Over the years, I have frequently experienced what some may call "writer's block." I never call it that; instead I refer to it as procrastination. I think for some it is fear, either of the process itself, or potential success or failure.
I have tried many different ways to stop my procrastination. Some of them work for a while. Nothing has been perfect and I am still trying to find ways to force myself to do the thing that I most want to do. Sometimes it feels like drowning even though I know how to swim.
Anyway, here are 13 ways to over come procrastination (or writer's block, if you prefer).
1. Do a notebook dump. This is most useful when you're writing nonfiction and have taken notes by hand. Typing up the notes from an interview or meeting usually will lend itself to a beginning paragraph. Generally, I never get all of my notes typed because I switch over to the writing process and begin the work.
2. Read a passage from another book and then take that to start your work. Using someone else's writing to get started is fine, so long as you go back eventually and change it. No plagiarizing in final drafts, please.
3. Write in a journal. Sometimes when I am stuck on a piece of writing, I write about the process of writing. Why might this particular part of a project be holding me up? What would make the story stronger?
4. Take a walk. While this sounds very much like procrastinating, and I suppose it is, sometimes you need to stop worrying over what you're writing and give your mind a break. A little exercise can do wonders for the thought process.
5. Perform your little rituals before you sit down. I know some writers have to have a clean space, or pencils lined up in a row, or their favorite T-shirt on. Whatever it is that brings your muse to you, make sure you have it ready.
6. Turn off all distractions, including the Internet. You don't need to look at Facebook every hour nor do you need to know when your email comes in. If necessary, go buy a typewriter. Yes, I am talking old school! Or use a piece of paper and a pen.
7. Read the newspaper and write a piece of fiction about whatever news item catches your attention.
8. Take a shower. Some of my best ideas come to me in the shower, I have no idea why. Maybe your ideas come to you when you vacuum or do the dishes. Again, spur on that muse.
9. Write in a different genre. If you're writing a mystery, try a little fantasy. If you're working on nonfiction, try some poetry.
10. Do something creative that doesn't involve writing. Maybe painting or photography is your thing. Do you play guitar? Blow the trumpet? Step away from the keyboard and see if playing a little Dylan will free up a few brain cells.
11. Look at photographs or painted pictures and write about what you see. How does the picture make you feel? What would it make your character feel?
12. Don't finish the sentence before you stop for the next day. This works well for me if I'm working on a long piece. I leave the sentence half written, and then I absolutely have to finish it the next time I sit down to work. And that is often enough to get me started on the next line or paragraph, and then I'm off into the story.
13. Create an outline. Outlines can be helpful because, like a notebook dump, they give you something to work with besides the images in your brain. You already have words on the paper.
And here's an extra:
Dictate your story. I recently bought a digital tape recorder and started using it to talk to myself when things cross my mind about stories. Then I go back and listen, take notes on anything good or interesting, and ditch the file.
Thursday
Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list
here. I've been
playing for a while and this is my 386th time to do a list of 13 on a
Thursday.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Whistling Cardinal
I was disappointed in these photos of a cardinal I took around 8:30 a.m. this morning. He was whistling to beat the band and I set up the tripod and used the digital zoom. However, I think the light was not right as none of the pictures turned out as well as I thought they might when I downloaded them.
Birds are hard to photograph and my Nikon needs a lot of light for their constant movements.
Birds are hard to photograph and my Nikon needs a lot of light for their constant movements.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Question 10
One of my favorite old books is called The Book of Questions, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D. My version is copyright 1985. I see on Amazon that it has been revised and updated as of 2013, and is available for Kindle.
The book is what the title claims. It offers up 200 philosophical and moral questions. One could simply answer "yes" or "no" to many of the queries, but the idea is to think about it and explain the answer.
Since today is the 10th day of March, I thought I'd open the book up to question 10. Given that Sunday was International Women's Day, this seems an appropriate sort of question:
Q. Which sex do you think has it easier in our culture? Have you ever wished you were a member of the opposite sex?
My answer to this question would be that males, specifically white males, have it easier in our culture. This is because white males dominate the political landscape and we are a patriarchal culture and have been for thousands of years.
A patriarchal culture is one in which males hold the power: they are heads of household, leaders of groups, leaders in government, bosses in the workplace. To me this is clearly the case in most segments of U.S. society. Women do not have equality here. (Yes, I am a feminist; I believe this is wrong and should be changed.)
Most studies show that women are paid 77 cents for every dollar a man earns when performing the same work. This is often "explained away" as necessary because women require more leave to care for family obligations, to have children, etc. However, even a single woman who has no children or other family to tend to earns less than a male doing the same job. Of course there are always exceptions, but they are not the rule.
This wage gap means that women, on average, earn the median yearly pay for women who are employed full time is $11,084 less than men doing the same work. That's a lot of cash to lose simply because you are female.
Discrimination against women still exists. I've experienced it myself many times. These days I find it most strongly in health care, where male doctors simply look at me and want to prescribe Valium simply because I'm a woman. How dare I take up their valuable time? I have no doubt that if my husband presented with a similar problem, he'd received a great deal more attention and had more testing.
Regarding the second part of the question, I don't recall ever wanting to be a man as an adult. I'm sure as a young girl that I probably did. It was obvious to me from an early age that I was considered inferior by some of the males in my life simply because I had to sit down to pee. I am sure that led to some youthful magical thinking.
I have mostly been happy as a woman. I think my career has suffered from my gender, unfortunately, because a lot of my health problems have been related to my female plumbing. But perhaps had I been born a male, I'd have had different health issues. Some people are simply sickly.
I do think, though, that women are dismissed and short-changed in many industries in this country. When women are seen as people, and not as "something less-than," I will consider us equals.
Undoubtedly, that will not happen in my lifetime.
The book is what the title claims. It offers up 200 philosophical and moral questions. One could simply answer "yes" or "no" to many of the queries, but the idea is to think about it and explain the answer.
Since today is the 10th day of March, I thought I'd open the book up to question 10. Given that Sunday was International Women's Day, this seems an appropriate sort of question:
Q. Which sex do you think has it easier in our culture? Have you ever wished you were a member of the opposite sex?
My answer to this question would be that males, specifically white males, have it easier in our culture. This is because white males dominate the political landscape and we are a patriarchal culture and have been for thousands of years.
A patriarchal culture is one in which males hold the power: they are heads of household, leaders of groups, leaders in government, bosses in the workplace. To me this is clearly the case in most segments of U.S. society. Women do not have equality here. (Yes, I am a feminist; I believe this is wrong and should be changed.)
