourselves driving the entire length of Bear Lake...which we discovered was so large that it flows through two states: Idaho and Utah. By this time we were two hours behind schedule, stressed out, cranky and fuming about the Bear Lake fiasco. So we decided to spend the night in Provo, Utah and not drive the entire way to Zion.

300 miles later, as we we neared Salt Lake City and Provo, we were able to chuckle about that blasted Bear Lake. The scenery had changed from bland and barren to bold and beautiful with canyons, gorges and amazing mountain lakes which lifted our spirits tremendously. Once we arrived in Provo, home of Brigham Young University, we couldn't help but notice how clean and fresh and pretty the city looks. Actor Robert Redford founded Sundance Institute near there. He owns a popular resort there and lives on a ranch nearby. After checking into a motel, we were bringing our bags inside, when we saw a terrifying sight in the parking lot....a very large truck emblazoned on the side with the words: Bomb Squad. That's Bomb Squad as in: "There's an explosive device in the building and we're here to find it or you'll all be blown to smithereens".

"Oh my God!" we thought. First a crappy picnic and now the motel's about to blow up! Could it get any worse? Luckily, there was no bomb in the motel. Turns out that several of the bomb squad guys were having dinner at the motel restaurant. Whew...crisis averted. As for J.B. and me...we're still cruising on down the highway...side by side in the front seat...listening to Sirius radio...golden oldies. Still enjoying each others' company and planning our next excursion. J.B says: "In the future, we're going to do fewer picnics and take more short cuts." I reply with a sweet smile: "Whatever you say, dear...whatever you say."

Sphere: Related Content

Wild West Adventure Day 4

DAY 4: The King of Awesomeness! The Imperial Majesty of Magnificence! If ever there was a poster-child for spectacular mountains...The Grand Tetons is it! The first thing that strikes us upon entering Grand Teton National Park is: "If this isn't heaven, we don't know what is." There just doesn't seem to be adequate superlatives to describe the grandeur and beauty of this majestic range of mountains located in northwestern Wyoming just 23 miles from Yellowstone National Park. The Tetons are a formidable, in-your-face, formation of mountains with towering, jagged peaks that rise to an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet. Often compared to the Swiss Alps, they are truly a sight to behold and one you will never ever forget.

We were blessed with glorious weather for touring the Tetons...mild temps but cool, gentle breezes. Brilliant blue skies with few clouds to obscure the tippy tops of these lofty, rocky spires. We stayed at the historic Jackson Lake Lodge with 60 foot panoramic picture windows overlooking a pretty alpine lake with the Teton Mountains as a stunning backdrop. At night, we heard elk bugeling in the woods outside our lodge cottage. Not sure if elk bugle or bellow...but whatever it is that they do...it woke us up at 2:00 in the morning. Abundant wildlife live in the park and roam its environs without fear of being harmed. Elk, moose, bison (buffalo), mule deer, beavers, coyotes and of course...bears. Black bears and grizzlies. We saw a lone coyote trotting down the walkway in front of the lodge. He stopped and stared at us and then shrugged and continued on his way. Moose casually munched on tall grasses in a nearby stream. And buffalo congregated by the hundreds along the side of the road.

Bears as well as any of the wild animals can be dangerous. On the days we were there, a couple of the hiking trails were closed due to numerous bear sightings. In the event of a bear charge, park rangers advise visitors to stand in place and "face the bear down". Rangers say bears will often "bluff" an attack just to see who's chicken. Not sure if I'd have the nerve to call a 600 pound bear's bluff. However, we gathered up our courage and spent many enjoyable hours hiking beautiful wooded trails that took us past five pristine alpine lakes. We enjoyed a scenic picnic lunch in a grassy, wildflower meadow overlooking a cobalt blue lake with the mighty Teton Mountains hovering above us. It was the most fantastic restaurant-with-a-view we've ever eaten at.

One of the best things about the Teton National Park is that as massive and imposing as the mountains are...we didn't feel closed in by them. That's because an immense emerald green valley stretches out in front of them for as far as the eye can see...providing an expansive view of wide open spaces.

We took some extra time and drove over to Yellowstone National Park. Got there just in time to see Old Faithful geyser spout off. A stunning eruption if ever there was one. Enjoyed dinner at the fabulous Old Faithful Inn hotel restaurant. The massive Inn is over a century old and is one of the largest log-built structures in the world.

Yellowstone is impressive without a doubt. But millions of forest trees line the white-knuckle narrow roadways and gave me a feeling of claustrophobia. For us, the splendor of the Grand Tetons, fewer crowds and easy accessibility to all its scenic resources...overshadowed Yellowstone by a mountain mile.

Old Faithful blows it top...right on time.

Colorful wildflowers overlook the majestic Tetons.

A crystal clear alpine lake shimmers at foot of the Grand Tetons.

The Grand Tetons are truly colossal.

Sparking lake...perfect place for our mountain picnic.

Thankfully, we didn't see any of these bad boys.

It's end of June, yet snow still blankets the mighty Tetons.

