Life...Enriched and Ennobled by Learning Anew

On this Good Friday morning I just finished reading the Easter story in Matthew. I had forgotten about the 50 silver coins acquired by treason by Judas. That he would then throw them back and thereafter hang himself from a tree when he realized what he had done.... profound. I'll think and ponder that today while working in the yard and garden. Reading and learning this anew provides meaning to my life.

I like how learning enriches my life. To wit, these additional 3 unique items...

1. Recently I toured Portland's Lan Su Chinese Garden. A sister-city-garden to Suzhou (Sue-Chow) China, and built in 2000 by native Suzhou gardeners who stayed in Portland for 11 months, it is an amazing authentic Chinese garden. And so when PBS recently showed on their "American Experience" program a new museum designed by American, (but Suzhou-born) reknown architect I.M. Pei (famed by his glass pyramid at the Louve in Paris), I learned even more about Chinese culture and architecture. Only one city block wide, the Lan Su Garden in downtown Portland is a jewel. I was amazed by a unique Chinese variety of Rhododendron, the blossom much larger than my outstretched hand, that was in bloom while I was there. I strongly encourage your taking a visual tour of the gardens. Merely google "Portland's Chinese Gardens". Treat yourself, it's worth your time.

2. I'm likewise impressed by having recently learned of a Copenhagen man that employees adults with Autism only in his Danish business. I saw the story on ABC News. His own young son is autistic. Since April is Autism Awareness Month, I plan to get on line and learn more about this man, his business, and his employees. I'm proud that a Dane has taken the first step to validate autistic adult.

3. Another unique story told on ABC News features patients with Parkinson's. I was amazed, in awe, and inspired by seeing video of Parkinson's patients riding bikes. Chemicals in the brain, produced by this elevated heart-rate activity, actually allows them to be free of the disease while both riding a bike, including stationary bikes, and while dancing. That's another story I plan to read more about on line.

My love of good books has been toned & fortified by a few recent good reads:
1) Al Capone Does My Laundry and 2) Al Capone Shines My Shoes are two fine books for young readers, but I enjoyed them too. 1930's historical fiction that takes place in the San Francisco area, specifically on Alcatraz Island. 12/13 year old "Moose" and his autistic sister are at the center of these stories. The 2nd book is especially good because it teaches what can happen when we make ill-fated compromises, conceal lies, and find ourselves in situations that are uneasy to escape. Both are really good reads.
3) "In the Heart of the Sea: The tragedy of the Whaleship Essex" Ah. Another fine book by author Nathaniel Philbrick (Mayflower). A National Book Award Winner, it retells what happened about the Essex, (Melville used this to write his famous "Moby Dick" If you haven't seen the recent-years remake movie Moby Dick with Patrick Steward, run-n-rent it!). I'm in awe of Captain Pollard (more integrity than Melville's Ahab) and his valor. Afraid of stories about cannibals in the Pacific Islands, the Essex crew opted instead to try to get to Chile and the South American coast. In the process, they themselves became cannibals of one another, something most abhorred and leaving a stigma for life. I quote from a favorite part of the book, toward's the end: "....the word 'pollard' has two meanings. A pollard is an animal, such as an ox, goat, or sheep, that has lost its horns. But pollard is also a gardening term. To pollard a tree is to prune back its branches severely so that it may produce a dense growth of new shoots. Misfortune had pollarded George Pollard, cutting back his possiblities, but, as if strengthened by the surgery, he created a happy, meaningful life for himself in his native town."
(Nantucket, with their small-town mentality of judgeing others unfairly.) Twice Captain Pollard had failed whaling disasters, neither of which were his fault. But he became known as a "Jonah" (a marked and bad-luck-ridden seaman) and never captained again. He spent the rest of his life as a night guard and lamplighter on the dark streets of Nantucket, something that would have been humiliating. But he wore a smile, was pleasant to people, and as decades wore on, became a type of protector especially to the young of Nantucket. One can hear author Philbrick on a podcast speaking at BYU a few years ago. His address to that audience were germane to his Mayflower book. He's not of that faith, but had been invited to speak to their student body. It's a really great talk, especially if you have an interest in the Plymouth Pilgrims. Merely google BYU Philbrick podcast. That should lead ya in the right direction.
4) Born to Run (I listened to it on tape while running myself). While it didn't have as much to do with running as I had hoped, it was none-the-less a good story dealing with a unique tribe in the Copper Canyons of Mexico that run in sandles. The language is sometimes rough, the author writes that way, I've read his stuff in Adventure magazines. But I liked learning about this unique culture, and I really appreciated the tie to local running, specifically my alma mater Adams State College and their legendary cross country coach Joe Vigil whom I know.

