Joy with all the Hobbies, Slave to None

I love this meme; really made me laugh and struck a chord. That would pretty much be me at 16. When it comes to hobbies as a "mature" adult I have dabbled in many hobbies that I have ventured into in recent years. My hobbies still include drinking wine, but I generally do not end up drunk in a field somewhere. Ha-ha.

There's an old adage that has come to mind lately: Jack of all Trades, Master of None.  It usually only applies to professional tradesmen, but if you re-work the phrasing, I think you could apply the concept to hobbyists of all types. Think about "Joy with all the Hobbies, Slave to None." It presents the concept that one can have many hobbies and not have to be stymied by perfecting just one. So how many hobbies and passions can one pursue? Obviously the answer is different for every person. Yet, I am here to promote the joy in pursuing one's hobbies and encouraging time spent on hobbies is time well spent.

 After "retiring" from the many jobs of paid employment and also raising my sons I started to seek several different passions including writing and photography. I started a writers group when living in Illinois, and now regularly attend one here in Wisconsin. I have been scrapbooking family photos for years, then I also started to dabble in quilting. After joining a local quilt guild, it was more fuel for the fire.  I really enjoy quilting!  I also have a weekly Bible study that provides spiritual inspiration as well as camaraderie with my fellow classmates. Gardening: every summer I enjoy tending flowers and producing a modest tomato crop. Yet, with all these interests and hobbies; I just have to juggle them because I really don't want to give up any....they all bring me joy. It is said that when any hobby becomes a chore or stressful for you, then you have too many.
Yet, not only is having a diversity of hobbies and interests lots of fun and keeps life interesting, it also helps to keep your brain healthy.  In a recent article in Psychology Today this particular headline caught my eye:

"More Hobbies with Age Lower Risk for Dementia"

"Please think of the brain like a muscle: The more we use and challenge it, the stronger and more resilient it becomes. So, while engaging in hobbies is a way to pass the time, it might also be a protective shield against some forms of dementia. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Epidemiology tracked older participants over a median period of 11 years. During this time, 3,095 of the participants were diagnosed with disabling dementia. But here's where things get interesting: Those who reported having hobbies were significantly less risky.

• People with at least one hobby had a risk reduction of 18 percent compared to those without.
• Those who engaged in many hobbies enjoyed an even more significant benefit, with their risk dropping by 22 percent.

This protective effect was seen in middle-aged individuals (40 to 64 years) and older adults (65 to 69 years). The age-old debate of breadth versus depth finds a fresh perspective when we look at our hobbies. Diverse interests not only carve a path towards a psychologically rich life, an essential marker of overall well-being, but also act as sentinels guarding our cognitive health. Embracing hobbies isn't just for the restless spirit; it's a recipe for a resilient mind and a well-lived life."

Well, that certainly makes me feel a whole lot better. I definitely want to "guard my cognitive health". I think I need to spend less time with guilt trips on myself saying..."I should write more, I should quilt more, I should get caught up with my scrapbooking. I am aware that should is sometimes a dirty word and needs to be avoided. Knowing that variety is a good thing and that perhaps perfection needs to be avoided can also ease some of our stress.

Reframing how you view your hobbies and/or passions also helps. It has been difficult for me to think of my writing as a "hobby". I have made some money with my books and free lance writing, but let's be real...not enough to support a family on. So it's not really my profession, but more of a passion. I cringe a little when people call it a hobby of mine. I prefer to think of it as a passion. My scrapbooking and quilting are wonderful hobbies that bring me joy. Writing brings me joy, but also helps me keep my sanity. Sitting down to compose at my computer is great therapy for me...no matter what the end result is like.

So the end take away for this blog is: may your hobbies help you to feel enriched, not stressed.                

                                                                    Julie Etta Smith

Under the Duct Tape Moose

 So I have embarked on another travel book that I hope will bring many new sights to discover on your next road trip. It's also an anthology of unique and funny road trip experiences.  Do you have a unique road trip experience that you would like to share?....I would love to include it in the collection of stories! Let me know at: Julieetta05@gmail.com  Here is the forward for my book and also explains what the heck is a Duct Tape Moose?!

Under the Duct Tape Moose--

American Road Trip Curiosities

Forward

Everyone has a story to tell about memorable travel experiences that bear repeating.  Many times the most memorable stories are the ones that occur on the road to our chosen destination.   This book is an anthology of  favorite stories along the Road Less Traveled.

Our first family trip to Alaska was when my sons were young teen boys, anxious to explore the Great White North.  My sister-in- law and brother- in- law lived in Anchorage and were happy to help guide our explorations on the “must see” portions of our trip.

The road trip north from Anchorage to visit Denali National Park, took us through Wasilla. We stopped at the local Walmart for snacks and a break.  Walking through the front door, in the front lobby stood a life size replica of a bull moose entirely constructed from duct tape.  We found out that, in 2003, Wasilla had been awarded the honor of : "Duck Tape Capital of the WORLD!"   This particular Walmart had sold more duct tape in the world  than any other location.  The Wasilla Walmart sold the equivalent of 325 miles of duct tape in one year! Since it was Alaska, how fitting they sculpted a Duct Tape Moose to commemorate the occasion.