Most studies show that women are paid 77 cents for every dollar a man earns when performing the same work. This is often "explained away" as necessary because women require more leave to care for family obligations, to have children, etc. However, even a single woman who has no children or other family to tend to earns less than a male doing the same job. Of course there are always exceptions, but they are not the rule.
This wage gap means that women, on average, earn the median yearly pay for women who are employed full time is $11,084 less than men doing the same work. That's a lot of cash to lose simply because you are female.
Discrimination against women still exists. I've experienced it myself many times. These days I find it most strongly in health care, where male doctors simply look at me and want to prescribe Valium simply because I'm a woman. How dare I take up their valuable time? I have no doubt that if my husband presented with a similar problem, he'd received a great deal more attention and had more testing.
Regarding the second part of the question, I don't recall ever wanting to be a man as an adult. I'm sure as a young girl that I probably did. It was obvious to me from an early age that I was considered inferior by some of the males in my life simply because I had to sit down to pee. I am sure that led to some youthful magical thinking.
I have mostly been happy as a woman. I think my career has suffered from my gender, unfortunately, because a lot of my health problems have been related to my female plumbing. But perhaps had I been born a male, I'd have had different health issues. Some people are simply sickly.
I do think, though, that women are dismissed and short-changed in many industries in this country. When women are seen as people, and not as "something less-than," I will consider us equals.
Undoubtedly, that will not happen in my lifetime.
Monday, March 09, 2015
It's Not Revitalization
In the local paper today there is a story about the City of Salem's efforts to generate a more vivid downtown.
Community leaders decline to call it "revitalization" but instead call it "the downtown plan."
This made me smile. As news reporter with 30 years under my belt, I've covered more "revitalization" plans that I care to remember. None ever turn out like their initial schemes, but I don't recall that any actually made a situation worse.
I don't go to Salem much anymore. I visit downtown Salem maybe once a year. The last time I was there, I went into Ridenhour Music to see about a guitar, but they were all upstairs and I wasn't able to climb the steps to see what they had to offer.
Before I had difficulty walking, I made a stop in Salem every year at the holidays. They have a couple of nifty stores that offer unique items.
When I was child, I spent a lot of time in Salem. It was quite different, then. My grandmother, who lived along the Roanoke River, kept my brother and me every summer. We saved up our pennies and quarters, and my grandmother would walk with us to downtown Salem. I think the walk was about 1.5 miles, one way. Grandma would have been in her late 40s or early 50s, so it was a trudge for her. After we reached the age of 10 or so, we went by ourselves - even rode our bikes uptown. I suppose today that would be considered child abuse given the current climate, but we came to no harm.
We would go to Newberry's, which was a dime store, where we were filled with the wonder of model cars, paddle balls, and those glider airplanes you could put together and then throw for 10 feet or so. The paddle balls lasted until the rubber string broke, which as I recall was usually pretty quickly. I also bought a set of jacks there, coloring books and crayons, and other things that a child in 1970 would enjoy.
With our purchases in hand, we'd trudge down the street to Brooks Byrd Pharmacy, dimes in our pocket, so we could have a snow cone. I always purchased the blue one.
Sometimes on the way back to my grandmother's house, we'd stop off at Aunt Pearl's house for a Coke. Aunt Pearl was my great-great aunt, and she lived to be 106 years old. Grandma and Aunt Pearl would talk about all kinds of things while Grandma rested and we played with our new toys. Then we'd finally go back home, and our purchases kept us occupied and out of Grandma's hair for a few days.
That is the Salem I remember. I don't think any "downtown plan" can look backwards because times have changed. Retail is out, internet shopping is in. While I prefer to look at the things I purchase, feel material, handle items and make sure they aren't broken or scratched, many people don't seem to mind looking at a picture and hitting "buy now." That's the reality of the world we live in. Shopping and purchasing has changed.
I don't know what Salem, or any other place, for that matter, could do to draw folks into its community. I will be watching their plan with interest.
Community leaders decline to call it "revitalization" but instead call it "the downtown plan."
This made me smile. As news reporter with 30 years under my belt, I've covered more "revitalization" plans that I care to remember. None ever turn out like their initial schemes, but I don't recall that any actually made a situation worse.
I don't go to Salem much anymore. I visit downtown Salem maybe once a year. The last time I was there, I went into Ridenhour Music to see about a guitar, but they were all upstairs and I wasn't able to climb the steps to see what they had to offer.
Before I had difficulty walking, I made a stop in Salem every year at the holidays. They have a couple of nifty stores that offer unique items.
When I was child, I spent a lot of time in Salem. It was quite different, then. My grandmother, who lived along the Roanoke River, kept my brother and me every summer. We saved up our pennies and quarters, and my grandmother would walk with us to downtown Salem. I think the walk was about 1.5 miles, one way. Grandma would have been in her late 40s or early 50s, so it was a trudge for her. After we reached the age of 10 or so, we went by ourselves - even rode our bikes uptown. I suppose today that would be considered child abuse given the current climate, but we came to no harm.
We would go to Newberry's, which was a dime store, where we were filled with the wonder of model cars, paddle balls, and those glider airplanes you could put together and then throw for 10 feet or so. The paddle balls lasted until the rubber string broke, which as I recall was usually pretty quickly. I also bought a set of jacks there, coloring books and crayons, and other things that a child in 1970 would enjoy.
With our purchases in hand, we'd trudge down the street to Brooks Byrd Pharmacy, dimes in our pocket, so we could have a snow cone. I always purchased the blue one.
Sometimes on the way back to my grandmother's house, we'd stop off at Aunt Pearl's house for a Coke. Aunt Pearl was my great-great aunt, and she lived to be 106 years old. Grandma and Aunt Pearl would talk about all kinds of things while Grandma rested and we played with our new toys. Then we'd finally go back home, and our purchases kept us occupied and out of Grandma's hair for a few days.
That is the Salem I remember. I don't think any "downtown plan" can look backwards because times have changed. Retail is out, internet shopping is in. While I prefer to look at the things I purchase, feel material, handle items and make sure they aren't broken or scratched, many people don't seem to mind looking at a picture and hitting "buy now." That's the reality of the world we live in. Shopping and purchasing has changed.
I don't know what Salem, or any other place, for that matter, could do to draw folks into its community. I will be watching their plan with interest.
