Medical Heroes who have the courage to stand up against the status quo and say that we need health care for all should be applauded and given recognition. It's so easy to go along with the medical power brokers and the money machine that drives the bucks into the supposed non-profit hospitals. It is easy to keep silent and keep out of the arena of public opinion so you don't risk your own job or suffer the rath of those holding the reins.
One such medical hero is in Benton County, Oregon. His name is Dr. Cosimo Storniolo who is an Internist at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis. On Sunday, April 27, 2008, his letter appeared in the Corvallis Gazette Times which said that there's enough money in Benton County to care for every county resident and he called for action to make Benton County the first in the nation "with a fully insured population."
Another medical hero is Elaine Broske, M.D. who has an office in West Salem. She's my husband's doctor who watches out for him. She also has great courage and is brilliant.
Dr. Storniolo is the doctor who put my husband in the hospital immediately to save his life after checking him at the Benton County Health Department. Nurses and doctors at the Lincoln Clinic said, "Go to Storniolo." "He's brilliant." "He'll know what to do." [Les went to the Lincoln Clinic in Corvallis for months and just before he saw Dr. Storniolo, he was going every week for a checkup.] I agree with the assessment. He is brilliant and beyond that he has courage and strength of character. He's a REAL doctor with heart who cares about people. Hats off to you, Dr. Cosimo Storniolo. I sincerely hope you can make the dream of health care for everyone come true and I'll be happy to volunteer to help you.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Craig Ferguson
I watched Craig Ferguson the first time live on television doing standup at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner. This guy's funny! He's refreshing plus he's charming and cute. He goes right to the edge and then has this boyish grin that makes you want to reach into the TV to hug him.
Now I've started to tivo The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson so I laugh at least once every day.
Now I've started to tivo The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson so I laugh at least once every day.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Snow in Alsea
It's been snowing in Alsea today. There's snow in the hills surrounding our house and we drove through snow coming home from Yachats around noon. There's a hummingbird sitting on his perch looking bewildered outside our dining room window and a Steller's Jay screeching from the maple tree in front yelling, "Where's the suet?" The birds emptied the feeders in the front window in a day and a half.
When we walked in the door, the temperature in the house was 51 degrees and this is April 20th. The pellet stove is going now. It's good that we bought 3 tons of pellets this winter and that Les fixed the stove.
I think that the plants are confused. "Is it time to bloom yet or not?" With snow on the ground, I think that some of the plants have decided to wait or haven't figured what to do. After all, peas should be coming up right now ready to harvest since I should have planted them in early March.
When we walked in the door, the temperature in the house was 51 degrees and this is April 20th. The pellet stove is going now. It's good that we bought 3 tons of pellets this winter and that Les fixed the stove.
I think that the plants are confused. "Is it time to bloom yet or not?" With snow on the ground, I think that some of the plants have decided to wait or haven't figured what to do. After all, peas should be coming up right now ready to harvest since I should have planted them in early March.
Overleaf Lodge
On Saturday night, April 19th, Leslie and I stayed at the Overleaf Lodge in room 106 that opens onto the historic 804 trail next to the ocean in Yachats. On the 17th, Les and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. We eloped to Reno on April 17th in 1972 so long ago.
The 804 trail is perfect for walking or running. It sure made me want to run, run, run......... I did take off for a few brief moments in my New Balance running shoes that I bought from http://www.roadrunnersports.com/. 1-800-551-5558. My shoes wanted to fly.
Before we checked into the Overleaf Lodge, we had fish and chips at the Blue Whale in Yachats and then for dinner went over to Waldport to eat at the new Subway.
I had such a nice time. Anyone who loves the beauty of the ocean, great trails, and a resort hotel where they spoil you rotten, needs to stay at the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats. The free continental breakfast is amazing. I loaded up on fresh fruit and fruit juice. Then I decided to partake of the blackberry scone that was loaded with berries. I didn't try it until we checked out and then I wished I had grabbed another. Delicious!
I took some great photos of a spectacular sunset and this morning I took five pictures of a bird posing on the end of a stick with the ocean waves as the back drop. I wanted to get a spectacular ocean photo with a seagull swooping by at the right moment but it didn't work out. Maybe next time.
On Saturday night Les and I went into the lobby and played canasta to 5,000 points and he won. Then I found this exquite chess set next to the fireplace that was calling my name. The pieces were carved into the shapes of birds. Les and I played chess the night before at home so on Saturday night with this great chess set, I won.
We also enjoyed the spa and sat in the warm bubbling water next to the windows overlooking the ocean. Perfect!
Anyone who wants to get away for a perfect weekend, call the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats and make a reservation. 1-800-338-0507 You'll come back every chance you can and you'll have a wonderful time.
http://www.overleaflodge.com/
This was a Christmas gift from our son, Benjamin and his wife, Amanda who live in Green Lake, Washington. Thank you! Green Lake is part of Seattle and has that amazing walking trail around Green Lake that everyone loves.
The 804 trail is perfect for walking or running. It sure made me want to run, run, run......... I did take off for a few brief moments in my New Balance running shoes that I bought from http://www.roadrunnersports.com/. 1-800-551-5558. My shoes wanted to fly.
