New Year's Resolutions? Keep on Writing...

Like most folks this time of year, I reflect back on what has transpired in the last year and also look forward to the promise of new and wonderful things ahead. I have thought about what I have achieved with my writing and what I hope to pursue in the coming year. I originally wrote this awhile ago, but am encouraged that some of my perceptions about the life of a free lance writer have actually "evolved" into perhaps a more realistic view. I've had a few articles published, completed my first book and had many ups and downs. Yet I have resolved to just keep plugging....

I am a Writer because I write, not to be defined by a paycheck. I have been published several times, but the “steady paycheck” for my efforts has yet to transpire.  I write about this today, because I know I have to come to grips with this myself, because I am the one that is most affected by attitudes of others and also my own introspective attitudes.  Attitudes that can be hurtful to me and undermine my inspiration.  Attitudes that can demean and feel condescending to me…if I let them.  So in writing about this issue that I am grappling with in my life, I am hoping it will help me come to terms with this.

 “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
― Confucius
 

I am loving what I do, but do not receive a regular paycheck: one of the risks you take as a freelance writer.  I love my life as a writer, so far so good.

Prior to beginning my life as a writer, I had been receiving a paycheck since I was 16 years old. Through the years the size of the checks have gone up and down, which is not surprising at all considering the variety of jobs I have held.  I never really thought about it too much, because I have always had a check, big or small, they have always been there.  When my husband took the plunge and decided to retire, and I knew we would be OK (financially stable) so I could pursue my passion of writing. This being said, it is not required of me to have an income, but I have yet to adjust to the fact that I don’t have one. Then here begins the Feminist argument that women should be self-sufficient in the economic realm. Through the years the value and true monetary figure of what has traditionally been described as “women’s work”, raising children and efficiently operating a household, has never been actually determined.  Which is not surprising because it is extremely difficult to put an exact monetary value on something that is an intangible concept.  In discussing this type of work, a woman is not producing a tangible, marketable product.  I know in my heart that women have made great strides in having the value of their work appreciated by society as a whole and not just other women with the same struggles. 

In the book “The Second Stage”, by Betty Friedan (a brilliant woman in my opinion!) she discusses the second stage of the feminist movement which seeks to end the polarization of feminism and the family, and also between men and women.  Published in 1981, when I was still in college and an aspiring journalist, her words really spoke to me, and really created a stir in both feminist and relationship circles. Even though it was written quite some time ago, the validity of it still rings true.  Some ideas she presented have evolved into every day, commonly accepted practices. Sadly, some of the tired, old attitudes still exist.  I have to review my own attitudes and find what works for me and also the people that I love.

So I come full circle with this discussion, trying once again to affirm that my value as a human being is not determined by the size of my paycheck or for that matter, if there is any paycheck at all! Especially as a woman, the people I love and take care of , the meals I share with them, the flowers I tend, the journals I create....all these things provide value and beauty in my world, and the world I share with those I love. That is better than any paycheck I could receive. Betty would be proud of me...and Maya too!

Going beyond the mechanics: Finding the Joy in Phototograpy

This is not a lesson in apertures, F-stops and shutter speeds. It is more of a discussion on the subjective nature of photography and how different perspectives can improve the quality of your photographs.

Great Blue Heron--Lake Wapogasset, Wisconsin

What makes a truly great photograph? Like any art, a "great" photograph is subjective and is perceived differently by each person. As the adage goes: "One man's trash is another man's treasure", and that could be applied to favorite photos as well. I was so incredibly excited to get this shot of a beautiful Heron as he was fishing for his supper. I was relatively close to him and stood very still, he didn't seem to mind....he was more focused on his fishing. I also have a fairly decent zoom lens, which helps. In any case, I was happy with the end result. When it comes to wildlife photography, anyone who has achieved a terrific shot will tell you patience is a virtue. And takes LOTS of shots, it may take several to get the exact photo you want.

