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THE WAVES OF OUR LIVES!

Having recently been invited by a dear friend to spend a week at a beautiful cabin on the North Shore of Lake Superior, I’m reminding ...

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

"A GRANDFATHER IS SOMEONE . . ."


MY DAD WITH MY NORWEGIAN GRANDFATHER; THEY BOTH LOVED CHILDREN.
 
Some time ago an unknown author remarked, “A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart.” Those words could easily have been spoken about my father.  He adored his grandson and I will always cherish the only picture I have of them together, when our son was only two months old.  I especially remember him now because March 1 marks the thirty-ninth anniversary of his passing.

MY MATERNAL GRANDFATHER (ON RIGHT)
 
MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER AT THE OLD HOMESTEAD IN WISCONSIN
 
MY TWO GREAT-GRANDFATHERS, ARNE AND FRANCIS
 
I also remember my grandfather Oluf, who was born on the same day (Feb. 4) as his father Arne.  I never met Arne, but I’ve heard many stories about him and his travels to Wisconsin from Norway.  He and my grandfather were incredibly hardworking men, as was my father.  They were not afraid to take risks in order to provide a better life for their families.  I honor their memory and that of grandfathers and great-grandfathers everywhere with these special quotes and photos.

            “GRANDFATHER, GREAT SPIRIT, ONCE MORE BEHOLD ME ON EARTH AND LEAN TO HEAR MY FEEBLE VOICE.”  (BLACK ELK)

            “MY GRANDFATHER TAUGHT ME GENEROSITY.  HE SOLD SNOW CONES IN HARLEM.  I WENT WITH HIM AT 5 AND HE LET ME HAND OUT THE CHANGE AND SNOW CONES.  I LEARNED A LOT IN THE COUPLE OF YEARS THAT WE DID THAT.”                                        (ERIK ESTRADA)

            “MORE AND MORE WHEN I SINGLE OUT THE PERSON WHO INSPIRED ME MOST, I GO BACK TO MY GRANDFATHER.”  (JAMES EARL JONES)

            “I WAS TOLD BY MY GRANDFATHER WHO WAS A MINISTER THAT WE ALL WERE PUT HERE ON EARTH TO BE OF SERVICE TO ONE ANOTHER, AND IT IS QUITE GRATIFYING TO KNOW THAT IF I AM ABLE TO BE OF HELP TO ONE THAT IS NOT ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES, THEN I AM FULFILLING MY OBLIGATION AS A HUMAN BEING.”  (DIONNE WARWICK)

            “NO COWBOY WAS FASTER ON THE DRAW THAN A GRANDPARENT PULLING A BABY PICTURE OUT OF A WALLET.”  (UNKNOWN AUTHOR)

            “IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHERE I COME BY THE PASSIONATE COMMITMENT I HAVE TO BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, IT ALL STARTED WITH MY GRANDFATHER.”  (BILL CLINTON)

 
            “YOU’VE GOT TO DO YOUR OWN GROWING, NO MATTER HOW TALL YOUR GRANDFATHER WAS.”  (IRISH PROVERB)

Monday, February 25, 2013

AN UNEXPECTED SONGWRITER


Today, Monday, February 25 is the 76th birthday of a dedicated, hard-working, loyal man who’s been trusted by Americans for decades.  He also has an interest you probably wouldn’t suspect—he loves song writing and has worked with different musicians across America.  Bob Schieffer has been with CBS for over four decades as a journalist, anchor, and challenging interviewer of politicians and others on FACE THE NATION.  I’ve admired and respected him for a long time.  I’ve also learned a lot from his perspective on the news.

Bob Schieffer was born in Fort Worth, Texas and served in the Air Force as a young man.  Through his years on television he’s won six Emmy awards for excellence and has written several books.  He also appeared on 60 MINUTES for over twenty years. He’s a leader in his field and inspires the confidence of millions.

