Julie Etta Smith
Outlooks & Inspirations
Friday, October 10, 2025
"What was the name again?.....Abby...Someone...Abby Normal."
Monday, September 1, 2025
Embracing the Silver
Sometimes, something just clicks to help you make a decision that you have been grappling with for a long time. After almost 2 decades of dying my hair, I just recently made the decision to stop and let nature take it's course to reveal my silver and/ or gray hair. Time will tell if it will be more silver or gray, I guess it depends on your perspective. Yet, the epiphany for me was a random video about a woman who was encouraged and "liberated" by the simple act of embracing gray hair and living an "authentic life". That spoke to me and just like that CLICK, I was ready.
Which leads me to another thought about silver and gray hair as a badge of honor. Sometimes this society celebrates youth, which is fine, but the older members of society have a voice too. A voice that is crafted by lessons learned in life. Wisdom achieved that can be carried on to the younger. As our world changes it best to remember that it works BOTH ways: the young can learn from the older and the older and learn from the young. It's also touched upon in the Bible in several places. Proverbs 16:31 states: Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Keep Portland Weird...the Incredible Simpsons Connection
My Family has loved the Simpsons cartoon for years. Scott and I were married in 1988 and the Simpsons debuted in December of 1989. We have a shared kinship with them and almost the same anniversary. When our boys were growing up we shared countless nights of laughter being entertained by the antics of this family. Some episodes may have been considered "edgy" and controversial, but they always seemed to be spot on and dealt with all kinds of contemporary issues of the American family. They may have exaggerated to make a point, but the writing on the show was done in such a way that people really could relate to many of the circumstances of this family. If you are a Simpsons connoisseur like my family, not only do you know the core family characters: Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie, you learn many of the other characters in the town (No state!!?) of Springfield. I was intrigued to find out that much of the inspiration for the show came from Portland, Oregon.
I just recently found out that the creator of the Simpsons Matt Groening, was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. At any other time I would probably not give it a second thought...but next month we are planning a trip to Portland. This just adds to the excitement and challenge of finding some of the connections that Matt Groening made to the city when crafting his show. If you didn't already know it...The Simpsons is the longest running American animated series. Bravo! Good for them, it's a great show. But in my humble opinion, the older episodes were better. Maybe back then they were not afraid to poke fun at certain institutions to make a point.
In any case, I found out that there are so many fun connections to Portland. For starters Matt Groening's parents are Homer and Marge. His sisters were named Lisa and Maggie and Bart-an anagram for Brat-is a stand in for Matt himself. He grew up on a street named Evergreen Terrace and many of the character names were taken from street names in Portland. Here are just a few: Burnside, Flanders, Lovejoy, and Quimby. I was going to give the reader tips as to which name matched with which character, but if you are a Simpson fan....you know. Montgomery Park was cited as the inspiration for Mr. Burn's nuclear plant. Also, in 2021 a Ned Flanders footbridge was built named after the Simpson's endearing and sometimes annoying neighbor.
When our family watched the show, we could really relate to some of the situations. My family has always teased me that I am frequently an optimist, sometimes overly so. They draw a parallel to me of the episode of Marge at the racetrack:"Can't I just bet that all the horses will have a fun time?".
In our family, we frequently spout Simpsons dialogue when the situation requires it. When I hear "Can't I just bet that all the horses will have a fun time?" then sometimes I know that maybe I'm trying to hard to "make" everyone have a fun time. Yeah, kind of strange, and perhaps a little passive-aggressive, but sometimes it works for the Smith family.
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Keep Portland Weird, photo by Jimmy Emerson on flickr |
I just know we will have fun looking for Simpsons connections as well as the Keep Portland Weird murals. I wondered why they had a doughnut named "Homer" at Voodoo Doughnuts...now I know why. Classic Homer.
Friday, June 20, 2025
I'm Not Lost...I'm Bird Watching
I wonder where that expression: "For the Birds" ever got started? It seems to imply it's just left overs and not the choice food or activity. The birds around my house are not just getting scraps and slim pickings. Only the best for my little featherd friends. My son made the comment once..."Gee the birds eat better than we do!" Yup, it's a hobby of mine: I'm a Bird watcher.