Incidentally, these are all my photos...except for the grizzly.
More to come next posting.

Sphere: Related Content

Wild West Adventure: Day 3

DAY #3:  Cool thing about NOT driving on the Interstate. You see a lot more amazing scenery and a whole lot fewer cars. In continuing our summer adventure out West, we opted to travel the back roads from Steamboat Springs, Colorado to the Grand Tetons in Wyoming instead of the Interstate. Took Route 40 west through Colorado and then followed U.S. 191 north all the way to the Tetons.

The roads were well paved and well marked but only 2 lanes. Incredibly. during the entire trip to the Tetons, we only saw a handful of other vehicles. We sped along at a breezy clip without a care in the world wondering where all the summertime traffic was. We're guessing they were all on Interstate 80.

Although this portion of our trip took longer, it was abundantly worth it. We passed through some of the most jaw-dropping scenery we've ever encountered. The towering mountains of Colorado scale down to lush, green plateaus with sweeping vistas as far as the eye can see.  Every hill we crested, we were rewarded with a "wow" moment.  The Northeast corner of Utah and Southwest Wyoming all along 191, put on an astonishing show of panoramic buttes and bluffs, canyons and gorges, lakes, red rock escarpments and spectacular snow-capped mountain peaks that stretch as far as the horizon...for hundreds of miles. Any of which would give the Grand Canyon a run for its money. All for the price of a tank of gasoline. No crowds. A smattering of isolated outposts with more cows than people. Mostly we saw cattle, antelope and wild horses. Nary another vehicle crossed our path. The splendor of this majestic natural beauty is world class. And yet very few people even know it exists. I snapped some photos but pictures can never capture the true essence of this breathtaking scenery. So detour off the Interstate and experience the happy surprises of an off-the-beaten-path road yourself some day...wherever you live.

We're the only car on the long and winding road through Utah and Wyoming.

Red rock canyons span the horizon in Utah and Wyoming.

Flaming Gorge Lake is stunning.

Wyoming moonscapes.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Scenic Wyoming off the beaten path.

Twilight captures the Windy River Mts. in Wyoming in the distance.

Sphere: Related Content

Wild West Adventure, Days 1-2

It's June of the year 2011. Times are hard. In the United States where we live, a deep melancholy spirit prevails throughout our land due to disastrous economic upheavals. In nearly every city, every neighborhood, we've all seen and personally experienced the ravages of unemployment, foreclosures and economic suffering. Pundits cry out that the U.S. has lost its greatness...lost its way. Yet amidst all this foreboding economic turmoil, I began thinking about the astonishing beauty of America. Her richness of natural scenery and  breathtaking landscapes. World class wonders that many of us have never laid eyes on. And so we (my husband and I) decided to embark upon an adventure to experience the sumptuous natural splendor of the United States. Over the years, we've traveled to many regions of the country. This time we will rediscover the Western United States including the vast ranges of the Rocky Mountains, awe-inspiring  forests, unforgettable national parks, majestic canyons, blow-your-mind waterfalls, mysterious and amazing desert formations. All this in about two weeks. Let's get started.

DAYS 1-2: Our flight to Denver upon Thunder the Bison aka Frontier Airlines, is smooth and thankfully uneventful. We rent a car in Denver and head for the towering heights of the Great Rocky Mountains. Denver is known as the "mile high city" because it sits on a plateau elevated 5280 feet above sea level. To us, the city appeared relatively flat. I thought it would be very hilly if not downright mountainy. But once we had driven a few miles out of town, suddenly the highway ascended upward very quickly and those majestic snowcapped peaks of the Rockies appeared significantly closer.

About three hours later we arrived in Steamboat Springs....a world class ski village north of Denver with more medal-winning Olympic skiers living there than you can shake a ski pole at. Altitude in Steamboat and surrounding mountains scales from nearly 7000 feet to over 12,000 feet. Just a half day earlier, we had been in Michigan...altitude of 640 feet. Can you say "oxygen mask"? We are drinking tons of water to stave off altitude sickness.

This being the month of June, the mountains of Steamboat Springs are resplendent in vivid hues of lush emerald greens. The aspens have just started to leaf up. The tallest peaks are still blanketed in snow. High up, the graceful, curvaceous ski slopes meander down the alpine hillsides, like grassy wide ribbons.

For most months of the year, the Steamboat Springs area is blanketed in white...a skier's paradise. But now, the ski village, stores and thousands of seasonal condos at the base of the slopes in Steamboat are deserted. Locals here refer to summer as the off season. Yet summer time in the Rockies beckons with a pristine beauty, easy pace and glorious new awakening of natural wonders.

Oh did I mention that today is our 40th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, we enjoyed a happy, little picnic among the wildflowers atop a pristine, green alpine meadow high above Steamboat Springs. Cheese, crackers, strawberries, Little Debbie Swiss rolls for dessert. We toasted our years together with Gatorade. Simple, sweet and surrounded by nature. Lucky for us, the bears stayed away.