 After several trips to Alaska, my son Dan, fell in love with Alaska and also fell in love with a woman who grew up in Wasilla.  They are now both living in Anchorage. While at a family gathering years later, discussing how they met, and the Wasilla Duct tape Moose came up.  Of course this was long before they met, but we laughed and wondered at the possibility that maybe they met “Under the Duct Tape Moose” and saw each other years before “officially” meeting one another.  Unbeknownst what the future would bring. Oh alas, the romance of meeting Under the Duct Tape Moose.

Hence the title of my book was born. On our travels it’s truly amazing that it’s the unique little things that make a memorable impact, not necessarily just the main attractions. The curiosities along the way provide opportunities to make every trip more memorable.   One is bound to see a moose when visiting Alaska, but how many have seen one made of Duct Tape?  It’s little distinctions like that, that make every journey distinctly one’s own. 

Happy Travels.      JES

The Link between Art & Madness

Vincent van Gogh,1889

Creative people have frequently been considered "different" from the norm of the general population. In more specific terms, the artistic temperment frequently manifests itself with manic-depressive  symptoms.  Modern psychiatry has taught us that when we look at the life stories of the truly creative writers, painters and musicians, many have exhibited strong indications of manic-depression or more recently referred to as Bipolar disorder. It piqued my curiousity to find out that there is a rather extensive list of many artists throughout history who have suffered from some type of mood disorder.  A partial list contains:  Vincent van Gough, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allen Poe, Virginia Woolf, Lord Bryon, Mozart and Hemmingway. Just to name a few...These are some of the most recognizable.  The definition of the illness has changed over the decades, but it can be determined that these artists were most likely Bipolar by the exhibited behaviors and symptoms that were recorded.

Thoughts about this topic recently came to me after reading this intriquing book: 

Touched with Fire: Manic -Drepressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament. by Kay Redfield Jamison. It's not a new idea, there has been a correlation between artistic temperment and mani-depressive states for as long as the two have existed.  Yet, this book takes the time and research to actually establish the correlation.  It presents in-depth reasearch on the lives of several famous writers and authors.  Granted, some of the book is dry and "technical" but she does a wonderful job of supporting her thesis and backing it up with facts and figures, not just suppositions.

One quote from the book, that highlights the link bewtween art and "mental distress", also points to the dilemmna of a hesitancy to pursue treatment for fear of quelching the flames of creativity. Jamison states: "Many artists and writers believe that turmoil, sufferring and extremes in emotional experience are integral not only to the human condition but to their abilities as artists.  They fear that psychiatric treatment will transform them into normal, well adjusted, dampened, and bloodless souls--unable, or unmotivated to write, paint or compose.  These fears have greatly intensified as a result of the availability of a wide range of highly effective mood-stabilizing medications."

Edvard Munch- The Scream, 1893

I know all too well about that fear of loss of creativity and the feeling of "flat" emotions from the use of "mood stabilizing" medications. I went thru a whole bevy of meds when initially diagnosed with Bipolar disorder over 20 years ago. I remember that "flat" feeling and just going through the motions of my day. I was so glad to be connecting with reality, but I just didn't feel like myself.

So when I started Lithium to help my symptoms, it became evident to me that this particular drug could help me without feeling like a "bloodless soul".  Lithium is the most commonly prescribed medication for Bipolar and generally the most effective. Nevertheless, for some people it becomes a tradeoff and a difficult choice to make: sometimes the creative process is enhanced by manic episodes. Prescription remedies seem to botch (in the patient's opinion) their "humaness" and creativity. Yet, the alternative of experiencing continued manic episodes and low depressive episodes takes it's toll on the human body. 

Bipolar illness not only worsens over time, it becomes less responsive to medication over time.  Episodes and hospitalizations can increase and sadly, when left untreated, can result in suicide.

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

 

The Original and the Best: Finding my Roots

I have been freelance writing and blogging for 10 years. It is interesting how my writing has evolved, and I hope has improved.  After just finishing my Mom's biography I feel a real sense of accomplishment and it was a labor of love.  I was generally happy with the final result, although writers are their own worst critics.  It was so hard to determine what to put in and what to leave out.  Yet, I like to think that my Mom would have been happy with the book and there are so many wonderful memories and photos to cherish for the people that knew her well.  

So now that it is complete, I pondered what project am I going to work on next? Many different book projects come to mind....but for now I'm going to go back to my blogs.  There is so much satisfaction from telling your stories, viewpoints and life experiences and putting in print. As Maya Angelou once wisely said: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."   Wise woman.  I agree with that need to share various aspects of our human condition with fellow travelers in life.

When I decided to rejuvenate my blogs, I researched the various platforms all over again. So much has changed in 10 years.  My blogging journey has taken me from Blogger to Word Press to Wix.  At the time, the reasons for those changes made sense.  Yet, I thought about where I am today with my writing and what my "needs" are.  I thought about the simplicity of Blogger...the platform for my first blog. Not a huge amount of design options, but the editing was simple and intuitive.  Plus the price was right: FREE.

When I was trying to promote my book, I was concerned about followers, SEO and getting numerous comments on every blog-not any more.  I am more concerned about the simple joy of telling my story.  If others want to read it and share comments with me...great.  However, I am not going to lose sleep over it. All those other concerns seem secondary to many writers who are interested in making money. Yes, actual money from one's writing. What a concept.  Or there is the secondary route of advertising on your blog.  I did try that, but it didn't work for me.  Visually unappealing to go to my blog and see the main text of my blog almost obliterated by ads.  Anyway, not for me.  What it boils down to is that making money is not a priority with my writing.  The above meme says is all.