Before we checked into the Overleaf Lodge, we had fish and chips at the Blue Whale in Yachats and then for dinner went over to Waldport to eat at the new Subway.
I had such a nice time. Anyone who loves the beauty of the ocean, great trails, and a resort hotel where they spoil you rotten, needs to stay at the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats. The free continental breakfast is amazing. I loaded up on fresh fruit and fruit juice. Then I decided to partake of the blackberry scone that was loaded with berries. I didn't try it until we checked out and then I wished I had grabbed another. Delicious!
I took some great photos of a spectacular sunset and this morning I took five pictures of a bird posing on the end of a stick with the ocean waves as the back drop. I wanted to get a spectacular ocean photo with a seagull swooping by at the right moment but it didn't work out. Maybe next time.
On Saturday night Les and I went into the lobby and played canasta to 5,000 points and he won. Then I found this exquite chess set next to the fireplace that was calling my name. The pieces were carved into the shapes of birds. Les and I played chess the night before at home so on Saturday night with this great chess set, I won.
We also enjoyed the spa and sat in the warm bubbling water next to the windows overlooking the ocean. Perfect!
Anyone who wants to get away for a perfect weekend, call the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats and make a reservation. 1-800-338-0507 You'll come back every chance you can and you'll have a wonderful time.
http://www.overleaflodge.com/
This was a Christmas gift from our son, Benjamin and his wife, Amanda who live in Green Lake, Washington. Thank you! Green Lake is part of Seattle and has that amazing walking trail around Green Lake that everyone loves.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Olga Ellen Victoria Appelgren Peterson
My Aunt Ellen, my Dad's youngest sister, died on Thursday, April 10, 2008. Her name was Olga Ellen Victoria Appelgren Peterson, and she lived most of her life in Wolf Point, Montana. She died at the age of 98. She was born on 12-16-08 in Winthrop, Minnesota. Both her parents, my grandparents, were born in Sweden.
Up until a couple of years ago, most people would have a difficult time keeping up with her. She scrubbed her kitchen and bathroom floor on her hands and knees because it wasn't clean enough unless she did. For years before Christmas, she made 50 DOZEN krumkaka (Swedish cookies) to give away to people at church, family, and friends. She didn't just read a book once in awhile. She believed it was important to be well informed. She felt it was your duty and your obligation to keep up. She read Time Magazine, Newsweek, and U.S. News and World Report at the same time. She read countless other magazines, journals, and several national newspapers. She read the classics and any book she felt was important to read.
My Aunt Ellen was a country school teacher. She held high leadership positions within the structure of the Lutheran Church in Montana. She taught at the university. During the summers, she took a small trailer up into the mountains to teach the Hutterite children. She was a writer who earned extra money writing articles for GRIT Magazine.
She was a doer. She had tremendous strength. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. I was always proud of her, her strength, her courage, and all she accomplished. She was the one who took care of people and nursed them back to health when others needed help.
I love you, Aunt Ellen. I will miss you. My Aunt Ellen could do anything. She was one of the greatest influences on my life. One of my biggest regrets is that I haven't had the money in the last few years to spend time with her by taking a month, staying at a motel, and just listening to her. My Aunt Ellen believed it was important to be kind to everyone, work hard, and help others.
Up until a couple of years ago, most people would have a difficult time keeping up with her. She scrubbed her kitchen and bathroom floor on her hands and knees because it wasn't clean enough unless she did. For years before Christmas, she made 50 DOZEN krumkaka (Swedish cookies) to give away to people at church, family, and friends. She didn't just read a book once in awhile. She believed it was important to be well informed. She felt it was your duty and your obligation to keep up. She read Time Magazine, Newsweek, and U.S. News and World Report at the same time. She read countless other magazines, journals, and several national newspapers. She read the classics and any book she felt was important to read.
My Aunt Ellen was a country school teacher. She held high leadership positions within the structure of the Lutheran Church in Montana. She taught at the university. During the summers, she took a small trailer up into the mountains to teach the Hutterite children. She was a writer who earned extra money writing articles for GRIT Magazine.
She was a doer. She had tremendous strength. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. I was always proud of her, her strength, her courage, and all she accomplished. She was the one who took care of people and nursed them back to health when others needed help.
I love you, Aunt Ellen. I will miss you. My Aunt Ellen could do anything. She was one of the greatest influences on my life. One of my biggest regrets is that I haven't had the money in the last few years to spend time with her by taking a month, staying at a motel, and just listening to her. My Aunt Ellen believed it was important to be kind to everyone, work hard, and help others.
Christopher Vogler
On Saturday, April 12, I had the opportunity to learn from Christopher Vogler in Newport, Oregon from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. He wrote the WRITER'S JOURNEY, an important book for any writer who wants to understand the mythic structure common to all great stories and screenplays. He was brought to Oregon by Oregon Writer's Colony. http://www.oregonwriterscolony.org/
I'm so glad I went. I've already read his book through twice and now I'm going to read his book a third time. One of the most important lessons from his book for me in life and in writing is about the threshold guardian, what it represents in life and how to deal with them when you meet up with them.
Christopher Vogler is rich with stories. I loved listening to him and learning about story structure. He just came back from Ireland. He has read thousands of scripts and he knows what are the ingredients of a winning screenplay. He's worked for Disney and all the major movie studios. He's worked with some of the greatest stars and on some of the best movies, like Anna and the King. I love Jodie Foster. He must know her. How does it get better than this? He lives a magical life filled with meaning, creativity, and he works to help writers.