So today, I send my best wishes for a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a man who’s given much to his country.  Here’s wishing there are many more!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

"SOONER OR LATER"



 
Probably my favorite quote in the world was expressed by Susan B. Anthony, an American civil rights and women’s rights and women’s suffrage leader who lived from 1820-1906.  An amazing woman of her time, she paved the way for women of future generations. For a period of time she gave nearly one hundred speeches a year.  I’ve included her memorable quote, along with photos of mine that I felt matched the sentiment she expressed.
 
"SOONER OR LATER WE ALL DISCOVER THAT THE IMPORTANT MOMENTS IN LIFE ARE NOT THE ADVERTISED ONES, NOT THE BIRTHDAYS, THE GRADUATIONS, THE WEDDINGS, NOT THE GREAT GOALS ACHIEVED.  THE REAL MILESTONES ARE LESS PREPOSSESSING.  THEY COME TO THE DOOR OF MEMORY UNANNOUNCED, STRAY DOGS THAT AMBLE IN, SNIFF AROUND A BIT, AND SIMPLY NEVER LEAVE.  OUR LIVES ARE MEASURED BY THESE."

SPECIAL FRIENDS WITH THEIR BUGGIES
 
 
HEINZ RICHTER AS A YOUNG BOY
 





OUR SON WITH A SPECIAL CABIN NEIGHBOR

MY AUNT ELLEN WITH OUR SON
 
MY BROTHER AND FRIEND
 
 
ME WITH MY BROTHERS
 
MY MOTHER AND HER NIECE
 
MY MOTHER WITH HER CAMPING FRIENDS
 
MY AUNT WITH HER FRIENDS
 
A SPECIAL BABY, OUR DAUGHTER
 
 
HEINZ'S TOUGH DAY
 
MY AUNT ELLEN WITH SPECIAL PALS
 
CABIN MEMORIES WITH MOM
 
 
A SPECIAL AUNT, EARLY 1900'S
 
           

Sunday, February 17, 2013

"KEEP TRYING, FLY HIGH"


Bessie Coleman once told her mother that she was going to “amount to something.”  In her short, but remarkable lifetime she did more than that; she inspired countless others around the world to follow their dreams and not let anything hold them back.

 
Bessie became the first African American to earn a pilot’s license. As one of thirteen children born to sharecropper parents in Atlanta, Texas, Bessie loved to read and dream of a better life.  Her two brothers who had fought in World War I and returned home safely told her about French women who could fly planes.  Bessie listened intently to those stories and was determined that she would one day fly a plane.

A Chicago newspaper editor, Robert Abbott told her that she could learn to fly in France; she just needed to save her money and learn French.  He offered to help her find a flying school when she did.

Bessie moved to Chicago in 1915 at the age of 23.  Initially she worked as a manicurist in a barber shop.  From there she went to work in a restaurant and took French lessons from a Berlitz school in Chicago.  She was able to get some financial help from a banker, but not able to attend an American flying school because of discrimination against blacks and women. That was not about to stop Bessie, however.  Her passion for learning to fly was resolute.

Within seven months Bessie earned her international flying license in France, despite knowing no one when she arrived.  Her obstacles often seemed insurmountable to others, but to Bessie they were just challenging steps along the way.  She performed at numerous air shows in the U.S, including one on Long Island in 1922.  She did stunt flying and daredevil maneuvers to earn money and formulate her dream to open a flying school for African Americans.  She also spoke to audiences around the country and was admired by blacks and whites everywhere. Some called her QUEEN BESSIE.

One area where Bessie drew the line, however, was in refusing to perform in air shows where African Americans were not allowed to purchase tickets.  Her message to blacks was “You can do something too.  Keep trying.  Fly high!”

Eventually Bessie was able to buy her own plane, but it crashed in California; she wound up in a hospital for three months.  The planes she could afford were not in good shape, but she wasn’t afraid of taking risks; she had done it all her life.

Bessie was about to realize her dream of opening a flying school, but in 1926, the day before the air show in Jacksonville, Florida, her plane crashed during an aerial show rehearsal with her mechanic friend and the two of them were killed.  Her funeral was held in Chicago, where 5,000 people attended.  She had encouraged so many others to follow their dreams and never give up. She had dared to follow her passion for flying and today is considered a pioneer in women’s aviation.  In 1995 a commemorative stamp was issued in her honor, and I’m proud to say that my eleven year old granddaughter told me about learning of Bessie’s achievements this year. Today a Chicago public library is even named after her.