When I was journalism student in college (back in the day before digital photography....just a few yeas ago)  I took several photography classes as part of my curriculum. The mechanics of photography have changed, but the elements of style and design have not.   A great example of this propensity for subjectivity in the art of photography became very clear to me in the experience I had with this class. I kept up with the assignments and had mastered the processes involved in dark room work. Our final project required a series of 12 photos, all black and white and all based on a specific theme. Now this is a perfect way to help budding photographers hone the craft: stay focused on a specific theme and/or object and really explore all the possibilities. I choose cemeteries and beautiful tombstones. I thought it was a great topic for black and white photos; dark and mysterious and bit macabre.  I worked hard on different landscapes, lighting and I was quite proud of the end result. All our projects were shared with the class. Another class mate did her entire final project on one lone tree on the top of a hill. She probably did all her shooting in one day. She got an "A" and I ended up with a "C". Obviously the professor and I did not have the same perception of what is considered artistic and quality photographs. I will never forget how it made me feel, but it also taught me a valuable lesson. Photography is so much more than the mechanics of the process, it has to be felt from the heart. It is also an art, which of course is perceived differently by different people. So if you have a photo that you are proud of, display it proudly and share it too!

Split Rock Lighthouse:Lake Superior                      Inside the Keeper's Pantry

There are photos that are just documentation of a special event, special within their own right, then there are photos that take on an artistic rendering of the subject. The lighting, angles, focus and filters can really change an everyday object and bring out unique features. I took the above photographs of my favorite, very scenic lighthouse: Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior. The color image is nice to capture the majestic cliff, icy blue waters of Superior and the details of the lighthouse itself. Yet the black and white image of the pantry in the Keeper's quarters seems to tell a story of the lonely, simple and frugal life of the lighthouse keepers. If it were depicted in color, it just wouldn't seem to have the same qualities. The simplicity of black and white photography can really make a statement and it's good to consider that depending on the subject.

The more I take photos I realize, some of the best are taken when the subjects are unaware they are being photographed. This creates a feeling of intimacy and takes away the "posed" look. When I was visiting an aquarium in Seward with my husband and son, I snapped this picture of them sitting together chatting in front of an exhibit. A very nice father/son moment... and it ended up being one of my favorite pictures of the day. So don't forget to be a little stealth with your camera, you will be pleasantly surprised what you will capture.

Nevertheless, it can also be rewarding to have a thematic element to a collection of pictures. Maybe my college photography instructor had some good points in that respect. It adds a neat perspective to see a collection of photographs that follow a theme. A Facebook page I follow: "The Northern Way of Life" always has a fantastic collection of photos about....wait for it....the Northern Way of Life. The man that started the page is a Wisconsin resident. Ya-Hoo! Looking at the photos, it's easy to see the different perceptions of all that is worth taking pictures "up north" here: a forest path, a lone fisherman, a Bald Eagle circling above a sparkling stream. The possibilities are endless and it is interesting to note that this group has close to 37,000 followers, and I can see why. It is so fun to admire the photo artwork of others and it frequently provides inspiration.

Another site that I really enjoy is sure to bring inspiration for photographers. Flickr is a photo sharing site and I have been a member since 2016. You can check out flickr with the following link:https://www.flickr.com/people/141888018@N06/ This takes you to my page, or you can just look at flickr.com. There are so many talented photographers there and speaking of themes, you can do any search and it will bring up in amazing amount of photos on a range of subjects. I lately have found an interest in the amazing diversity and character to be found in photographing old barns.

Sounds boring, but they have a story to tell. Just search "old barns" on flickr and you will be amazed at all the cool buildings and settings you will see.  When I did that search I came across the old barn in Wyoming at the Grand Tetons National Park.  It is an amazing iconic structure and once you see it with the mountains in the background you definitely remember it.  I went to Wyoming a few years ago, and when I saw the photo it still jumped out to me as the Tetons. Wow! I also discovered that it has a specific name: The Moulton Barn. Discoveries like that are exciting and seems to shout: "A picture is worth a thousand words". And also worth sparking a thousand memories.
The more you view others photos the more inspiration you will find to enhance your own. ENJOY the search. JES

Oh Deer, Oh My!