His website is http://www.thewritersjourney.com/
I'm so glad I went. I've already read his book through twice and now I'm going to read his book a third time. One of the most important lessons from his book for me in life and in writing is about the threshold guardian, what it represents in life and how to deal with them when you meet up with them.
Christopher Vogler is rich with stories. I loved listening to him and learning about story structure. He just came back from Ireland. He has read thousands of scripts and he knows what are the ingredients of a winning screenplay. He's worked for Disney and all the major movie studios. He's worked with some of the greatest stars and on some of the best movies, like Anna and the King. I love Jodie Foster. He must know her. How does it get better than this? He lives a magical life filled with meaning, creativity, and he works to help writers.
His website is http://www.thewritersjourney.com/
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Bike Race
On Friday, 4-4-08, a sea of bicycles flowed past my house. It made my heart soar. I loved and admired everyone in the race. It was glorious to watch.
Everyone on a bike in this race are living their life, a healthy life, and are winning. They are not sitting on the sidelines watching. Individual sports need to be encouraged and supported.
Everyone on a bike in this race are living their life, a healthy life, and are winning. They are not sitting on the sidelines watching. Individual sports need to be encouraged and supported.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Green Velvet
My parrot died on 4-1-08. He was beautiful and my heart is filled with memories. Here's a poem I wrote for him.
Green Velvet
By Wendy Haber 4-2-08
Green Velvet to wrap your bones
To give homage and honor
To your words, the joy you gave us,
Your companionship, and your life.
For 29 years we called you Pablo.
You made us laugh. You made us smile.
You called our names.
“Oh, you’re so cute!”
“Hello, Sweetheart!”
“I love you soooo much!”
Filled the silence in our house.
As you sang the words of the
First two lines of
“I left my heart in San Francisco,
It never failed to bring a smile.
I was proud to know you and
Proud you were a member of our family.
How could you be gone so quickly
When I expected you to outlive me!
Now, you’re with Aaron sitting on his shoulder—
His buddy, his solace.
I’ve kept every green feather
from the bottom of your cage.
A precious gift, Now a reminder.
On 4-1-08 at 11 p.m. you died.
One minute you were drinking water,
The next minute you were gasping for breath
At the bottom of the cage.
I opened the door to pet your sweet head and
Talk to you softly and you were gone a moment later.
I held you for hours close to my heart
Rocking you like my baby sad to see you go.
Tears well up easily in memory of your love
I’ll miss you, my friend cradled in green velvet.
Green velvet to wrap your feathers
As you lay on a piece of Howard’s blanket.
A final resting place under a tree with a bench
For you to sit on my shoulder and sing in my heart.
Good night, my sweet friend.
Green Velvet
By Wendy Haber 4-2-08
Green Velvet to wrap your bones
To give homage and honor
To your words, the joy you gave us,
Your companionship, and your life.
For 29 years we called you Pablo.
You made us laugh. You made us smile.
You called our names.
“Oh, you’re so cute!”
“Hello, Sweetheart!”
“I love you soooo much!”
Filled the silence in our house.
As you sang the words of the
First two lines of
“I left my heart in San Francisco,
It never failed to bring a smile.
I was proud to know you and
Proud you were a member of our family.
How could you be gone so quickly
When I expected you to outlive me!
Now, you’re with Aaron sitting on his shoulder—
His buddy, his solace.
I’ve kept every green feather
from the bottom of your cage.
A precious gift, Now a reminder.
On 4-1-08 at 11 p.m. you died.
One minute you were drinking water,
The next minute you were gasping for breath
At the bottom of the cage.
I opened the door to pet your sweet head and
Talk to you softly and you were gone a moment later.
I held you for hours close to my heart
Rocking you like my baby sad to see you go.
Tears well up easily in memory of your love
I’ll miss you, my friend cradled in green velvet.
Green velvet to wrap your feathers
As you lay on a piece of Howard’s blanket.
A final resting place under a tree with a bench
For you to sit on my shoulder and sing in my heart.
Good night, my sweet friend.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Public Safety
I'm concerned about Highway 34 at Mary's Peak between Corvallis and Alsea. The 2 1/2 miles of curves needs to be closed and straightened for the public safety. Yesterday when I drove home from work, I noticed cracks next to the mountain side at one place of the road and the road seems like it is slightly tilted. After mud slides last month, it looks like if a logging truck or semi came at the right time, the road could collapse under the weight. There is a place under the blacktop where the integrity of the road is giving way where the water and mud flows out from underneath that can be seen on the opposite side of the curve.
Someone once said to me that a fault line runs parallel to the hill going up to Mary's Peak on the way to Corvallis. I've recently noticed deepening cracks at the side of the road that keep getting wider.
Recently, a large piece of road equipment fell into a ravine between Alsea and Waldport as it was trying to fix the road. The workman was killed. We don't need another tragedy.
There is another big safety hazard. The bridge at Fish Hatchery Road needs to be widened. You can come around the blind curve approaching Fish Hatchery Road as you drive to Corvallis and more than one time, I have approached the bridge with a logging truck in the middle of the bridge with no room for me as I slam to a stop. The vegetation on the blind curve approaching the bridge needs to be cleared so you can see what is coming onto the bridge too.