And that is why we came here. To witness the enthralling summer beauty of these magnificent mountains.

The snow capped peaks of the Rockies loom ever closer.

A secret mountain waterfall discovered on a late afternoon hike.

Foamy clouds graze the snowy peaks around Steamboat Springs.

Majestic mountain ranges overshadow a peaceful meadow.

The ferocious power of Fish Creek Falls rages from spring snowmelt.

The might beauty of Fish Creek Falls is an awesome sight.

Sphere: Related Content

Reports of my Hometown's Death have been Greatly Exaggerated

Wonder if a major news magazine---let's just say, Newsweek---announced to the entire world that the very city in which you live, love, work and enjoy was "dying". Death throes. Stagnant. No pulse. Hopeless. Drained of life. Flatlined.  How would you react? Would you feel sad?  Worried?  Accepting? Upset?  Stick a for-sale sign in your yard and start packing? If you live in Detroit or Florida or several other sections of the United States...you might heave a forlorn sigh, shed copious tears and let the bank take your house because you know first-hand that the article bore some truth.

But if you live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and some lousy magazine published an asinine, baseless, demeaning article about your hometown....you'd shout WTF and break into a song and dance video! On YouTube, no less. Of course, you'd question what on earth the magazine based their erroneous calculations on. You'd feel insulted and offended by their egregious misrepresentations. You might even be embarrassed and humiliated that people around the world would read their derogatory obituary about your beloved town. You'd be worried that people would never visit you again. You'd be concerned that jobs would be lost. Tourists would never vacation here. You'd be disappointed and angry because...your city is not dying. The magazine's coup de grace for Grand Rapids is absolutely, positively untrue. False. Lies. Wretchedly wrong conclusions and misleading inconsistencies. Not exactly something to sing about. But more about that later.

Back in January, 2011, Newsweek Magazine listed Grand Rapids as one of ten dying U.S. cities. If you have ever been to Grand Rapids in recent years, you would know for certain that the city is alive and well and exploding with energy, enthusiasm, art, culture, new job growth, optimism and excitement. Grand Rapids is a beautiful, mid-size city on a grand and scenic river with many tree-shaded neighborhoods that evoke a Norman Rockwellish small town charm. Yet you can feel the sizzling pulse of a bustling, big city every time you go downtown. Every year in the fall for two full weeks, Grand Rapids celebrates art with an amazing ART PRIZE, art exhibit extravaganza---with artists from all over the world displaying their monumental creations around the entire downtown area...inside and out.  If you've haven't been to Art Prize, Google it. And make a point to visit. Even if you're not an art fan, you'll be astounded at Art Prize. Not only is art abundant here, it turns out Hollywood has discovered our town. A-list actors, directors and producers have been closing down city streets and pumping out movies for over five years now...bringing new vitality, income and jobs to the city. Add to that, world class museums, acclaimed hospitals, colleges and universities, 5 star hotels, parks and green spaces, stunning scenery (we're not far from 4 of the 5 Great Lakes) and even a lunkhead can see that Grand Rapids is reaching for the stars; not digging its own grave.

But I digress. Grand Rapids is not without it's problems. Like nearly every single town in the United States...businesses have closed, people have lost jobs and the public school system sucks big time. But unlike many other communities...the residents of Grand Rapids have revived their city with astounding philanthropical generosity and community spirit.

Now finally, here's the song and dance part. Thanks to the brilliant, social-networking genius of a twenty-something local resident and event promoter with the cheerful real name of Bliss...Rob Bliss....Grand Rapids was able to smack back at Newsweek in a friendly, fun way and promote the city around the world at the same time. Bliss orchestrated an epic lip-dub video to the song, Bye Bye Miss America Pie. (Not exactly sure why he chose that tune but it works.) Nearly 5000 residents participated. The video has gone viral on YouTube. News channels around the world have picked up on it. Newsweek, itself, backed down on the "dying city" thing and their editors are now claiming they're big fans of our town. In the process, the people of Grand Rapids have again come together to show the world their civic pride and to let everyone know we are indeed alive and kickin' and just plain awesome!  Come and visit my home town and see for yourself.

And now, sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of this way-cool video that made the world take notice of my hometown.

Sphere: Related Content

Get Your Groove on With....Tai Chi

It's not LSD. But it's still mind-blowing. You don't even have to smoke it. Yet you can quickly inhale yourself into a state of ecstasy. It will render you blissfully high but it's not against the law. It's been around for centuries. Today, it's gaining worldwide popularity as the go-to alternative for natural mind, body and soul enrichment. It's like a triple threat combination of expensive psycho therapy, killer aerobics and weed. Only you don't have to spend a fortune, work up a sweat or gobble down a pan of brownies afterwards.

It's Tai Chi (tie chee). This ancient Chinese art uses gentle, flowing movements to improve health, reduce stress and provide physical and spiritual serenity. The renown Mayo Clinic describes tai chi as "meditation in motion" and touts its effective stress relieving and health improving benefits.

