Let It Go

Don’t hold on to the weight of your sins, your desires, your plans that didn’t work out. Let it go and let God touch and heal those broken places. Let the spirit within you commune with the spirit that created you to be loved, to love, to know love, to find love, to be love, to taste love in your soul.

Let it go.

Don’t hold on like a kite. Let it go like a little bird leaving the nest. Let it go like a butterfly leaving the cocoon. Don’t hold on like a treasure. Let it go like it’s hot and can’t be held. Like a wild beast, let it go. Let your mind go without thinking or pondering.

Don’t be restrained by people or ideals or rules or protocols or expectations – yours or theirs.

Let your breath go.

Let your inhibitions go.

Let your fear go.

Let your doubt go.

It will leave you breathless and light. It will leave you filled with love and a knowing.

Don’t hold on to the weight of your sins, your desires, your plans that didn’t work out. Let it go and let God touch and heal those broken places. Let the spirit within you commune with the spirit that created you to be loved, to love, to know love, to find love, to be love, to taste love in your soul.

It is to let go of childish things.

It is to embrace forgiveness and eternity. Let it go and experience freshness, freedom, joy, peace, meaning and purpose.

Let it go.

Don’t hold on to the enemies of fear, anxiety, depression or self hatred.

Don’t hold on to things that hurt or damage or hold you back from the life you were created to live.

Pick up a pen or a paint brush and let it go!

Throw something!

Scream something!

Dance with abandon. Sing from the bottom of your heart.

Let it go.

Don’t sit in a ball of worry like a ball of tangled yarn that can’t be unwound.

Don’t be wound so tight you’ll burst with the tension, bad memories, unforgiveness, hate or fear of the past.

Let go. Running, breathing, believing that there is more to this life than pain or struggle or quitting.

Let it go and your shoulders will lower away from your ears.

Your neck will lose the tension from holding up your worries in the top of your mind.

Let it go and your lungs will fill to capacity and release all the pressure on your heart – the literal and spiritual heart in your chest and in your soul.

Let it go and know that you were created to be creative and to create for pleasure and praise and in honor of creation.

Let it go.

Let it flow.

Let it heal.

Let it breathe, let it calm, let it pour out love on someone else.

Let it go.

YOU ARE IT!

Let YOU go.

Let your spirit soar.

Let your light shine.

Let heaven and nature sing because you are here. You are loved. You are important. You are blessed. You are valuable.

Let go of the the thoughts and self-destructive words of criticism that you would never say to me or someone else.

Let it go and let the tears flow to wash away the hurt of the monsters of childhood, school days, rejection, abuse, hate, loss, grief.

Let it all go.

New Year Decision 2022

New Year 2022 

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about food, or more to the point, nutrition.  I have been thinking a lot about how God created food and how we are to ask him to bless our food.  I am thinking that the tradition of saying grace has become rarely used, maybe only on holidays or special occasions.  

So, I am going to look into what the Bible says about food, appetite, gluttony, being thankful, allowing God to provide our nourishment, man-made rules about food, and all things that could be causing our current epidemic of obesity and bad health. 

When I was a child I was required to clean my plate.  My parents were poor.  They grew up poor.  Sitting at the table alone after dinner because I didn’t finish my nasty lima beans.  I have never required or expected my children to clean their plates.  During much of their childhood my kids were raised by me during a phase of “Weigh Down Workshop” bible study classes.  “Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full”, was the mantra of the late Gwen Shamblin.  Her teachings were very relevant and helpful to me at the time as I battled weight gain after children and eating out of boredom or something was my normal.  

I was diagnosed with diabetes about ten years ago and have struggled to maintain the proper A1C or glucose levels. In 2015 I gave up sugar completely.  I made drastic changes to my diet to the point of basically eating only fruit, vegetables, and meat.  Until last year, when I was diagnosed with small bowel diverticulitis and had to have an emergency resection, I had overcome my addiction to sugar and carbohydrates.  Still my A1C and glucose levels never went low enough to say I had conquered diabetes. 

So, the past couple of months I’ve been prayerfully pondering this.  I have come to the conclusion that when we stop asking God to bless our food, it is a violation of his loving care for us.  I couldn’t remember the last time I said thank you to him directly for the food he had provided for me.  There are so many gurus online and on PBS touting the latest research into how our food is grown, how to supplement, how to …. Fill in the blank. 

As I was pondering the loss of thankfulness and how the gurus of nutrition don’t make sense, I began to tell the Lord thanks again.  I repented for forgetting about blessing my food.  I asked forgiveness and so many times in the past few weeks I still forget to say thank you.  I am working on that.  I am not one for “New Years Resolutions”; I am one who decides to make a change – drastic changes as in eliminating sugar (I’ve loosened that rule a bit, but still very careful), exercising excessively (gave that up), or whatever it is.  It is a decision.  Daily it is a decision.  Now my decision is to be thankful, to look into God’s word for direction in this area, and to follow his precepts where it comes to balancing out my life with the expectation of provision, healing, and to share that with whoever finds my blog.  

I think about how God provided manna to the Hebrews.  He didn’t have a nutrition label.  He didn’t make them work or worry about it.  He gave them simple rules to follow.  

Here are scriptures that show up on a google search for “Bible Verses about Food”.  I will be delving into each one as I study God’s word and his beliefs about my nutrition and health.  

For he satisfies the thirsty

and fills the hungry with good things.

Psalm 107:9

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

John 6:35

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.

Romans 14:3

Of all the creatures living in the water, you may eat any that has fins and scales. But anything that does not have fins and scales you may not eat; for you it is unclean.

Deuteronomy 14:9-10

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”

Genesis 1:29

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:4

Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it.

Genesis 9:3-4

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

1 Timothy 6:7-8

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Luke 9:16-17

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

Matthew 6:25

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Colossians 2:16-17

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.

John 6:27

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

2 Corinthians 9:10

I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.

Daniel 10:3

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Matthew 5:6

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

1 Peter 2:2

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.

Ecclesiastes 9:7

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 8:3

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

Deuteronomy 5:29

How’s Your Spirit?

if I ask someone, “How’s your spirit?” and they answer with anything besides what I always said, “My spirit is great!”, would I know what to say or do? What would the person do who asked me that question?

How Is Your Spirit?

During a recent very unexpected illness which led to an extended stay in the local hospital I was asked repeatedly, “How is your pain?”, “How is your appetite?”, “Have you had a fever?”, and many questions that shall remain undisclosed.  

After my release I had several follow up appointments and home care.  At a couple of visits the same questions were repeated, but time a twist.  “How is your spirit?” 

That caught me off guard.  No one ever inquires of my spirit.  I never inquire of anyone’s spirit.  When I say, “How’s it going?” or “How you doin’?”, do I expect any answer besides, “Fine”?

I work in health care.  Often when I check in with my patient and ask, “How are you doing?”, I mean, “are you comfortable, is there anything I can do to help get you settled?”  Once in awhile I hear a response of, “I’m doing great, how are you doing?”  And again, it catches me off guard because at that moment I am the caregiver, not expecting anyone to be the least interested in my condition.

Our mind, our body, and our spirit are all connected.  If one is out of balance the rest is as well.  When someone is suffering from pain, loss, or stress, it affects how they think, how they feel physically, and how they are coping spiritually. 

On the other hand, when there is a joyful occasion or anticipated happiness, something to look forward to, the aches and pains are often reduced.  The mind becomes content or excited.  The spirit is positive and encouraged. 