My husband came around this curve two years ago to find a truck parked in the roadway ahead of the bridge as the driver sat inquiring about the fishing along the river. A line of about eight motorcyclists were crossing the bridge in the opposite lane so the choice was between rear ending the truck, hitting a motorcycle head on, or trying to get to the right of the truck near the guard rail. He chose the guard rail which caught his left bumper and kept him from going into the river.
This is not okay. We need to take care of these things before someone is seriously injured or killed.
Someone once said to me that a fault line runs parallel to the hill going up to Mary's Peak on the way to Corvallis. I've recently noticed deepening cracks at the side of the road that keep getting wider.
Recently, a large piece of road equipment fell into a ravine between Alsea and Waldport as it was trying to fix the road. The workman was killed. We don't need another tragedy.
There is another big safety hazard. The bridge at Fish Hatchery Road needs to be widened. You can come around the blind curve approaching Fish Hatchery Road as you drive to Corvallis and more than one time, I have approached the bridge with a logging truck in the middle of the bridge with no room for me as I slam to a stop. The vegetation on the blind curve approaching the bridge needs to be cleared so you can see what is coming onto the bridge too.
My husband came around this curve two years ago to find a truck parked in the roadway ahead of the bridge as the driver sat inquiring about the fishing along the river. A line of about eight motorcyclists were crossing the bridge in the opposite lane so the choice was between rear ending the truck, hitting a motorcycle head on, or trying to get to the right of the truck near the guard rail. He chose the guard rail which caught his left bumper and kept him from going into the river.
This is not okay. We need to take care of these things before someone is seriously injured or killed.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Confucius
I've been collecting Confucius quotes, writing them on paper, and taping them near my computer.
Here are the ones I've collected so far.
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
"Silence is a friend who never betrays."
"Speak the truth, do not yield to anger, give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods."
"Success depends upon previous preparation and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure."
"Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself."
"Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes."
"Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand."
"If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?"
Here are the ones I've collected so far.
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
"Silence is a friend who never betrays."
"Speak the truth, do not yield to anger, give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods."
"Success depends upon previous preparation and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure."
"Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself."
"Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes."
"Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand."
"If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?"
Monday, March 31, 2008
Odwalla Super Food
Odwalla Super Food is one of my favorite beverages. Yes, it's green. I love it! It makes me feel good when I drink it and I know it's good for me.
When Leslie, my husband was in the hospital last year, I started drinking it in the cafeteria. I found that it helped me at a time when I was running myself ragged and my immune system was lowered. It made me feel better and it helped me. I would get a big salad and an Odwalla to take up to his hospital room when he stayed for 7 days.
If you are busy and don't have a lot of time to eat right, grab an Odwalla.
When Leslie, my husband was in the hospital last year, I started drinking it in the cafeteria. I found that it helped me at a time when I was running myself ragged and my immune system was lowered. It made me feel better and it helped me. I would get a big salad and an Odwalla to take up to his hospital room when he stayed for 7 days.
If you are busy and don't have a lot of time to eat right, grab an Odwalla.
Subway
I love eating at Subway. I always order the same thing--a Veggie Delight on whole wheat with pepperjack cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, olives, green peppers, and nothing else. Perfect! I could eat at Subway every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. I'd probably switch off between the Veggie Delight sandwich and the Veggie Delight salad.
Right now they are having a special--any regular footlong sandwich for 5 bucks. It's an amazing buy so go to your nearest Subway and try one.
Right now they are having a special--any regular footlong sandwich for 5 bucks. It's an amazing buy so go to your nearest Subway and try one.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Extra
I pulled out a video tape from years ago when I was an extra in the movie, A Summer to Remember with Tess Harper, Louise Fletcher, and James Farentino. I was standing right next to James Farentino in a multi-colored bright striped Koret shirt and red skirt. We were standing in front of a stage with belly dancers and a juggler at Fargo's Famous Circus. This movie was made in the mid-80's. I forget what year but it was fun to be standing next to James Farentino.
Our whole family came to be part of the movie at the Polk County Fairgrounds but I was the only one who got to be part of it. We got a T-shirt and boxed lunch for the effort. I was fluffy at that time too. I've had a weight problem since 1978 when my husband got sick. So there I am standing next to James Farentino, fluffy cheeks and all.
We were also in a Brooks running shoe commercial. Our whole family showed up at Bush Park in Salem and our whole family got money--$20 bucks a head. This was in the mid-80's too.
Our whole family came to be part of the movie at the Polk County Fairgrounds but I was the only one who got to be part of it. We got a T-shirt and boxed lunch for the effort. I was fluffy at that time too. I've had a weight problem since 1978 when my husband got sick. So there I am standing next to James Farentino, fluffy cheeks and all.
We were also in a Brooks running shoe commercial. Our whole family showed up at Bush Park in Salem and our whole family got money--$20 bucks a head. This was in the mid-80's too.
TMTH
TMTH = Too Much To Handle
My Tivo has been clogged. I had 7 American Idol shows to watch so I was way behind. Last Tuesday, I watched live because I haven't been voting and I didn't know what was going on. My favorite to win is Michael Johns.