Next on the nightstand table, waiting to be read... "The Known World" the true story of one of several freed black slaves who in turn became a slaveholder himself in the Carolina region of America's Civil War era South. I remember listening to a book review and interview a fews years ago on NPR radio while shaving for work. I was surprised. A previous slave, now free, as a land owner with slaves himself? At that time I had a bright student who was African American. I discussed this with her. She and her parents had known of such a thing, but weren't inclined to learn more about it. But I am inclined to learn more about it. While my trips to the South aren't included among my favorite, I have found some pleasant things: Mississippi has that "southern hospitality" I had heard about. And I like the Spanish Moss that grows on the trees in South Carolina. The water fowl I saw while eating fresh Georgia peaches on the banks of Lake Providence in Lousianna was amazing. I once knew the name of those amazing white birds as well as those unique water-rooted trees, but I've forgotten both. Argh. Across the road was this great Cotton-plantation and village museum that I toured. The Vicksburg Historical area is rich in Civil War history. And I want to return to drive more of the Natchez Trail. Virginia with it's Mt. Vernon, Monticello, & Colonial Williamsburg is a favorite place. I try to be open-minded and glean the good. Still, I prefer New England and the Atlantic.

Also, I've bought a book by fellow runner/historian Martin Dugard, "Farther Than Any Man: The Rise and Fall of Captain James Cook" It promises to be a good read. (I've checked out Dugard's website, he's an adventurer.) I have spent some time along the North Pacific Ocean, in particular Cook's Inlet in Alaska. I saw 26 amazing blue ice glaciers, the same one's Cook had seen, in these waters. Since that time, I've taken an intense interest in Cook's life.

Taking our granddaughter to an "Infants and Toddlers" Library program was a joy. The youngest there, she thrilled to be with other little kids. She just lit up. The libarian in charge of the program told Nana G and Papa Ras, "She notices everything. She doesn't miss a thing. She's so smart!" Yup. I'm not the only one that notices how bright this kid is. We're blessed.

I recently read to my class "Esperanza Falling", a fine story about 1930's Migrant labor in the San Joaquin valley of California. I've been there a few times too and am well aware of our dependence upon their produce, and the migrant labor the produces it. I taught migrant school, day as well as high school kids, so the book has always been a favorite. But now that I'm a grandparent, the book and it's telling of Abuelita, the grandmother that got left behind in Mexico, and Esperanza's life in a new country... takes on a new and profound tenderness. Yes, books, travel, PBS, all contribute to my learning. But having a grandchild, I find, heightens and embellishes life. Ennobles life.
Be well, do good...


s\

Beginning to Blossom...

