THE SWEET SIMPLE THINGS OF LIFE . . . STAYING "PASSIONATELY CURIOUS"

For as long as I can remember, I've remained curious about what goes on in our everyday lives, whether it's animals that make us laugh and teach us what's important in life, kids and their incredible energy and wisdom, or the importance of listening to our own amazing intuition.  How often it's happened that I haven't listened or trusted my intuition enough.  Too often I've strayed away from that quiet, reflective side of myself, often thinking that it's a waste of time and unproductive. And then I read a quote by Albert Einstein--"I have no special talents.  I am just passionately curious."  In reality there's nothing more important to me than being "passionately curious."  It stands out like nothing else.  It's the

way I would like people to remember me.  I've never cared 

much about possessions or impressive degrees or earning massive amounts of money. My family could certainly tell you that. And they'd tell you too that I love the sweet simple things of life, whether it's a memorable quote, a friend's kind words, a beautiful trail through the woods, or a painful lesson learned which led to incredible new opportunities.  And those new opportunities which I never imagined about a month ago are about to open up.  I will share more about that in the coming months.  In the meantime, suffice it to say that I'll never let go of being "passionately curious."

RETURNING HOME--

Sometimes one's life makes an unexpected turn, even when it's not your choice. And sometimes that means returning to the area you called home for over four decades.  I left the Twin Cities for many reasons, but mostly because I fell in love.  I thought about the huge change I was making, and I realized that it meant leaving my family and friends behind and starting over in a new city.  It was a big risk I knew, but also an exciting new adventure.  I learned about a part of the country I had never even visited before. I discovered that the people of Nebraska, although much more conservative than Minnesota, are mostly warm and friendly and very accepting of a newcomer.  Finding a new job was scary at age 67, but I found one I truly enjoyed--working with the young children of immigrants.  While their parents were learning English, my co-worker and I were marveling at how we connected with these bright, happy, enthusiastic, and sometimes challenging kids.  I miss them a lot!  On my last day with them, I received hugs and sweet, loving gifts from several parents.  One of the parents took a picture of me with some of the kids and the other parents.  I couldn't hold back the tears.  I loved this job, the young kids I shared part of the day with, the parents, and my co-worker.  No one could have had a better person to work with.  We put a lot of energy into what we did, and it was worth every ounce of it. Kids matter--A LOT! I will always remember the wonderful people I worked with and the kind, loving, parents who trusted us with their children.  Over the holidays the parents made beautiful handmade cards for us with personal messages of thanks.  Both my co-worker and I were moved to tears.

My time in Nebraska was not long--in fact, less than six months.  I anticipated that it would be a lifetime, but that was not to be.  I'm still sad and heartbroken at times, and I guess that's natural since I've only been back home 17 days.  I'm happy to see my daughter and grandson again and live with them until I can get some semblance of order in my life.

I'm not sure if I would make the same decision about moving again.  To be honest, I rather doubt it, but I've always been somewhat of a risk taker.  I'm still a strong believer in the power of love and commitment, and I hope that one day I'll discover that again. But whatever direction my life takes, I can't think of a better place to live than the Twin Cities.  Yes, it gets cold in the winter, but if you love natural beauty and friendly people, progressive ideas, and diversity, it's a wonderful place to live.  RETURNING HOME--it has a different ring to it now!

THE BOOK OF LOVE, BY MARLIES!

My daughter with her son (my grandson) Ben.

About 36 years ago my five year-old daughter wrote a wonderful little book called The Book of Love.  Inside she wrote, "Love your daddy.  Love your mommy.  Love your sister if you have one.  Love your brother if you have one. For 5 year olds to adults."  She finished by drawing a big heart.  It's

My parents with me and my brothers--Bob and Terry

one of my most treasured possessions.  In honor of our

upcoming Valentine's Day, I want to share some special pictures taken over the years which reflect the love my

My dad and I studying together, about 52 years ago.

A love of nature!

My brothers and I at our grandparents farm.

daughter referred to, with a few additions here and there.  I do

Marlies and I at a favorite park, nearly four decades ago.

admit to being very sentimental and old-fashioned about love.

My dad and my brother Terry, about 70 years ago.

I'm sure you'll notice.  My daughter is now 39, but to me she will always be that special little girl!

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!!