Sunday, March 08, 2015
Sunday Stealing
From Sunday Stealing
Threes Meme
1. Three things that scare me:
A. The thought of being homeless, growing old and having dementia, and the idea of outliving my husband.
2. Three people who make me laugh:
A. My friend Teresa, Bill Maher, and Rosie O'Donnell.
3. Three things I love:
A. My husband, writing, and reading.
4. Three things I hate:
A. Coconut, meanness, and cigarette smoke.
5. Three things I don't understand:
A. How people can be unkind to one another, what difference it makes if climate change is manmade or not because no one can tell me why industries shouldn't put pollution control stuff in their big smoke stacks because we all know it pollutes the air, and why religions that speak of peace are full of bloodshed.
6. Three things on my desk:
A. A camera, nasal spray (it's allergy season time), and the Shorter Oxford Dictionary.
7. Three things I'm doing right now:
A. Typing, breathing, and thinking.
8. Three things I want to do before I die:
A. Write and publish several books, create a good family genealogy, and hike to McAfee's Knob.
9. Three things I can do:
A. I write well, I play the guitar, and I listen.
10. Three things I can't do:
A. Lift heavy objects, run a mile, climb a ladder.
11. Three things you should listen to:
A. Good advice, the sound of silence, and The Rolling Stones.
12. Three things you should never listen to:
A. Bad advice, people whose value systems are corrupt, and Rush Limbaugh.
13. Three things I'd like to learn:
A. How to speak Spanish, how to cook, and how to knit.
14. Three favorite foods:
A. Chocolate, Concord grapes, and cucumbers.
15. Three beverages I drink regularly:
A. Water, decaf tea, and Gatorade.
16. Three shows I watched as a kid:
A. The Brady Bunch, Land of the Lost, and H. R. Puffenstuff.
Threes Meme
1. Three things that scare me:
A. The thought of being homeless, growing old and having dementia, and the idea of outliving my husband.
2. Three people who make me laugh:
A. My friend Teresa, Bill Maher, and Rosie O'Donnell.
3. Three things I love:
A. My husband, writing, and reading.
4. Three things I hate:
A. Coconut, meanness, and cigarette smoke.
5. Three things I don't understand:
A. How people can be unkind to one another, what difference it makes if climate change is manmade or not because no one can tell me why industries shouldn't put pollution control stuff in their big smoke stacks because we all know it pollutes the air, and why religions that speak of peace are full of bloodshed.
6. Three things on my desk:
A. A camera, nasal spray (it's allergy season time), and the Shorter Oxford Dictionary.
7. Three things I'm doing right now:
A. Typing, breathing, and thinking.
8. Three things I want to do before I die:
A. Write and publish several books, create a good family genealogy, and hike to McAfee's Knob.
9. Three things I can do:
A. I write well, I play the guitar, and I listen.
10. Three things I can't do:
A. Lift heavy objects, run a mile, climb a ladder.
11. Three things you should listen to:
A. Good advice, the sound of silence, and The Rolling Stones.
12. Three things you should never listen to:
A. Bad advice, people whose value systems are corrupt, and Rush Limbaugh.
13. Three things I'd like to learn:
A. How to speak Spanish, how to cook, and how to knit.
14. Three favorite foods:
A. Chocolate, Concord grapes, and cucumbers.
15. Three beverages I drink regularly:
A. Water, decaf tea, and Gatorade.
16. Three shows I watched as a kid:
A. The Brady Bunch, Land of the Lost, and H. R. Puffenstuff.
Saturday, March 07, 2015
Saturday 9: Here I Go Again
Saturday 9: Here I Go Again (1982)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
I can't believe this song came out in 1982. Now I feel really old.
1) This song originally appeared on Whitesnake's Saints and Sinners album. Are you feeling more saintly or sinful this morning?
A. Is there a middle option? I suppose I would have to lean toward the good side because I had enough sense to cancel my appointments for the day because of the snow we had yesterday (Thursday as I write this on Friday). The roads are treacherous. Plus I was quick with the camera this morning and took some shots of the moon setting over the mountain that I thought I'd never, ever be able to capture, which pleased me.
2) Whitesnake was formed by Brit David Coverdale, who now lives in Lake Tahoe, NV. Have you ever wanted to relocate to another country?
A. Sometimes I feel a draw toward Ireland or Scotland, the land of my ancestors. But I've never seriously considered moving. I've never made any of those "if so and so is elected I will leave" promises like some people do. There is more to a nation than its leaders, after all, and more to life than politics.
3) In the song, Coverdale says he "was born to walk alone." Do you enjoy time on your own? Or do you quickly get bored or lonely?
A. I spend a great deal of time alone. I occasionally get lonely but I am seldom bored. And if I get lonely (and the roads are clear of snow), then I go to the market because I almost always will see a familiar face.
4) During the band's 1980s heyday, Coverdale was known for his skintight leather pants. Do you own leather pants or slacks?
A. I have a leather jacket hanging in the closet. No pants, though. You wouldn't want me to see me in leather pants.
5) What about snakeskin?
A. Um. No.
6) It's estimated that 20,000 people die of snake bite every year. Approximately 1,000 suffer fatal spider bites. Less than 50 are killed each year by sharks. Considering sharks, spiders and snakes, which do you find scariest?
A. Snakes. I didn't realize that many people died of snake bites annually. That's a lot. We have venomous snakes in Virginia - copperheads, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths. There are some mountainous areas around here where you don't dare walk in the summer.
7) In 1982, when this song was popular, the world lost Princess Grace of Monaco. Before she became a royal, she was film star Grace Kelly. Have you ever seen a Grace Kelly movie?
A. I probably have but nothing comes to mind.
8) Speaking of movies, the top-grossing film of 1982 was ET: The Extra Terrestrial. Have you seen it?
A. Yes, but it has been a very long time.
9) Random question: How many timepieces will you have to reset when we spring ahead this weekend?
A. Oh my. Eleven. I have a lot of clocks.
Friday, March 06, 2015
Thursday, March 05, 2015
Thursday Thirteen #385
Let's say that after you die you become a spirit and you join all the other spirits. Not all of them have lived or taken human form yet, though. You are talking to some who have never lived about how you HAVE lived. Some of the spirits who have never lived say they think they will travel to earth in a human body soon and live. They ask you what thirteen things on Earth should they be sure not to miss? You say . . .
1. Love someone else completely and thoroughly.
2. Find a good friend.
3. Get an education - read all the great works.
4. Commune with nature (take lots of walks in the woods).
5. Learn an art or a craft (writing, drawing, sewing, knitting).
6. Learn to cook tastily and healthfully.
7. Travel everywhere you can when you are in your 20s - earlier, and you won't remember it; put it off, and you may never get there.
8. Love a child.
9. Learn how to help others.
10. Visit museums.
11. Learn how to be alone with yourself.
12. Experience the joys of all of the senses, but most especially touch.
13. Express your creativity in new and exciting ways.
How would you answer the question?