We enjoyed the recent extended Valentines Day/President's Day weekend with our amazing little granddaughter and her parents. By contrast, we left behind, and returned to, frosted white trees whereas we saw, while in Sacramento at a layover, white blossomed almond trees. Likewise, Oregon's temperate climate allowed for green grass and intricate pink petaled rhododendrons.
But what I most enjoyed was the emerging, blossoming personality of our nearly 6-month old grandchild. She's bright and alert. She loved being taken on stroller rides where, attentive, she took in what we said and showed her. "Talkative", she conversed, laughed, and smiled during nearly all of her awake moments. And, while at Church, she was a joy to walk/carry thru the halls. No fussing. No whining. She just watched everyone and everthing, far surpassing the behavior of any other baby or every other child. She fell asleep, a short cat nap, with her white leotard left toes in her mouth. And when she woke up, rather than cry and create chaos, that little sweetheart merely remained quiet, listening to the elderly speakers go on and on, content to merely be held, facing forward, so that she could see everything going on around her. Papa's Little Angel.

So yeah, it was nice seeing Spring blossoms because, it's going to be a few more months before we see signs of spring here, but the real joy was in being a witness to the emerging, blossoming personality of this most amazing little person...
This kid is a hoot!
Be well, do good...

The Loosening Iron-like Grip of Winter

For me, January is always the longest month. Short daylight. Sub-zero temperatures. One year, using an accurate clock,I literally took notes as daily I watched to see when the dawn-to-dusk light came on every evening. I was surprised that slowly, by about 2 minutes a day, the days were in fact getting longer. And so, because of that annotated record keeping, I have learned that while February and March can still be very cold here in Colorado's high alpine San Luis Valley (towered over by 14,000+ elevation mountains of the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rockies), winter's hard-fisted grip does begin to loosen somewhat. I spent nearly 2 hours on the roof today chopping away at an ice build-up that was causing a leak in the garage. As long as the sun is out, the ice melts quickly. The minute the sun begins to set, however, those freezing temperatures resume. Still, we live in the Southwest where we are blessed nearly every day of the year, (about 340 out of 365 days actually,) with amazing sunshine. Artist Georgia O'Keefe left New York City to live the remainder of her painting days in this area. Photographer Ansel Adams preferred this region because of it's amazing light, to that of Yosemite where his earlier work was done. Our valley elevation is 7,600 feet above sea level. So yes, it's cold here. We have 4 seasons: Winter, Almost Spring, Summer, Almost Winter.

I once hated living in this bitter cold. But as I've gotten older, and as I have traveled somewhat extensively, I've come to learn that 1) the ideal situation does not exist; 2) the wind blows everywhere, not just here, and 3) I prefer our bitter winter over the bugs and insects of more tropical areas. I still don't like our Januarys, but... I've tried to make the most of them. To wit: I took a day off from work and went skiing at Wolf Creek Ski Area recently. I don't get the same thrill out of skiing that I did when I was younger, but I enjoyed the peace and beauty atop the Continental Divide, and yeah, I still like the speed of skiing in fine new powder. Next, to authenticate my Scandanavian roots, I went from hot tub to rolling in the snow, back to the hot tub, back to rolling in the snow ~ in our backyard patio area. It felt like a zillion needles and pins pricking my skin, but I slept better that night than I have in a long time. One of the photos above shows my body imprint in the snow. But the real joys of this past month come from a couple of simple, unexpected things: 1) while running on the banks of the Rio Grande River, I came upon an almost friendly red fox who, rather than run quickly from me, seemed almost as curious about me as I was about him/her. We both continued our run without stopping, but I was enriched by sharing the same path, if only for a short time. He/She was an amazingly beautiful creature. And then, our harsh winter fogs provided yet again the most amazing frost on trees and fences. Perhaps it is my advancing age that allows me to now appreciate, where in my youth I distained, these amazing white landscape portraits of nature.

I have come to believe that an all-knowing, all-loving wise Heavenly Father placed me here for reasons central to His wanting the best for me. I've come to know that I'm here to be tested, but I believe, and appreciate, that He placed me here because He knew this was where I would best test. As a teacher, I never try to set my kids up for failure. Rather, I try everything I can to insure that they learn and pass my classes. I test them, yes, but I do my best to insure an environment and condititons best suited to their chances at success. And so, I'm rather convinced that I'm here, not by some whim, not by some mere toss of the coin, but rather, because this is where He feels I can best succeed in passing life's tests. I find a certain certitude to that.