So in my quest to get back to my roots and following the main purpose of why I love to write, I looked up my original blog: Outlooks & Inspirations on Julieetta1982.blogspot.com 

Low & Behold it was still there and every blog I had written since February of 2015 is archived in it. Thank you, Blogger.  I guess it wouldn't just disappear, unless I deleted it.  But nevertheless, it gave me a feeling of security knowing that my writing has been kept for posterity.  I went in and revised the layout and colors, slightly, just to make it new for me and new for 2025.  Happy 10th Birthday Outlooks & Inspirations.  I plan to keep you going.                                                                                                                                                        Julie Etta Smith

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

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.

So talking easily with just about anyone is not necessarily a bad thing. I have been told I possess the "Gift of Gab".  It comes in handy for a whole bevy of social situations to help break the ice and sometimes put more people at ease. Yet, learning how to measure your words before you speak is an important skill to have.  It reminds me of the old adage: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt." This quote is sometimes attributed to Abraham Lincoln, although the actual origin has been debated.  Nevertheless, when I hear it, it sometimes causes me to think twice before making comments.  Especially on a topic I have limited knowledge on.  Tis better to listen and learn in those circumstances.

So frequently I remind myself of another adage: God gave us two ears and one mouth so we should listen twice as much as we talk.  Good point.  Nevertheless when I look at this image of a woman (circa 1950's) being a good girl and reminding either herself  or someone close by to "Shush"...the feminist in me rises and  I want to cry out until my voice is heard. Why is it that silence is sometimes equivalent to complacency?   Not always the case, yet being silent sometimes comes at a cost.

I guess we all need to feel that we are being heard and finding our voice with respect to how we communicate.  Many times it is not merely verbal, but our voice can be carried and displayed in a multitude of ways: music, art and in my case: writing. 

I have compared this blog sometimes to a journal...it feels so good to be able to express myself, to have my voice heard.  Yet someone (I'm not saying who...) said to me: ..."If it's like a journal than why should you care if anybody reads it or not?"  OUCH. Theoretically, maybe I shouldn't care if anybody reads it or not.  But it comes full circle as to why I write...it is a way of finding my voice.  So if no one listens to my "voice" why should I write? Good question. Why does an artist paint? Why does a dancer dance? I write because that is who I am.  Nevertheless, it would be nice to know someone is "listening".  Lately I have grappled with new ideas on how to reach my audience. As a writer and blogger it is sometimes sad to think that when you hit the "Publish" button your work has now gone to cyberspace, possibly never to be viewed except by your own eyes.  Yes, this is a bit dramatic, but sometimes it feels that way. Yet I just continue to write because it is one of the ways I have found my own voice. I have a favorite quote on my bulletin board: Real writers don't write because they can write, they write because they can't NOT write.  Let that sink in.  Therein lies the true nature of the beast.

Here's another food for thought...it's pretty evident to me why social media has become such a pervasive, sometimes even invasive, part of our lives.  People just want to be heard. Like so many ways of communication, there are pros and cons to discussions on social media. In it's early days, Facebook was merely a simple way to keep in touch and share photos, but it has morphed into something much more complicated...in good ways and sometimes NOT so good. Nevertheless, it does still allow dialogue.

So many times I think about communication and how it has changed just in the last few years. Not surprising that this would be a favorite topic of mine because my degree is in Journalism and Mass Communication. Both of those terms: journalism and mass communication encompass entirely different things now from when I graduated college.  It's mind boggling to think how we communicate has changed.  On a personal level, I think it is sad that so many local newspapers have disappeared.  Perhaps technology has replaced them with other ways of connecting with your community, but sometimes I still think there is a void in that respect.  Having connections relevant to your geographic area helps to create a stronger, closely knit community. It brings a sense of identity that only a local paper or local TV station can bring. The town I am currently living in had a local paper that closed down just a few years before I got here. Sad. Maybe I would have enjoyed working with them.  If when I graduated, I had been told you will operate 2 blogs, (what's a blog?)

self-publish 4 books and communicate with your family and friends across the country just by typing a note on your computer (Thanks Facebook).....well at that time I just would not have fathomed it. Not sure what the future will bring as we seek to Find our voice.

So Gentle Readers....I encourage you to Find Your Voice in whatever format is best suited to you.  Find your voice and let you voice be heard.  Julie Etta Smith

Metaphors in Faith

 For many years, I have felt one of the best explanations of my belief in God is the metaphor of the spirit of God is like the wind. One can't touch the wind or directly see the wind, but you certainly can see the affects of it on a fall day when it works to free the leaves from the trees. The wind exists, it is real. God exists even though we don't see God face to face we still see the action that takes place when God is at work. 

You can speak to the wind and your voice will likely be carried away, but when you speak to God you know you will be heard. I also am reminiscent of an old song (1972) that I really loved as a young girl. It is by Rick Springfield: Speak to the Sky:

Speak to the sky when ever things go wrong

And you know you're not talkin' to the air, to the air

And the world will look better from up there

Speak to the sky 'cause things can get ya down

And you know when you're talkin' to the Lord, to the Lord

The world will look better than before......