Things like unexpected illness or tragedy profoundly affect our spirit.  That internal place of peace, joy, kindness, love, and hope can be deeply troubled.  My spirits were lifted with each text and inquiry from family and friends on how I was doing and what was happening.    

From my hospital room window, I could see my co-workers and patients coming and going as I had a clear view of the parking lot of where I work.  There was one day where I was feeling like I would never return to “normal” life and it was discouraging but the care I received was absolutely treasured.  Each encounter made a positive impact during my stay.

Now I wonder, if I ask someone, “How’s your spirit?” and they answer with anything besides what I always said, “My spirit is great!”, would I know what to say or do?  What would the person do who asked me that question?  Are they prepared to counsel me, to encourage me, or to get me the help I would need?  If I were to ask that question, what would be my response to, “I am so depressed”?  or “I feel lost”. 

I pray that I am prepared to come along side anyone who is low in spirit and I pray that if I ask you, “How’s your spirit?” that through me the Lord would give you comfort if needed. 

So, how is your spirit?

Being Essential

Essential has become one of the iconic words of this new era we find ourselves in due to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. It’s getting weary hearing all the little catch phrases of this season of our lives

The definition of essential is completely necessary or part of the basic nature of something

Essential has become one of the iconic words of this new era we find ourselves in due to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. It’s getting weary hearing all the little catch phrases of this season of our lives… pandemic, social distancing, essential workers, stimulus package.

I went into health care specifically because I saw it as essential 30 years ago when I was deciding what I want to be when I grow up. I wanted what I did every day to matter to someone else. I wanted to find satisfaction in helping others and feel that the hours I would spend away from my baby at that point would have a deeper meaning than a paycheck. I believe that everyone finds health care essential inherently, so it takes no stretch of the imagination to understand why I am still working nearly full time while so many others are not.

Some jobs are now considered essential that we thought of as just routine. It is good to find out that people who stock, buy, and scan our groceries are essential. I bet before this it was not seen by society at large as an essential role. On the other hand, roles that we would consider essential are apparently not considered so when something like this happens. Hairdressers, for instance. To most people that is a pretty essential part of our life. Getting our hair done, cut, colored would have been considered quite important – but we find ourselves setting new trends of long hair, gray hair, homemade hair. Our hairdressers are home and we feel they are essential. obviously no one really thinks having a hairdresser is essential, but when we reach a certain level of dishevelment we may then reconsider!

A bird pooped all over my car the other day. Not just a little bit either. It had to be more than one; I did hear a ruckus of seagulls outside so I think they were having a party over my car. I thought, oh I’ll just drive through the car wash on the way home. While it’s essential the bird poop doesn’t stay on the car, the car wash remains closed. Even though there is no physical contact between me and the guy who takes the money, his job is apparently not essential. Dang it!

So, I’ve been thinking about what is really, truly essential. Well we all know the hierarchy of needs – shelter, food, water, etc., etc. Maslow had a deep explanation of this very basic concept – if your basic needs are met, you can move on to a higher level of motivation. What are some essentials we may discover during this time?

I think what is essential, and what may be lacking in society as a whole, is large chunks of time together that has nothing to do with specific activities or expectations. Quantity of time over “quality” of time is not necessarily a negative thing. Boredom (or having all your essential needs met) is the catalyst for wildly creative ideas.

Being constantly entertained, running hither and yon daily to exhaustion, schedules, and meeting expectations are all highly over rated when it comes to what’s essential. Creativity, silly conversations, hugs, spending time in a book, feeling completely dependent on God’s mercy and provision, laughter. All those things pop into my head when I think about what we need to have a fulfilling life beyond the basic needs.

When our kids were 6 & 8 we moved a thousand miles away from all our family and friends and started a five year adventure living in Tucson, Arizona. We got to a dark, empty house in the middle of the night in the middle of the summer. We were dead tired. We could not for the life of us figure out how to turn the air conditioning on! We were really hungry. And I had to be at my new job the next morning!

We called the guy we bought the house from and got directions on the air situation. We ordered pizza I think and blew up air beds. We crashed with all four of us in the middle of the living room on deflating mattresses. All our basic needs met! When I got home from my first day of work those kids, who had almost no worldly belongings with them at the time, had dug through the few things we had in the car and found a blow up beach ball. They had played with that for hours, throwing it up the stairs, dropping it off the balcony, running back and forth, up and down. Of course they went swimming during those first few days as well, but with very little to do they found creative ways to have fun.

When we traveled the kids never had videos and technology in the car. They entertained themselves with ideas, games, coloring, and whatever else came to mind and they always had fun. The essentials are that. Creating your own fun. Enjoying the moments together.

My essentials are – a cup of hot coffee in the morning. Having about 30 minutes of peace and quiet, listening to devotionals, reading the bible, and catching up on the latest stuff that happened overnight. A delicious hot shower and a truly delicious purple smoothie every morning. Reading a book before bed. Listening to my husband and son chatter when I come home. Knowing they are healthy and praying for health, wealth and wisdom always! Those are my essentials! See, all my basic needs are met and it allows me to feel very creative!!

Blessings!

2020 Perspective

As many people hunker down in their homes, following the mandates to “shelter in place”, a skewed perspective of the world outside your very own small world may develop. There are life-changing, funny, sad, devastating, and interesting things happening that may get lost. So here is my perspective:

As many people hunker down in their homes, following the mandates to “shelter in place”, a skewed perspective of the world outside your very own small world may develop. There are life-changing, funny, sad, devastating, and interesting things happening that may get lost. So here is my perspective:

It occurred to me that in the past few week I have met or imaged multiple people whose world has been shattered by news that had nothing to do with Corona, COVID-19 or lack of toilet paper. Not the news on the television or the latest Facebook post about the corona virus or the ever-increasing numbers constantly showing on the sidebar of many website in a red, scary graph with 5 digits, then six digits.

There are people who have been shattered by my job, by findings in a clinic, by a report on a page, by a phone call from their doctor. They have been crushed and tried and tested. There is a loss of control, their loss of hope, their questions of faith, their cries to God. Anticipation of pain, healing, loss, treatment, change.

There are the others who have been given a clean bill of health, a new baby, a plan of hope for continued wellness, or an answer for their pain.

There is the new mother who had to be induced because her 100 pound frame couldn’t take the pressure of that nine pound little human inside her. While scared to be anywhere near a hospital, the light of new life in the midst of all this death, doom and loss must be beyond amazing. Perspective.

There is the young lady with her first pregnancy that sits at home all day with severe nausea, vomiting, and aversion to raw chicken and makes me laugh with stories of trying to make dinner. While she has been laid off and that is hard, she cannot imagine working under these conditions. She is bored out of her mind and I am longing for time alone! Perspective.

There is the lady who was home finding ways to make surgical masks but had to come in for a check for metastatic lesions from a former cancer. Perspective.

There is the elderly lady who felt a lump in her breast and is now finding ways to cope with the chemo and radiation treatments she is getting ready to endure. Yet that may get delayed due to the virus. Perspective.

There is the young man who has been having neck pain and finds out it is a tumor in his spine that has metastisized from an unknown cancer in his body.

The lady who had a stroke yesterday but does not want to go the the emergency room right now. I would hope not to ever have to go to the ER, but sometimes it’s necessary! Yet at times like these it’s like a cesspool in our brains … a virus just waiting for us at the door. Ready to attack anyone who enters, we fear. And yet someone I know personally is now diagnosed with covid-19 and is admitted. The first person I actually know and now it is real. Heartbreakingly real. Perspective.