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here. I've been playing for a while and this is my 385th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
1. Love someone else completely and thoroughly.
2. Find a good friend.
3. Get an education - read all the great works.
4. Commune with nature (take lots of walks in the woods).
5. Learn an art or a craft (writing, drawing, sewing, knitting).
6. Learn to cook tastily and healthfully.
7. Travel everywhere you can when you are in your 20s - earlier, and you won't remember it; put it off, and you may never get there.
8. Love a child.
9. Learn how to help others.
10. Visit museums.
11. Learn how to be alone with yourself.
12. Experience the joys of all of the senses, but most especially touch.
13. Express your creativity in new and exciting ways.
How would you answer the question?
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here. I've been playing for a while and this is my 385th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
The Closing of Sweet Briar
I was dismayed yesterday to learn that Sweet Briar College, which is located north of us up the Shenandoah Valley, is closing. The graduating class of 2015 will be its last.
The women's college was established in 1901.
I attended Hollins College, now Hollins University, which is also a women's college. So this announcement shook the sisterhood, as it were, of women's colleges. They are becoming fewer. Young women do not want to attend all-female schools, particularly ones set in rural areas.
Hollins remains all-female in its undergrad courses, but its masters levels classes are co-ed. According to Hollins president, Nancy Gray, the Hollins community remains on sound financial footing. Here is part of her letter to students and faculty that went out yesterday after Sweet Briar's announcement:
I want to assure you that Hollins is strong and growing stronger as we approach our 175th anniversary in 2017. For example:
At Hollins, learning has never been confined to the classroom. But in the last few years we have re-doubled our efforts to link living and learning by expanding our internship and experiential learning programs - thanks in large part to the partnerships with so many Hollins alumnae.
Young women come to Hollins eager to learn, ready to take chances, and poised to begin the next chapter of life. But when they emerge, they aren't just graduates in liberal arts, math or science. Like their predecessors, they become leaders, decision makers, and cultural shapers. That's because Hollins ignites in our students a passion to learn, explore, create, and contribute. Our mission remains compelling.
I know many people believe the time for separate education facilities for women has past, and perhaps that is so. In the past, there were lawsuits to admit women to higher institutes of learning that were state schools; UVA did not admit women until 1970. So the gains have come in my lifetime. Watching the current political landscape, it is easy for me to fear that such gains might also be quickly lost.
My experience at Hollins helped me tremendously, and I valued the same-sex education environment. When I returned for my masters, I could tell a difference in the student learning experience. Men almost always dominated the classroom, even if he was the solitary male figure (or maybe especially if he was the solitary male). We have been conditioned from birth to defer to the penis, and so that is what we do. I always preferred female teachers to male and the hours spent with the estrogen-dominated classes rooms remain some of my happier memories. I was freer there than in "the real world," where men rule, but it also prepared me to meet that world by making a stronger, more sure woman.
So I am sad for the Sweet Briar students who are suddenly homeless. Some of these young women will transfer to Hollins, and I welcome them into the sisterhood. I hope they find that Hollins meets their needs as well as the old college.
The women's college was established in 1901.
I attended Hollins College, now Hollins University, which is also a women's college. So this announcement shook the sisterhood, as it were, of women's colleges. They are becoming fewer. Young women do not want to attend all-female schools, particularly ones set in rural areas.
Hollins remains all-female in its undergrad courses, but its masters levels classes are co-ed. According to Hollins president, Nancy Gray, the Hollins community remains on sound financial footing. Here is part of her letter to students and faculty that went out yesterday after Sweet Briar's announcement:
I want to assure you that Hollins is strong and growing stronger as we approach our 175th anniversary in 2017. For example:
- We are on solid financial footing, operating with no debt.
- Thanks in large part to the generosity of our alumnae, our endowment has reached a record $180 million, making it the fifth largest among all independent colleges in Virginia.
- Our most recent fundraising campaign, completed in 2010, raised $162 million, and remains the largest of any southern women's college.
- Our Board of Trustees demonstrated its commitment to faculty and staff with a five-year compensation plan.
We see evidence of the value of the educational experience at Hollins every day:
- Students from 44 states and 17 countries are enrolled here.
- Applications for undergraduate admission are at the highest level in 12 years.
- The quality and diversity of applicants to our undergraduate and eight coed graduate programs are outstanding.
- We are growing our academic programs. Last year, we added a new honors program, a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental sciences, new graduate certificates in playwriting, and a graduate program in children's book writing and illustration.
At Hollins, learning has never been confined to the classroom. But in the last few years we have re-doubled our efforts to link living and learning by expanding our internship and experiential learning programs - thanks in large part to the partnerships with so many Hollins alumnae.
Young women come to Hollins eager to learn, ready to take chances, and poised to begin the next chapter of life. But when they emerge, they aren't just graduates in liberal arts, math or science. Like their predecessors, they become leaders, decision makers, and cultural shapers. That's because Hollins ignites in our students a passion to learn, explore, create, and contribute. Our mission remains compelling.
I know many people believe the time for separate education facilities for women has past, and perhaps that is so. In the past, there were lawsuits to admit women to higher institutes of learning that were state schools; UVA did not admit women until 1970. So the gains have come in my lifetime. Watching the current political landscape, it is easy for me to fear that such gains might also be quickly lost.
My experience at Hollins helped me tremendously, and I valued the same-sex education environment. When I returned for my masters, I could tell a difference in the student learning experience. Men almost always dominated the classroom, even if he was the solitary male figure (or maybe especially if he was the solitary male). We have been conditioned from birth to defer to the penis, and so that is what we do. I always preferred female teachers to male and the hours spent with the estrogen-dominated classes rooms remain some of my happier memories. I was freer there than in "the real world," where men rule, but it also prepared me to meet that world by making a stronger, more sure woman.
So I am sad for the Sweet Briar students who are suddenly homeless. Some of these young women will transfer to Hollins, and I welcome them into the sisterhood. I hope they find that Hollins meets their needs as well as the old college.
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Hungry Deer
The deep snows and the lack of melting has forced the deer to do a lot of hunting for food. They spent much time under our blue spruce and at the side of the house where the snow had melted yesterday.
They Don't Really Want to be Healers
Over the last 20 years, my area's "alternative medicine" community has been growing. First came the chiropractors, then massage therapists, then an acupuncturist or two. They all were followed by more of their various professions.
I believe alternative medicine has its place in healing. I have had good results from acupuncture. I see a chiropractor regularly for a slipping rib, which she routinely puts back into place so I can breathe again. For a long time I saw a massage therapist and that, too, was helpful.
