Catching Up

On Friday, we came home from camping, and are still catching up. I'm thankful that we left before the holiday because Dale Hollow Dam Campground was beginning to fill with barking dogs, screeching kids, and rowdy people. 

I like it much better when it is a quiet shady retreat populated with old folks like us. We're done for the summer; happily abandoning campgrounds so that families with kids can enjoy them.

Obey River: Dale Hollow Dam Campground

Our weekend was spent doing laundry, yard work, and unloading the Sabre. It's nice to settle into our regular routine, although I do enjoy taking a break now and then for impromptu adventures. 

Some much needed quilting time is ahead for me, beginning today. My backlog of projects has grown since I sewed more blocks and designed five new quilts on this trip.

Whether you're catching up, taking a break, or staying with your routines, have a meaningful Memorial Day!

Keeping What Matters

The new year is always a time for me to clean.  I'm taking down holiday decorations, tossing things I won't use, and making our home fresh and cozy for the winter.  It's a new start and a clean slate.

One of my resolutions each year is to get rid of clutter.  I try to use the one thing in, one thing out rule.  But then I watch Antiques Roadshow and see someone who kept two party invitations from the 1930's that are now worth $25,000.  Nevertheless, it's easier now that I'm retired, because I am more aware of the things I use and love.

Other resolutions are to evaluate what works and what doesn't in my life, which adventures I will pursue this year, and who will be along for the ride.  It's not always physical items; people and situations can weigh me down as well.  Several years ago, I found this quote to help me remember that I choose my own path.

"Surround yourself with people who make you happy.

People who make you laugh, 

who help you when you're in need.

People who genuinely care.

They are the ones worth keeping in your life.

Everyone else is just passing through."

~Karl Marx

I apply this statement to people, things, and habits.  They all come and go, and have a purpose for a time.  Why would I hang on to something that has outlived its usefulness?  Or some negative person who is just passing through my life?  I only want what brings me joy and inspires me. I want to keep what matters most to me.

Embracing Change

I've experienced a lot of challenges over the past three months, causing a great deal of change. Dealing with the sickness and death of loved ones is particularly hard. Losing both in-laws and my dog has been rough. Routines have been disrupted, tears shed, plans adjusted, and lessons learned. I've always known that change is inevitable and that living life is about moving forward. My mama told me that things happen like they are supposed to, so make the best of what comes. Sometimes that's easy and sometimes it's difficult.

Here's what I've learned:

• Change can happen quickly and at any point in our lives.
• The unselfish kindness of friends is helpful and comforting.
• It is fine to plan for emergencies but they seldom happen exactly the way we think they will.
• Acceptance of our emotions can help us deal with change and move forward.
• We do not have to react immediately to fix every problem; sometimes it is better to wait and see.
• Quiet reflection and deep breathing can calm us during times of stress.
• We cannot and should not control every circumstance in life.
• Resistance to change can cause frustration, anxiety, fear and distress.
• Allowing change to unfold gives us strength to accept, manage and learn from the experience.
• When we learn from challenges in life, we become stronger and better able to cope.
• Making informed, mindful decisions gives us power to deal with whatever change we are facing.

 

Every single day presents a new set of circumstances. Embrace them and live life!

"In every crisis there is a message. Crises are nature's way of forcing change, breaking down old structures, shaking loose negative habits so that something new and better can take their place." -- Susan Taylor

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Young Frankenstein

My favorite Halloween movie is Young Frankenstein. It's a comedy instead of a thriller or horror film, but I don't care. It's just hysterical, no matter how many times or what time of year I see it.  

Mel Brooks' 1974 black and white film, co-written by Gene Wilder, is the perfect parody of the old Universal Studios horror classics. 

Wilder, Marty Feldman, Terri Garr, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Kenneth Mars, Gene Hackman, and Peter Boyle are so funny and perfectly cast in their roles. The “walk this way” routine and other gags are timeless, flowing smoothly from scene to scene.

These are few of my favorite punch lines and quotes:

“What knockers!” 

“Sed-a-give?”

“Vould you like a roll in ze hay? 
     Roll, roll, roll in ze hay”

“Igor, will you give me a hand with the bags?

Soitainly, you take the blonde, and I'll take the one in the turban.”

“Put... ze candle... *back*!”

“Frau Blucher”...[horse whinny]

“He vould have an enormous schwanzstucker.”

“Woof!”

“Oh sweet mystery of life, at last I've found you.”

If you haven't seen Young Frankenstein in a while, be sure to watch this week with a big bowl of popcorn.  Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Venture Off The Trail

Cummins Falls

Normally routines are good to keep us on track, but sometimes you have more fun if you deviate from them. We camped at Defeated Creek last week, and enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing stay. We spent most of our time stargazing, sitting by the fire, fishing from the bank, reading in the shade, talking to other campers, walking and biking around the campground--our regular camping routine.

