NATURE REMEMBRANCES FROM 2015 AND BEYOND!

As 2015 nears an end, I've enjoyed looking back at joyful moments I've experienced being out in nature.  I've loved exploring different surroundings and the wonderful solitude I've found in surprising areas. At times it's meant being out in extreme cold--nothing I would have imagined years ago. There is something MAGICAL about being alone in nature. 

Many times it's nothing fancy--just the beauty I see in everyday life.  I hope you will enjoy these photographs from 2015 and beyond.

CLARK'S TALES: CHRISTMAS MEMORIES WITH DAD!

CLARK'S TALES: CHRISTMAS MEMORIES WITH DAD!: I'm normally asleep at 3 a.m., but instead, I'm listening to Christmas music and remembering a very tender-hearted and special man. ...

CLARK'S TALES: OBSERVATIONS FROM LINCOLN AND CORNHUSKER LAND!

CLARK'S TALES: OBSERVATIONS FROM LINCOLN AND CORNHUSKER LAND!: I must confess that before I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska over two and a half months ago, I knew very little about this Midwestern state.  Bec...

OBSERVATIONS FROM LINCOLN AND CORNHUSKER LAND!

I must confess that before I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska over two and a half months ago, I knew very little about this Midwestern state.  Because I've always enjoyed watching college football, I did know that it had been a football powerhouse a few decades ago. I've since learned that the fervor has not died down.  One day a few weeks ago I showed up at a school where I work with a University of Wisconsin bag that I had bought at an arts and craft sale in Minnesota.  It's been useful for carrying my school supplies, and  I AM a proud Wisconsin native, but a few people in the school office challenged my loyalties in a seemingly teasing way. I took the hint and switched to another bag for the duration of the football season. 

Having spent the last 45 years in the land of Minnesota Nice, I didn't know what to expect when I moved to Lincoln. Surprisingly, what I discovered is that people are incredibly friendly, almost anywhere you go.  I never hesitate to ask for directions, since I'm perpetually lost, and thus far I've had no one look at me with a great deal of suspicion.  Restaurant servers and store clerks alike, regardless of how busy they are, offer up smiles and act as though they genuinely like their jobs.  The feeling I often get as I walk around the city and talk with people is that they're happy to be where they are and couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Lincoln has often come out near the top in studies of cities around the country, as far as likability, education, jobs, cultural activities, shopping and dining, and issues of affordability and safety. It's a very pleasant place to live and work.

One thing I found interesting about Lincoln was seeing how many of the streets were named by letters of the alphabet, whether A or L or O, etc.  My bus lets me off downtown on L and I walk five blocks down to F. For some reason there's no I, which I'm happy about since I don't have much time to spare after getting off work.  O street is one of the main ones in the city.  I've often wondered why more cities don't do something similar. It makes a whole lot of sense to me.

As I alluded to earlier, Nebraskans take their college football very seriously.  It takes up much of the sports section.  Nearly everywhere you go you discover a sea of red--shirts, shorts, flags, signs, hats, etc.  They take great pride in their numerous national football championships.  Imagine 90,000 fans showing up for the home games year after year, and the festive atmosphere around downtown Lincoln. Businesses must absolutely love it!

But one surprising thing I noticed is that women's sports also get a lot of attention, whether in high school or college.  I love seeing photos of women's teams and reports about their games 
and results, as well as cultural and educational activities.  

Lincoln is a very progressive city and has become increasingly more diverse.  Every day when I go to my part-time job working with young children, I meet with families of various backgrounds and cultures.  It reminds me of Minneapolis in this respect and many other respects. And like Minneapolis, once people discover its many attributes, they often decide to stay. 

Speaking of Minneapolis, I will always miss my family and friends. Returning to Minnesota last weekend was a reminder of that.  It was wonderful to see everyone again.A very memorable trip!  And the Twin Cities will always be at the top of my list as far as lakes and parks.  And as one who loves being around water and nature settings, those are things I definitely miss. But I am enjoying the adventure and challenge of living in a new and vibrant city, as well as finally being with the person I've chosen to spend my life with.  I'm very grateful for that, and feeling happy and content. And the motto of my kids former high school still applies--LEARNING FOR LIFE!!

A SURPRISING FAMILY AROUND THE BEND!