When I was a younger woman, I did not understand the interest in Bird Watching....now I do. There is a certain serenity in the watching, identifying and photography of birds. The older I get, I am fullfilling a stereotype that "older" people bird watch. I guess it is a sterotype for a reason; as a retired person I have more time to enjoy watching, listening to and snapping a few photos for my "Birder's book." Perhpas when I was younger I was involved with other things and did not feel compelled to use precious free time looking at birds. Yet, when one is trying to reduce stress, the opportunity to relax and view the flight of an Eagle soaring high or listen to the song of a Chickadee...well it is time well spent.
Rose-breasted grosbeak |
I remember my Mom was very good at bird identification and several gifts my sister and I gave to her were bird related. I know my sister gave her several feeders. I had given her a beautiful throw festooned with several colorful birds. After she passed, I now have that beautiful throw to warm me on chilly evenings. Once for a birthday gift, she gave me the most fantastic "Birder's Bible": The Peterson Field Guide to the Birds. She showed me how to use the book to idenify species and also how their coloration depends on the season. It has become a great tool for birding and I frequently think of Mom when referencing it.
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Magpie in Anchorage, Alaska |
The beauty of Bird Watching is that is doesn't take fancy equipment or alot of money to partake in the hobby. Just looking around your environment can bring a multitude of sightings; and not just in your own backyard. When travelling, it is such a treat to see birds you don't normally see at home. When my husband and I were at Glacier National Park we saw a Stellar Jay, cousin to the Blue Jay, but a vivid and unique color of blue. Also, when visiting my family in Alaska I always see Magpies and try to capture them in a photo. They are kind of "bullies" in bird world, but they have the most beautiful plummage.
I saw a video the other day that made a great comparison between Pokemon and Birding. Remember Pokemon? My sons were crazy about them. The Pokemon creatures' images were depicted on cards for gameing. The cards were collected, traded and played with. Also the Pokemon phenomina spread to almost every kind of merchandising you could imagine including a tv series, clothing, waterbottles and lunch boxes. Just about every elementary school teacher had to deal with that craze. I remember the tag line was: Gotta catch em all! So you gotta catch them all, bird species that is. It has been said that Birding is just Pokemon for adults. There are so many varied and unique types of birds in this world that one will likely never "catch them all", but the quest is sure fun! Keep your binoculars and camera ready!
Julie Etta Smith
“A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” — Maya Angelou.
Sunday, June 8, 2025
The Link between Art & Madness
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Vincent van Gogh,1889 |
While I don't put myself in the same category as some of these great writers who have suffered for their art, I find some comfort in the fact that as a patient diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, perhaps there is something inside me that is actually creative, not just "crazy". I don't have the enormous talent of Virginia Wolf, Hemmingway or Poe, yet I have indeed suffered for my art. Not just my art, but also the desire to have a so-called "normal" and happy life.
Once I finally accepted my diagnosis of Bipolar and determined the proper medication, then things were smoother sailing. Studies have shown that people on lithuim experience few side effects of any kind and less than one third report any significant negative changes in intellectual functioning and reasoning. The creativity was still there, but when going down pathways to find my creative yearnings, I walked down a well lit path, instead of stumbling in the darkness. Perhaps some of my creativity had changed and even stifled, but I was still able to function and not detached from reality. Hemmingway said it right: "There is nothing to Writing, all you do is sit down at a typewriter and Bleed." So true. But I would add: just make sure you have the Band-Aids handy. Julie Etta Smith
Monday, April 14, 2025
Mental Illness--Gaining Strength through Acceptance
Dealing with a diagnosis of mental illness, and learning to accept it, is ironically enough, like dealing with the 5 stages of grief. It is tough to accept the reality of your situation, just as much as it is to accept the reality of your illness. My life became a whole lot easier once I accepted a diagnosis of Bi-Polar and found the proper medication that worked for me. I went through a slew of different meds and 2 different psychiatrists before I finally found a lifestyle and ONE medication that worked for me. As I draw this parallel with the five stages of grief, I think it is best to start out this conversation with a description of those stages.
1) Denial2)Anger3)Bargaining4)Depression5)Acceptance
In a grief experience, this generally means the loss of a loved one. As applied to coping with mental illness, this can also mean dealing with a loss--the loss of a lifestyle and/or your perception of who you are as a person. It was hard for me to accept the fact that perhaps I was not processing things the way most people do and perhaps I needed some chemical assistance to do so. I remember my psychiatrist telling me once that there is no shame in having to take medication for your brain to work properly. A diabetic takes insulin, you just need a supplement of lithium for your brain. That explanation helped put things in perspective.