I was sad to see that Danny Noriega was voted off. I'm a fan, Danny. This was TMTH. I loved it when his reponse to Simon Cowell was a snap of his head saying, "Some people weren't likin' it!" Danny has pizzazz and I really like him. He should have been in the top 12 so he could tour the United States.
Simon Cowell is important. He helps everyone reach higher, dig down deeper to be the best they can be. It's not always easy to listen to his comments but anyone who critiques talent is giving a great gift.
My Tivo has been clogged. I had 7 American Idol shows to watch so I was way behind. Last Tuesday, I watched live because I haven't been voting and I didn't know what was going on. My favorite to win is Michael Johns.
I was sad to see that Danny Noriega was voted off. I'm a fan, Danny. This was TMTH. I loved it when his reponse to Simon Cowell was a snap of his head saying, "Some people weren't likin' it!" Danny has pizzazz and I really like him. He should have been in the top 12 so he could tour the United States.
Simon Cowell is important. He helps everyone reach higher, dig down deeper to be the best they can be. It's not always easy to listen to his comments but anyone who critiques talent is giving a great gift.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
JOHN ADAMS
Watch JOHN ADAMS, the powerful HBO mini-series this weekend. It is based on the the best seller written by David McCullough, the winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Anything written by David McCullough is worth reading, buying, and putting in your home library. The executive producer of JOHN ADAMS is Tom Hanks so you know it's going to be outstanding. Anything Tom Hanks touches is excellent. I sincerely hope this is one of many to come based on books by David McCullough. We are in for a treat, if this is true.
Overleaf Lodge
My husband and I were given a gift certificate to the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats, Oregon for Christmas from our son, Benjamin and his wife, Amanda. We stayed there last Saturday night and plan to stay on April 19th to celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary. What a wonderful gift to heal the heart and nourish the soul!
I love Yachats, my favorite area along the Oregon Coast. My favorite place to eat is the Blue Whale and my favorite choice on the menu is fish and chips.
The historic 804 Trail next to the ocean is a few steps from the Overleaf Lodge along with the pounding waves on the rocks, magnificent sunsets, and the variety of coastal birds. To walk the trail, breath in the fresh air, and feel part of the pristine coastline renews and nourishes. It doesn't get much better than this.
Everyone at the Overleaf Lodge works in concert to make your stay a special experience for each guest. All the special touches and care, as each does their best, succeeds to make your stay unforgetable. The complimentary breakfast couldn't have been nicer. I went right for the cut-up fresh fruit and juices. Leslie went for the calorie-laden foods and he's the one without a weight problem.
I finished the last page in WHAT ABOUT THE BIG STUFF? Finding Strength and Moving Forward When the Stakes are High by Richard Carlson, Ph.D. in our room at the Overleaf Lodge. It was appropriate to end on the last chapter entitled "Happiness," which talks about staying in the moment, take your focus off problems, allow your mind to clear, and make a choice to be happy now. There are always problems in one's life to deal with. No life is ever perfect or the way you want it to be but if you always postpone seizing moments of happiness or joy, you will never be happy.
Thank you, Benjamin and Amanda!
I love Yachats, my favorite area along the Oregon Coast. My favorite place to eat is the Blue Whale and my favorite choice on the menu is fish and chips.
The historic 804 Trail next to the ocean is a few steps from the Overleaf Lodge along with the pounding waves on the rocks, magnificent sunsets, and the variety of coastal birds. To walk the trail, breath in the fresh air, and feel part of the pristine coastline renews and nourishes. It doesn't get much better than this.
Everyone at the Overleaf Lodge works in concert to make your stay a special experience for each guest. All the special touches and care, as each does their best, succeeds to make your stay unforgetable. The complimentary breakfast couldn't have been nicer. I went right for the cut-up fresh fruit and juices. Leslie went for the calorie-laden foods and he's the one without a weight problem.
I finished the last page in WHAT ABOUT THE BIG STUFF? Finding Strength and Moving Forward When the Stakes are High by Richard Carlson, Ph.D. in our room at the Overleaf Lodge. It was appropriate to end on the last chapter entitled "Happiness," which talks about staying in the moment, take your focus off problems, allow your mind to clear, and make a choice to be happy now. There are always problems in one's life to deal with. No life is ever perfect or the way you want it to be but if you always postpone seizing moments of happiness or joy, you will never be happy.
Thank you, Benjamin and Amanda!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
What I want..............
This morning I turned on Direct TV and looked at my horoscope to find that it said, "You deserve to have what you want--not approximately but exactly. Be as specific as possible, and stand back in amazement at how precisely the universe was listening to you."