I almost chose to stay indoors on this hot, humid June day, and certainly had no thoughts of a second walk.  But when I remembered Camelot Park and the possibility of spotting wildlife on a trek through the woods, I got an unusual burst of energy. And this time I didn't talk myself out of using it!

I felt incredibly lucky to spot a family of swans in the small lake, as I rounded the bend.  Usually they're a distant sight, but this time they were right there in front of me.  I walked very gingerly, not to disturb them, and grabbed my camera and started clicking away.  What a beautiful sight! And I was happy that they hadn't really noticed me.  They were busy diving for food for their little ones.

So here are some fun photos from my lovely visit with the swans at Lake Camelot.  Long ago, Saint Basil said, "Now, if you notice how the swan, putting its neck down into the deep water, brings up food for itself from below, then you will discover the wisdom of the Creator, in that He gave it a neck longer than its feet for this reason, that it might, as if lowering a sort of fishing line, procure the food hidden in the deep water."

  

 

Seeing the family of swans and reading that they generally mate for life made me smile.  I hope these photos do the same for you!

REDISCOVERING NATURE AND THE BEAUTY OF THE TWIN CITIES!

 

 

 

 I have truly been on a mission lately--to once again discover the wondrous natural beauty which abounds everywhere in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.  Yes, it's a

 

traffic nightmare at times, as most big cities are, but it's also an unbelievable treasure. As I ready myself to move to another fascinating region of the U.S., I am making one final trip down memory lane.  I hope that you'll

 

enjoy it as much as I have. And I will continue to add other nature photos as time marches on.

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR PRESCHOOLERS!

Recently my four-year old grandson Ben joined the ranks of graduates--a unique and very special class of preschoolers who wore their own colorful caps and gowns.  The room was full of proud and excited parents, grandparents, friends, and dedicated, smiling teachers. Who could not break out in a warm smile watching these young, confident kids?  After some uplifting music, each one of the kids marched to the front of the room to be introduced and answer the all-important question--"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

After listening to their diverse and thoughtful answers, I was "proud as a peacock," as my mother used to say!  Somehow I have an idea she was there in her own unique and mischievous spirit. And boy, she must have loved it!  There were wanna-be firefighters, teachers, princesses, dragon masters, snow boarders, scientists, police officers, dentists, and doctors--including a "baby doctor" and a "big people doctor."  And since we live in Minnesota, where it gets plenty cold, there was also a hockey player, a female snow plow driver, a snow boarder, and  a meteorologist.  I'm not sure what the future surfer had in mind--maybe it's about living in Hawaii. I could go for that myself! And not to be forgotten, President of the United States of America, and somebody's "boss." But perhaps the one that got the biggest laughter and applause was "a dad." Plain and simple!

This was a day to be remembered and shared with my

 

little buddy Ben and his mom, my daughter.  One day Ben will move forward without me, but I hope he'll always have fond memories of our special day together!!

OUR GREATEST EXPERIENCES ARE OUR QUIETEST MOMENTS!

Years ago the German philosopher Nietzsche said, "Our greatest experiences are our quietest moments."  As I write this, and observe the many recent instances of chaos around the U.S., I seek out those quiet moments more than ever. I relish the sights and sounds of nature.  It doesn't mean that I fail to acknowledge the waves of change and sometimes violent actions that are surfacing now in this country.  It only means that I try to somehow find a balance. That is definitely a challenge for all of us! 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday I enjoyed a wonderful, unexpected walk with a friend on a beautiful, sunny, picture-perfect day. I hope you enjoy some photos from that "escape into nature," and a few other simple times.

WHY WOULD YOU CHEER FOR THEM?? YOU LIVE IN MINNESOTA!!

A few weeks ago my 10-year old grandson Ethan told me that his friends at school asked why he would want to cheer for the Wisconsin basketball team in the NCAA tournament.  They couldn't understand why he liked the Packers as well.  They suggested that since he lived in Minnesota, it was not right to cheer for Wisconsin teams.  I was proud of his response, which was  "Minnesota doesn't have any teams in the playoffs, and I like Wisconsin." I did not coach him on who he should cheer for, but he does know that I'm an avid fan of the Badgers and Packers and Bucks.  There are several Minnesota teams that I follow as well. I thought it was interesting that he would share this on our way home from school.