However, I recently reached a conclusion that a number of these practitioners don't really want to be healers. Or, perhaps I should say, they only want to serve a particular clientele.
I don't fall into the category of people they want to help.
I say this because if these folks really wanted to heal sick people, they wouldn't set up their offices in inaccessible places, like the second floors of buildings where people who can't climb stairs for whatever reason can't reach them.
They wouldn't set up offices in old, musty moldy buildings where people with asthma or allergies can't go.
They wouldn't bring their dogs and cats to their offices. They wouldn't burn stinky candles. They wouldn't smell like kitty litter or cigarette smoke.
They wouldn't wear perfumes.
All of these things bother someone who is environmentally sensitive. And if you're having any problems with your legs, you certainly can't get up a flight of stairs.
If you are providing a service to the public, you should not greatly inconvenience someone who is paying you $120.
Your place should be easily accessible and clean. Your clients or patients or whatever you call them should feel secure in the knowledge that you change the sheets between visitors and you don't use the same blanket without washing it.
If you own an animal and can't bear to leave it alone long enough for you to go work, then I suggest you put it in puppy preschool or kitty college, or hire a sitter. Or stay home and take care of it. If the animal is more important to you than the people who are paying you for help, then to be honest, you're not somebody I want to be seeing anyway.
If you profess to be healing and helping people, then the people you say you want to help are supposed to come first. Period. I'm paying good money and I am there because you claim you can help me. It is not about your ego, your value system, or your "special abilities." It's about my health.
I am not asking for a sterile environment, just an accessible facility and clean and breathable air. I do not think that it is unreasonable for me to expect that from someone who claims to care about my health.
I know it can be done because some of the people I've seen have managed it. These people understand and truly are healers who want to serve. However, they certainly seem to be in a minority, and very difficult to find.
I believe alternative medicine has its place in healing. I have had good results from acupuncture. I see a chiropractor regularly for a slipping rib, which she routinely puts back into place so I can breathe again. For a long time I saw a massage therapist and that, too, was helpful.
However, I recently reached a conclusion that a number of these practitioners don't really want to be healers. Or, perhaps I should say, they only want to serve a particular clientele.
I don't fall into the category of people they want to help.
I say this because if these folks really wanted to heal sick people, they wouldn't set up their offices in inaccessible places, like the second floors of buildings where people who can't climb stairs for whatever reason can't reach them.
They wouldn't set up offices in old, musty moldy buildings where people with asthma or allergies can't go.
They wouldn't bring their dogs and cats to their offices. They wouldn't burn stinky candles. They wouldn't smell like kitty litter or cigarette smoke.
They wouldn't wear perfumes.
All of these things bother someone who is environmentally sensitive. And if you're having any problems with your legs, you certainly can't get up a flight of stairs.
If you are providing a service to the public, you should not greatly inconvenience someone who is paying you $120.
Your place should be easily accessible and clean. Your clients or patients or whatever you call them should feel secure in the knowledge that you change the sheets between visitors and you don't use the same blanket without washing it.
If you own an animal and can't bear to leave it alone long enough for you to go work, then I suggest you put it in puppy preschool or kitty college, or hire a sitter. Or stay home and take care of it. If the animal is more important to you than the people who are paying you for help, then to be honest, you're not somebody I want to be seeing anyway.
If you profess to be healing and helping people, then the people you say you want to help are supposed to come first. Period. I'm paying good money and I am there because you claim you can help me. It is not about your ego, your value system, or your "special abilities." It's about my health.
I am not asking for a sterile environment, just an accessible facility and clean and breathable air. I do not think that it is unreasonable for me to expect that from someone who claims to care about my health.
I know it can be done because some of the people I've seen have managed it. These people understand and truly are healers who want to serve. However, they certainly seem to be in a minority, and very difficult to find.
Sunday, March 01, 2015
Sunday Stealing: Hey 17!
From Sunday Stealing
17 Meme
1. Are you a jealous person?
A. I don't think so. Since I am human, I am sure I have my moments of envy.
2. When is the next time you’re traveling out of state?
A. I have no idea.
3. Can you write your name in a foreign language?
A. I'm pretty sure my name is the same regardless of language.
4. When you’re getting ready for something, do you listen to music?
A. I listen to music every morning when I am showering and preparing for the day.
5. What is your favorite day of the week?
A. I don't have one, but I like the sound of Thursday.
6. What is something you did yesterday and wish you could’ve done today?
A. I had a horrid day yesterday (which was Friday as I write these answers on Saturday) and there is absolutely nothing about it that I care to repeat. There are, however, some things I would do differently if I were repeating that horrid day that perhaps would make it less horrid.
7. If you woke up tomorrow and knew/spoke a different language, which language would you want it to be?
A. Latin.
8. What did you last order online?
A. A book.
9. Do you have any specific hobbies?
A. I read. I play guitar. I play video games. I write, which is my job. I take photographs. I blog.
10. What’s a song you recently discovered that you want to tell everyone about?
A. I haven't discovered any. I listen to old stuff.
11. Favorite fall or winter accessory?
A. Gloves.
12. What did you last eat?
A. A salad with a half of a club sandwich.
13. Look to your left. What’s there?
A. Bookcases full of unread books, my cameras, several clocks, and a framed picture of Ian McKellen as Gandalf the White.
14. How long does it take you to fall asleep?
A. Undrugged - a very long time. Drugged - about 20 minutes.
15. Is there a TV in the room you are in?
A. No.
16. What comes to your mind when I say red?
A. Dead.
17. Name something you think is pointless?
A. The House of Representatives in the United States Congress.
HAPPY MARCH 1! February is OVER!
17 Meme
1. Are you a jealous person?
A. I don't think so. Since I am human, I am sure I have my moments of envy.
2. When is the next time you’re traveling out of state?
A. I have no idea.
3. Can you write your name in a foreign language?
A. I'm pretty sure my name is the same regardless of language.
4. When you’re getting ready for something, do you listen to music?
A. I listen to music every morning when I am showering and preparing for the day.
5. What is your favorite day of the week?
A. I don't have one, but I like the sound of Thursday.
6. What is something you did yesterday and wish you could’ve done today?
A. I had a horrid day yesterday (which was Friday as I write these answers on Saturday) and there is absolutely nothing about it that I care to repeat. There are, however, some things I would do differently if I were repeating that horrid day that perhaps would make it less horrid.