There are silly things like someone going to a walk in clinic to get a huge earring removed because she needs an MRI of her head but the earring causes too much artifact and her husband, who is a pipe fitter, can’t remove it. Two days later she finally returns for her imaging and is so sweet and kind and laughs. Perspective.

There is the funny story of a patient who hurt his elbow. I ask… what happened? “My cow tipped over”… so hard not to crack up at the thought of this 400# man with his 500# cow which had gone off to visit the neighbor cow. She didn’t get the message, apparently, that you cannot go visit the neighbors! No, she got mad (ha ha .. mad cow) … and he tried to get her home by pulling her with a rope. She tried to go in circles around him and fell over. He hurt his elbow trying to get her back up. Poor guy … made me laugh. Perspective.

Around town there is quiet on the streets as I go downtown to my studio after my abbreviated days at work… to let my mind go for a few hours in piles of flower petals and every manner of adhesive as I try new designs and ideas and methods. Why create? I wonder. There is no one to see it, no art walk, no buyers… so I create for the pure joy of it. And if I don’t create that means I am going home early to sit around with my two people trying to figure out what to do for dinner. Too early for all that… Create a new perspective.

As I drive from here to there I hear traffic reports that are no longer needed because there is no traffic. I hear commercials from restaurants that can’t wait to make me dinner and news reports about the latest recommendations from the CDC, the President, the FDA, or the Governor.

I see people driving around with masks on in their car. They are the only one in the car. “You don’t need a mask!” I shout inside my head. Wait, was that my inside voice leaking out again?? … “You cannot give yourself the virus!” I pick up dinner for our planned once-a-week take out, doing our part to support these people who work so hard to feed us excellent meals… and so I don’t have to help my two people figure out what to eat for dinner… again. Thank goodness!

There is a 10 acre parking lot at the theater with zero cars and two people walking down the sidewalk … the only two people within a two mile radius… and they wear masks as they walk together. They probably live together and went out to get some fresh air… “YOU DON’T NEED A MASK TO DO THAT!!” I shout and my son laughs.

Meanwhile… These things float around in my thoughts – so many things that have a different perspective:

There are homeless people being housed in the high school that can’t be used for teaching students because you can’t have so many people together in one space.

There is an overpass in Las Vegas painted with rectangles six feet apart where homeless people are expected to sleep while a multitude of hotels sit empty with food rotting in their refrigerators because there is no buffet to overload.

And a guy got in trouble in California for going out on his sail board… all alone in the ocean he is a risk to what? The jellyfish? What kind of rule is it that a few people can’t go to the beach? Man the parking lot, if you must, Costco style… let 5 people park three spaces apart and go find their quiet place to ponder, frolic, or surf.

Soon we will carry our little certificate with us showing us to be COVID-19 free so we can go get a haircut, sit in a cafe, or walk on the beach? Meanwhile I press up against one person after the other getting them comfortable for their MRI, holding their pillows under their elbows until they feel secure, and giving them sips of water, words of encouragement, and cleaning like a mad woman between each encounter.

That’s my perspective on the matter. I’m blessed to be out in the world seeing things that others are hidden from. Yet, the introvert in me loves nothing better than the thought of being sequestered in my studio for weeks on end. I wonder if I would get bored. I long to write for hours and tell the stories of long ago with uninterrupted chunks of time where I can get emotionally connected to the characters. But from this perspective I am grateful for my job, my patients, my absolutely amazing employers… whatever happens as long as I don’t get sick, of course!

Stay well.

Nothing New Under the Sun – Social Distancing, Sterilized Masks, and a New Virus – 1918

In this current situation we find ourselves in with life as we know it being canceled, rescheduled, or changed or delayed in some way I thought I would go back in time and see what notes I had taken on the last big pandemic, the Spanish Flu of 1918

In this current situation we find ourselves in with life as we know it being canceled, rescheduled, or changed or delayed in some way I thought I would go back in time and see what notes I had taken on the last big pandemic, the Spanish Flu of 1918.

Resources are from Newspapers.com

Sterilized Influenza masks- Any customer that prefers to do her shopping with a mask on can get one FREE of charge at our ribbon counter.  Ask for one and remember this store is thoroughly sprayed every day with a powerful antiseptic spray making it a safe place to shop ( Pantons’ on Holly Street- Bham) – Ad in the Bellingham Herald

October 4, 1918 – Bellingham Herald

The local board today received a call for five men to be entrained for Pullman State College on October 15.  Only men capable of general military service are wanted and it is stated that volunteering under this call may be permitted until October 12.  Men with an aptitude for mechanics are desired for instruction as carpenters, auto mechanics, blacksmiths, horseshoers, radio operators, etc.  For these and exceptional opportunity is offered, the board is advised.

The call is the first issued since the suspension of the October entertainment orders, as a result of the influenza epidemic.  None but registrants physically fit for general service will be accepted.  The states and number of white men to be furnished, together with the educational institutions to which the registrants will report include Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

October 5, 1918 – Bellingham Herald

Bham Herald – Seattle reports 20 cases of influenza; closes all indoor assembly buildings; only open air gatherings permitted.  Schools, theaters, and churches included in order.  Theaters were instructed not to give today’s matinees and pastors were ordered to hold no services in their churches tomorrow.  An order issued last night stopped all Seattle dances.  Police were instructed to see the orders are obeyed.  Mayor Hanson asserted reports to the health department indicated influenza was getting a foothold in Seattle, with 100-200 cases.  “We don’t know how many cases there are because many of them are diagnosed as grippe and are not reported,” the mayor said.

A strict quarantine at Port Townsend has been established.  No passes will be given soldiers to visit Seattle and other cities and they will not be permitted to visit moving picture shows, attend dances, or other public gatherings.  The Army WMCA has been forbidden to give entertainments for the soldiers.  Soldiers are permitted to visit Port Townsend, but are not allowed to sit in hotel lobbies.  The members of the 39th regiment of railroad artillery, under training, expecting to be sent to France in a short time, are in strict quarantine and are not allowed to leave the post.

In Bremerton, 12 known deaths amongst the sailors at the Puget Sound Navy Yard and one civilian have resulted from the Spanish influenza.  There are several hundred cases reported.  Five public halls have been commandeered to be used as emergency hospitals should the spread of the disease warrant their need.

October 8, 1918 – Bellingham Herald, Dateline Seattle

192 caes of influenza are reported with 10 deaths at Naval Station; hundreds of civilians have died.

Bellingham- Having been informed by Dr. WW Ballaine, city health officer, that there are two cases of Spanish influenza in the city, Mayor Sells last night issued a proclamation from the city council chamber ordering all schools, churches, moving picture houses, card and pool rooms and all other public gathering places in Bellingham to be closed until further orders.  All the schools in the city are closed.  Pupils who had not been notified of the order reported at the various schools this morning but teachers were on hand to instruct them to return home.  The Normal school also is closed but students have been notified to hold themselves in readiness to return to their studies on a moment’s notice.  Gatherings of all kinds which had been scheduled this week were postponed or cancelled.  The meeting which was scheduled by the Loyal Legion of Loggers and Lumbermen at Liberty Hall Thursday night was postponed and Colonel Brice P. Disque was notified by wire of the mayor’s action.  Colonel Disque will come later.  Company E’s drills will not be held this evening.  This morning Judge Jeremiah Neterer, who arrived from Seattle yesterday to hold an adjourned session of the federal court, announced that on account of the epidemic the court would be adjourned until January.  The only case which the court had yet to hear was that of TH Gourley, indicted for seditious statements. 