It's hard to go against peer pressure at times and perhaps have classmates tease you or make fun of you, but Ethan had no trouble speaking up.  AND he picked Wisconsin to win the national basketball championship, which they came very close to doing.

One thing I will miss when I move to another state in a few months is the fun I've had talking with my grandchildren about sports, school activities, current events, nature, animals, and lessons of LIFE.  The laughs along the way have been endless, and I can honestly tell you that I've learned as much from them as they have from me. And maybe the best thing I've discovered about them is what strong, independent thinkers they are, and that they do "march to their own drummer," as Thoreau would say. They're very bright, but also possess wonderful, caring hearts. What could be more important? Their great-grandmother (my mom) would be extremely proud of them, as she would be of her youngest great-grandson Ben!

I told Ethan that he could blame that "cheering for Wisconsin thing" on his grandma if he wanted.  But never mind--he was quite capable of setting the record straight.  He would darn well choose to cheer for whomever he wanted, and whenever! He's on his way!!

THE FEISTY, SPIRITED FEMINIST--I CALL HER MOM!!

A few days ago my oldest son and I spoke fondly about my mom--his grandma Millie.  He told his 13-year old

 

 

daughter Morgan that she would have loved her great-grandma because she was one-of-a-kind--a real treasure! 
And he added that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind when she thought people were out-of-line.  As an affirmation of that, I told Morgan about my first grade teacher who tried to make me write right-handed when it was obvious that I was left-handed.  I remember often coming home in tears, and when my mother found out what was going on, she marched off to school and told Mrs. Schumacher that there would be no more of that.  She would be proud to know today that even President Obama is left-handed, as are a number of other recent presidents. 

It took a lot to get my mother upset, but I remember that when I was about ten, a couple of women came to the door, trying to tell my mother that her religion was a mistake and she would not go to heaven if she didn't convert to their religion.  She was respectful at first, but when her own religion was not respected, that was the end of the conversation.  She escorted them out the door and told them not to come back.

As a young child my mother had many childhood illnesses and spent months in two different hospitals.  She spent eight months alone in Shriner's Hospital in Minneapolis, and there was no improvement in her condition.  She was never able to bend her knee, which made her sad because she was never able to ride a bike.  She was also very lonely because she was far away from her family in central Wisconsin.  She could not have visitors for some time because there were several children who were quarantined.  At times she begged her parents to send her paper so she could write to them.  I am thankful that I was able to obtain her hospital records from 90 years ago so I could understand her much better.  I came to appreciate the remarkable woman she was, and the difficult struggles she faced.

My mother and I often had political discussions later in life, and at times we had definite disagreements.  But I do know that she was outspoken about a woman's right to make her own choices in life.  She firmly believed in the value of education, and was proud of her teaching degree and connection with her students in the little town of Fairchild, Wisconsin.  I still love to drive down the streets of that town and imagine what it was like for her as a high school commercial teacher in that small high school.  She encouraged me to pursue a college education and work hard to achieve my dreams.  At times I felt like I must have disappointed her, but she never let me know it.

As Mother's Day nears, I think often of my mom.  She was a very kind and compassionate woman, full of energy, and deep love for my dad and her family, as well as those less fortunate.  She was quirky and very funny at times, and above all, a woman with a deep commitment to basic human rights for all.  She had lived through the time when women had concerns about keeping their teaching jobs if they got married. I think she might have made a great senator, as her high school friend George hinted at in her 1931 yearbook, when he said, "When you get to be a senator or something like that, I'll come and listen to you debate."

So, although my mother might not have fit the traditional definition of a feminist, to me she was every bit of one.  And best of all, she had a heart of gold!! 

AMAZING PERSEVERENCE!

A few weeks ago I watched a segment on CBS about a Minnesota high school girls basketball team, which no doubt millions of people saw.  Who would believe that a team that had lost 84 games over several seasons could become so famous?  But indeed they did, and for good reason!  Under incredible odds, they persevered, and won their first game.

The Climax Fisher girl's team started the game with nine players, but ended it with only three.  Five players fouled out, and one had played too many minutes in the junior and senior varsity games, and had to sit out the second half of the varsity game. Consequently, there were only three players available for most of the second overtime period.  Even the coach wondered if his Lady Knights could play through the impossible task of trying to win the game.  Amazingly, they made 12 points in both overtimes combined, and pulled off an incredible victory over Bagley, 62-58. 