Bessie Coleman died in 1926 at the age of 33, but her legacy will live on and continue to inspire people worldwide.

Friday, February 15, 2013

TIME MARCHES ON!


Winter scene at the cabin
 
My childhood park in Wisconsin
 
One of my mother’s favorite refrains in her later years was, “Time marches on.”  Such a simple phrase, and yet so thought provoking.  The trouble is, it seems like it marches faster all the time.  I’m not sure why, but I feel especially drawn to nature themes now. F. Scott Fitzgerald, the great American writer once said, “After reading Thoreau, I felt how much I have lost by leaving nature out of my life.”  That sums up my feelings too.  And as much as I long for spring, I’m trying to stay in the moment because that’s all we really have anyway. 



Serenity--Lake Superior



photo by Heinz Richter--at the cabin
 



A special pal at Lake Harriet in Minneapolis
 

A foggy day in Rhode Island
 
 


A special morning



My gully pal

A few nature memories from the more recent past, and some that others have shared with me, for which I am grateful. 
**A footnote--Sometimes I think my grandchildren overlook beautiful nature scenes as we drive around the Twin Cities, and I feel a wee bit annoyed.  And then one day my granddaughter says, "Grandma, you've got to come see this."  I look out the front door and there it is--the most beautiful sunrise ever. A moment I won't ever forget!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

"THE HEART THAT LOVES . . ."





Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, celebrated widely around the world, and on this day I often remember fondly special people who have been part of my life, as well as those who have made an imprint in some way.  I especially remember my grandparents who were married for over 60 years, and although poor monetarily, were rich in spirit and love for one another and family. It was Oscar Wilde who said, “Who, being loved, is poor? Oh, no one.”

There’s a wonderful Greek proverb that says, “The heart that loves is always young.”  Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just an ordinary day, “Love is truly the only gold.” 
My mother with her dear friend Verna
 
And on February 14, the day love is in the air, here's to all the special kinds of love, including cherished friendships. Thomas Jefferson once said, "The happiest moments of my life have been the flow of affection among friends."
 
     "When the leaves of your album are yellow with age,
     And the words that I write here are dim on the page,
     Still think of me kindly and do not forget,
     That wherever I am, I remember you yet." 
                    YOUR DEAREST FRIENDS
    
 
Mom with her friends Georgia and Wilbur
 
                                             
 
photo by Monika Kopek
 
                                Thinking of all those special people in my life,
                                                      HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
 
 
 

Sunday, February 10, 2013

ALMOST ANYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL!


 
Wanda Gag, a Minnesota artist who was passionate about drawing and writing children’s stories once said, “Draw the things about you . . . the very ordinary things, such as chairs, stoves, wood piles, frying pans, smokestacks.  Almost anything is beautiful and drawable, if you can look at it that way.”

Those were inspirational words for me, as I sought to write about everyday things, however simple they seemed.  Nothing was too insignificant and I became a more interested observer. In many ways Wanda was my mentor.

I first became interested in Wanda Gag when I discovered one of her delightful children’s stories—MILLIONS OF CATS, which is still the oldest American picture book in print.  I read it over and over to my children and was fascinated by the simple illustrations. 

Wanda grew up in New Ulm, Minnesota.  She was part of a very artistic family, involved in storytelling, drawing, and writing stories and poems.  She spoke German as a child, and in later years, became a translator as well as an artist.  She adored her father, who was a well-known regional artist, as well as a painter and photographer.  Unfortunately, he died when Wanda was only 15.  Before his death he told his beloved daughter, “What Papa couldn’t do, Wanda will have to finish.”  And she did, with a flourish.  But along the way she did everything she could to support the other five children in her family.  Wanda was the oldest daughter and needed to do all the housework and cooking.  At one point she sold cards she had made to support her younger siblings.  Her dream had always been to be an artist.  She and a friend wrote stories together and Wanda included stories of her own.  For four years, from 1913 to 1917 she attended the St. Paul School of Art and the Minneapolis School of Art. 

