Letting Go of the Bay Leaf: Ambassador

Showing posts with label Ambassador. Show all posts

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Because I knew you

I am so blessed to have many good friends, and one of my deepest joys comes from sitting around a table, chatting and crafting. It's a tapestry all its own, woven with time together, and stories shared.

When I recently saw an America's Got Talent audition, featuring two women in a duet performance of "For Good" from Wicked, I shed a few tears, thinking of friends around the world. And especially those right in my own backyard.

Friends, this post is for you!

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow

If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

I have been changed for good

Listen to the song!

***

Joining LeeAnna's I Like Thursday: Prompt for April 4: Amusement Park or Day at the Beach? These days, I would definitely prefer the quiet of a day at the beach. Snoozing, collecting vitamin D, walking the length of the beach, reading a book, sipping a rum-soaked beverage. Much preferable to the noisy clanging of an amusement park, thronged with sweaty people standing in long lines.

Linking to Slow Sunday Stitching

Linking to Mosaic Monday

Sunday, March 21, 2021

Mosaic Monday #123: Just Another Day

Well, it's happened. Retirement has become so engrained that I have not written a retirement post for a whole year. My retirement anniversary (March 3, 2017) even passed me by without a second thought. Well. This will not do!!! I will have to throw my own little party, in my own little way. Hmmm ...

A party is not a party without some music. How about some songs to represent the last four years? And maybe a few photos for eye candy?

Reflecting on my retirement, the first word I wrote was FREEDOM. Despite the passage of four years, I can recall my desperation to be free as if it were yesterday. What does freedom mean to you? For me, it means setting my own agenda, and in a way that is consistent with my beliefs. As I have learned these last four years, it doesn't mean I won't work. It doesn't mean I won't have obligations. But it does mean I get to make those choices!

"Roam" by the B-52s is a song that reverberates with joy and abandon. When Spousal Unit and I first started dating, this song was an anthem for us. We dreamed about "rocking through the wilderness ... roam around the world ... without anything but the love we feel." We live that dream every day.

Since we have moved to Montana, we have been blessed to make many new friends. Neighbors. Mountain Ambassadors. Fellow volunteers. And, of course, I have "met" many new blogging buddies!

Man with Hat haying with Dear Neighbor Friend

Four years ago, I could never have imagined that I would find my best friend in Montana, and yet that is exactly what happened. I am grateful every day for Dear Neighbor Friend. Whether it's kayaking, cross-country skiing or just chatting over coffee, each moment is a blessing.

The way I feel about this place and the people is expressed well in the Zac Brown song, "Homegrown". "Why would I ever leave? Cause I know, I got some good friends that live down the street ... Live in a small town where it feels like home, I've got everything I need, and nothin' that I don't"

One of things I love about Montana is its history. It is everywhere you look. Vintage buildings. Rusting farm implements. And the people. If you ask, you will hear their stories. And sometimes, those stories come to you in unexpected moments. When I visited the Whitefish Historical Museum in October 2017, I had no idea that a spur-of-the-moment notion to volunteer there would bring so many unanticipated outcomes. Such as the day I took a call from Janet Monk, a member of a long-time Montana family, who told me about the train that used to run within 1.5 miles of our house. I have since visited the unused railway grade with my Dear Neighbor Friend. The things you learn when you start to ask questions!

In the "Canadian Railroad Trilogy", Gordon Lightfoot captures my sentiment so completely. This landscape before the trains came. The vision and enterprise of the men who built the railroads and the industries to support them. The blood, sweat and tears of the laborers who were the true conquerors.

The Museum was also my bridge to the Whitefish Winter Carnival since the director recommended me to the board. A blessing and a curse of my personality is that I see lots about our world that could benefit from my help. But if I want to have that freedom I wrote about at the beginning of this post, I have to choose carefully where I invest my time. I am sure my thinking on this will continue to evolve, but at the moment, I give my precious hours to PRESERVING THE EARTH, PRESERVING TRADITIONS and ENCOURAGING A FOCUS ON RESPECT FOR OUR FELLOW MAN. I have thoroughly enjoyed finding a new niche and a voice in the world of retirement.