7. If you woke up tomorrow and knew/spoke a different language, which language would you want it to be?
A. Latin.
8. What did you last order online?
A. A book.
9. Do you have any specific hobbies?
A. I read. I play guitar. I play video games. I write, which is my job. I take photographs. I blog.
10. What’s a song you recently discovered that you want to tell everyone about?
A. I haven't discovered any. I listen to old stuff.
11. Favorite fall or winter accessory?
A. Gloves.
12. What did you last eat?
A. A salad with a half of a club sandwich.
13. Look to your left. What’s there?
A. Bookcases full of unread books, my cameras, several clocks, and a framed picture of Ian McKellen as Gandalf the White.
14. How long does it take you to fall asleep?
A. Undrugged - a very long time. Drugged - about 20 minutes.
15. Is there a TV in the room you are in?
A. No.
16. What comes to your mind when I say red?
A. Dead.
17. Name something you think is pointless?
A. The House of Representatives in the United States Congress.
HAPPY MARCH 1! February is OVER!
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Saturday 9: Stop! In the Name of Love
Saturday 9: Stop! In the Name of Love (1965)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) When this song was popular, the Supremes were known for their long gloves and full-length gowns. When was the last time you got dressed up?
A. I don't recall. Does black for a funeral count? Then a couple of weeks ago. Otherwise it has been a very, very long time.
2) With a record 12 #1 hits, the Supremes remain America's best-selling vocal group. This must have been hard for Betty McGlown, the fourth Supreme, who left the group before they recorded their first song. Can you think of an opportunity you missed?
A. I quit working for an attorney in 1985 and that was the worst mistake of my career. If I had stayed there, we would have been better off financially and I would have had stability for a very long time. But I was an idiot and left in search of more money, which I did not find.
3) When "the girls" (Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Flo Ballard) first started hanging around Motown, founder Berry Gordy was reluctant to let them record. After all, they were still in high school. They refused to give up and eventually convinced him to let them add hand claps and finally back up vocals to recordings by other Motown artists. Tell us about a time when your persistence paid off.
A. It took me eight years - yes, eight - to get my bachelors degree at Hollins College, now Hollins University. During those eight years I had six surgeries and had to drop out every couple of semesters because I was quite sick (at one point I was in the hospital for 30 days; three other times I had major surgery and was out of work and school and unable to drive for six weeks each). I was also holding down various full and part-time jobs during that time (as a result of stupid mistake noted in #2). Actually I went back to college as a result of stupid mistake noted in #2, which was the only good thing to come out of said stupid mistake. Anyway, in 1993 I received my diploma. I was the first person in my family to receive a degree of higher learning at that time. I went back and received my masters degree in 2012. I suppose that is persistent.
4) 50 years after its release, "Stop! In the Name of Love" is one of the most popular karaoke songs. Do you know the lyrics?
A. Stop! In the Name of Love! Before you break my heart. That's about it from me.
5) There's a children's playground named in Diana Ross' honor within New York's Central Park. It includes swings, slides, rope bridges and a fountain. When you played in the park, what did you run to first?
A. I grew up on a farm. I didn't play in parks. I rode on tractors, hunted up eggs in the chicken coop, and bottle fed calves. There were slides and swings on the school grounds but I preferred to sit in the shade and read.
6) Diana stumbled in her high heels and broke her ankle as she left the stage after a November 2012 concert. What do you have on your feet right now?
A. A pair of "Made in China" leather uppers, which I use for house shoes. They even have a pair of orthotics in them.
7) Ever the trooper, she honored her commitment to perform at a White House-sponsored Christmas concert just weeks later, even though her leg was still in a cast. Tell us about a time when you "played hurt."
A. I always have had something hurting or broken or falling apart, so pretty much the last 51 years of my life.
8) Young Diana Ross was a good student and a tough competitor who made her school's swim team. Are you a good swimmer?
A. I am overweight so I imagine I float, rather like a dead, bloated whale. I could swim okay when I was younger but it has literally been years since I attempted it.
9) Diana's older sister, Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, was the first African American woman to be appointed dean of an American medical school. Decades ago, Barbara juggled post-graduate studies and raising small children. Are you good at multi-tasking?
A. It depends on what I'm doing. Playing a video game on my Kindle and watching TV? Check. Trying to write something important? Nope. I need to focus. Talking on the phone and folding clothes? Sure. Playing the guitar? Nope.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) When this song was popular, the Supremes were known for their long gloves and full-length gowns. When was the last time you got dressed up?
 |
| My wedding day 31 years ago was probably the last time I really dressed up. |
2) With a record 12 #1 hits, the Supremes remain America's best-selling vocal group. This must have been hard for Betty McGlown, the fourth Supreme, who left the group before they recorded their first song. Can you think of an opportunity you missed?
A. I quit working for an attorney in 1985 and that was the worst mistake of my career. If I had stayed there, we would have been better off financially and I would have had stability for a very long time. But I was an idiot and left in search of more money, which I did not find.
3) When "the girls" (Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Flo Ballard) first started hanging around Motown, founder Berry Gordy was reluctant to let them record. After all, they were still in high school. They refused to give up and eventually convinced him to let them add hand claps and finally back up vocals to recordings by other Motown artists. Tell us about a time when your persistence paid off.
 |
| Main Building at Hollins. |
4) 50 years after its release, "Stop! In the Name of Love" is one of the most popular karaoke songs. Do you know the lyrics?
A. Stop! In the Name of Love! Before you break my heart. That's about it from me.
5) There's a children's playground named in Diana Ross' honor within New York's Central Park. It includes swings, slides, rope bridges and a fountain. When you played in the park, what did you run to first?
A. I grew up on a farm. I didn't play in parks. I rode on tractors, hunted up eggs in the chicken coop, and bottle fed calves. There were slides and swings on the school grounds but I preferred to sit in the shade and read.
6) Diana stumbled in her high heels and broke her ankle as she left the stage after a November 2012 concert. What do you have on your feet right now?
A. A pair of "Made in China" leather uppers, which I use for house shoes. They even have a pair of orthotics in them.
7) Ever the trooper, she honored her commitment to perform at a White House-sponsored Christmas concert just weeks later, even though her leg was still in a cast. Tell us about a time when you "played hurt."
A. I always have had something hurting or broken or falling apart, so pretty much the last 51 years of my life.
8) Young Diana Ross was a good student and a tough competitor who made her school's swim team. Are you a good swimmer?
A. I am overweight so I imagine I float, rather like a dead, bloated whale. I could swim okay when I was younger but it has literally been years since I attempted it.
9) Diana's older sister, Dr. Barbara Ross-Lee, was the first African American woman to be appointed dean of an American medical school. Decades ago, Barbara juggled post-graduate studies and raising small children. Are you good at multi-tasking?