This morning Dr. Ballaine reported that there are 3 cases of Spanish flu in the city.  In each case the disease has attacked persons of middle age.  In this connection, Dr. Ballaine issues a warning advising them to stay out of public places and away from crowds as much as possible from other sources.  It is advised that all person be aware of anyone sneezing.  Such persons should not sneeze outside of a handkerchief, otherwise disease germs will be scattered broadcast.  Spitting on sidewalks and in public places is also dangerous and the Chief of Police, Max Laase, says he will enforce rigidly the ordinance prohibiting spitting on sidewalks and elsewhere.  Spanish flu is much like the common grippe, but it is more likely to develop into pneumonia.  Dr. Markley advises anyone who is fearful that he has been attacked by the new form of influenza to consult a physician at once. 

October 9, 1918- Bellingham Herald

The trophy train will not come to Bellingham.  After consulting the mayor this morning, Judge John Kellogg, chairman of the Bellingham Liberty Bond committee, decided that the train’s visit to Bellingham should be cancelled in the interest of public health.  He believing it would be unwise to take a chance of spreading Spanish flu through the congregation of the crowds that would mingle in the exhibition cars and outside the train.  Judge Kellogg had been studying over the subject for some time and the longer he studied the greater his fear grew that the assemblage of men, women, and children in and about the trophy train would tend to spread Spanish influenza, which often develops at the slightest encouragement. 

October 12, 1918

Bham Herald- Now 63 cases in Bellingham of Spanish flu reported. Skagit County is taking precautions, ordering all county schools, churches and public gatherings to close on account of the prevailing epidemic of flu.

October 14, 1918

Now 112 cases reported in Bellingham – first death is a student from the Normal school. 

Dateline Mt. Vernon- Nine new cases reported, among the victims being Dr. Cleveland of Burlington who is ill at the Burlington hospital.  No deaths reported.  In the meantime the public schools, churches, and all public gatherings have been closed, this being the first time in years that such drastic measures have been necessary.  Among the recent victims of the malady is Joseph Fredericks, who is ill at the Burlington Hospital, although not seriously. ‘

October 16, 1918

Bham Herald – Dateline Mt. Vernon

First death reported in Mt. Vernon – Carl Gustafson, a plumber, aged 33.

October 18, 1918

War Efforts

Bham Herald – The scrap ion situation is extremely bad just at present since the various war industries are taking so much of it now.  Before the war $18 was a very high price to pay for scrap iron and now it is not at all uncommon to pay #34 per ton for the same material.  Local plants have paid more for the scrap iron, but the government has fixed the prices so that no more than $34 may be paid. . The government urges persons who have old scrap iron or any kind of iron material to sell it to junk dealers and thus make it accessible for the manufacturing concerns which are so in need of it right now. 

Posters furnished by the National League for Women’s Service and bearing the legend “Give ‘Em a Lift”, are now ready for free distribution to all automobile owners.  The cards signify that the driver of the car is ready to give any soldier or sailor going in his direction a ride.  They can be obtained at the league’s rooms in the federal building.

October 19, 1918

Seattle less cases of flu; Sedro-Woolley increasing- The Valley hospital is filled to capacity with 5 cases being brought over from Burlington where they have more patients than they can take care of.  All of the available nurses in this community have been pressed into service and a number of the girls who recently took the course of elementary hygiene and home care of the sick given by the Red Cross have been called on to assist.  There are a large number of cases of colds and grippe among the residents of the city in their homes. 

October 24, 1918

Bham Herald- How to Care for Influenza Cases – by Surgeon General

“Every person who feels sick and appears to be developing an attack of influenza should at once be put to bed in a well ventilated room.  Where a physic is needed a dose of castor oil or Rochelle salts should be given.”

Should Clear Room:  The room should be cleared of all unnecessary furniture, bric-a-brac and rugs.  A wash basin, pitcher and bowl, soap and towels should be at hand, preferably in the room or just outside the door.  If the patient is feverish a doctor should be called as this should be done in any case if the patient appears very sick or coughs up pinkish (blood-stained) sputum or breathes rapidly and painfully.

Most of the patients cough up considerable mucus; in some there is much mucus discharged from the nose and throat.  This material should not be collected in handkerchiefs, but rather on old rags or on paper napkins.  As soon as used these rags should be p laced in the sickroom and should not be used by patients.  The rags or paper in the paper bag should be burned.

Light Diet:  The patients will not be hungry and the diet should therefore be light.  Milk, a soft-boiled egg, some toast or crackers, a bit of jelly or jam, stewed fruit, some cooked cereal like oatmeal, hominy or rice,–these will suffice in most cases.

The comfort of the patient depends on a number of little things and these should not be overlooked.  Among these may be mentioned a well-ventilated room; a thoroughly clean bed with fresh, smooth sheets and pillow cases; quiet so that refreshing sleep may be had; cool drinking water conveniently placed; a cool compress to the forehead if there is headache; keeping the patient’s hands and face clean and the hair combed; keeping his mouth clean, preferably with some pleasant mouth wash; letting the patient know that someone is within call but not annoying him with too much fussing; giving the patient plenty of opportunity to rest and sleep. 

It is advisable to give the sick room a good airing several times a day.  The patient should be well protected against cold and draughts and then the windows should be opened wide to let in the fresh air.

Nurse’s Precaution:  So much for the patient.  It is equally important to consider the person who is caring for him.  It is important to remember that disease is spread by breathing germ-laden matter sprayed into the air by the patient coughing or even in ordinary breathing.  The attendant should therefore wear a gauze mask over her mouth and nose while she is in the sick room.  Such a mask is easily made by folding a piece of gauze four-fold, sewing a piece of tape at the four corners and tying the upper set of tapes over the ars, the lower set around the neck.  If the folded gauze is about six inches square it will nicely cover both mouth and nose.  Such a mask can be worn without discomfort for several hours, after which it can be boiled in water, dried and used over. 

The attendant should always wash her hands with soap and water immediately after waiting on or touching the patient.  This is important, for carelessness in this direction may easily cause the attendant to become infected with the disease germs.

Attendant should, if possible, wear a washable gown or an apron which covers the dress.  This will make it much simpler to avoid infection. 

It is desirable that all attendants learn how to use a fever thermometer.  This is not at all a difficult matter and the use of such a thermometer is a great help in caring for the patients.  The druggist who sells these thermometers will be glad to show how they are used.

In closing and lest I be misunderstood, I wish to leave one word of caution:  If in doubt, call the doctor.

INFLUENZA SPREADING A RATE OF FIFTY CASES DAILY

Bellingham is now fairly at grips with the influenza.  During the last two days more than 100 cases have been reported to Dr. WW Ballaine, city health officer and in the same time there have been four deaths from that disease, or from pneumonia, to which it gave birth.  Last night Dr. Ballaine wired the government that 51 new cases had been reported to him yesterday.  Since then there has been one death, that of Fred Mouso, one of the city’s best known young business men and manager of the Model Transfer Company, who died this morning after an illness of about a week.

This morning masks employed as a protective measure against the spread of influenza made their first appearance in this city, being put on by the Hotel Leopold barbers.  As yet masks have not been used by local physicians or nurses, but if the situation gets much worse they are likely to become common.  It is probably not generally known, but the Puget Sound Traction Light & Power company daily disinfects all its street cars and will continue to do so while the epidemic rages here. 