I discovered tai chi about twenty years ago in San Francisco. During my early morning walks around the city by the bay, I came across groups of mostly elderly Asian people exercising in slow motion in beautiful public gardens and parks. They appeared so graceful...so serene. It looked like they were pantomiming catching butterflies with very deliberate, delicate, ballet-like movements. A sweet old gentleman with a neatly trimmed silver beard, stopped his routine and sat down with me on a park bench. He explained to me in broken English what tai chi was about. I've never forgotten.

However, it wasn't until just recently that I had the opportunity to take up tai chi. I love it. There are many variations of tai chi but most forms involve a series of precise postures that flow into one another ensuring that your body is in constant motion. The concentration required for tai chi forces you to live in the present moment and put aside all distressing thoughts. It is a very effective stress reliever. The movements are coordinated with precise breathing to help you achieve a sense of inner calm. Indeed, it's a beautiful thing.

The great thing about tai chi is that it's not expensive and it doesn't require any special equipment or clothing. It can be practiced indoors or out. Alone or with a group. Because it's a low impact exercise, tai chi is suitable for just about any age or physical ability.

Ironically, tai chi was originally developed in ancient China as a swift, deadly martial art form of self defense. Think: killer ninjas. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a peaceful, gentle form of meditative exercise that relieves stress, clears the mind of negative thoughts and brings harmony to your well-being. Medical studies show that tai chi promotes better balance control, muscle strength, joint flexability, cardiovascular fitness and can actually reduce the pain of certain physical ailments such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Best of all, you feel happy and relaxed after every session.

Another wonderful bonus of joining a tai chi group is that you meet a lot of cool, interesting, mellow people. In my various tai chi classes, I've encountered a lady who plays the mandolin in an Irish rock band; a 91 year old woman who can ying and yang like nobody's business; a nun who dresses like a fashion model in chic crop pants and huge sunglasses; a 50 plus gal who races motorcycles; a rocket scientist turned cupcake baker; and a former lady of the evening who now grows prize-winning roses. Put them all together and they spell: Funky Party!

And that my friends, is how I get my groove on with tai chi. Try it yourself and feel the joy.

Sphere: Related Content

The EFF YOU song

By now, you've probably heard that catchy, chart-topping tune with the expletive-laden title and lyrics. The cleaned-up version is called "Forget You." Radio stations tag it the "F.U." song. But most everybody knows the original title is a blantantly profane: "F*** YOU".

The snappy, little hip-hop ditty is all over the place. It's won a gluttony of accolades and awards including the Grammy for Best Urban Alternative Performance. An American Sign Language version of the song is on YouTube. Well...kiss my middle finger...could that be any easier to perform?

Celebrity A-lister, Gynneth Paltrow performed it on the TV show, Glee. Paltrow also belted it out at the Grammys with the song's recording artist, Cee Lo Green....AND the Muppets...as back-up singers. Let's see...the Muppets, funky dancing and raunchy lyrics. My how Sesame Street has changed. That's about as bizarre as Eminem--no stranger himself to repulsive lyrics--doing conservative Ford commercials. Oh wait. The raging rapper's not only doing the commercials...he's driving the product instead of smashing the windows or stealing the hubcaps.

Just this week, the song was featured on the season premier of Dancing With the Stars....for a Fox Trot dance routine, no less. Fox Trot and rap-hop in the same hemisphere? That's like Hilary Clinton and Moammar Gadhafi pairing up for a stint on DWTS.

But truth be told...I like the song...the sanitized version. I just can't help it. The lyrics are just plain lame. But it's upbeat, energetic, colorful and obsessively addictive to listen to. Kind of like 'Don't Worry, Be Happy" with an Fbomb attitude.

I have to wonder though. Have we lowered our musical standards to such depraved depths that just because a vulgarity-infused song has a zippy ring to it, it can command huge mainstream popularity? The answer obviously is a resounding "yes". Would a sassy tune about Hitler or Osama Bin Laden, sung by a cheery dude in sunglasses and baggy pants, curry the same gleeful favor? If it was infectiously cute and you could dance to it....you betcha. Whether we like it or not, MTV is the cultural barometer of our pop musical taste. Elvis, no doubt, is swiveling over in his grave. Sphere: Related Content

Stuff People Do at the Beach

I'm down in Florida for a while...enjoying the sunshine and snapping wily photos of tourists at the beach. Here's a few for your edifying entertainment.

Beach cabana buckeroos.

Seagull chasers.

Sea shell diggers.

Metal detector guy hunts for buried treasure under the sea.
   Little does he know... sharks are eagerly waiting for ya.                                                   

Hungry seagulls plan their attack on the cabana people.

Solitary boy buries his bucket.

Gold miner....aka wishful thinker.

Kite fliers and those who watch them.

Grannie wearing plastic bag to protect hair.

Newlyweds.

What happens at the beach...stays at the beach.