It's all right

Cause I speak to the sky every night.

 A multi-layered metaphor I think...and speaking to the sky is a wonderful metaphor for prayer. 

As a writer, I seek to use the English language to the very best of my ability.  That being said, I have frequently confused metaphors and similes.  In researching the topic, I have found that it is very easy to mix up the two figures of speech.  They have slight distinctions. A metaphor is a figure of speech that uses an implied comparison to draw a connection between two  unrelated things, thereby making them easier to understand. A simile uses comparative words ( "like" and "such as") whereas metaphors do not.  An example of a simile would be: " She had cheeks like roses." Then of course it's fun to think about what happens with the use of "mixed metaphors." There are an abundance of those that can be quite entertaining. Here's a few fun ones:

• Don’t judge a book before it’s hatched.
• Until the pigs freeze over.
• "But unfortunately for yours truly, that train has sailed." (Austin Powers)

So you can have great fun with mixed metaphors, but metaphors may also help to demonstrate concepts and a greater understanding of valuable life lessons. Including, of course, a greater understanding of how God leads us to living better lives and in turn a better global community.

Just think of all the lessons taught by Jesus through the use of parables.  In many of these stories the parables themselves could be considered extended metaphors that Jesus used to make a point.  I bet right off the top of your head you can think of many including: The Tree and it's Fruit (Matthew 12:33-37), The Sower and the Seed (Matthew 13:3-9) The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-42) and The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-42)  These parables and metaphors really helped to provide a pathway for learning the lessons that Jesus was trying to convey.

Another of my favorite metaphors is found in Isiah 64:8: But now, O Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay, and you are out potter, we are all the work of your hand." 

So this meets the definition of a metaphor because we are not literally clay, but God molds us and guides us in certain ways. If we are open to suggestion and allowing God to mold us, and guide us, great things can come about.

Probably one of the most famous metaphors in the Bible, which brings comfort to many followers of Jesus is found in Psalms23:1: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." 

This metaphor, placing humanity as sheep, is meant to emphasize that we need guidance in our lives and protection by the shepherd.  This particular parallel is found in several places. Remember the story of the Lost Sheep? (Luke 15:3-7)  This particular passage brings assurance that God will not forget any of his followers, even if we stray from the flock. I for one, sometimes have felt like a lost sheep at various times in my life. Haven't we all?

Not only do we learn from metaphors, but I believe the artistic and creative use of metaphors in our language can make learning easier and also a delight. 

Rose Colored Glasses

 Oh, Lord...how do we cope in this world we live in today? Everybody has different coping mechanisms. It's so disheartening to look at the headlines and not be affected by it. The war in Ukraine goes on, the economy stinks, racial relations are not as harmonious as they should be, gun violence is rampant, our politicians seem to be spending more time with accusations and "finger pointing" then solving problems and passing legislation to benefit their constituents......and the list goes on and on. So how does one get the stamina and strength to get out of bed each morning and face the day without dissolving into pessimism and the feeling of overwhelming apathy? Indeed...how do we do it?

Well, how's that for an opener? I didn't mean to start this blog on such a downer, but that is just my viewpoint lately.  I've had a lot go wrong in the last year, but I am trying hard to see the things that went RIGHT. I am not a stranger to clinical depression...so I am trying hard to sleigh those dragons as they march towards me.  So, I try so hard to find the coping mechanisms that provide for me hope for tomorrow and a way of seeking JOY. I would be happy to hear from others as to how they cope and find ways of carrying on when life has dealt you many blows. Yet, as per usual, I feel that nobody is listening and that in and of itself is a contributing factor for my depression. When my Mom was alive, she was one of the FEW people that read my blog on a regular basis and almost always gave me feedback...both good and bad. She died on Christmas day, 2021.  Of course I miss my Mom, just because she was my wonderful Mom, but I also miss the fact that I had her to talk to and to give me encouragement for my writing.  So time marches on and I have to learn to cope with the losses in my life.  One of my major coping mechanisms is writing.... whether anyone reads it or not. It is therapeutic to me.

I've always thought of myself as a "glass half full" kind of gal... the eternal optimist that always seemed to look for the good aspects of an even not so good situation.  I have been accused of being a "Pollyanna" and not looking at reality except through Rose Colored Glasses. Now I defend the goodness that can be brought forth to our world if there were more optimists. What I am struggling with of late, is learning how to bring that optimism back into my own life.  The losses that I have experienced in my own life in the last year are not easily overcome, yet I continue to plug away hoping to gain once again the perception of myself as an optimist.  It has helped me by learning how to spend my days with other activities helping others instead of focusing on my own sorrows. It reminds me of the quote: Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. (James M. Barrie)

So not only is writing healing to me, but music always has been an important part of my life. Mostly rock, but a good classical piece brings great joy.  Vivaldi the Four Seasons was a favorite to play in our home on "spaghetti night". Great memories. On the rock spectrum, I can't help but smile every time I hear Aerosmith's Walk this Way.  What a great song with great staying power.  It came out when I was in high school.... eons ago, but it still rocks.  I would be remiss, if I did not mention the empowerment and joy of being a woman when I listen to Meghan Trainor. What a fun pop singer! Some of her lyrics, however, cause me to pause and wonder.  See my blog: Can I like Meghan Trainor and still be a Feminist?