I enjoy spending time in our greenhouse. Outside, the mid-day temperatures are in the low 30's. But on weekends when I'm home, by afternoon, it's a warm 78 degrees in my little Danish greenhouse. I sit in my Carolina rocker and read from my selected Books-to-be-Read This Year list. And, I've begun planning my summer gardens, I'm preparing my homemade newspaper peat pots for planting seeds that I've started to buy. Winter's iron-like grip is starting to loosen. That's okay by me.
Be well, do good...

Good Times

What was it Dicken's wrote? "...the best of times, the worst of times..." With the passing of this year, and this decade, I suspect Dickens summarizes my feelings about both the past year and past decade.
I've had some amazing experiences this past decade. I realized my goal of seeing all 50 states before I turned 50, and in so doing, repeatedly went back, again and again, to many of my favorite places. In fact, I've traveled so much that I've kind of lost my wanderlust for travel. But I'm grateful for good health and resources that allow me this, I've enjoyed what I've seen and learned. Travel has enriched my life. I've learned so much that I wouldn't have otherwise. For example,
when I was born, Leonard Bernstein was conductor of the New York Philharmonic. It would be some 40+ years before I actually saw the Philharmonic perform in person. Lorin Maazel was the conductor, I came to enjoy his concerts whether in New York City or when the Philly comes to Vail, Colorado for their summer residence concerts. So I was pleased this summer then, to see the premiere concert of new conductor Alan Gilbert. As tradition goes, I have just finished watching the New York Philharmonic on PBS, Live at Lincoln Center. Gilbert promises to be equal to the task. I'm glad I'm connected to this amazing symphony, the New York Philharmonic has a certain cache' that I appreciate and enjoy.
Equally interesting was seeing/hearing the famed Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra and their 28 year old conductor Gustavo Dudamel perform at Chicago Symphony Hall last Spring. To learn thereafter that he had been appointed the newest, and youngest, conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and then to see him at the new Getty-designed stainless steel Los Angeles Disney Concert Hall in his premier concert, was likewise enjoyable. My travels have allowed me to meet interesting actors/actresses,(stage/film/t.v.) musicians, historians, and authors. Unique people, yes.

But none compare to the unique and wonderful new person in my life: our grandchild.
We just returned from the Pacific Northwest where we had so much fun with her. It was great to be with her and her parents, albeit a horrid 4 hour/20 mile drive in a freezing rain and snow storm on Interstate 5. (Oregon drivers were very patient.)

However, I'm glad to be home. It's very cold here, bitter cold. But without the bitter humidity that I experienced this past week (and the week before that in Chicago.) As I've gotten older, I prefer the quiet and peace of our small town. I enjoy nightly hot tub soaks in the patio. It's silent. I look up thru the lattice roof where I see stars and hear jets flying over head, without the crowds of people that are found in large cities. As beautiful as the Northwest is, I thrilled to be in Colorado Springs en route to home today. Cheyenne Mountain, Pikes Peak...... ah, it's a beautiful city that equals, for me, beautiful Victoria, British Columbia.

So yeah, the last decade, the last year.... the worst of times, the best of times. Here's to the New Year, the New Decade.
Be well, do good...

Christmastime in Chicago

Back to the Windy City for history workshops, I managed to take in some of Chicago's cultural advantages recently. "A Christmas Carol" at the Goodman Theater was good. The Chicago Symphony was very good. And "The Nutcracker" by the Joffrey Ballet was amazing, an extremely well-done presentation. Annually, the Joffrey includes a disabled/challened person in the cast. This year it was a young parapalegic, doned in Victorian era children's clothing and era-accurate wheel chair. After the intermission he and his mother were seated behind me. I was able to get glimpses of him excitement from time to time. Pretty cool. "The Auditorium" theater is in and of itself an equally amazing place.
The weather was bitter cold. I lived along Lake Michigan when I was a younger man, for 2 years. I knew from that time how humidity can make "cold" penetrate. I had forgotten. I was glad to be back home. Our -14 pales in comparison to their -14.