"OUCH!!"

So one week ago, deer hunting season opened in my state of Wisconsin, and not only is it deer hunting season...it's mating season for those young "Bucks" and sometimes in their haste to find a mate, the results aren't so pretty.  About a week ago, our van was struck by a rather large buck as we were traveling about 60 mph on a Wisconsin county road. It was pitch black out and it happened so fast we hardly had time to react. He (about an 8 point buck) had almost cleared our van, to the other side of the road, but clipped our front quarter panel on the passenger side and knocked out one of the front head lights. Luckily, my husband and I were not injured and we could surmise that the deer was not killed (instantly anyway), he was not on the road and apparently had gone off into the woods. Now of course we count our blessings, it could have been much worse. Yet, it was enough to rattle anyone.

So with a little research, I found out Wisconsin ranks 4th as the state with the highest deer/car collisions. (Odd...seems to me like it should be #1, based on my recent experience) The top 5 states for deer/car collisions are as follows: 

1. West Virginia
2. Montana
3. Pennsylvania
4. Wisconsin
5. Iowa 

Of course these rankings vary from year to year, but these states usually make the top rankings.  A few years back, Wisconsin was ranked #7 and we have moved up to the #4 slot...Oh, Boy, lucky us.

According to State Farm Insurance,  while the number of miles driven by U.S. motorists over the past five years has increased just 2 percent, the number of deer-vehicle collisions in this country during that time has grown by ten times that amount.  Deer populations are growing and their habitats are being displaced by urban sprawl. Sometimes when their populations increase, the environment can't support the population and they subsequently starve or various diseases runs rampant. I am not a hunter, but I certainly can see how hunters can help to find a balance for this particular species. They are most definitely not endangered. Depending on where you live, this is a real problem with no easy solutions.  With respect to the collision problem, the most important thing is to be even more vigilant this time of year, especially at dusk and dawn. Yet, even being vigilant.....sometimes collisions can't be avoided.  Here are some important reminders and pointers that could maybe even save your life: (Published by GEICO insurance, Nathan Erb:)

When driving this fall, you should:

1. Watch for the rest of the gang. Deer are pack animals, and rarely travel alone. If a deer crosses in front of you, chances are there are more nearby. Slow down and keep an eye out for more deer darting across the road.
2. Timing is everything. Deer are most active at dusk and dawn: periods when your vision is most compromised. To add to their terrible timing, deer are on the move during mating season (between October and January) when you’re more likely to travel after the sun sets. Slow down and stay alert, especially after dark.
3. Wear your seat belt. It may not prevent a collision, but if the inevitable happens a seat belt can reduce injuries. This is especially true if you lose control and collide with something bigger, and more stationary than a deer.
4. Take a moment to reflect. First, look for the road signs. The yellow diamonds with the deer on it are placed in high-traffic areas for deer. You may also spot a deer because their eyes will brightly reflect a car’s headlights, making them easier to spot.
5. Stay Center. On a multi-lane road, the center lane is your safest bet for avoiding a deer collision, as long as your local traffic laws permit it. This gives deer plenty of space; and in case your vehicle does startle them, it gives you more time to react if one darts onto the road.
6. Stay the course. If you see a deer, brake firmly and calmly, and stay in your lane. Swerving could make you lose control of your vehicle and turn a bad situation much worse. Not to mention, deer are unpredictable, and you could swerve directly into their changed path.
7. Honk! Some experts recommend that one long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road. Do not rely on hood whistles or other devices designed to scare off deer—studies have shown them to be largely ineffective at minimizing accidents.