Here I have included just a few photos that represent these themes. Winter Carnival is about traditions. The trash pick-up is just one of several activities that I hope will preserve our environment for future generations.

I have written before about the Violet Protest (August 1, 2020), (May 31, 2020), (March 8, 2020), a public effort to support core American values such as respect for the other, citizenship, compromise, courage, compassion, candor, creativity, and country over party and corporate influence.

I was thrilled to contribute two cross-stitch squares, while my Mom crocheted two squares. "Whether we knit, crochet, quilt, or embroider these squares — through this social action, and from every corner of America; we as makers of all political persuasions, believe we can employ our willing spirit and our talents to contribute to healing divisions that threaten our country." Ann Morton, founder The Phoenix Art Museum will display 9,000 of the squares from March 10 through September 5. It is not too late to send in squares - go to this link for more information.

The song "Stand Up" by Sugarland speaks to me about our collective responsibility to be there for others - 'light a fire for the silent and the brokenhearted'.

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you are probably surprised that I have not mentioned nature yet. Have no doubt, it was the second word I wrote down during my musings about retirement! I only have to look out my window to see nature - plants, wildlife, the clouds in the sky, the wind blowing in the pines. I relish this aspect of retirement, and I try hard not to take it for granted. In my moments of deeper reflection, it has dawned on me that I am seeking NEW EXPERIENCES. And for that, there are not enough hours in the day for all the things I want to do. We keep learning about other opportunities, such as forest service cabins we can rent. And we are certainly looking forward to the return of international travel -- we have not been to the UK to visit my in-laws since the pandemic started, and we also owe #1 Son his graduation trip to Grand Cayman!

"What we live for" by American Authors is a bouncy song that embodies that going-on-a-road-trip, family vacation vibe. Yep, this is what we live for!

I hope you have enjoyed my little retirement anniversary party! Maybe next year I can tell you about a real-life gathering - wouldn't it be fun to mark my five years with food and music and beverages and actual PEOPLE?!?

Mosaic Monday

Welcome to Mosaic Monday, a weekly meme where we get together to share our photo mosaics and collages.

Please include at least one photo mosaic/collage in your post.

The link will be open from 1 p.m. Sunday until 11 p.m. Tuesday (U.S. Mountain time).

Remember to add the link to your Mosaic Monday post and not the one to your blog.

Please link back to this post so that your readers will be able to visit and enjoy more wonderful mosaics; taking the MM blog button from my sidebar is an easy way to link back.

As host I will visit every participant and leave a comment so that you know I stopped by.

Please try and visit as many other blogs as you can, especially those that join in later, so that everyone's creativity can be appreciated fully.

Thank you for joining in today and sharing your mosaics with us.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Mosaic Monday #28 - Little, Simple Joys

Royal Red Norway Maple - leafing out in our garden

My friends, we're taking a road trip! That is, Spousal Unit and I are taking a road trip. Now, now - don't worry. Letting Go of the Bay Leaf will post all the pictures and the details that are fit for a refined audience such as yourselves when we return. Which means this week's post will be shorter and simpler than most. Which some of you may greet with a "finally"! Welcome to a snapshot of my recent little, simple joys - all I need!

You've seen neighbor cat Katniss before in previous posts - I had the opportunity to look after her again recently. She is so soft and fluffy - such a luxurious coat for a cat!

And then there's our 17-year-old lady, Maggie, who digs the sun spots in our house. Sometimes I have to check that she's still breathing!

If you've been following my blog, you know that we have applied for several backcountry camping permits in Glacier National Park. Two of our three applications were approved, and we learned that mid-May, you can access real-time availability of the back-country campgrounds. As a result, we applied for an additional two-night camping trip, and it was approved within 24 hours. Yippee!