Talk about jubilation, and unbelievable perseverance.  The coach, Jonathan Vonesh, said, "The emotions that were running through my body and the kids--there were tears, there was joy, the crowd was going nuts.  It felt like we won a championship."  How I would have loved to have been there!  I think I would have shed a few tears as well.

I'm a basketball lover from "way back", having proudly followed my older brother's great achievements during his high school years.  And even though we didn't have a girl's team at that time, I have always followed the game with great interest and enthusiasm.  Now that the NCAA men's basketball tournament is in high gear, and my favorite team (the Wisconsin Badgers) are doing exceptionally well, I'm enjoying basketball more than ever.

But for all the news of great victories and exciting players, I don't lose sight of the tremendous victory achieved by a small girl's school in northwestern Minnesota.  It was against all odds, and brought great joy to the young women who didn't know the word "quit," as well as their fans. A team and a story that will live on for years!  And rightly so!!

Thank you Lady Knights for your amazing perseverance!!

THAT'S JUST HOW IT IS--IN MINNESOTA!

This morning, as I dropped my granddaughter off at school, the snow was coming down rather heavily, and when she got out of the car, she commented, "That's just the way it is--in Minnesota.  When you want snow and to be able to go

 

 

 

 

skiing,  nothing happens.  But when ski season is over. it comes down like crazy."  She had just finished her first year with the ski team, and they wound up missing more ski meets than ones they competed in.  And all because Minnesota weather just wouldn't cooperate. It hadn't snowed in weeks.  Cold, of course!  That's a "given." But the presence of snow was practically non-existent.

 

I've been thinking a lot about my adopted state lately. There's a good reason for that.  As I plan a move during the next few months, I find myself reflecting even more than usual. We have a term here called MINNESOTA NICE!  I can tell you that it doesn't always apply.  I've used some "choice" words on occasion to express my dismay about rude and sometimes dangerous behavior on the freeway, others trying to cut in line in front of you at stores, people giving you the "evil eye" if you're not fast enough for them, even on walkways.  And I do realize that is not unique to Minnesota.  But what I will remember more than anything are the kind words and acts when you least expect them.  Today was an example of that.  I was carrying a heavy load of books into the library, when a kind gentleman held the door for me for a long time.  I told him how much I appreciated it, and his response was, "Don't give it a thought.  You have yourself a very nice day." It reminded me of a recent Facebook posting about telling yourself how much a smile or kind word or gesture means to someone. It can make a huge difference, and you might not even realize it at the time.

 

Another thing about Minnesota is that we have a state government that actually functions most of the time, unlike our Washington counterparts.  I feel absolute disgust with Congress these days.  But Minnesota is "delivering" to its citizens. With a nearly two billion dollar surplus this year, it's a nice dilemma to have about how that money should be spent.  I think the legislators can definitely find some agreement in that area.  Our governor is not flashy or charismatic, but he truly cares about Minnesota residents.  He's not worried about his next political office.  I'm thankful for that. He's refreshingly boring and productive! I'd like to meet him and say thank you one day.

One final thought--Minnesota has more natural beauty than

 

 

most of the country can even imagine.  From the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area, to the grandeur of Lake Superior, the small, quaint towns and villages, and the cultural diversity of the Twin Cities, I have truly felt blessed living here.  The parks and trails and lakes are unsurpassed anywhere.  And those Minnesotans overall?  They are some of the nicest people you could meet anywhere.  Will I miss a lot of things about this wonderful state?  That is for certain!!  Now and then I need to remind myself, in different ways, about what my granddaughter said.  "That's just how it is in Minnesota."  Unique and lovely and full of good people and places! Don't ever hesitate to check it out!!! 

WHO WROTE THESE RULES, ANYWAY?

As I was making a grand effort to clean my room today, I discovered a copy of a teacher's contract from 1922, compliments of Reed School, near Neillsville, Wisconsin.  It served as a one-room country school for many years.  I have two very special aunts who taught there for a number of years. I wish I had been fortunate enough to have been in either of their classes.

Reed School operated at a time when there were over 6,000 one-room schools in Wisconsin during the first half of the 20th Century. It was closed in 1951 because of declining enrollment, but continues to be open part-time during the summer as a history museum.