Also, I find solace in my faith.  So many Bible verses are there to provide comfort when we need it most. Here are a few of my favorites that help me: 

"In the day of trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." Psalms 86:7

"...Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning. – Psalm 30:5

The last one I will mention brings me comfort in knowing that God is watching out for me even amidst the sorrows as well as the joys.  I keep it posted on my bulletin board in my office, where I see it frequently:

"Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it, And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.  So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31

I want so very much to be an optimist again.  I pray that I will learn to find joy and gratitude more easily in my life.  I want to appreciate the simple things in life and smile more frequently than crying.  I'm getting there. This meme about optimists and pessimists always brings me a smile.....CHEERS!

Read Local! Hurray for the Indie Authors!

Supporting Local businesses has always been a terrific way to support the community you live in. 

Now you can expand on that concept and help support the local authors in your area.  The library in my community is doing just that and hosting an "Indie Author Showcase" and providing a fair to allow local authors to showcase their talents and sell their works directly to the public. 

The event will take place on Thursday, May 5 from 3pm-5pm as noted in this flyer. It will be held outdoors right next to the New Richmond Library on E. 1st Street. Looks like we will have good weather for the event. (knock on wood)

I recently got my new revised edition of my book about the National Park Service.  I was happy that I received it in time for the May 5th showcase.  I am very pleased with how it turned out and I hope potential readers of the book will be interested as well. Wish me luck! 

This is the first book I have published with IngramSpark.   Previously I published three other books utilizing Create Space self publishing (via Amazon).  I switched to this publisher after speaking with several independent bookstore owners and found out that several have a shared disdain for Kindle/CreateSpace publishing (more immediately recognized as "publishing via Amazon". )  Now in defense of my previous book publishing, I was not aware of the fact that Amazon was the Devil.  (see my previous blog: Sympathy for the Devil, from last September found at:  https://julieetta1982.blogspot.com/2021/09/sympathy-for-devil.html   It is truly amazing how much can happen in a matter of 6 or 7 months.  I am pleased with the way my new book looks, but learning how to market the book and getting it into the hands of interested readers brings new challenges.

I emphasize with the independent bookstores.... I truly do and I can understand their attitudes toward the Amazon business model. Nevertheless the plight of authors needs to be considered as well. I sincerely hope I have made a wise decision to switch to a publisher that works more in conjunction with independent booksellers.  Yet it remains to be seen if  my new choice of publisher supports independent authors.  Time will tell and I am trying hard to be optimistic. 

 My attitudes about writing and also publishing really can ebb and flow.  One minute I am optimistic about sharing my work with others, then there are days when I want to just give up. If this were a regular job....I probably would have quit or been fired several times over. Oh, well...the nature of the beast. Nobody ever said that writing was easy.  Even Hemmingway had an interesting take on that:

So I keep writing and realizing that I write because I want to, not because I have to. JES

Return to Alaska 2-Seward

 

Definitely Not a folly, Mr. Seward

Seward, Alaska is a charming city that has so many great things to offer that are quintessentially Alaskan. The city of Seward was named for President Lincoln's Secretary of State, William Henry Seward, the man who negotiated the purchase of the state of Alaska from Russia in 1867.  Seward signed a treaty with Russia for the purchase of  Alaska for $7 million. Despite the bargain price of roughly two cents an acre, the Alaskan purchase was ridiculed in Congress and by many of the American public as "Seward’s folly,” or “Seward’s icebox,”.  After the Civil War, Seward saw the potential in the land and was an advocate of  territorial expansion. He was eager to acquire the tremendous landmass of Alaska, an area roughly one-fifth the size of the rest of the United States. The city of Seward's official motto is: "Alaska starts Here" and certainly showcases so many of the things that Alaska has to offer.  So you may have been ridiculed at the time Mr. Seward, but you knew a good thing when you saw it.....and what a beautiful land it is!

Relatively easy to get to,  Seward is only a 2 1/2 hour drive from Anchorage on the scenic Seward Highway. The city is nestled between the mountains and the sea and has the beautiful Resurrection Bay as it's playground. Surrounded by glaciers and landscapes that support an abundance of wildlife and fauna, the Resurrection Bay was formed by millions of years of glacial activity and is now a deep fjord 35 miles long on the southeastern coast of the Kenai Peninsula.

 Kenai Fjords National Park~~ Photo from Major Marine Tours

Also found stemming from Seward is The Kenai Fjords National Park. This park was originally established as a National Monument in 1978, and became a National Park under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980. Most access to the park is via tour boats out of Seward. Several wildlife and glacial cruises are available. Out on the water traveling along the coastline, it is a great way to see glaciers, marine mammals and seabirds. A view of the Harding Icefield, which covers over half of the acreage in the Park, is an amazing relic from the last ice age and truly takes one's breath away. The huge fields of ice advancing between the mountain caverns and a calving glacier are amazing and can sometimes make a person feel relatively small, in the scheme of things. Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield. The boat tours are worth taking the time when visiting Seward.  Exit Glacier is the only portion of the park that may be accessed by road. There are two Visitor Center's available: one at Exit Glacier and one on Resurrection Bay in Seward. The park itself is open year round, but it's important to note that both Visitor's Centers, and many boat tours, have only summer operations: from May to early September.