A. It depends on what I'm doing. Playing a video game on my Kindle and watching TV? Check. Trying to write something important? Nope. I need to focus. Talking on the phone and folding clothes? Sure. Playing the guitar? Nope.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Thursday Thirteen
Well, it's pouring snow here again on the east coast. I am not a big beach fan, but lately I've had visions of sitting in the sun under a palm tree somewhere, preferably with someone on hand to bring me cold, icy drinks and keep me company.
So here are some beaches somebody might like to put on their bucket list:
(The first 10 are from the National Geographic book The 10 Best of Everything. The last three are my additions. The photos are from Myrtle Beach, SC, which is where we usually vacation when we got to the beach.)
1. Seychelleswww.seychelles.com
One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source d’Argent unfurls across the island of La Digue, one of the 115 components of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The sands sparkle against a backdrop of towering granite boulders, worn by time and weather. The turquoise water is relatively shallow and protected from the ocean’s waves by a reef.
2. Maldiveswww.visitmaldives.com
Whether your dream beach trip consists of spending a few pampered nights in a four-star resort or swimming among tropical fish some 80 feet (24 meters) underwater, the Maldives are the sort of islands where either—or both—can come true. Straddling the Equator southwest of Sri Lanka, the 1,102 islands that make up the Maldives form 26 atolls. The soft air enveloping the archipelago blends into a beautiful palm-fringed haze.
3. Bora Bora, Tahitiwww.tahiti-tourisme.com/islands/borabora/
This is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just 18 miles (29 kilometers) long, this lush little slip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy shores, the best being at Matira Point. Bora Bora boasts the nickname the “Romantic Island,” a moniker easy to appreciate with its isolated beaches, intimate hotels, and quiet atmosphere.
4. The Hamptons, New Yorkwww.hamptons.com
One of the hip spots for the air-kissing, well-heeled set, the Hamptons boast some of the prettiest beaches on Long Island. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the end of the island at Montauk. Windswept dunes and waving grasses border the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Lanikai Beach, Hawaiiwww.hawaii.com
Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees swaying over a white beach, lush tropical plants, and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm. The water is always deep green and postcard-perfect.
6. Nantucket Island, Massachusettswww.nantucket.net
The most popular beaches on this island in the North Atlantic are Surfside and Children’s. The waters here are relatively calm, and there’s plenty of sand to use for sunbathing or castle-building. Madaket Beach is known for its rougher surf and not-to-be-missed sunsets. Quidnet Beach provides great views of Sankaty Head lighthouse.
7. Fraser Island, Australiawww.seefraserisland.com
Perched on the sunny Queensland coast 161 miles (259 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and home to a wonderful beach. This World Heritage Site is an ecologist’s dream, with 640 square miles (1,664 square kilometers) of unspoiled natural paradise. Rain forests with 1,000-year-old trees sprout from the sand. Lodgings here accommodate a wide range of tourists, from the backpacking ecology lover to pampered resort fans.
8. St. Bart'swww.st-barths.com
One of many islands in the Caribbean Sea, St. Bart’s stands out with its blend of French chic and island relaxation. With beautiful secluded beaches, fine French cuisine, and gracious hotels, this tropical playground is popular with the Jet Set. The 8-mile-long (13-kilometer-long) island is edged by 20 beaches and small coves for swimmers and sunbathers, with sparkling water and white sand.
9. Langkawi, Malaysiawww.langkawi.com.my
The name “Langkawi” translates into “the land of one’s wishes,” a welcoming concept that somewhat belies the island’s historic origins as a reputed refuge for pirates. Langkawi has since become a modern hideaway for the traveler seeking an escape. If your vacation wishes extend from uncrowded white sands and clear waters to lush green forests, you will find yourself content here. Datai Bay, located on Pulau Langkawi, is a heavenly retreat on the Andaman Sea.
10. Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii
Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha State’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Bay is the quintessential Hawaiian spot. The 0.25-mile-long (0.4-kilometer-long), crescent-shaped beach has plenty of white sand, palm trees, and calm, clear, blue water. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, beachgoers here can snorkel or ride boogie boards. (Be careful swimming, however, because there are no lifeguards on this public beach.) At night, nestle into the sands and peer out into the water to see if you can catch a glimpse of manta rays swimming.
11. Mellon Udrigle Beach, Scotland. Mostly because I want to go to Scotland, but I may as well see a beach while I am there, right?
12. Bettystown County Meath, Ireland. Again, mostly because I want to go to Ireland someday. Apparently this beach is known for horseracing and because a famous brooch, the Tara Brooch, was allegedly found here.
13. Woolecombe in Devon, England. Well, I want to go to England, too.
What beaches have you been to? Anywhere special you want to go? Dream away while the snow falls!
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here. I've been playing for a while and this is my 384th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
So here are some beaches somebody might like to put on their bucket list:
(The first 10 are from the National Geographic book The 10 Best of Everything. The last three are my additions. The photos are from Myrtle Beach, SC, which is where we usually vacation when we got to the beach.)
1. Seychelleswww.seychelles.com
One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source d’Argent unfurls across the island of La Digue, one of the 115 components of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The sands sparkle against a backdrop of towering granite boulders, worn by time and weather. The turquoise water is relatively shallow and protected from the ocean’s waves by a reef.
 |
| Myrtle Beach, SC |
2. Maldiveswww.visitmaldives.com
Whether your dream beach trip consists of spending a few pampered nights in a four-star resort or swimming among tropical fish some 80 feet (24 meters) underwater, the Maldives are the sort of islands where either—or both—can come true. Straddling the Equator southwest of Sri Lanka, the 1,102 islands that make up the Maldives form 26 atolls. The soft air enveloping the archipelago blends into a beautiful palm-fringed haze.
3. Bora Bora, Tahitiwww.tahiti-tourisme.com/islands/borabora/
This is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just 18 miles (29 kilometers) long, this lush little slip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy shores, the best being at Matira Point. Bora Bora boasts the nickname the “Romantic Island,” a moniker easy to appreciate with its isolated beaches, intimate hotels, and quiet atmosphere.
 |
| Better than snow, right? |
4. The Hamptons, New Yorkwww.hamptons.com
One of the hip spots for the air-kissing, well-heeled set, the Hamptons boast some of the prettiest beaches on Long Island. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the end of the island at Montauk. Windswept dunes and waving grasses border the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Lanikai Beach, Hawaiiwww.hawaii.com
Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees swaying over a white beach, lush tropical plants, and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm. The water is always deep green and postcard-perfect.
 |
| Myrtle Beach, again. |
6. Nantucket Island, Massachusettswww.nantucket.net
The most popular beaches on this island in the North Atlantic are Surfside and Children’s. The waters here are relatively calm, and there’s plenty of sand to use for sunbathing or castle-building. Madaket Beach is known for its rougher surf and not-to-be-missed sunsets. Quidnet Beach provides great views of Sankaty Head lighthouse.