I've had a Ryobi Table Router for a while, but just recently have begun to use it. I find working with wood, most of the time, to be enjoyable. But learning to use this router is going to take some time.
Be well, do good...

Flavor Graveyard at Ben and Jerry's

One of the many fun places I've been to, a couple of times actually, during my many travels in last decades "See All 50 Before I turn 50" goal, was Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory and Tour in Stowe, Vermont. There, back behind the building, on an isolated hill, is a wonderfully humoristic white picket fence "Flavors Graveyard". Tombstones listing the name and years in existance of no-longer-made, down-the-toilet ice cream flavors are listed. It's a great place. I had taken photographs to remember some of these flavors.

In my teaching kids how to write, I opted to use recently, these very flavors as a prompt for their writing, and then embellishing, obituaries. This out-of-the-box idea was fun for them, and for me. I seldom include anything on this blog that is work-related, but yeah, this was fun, so I'm sharing it. By clicking on the photo, the tombstones before the obituaries were posted next to them, the enlarged screen allows for reading the headstones. Have fun. I did.
Be well, do good...

"Mayflower" by Nathaniel Philbrick

I'm never much of a Halloween fan, but my worksite said we were all to dress up this year, historical theme. I'm a fan of both British and Colonial American Naval History, and as a tribute to the French Naval power, I struck a pose with my hand in my jacket, Nepolian-like.
Also, we spent time in Albuquerque again. I like their unique architecture and southwest designs. Usually, it's warmer there than home, but not this trip.

A few years ago, while watching CSPAN II's weekly "Book T.V.", I came upon a great interview of author Nath Philbrick. I knew nothing of him. He was discussing his newest book, "Mayflower". I found this to be of much interest. Soon after, my oldest daughter, then attending BYU, told me of Philbrick's recent visit on her campus, discussing this book in a BYU Forum with students in the large Marriott Center. Thereafter, I myself listened to that address on the computer. I waited until the book came out in paperback, bought it, but then it sat on my nightstand book pile for months and months. I've just recently gotten to it, and have found it to be one of the best books I've read in a long time. I commend it everyone I know.

A few things I have found to be most interesting are cited here:

*Turkey, associated with Thanksgiving, was not something new to New Englanders. During Spain's explorations into Central America in the 1500's, domesticated turkey was found common place. Brought back to Europe, these smaller birds we raised thereafter in Europe. The wild turkey found in New England, were larger birds, easily tracked down due to their cumbersome size and heavy prints left in Massachusetts snows.
*Both Squanto and Massasoit may be viewed as "friends" from the English perspective, but they had their own agenda's, and were turn-coats of sorts, to their own tribes and people.
*Miles Standish......warmonger. I'm not impressed with him. Shady character.
*William Bradford.....certainly not perfect, but overall, never gave up on his goal of creating a society based upon the teachings of Jesus. Other's quickly recognized this new land for it's potential in yeilding personal wealth. Bradford, for the most part, wasn't persuaded thusly.
*The "Saints", religious, to the point of becoming fanatics or zealots almost, recognized early on that Plymouth Harbor was inferior to that of Boston Harbor further north. Yet they remained where they were instead of picking up, moving on, and taking advantage of a better place.
*I'm amazed that by the mid 1600's so many English were here. Their disregard for the Indians is generally well-known, but this book specifies things I had never known. For example, pigs belonging to the English ran freely, eating Indian corn, acorns, and trampling gardens. Cows, horses, and other English livestock became a constant source of trouble. Fence building was attempted, but to no avail.

I find the book to be worthy of the time needed to read it slowly, carefully.
Be well, do good...