I thought to myself, Why, that sounds great! So I started writing on 3 X 5 cards everything I want and taping them by the television. Here's my list so far:
Finish 2 plus novels a year. Write lots of screenplays that inspire and make millions. Travel the world in safety. Opportunities to help people, protect the environment, animals, and inspire people to be the best they can be. Health care for all, no homeless, healthy food and clean water for all, world peace, and protection of the planet. $5 million winner in Oregon lottery. Weigh 135 pounds through diet and exercise. Able to afford to buy condos near my children. Dance, sing, and laugh often. $700 million winner from national lottery. Able to attend writing conferences. Winner of $5,000 a week for life from Publishers Clearing House. A new bright yellow Toyota Corolla with temperature control. Time to read 4 hours a day. Time to write 8 hours a day. Time to exercise, swim, lift weights every day for 3 hours at a luxury gym. Surrounded by trust-worthy, smart people. Always have fresh, healthy food to eat. Live a long time with perfect health. Opportunities to make people happy and laugh. No war. No crime. People who are kind to each other in the world. No drugs. No mean people. Visit Sweden every year and own a home in Sweden. Opportunities to speak to large groups. A 10,000 sf house overlooking water that I own and can afford to live in the rest of my life. A 500 sf room filled with floor to ceiling bookcases on each wall. A 500 sf writing studio with windows on two walls and one entire wall a dry erase board for plotting novels. Endless patience. Unlimited wisdom and understanding. Able to buy all courses from the Teaching Company. Opportunity to go back to school and get an MBA, an MFA in creative writing, and a Ph.D. in psychology. Win 3 Oscars. Great music that I can turn on at an instant, like American Standards, cool jazz, and classical. Win a Pulitzer Prize. My books on education and parenting on the NY Times best seller list for over a year. Speak of my books on C-Span on Book TV. Happy, healthy children and grandchildren, and a happy, healthy Leslie.
And then my husband, Leslie says my horoscope in the Corvallis Gazette Times this morning says I'm going to cause everyone a headache! Whatever.... I have the right to dream.
I thought to myself, Why, that sounds great! So I started writing on 3 X 5 cards everything I want and taping them by the television. Here's my list so far:
Finish 2 plus novels a year. Write lots of screenplays that inspire and make millions. Travel the world in safety. Opportunities to help people, protect the environment, animals, and inspire people to be the best they can be. Health care for all, no homeless, healthy food and clean water for all, world peace, and protection of the planet. $5 million winner in Oregon lottery. Weigh 135 pounds through diet and exercise. Able to afford to buy condos near my children. Dance, sing, and laugh often. $700 million winner from national lottery. Able to attend writing conferences. Winner of $5,000 a week for life from Publishers Clearing House. A new bright yellow Toyota Corolla with temperature control. Time to read 4 hours a day. Time to write 8 hours a day. Time to exercise, swim, lift weights every day for 3 hours at a luxury gym. Surrounded by trust-worthy, smart people. Always have fresh, healthy food to eat. Live a long time with perfect health. Opportunities to make people happy and laugh. No war. No crime. People who are kind to each other in the world. No drugs. No mean people. Visit Sweden every year and own a home in Sweden. Opportunities to speak to large groups. A 10,000 sf house overlooking water that I own and can afford to live in the rest of my life. A 500 sf room filled with floor to ceiling bookcases on each wall. A 500 sf writing studio with windows on two walls and one entire wall a dry erase board for plotting novels. Endless patience. Unlimited wisdom and understanding. Able to buy all courses from the Teaching Company. Opportunity to go back to school and get an MBA, an MFA in creative writing, and a Ph.D. in psychology. Win 3 Oscars. Great music that I can turn on at an instant, like American Standards, cool jazz, and classical. Win a Pulitzer Prize. My books on education and parenting on the NY Times best seller list for over a year. Speak of my books on C-Span on Book TV. Happy, healthy children and grandchildren, and a happy, healthy Leslie.
And then my husband, Leslie says my horoscope in the Corvallis Gazette Times this morning says I'm going to cause everyone a headache! Whatever.... I have the right to dream.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
The Teaching Company
I've recently discovered the great gift of learning from the amazing courses through The Teaching Company. At 75% off, I selected as my first choice, Argumentation: The Study of Effective Reasoning taught by Professor David Zarefsky of Northwestern University. I believe that studying logic, rhetoric, and reasoning are basic to writing and will help me as a writer. I was right. I believe this course can help all writers to organize and uplift their writing to higher standards of argument. I learned so many things about the history of debate, how to organize an argument for effective reasoning, and now I want to read everything by Aristotle. I plan on listening to it again and again. This is a great gift to give to any young person in school for this course is basic to all learning and study.
The Teaching Company was founded in 1990 "to ignite people's passion for lifelong learning by offering great courses taught by great professors." The professors are selected "for intellectual distinction and teaching excellence." The courses range from art and music to history, economics, religion, and science.
I just finished listening to The Study of Effective Reasoning by listening to it in my car as I drive back and forth to Corvallis and now I'm on to the second course that I selected, Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists by Professor Richard Wolfson from Middlebury College. He's an amazing teacher. I could learn anything from him.
I'm interested in almost all of the courses offered and plan on purchasing them through the coming years. I'm excited to select courses on philosophy, history, and literature first. I can't afford to go back to school with the high cost of higher education. I've love to get my masters degree and go on for a Ph.D. but it's unrealistic. Even the best universities do not have all the best teachers that inspire at their universities but the Teaching Company does.
With a lifetime satisfaction guarantee take a look, order a catalog, and try a course by calling 1-800-TEACH-12.
http://www.teach12.com/
The Teaching Company was founded in 1990 "to ignite people's passion for lifelong learning by offering great courses taught by great professors." The professors are selected "for intellectual distinction and teaching excellence." The courses range from art and music to history, economics, religion, and science.