7. Fraser Island, Australiawww.seefraserisland.com
Perched on the sunny Queensland coast 161 miles (259 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and home to a wonderful beach. This World Heritage Site is an ecologist’s dream, with 640 square miles (1,664 square kilometers) of unspoiled natural paradise. Rain forests with 1,000-year-old trees sprout from the sand. Lodgings here accommodate a wide range of tourists, from the backpacking ecology lover to pampered resort fans.
8. St. Bart'swww.st-barths.com
One of many islands in the Caribbean Sea, St. Bart’s stands out with its blend of French chic and island relaxation. With beautiful secluded beaches, fine French cuisine, and gracious hotels, this tropical playground is popular with the Jet Set. The 8-mile-long (13-kilometer-long) island is edged by 20 beaches and small coves for swimmers and sunbathers, with sparkling water and white sand.
9. Langkawi, Malaysiawww.langkawi.com.my
The name “Langkawi” translates into “the land of one’s wishes,” a welcoming concept that somewhat belies the island’s historic origins as a reputed refuge for pirates. Langkawi has since become a modern hideaway for the traveler seeking an escape. If your vacation wishes extend from uncrowded white sands and clear waters to lush green forests, you will find yourself content here. Datai Bay, located on Pulau Langkawi, is a heavenly retreat on the Andaman Sea.
10. Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii
Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha State’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Bay is the quintessential Hawaiian spot. The 0.25-mile-long (0.4-kilometer-long), crescent-shaped beach has plenty of white sand, palm trees, and calm, clear, blue water. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, beachgoers here can snorkel or ride boogie boards. (Be careful swimming, however, because there are no lifeguards on this public beach.) At night, nestle into the sands and peer out into the water to see if you can catch a glimpse of manta rays swimming.
 |
| A palm tree. Because, you know. Beach. |
11. Mellon Udrigle Beach, Scotland. Mostly because I want to go to Scotland, but I may as well see a beach while I am there, right?
12. Bettystown County Meath, Ireland. Again, mostly because I want to go to Ireland someday. Apparently this beach is known for horseracing and because a famous brooch, the Tara Brooch, was allegedly found here.
13. Woolecombe in Devon, England. Well, I want to go to England, too.
What beaches have you been to? Anywhere special you want to go? Dream away while the snow falls!
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here. I've been playing for a while and this is my 384th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
This Ain't No Disco
Farming has its ups and downs. Winter is not always a downer, but the snow creates special problems.
The cattle are bedded down in the hollow around the watering troughs at the moment. They have grass to lie on, as well as hay, but they aren't keen on tromping through the deep, icy snow.
However, this morning when I rose and looked out the window, I saw one lone cow away from the herd. On second glance, I saw her newborn calf. The little one was already up, looking for a first meal, and testing newborn legs.
Unfortunately, another cow and calf did not fare as well earlier in the week. The momma went into labor sometime in the night, after we'd already checked the animals, and the calf refused to come out. My husband had to get a couple of neighboring farmers to help him pull the calf, and we're hoping the hapless momma will recover. She's being treated kindly, with lots of water, hay, medication, and attention.
We are not full-time farmers; my husband has two other jobs and I don't have the physical strength to be of much assistance with farming chores. Fortunately one of our young nephews is interested and always glad to help when my fellow has to be elsewhere.
If we farmed full-time, perhaps we could better time the births of calves, though frankly this time would be about the normal time for such events, if the weather patterns were as they once were. We have not had such frigid temperatures or as much deep snow at this time of the year as rule. March is when many little new babies of all kinds pop into the world, after all.
The cattle are bedded down in the hollow around the watering troughs at the moment. They have grass to lie on, as well as hay, but they aren't keen on tromping through the deep, icy snow.
However, this morning when I rose and looked out the window, I saw one lone cow away from the herd. On second glance, I saw her newborn calf. The little one was already up, looking for a first meal, and testing newborn legs.
 |
| Snow makes it hard on an ol' farmer. |
Unfortunately, another cow and calf did not fare as well earlier in the week. The momma went into labor sometime in the night, after we'd already checked the animals, and the calf refused to come out. My husband had to get a couple of neighboring farmers to help him pull the calf, and we're hoping the hapless momma will recover. She's being treated kindly, with lots of water, hay, medication, and attention.
We are not full-time farmers; my husband has two other jobs and I don't have the physical strength to be of much assistance with farming chores. Fortunately one of our young nephews is interested and always glad to help when my fellow has to be elsewhere.
If we farmed full-time, perhaps we could better time the births of calves, though frankly this time would be about the normal time for such events, if the weather patterns were as they once were. We have not had such frigid temperatures or as much deep snow at this time of the year as rule. March is when many little new babies of all kinds pop into the world, after all.
Monday, February 23, 2015
More Snow
The weather folks initially said we might get a few inches but did hedge on their forecast; we ended up with a foot of snow. Come on, Spring!
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Sunday Stealing: Colorful Meme
From Sunday Stealing
Colorful Meme
Could you tell me please, what color each of these things are?
~ Your hair: brown with streaks of gray.
~ Your eyes: hazel with iris that look like cracked ice.
~ Your shirt: blue
~ Your socks: white with blue
~ Your shoes: white New Balance all-leather sneakers. Expensive suckers.
~ Your purse: brown
~ Your wallet: brown
~ Your phone: blue
~ Your computer/laptop: black
~ Your earphones: white
~ Your best friend’s hair: One friend has black hair, another has blondish brown, and another has black with gray in it.
~ Your best friend’s eyes: brown, blue, brown
~ Your sky today: it is pouring snow at the rate of 2 inches an hour, so gray and white.
Colorful Meme
Could you tell me please, what color each of these things are?
~ Your hair: brown with streaks of gray.
 |
| Me with my graying head. |
~ Your eyes: hazel with iris that look like cracked ice.
~ Your shirt: blue
~ Your socks: white with blue
~ Your shoes: white New Balance all-leather sneakers. Expensive suckers.
~ Your purse: brown
~ Your wallet: brown
~ Your phone: blue
~ Your computer/laptop: black
~ Your earphones: white
~ Your best friend’s hair: One friend has black hair, another has blondish brown, and another has black with gray in it.
~ Your best friend’s eyes: brown, blue, brown
~ Your sky today: it is pouring snow at the rate of 2 inches an hour, so gray and white.
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