Roy Scheider as Gideon in All That Jazz |
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.
So, finding out if you are just feeling blue or clinically depressed is incredibly important. My diagnosis of Bi-Polar depression had "depression" in the title so for me it was a package deal. Lucky Me. Yet, the hardest thing for me to accept has been that my depression has not necessarily been "situational" depression, but rather a chemical characteristic of my body that I just have to treat and learn to live with. I have dealt with it over the years, but as you can imagine, EVERY medication has side effects, some worse than others.
The fifth and final stage: Acceptance is a tough one to swallow and there are days when you can bounce back up to the #1 stage: Denial. These stages, as they apply to Grief and also to Mental Health, helps one to understand that you are not alone. It is important to remember that some people skip stages, while others get stuck in other stages for what can be an unhealthy amount of time. The process is different for everyone, depending on their circumstances.
Several factors have helped me with my challenge of learning to stay afloat with a Bi -Polar diagnosis. First, my Faith has helped me immensely to help me feel loved no matter what. Second, my family provided support and love in spite of some of my more "difficult" moments. Last, but certainly not least, I educated myself on my illness, various medications and utilized my strength and power to have a say in my OWN THERAPY and Healing. Keeping your autonomy, does wonders for your self-esteem and in turn healing. Of course you need good doctors, friends and family to assist, but remember you are the one that knows what is best for YOU. It can be a long hard climb, but worth the effort.
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Hope Springs Eternal
White Trillium-a harbinger of spring |
As I write these words, it is the very last few days of March and there is a steady snowfall outside my window. So typical of March to have 70 degrees and sunshine on one day, then snow and wind the next. Nevertheless, at this juncture it can be frustrating. Just about everyone I know is so ready for Spring. It is the same back and forth pretty much every year, yet sometimes we never get used to that. We have to have HOPE that Spring will eventually come. I took this photo several years ago on a springtime walk in the woods. The White Trillium is a woodland flower that comes up in April and May. It is such a delicate, beautiful flower and signifies to me the coming of spring as it bursts forth above the fallen leaves of the previous autumn. Not only is it a pleasure to behold, I found out that in some cultures and philosophies, the 3-petal structure represents balance of the past, present and future and also the connection between mind body and spirit. Such an impressive connection for something so wonderfully simple. Sometimes simplicity is the best.
So as we wait, impatiently, for the White Trillium to appear and the moment when we can safely put away the snow shovels away, I am reminded of a mindset that helps me carry forward. The concept of Hope and how there are certain tools we can use to foster that hope. One of these tools is one of my favorite Bible verses: Hebrews 11:1 which states:
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The spiritual aspect of this verse has always brought me comfort, but on the more pragmatic level, the green grass, flowers breaching the surface and the warmer temperatures are yet to be seen and felt...but we have faith and hope that those days will arrive. Of this, I am sure. Every March I go through this. I am wanting to visit nurseries and start to plant flowers and plan my vegetable garden. Yet I have to reign myself in and practice both patience and hope.
There is also more to utilizing the art of practicing patience and hope than just horticulture and the changes of the seasons. I get frustrated and borderline depressed when I think of the current "State of Affairs" of our country and all the changes that are taking place under the Trump administration. I really want, and need, to think positively about the future of this country and the future of the world.
So many things these last few months have shocked, angered and dismayed me that I don't know where to turn for solace. I find solace in HOPE. I look for ties from the past that at the time seemed monumental but eventually had a way of working out. I do what I can to help make my community and world a better place. Yet, I also have to protect my own mental health and well-being. Yet even the simple concept of hope is such an important tool in making things better: "If there is hope in the future, there is literally power in the present." Zig Ziglar
That being said, I can keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward based on the premise of HOPE. Julie Etta Smith
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Original and the Best: Finding my Roots
Friday, July 28, 2023
The Magic in Mentoring
I really wish I had a mentor. I could use some technical assistance and at least some moral support on my current project. I am in the process of "melding" two blogs into one, for several reasons. It's a long story, but I still want to be able to maintain two separate areas of focus for placement of my writings: one for travel: americandestinations.net and the other for all the other interests that I write about: julieetta1982blogspot.com
So I am a strong advocate for fighting against the phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." I always like to TRY to learn new stuff and like to think that I can pick up on new ways of doing things. Yet, it's really scary sometimes to take the plunge. Just like this birdie, I wish I could just keep using a parachute. Sometimes to proceed without the parachute, I have to consider what would be the end result without the parachute. So yesterday I spend at least 3 hours transferring all 110 blogs from my site (and some on my computer) to a flash drive. Now they are safely tucked away in case my "parachute" fails. So I did take the plunge and purchase a new domain address for my original blog and it is now operated by the same web development platform as my travel blog: WIX . However, I am not really sure what that means in terms of how it will function and what it will look like? Guess time will tell, but I have a few things I hope to accomplish with this new change.