One morning we started out for Cookeville to eat lunch and to pick up our favorite Ralph's Donuts. At the end of the campground road, we saw a yard sale sign pointing away from our regular route. We looked at each other and said, “Let's go that way!” We knew Highway 85 came out in Gainesboro, but we'd never taken that road. Off we went. We never found the yard sale, but it was a beautiful drive through river farmland, hills and hollers.

As we drove from Gainesboro toward Cookeville, we saw a sign for Cummins Falls, Tennessee's newest state park. We smiled, the blinker went on, and down that road we went to check out the new park. Thankfully we had bug spray in the truck for our half mile hike through the woods trail to the overlook. The falls are 75 feet tall, and at the bottom is a large deep pool. We did not hike the long path to the bottom to swim, but we did trek down a tiny steep path to walk out on rocks at the top of the falls. If you go, make sure you have good shoes. The park is not completely developed yet so there are no buildings and the trails are marked with plastic tape. We walked back to the parking lot on the gravel access road, which is where the porta potties are hidden. We took some great photos and spent two hours having fun outdoors.

We did finally get to Cookeville, bought our scrumptious donuts and had a bite of lunch. We got back to camp later than we planned, but so what? We had a fabulous day exploring new places.

Useful Notion: You can't find adventure sitting on the couch or staying in your regular routine—you have to venture off the trail now and then.

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

Flowing With Life's Rhythms

There should be an easy rhythm to daily life. When everything is going smoothly, you feel in sync with your surroundings. There's a sense of peace, joy, accomplishment, and satisfaction with yourself. That comfort level isn't easy to maintain, however, because circumstances have a knack of changing just when you think you're on the perfect path.

Having basic routines can help you feel more in control of your time. And that's less stressful, too. This isn't to say that life should be a strict, boring and monotonous set of rules. If you make a habit of scheduling necessary activities, you can easily respond to anything else that comes your way. Following routines can actually help you become more flexible, which allows you to enjoy precious free time.

You shouldn't have to rush wildly through every week, cramming in more than you can possibly handle. Set your own itinerary, whether you like a fast pace or a more leisurely journey. Filter out what really doesn't matter. Simplify your home and your schedule to fit your expectations, not those of others. Fill your time with the things, people, and activities that make you smile.

Useful Notion: Find the best rhythm for your life, then roll with the flow.

Does Your Life Feel Like Groundhog Day?

Are you doing the same things over and over again? Waiting for something different to happen? 

Remember Phil, in the film Groundhog Day? “I told you. I wake up every day, right here, right in Punxsutawney, and it's always February 2nd, and there's nothing I can do about it.”

Our lives sometimes become a little too routine, predictable and monotonous. While routines are comforting and useful, they can feel stifling if your whole life revolves around them. You get into a rut, do the same things every day, and wonder where the time went at the end of the week.

You can do something about it. Keep your basic routines, but get them done and out of the way so you have time for fun. Break out of your normal pattern. You don't have to do something drastic or life-altering. Any small change will give your daily life more variety.

Explore something new. Take a different route to work. Do something nice for someone. Change your hairstyle. Try a new menu item. Choose a different color shirt. Make an appointment with yourself to enjoy a hobby that you love. Go for a walk outside. Rearrange your furniture. Buy flowers for no reason. Take a class. Buy shoes. Call an old friend or make a new one. 

And, above all...enjoy your life! The groundhog really doesn't know if spring is coming, so you can't depend on him to tell you what to do. Life's much too short to wait around for something to happen. It's up to you to make the most of the life you choose.

“The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, 

but that we wait so long to begin it.”  

~ W.M. Lewis

Mixing Things Up

It's been an unusual Monday, windy and quite warm for November. So, instead of writing this morning I decided to enjoy the outdoors before the predicted rain arrives tonight. It was nice to change my routine even to take care of a few errands and chores. I realized that being flexible and adapting to change made my day more interesting. I'll still get most everything done that's on my list, just in a different order than normal. And, if I miss something, so what? I can do it tomorrow.

I read somewhere that routines are good for you. I know they are comfortable to fall into and give you a sense of stability. But I wonder if it could be important to consciously stimulate your brain with change now and then. It mixes things up, causes you to stop and think, adjust your schedule, and consider options. 

Life's all about change. It's inevitable. Maybe if you challenge your brain with new ideas, it might keep you from being so afraid of change as you grow older. I think I'll try mixing things up a little more often and see how that works out.  It's sure to be more fun!

“Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” - William Somerset Maugham

“The less routine the more life.” – Amos Bronson Alcott

^^^^^^^^^