It's a fisherman's paradise here and many charters are available. A good start would be a visit to The Fish House at 1303 4th Ave. They have lots of information on charters, equipment and anything and everything you need for fishing. Not only is it for fishing, it's a pretty cool hardware store, too with a few little souvenir items. For more information check out their web site at: https://www.thefishhouse.net/  Sport Fishing in the area includes Halibut, Salmon and Rockfish.  Seward is known as one of the top five ports in Alaska for commercial fisheries.

The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward is celebrating their 20th year of operation. It opened in 1998 as an educational aquarium and rehabilitative center for marine animals. It is a wonderful place to get up close and personal with marine life creatures that you normally would not have access to. They have a wonderful aviary with an array of seabirds to view. In the lower level viewing area there is an amazing tank that you can view sea lions swimming and diving right in front of you! In addition to the various fish displayed there is an octopus, who always seems to be a big hit with the spectators. Also at the Center is a "touch tank" where you can gently touch and feel what sea cucumbers and starfish actually feel like. An amazing experience, but that arctic water is REALLY cold; touch tank experiences are usually brief! Of course there is a gift shop for obtaining a souvenir of your visit. It is good to know that your purchase goes to help support the Center as both a public aquarium and the stewardship of Alaska's marine ecosystems.

I think I would be remiss, if I did not include in this discussion about the Alaska Sea Life Center, the devastating event in history that in some ways spawned the creation of this wonderful center: the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989.  On March 24, 1989 the Exxon Valdez supertanker spilled 10.8 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound. I remember that devastating event and even today some consider it the worst man-made environmental disaster. After this disaster, years of litigation and civil settlements helped to create new wildlife rehabilitation programs in addition, of course, better regulations regarding the transportation of crude oil.  The Alaska Sea Life center was also created by collaborative efforts of local marine scientists and also Alaska legislature appropriations.  For more information on this must see destination in Seward, see their site at: http://www.alaskasealife.org

"Fog Woman" by Jennifer Headtke
 (part of the Raven trilogy)

 Walking around the streets of Seward you see wonderful examples of the rich heritage and artistic influence as depicted in all the murals around town.  In 2008, Seward was voted the "Mural Capitol of Alaska"  and an organization has been established to promote and maintain the artwork. The murals cover a diversity of topics including the history of Seward, commercial fishing in the area, the Iditarod trail, the natural world and the heritage of the Native Alaskans.  So when taking a walking tour of Seward, have your camera ready and your eyes open...you will see murals just about every 2 blocks.  There are several murals that I missed, guess I better go back! Also, there are at least 6 art galleries/gift shops that display wonderful artwork by Native Alaskans and art that is reflecting the Alaskan spirit.

So head down the Seward Highway and get ready to experience this quintessential Alaskan port city. JES

Return to Alaska

 I am returning soon to Alaska...both literally and figuratively speaking.

Literally, because I just booked our tickets to Anchorage with my fingers crossed that it won't get postponed (again) because of COVID. Really looking forward to a visit with family there and also family in Seattle. It will be wonderful to see these folks and also to enjoy the beauty of the Great North. Since we have family there, we have been several times, but I am always excited about the prospect of exploring something new. This trip we hope to see some new sights in Anchorage and an extra trip to Seward. 

Figurately speaking, I am returning to the topic of Alaska with respect to my blog and my book.  So many changes took place in the last year in my little corner of the blogging world. I eliminated my "travel" blog for many reasons that I won't extrapolate on here...so I am now down to just one blog: Outlooks and Inspirations. It occurred to me that many of my interesting travel features were not shared on this particular blog; so I thought I would like to share some of my favorites here. Also, my National Park book is in the process of revision and publication with a new publisher.  Frankly I am very excited about that, more on that later. 

The following article about Alaska is one of my favorites about this beautiful state.  It is from my book about the National Park Service and is focused on the National Parks: "The Alaska Parks".  I purposely omitted several photographs...you will just need to purchase my book for the additional photos! (...shameless plug...I am my only marketing manager, remember?)

I have another blog post about the city of Seward, which we plan on returning to also.  I will publish that as a separate post.

The Alaska Parks

Alaska beckons. The mountains are calling. The pines whisper and the frozen tundra holds curiosities beneath.  The unique lands showcased in the parks there demonstrate its reputation as The Last Frontier.  Alaska is a youthful state, gaining statehood in 1959, but the marvels of this land are timeless.  There are 8 National Parks and 16 National wildlife refuges in the state of Alaska making it the leading state in the volume of protected lands.

Horseshoe Lake at Denali National Park

Like much of the state, Alaska’s parks and lands live up to their reputation as being the “Last Frontier”.  The breathtaking beauty of the forested lands, the snowcapped peaks and the diversity of wildlife is showcased in the parks. Yet, because of the ruggedness of the land, some of the places are very hard to get to and are not frequently visited. That could be good or bad depending on your perspective.  Out of the eight National Parks in Alaska, I have visited three of them; as it turns out the three that are the most accessible.

Probably the easiest to access and one of Alaska’s most popular attractions is Denali National Park.

Denali is  Alaska’s most well-known national park and is actually more readily accessible than some of the other remote parks.  Denali averages over  400,000 visitors annually. The flag ship feature of the park is the 20,320 feet high mountain peak known for thousands of years by the Athabascans as Denali, or “The High One”.