I just finished listening to The Study of Effective Reasoning by listening to it in my car as I drive back and forth to Corvallis and now I'm on to the second course that I selected, Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists by Professor Richard Wolfson from Middlebury College. He's an amazing teacher. I could learn anything from him.
I'm interested in almost all of the courses offered and plan on purchasing them through the coming years. I'm excited to select courses on philosophy, history, and literature first. I can't afford to go back to school with the high cost of higher education. I've love to get my masters degree and go on for a Ph.D. but it's unrealistic. Even the best universities do not have all the best teachers that inspire at their universities but the Teaching Company does.
With a lifetime satisfaction guarantee take a look, order a catalog, and try a course by calling 1-800-TEACH-12.
http://www.teach12.com/
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Feed
I checked out FEED by M. T. Anderson at the library yesterday and I'm almost finished. It won a Los Angeles Times Book Prize 2002 young adult fiction award, and was a finalist for the National Book Award. I recommend listening to the audio book at the same time that you read the book so you get the full nuance of the voices of young people to capture the full experience.
It's a disturbing book, not only because of the deterioration of our society and young people but of the consequences of choices to ignore warnings about our environment and using harmful chemicals. I shudder to think that my grandchildren might have to live in a society like this with a "feed" implanted in them at birth giving them instant access to computer knowledge with streaming commercials. When I think about this, I think about the research at Oregon State University and Hewlett Packard in Corvallis into nanotechnology. I think about how invasive and what a danger this has the potential to be to civil liberties and individual rights. Sometimes I'm glad I'm 60. The choices made by the leaders in this country are taking our country away from a path of freedom and individual rights.
It's a disturbing book, not only because of the deterioration of our society and young people but of the consequences of choices to ignore warnings about our environment and using harmful chemicals. I shudder to think that my grandchildren might have to live in a society like this with a "feed" implanted in them at birth giving them instant access to computer knowledge with streaming commercials. When I think about this, I think about the research at Oregon State University and Hewlett Packard in Corvallis into nanotechnology. I think about how invasive and what a danger this has the potential to be to civil liberties and individual rights. Sometimes I'm glad I'm 60. The choices made by the leaders in this country are taking our country away from a path of freedom and individual rights.
Screenwriting
I'm taking a class on Tuesday nights at the Benton Center in Corvallis on screenwriting. The instructors are Linda and Gary Hamner. This is part of the Linn-Benton Community College. The assignment last Tuesday was to bring a 5 minute scene in an elevator. Here's part of mine entitled FACE YOUR NEMESIS. The man in the scene is a composite of about five people. I'm changing the formatting due to the limitations of this blog.
A middle-aged man and woman in their late 50's walk into an elevator in a large building and the door shuts. Immediately the elevator halts and the door jams.
GREAT ARBITRATOR (booming, echoing, haunting voice over loudspeaker)
You are on the new reality FOX show FACE YOUR NEMESIS from the producers of Survivor.
(audience CLAPS)
GILT E. MANN
What's going on? I didn't sign up for this?
GREAT ARBITRATOR
Oh, yes, GILT E. MANN....You were both selected by the producers to be on the show.
GILT E. MANN
We'll see about this. I'll call my attorney. I was expecting to meet a client.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
Your attorney and wife have already agreed on paper to this alternative, in lieu of costly court litigation and a possible jail sentence.
GILT E. MANN
How dare you! Let me out of here! I didn't do anything!
GILT E. MANN leans over to grab CELESTE L. REIN around the neck and a plexiglass breathable shield covers CELESTE as a protective barrier from harm.
CELESTE L. REIN
You're going to listen to me.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
You're not going anywhere GILT E. MANN. You are here until the door opens.
GILT E. MANN
Outrageous! I've never heard of such a thing.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
At the end of two hours or however long this takes, you both have the choice of a spa vacation at a premier resort at a Caribbean location, a seven-day cruise on Cosmos Cruise Lines, a new wardrobe or room make-over, $50,000 cash, or a brand new Mustang convertible.
GILT E. MANN
This is a horror show!
GREAT ARBITRATOR
You are both on camera with microphones. (audience CLAPS) CELESTE L. REIN has at her disposal the buttons of torment, the Guilt-O-Meter, and a full range of sound, smell with visual and motion effects to alter your reality.
The elevator shakes, vibrates, and starts to drop. The lights go out and lights flash as if there is no ceiling and lightening could almost touch both participants. One side of the elevator becomes a video screen. Both back away to the other side of the elevator. The side of the building seems to disappear with no railing for safety giving the illusion that they could both fall hundreds of feet. CELESTE pushes buttons at random bringing rain, heat, and wind in rapid succession.
CELESTE L. REIN
I think I'm going to like this.
CELESTE L. REIN presses more buttons that change the video screen giving the illusion that an airplane is going to crash into the elevator within seconds, then switching to under water with great white sharks swarming. Next the illusion of snakes coming out from every corner of the elevator quickly changed to STENCH from garbage and rats appearing on the floor.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
There are a few rules. CELESTE L. REIN has the choice to select buttons of torment for effect that bring no harm for the purpose of soliciting a public apology, retribution, and commitment for change leading to a signed contract for a settlement. Guilt has already been determined by our army of criminal attorneys and a federal judge on the basis of written documents and undercover investigation.