Dr. Ballaine asks that the people exercise the utmost caution for with the influenza spreading rapidly over the city they cannot be too careful, he says.

In this connection the Herald was asked to day to issue a warning against giving children’s parties.  A mother who had heard of one such party declared that she believed these gatherings to be dangerous and she urged that mothers be asked not to countenance them. 

All sales have been banned in Bellingham.  Most of the merchants of the city have not attempted to put on any special sales, but a few of them have.  Some have voluntarily postponed projected sales, he declares.  The measure which Dr. Ballaine propose to put in force will be taken as a precaution against influenza.

No disease develops so quickly or spreads so rapidly.  The first symptom usually is a sharp rise in temperature to 103 or 104 degrees, headache, pain in the back, throat feeling dry or sore.  Unless promptly checked by proper treatment, the best plan is to go to bed and stay there for at least a week, keeping warm to avoid pneumonia and let the minor ailment run its course and also prevent the spread of the disease to others.  Most of us, in these busy days, cannot afford, if it can be avoided, to lose a week or more or work so it is all the more necessary that at the very first sign of grip or influenza a counteracting treatment should be taken.

Health Board Gives Warning of Influenza Danger

Probably no better or more effective treatment could be followed at such a time than to get from the nearest drug store a complete Hyomei outfit consisting of a bottle of pure Oil of Hyomei and a little vest pocket, hard rubber inhaling device into which a few drops of the oil are poured.  This is all you will need.  Put the inhaler in your mouth and breathe its air deep into the passages of your nose, throat and lungs.  Every particle of air that enters your breathing organs will thus be charged with an antiseptic germ killing balsam that will absolutely destroy the germs of influenza that have found lodgment there.  You can’t do this too often.  The Hyomei Inhaler is small and can be conveniently carried in a handbag or your vest pocket.  Every half hour or so throughout the day take it out and draw a few breaths of its pure healing air into your nose and throat.  Relief comes almost instantly.  The Grip or Influenza symptoms subside.  Congestion ceases, fever disappears, throat conditions become normal and you are soon feeling fine.  The outfit is not at all expensive for the rubber inhaler will last a lifetime while the Oil of Hyomei can be obtained at little cost from any reliable druggist.  Lots of people already have a Hyomei Inhaler.  Take it out, charge it and use it without delay if you haven’t got one, get it today.

NEWS OF THE WAR

Bham Herald – Mr. and Mrs. CE Bingham received a letter from their son, Sergeant Albert Bingham from France on Monday which was written on German paper found in their canteen on their hasty retreat from one of the villages which the American troops had driven them.  Albert’s letter stated that among the inhabitants in this village was a woman who could understand some English and also talk some and was overjoyed at meeting the American soldiers.  She made coffee for the boys all day long.   She told them of their four years of suffering under German rule and how they would have died of hunger only for the Red Cross.  Sergeant Bingham at the time of writing was enjoying a few days’ rest. 

The Surgical dressing department of the local Red Cross has received an emergency call for 10,000 contagious ward masks to be made and delivered immediately.  Everyone who can possibly help in making up of these masks is urged to put in an appearance at the surgical dressing rooms on the second floor in the federal building in the federal courtrooms.

For the purpose of getting donations to a fund which will be used to buy a phonograph and records for the crew of the USS Bellingham, Charles A. McLennan, city comptroller and chairman of the local draft board and a number of naval lads will be at the Owl Pharmacy corner at 7 o’clock tonight.  The fund was started today by Major Sells and Mr. McLennan says any sum above a penny will be acceptable.  “We do not want to take the children’s pennies”, he says.

The local secretary of the US civil service commission has been advised that there is an urgen need of mechanics for the nation’s navy yards and arsenals.  All information concerning the same may be obtained from him at the federal building.

HELP ALONG THE THRIFT MOVEMENT- Make every Monday Thrift Monday.  Use Fels-Naptha soap.  It enables you to be thrifty with fuel; and it saves wear and tear on clothes by cutting down washboard rubbing.

October 25, 1918

Bham Herald – Influenza Cases Increased by 98 in Bellingham, almost twice the number reported on the previous day.

October 26

A warrant has been issued by County Attorney Hilen for the arrest of Dr. Montgomery of Sedro-Woolley for failure to register in the county.  Dr. Montgomery is a new arrival here, having succeeded to practice of Dr. BF Brooks who entered the army service this month.  The present epidemic of influenza, which has been keeping all of the doctors more than busy the last two weeks, together with the already large established practice of Dr. Brooks, is largely due to Dr. Montgomery’s neglect to register.  Dr. Montgomery comes to this city well recommended, being associated with Dr. Ghent in Seattle, who is also associated with him in his practice here.  A misdemeanor charge, however, will be placed against the doctor.

October 28, 1918

Influenza shows decrease Sunday – but a slight increase in the number of deaths.  Dr. WW Ballaine reported 92 cases and 2 deaths on Saturday but only 64 new cases and 3 deaths today.  Two of yesterday’s deaths were those of Austrians, members of the south side Austrian Colony, who died in local hospitals.

October 31, 1918

For the first time in the history of Bellingham there will be no Halloween parties tonight.  In the past years parties and entertainments have been given a week before and after Halloween and the youngsters will miss the fun and frolic which goes with these affairs.  The only suggestion of the Halloween season that we have are the attractively decorated shop windows with the usual color scheme of black and orange predominating and filled with Halloween novelties.  As long as the Spanish influenza epidemic lasts there will be no parties or gatherings of large crowds.

December 24, 1918

Bham Herald- Dateline Sedro-Woolley

Many suffering from the flu, some deaths from pneumonia caused by influenza

Private Quimby Bingham came up from Camp Lewis Saturday evening and will enjoy a five day furlough with his parents.  A Sunday evening luncheon was enjoyed at their home by the Community Dinner Club.  Places were laid for the Kirby’s, Alverson’s, Hammers, Binghams, and Quimby Binham, Mrs. ES Bingham and Richard Odlin.

 Mr. and Mrs. CE Bingham.  Mrs. Margaret McDonough left Sunday evening for Sumas where she will act as nurse at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bingham, both of whom are suffering from an attack of influenza.  Mr. Willet, of Standard oil company has sufficiently recovered from an attack of influenza as to be around among his friends again.

Percy Stendal of Camp Lewis returned to the home of Mr. and Mrs. FA Hegg Friday.  He has been discharged from military service and has already gone to work in the grocery store of FA Hegg & Son. 

For more on the century old story see this recent post from my son’s best friend – Matt Benoit from Whatcom Talk

https://www.whatcomtalk.com/2020/03/27/a-century-ago-bellingham-battled-through-spanish-flu-pandemic/

Unenjoyment

When I was a kid I heard people say they had applied for “unenjoyment”. It was a family joke and I know that my mom, because she worked seasonally in the canneries and food processing would have to apply for it whenever the season was over. I worked in the canneries, too, but never applied because I was in school and could always pick up work doing something.

In the 1970’s I suppose there was a lot of lay off situations and from time to time someone or another would be looking for work because they were on “unenjoyment” and were required to apply for so many jobs per week to get their benefits. It always had a negative connotation, eventhough the reason for applying is not questionable. You can’t apply unless you lose your job, right?

I have worked at least part time since I was 16. I have never had an extended period of time that I was without work except for the brief years that my kids were babies in the early 1990’s, and that was by choice. I have never been through a situation where I was unable to find work of some kind and fend for myself financially. I have been very blessed to do the work I love to do and get paid for it for the past 20 years.