Sphere: Related Content

Bridging the Gap

Bridge. A structure that allows us to cross over an obstacle to reach the other side. There are other definitions of a bridge...such as the bridge of your nose, an upper deck of a ship, a type of card game and so forth. You might even say that the custom of shaking hands is a universal symbol of bridge building. But mostly we think of a bridge as some sort of a convenient link between one side and the other side. The first bridges were probably as simple as a fallen log across a stream or large stones placed across a narrow waterway. The Romans were among the greatest bridge builders in the world. They designed arched bridges and aqueducts...some of which are still standing today.

Many of us have to cross a bridge at least once a day. When I was a child, I used to be scared to death of riding over bridges. I would duck down in the seat of the car and not peer out until my dad said we were safely on the other side. Some bridges actually accommodate anxious drivers who are afraid to drive across by themselves...with "designated drivers". At the bridge entrance, a "professional bridge driver" will take over the wheel and carefully chauffer the vehicle across the bridge while the fearful driver sits nervously in the passenger seat. The 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge in Michigan offers this assistance.

I'm thinking about bridges because my husband and I recently drove over the spectacular Sunshine Skyway Bridge that spans the emerald green waters of Tampa Bay near St. Pete, Florida. I have to admit, it's a very high, long and scary bridge. But as bridges go...it's a supremely beautiful architectural wonder. This time I didn't hunker down and hide. Instead I snapped photos.

A massive barge emerges from under the Skyway Bridge in the morning fog.

Sunset highlights the twin "sails" of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The twin towers of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge glisten like gold at sunset.

The top of the bridge offers drivers an amazing view.

Sphere: Related Content

It all started over a sled.

The other day I was shopping for a sled. I haven't bought a sled in a long time. Well, actually a long, long, long time. As I looked over the various sled selections on the huge open shelves, I realized that there's been a significant change in the sled design world. I couldn't find a single wooden flexible flyer with steel runner blades anywhere. Like I said, it's been a while since I bought a sled.

But oh there was a wondrous variety of sledding equipment...nearly all of them constructed of plastic...in every color of the rainbow including an assortment of wild psychedelic colors. There were saucer sleds that resembled garbage can lids. All sorts and sizes of rubber inflatable sleds. There were snow tubes, snow toboggans, snow boogies, snow boards, mini luges, disc sleds, slope sliders, racing sleds and baby pull sleds.

As I was in the midst of a mesmerizing sled-slider-saucer purchasing decision, a fellow who looked to be about my age ambled down the aisle and was looking at snow shovels which were across from the sleds. He noticed me and said: Hope you're not thinkin' 'bout buying one of those sled things. We're too old for such nonsense.

GRRRRR. How about a shovel up your butt, you farty old coot? I wanted to say but managed to restrain myself. Instead I smiled sweetly and replied, Oh, we're never too old to go sledding. Matter of fact, sir, your fatass rear end looks more like a super-sized saucer sled than any of these on the shelves. Ever thought of hiring your behind out as a toboggan? He gave me a dirty look and slunk away. I chose a large, plastic purple abominal snowman luge...for my 4 year old grandson (visiting from Florida)...which was my reason for shopping in the first place. As I approached the check out, I thought about what the jerk guy had said. So I marched back to the sports section and picked out two more sleds: heavy-duty red and yellow psychedelic, fluorescent, irridescent flying snow screamers for myself and my husband. Too old for sledding?  Never.

Sphere: Related Content

What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid?

It's time to open a brand new book. Its pages are blank. I am the author. I can  write anything I want or leave the pages empty. The book is called opportunity. Its first chapter is New Year's Day.

Thus begins another 12 months of the year two thousand and eleven. 365 more chances to get it right this time. Fresh beginnings, renewed positivity, a conscious code of kindness, bold decisions and fearless actions. We've put away all the Christmas decorations, dusted, vacuumed and straightened up the house. It looks uncluttered, clean and shiny. We purged the closets and took boxes of no longer used items over to Goodwill. The line for dropping donations off at Goodwill was 12 cars deep. Apparently a lot of folks have the same idea this time of year. Out with the old. In with the new...as in renewed hopes, ambitions and dreams. 

My husband and I are at a point in life where we are seeking to do something different. We asked ourselves: What would we do if we weren't afraid? If we weren't afraid to fail; afraid to lose money; afraid to get hurt; afraid to be laughed at; afraid to be different; afraid to live like there was no tomorrow? It is fear...more than lack of money, more than lack of power, more than lack of intelligence...that holds us back. Call it insecurity, lack of confidence, false modesty, a sense of inadequacy...that often stops us cold and prevents us from following our dreams. Fear is the great self-induced emotional paralysis. When we are able to analyze our fears and then disengage from our anxiety, we can become liberated and fearless.  It takes courage to believe in yourself. But once we discover our inner strength, it's astounding how quickly we can achieve the confidence to follow our dreams. We become free.

It's not necessarily an easy thing to spread our wings and fly. Often we have to take baby steps rather than jumping off a cliff in hopes we'll immediately soar through the air. But we all have choices to make. Sometimes it's merely an attitude adjustment of shoving our negativity and fears aside and giving ourselves permission to pursue new adventures and more fulfilling lives.    