I volunteer at the Whitefish Historical Museum one day a week, and our executive director has witnessed my various craft projects during slow times, whether it is drawing or cross-stitch. Last week, she surprised me with this bookmark, which she said had been left in a donated book. So what is so special about this? Well, my friends, it looks the same on the front AND THE BACK. No knots, or crossing the thread to another section, and it is one piece of cloth … I was amazed. It is simple and yet remarkably beautiful, all at the same time. I especially like the Celtic knot patterns in the corners! I almost cried when I considered that she thought of me when she saw it, not to mention the wonder of the craftmanship.

My dear neighbor took me to a nearby waterfall. I couldn't take my eyes from the 100-foot drop over three distinct cascades, much less the wildflowers that seem to be several weeks ahead of those I have seen elsewhere!

Left: Yellowbells; Middle: That's me standing to right of the upper cascade;

Right: Shooting Star

We recently hosted a dinner party for several of our fellow Mountain Ambassadors, and I had prepared some flower arrangements to grace our outdoor tables. One of our guests brought tulips, and I added them to the vases. The next day I received my Mother's Day cards - it all made for a marvelous mosaic. Until next time, dear readers, I pray for you that every day brings little, simple joys!

Mosaic Monday

Welcome to Mosaic Monday, a weekly meme where we get together to share our photo mosaics and collages.
Please include at least one photo mosaic/collage in your post.
The link will be open from 1 p.m. Sunday until 11 p.m. Monday (U.S. Mountain time).
Remember to add the link to your Mosaic Monday post and not the one to your blog.
Please link back to this post so that your readers will be able to visit and enjoy more wonderful mosaics; taking the MM blog button from my sidebar is an easy way to link back.
As host I will visit every participant and leave a comment so that you know I stopped by.
Please try and visit as many other blogs as you can, especially those that join in later, so that everyone's creativity can be appreciated fully.
Thank you for joining in today and sharing your mosaics with us.

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Mosaic Monday #26 - Dithering April

Leafy Aster in our garden

I found April to be a month of contrasts. An in-between month, almost like a teenager that wavers between the simplicity of childhood and the desire to be considered an adult. The sun was out but the air was still cold. I had some recurring events, but in general I was less scheduled. The "dead" of Winter was slowly losing its grip to the life of Spring. All in all, I enjoyed the variety that was April 2019.

I am so glad this is the only

day Spousal Unit wears

this sweater!

The ski season ended with a cool vibe as Whitefish Mountain Resort hosted Employee Ski/Ride Day. In keeping with the "fun" character of the resort, costumes were encouraged and each department adopted a theme to identify its employees. In the case of the Mountain Ambassadors, everyone decked out in retro/60s gear. We don't often get the opportunity to ski/board at the same time, so this was treasured team bonding.

With skiing wrapped up for the season, I welcomed the free time to finish a key project, a Shutterfly book. This labor of love documented the life of our new house from inception of the dream in 2006, through its first two years. I chose this timing because April 24 marked the two-year anniversary of the date excavation began on the property. It was a surprise for Spousal Unit, and it gave me great joy to present it to him on April 21 - once I had it in my hands, I couldn't wait to share it!

Salted Caramel

My open schedule also allowed me to simply pounce on some opportunities that came along. Like the day Spousal Unit texted me that local ice cream company Sweet Peaks was giving away free ice cream - I was all over that! (Sweet Peaks opened its Whitefish shop in April 2010 and now has 6 additional shops throughout Montana, Idaho and Washington State.)

As long as we're focused on my sweet tooth - I was spoiled at Easter by a basket from Spousal Unit and from a dear neighbor.

It was such a delight to join my fellow Arts and Environment committee members to decorate our church for Easter. After the barren symbols of rocks and branches during Lent, the color and life of Easter flowers and lilies was a feast for the eyes and the nose.