So in light of what happened with our collision, sometimes circumstances like these are a perfect place for a little humor to minimize the sting. I came across this meme that really gave me a chuckle, you can almost hear the deer talking to you...Is that a threat buddy?!

               So drive carefully out there folks. Be Safe.             JES

Courage: Going beyond your Comfort Zone

Take the first steps....

I have heard that personal growth and achievement can truly happen when a person goes beyond their “comfort zone” and does something out of character to really “shake things up”. Now this is hard to do because complacency is just so well…comfortable.  In my years of writing I have never written (in a public format anyway) about my own struggles with depression and bi-polar disorder. 

Yet, in light of the current changing social fabric, there exists a real need to change our attitudes about mental health issues. We need to stress the importance of free discussions about these health concerns.  It truly is a public health issue, not a “private concern” to be kept behind closed doors. If a mental health concern only affected the person afflicted, then yes, it could remain private, but all too often it affects family and others in the community.  My hope in having open discussions on this topic is that it will help others to be more willing to change and perhaps lead us all towards helpful, viable solutions. If nothing else, I hope people can become more open about discussing mental health issues.

I was prompted to write this after viewing a PBS special entitled: “God Knows where I am.”  It is the true story of a well-educated New Hampshire woman who was diagnosed with severe Bi-Polar disorder and psychosis. She received psychiatric care and had several family members working to help her cope with her illness. After years of fluctuating results in her progress, she had made the decision to refuse treatment and any medications. She secured a voluntary release from the hospital and with her new found freedom consciously adopted a homeless lifestyle.

She had left the hospital in early October and was able to find shelter in an abandoned farmhouse, not too far from a main road. There were orchards nearby and she collected apples to store up before the snows of winter hit. She kept an accurate journal of all her thoughts and how she would ration all the apples. She took a bucket and melted snow for drinking water. Even though she was free from the constraints of a hospital, she imprisoned herself in the abandoned farmhouse until she starved to death. This was a very powerful program that brings up many important issues about society’s treatment of the mentally ill and displaced. A panel after the program brought forward many of the problems of both the medical and legal communities in dealing with these issues. Patient rights have to be addressed and this issue was commented on by Carol Bernstein, with the American Psychiatric Association. She states: 

  

“These are disorders that affect how people think and how they observe things and how they understand things. When that abuts up against the issue of somebody’s rights of who they are and where they are…..we have a conflict in society.”

Recognizing and pin pointing these issues in dealing with mental illness is the first step in finding viable solutions and quality care.

My story has a much happier outcome than that of Linda Bishop. My illness first surfaced as post-partum depression and then I was later diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder. I was fortunate in that I received good care and had a wonderful family that supported me throughout. My illness was not quite as intense, profound or long-lasting as hers. I remember on several occasions my psychiatrist telling me: “Not to worry, you basically have Baby Bi-Polar”. I guess every mental illness can have varying degrees and levels, just as there are so many differing personalities.

Yet, the important thing to remember is that it is a silent disease, with no outward visible signs of suffering. Therefore, to help each other we HAVE to learn to talk about mental illness and take away the shame. It’s probably more prevalent then we realize.

It’s therapeutic for me to talk (and write) about my own struggles.  Perhaps this opens the door for me (and others I hope) to begin discussions on the topic. I hope this helps myself and others to go beyond the “comfort zone” and open our eyes to new growth.

Agricultural Automation--helping the 2% of the population feed the rest of us.

That's correct and an amazing statistic: a very small portion of the population (less than 2%) is working to provide for the remaining 98%. Taking that into consideration, the status and future of the American Farmer is important to us all.  As this country has changed from an agrarian to a more urban structure, how we provide for our citizens and imports to other countries has evolved.  In 1870, almost 50 percent of the U.S. population was employed in agriculture.  Currently, less than 2 percent of the population is directly employed in agriculture.