What I found especially fascinating were the rules that teachers at that time needed to abide by.  They would be quite unimaginable today, as would the salary of $75 a month. 

 

Journey back to 1922 for a while, and imagine yourself with these expectations in your teaching life:

1.  You may not consider getting married because your contract would "become null and void immediately." This was a concern for my mother, even in 1938.

2.  Unless you were planning to be at a school function, you'd better be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

3.  Plan to stay away from downtown ice cream stores, because that might be considered loitering.

4.  Stay in town unless you were given permission by the chairman of the trustees.

5.  Smoking cigarettes or drinking beer, wine, or whiskey would certainly invalidate your contract.

6.  Don't think about riding in a carriage or car with any man except your brother or father.

7.  Stay away from bright colored dresses, and make sure to wear at least two petticoats.

8.  Do not consider wearing your dress more than two inches above your ankles.

9.  Remember that it's your responsibility to keep the classroom clean by sweeping it at least once a day, and scrubbing the floor at least once a week with soap and  hot water.

10.  Do not have company with men.


**I can't sing the praises of those early teachers enough. 
 

 

Having been a teacher myself for approximately five years, I know how exhausting and challenging it can sometimes be, and I have the greatest respect for teachers everywhere.  But thinking of those teachers in Wisconsin's rural one-room schools in 1922, what I really want to know is, "Who wrote those impossibly restrictive rules," and had they been teachers at one time?

And to a number of my friends who are teachers or have been teachers at one time, you are the best!  Thank you for your kind, caring ways, and your dedication to young people.  You have made a huge difference in the lives of many, and I will always be grateful!!

"SWELL" CONNECTION!

Yesterday I made a stop at one of my favorite stores--Trader Joe's.  I hadn't been there for a while, but love talking to the friendly check-out people.  They could offer a class to other businesses about how to treat their customers with care and respect, not to mention FUN.  I was asked the usual "How's your day going?"  And then when I returned the favor, the very friendly clerk responded, SWELL.  Now that brought up years of memories of what a common, but important word he had used.  He was much younger than his customer, so I was surprised by his comment.  I asked him about it.  He said that to him it expressed a lot more than just "fine" or "well."  He was surprised that I had even noticed, and when I went on to ask why, he said, "Because most people are too busy talking on their phones to even care or notice."  He added that he's decided lately to simplify his life and make important changes, like reverting to a simple "flip phone" and using it infrequently.  I could definitely relate to that since the only phone I use is a "flip phone" and it's very inexpensive.  I thought it was interesting that a much younger person would make the same decision, but based as much on his realization that he was allowing his much fancier phone to become a major part of his life, and he no longer liked that idea.  I told him that it was like one of my favorite authors of the 19th century, Henry David Thoreau, reminding us to "Simplify, simplify."  I have so often thought of that, but not always followed the idea. Years ago my youngest brother used to have a large poster in my bedroom at our family cabin, displaying one of Thoreau's quotes--"March to the beat of a different drummer."  When I start to think that I might be a little too quirky for some people, I remind myself of that quote.  The cashier's final comment to me was the quote about "the road less traveled."  

That short interaction may not seem all that significant, but it stuck with me all day.  We might not have spoken at all, or only minimally, but instead we found a connection, talking about the importance of not letting technology take over our lives.  I'm still mulling that over.  So thank you "swell" fellow who made my day, in a very simple way, a whole lot more enjoyable.  And Henry David Thoreau, you are still not forgotten! 

WHAT A LOVELY SURPRISE!

Ellen Burstyn, an American actress, once said, "What a lovely surprise to discover how un-lonely being alone can be."  Having been homebound for four days recently due to illness, was NOT a lovely surprise--the "being alone" part or being confined indoors, but oh, what a feeling it was to discover the wonderful world of the outdoors once again.  Especially after a simple, but lovely snowfall! With camera in hand, off I went to discover the nearby charm of lakes and woods. One day in the coming months I will leave this area where I've lived for 45 years to explore a new place with new people and adventures awaiting.  Perhaps that's why I'm savoring these last months and moments.  For many years I took children of all ages with me, but now those times have more or less passed, and I'm soaking up my time alone.  As May Sarton, the famous writer said many years ago, "One thing is certain, and I have always known it--the joys of my life have nothing to do with age." I totally agree!