                      HAPPY NEW YEAR OF ADVENTURES TO ONE AND ALL!              

 

 

Sphere: Related Content

The Stillness of the Woods at Christmas

I see the tall, barren trees outside my window. They appear lanky and dark and somewhat bleak as they lean crookedly in the snow. It is a stark beauty...the little woods behind our house. An austere and unadorned graceful scene. Silent and pure. A palpable stillness that seems to hush the noisy and frantic chaos that overwhelms the season this time of year.


I like this woods of ours. It reminds me of another woodland that I used to walk in by myself when I was a girl. I remember the peace and quiet of being the only person among the trees. I used to ice skate alone on a small patch of frozen pond hidden in the middle of my youthful woods. I was a bit fearful yet even at such a young age, I felt comfort in the serenity of the quiet wintry glade.

So it is today, I embrace the restful tranquility of the woods in winter. A light flurry of snow is falling now. Soon the trees will be draped in glistening white. At night the stars shine through the empty branches and the moon casts glimmering beams of light onto the snowy ground. Christmas is near. It's as if this little forest, in it's own unpretentious way, is preparing to welcome the Christ child.

   A very peaceful Christmas to one and all.

Sphere: Related Content

Finding the Magic in Christmas

Let's face it. Things have been rough over the last several years. The economy is still horrific. Unemployment is rampant. You yourself might be out of a job or worried sick about losing one. Home values have sunk lower than 2 rats in a sewer pipe. Millions have lost their homes to foreclosure while others can't sell at a decent price. We're still at war in the Middle East. We can't even fly on a plane without first enduring humiliating gropings at the airport by security agents. And have you bought groceries lately?  Thirty dollars for ingredients to make a single batch of holiday sweets. Life is indeed rather messy and complicated.

Now it's Christmas time and we're supposed to be all hyped up, starry eyed and excited. Cheerful and joy filled and glowing and singing and making merry. However, given the world's gloomy circumstances, this year it's not all that easy for people to be merry and bright. Even if we're not feeling the holiday spirit, how can we embrace the magic of the season in a simple, unadorned, unpretentious, perhaps even childlike manner?

For myself, I find the magic in people around my neighborhood and in my community. I volunteer. I've prepared meals for folks in need. I visit an elderly gentleman who is all alone. I sit and chat with him and mostly listen to his stories. I bring him food and home-made holiday sweets. In him, I see the magic of Christmas. Although he's lonely and not well...he radiates hope, positivity and even humor. I never hear him complain. He inspires me to be a kinder, gentler, more understanding person.

I provide gifts to underprivileged children. Watching their little faces beam in anticipation as they grab each package and tear it open...is truly priceless.

The other night, I looked up at the stark, cold but brilliantly clear sky and was amazed at how resplendent the stars appeared. I gazed at them for several minutes hoping to see a shooting star. No such luck. Yet I could see the constellations gloriously twinkling in the heavens...as if a trillion diamonds had been tossed into the celestial firmament. I was humbled and impressed at the same time.

It's late afternoon and a gentle snow is falling. A winter wonderland outside our door. A friend of mine described watching the snow from her window to "sitting in the middle of a snow globe".  What an apt description. A blanket of white that hides the ugliness of the world...if only for a little while.

We live in a neighborhood of mostly boomer age folks...no kids. Last week, one of the neighbors had their grandkids over and playing outdoors. The youngsters constructed a trio of hilarious snowmen. They outfitted the snow people with silly hats and scarves, sunglasses and twigs for arms. One snowman was leaning sideways at a 45 degree slant as if the wind had blown him nearly over. I laugh every time I drive by.

At midnight, in the woods at the back of our yard, I can see the deer resting in the snow. The glow of the moon illuminates them as bright as daylight...as they lie in the deep, white snowy mounds. Around them, scurry rabbits hunting for food or shelter in the stillness of the night. I can plainly see the rabbit trails they make, even though it is night time. High up in the trees I observe huge, dark blobs. It's the wild turkeys sleeping in the tall branches to avoid predators. What a fascinating world it is outside our wintry windows.

Snug and warm indoors, I light candles and turn on the tree lights and play soft Christmas music. Our adult children, spouses and grandsons are visiting this year. Cozy on the sofa with hubby, surrounded by loved ones and telling Christmas stories to our wide-eyed little grand boys as they listen in innocent, rapt wonder...is the best magic of all.

Sphere: Related Content

How to Stuff More Cheer and Less Crap in Your Christmas

The holidays are upon us. But before you know it, they'll be over. And you'll ask yourself...What happened? Where did the time go? Did I really accomplish anything worthwhile? Where did all our money go? Why am I so depressed? For millions of people around the world, December is a whirlwind month that races by so fast and furious, it leaves many folks melancholy, angry, frustrated and deeply in debt.