Life on the farm is not what it used to be. That's the understatement of the day. Automation in farm production has infiltrated all aspects of farm life from produce and grain production to livestock and a multitude of facets in dairy farming. I am a city girl; I don't profess to be in expert in agricultural matters, but I was prompted to write this article after a recent trip to my extended family's dairy farm in upstate New York.  This particular farm has been owned and operated by the same family for over 200 years, since 1809.  Also, since I live in the second largest dairy producing state in the country, I do have an interest in what supports our local economy.

My uncle, aunt and cousins that operate a dairy farm in New York recently made the decision to  transition to an Automated Milking System (or AMS as referred to in the industry). Yes, as amazing as it is to a layman like myself...there are robots designed to milk cows. The systems are also sometimes referred to VMS, or Voluntary Milking Systems because the cows choose when the want to be milked. They walk into the milking stall at their on accord when they are ready to be milked. Cows just know when they are ready. They don't need to be herded in. When using this kind of system, the milking takes place 24/7.


Now as amazing as this new automation may be, when a new technology is introduced there are usually skeptics and critics of the system.  I myself,  had a romanticized version of cows grazing on green pastures and being herded into the barn only twice a day and then let out free to roam as they please. These human perceptions of what cows "should" like are just that....human perceptions. The cows that are tended to on my Uncle's farm are VERY well taken care of and from a human perspective they seem very happy and very healthy.

The "Happiness Quotient" is NOT just a perception, but can actually be gauged, to some extent, on each cow. A transponder is placed on the cow's leg (kind of a "Fit Bit" for cows) to provide essential information detailing not only the milk production of the cow but also specific medical needs and concerns to assure a healthy and happy cow. When a cow enters the stall to be milked, her "Fit Bit" links with the computer and gives an amazing amount of information on the cow. This photo of the computer screen in each milking station shows the information collected and maintained on each cow and also on the herd as a whole.  Including in this information are items like: pounds of milk production, lactation cycles, genetic histories and vaccinations.

According to the National Dairy Farm Magazine: Hoard's Dairyman,:
"The primary disadvantage of robots is the large capital investment of $150,000 to $200,00 for every 50 to 70 milking cows. Older studies show robots are less profitable than conventional milking systems. Advances in robot technology, improved RMS management, and higher labor costs change these results."  ("Can Robots Compete?", Hoard's Dairyman, May 25, 2018)

In Wisconsin and Minnesota alone, recent statistics state there are over 200 farms utilizing a robotic system for milking. There are numerous reasons to convert to a robotic system but the primary reasons are: reduction of labor, increased milk production and improved lifestyles; both for the dairy farmers and the cows. So perhaps the trend in dairy production is moving in that direction. When I was able to see the process first hand, toured the barn and received a detailed explanation of how things work I was "blown away" by it all. I do not know how to tell if a cow is "happy" or not....but these ladies looked very content. As my cousin said, if anyone is curious, skeptical or critical of the process all they need to do is "put your boots on and come out to the barn".

I wanted to write this article to support and lift up the importance of the American farmer today. My exposure to farming has been predominately dairy farming. Dairy farming is a very hard life and it takes a truly deep commitment. Yet it is not without it's own rewards. Being in tune with nature and working with the Earth is such a blessing.  I remember my Uncle frequently declaring as he looked up at the star laden night sky up on the hill: "Would you just look at that sky."

So next time you enjoy your tall glass of milk with a grilled cheese sandwich, take a moment to remember the hard work that went into getting it to your table. Hug a farmer today.  JES

 

Just because it's FREE, Doesn't mean it's Lame.

We Americans frequently adhere to the adage: "You get what you pay for." Sometimes in certain circumstances this is true, no denying that. Yet I am here to lift up the virtues of seeking out and enjoying FREE STUFF! Of course there are the many free things in life like love, friendships, holding a soft puppy, enjoying the sounds of soft spring rain and....well you get the idea. These things are all well and good, but I'm talking about less esoteric things, like entrance to a free museum.