So What’s in a Name?  The park we know today as Denali National Park was founded in 1917 by Woodrow Wilson as Mount McKinley National Park. The name of the Park has been a controversy since its inception.  There are certain ironies that one can’t help but ponder on. First, the name McKinley was taken from our 25th President William McKinley. McKinley himself had never traveled to Alaska.  Perhaps he would have gone to see the majestic mountain and park, but sadly he was assassinated in September of 1901. Charles Sheldon, a naturalist and conservationist, advocated from the start the name of Denali for both the park and the mountain. The locals called it Denali, and the debate continued for decades. Finally in 1980, many continued to favor the name Denali after the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act changed the park’s name to Denali National Park and Preserve. But the official name of the mountain remained Mount McKinley.  Then just prior to the National Park Service centennial year in 2016, the mountain was reverted to the name Denali. While visiting Alaska in September of 2015, President Barack Obama announced the official name change of the mountain.

Keeping the “wild” in Alaskan wilderness.  The vastness and diverse ecosystems of the park are beautifully preserved and presented to visitors by virtue of how the park is operated and maintained.  Unlike other National Parks, access into the park is restricted and controlled by only one road, 90 miles long into the park.  Personal vehicles are not allowed beyond the 15 mile mark on the park road; only the shuttle buses taking visitors back and forth from several destinations. This may seem odd at first, but when you take a bus trip into the park it helps you to understand  how this system helps to minimize car travel and reduce the carbon footprint on this wilderness. Riders are free to get on and off the bus as they please.  Another distinct advantage is that you are much more likely to view an abundance of wildlife.  The animals have become accustomed to the big tan buses along the road and are more likely to view them as just a part of the landscape. When we went, we observed, from the safety of the bus, a mama Grizzly helping her two cubs to hunt a ground squirrel. That was an experience I will never forget.

In addition to the park road, the trails allow foot traffic within the park for both the casual hiker and the seasoned veteran. Some of the more seasoned hikers are encouraged to “make their own trail”, but for the casual hikers there are several trails starting closer to the Visitors Center.  An easy hike, 1.5 miles, to the beautiful plateau above Horseshoe Lake provides ample opportunities for stunning photographs. 

Wildlife thrives in the vastness of the park and the “Big Five” have been designated as:  grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep.  It may be a personal goal to view all five, but don’t be too disappointed if you don’t view them all. You can always pick up a coffee mug or t-shirt with all of them on it; sounds a bit touristy but a great way to remember your visit.

My family and I saw a grizzly and her cubs from quite a distance and also a mother moose and her cubs, but sometimes it’s very cool to also capture them on a souvenir. Not quite the same as seeing them in real life, but it’s so neat to bring back the memories of your trip and be able to say you’ve been to Denali. Wolves and grizzlies are not as easily seen, but the abundance of Moose in the park makes it almost a sure bet you will see them at some point. Depending on the year, the moose population within the park fluctuates of course, but the National Park Service estimates about 1,800 Moose at Denali.  That’s alot of Moose!  Just FYI, the plural of Moose is Moose…good to know.

 “Mush, Doggies! Mush!” You can’t get up close and personal with a grizzly, but at Denali you can get close and cuddly with the sled dogs.  In the winter months, the best way to get around from here to there within the park is still by sled dog team.  One of the must see attractions at Denali is the sled dog demos and a visit to the kennels.   Even if you are visiting in the summer, they have to keep the dog’s training going year round, so they add small wheels to the sleds to run them on all terrains.  During the summer tourist season, they have 3 daily dog sled demonstrations.  The Park Service runs several shuttles to the kennels.  When I was there I was amazed to find out the importance of the use of dog sleds within the park and also within the state of Alaska.  The most famous, well -known sled dog race, the Iditarod, has a colorful and intriguing history.  Portions of the Iditarod trail were used as early as the 1880’s, However the most famous event in the history of Alaskan mushing  is the 1925 serum run to Nome; also known as the “Great Race of Mercy.” A large diphtheria epidemic threatened Nome. The only way to get the antitoxin to Nome was by sled dog, due to unusable planes and ships in the worst of winter.  So on January 27, the port at Seward had received the serum where it was passed to the first of twenty mushers and more than 100 dogs who relayed the package 674 miles from Nenana to Nome. The dogs ran in relays, with no dog running over 100 miles. Wow, I hear that story and am amazed of the courage and tenacity of those mushers and their dogs. No wonder it has become an inspiring tale; both for those that participate in the Iditarod and those that watch on the sidelines.  All an amazing part of the Alaska experience.

Another very accessible Alaska  park , via Seward, is Kenai Fjords National Park . It covers about 950 square miles and showcases some of the iconic features of Alaska including glaciers, marine life and coastal scenery. 

A large majority of the Park is either in the waterways or frozen icefields, so one of the best ways to get an overview of the park is via a tour boat from Seward into Resurrection Bay and parts of the Gulf of Alaska.  There are several tours available from the starting point of Seward for both wildlife viewing and fishing excursions. We went on an afternoon cruise with Major Marine Tours.  Getting out on the water gives you a great overview of one of the crowning features of the Park: the Harding Icefield.  It is 70 miles long and 30 miles wide and creates all the glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park.  It is incredible to see-and hear- the glaciers “calve” icebergs into the bay by releasing massive chunks of ice into the water.