So I started my first blog almost 10 years ago (Wow, hard to believe it's been 10 years!) Then after learning a few basics...completely self-taught, I started another blog that I could funnel all my travel features into and it helped me collect the material needed for the publication of my National Parks book, I have learned so much about blogging, writing, computer usage and formatting throughout this process and almost all of my efforts have been self guided. I do remember getting some feedback from others who operated their own blogs and yes that was helpful. Yet the step by step processes had to be more of a trial and error basis. Even back then, I wish I would have had a mentor to guide me through some of the steps. In hindsight, it many ways I have been my own mentor: teaching my self along the way. So in that respect, Oprah is right...allowing myself to "see the hope inside yourself". Nothing like "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps", but there were many times I wish I had an outside source to help some of the questions that I just couldn't find answers to.
Some subject matters lend themselves to hands-on mentoring....like quilting. In recent years I have expanded my interest in quilting and when I joined a local quilting guild (Willow River Piecemakers Quilt Guild-terrific group!!) I have access to a whole group of very talented quilters whom have really helped me improve my skills and inspire me to pursue new creations. Any quilter will tell you you can never have too many on-going projects! It's easy to get inspired for the next big thing.
On the other hand, writing, blogging and publishing is by nature a more solitary process because everyone has differing expectations. Many of the techniques and how-to's on the computer can be learned via help desks and "chats", but it is hard to find one to one personal assistance. Over the years I read books, articles and used on-line help to set-up both my blogs and to help me write and publish my books. It sometimes has been an arduous task to figure out and achieve what I was, and still am trying, to accomplish. Sometimes when you find a key source, you can find delight in it helping you along the way. When I started blogging and free lance writing 10 years ago, one of my key sources became, in essence, a mentor to me: Kristen Lamb. She is an author and a blogger who has written several books about writing. My favorite book of hers really provided many insights and helped to navigate the nuances of both blogging and the publishing industry. Her book is: Rise of the Machines, Human Authors in a Digital World. It's an awesome and interesting book. It seemed so cutting edge when I purchased it (Copywrite 2013), and even now it has great value, but it's truly amazing how rapidly this industry changes. Nevertheless, thanks so much Kristen.
This blog post itself is an experiment as to how and where it will be posted and what it looks like to my readers. So other than all the above mentioned aids to helping me with blogs and publishing, guess I just have to take the plunge and leave my parachute behind. Wish me luck. Julie E. Smith
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Finding Your Voice
When I was a young girl, perhaps in my early teens, my Mom, sister & I made several cross country road trips from Iowa to upstate NY to visit family. I fondly recall one summer when my Mom decided it might be prudent to get a CB radio, for safety reasons if we were on the road and had car trouble. It was the responsible thing to do, yet in the eyes of a teenager girl it was delightful fun to chat with the truckers and just about anybody else I was able to strike up a conversation with up and down the dial. Remember this was before the days of cell phones and before the days of social media. I found it great fun and so did most of the truckers...most of them. It was all well and good until one of the truckers decided my "handle" should be "ratchet jaw". In hind sight, it was funny, but at the same time hurtful. It was one of those moments that you remember years later. It was one of the first times in my life I had been criticized for talking too much. It also came to be the first of many times. Yet, many of us have traits...parts of our personality that are ingrained in us. Sometimes it becomes kind of a self fulfilled prophecy. When someone tells you that you are a certain way...then you start to see yourself that way. Yes, sometimes I talk a lot, perhaps too much. When those moments arise that I am reprimanded for talking too much, I instinctively back down, for awhile anyway. Then my need to be heard resurfaces and I feel the need to speak and be heard.