So many people have the impression that things can't be very good, or worth taking the time to look into, unless you have to pay an admission fee. I am here to strongly denounce that misconception. I have seen so many interesting museums and "freebies", yet have also seen ones that were indeed lame. It's always a gamble, but look at it this way, you haven't paid money up front so you are not out anything. Yet, if it turns out to be an interesting and worthwhile place, you can almost always donate money on your way out the door. Museums and centers need donations to keep places running and also appreciate positive feedback....tell your friends, they might enjoy the place too!

Polk County Museum

 In my area, there is a county museum that has an amazing collection of stories, artifacts and documentation on the settlement and growth of several communities within our county. The Polk County Museum in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin is housed in a majestic, red brick courthouse. The building itself is quite a sight to behold. Originally built in 1899, it was used as a courthouse until 1975 when it was converted to a museum and is operated by volunteers. It has been included in the National Register of Historic Places.   Inside the museum, there are three floors of galleries with some of the exhibits dating back to the Revolutionary War.  There is an impressive exhibit about the logging industry and it's impact on the area. Logging and lumbering were the primary attractions that brought early settlers to the area in as early as 1837. I never knew that the logs were "branded" (just like cattle) before being sent down the river...neat.

The building also has unique and beautiful stained glass and interesting architectural details on every floor. Here is a stained glass window that is beautiful, but also informative: it shows a map designating the townships within Polk County. I thought this was so beautiful and I bet it looks very different depending on the time of day.

Polk County in Stained glass depiction

Not only do they have an impressive permanent collection, the museum also hosts traveling exhibits. One coming up that I will NOT miss is an exhibit about John Muir, the conservationist and one of the men instrumental in founding the National Park Service. John Muir spent much of his youth in Wisconsin. The exhibit is on loan from the Wisconsin Historical Society and runs from Aug. 10-Sept. 2, 2018. The Museum has limited hours in the summer time, and frequently hosts private and school tours the rest of the year. The museum is at 120 Main Street Balsam Lake. For more information you can contact them at: (715) 485-9269

Another free and very interesting museum that I had the pleasure of visiting is the Bayfield Maritime Museum. Located in Bayfield, Wisconsin near the Apostle Islands, it is a treasure trove of cool stuff all related to the maritime industry, the history of the area and the wonders of Lake Superior.  Many topics are covered including boat making and the development of the maritime industry, shipwrecks on Lake Superior, lighthouses, and an impressive collection of historical photographs and artifacts related to the area. It is staffed by very helpful and knowledgeable volunteers, who are happy to answer any questions.

They also have a small amount of books and souvenirs about the area and the Apostle Islands. I purchased a nautical print of  Bayfield and the Apostle Islands and another print showing all the Lighthouses of the Apostles.  Both prints were very suitable for framing and it made me feel good knowing that my purchases went towards helping to operate the museum. This museum is only open during the summertime and is staffed by volunteers. For more information, check out their website at: www.bayfieldmaritimemuseum.org

My Son Dan by a favorite spot in the SPAM Museum~ Austin,MN.

Some FREE museums, like the SPAM museum in Austin Minnesota, have an ulterior motive like promoting and extra marketing of their product. But so what?!....if it provides an entertainment value and a diversion for weary highway travelers, more power to them.  Many people react with the comment: "There's a SPAM Museum, seriously?" Yes, seriously. If you are passing through southern Minnesota, don't forget to go. However...I'm kind of embarrassed to say I have been to the SPAM museum three times, with various family members so they do can enjoy that fun place. I'm not even a big fan of SPAM (except with mac&cheese), but it really is a fun place and a lovely gift shop too! (One can never have too many SPAM refrigerator magnets.) For more details about the SPAM museum, there website is: www.spam.com/museum

So next time you are out and about, or even in need of a local excursion, don't forget the local small museum. You may be surprised of what new wonders await within.  JES