In past posts, I have written about my search for options to enact true charity. Last month, Spousal Unit and I attended a fundraiser for the Samaritan House, a homeless shelter and transitional living program in Kalispell, Montana. Its mission is to provide shelter and basic needs for homeless people, while fostering self-respect and human dignity. The Twelfth Annual Cowboy Up event featured a live auction, silent auction, Chinese auction, wine pull, dinner and live music. We bid on several items and were pleased to win a rustic bucket full of gardening-related items.

As one who likes structure, I garner contentment from my recurring activities. My cooking adventures for the month included Shawarma Chicken, Pan-seared Cod, Chicken Taquitos and Chocolate Chip Crumb Cake. Only the Shawarma Chicken passed muster. We liked the Chicken Taquitos IF IT HAD MORE BUFFALO SAUCE, MORE CHICKEN AND LESS CHEESE. In other words, that's a different recipe!

Shawarma Chicken Salad

Pan-seared Cod

Chicken Taquitos

I have continued experimenting with my spotting scope/phone camera combination, and one morning was thrilled to have Spousal Unit join me. We observed a Belted Kingfisher in the dead trees on the edge of the lake, but didn't manage any good photos. It probably didn't help that mist was rising from the lake due to the brisk morning temperature. But I am very proud to report that Spousal Unit snapped these entertaining Flicker photos through the spotting scope. He might just be hooked!

The trail cams have also documented April's fickle ways.

I am sure the deer thought we were done with the whole snow thing!

The diversity of wildlife seems to be on the rise - whether migrating or emerging from winter dens, they are on the move and in some cases, vying for territory.

Upper middle and right: BADGER!

Perhaps the best wildlife story is captured in this video. One morning, Spousal Unit and I were on the lower level, deeply engaged in our photo album project, when we heard a succession of "whap, whap, whap" on the glass doors. Since it sounded like bird strikes, I wondered out loud about the chances of several birds striking the windows in such short order. Then the sound came again. WHAT??? Away to the windows we flew like a flash … and what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a crazed Tom Turkey, intent on fighting his reflection in the glass. We just love living in the woods!

Of course, with the passing of Easter, my limited Easter decorations have retreated to storage, leaving our dining room table lacking in adornment. But never fear, creativity and our back forty soon came to the rescue with a simple green and white arrangement. Welcome to the month of May!

Mosaic Monday

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Mosaic Monday #18 - Deep Freeze February

Northwest Montana just wrapped up the coldest February on record since 1936. What does one do when the temperature peaks at less than 15 degrees Fahrenheit? Add an extra layer or two, folks, and get on out there. Even my oldest sister saw fit to visit us from Cincinnati during the month. Check out these adventures in the great white, frigid north.

ONE: CARVING UP THE MOUNTAIN

Skiing and snowboarding on Big Mountain is a weekly event, especially given our roles as Ambassadors for Whitefish Mountain Resort. On one of my workdays, we took my sister to the 'office'. Visitors can buy a walk-on pass for $24 and ride Chair 1 to the Summit. Unfortunately, on that day, visibility was poor.

On a clear day, the mountains of Glacier National Park

would be in the background

At least she got a sense of our responsibilities as Ambassadors, and observed our operating environment first hand. She worked her cross-stitch and chatted with skiers stopping into Summit House for a warmer-upper. In the photo to the right, the temperature on the sign is unclear, but I recall it was minus 4 degrees at the time of that photo.

TWO: SNOW SHOEING

We thought we might take my sister to Glacier National Park to see the contrast between summer and winter (she had previously visited the Park in August 2017). So, in preparation for her visit, we did some reconnaissance. At this time of year, the Going to the Sun Road is plowed only as far as Lake McDonald lodge.

Beyond that point, cross-country skiers as well as snow-shoers can peacefully traverse a road that is bumper to bumper with traffic in the summer. On the day of our investigation, everyone was using the same trail, when protocol calls for snow-shoers and hikers to be in a separate track from the skiers.