GILT E. MANN
You can't get away with this! I didn't do anything wrong.
CELESTE L. REIN
Yeah! Saint on Sunday. Criminal and thief during the week.
GILT E. MANN
This is baseless slander.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
The time has come for you, CELESTE L. REIN, to FACE YOUR NEMESIS. Confront GILT E. MANN who has been predetermined to have hurt you most in the world so you can heal, rediscover yourself, and move forward with your life. A documentary will display on the EVIDENCE WALL. Relax, lean against the back of the wall and view your lives in conflict.
A documentary on the EVIDENCE WALL showed signed documents of illegal activity outlining criminal behavior and video of GILT E. MANN conspiring against CELESTE L. REIN causing her to lose home, bank account, friends, opportunities, and good name.
CELESTE L. REIN
See how you have hurt me! You used your power to silence me. I lost everything because of you.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
Now for the demonstration of the Guilt-O-Meter. This devise was invented by a genius who was awarded the Valor of Honor by the CIA. This sensitive instrument is able to detect the slightest weakness and gives an instant readout on the hand-held scanner with suggestions for the best ways to take advantage of weakness.
This is almost three minutes or three pages of the script. Lots more in my head where this came from.........................So many scripts to write...........so little time.................
A middle-aged man and woman in their late 50's walk into an elevator in a large building and the door shuts. Immediately the elevator halts and the door jams.
GREAT ARBITRATOR (booming, echoing, haunting voice over loudspeaker)
You are on the new reality FOX show FACE YOUR NEMESIS from the producers of Survivor.
(audience CLAPS)
GILT E. MANN
What's going on? I didn't sign up for this?
GREAT ARBITRATOR
Oh, yes, GILT E. MANN....You were both selected by the producers to be on the show.
GILT E. MANN
We'll see about this. I'll call my attorney. I was expecting to meet a client.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
Your attorney and wife have already agreed on paper to this alternative, in lieu of costly court litigation and a possible jail sentence.
GILT E. MANN
How dare you! Let me out of here! I didn't do anything!
GILT E. MANN leans over to grab CELESTE L. REIN around the neck and a plexiglass breathable shield covers CELESTE as a protective barrier from harm.
CELESTE L. REIN
You're going to listen to me.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
You're not going anywhere GILT E. MANN. You are here until the door opens.
GILT E. MANN
Outrageous! I've never heard of such a thing.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
At the end of two hours or however long this takes, you both have the choice of a spa vacation at a premier resort at a Caribbean location, a seven-day cruise on Cosmos Cruise Lines, a new wardrobe or room make-over, $50,000 cash, or a brand new Mustang convertible.
GILT E. MANN
This is a horror show!
GREAT ARBITRATOR
You are both on camera with microphones. (audience CLAPS) CELESTE L. REIN has at her disposal the buttons of torment, the Guilt-O-Meter, and a full range of sound, smell with visual and motion effects to alter your reality.
The elevator shakes, vibrates, and starts to drop. The lights go out and lights flash as if there is no ceiling and lightening could almost touch both participants. One side of the elevator becomes a video screen. Both back away to the other side of the elevator. The side of the building seems to disappear with no railing for safety giving the illusion that they could both fall hundreds of feet. CELESTE pushes buttons at random bringing rain, heat, and wind in rapid succession.
CELESTE L. REIN
I think I'm going to like this.
CELESTE L. REIN presses more buttons that change the video screen giving the illusion that an airplane is going to crash into the elevator within seconds, then switching to under water with great white sharks swarming. Next the illusion of snakes coming out from every corner of the elevator quickly changed to STENCH from garbage and rats appearing on the floor.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
There are a few rules. CELESTE L. REIN has the choice to select buttons of torment for effect that bring no harm for the purpose of soliciting a public apology, retribution, and commitment for change leading to a signed contract for a settlement. Guilt has already been determined by our army of criminal attorneys and a federal judge on the basis of written documents and undercover investigation.
GILT E. MANN
You can't get away with this! I didn't do anything wrong.
CELESTE L. REIN
Yeah! Saint on Sunday. Criminal and thief during the week.
GILT E. MANN
This is baseless slander.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
The time has come for you, CELESTE L. REIN, to FACE YOUR NEMESIS. Confront GILT E. MANN who has been predetermined to have hurt you most in the world so you can heal, rediscover yourself, and move forward with your life. A documentary will display on the EVIDENCE WALL. Relax, lean against the back of the wall and view your lives in conflict.
A documentary on the EVIDENCE WALL showed signed documents of illegal activity outlining criminal behavior and video of GILT E. MANN conspiring against CELESTE L. REIN causing her to lose home, bank account, friends, opportunities, and good name.
CELESTE L. REIN
See how you have hurt me! You used your power to silence me. I lost everything because of you.
GREAT ARBITRATOR
Now for the demonstration of the Guilt-O-Meter. This devise was invented by a genius who was awarded the Valor of Honor by the CIA. This sensitive instrument is able to detect the slightest weakness and gives an instant readout on the hand-held scanner with suggestions for the best ways to take advantage of weakness.
This is almost three minutes or three pages of the script. Lots more in my head where this came from.........................So many scripts to write...........so little time.................
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