Healthcare is always a stable industry because there are always sick people, hurting people, or injured people. But I didn’t start a career in healthcare until I was in my 30’s, and not because of the stability, but because to me it is the most meaningful profession, personally satisfying, helpful to others, technologically dynamic, and always interesting.

The past three weeks it has become something else. I don’t work on the frontlines of this epidemic/pandemic we are currently experiencing globally. I am not a nurse. I don’t work in a hospital environment. While many of my patients have cancer or some kind of chronic disease, my modality is not part of the screening process for this new bug called COVID-19.

We started wearing masks that make our ears hurt, our glasses fog up, and make it difficult to breathe. We have gone through cartons of gloves and virusides and spent countless hours deep cleaning. We clean often but now it is every piece of equipment multiple times a day just hoping our patients aren’t hiding the fact that they’ve had a fever, cough, or sore throat. Our part isn’t critical and can wait for the majority of patients. We do not want to use up resources but we don’t want to make people suffer waiting either.

Doctors’ offices that aren’t part of diagnosing, treating, evaluating or testing for COVID-19 are not seeing many patients, most surgeries have been cancelled, and resources that would be needed for patients with the virus must be rationed, some of the chronic pain and disease screening modalities must be closed down or drawn back to minimal use.

Over the past three weeks I have sent half of the employees I manage to the “Unenjoyment” lines. At first it was, “Don’t worry, it’ll just be a couple weeks and we can take turns”. Then it was, just hang on a couple more weeks, we can’t take turns because more have to take off. And now it’s the majority are asked to go online and sign up for the “Emergency Unemployment – Standby” benefits.

In my head I know, don’t feel guilty – it is necessary, it is temporary, it is our money that we have contributed for many, many years. It is not a government handout, it is our very own dollars coming back to us.

But here’s the deal. We don’t mind putting that money in there for those who need it. We have all worked hard to get where we are. We studied, we sacrificed, and we all love to do what we do. And it killed my soul today to tell two more people, then three more, including myself, that we are cutting back staffing to a minimum. And when my boss felt so bad it made me cry, then it was real. Up to this point it was just a bump in the road. Now it’s unenjoyment for the majority.

I’ve called the girls every week to check on them. The first three didn’t leave the house for the first ten days. Didn’t even go for a drive. I scolded them and said, get outside, get in the car, roll down the windows and DRIVE … get some fresh air, inhale some cow poop, go through a drive through. Walk around the block! C’mon, ladies.. we’ve got this. It’s just for a few weeks.

And now it’s just for another month. Then won’t we have a lot of catching up to do?? Then won’t we have patient schedules packed to overflowing picking up where we left off? Won’t it?

Will it?

God bless each of us as we find our “new normal” in this abnormal situation. Help us to find the JOY in Unenjoyment….

Old and New

Wow, I just saw that it has been six months since I did a blog post. I think that’s not allowed in the blogging world but such is life and here we are navigating life in a whole new way.

About three weeks ago we left for vacation to a place we’ve never been. I usually write daily during my travels so I can look back and remember as well as share my experiences and observations. For some reason with this dry spell of writing I did not do that so now I must rely on my memories, impressions, and lose the details of those days.

I think it has been extra rainy this winter (from what I hear of those who keep track of such minor details). I noticed my now-retired husband getting antsy and focusing on it a few months ago so I told him to book us a flight to anywhere sunny in March. Pick a place, I said… Hawaii? Florida? but not Arizona this time because we’ve done that numerous times.

Since he hates to fly long distance he chose Palm Springs and booked us in Miracle Springs Resort and Spa in Desert Hot Springs, California. That sounded lovely so off we went on March 8. http://miraclesprings.com/

The day before we left it suddenly occurred to me that one of my longest friendship person, Susan, lives in California in the winter. I had no idea where but I sent her a message on facebook and asked where she lives. Turns out it’s about ten minutes from our resort! So we arranged to meet for lunch one of the days we were there.

I also contacted another acquaintance. My historical research of the Skagit Valley and specifically the family of George and Lizzie Tietjen had brought me to their grand daughter several years ago. Marilyn is in her 80’s and has shared with me stories of her childhood and we have toured the Bow, WA, cemetery together in the past. Her husband, Loren, is 92 and my daughter and I had met them for lunch one day a few years ago when they were up visiting for the summer months.

Lee and I were invited to cocktail hour at their home while in Palm Springs. They live in a beautiful, gated community in a lovely home with a back deck looking over a golf course. They blessed us with hors d’oeuvres and wine and great conversation of their lives, family, and experiences. We felt so blessed when we left their home.

During our trip news of the “corona virus” was accelerating. We were sitting in hot tubs, swimming, eating out, shopping and visiting people. We had stopped at a walmart to get me some socks because I had forgot to pack them and we wanted to go on a hike. While we were in line a lady was telling someone else in line that the airport would close the following Wednesday. That sounded absurd but we didn’t engage in the conversation.

We went for a beautiful hike in Andrea’s Canyon. Wow! The archaeology, geology and stunning beauty of the power of nature was all around us. Those rock formations caused by massive earthquakes in the past were amazing. We were in awe of the beauty of palm orchards, a fast-flowing creek and waterfall, and all the flowers surrounding us. We did the one mile loop, enjoying the cool breeze and fresh air. https://www.indian-canyons.com/trail_maps

We continued our vacation with rainy days inside. I worked on my Etsy store, my website, and we ordered room service. We read and swam and enjoyed being together. We went to a date farm and had a wonderful breakfast and the most beautiful stroll through their gardens where they presented the gospel story! We ate dates every day and feasted on delicious food. We went for “scenics”. Out toward Joshua Tree National Park and down to the Salton Sea.

We spent one afternoon on a tour of Cabot Museum in Palm Springs. Oh how I fell in love with him! The house that Cabot Yerxa built and the story of his life was so intriguing. It would make a great movie! Every detail, every door, every window just blessed my heart. So much charm, wit, wisdom and creativity.

Front door to Cabot House
https://www.cabotsmuseum.org/

I plucked flower petals throughout our stay and pressed them in a notebook. Piles of bougainvillea petals flew home with us and are now becoming part of my largest “Petals as Paint” project – a 24″ x 36″ reclaimed canvas depicting the San Jacinto mountains behind a foreground of bougainvillea hanging on barbed wire.

Thus the Old and the New. We saw ancient sites, historic buildings, and old friends. We found a new love for a place that will be dear to our hearts for years to come. Since returning the airports are pretty much shut down, all socializing is canceled, and life as we knew it has ended. The world is in a frenzy against an unseen enemy and God is still on the throne. We are blessed and while I wish to stay home or in my studio, I continue to work full time in health care but not on the front lines. Thanking God for our health, his provision, and his peace as we navigate what it means to live in 2020.

No Sea Glass Beach, NC

My journey from the beach of North Carolina inland, stopping along the way while making my map app a little crazy…

Yesterday I left the coast of North Carolina. The sun beat me to the punch on getting up but I took a little walk on the beach with sleep still in my eyes. The high humidity is just too much for a very long walk.

I looked online for beaches with sea glass and was directed to a place about an hour south. I packed my belongings, had a cup of coffee and some fruit in my room then hit the road with plans to get to Raleigh by late afternoon. I had in my mind to also go to a beach an hour north of where I was to see the sea turtle rescue place. Since we are the proud owners of a tortoise, the sea turtles are close enough in their design to make us also love them.