But hold on. Back up. There's good news! This year, we still have a jingle bell window of opportunity to avoid or at least reduce seasonal meltdown and all the frazzled, crazy commercialized nonsense that comes with it. I have a plan, my friends, to bring more genuine cheer into your Christmas. More laughter. More simple joy. Follow just a few of my suggestions and you will reduce a lot of your holiday stress, anxiety, panic, self-loathing and those beastly migraines. And you'll still have some bucks left in the bank too.

OK. Now stick with me here. I'm not a miracle worker. It is entirely your choice. You've got to be willing to be bold and fearless. You can't be afraid of what your relatives and friends will think. You cannot be afraid at all. Replace fear with determination, creativity, positivity and old-fashioned thoughtfulness. Then take your check book and your credit cards and put them where you won't use them. Remember, you have to be bold.

Most Christians and many non-Christians, love the idea of Christmas. The decorations, tree lights, food, gifts, Christmas cards, Santa Claus, holiday music, falling snow, the look of children's faces on Christmas morning, the story of Jesus's birth in Bethlehem. We cherish all these beautiful Christmas images in our minds and then every year, we fall all over ourselves trying to achieve the perfect Christmas. 

Have you ever tried to downsize Christmas? Of course, I realize it's not a new concept. You hear people talk about simplifying Christmas all the time. Don't be extravagant. Cut back. Yet, it's mostly talk. But have you ever thought how absolutely insane Black Friday shopping is? This year many stores held a pre-Black Friday on Thanksgiving Day and thousands of folks skipped a traditional family Thanksgiving dinner to go....shopping. Some shoppers even carried guns thinking they could strong-arm their way to the front of the lines. Is it just me or is this just so wrong?

When you think about it, most of the Christmas images we hold dear are simple ones...a tree, cookies, the manger scene, nostalgic carols, snow, a cozy fire in the fireplace, glowing candles, a gathering of loved ones. It's the expensive gift-giving, extravagant parties, ornate decorating and other frenzied holiday hoopla that makes us crazy. So here are, in no particular order, a few ideas to help you have a more cheerful, less costly, less stressful, better organized, more-quality-time-with-family, simpler, peaceful and perhaps even slightly unconventional yet decidedly merrier Christmas.

1. Stop moving. Sit down by yourself with a pen and paper and contemplate before you do another thing. Think about what's really important to you and your family. Is it really all about the commercial gifts? Duh, yah...if you have younger children or teens...yah it's still all about the gifts. But if you plan well ahead and I realize we don't have a lot of time this year...you might make them understand at least a little bit, that this year there will be more love and less loot under the tree. If they don't like it...strap them on top of the car and leave them there til New Years.

2. Dump decorations. Go through your boxes of holiday decor and toss out all the cheesy junk. Yes, some of it may be sentimental. But nobody would miss a lot of your silly chotzkees if you didn't use them. And obviously, I can't spell chotzkees. Stick to a one or two color theme. You don't need to unwrap and display all 347 of your Christmas collectibles. Arrange a handful of your favorite Santa or nutcracker collections all in one place rather than scattered about.

3. Candles, candles, candles. Use real ones or those nifty and safe battery operated ones. You can buy 100 tealights for under $5. Candles add a cozy glow, romantic light and a festive atmosphere for little money. Line the mantel. Put them in an unused fireplace. Set them on the coffee table. Of course, be careful with them around children.

4. Take a walk in the woods. Go by yourself, with a best friend or with loved ones. Luxuriate in the quiet. While you're in the woods...and you can find a wooded area or park someplace near where you live...pick up dead branches, evergreens, pine cones, all sorts of nature stuff to use for amazing decorations. And the best thing is you can throw it all away after Christmas. No storage needed.

5. Oh Christmas tree...how lovely are your branches.  I confess. I like having a Christmas tree. As a matter of fact, I display five trees in our home. At first that hardly sounds like I'm downsizing. But here's the thing. Use what you truly love and don't unpack the rest. We don't live in a mansion but we do have a nice, dry basement. So here's my trick for putting up and decorating five beautiful Christmas trees in less than 30 minutes. Call me the Rachel Ray of Christmas trees. I use realistic but artificial evergreen trees. I keep the lights and all the ornaments on each tree all year long. I secure the ornaments to the branches so they don't fall off. After the season is over, I cover each tree with a big white sheet and haul it down the basement for storage. It's easy and hassle free. Once the tree is set in place for the holiday, a bit of tweaking the branches and ornaments might be in order. But for the most part, the hard work is already done. I don't have to lug all the heavy ornament bins upstairs. I don't have to unpack ornaments or lights. I don't get aggravated trying to untangle the lights and arrange them on the trees or yell at my husband that he's got it messed up. I don't have to spend hours placing ornaments on the trees. And I don't have to waste time removing all the lights and ornaments and rewrapping and repacking everything. The concept of keeping the lights and ornaments on the trees year-round will save you a tremendous amount of time that you can use to bake cookies, tell your little ones a Christmas story or just sit around and wax nostalgic over the memories associated with each ornament that graces your tree.

6. Use remote controls. Simple. Easy. Time-saving. You can buy remote sets that need only one control panel that will turn the lights on and off of at least 3 trees. Use them for outdoor lights as well.

