The View from Here

Brown Beauty

Many people bemoan the browns of winter. I find them soothing...and often fascinating. 

Here are some browns I photographed yesterday. 

Good Times

I've been busy with some very pleasant tasks and activities this week. 

I mailed a few packages and cards. 

I attended the Caddo Civic and Cemetery Club's annual December party. 

I stopped by the local "angel tree" and picked out some tags. I get to shop for little children! Always fun! 

I sat in on a meeting of very talented people who are planning events for the anniversary of the 19th Amendment. 

I saw "Harriet" and was reminded again of the struggles of our ancestors...especially women. 

I went to a local craft show and bought this lovely piece. 

I photographed my favorite local store, decorated for the holidays. 

I said a prayer of thanks each day for the strength to BE this busy. 

I pray that you are healthy enough to enjoy the holidays. 

Tied with a ribbon...

I’ve been reading “Dear Santa” letters for the last few days. The old ones are interesting and certainly make me more aware of the changes in society and in the expectations of our children. The simple appeals for “a doll and lots of candy” have been replaced in recent years by requests for specific brands. Many children ask Santa for popular toys and expensive devices. Most of us fear that our children have changed in ways that are not good, that we are enabling and perhaps even encouraging greed. However, even a few short years ago when I was still teaching kindergarten, I was aware that many of the most heartfelt wishes of my students could not be placed in a box and tied with a ribbon.

Children yearn for peace in their homes. They want their parents to stop yelling and arguing and fighting.

Children long for security. They want to know that they will have a place to sleep and food on the table and clothes to wear to school.

Children hope for safety. They want their parents to stop drinking and using drugs so they don’t have to fear what might happen next or who might appear at their door.

Children need adults to give them the gifts that last…

Dear Santa,

Please bring me a childhood filled with love and laughter.

December

We're off to a good start. Sunny skies and a bit of decorating. However, the rest of the nation is having major problems with the weather. Prayers for patience and safety for those of you trying to get home. 

Christmas...1973

I found this lovely piece in the newspaper archives yesterday. I had never read it before. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know many of you are traveling today. Please stay safe!

And you know it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without posting my favorite turkey photo. Dad's pride and joy is long gone, and so is Dad, but the memories are still precious. 

Have a great holiday!

Fruitcake

This morning I read the following advertisement from 1899 and it reminded me of one of the traditions of the Simmons family- Grandma Bea's fruitcake. I know many people don't like the gooey holiday dessert, but I loved it! Gran usually made at least a dozen and gave them away. I often assisted her, and I even made a few cakes after I got married. Sadly, it has never become a tradition in the Maurer family. 

Herons

This isn’t a turkey, but it sure is a handsome bird. I encountered it yesterday at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. Herons always seem aloof and unfriendly, but I still find them fascinating. I probably have 1,000+ photos of them. And there will undoubtedly be more...

Changes...

As we begin a week of gathering and gratitude, let us remember that many families will be facing the challenge of an “empty chair”. I still recall that first Thanksgiving without my mom. We joined my dad at the dinner table, but it wasn’t the same…ever again.

Change is difficult, but eventually we adjust and adapt. We don’t forget, but instead we realize that the best way to honor those who are not at the table is to live our lives in a way that would make them proud and grateful.

My Return to Yoga

Years ago I spent a year or two practicing yoga. I was quite flexible, always have been. I could place my hands flat on the floor without bending my knees. I could do most of the poses without stress or strain. My yoga time was relaxing and admittedly easier than jogging. However, I’m not sure I practiced yoga because of the benefits or just because it was popular with a few of my friends. At any rate, changes in my schedule found me eventually drifting away from it.

I mentioned recently that I’m trying “chair yoga”- a series of poses done with the support of a chair. It’s perfect for those of us who have balance or strength or flexibility issues caused by arthritis and other conditions. I thought I would take a moment to give you an update this morning and encourage you to give yoga a try.

First, let me remind you that there are many, many types of yoga. In addition to being designed for seniors, the series I use is also called “holy yoga”. It’s a Christian practice based on the idea of our bodies being a temple that we should care for and respect. There are Hindu and Buddhist practices and trendy “goat yoga”. I know very little about the “religion” behind most of it, and I don’t pray or even meditate during my morning sessions. At this time my yoga practice is about being aware of my body’s condition and trying to move it in ways that improve my daily life. (Bible reading, prayer, and meditation is my early morning routine- usually 4am.)

Yoga seems “right” to me. It feels like relief rather than responsibility. I do a lot of exercises because I’ve been told by PT that I need to continue them if I expect to continue walking. So, while I often preface my trip to the gym with “Well, I’d better go.”, my attitude toward yoga is more like that of a child going to recess. I have that mat rolled out before I even drink my first cup of coffee!

I hope you will give yoga some consideration. I promise not to nag, but I’ll check back with you about this in six months.