Saturday, July 8, 2023
The Road Less Traveled
It is funny how simple changes in our routine and going outside our "comfort zone" can really open one's eyes to new things and new experiences. Something as simple as a road detour can bring an interesting twist to your day. Some of my inspiration for this blog post is reminiscent of Robert Frost's poem: The Road Not Taken. It has always been one of my favorites:
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
That particular poem has been interpreted in so many ways. It also probably is different for everyone in different life circumstances. For me and at this time, it really says to me that it's rewarding to find new pathways...both literally and figuratively speaking. Here's a perfect example from my recent travels in my own town. We found out that work would be done on a bridge close to our neighborhood on a county road that happens to be our main pathway to town (we live on the far east side of town and basically have to go this way to get anywhere else.) There are two detours that definitely take the long way around, but frankly they are very pretty drives. Our initial reaction included groans of exasperation followed by an acceptance and appreciation that at least the bridge is being improved before something bad happened. So we keep taking the long way and have learned to be more effective about planning our trips. It truly is nice that I am seeing part of this area that under normal circumstances I would never see.
Simplistic beauty of a country road |
This particular corner on our detour takes us by this big beautiful barn. The whole scene with the curvy road, stately maple trees and the big red barn is just picture perfect; makes the drive that much nicer. If it were winter, this curvy road could be icy and a bit treacherous....but it's not. It is summer: the fields of corn are abundant, the trees and wildflowers are diverse and it makes for a lovely drive....even if it is a bit longer.
So admiring the Grant Wood beauty of this scene and barn, I started wondering about some of the unique round barns that I know can be found in Wisconsin. Inquiring minds need to know ...so I did my research and found out that at one time there were over 215 round barns in Wisconsin. Since the round barn style was more common from 1880 to the 1930s it was a very common way to build a barn and made more sense both economically and the feasibility of building usage. With the advent of electricity and newer methods of milking, it was easier to electrify a rectangular shaped barn. So the round style became a thing of the past, but when you happen to come upon one, if it is still standing... it is a unique reflection of historical agriculture.
I also discovered that the state of Wisconsin has more round barn structures than any state in the U.S. The state of Indiana runs a close second on that probably by virtue of the large Amish population in the state. The Amish were known to prefer building round barns and were able to perfect the building techniques for them. They also utilized the unique shape for milking and also grain storage without the use of electrification.
New Richmond (Erin Prairie Township, built 1914) |
So I did a little poking around on the internet and I found an amazing list of all the historical round barns in the state of Wisconsin. If you are curious to find one in your area you can find the list at:www.dalejtravis.com/rblist/rbwi.htm
So I was amazed to find there was one VERY close to my house. I grabbed my camera and hopped in the car to go snap some photos. It was easy to find with the help of Dale Travis's detailed list. It also made me realize I may want to go on a scavenger hunt of sorts to photograph more of these unique and historical structures. I took many photos of this unique barn and wish I could have taken more of the interior structure. However, no one was at home at the time to get permission. Sometimes the interiors show how solidly they were built and also the unique grain and feed storage areas. In any case, I took several shots of this unique barn.
New Richmond (Erin Prairie Township, built 1914) |
So I did discover that the highest concentration of round barns in the WORLD is right here in Wisconsin in Vernon County. There are 17 left in that county at last count, but previously the numbers of round barns were much higher in that area. Vernon County borders the Mississippi and encompasses a "driftless" glacial area and the terrain has gently rolling hills There is also a very large population of Amish in the area so it is no small wonder that so many of the traditional round barns had been constructed in this area. Some of the barns are of newer construction, but the majority of them were built between 1890 and 1930. Most of the barns were used for dairy farming.
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Round barn in Vernon County Wisconsin |
Another round barn in Wisconsin that is worthy of note is found in northern region of Iron County near Hurley. It is located directly across from the Montreal River from Ironwood, Michigan. The round barn was built in 1917 and is an impressive structure made entirely from field stones. Can you imagine the labor involved in constructing it? It is listed on Wisconsin's National Register of Historic Places.
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Annala Round Barn in Hurley, WI. (Built 1917) |
So remember next time you come upon a detour, both literally and figuratively speaking, a journey on that detour can sometimes bring new and thought provoking sights and experiences. Happy Travels along the way on the Road less traveled. Julie E. Smith