7. More love, less loot. Get really creative. Write a long, endearing letter to a loved one far away or even closeby, explaining all the reasons why they are special to you. Write a poem. Make your own gifts. If you're an artist of any kind, give an original art piece as your special gift. Whether you paint, make jewelry, build birdhouses, crochet, whatever...something made with love from the heart is what people treasure.

8. Give yourself as a gift. Offer to make 3 dinners for a busy friend or relative.
There is nothing more appreciated than a home-made meal...cooked by somebody else. Give your kids the gift of time...just you and them. No interruptions. Write a nice note or make your own personal "gift certificate" and wrap it up in a pretty box. If you take time to really think about this, you can come up with dozens of thoughtful ways you can offer yourself and/or your services to others as a Christmas present.

9. Make "no-bake" goodies. Instead of spending hours by a hot oven and messing up the kitchen with flour, rolling pins and bowls and cookie cutters... why not try making a bunch of "no-bake" holiday treats. Look up online and you'll find dozens of very uncomplicated yet truly delicious recipes...that yield showy and tasty gifts for the neighbors and yummy sweets for your own family. Ritz peanut butter chocolate balls and festive Oreo balls are just a couple no-bake recipes I'll be trying this season. It's all about saving time, enjoying the time saved and still participating in the spirit of the season.

10. Make family a priority. After dinner every night during the holidays, gather your immediate family by the tree and sit down and chat. Maybe it's just you and your mate or maybe you've got a haggle of little ones. It doesn't matter. Make some hot chocolate or sip some wine. Play Christmas music. Keep it relatively quiet and simple. Turn off the big lights and just enjoy the tree lights and your candles. Read aloud A Christmas Carol. Share Christmas memories. Even if it's only for half an hour...make the time count. Let the others share their day, their dreams, their feelings.

11. Enjoy the lights of Christmas. Take a leisurely walk around your neighborhood at night and notice the festive outdoor decor of your neighbors. Or hop in the car and visit some of the more extravagant light displays around your town.

12. Do not shop til you drop. If you have to gift shop and let's face it, most of us do....limit each person on your list to only three store-bought gifts. It will be the most difficult thing you'll do this season. But give it a try. Your kids will probably NOT thank you. But maybe they'll at least try to understand your attempt at downsizing Christmas.

13. Avoid hateful people. If you have friends or family members that give you uber migraines, this year....avoid them. Don't apologize. Make no excuses. Instead invite a lonely neighbor or co-worker over for holiday cheer. Volunteer... someplace...and bring your spouse and kids along with you.

14. Just say "no".  Make a list of all that needs to be done. Then edit it mercilessly. Cross off anything that you really don't want to do. Eliminate anything that adds more stress, more work, more time to your day. Learn to delegate chores to other household members. They may not do it as perfectly as you, but the job will be done. Maybe even better than your way!

15. Go ice skating. Or sledding.

16. Attend a holiday concert or local play.

17. Go caroling with friends.

18. Watch holiday movies at home with family.

19. Laugh more. Force yourself...if you have to. Don't take any holiday glitches too seriously.

20. Don't send cards. If you usually send out Christmas cards but really hate writing schmaltzy sentimental greetings to people you seldom see... Don't do it this year. You'll still get a sleigh-full of cards from others. And most likely nobody will even know you skipped cards this year.

21. Build a snowman. If you don't live in snow country...hug a palm tree.

22. Be thankful. Show gratitude toward others. Even in these dismal economic times, there are at least a few things everyone can be grateful for. Appreciate what you have. Embrace those you love. Share the Christmas spirit and pass on kindness toward a stranger but remember to be especially kind to those you love and to those you find hard to love.

Merry Christmas everyone!

And thanks so much for reading my blog.

Sphere: Related Content

A Walk on the Mellow Side of Florida.

Florida is not my favorite place to visit. Too beastly hot. Too stinkin' humid. Too insanely crowded. And too many crazies all over the place. However, even Florida can occasionally have its placid moments of mellow beauty...mostly when it's cold and everyone is hibernating indoors. We visited Florida recently for a big family celebration and the weather there was about as chilly as it was in Michigan when we left!  Not that I mind. I prefer coolish temps to broiling heat and energy-zapping humidity any day. A sudden November cold snap (in the 50s) hustled most folks off the beaches. Unusually blustery winds churned the tranquil Gulf of Mexico into a roiling, rollicking surfer's paradise. Here are a few shots I captured off Englewood Beach near Venice, Florida.  

The Gulf of Mexico kicks up some righteous waves.

Rough surf and cool temps make for an uncrowded yet scenic day at the beach .

Vacant beach chairs look happy not to be hosting somebody's plump rump.

Surf's up, dude.  But nobody's around to hang ten.

Strolling home through a canopy of beach greenery.

Solitary lounge chair savors the peace and quiet.

Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico at 5000 feet up.

Sky high sunset is breathtaking over Gulf at Clearwater Beach.

  Sphere: Related Content