Along the way I pulled over to find breakfast and was directed to the Purple Onion in Shallotte…. yes, Shallotte, not Charlotte! I just missed the breakfast hour by a few minutes and had to order lunch instead, which was a really good chicken salad on croissant with home made potato chips that would make Lays go out of business. I googled “antiques near me” and lo and behold right next door was Miss Minnie’s Antiques. After my brunch I went in to see what Miss Minnie had in her treasures. Immediately I was greeted by an elderly woman named Hazel. She was a cute grandma and a little sassy I could tell. She told me all about the store and then said I should look around at the 15 spaces then come ask her which was hers so I could spend my money in there!

There were, indeed, a lot of treasures and when I made my way to the final stop I asked Hazel which space was hers. She proceeded to show me her pillows. She takes old linens and hand decorates them with little pinwheels of fabric which are absolutely the cutest. She said the pillowcases were from the 1930’s and she had made them over with her designs. So lovely! She then asked if I knew how to get them home since I would be flying. I told her I assume I would have to sleep on it on the plane! She had a better plan, saying I should go to Dollar General and get some vacuum sealing bags, put the pillows inside and use the vacuum in my hotel room to make it “flat as a flitter” and it would fit right in my suitcase. This cracked me up and it was tempting to buy them just for that very experience, but this style would not fit anywhere in my decor and that was sad. Now that a day has passed I kind of wish I would have done it anyway. It would have made Hazel very happy.

I made it all the way to Ocean Isle, NC. What a disappointment. 91 degrees and not a sliver of sea glass to be found. The internet is full of lies and deceit. I walked on the beach all of 15 minutes before quickly returning to my car and heading on the next leg of my adventure, not really sure what I wanted to do. I intended to head toward the sea turtle rescue but was quickly distracted by another antique store which took me about 45 minutes to inventory. I figured if I was going to make it to the antique mall in Raleigh I better head north. Got another distraction tracking down the town of Leland. Since that’s my favorite husband’s name I thought it would be cool, plus when I went on the horse and carriage ride the day prior the driver said Leland is where the rescue draft horses live.

Well, that really throws my map app for a loop when I keep stopping and starting. Sometimes he stops speaking to me all together and I have to change to another app to give him time to cool down. My map app is a guy with an Australian accent, which I chose because the lady gets too snippy. I think I managed to even make my Aussie a little gruff 🙁

All I wanted to do was take a photo of the Welcome to Leland sign. It, however, while really big and lovely, was not easily accessible. I would have had to park in a precarious position and walk through grass, which I have found in North Carolina not to be a good idea. My legs have been bitten by who knows what on both visits, so I decided that I would drive THROUGH Leland and see if I could find the sign at the other end of town. I did manage to find Leland Park which had an easily accessible and altogether lovely sign. Ignoring the frantic cries of map app man to make a u-turn, I continued onward until I found a place to pull over and decide what would be next.

That’s when Cracker Barrel started singing in my head. It was far past lunch and I mapped the nearest Cracker Barrel, my favorite southern comfort food. The nearest one would have definitely made Aussie happy because it would have required a definite u-turn and some back tracking. I decided moving forward was a good idea, and the landscape was quite rural. I never did find a pasture, however. Starting to think the story of the draft horses may be a bit of a myth, kind of like the legend of the sea glass!

I mapped the Cracker Barrel to be about an hour drive. Well, it would have been if I allowed Aussie to direct me onto the nearest freeway. But, I have an aversion to freeway driving when I’m learning about a place I’ve never been. He grumbled as I bypassed the 70 mile an hour easy access on-ramp and headed north on a rural road, causing him to “recalculate” the “roooot” as he calls it. Two hours it says, taking the back roads. Yes! My tummy is rumbling and visions of breakfast foods dance through my brain and help me cover the many, many miles of repetitive brick Baptist churches. I am not kidding here, nor exaggerating when I say that every single mile for many miles there were maybe five houses, tobacco field, trees buzzing with cicada and who knows what jungle noises… then a red brick Baptist church…. repeating over and over the same scene.

I could, at that point, hear Aussie saying, “Told you so, mate. You should have made that u-turn darling.” I scoffed at Aussie and continued on with bleary eyes and mouth watering for eggs over-easy on hashbrowns with a biscuit… things I never eat… and a side of really delicious crispy bacon. More tobacco fields, school buses dropping off little children at their little houses out in the middle of no where, which was a nice distraction imagining their ordinary days which I find fascinating. Followed by more tobacco fields, a brick Baptist church, buzzing wetlands, and, oh, look! A cotton field! Yay!

I finally made it to the Cracker Barrel, which officially required a u-turn! It’s actually part of the route, not just a snearing suggestion from Aussie! Cracked me up. I was so glad to get to pee and get a menu, though I knew exactly what I wanted. Well, what I really really wanted was their chicken and dumplings. Holy moly I love those. But I figured I’d go into a food coma and I still had a couple hours to go if I was going to follow my heart and not the voices in my app. I got my iced tea (unsweetened, which is always fun to ask for in the South) and promptly scoured the menu, started to order that elusive breakfast when I suddenly decided Sunday Fried Chicken was more appropriate. With Mashed Potatoes. Steamed Carrots. Biscuits or cornbread? How about both?

Now I’m really worried about a food coma. I sincerely am such a healthy eater, but when they put that southern food in front of me on a plate the size of North Carolina, how can I resist? I have wasted more food in this state than I have in all my recent years. The portions are so huge! Seriously, Cracker Barrel should just cut that meal in half and even if they left it the same price it would be a great deal. I already had left overs in my trunk from the night before… burnt ends and hush puppies. Now I had another very full tummy and enough left overs for two more meals.

Satisfied, I checked in with Aussie and found there was no way to make it to Raleigh in time for the antique mall so I set the route to my hotel. I can just see him roll his eyes, stick out his chin, say, “I told you so” in that little accent of his. Well, too bad, Aussie, this is my adventure and I like things to be a little spontaneous. We are definitely not getting along and I switch to the snippy lady for awhile.

Two hours later I checked in to my hotel with all those left overs, which I promptly threw into the nearest garbage can. I settled into my room and stayed up way too late reading and working on schedules for work. Off to a full day of training….

Until my next great adventure!

copyright 2019 – belindabotzong.com

Gone to Carolina

James Taylor once sang…

In my mind I’m gone to Carolina
Can’t you see the sunshine?
Can’t you just feel the moonshine?
Ain’t it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind?
Yes, I’m gone to Carolina in my mind

Now some of this post is going to seem a bit repetitious… deja vu almost.

I returned to North Carolina for a second time in a month. Since class doesn’t start until Tuesday, I got my flight for Saturday and planned a few days at the beach this time. I figure I have seen my relatives west of Raleigh, so now I’ll take a little extended vacation and see the Atlantic Ocean!

I tried to get an airbnb reserved a couple weeks ago but was turned down because Hurricane Dorian was bearing down and the host didn’t feel it was a good idea in case there was damage. So I waited until he passed on by and made a reservation at a little beach bungalow on Carolina Beach.

I flew into Raleigh-Durham and got my rental car, racing the setting sun on the two plus hour drive south and east. It’s so different here – no hills to climb, no curvy roads… just a nice straight shot to the beach.

The sunset beat me but I arrived in good time and got to my little place a block from the path to the ocean. I immediately headed down to greet the waves and hear the breath of heaven blow over my weary, hot and sticky face. I love, and I mean love, the ocean.