Wanda also entered magazine contests and sent in some of her drawings and stories to earn money.  She was devoted to her family and determined to help them survive financially.

In 1917 Wanda went to New York to attend an art school on scholarship.  She became a commercial artist in 1919.  Many of her prints are in the National Gallery of Arts.  One famous artist who was inspired by her work was Maurice Sendak.  In all, Wanda wrote ten children’s books.  She became well-known internationally for her lithographs.

Wanda loved the country and often worked in New England during the summer.  She was a rare children’s author and illustrator for the time. She was thrilled to eventually see her work sell at well-known New York galleries.

Wanda Gag died of lung cancer in 1946 at the age of 53.  She was putting together another book of fairy tales at the time.  Her younger sister Flavia completed the book, which was called MORE TALES FROM GRIMM.

Today there's a wonderful Wanda Gag museum in her hometown of New Ulm, Minnesota, where stories of her life and work are proudly told. It’s an enchanting place to visit.

Wanda Gag was an extraordinary woman—uniquely gifted in drawing and storytelling and a kind, compassionate human being. She was often confronted with adversity, but always dealt with it admirably.  Papa would have been extraordinarily proud of her. What Papa couldn't do, Wanda did indeed finish.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

TAKE ME OUT TO THE GAME MOM LOVED!


My mother passed on her love of sports to me.  In the spring and summer it was all about baseball for her—from spring training games in Arizona where she could watch the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, to summers at our Wisconsin cabin listening to radio broadcasts. Nobody could call a game like the legendary Bob Uecker of the Brewers, unless it was Harry Caray of the Cubs. The Cubs were her team as much as the Brewers; she loved to reminisce about players she adored—Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg,  Henry Aaron, Warren Spahn, to name a few.  She just loved baseball, win or lose. 

MOM WITH HER BASEBALL STARS AND HEROES
 
One day Mom was at the Cubs spring training ballpark in Arizona and was accidentally hit on the wrist by a foul ball.  Although it was painful, the benefit of being able to meet and hug a few of her heroes made it all worthwhile.  It didn’t stop her from going to as many games as she could over the next decade.  Now that she’s moved on to the “next level of play,” I always think of her when spring training is just around the corner and the long winter is about over.  I’ll never forget the hundreds of ballgames we went to through the years and the joy we shared.  There’s currently snow on the ground and a new round of flakes swirling about, but I’m still excited about Opening Day and the sound of PLAY BALL! Spring training gets it all started. 

Here are a few quotes to share from the world of baseball:

            "It’s designed to break your heart.  The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.”  (Former Commissioner of Baseball, A. Bartlett Giamatti)

            “If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I’d trip her.  Oh, I’d pick her up and brush her off and say, “Sorry, Mom,” but nobody beats me.”  (Leo Durocher, former baseball manager)—My mom would have loved that one.

            “It might be . . . it could be . . . it is!”  (Harry Caray’s home run call)

            “I don’t want them to forget Ruth.  I just want them to remember me.”  (Hank Aaron)
We remember you Henry, and the special lady who loved you and your game as well!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

WINTER WONDERS IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA!


Recently I visited a friend in northern Minnesota and marveled at the peace and tranquility of the region.  Solitude is a sacred word to me, and I found it there.  At one point we drove farther north to Duluth, which is on the north shore of Lake Superior.  Along with Superior, Wisconsin, it forms the Twin Ports.  Duluth was named after Daniel Greysolon, Le Sieur du Luth, a French explorer who lived from 1639-1710. He must have been thrilled with his discovery.

 
 
I’ve included some photos of the Duluth harbor area, as well as the region south of there, where the deer contentedly roam and search for food.  I could have watched and observed them for hours.  May Sarton, a prolific American writer sums up my feelings best:  “Whatever peace I know rests in the natural world, in feeling myself a part of it, even in a small way.”