So Spousal Unit and I performed a little bit of community service by breaking trail for 2.5 miles. It was quite the workout so we took turns at the lead. It was amazing how much easier it is when following someone, and even more so on the return journey. It was gratifying to see other snow-shoers using our trail as we re-traced our steps.

After some consultation with my sister, we decided to limit our snow-shoeing to a trek around our property.

THREE: HIBERNATING

Middle left: Josie helps my sister with her Monsters quilt

My sister's stated goal for her trip was to hibernate, so we worked hard (!) to make that happen.

Hibernating is easier when you have Spousal Unit for your chef - no need to go out to a gourmet restaurant when these dishes are on offer.

Top: spaghetti with Brussel sprouts

Left: Chicken tortellini and home-made focaccia

Right: Goetta and eggs

We did take a couple of walks on the roads of our neighborhood, and I couldn't resist the temptation to snap the shot below of the entrance to our neighborhood. The sign actually reads North Hodge Creek Reserve!!!

We also introduced my sister to a couple of "institutions" around here - Moose's and the Montana Club. She marveled at the Bloody Mary at the Montana Club; the one she was served upon returning home was "no comparison". I told her she would just have to come back!

Moose's

Left and middle: Montana Club; Right: back in Ohio

FOUR: VIEWING WILDLIFE

No monthly summary is complete without a list of wildlife that we have witnessed. Although deer, and trail cam photos of them, are ubiquitous, what makes the photos more interesting at this time of year is the depth of the snow, or catching them plodding through a snowstorm.

I am currently monitoring three trail cams, two of which belong to a future neighbor. In photos taken on February 3, I observed two coyotes that were captured on my trail cam at 3.14 pm, and then on my neighbor's trail cam at 3.30. I am sure it is the same two. What do you think?

Of special note this month is our ongoing "battle" with Mr. Bunny. Earlier in the winter, we placed chicken wire around our burning bushes because I could see from tracks in the snow, as well as nibble marks on the shrubs, that Mr. Bunny had taken a liking to them.

A week ago, I noticed tracks and bunny kaka INSIDE the chicken wire - the snow is now deep enough to enable him to jump over the wire. Argh. So, we determined to pull the wire cages up higher. As I rounded the front porch, heading for the last cage, there he was, inside it. He jumped out and bounded onto the porch, WITH A BRANCH OF THE BURNING BUSH IN HIS MOUTH. The cheek - he sat there and munched it as I went about adjusting that cage!

Left: track to Mr. Bunny's den Middle: branch broken off bush by Mr. Bunny

Right: Mr. Bunny in front of his den

Thwarted, he has now turned his attention to my dried arrangement on the front porch. Did you know rabbits would eat pine and juniper? I didn't. When I got home yesterday, he was basking in the sun where the porch joins the house. Maybe this was his way of thumbing his nose at me? He didn't give a lick that I was taking pictures ...

FIVE: DOG SLEDDING

Knowing what I know now, I wish we had taken my sister dog sledding … but it means she has at least one reason to return in winter! Dog Sled Adventures Montana is a family-friendly operation, with Alaskan sled dogs that are just hankering to pull you through 12 miles of winter wonderland. The mushers choose from nearly 130 Alaskan huskies to staff the 10 spots on each sled (each dog only does one run a day; most days the sleds go out at 10 am, 1 pm and 3.30 pm). As you can see and hear in the video below, the dogs are all ASKING to be chosen.

But once the sleds took off, the dogs in the yard all fell silent. The next video is just a small slice of our ride - when we weren't talking to Hannah, our driver, the only sound was the swish of the sled through the snow and her commands to the dogs. Lightly falling snowflakes added to the romance of the experience. We were astonished by the energy and stamina of the dogs, not to mention their personalities - that entertainment alone was worth the price of admission!

I suppose I can put up with the deep freeze if it means making memories like these.

Mosaic Monday

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