Additionally, on the boat tour, we were able to see numerous examples of Alaska marine life.  We saw Stellar Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and an abundance of Puffins and Kittiwakes.  Puffins were always my favorite. They look so cute and pudgy and seemingly awkward, but they are fast flyers and divers with excellent fishing skills.

 Another aspect of our tour at Kenaj Fjords was my first introduction to the concept of the “Land of the Midnight Sun”.   Since we were there in August, the long days and short, short nights were very evident. At the end of the tour we came back to the harbor, pulling up to the dock and the sun was still  high on the horizon.  It felt like about 6 or 7 pm, but it was 10 pm. So odd. Now I know why residents of Alaska purchase “black out” curtains to get a good night sleep.  Yet, as a tourist it’s great because you  can fill so many things in one day and you don’t run out of daylight.

The only road in the Park, ends at the Exit Glacier parking lot. From there you can take an easy hike to view the glacier face. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska and terrific to view, but sadly is also a very visible indicator of glacial recession due to climate change.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. 

Another impressive Park that holds such beauty but is somewhat more challenging to journey to is Wrangell- St. Elias  National Park and Preserve. It is  on the eastern side of the state about 250 miles from Anchorage.

Wrangell- St. Elias is a vast national park that holds the title of the largest of our national parks at 13.2 million acres.  To provide some perspective, the park is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined! The combined mountain ranges in the park: Wrangell and St. Elias contain 9 of the 16 highest mountain peaks in the U.S.

Also within the Park reside the remnants of the historic Kennecott Mine and a very interesting visitor’s center explaining what life was like in the glory days of copper mining.  It’s a fascinating place to visit because it is a demonstration of the tenacity and ingenuity of the human spirit. When traveling the McCarthy Road to get to the mine, you feel as if you are already on an adventure, and you sometimes have to reach into your own resolve when seeking this destination.

The McCarthy Road is 60 miles long and is a long gravel road. Here is a photo showing where the nice smooth pavement ends and the gravel road & imposing cliffs begin. It is intimidating when all the travel literature warns NOT to take rental cars on this road and other warnings for the faint of heart. It was a rough ride with several portions of the road demonstrating the “wash-board” effect, a series of tight ridges.  I give my sister-in-law, Christy, so much credit: she drove both in and out on this challenging stretch of road.  We took her mini-van, which worked well and we took it slowly.  That is the key to surviving on this road without a flat tire or worse damage to your vehicle.  It is only 60 miles, but plan for about 3 hours. It is well worth the trip if you take your time. You can see so much more when you are traveling at 30 mph as opposed to 65.

Be sure to catch all the scenery and wildlife along the way and the views are spectacular. This is the Kuskalana Bridge, built in 1910, it spans 525 feet and sits at a height 238 feet above the river. An incredible building accomplishment and yes we drove across it. Having a little bit of a fear of heights (don’t we all to some extent) I had to hold my breath and somehow muster up the courage to take in the view.  Be courageous and take in the view, it’s worth it. 

So travelling along the rustic McCarthy Road, you eventually meet your destination: the McCarthy/Kennecott settlement and the Kennecott Mine.  Nestled in the snow capped mountains of the Wrangell-St. Elias range, the Copper Mine was closed in 1938. It stands silent watch above the valley and the steep drop offs that are common to the area.

When visiting the abandoned mine, the sheer majesty of its size gives you a whole new appreciation for the people who lived and worked here. The structure of the main mill has such an ominous presence that even if it is not haunted it still has an alarming presence that truly is awe-inspiring. The building of the mine itself, and the surrounding buildings supporting the workers, initially seemed to be insurmountable tasks. To bring buildings materials in through the rugged mountain passes, the first priority was to build a railroad. In addition to helping construct the new city and mine, the copper ore was transported via railroad south to Cordova. When visiting Kennecott, I walked along the original rails that line up with the chutes, where the rock crusher spit out processed rock and ore that was further refined.

Remnants of the tools that were used in the labor intensive process of mining are found strewn about the area. Here my son Dan surveys the rugged Wrangell Mountains while standing by an ancient rock crusher, circa early 1930’s. Also remnants of the life that was left behind after the mine closed are still visible and one gets a strange sensation that memories and spirits of the past still are present here.  It seems to have had more recent activity in the mine than the footsteps of tourists and it is hard to believe it closed more than 75 years ago.  Nevertheless, as one of those tourists, I found it a fascinating historical place to visit and taking in the natural beauty of the park was an inherent bonus.

The National Park Service acquired the mine in 1998 and the lands of the historic mining town of Kennecott.  The mine has been designated a National Historic Landmark.  On the Wrangell-St. Elias website: www.nps.gov/wrst life working in the mine is described: “Kennecott was a place of long hours and hard, dangerous work.  At the height of operation about six hundred men worked in the mines and mill town. Paying salaries higher than those found in the lower-48, Kennecott was able to attract men willing to live and work in this remote Alaskan mining camp…..Despite the dangers and grueling work, the Kennecott workers mined and concentrated at least $200 million worth of ore.”
The mine successfully ran for over 30 years, but was closed due to declining copper deposits and the high cost of railway maintenance.

 It would be quite a challenge to see all eight of Alaska’s parks, yet even taking the opportunity to visit a few definitely gives you an appreciation for this most beautiful land. Alaska is full of breathtaking vistas, welcoming people and places that create memorable trips of a lifetime.