I have only seen the Atlantic once before when I did training in Florida and made a one day trip from Orlando to Cocoa Beach then to Clearwater/Tampa Bay! It seems much wilder than the Pacific somehow.

Since it was getting late I headed out to dinner – seafood of course! I love that my rental car is a 2020 model in 2019 and has all the features of being able to guide me wherever I want to go. It also has some crazy features like constantly correcting if you get too close to the line, beeping if someone is in your blind spot, and telling you to take a break by putting a little symbol of a coffee cup and a suggestion to pull over and get some rest! Nanny Car…

I sat next to an aquarium and the most beautiful shrimp was swimming around in there trying to make me feel bad for eating his family… but eat them I did and boy were they good!

I set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. for a 6:47 sunrise. I hopped out of bed and threw on a jacket … which I immediately regretted as it never got below 75 in the night! And the humidity never got below 90 percent I think… what’s the use in messing with your hair or makeup here?

What a glorious sunrise it was – slowly you could fee the sun peel off the layers of the night, lift its face above the horizon one slow inch at a time, and roll the waves closer and closer to the edge of the earth. It was beautiful as the waves pulled back leaving a palette for the sun’s reflection to paint itself upon. The ripples and crashes and foam all working to form a portrait of morning.

Suddenly I remembered that a lady I worked with 15-20 years ago in Tucson lives in North Carolina on a beach somewhere. I know the coast line is long so not much chance of finding her, but you know me if you’ve read any of these posts before… I’m going to look her up on google!

When I got back to my room I typed in her name and I almost fainted when I saw that not only is she listed in Carolina Beach, NC… but her address is listed on the very same street I’m staying! Oh my gosh I was amazed! I debated… it’s 9 a.m. and I’m heading out to breakfast on a Sunday morning. I remember that she is an early bird, but what if she is going to church or isn’t an early bird anymore since she retired?

Well, again, if you read my last post you’ll not be surprised to hear that I decided to knock on her door on my way to coffee, thinking maybe she would want to join me! I pulled into her parking area behind the car that was there – good sign, I thought! Now to find the place – it is kind of a funny building with many condos right on the canal, which was very lovely. I rang the bell. Again. I knocked. I waited. At this point you might expect me to just open the door and go in, right? Well, not this time! I started looking for a pen and paper. I had nothing in my tote bag, went to the car and looked but could find nothing to leave her a note. I sat there thinking what to do next. I decided to google her again and see if there was a phone number. It was a Tucson area code so not sure if that’s old, but what the heck – I can’t just leave and say, oh, well!

I dialed the number and she answered hesitantly, seeing an unknown number and it being Sunday morning expecting a solicitor. “Bonnie? It’s Belinda Botzong… do you remember me?”

It turns out Bonnie moved from the Seashore inland a few years ago. I told her I was heading to breakfast in Wilmington. She immediately suggested meeting me there and spending the afternoon with me! She just had to get ready and would drive the hour to meet up. I was so touched that she just dropped her plan or lack of a plan for the day and took time to drive over 70 miles to see me.

I stopped for coffee and breakfast sandwich at the nicest little cafe with these really sweet ladies. One thing I appreciate about the south is the accents and the sweetness of the people. I think even if they weren’t sweet, the accent makes them sound nice anyway! But these two were truly sweet and so happy I came in. They asked if I was visiting (I have no accent, so I assume that’s a dead giveaway). I told them I was meeting my friend and how it came to be and they loved it. So I also told them about my last adventure with Sheila and Junior… see prior post!

I drove into Wilmington and walked around a bit taking photos of the ancient buildings, bricks, cobblestones, etc.

There was an art fair going on, which is what made me go there in the first place, so while I waited for Bonnie I did a little art shopping therapy. I bought a ceramic light switch cover for my bathroom. It has a sand dollar painted on it, which is my favorite. I asked the artist if there are sand dollars in North Carolina – she says she doesn’t know but that she rarely goes to the beach and prefers the mountains! I told her she is definitely misplaced – there isn’t even a hill for many many miles let alone a mountain! She agreed 🙂 I then bought from a lady who makes pull chains for ceiling fans, decorating them with ceramic pieces with sea life on them. She, too, prefers mountains apparently and thinks living in the Seattle area would be much more suited to her tastes.

Bonnie and I met up in a tea and spice shop. Reunion! The tea ladies loved that. I bought several teas for my daughter and Bonnie bought over half a pound of Decaf Earl Grey, which is not always easy to find. We walked around and saw a horse and buggy ride so we got on board for that!

Reunited!

While we waited for the horses, Prince and Jeff, to rest up for the journey, we started catching up on our lives. We worked together from 1999-2004. We rode the bus to the University of Arizona almost every day together during several of those years. We have both been through so many life events since we last saw one another. We did stay in touch for a few years after I left Tucson, but as it goes with much of life, we had not kept in touch over the past ten years.

Time for our journey. The carriage driver told the history of Prince and Jeff, work horses from Amish farmers. They are two of many rescued horses the owner has taken in over the years. When the horses can not work on the farms, they get sold at auction. Rather than letting them go to get butchered, he rescues them and trains them for carriage rides. They are truly magnificent animals.

The carriage ride was awesome. We went through the historic neighborhood and saw so many beautiful old homes and buildings. To think of the times of the Civil War and post-war, the plantations and Southern Belles dressed in their finest.. and to really imagine life before air conditioning!

We headed to lunch at a pizza place where I had a spinach salad and we reminisced about our time in Tucson working for the University of Arizona together, about our lives since then, families, loss, grief, and love. All the things that have transpired in the past 20 years.

We parted ways after lunch with hugs and promises to keep in touch. What an absolute blessing to get to meet up with her spontaneously, to have her give up her Sunday afternoon without a plan, and to know that there is someone who would do that for me besides my own mom. She would have loved this whole adventure I’m on and it makes me miss her, not being able to tell her about it.

After we parted ways I went around the town again taking more photos of bricks and cobbles and buildings. I saw a huge church steeple in the distance and drove to it and saw more mansions. I went to an art store and bought earrings and then drove randomly around a huge lake before setting the GPS to take me back to the beach.

I stopped at a local grocery store for fruit, coffee, and cream. Isn’t it always interesting to just see people out in their normal life while you are out traveling? Maybe I’m the only one who thinks that’s interesting? I then drove all the way down Pleasure Island from Wilmington Beach, Kure Beach and into Fort Fisher. I was tempted to stop at the aquarium but it’s just so hot and muggy I prefer being in the car with air conditioning!

After coming back to take a nap I headed out for dinner at Big Daddy’s where I was sold on the burnt ends/brisket as an appetizer, then they threw in a huge basket of hush puppies before bringing my actual dinner of flounder and chips. There were shark bites on the menu! My husband would love the logo for Big Daddy – so retro and cute. I was stuffed and wasted a lot of food before I headed over to the pier at Kure Beach.

Standing high above the waves on that pier was an adventure. I didn’t get out too far before I decided people should not tempt nature. This man made structure has been beat up by who knows how many hurricanes and all these people are on it walking far out over the surf. You can feel it rumble and shake as the waves crash high and mighty. In the darkness of the evening it is truly ominous, beautiful, dangerous, and powerful.

It has been a blessed day. Thank you, Bonnie Seashore, for making time for me today. Thank you, Lord, for the majesty of your voice in the waves and winds. Thank you family for supporting me in all my adventures.