Wandering and Wondering

I just returned from a two-week trip to Chile. The opportunity reminded me once again of how grateful I am to live in the United States. I am harkened to that privilege when I travel. At the same time, I become more adamant about being a global citizen. I do not believe this understanding is an “either/or” choice. My experience over time has reinforced how the two identities must co-exist.

Chilean Flag

Global citizenship is a form of transnationality. My identity transcends geography or political borders. My responsibilities and rights come from my beliefs in humanity. My nationality and global citizenship go hand in hand.

I am fascinated by other cultures. Recently I was sorting through grade school files that my mother sent to me years ago and discovered an illustrated report I wrote in fifth grade about Switzerland—even then other cultures, especially those connected with mountains, captivated me.

I extol the life-changing experience I had as an International 4-H Exchange (IFYE) participant to Türkiye 50 years ago. Living with 20 families from throughout the country over a six-month period, I learned the meaning of family ties and making the most with limited resources. I learned that all parents love their children with passion no matter whether they live in the US or elsewhere.

I have further articulated this global citizenship stance after meeting people from around the world both in their countries and as visitors to mine. I was on the Board of Directors of the World Leisure Organization and attended multiple conferences around the globe. Each time I visit a country, I meet people that are special. I hold them in my heart when I hear about disasters that occur such as earthquakes in Türkiye, wildfires in Greece, or tsunamis in Japan.

The International Camping Fellowship (ICF) uses the butterfly as its logo. The butterfly effect is the idea that small, trivial events may result in larger consequences. For instance, when a butterfly flaps its wings in India, that tiny change in air pressure could eventually cause a tornado in Iowa. Global citizens cannot ignore these complex issues. Isolating myself from caring about the world is impossible.

Global citizens are members of multiple, diverse, local, and non-local networks and not just isolated countries. My social responsibility is to act for the benefit of all societies, not just my own.

I went to see my parents’ gravesite during my recent visit back home to Iowa. They have a stone marker with a small box of ashes buried on the spot. The rest of their co-mingled ashes are scattered at our family farm about two miles away. As I do whenever I visit, I spend a few minutes chatting with my parents about the state of my life.

The early November day was beautiful. Although all the maple and oak leaves had turned colors and fallen, it was sunny with a few wispy clouds. Temperatures were in the 60s. The Coggon cemetery is on a hill overlooking farmland on three sides and some of the homes in my little town on the fourth side. I took the time to ramble a bit in the little cemetery divided by a road into two parts with Protestants on one side, and Catholics on the other.

My mother’s parents are buried next to my folks on the west side of the Protestant area close to the road. My Henderson grandparents are interred in the center of the cemetery. I paid respect to those grandparents and thanked them for living into my early adulthood so that I got to know them. I have memories of my grandpa Henderson helping dad many days on the farm. My mom’s grandparents spent their retirement in Arizona, and I loved seeing them on those trips to the desert.

Strolling in the cemetery was like going down memory lane. I saw the gravestones of many of my classmates’ parents including the bare dirt of the gravestone of my friend Nancy’s mother who just passed two months ago. I reflected on my youth and the associations I had with these adults through school activities and church. I remember playing taps at the Memorial Day ceremonies at this cemetery when I was in high school. I smiled as I thought about those days and remembered my fellow students as well as their parents.

Rambling in a cemetery on a gorgeous fall Friday afternoon was not what I had planned, but I found it contemplative. I have not thought much about what gravestone marker I would like to have someday. Burying some of my ashes in this cemetery along with my parents, relatives, and friends feels comforting. I am not sure who might ever visit me at my final resting place, but I think I would find solace and harmony in the Coggon cemetery just as I did for an hour during my recent visit. I am thankful for all those memories.

PS Happy Thanksgiving to all. I am taking a week off as I head out on another grand adventure.

My first year in graduate school at the University of Minnesota, I took an introductory course about people with disabilities. Dr. Weiss was a brilliant instructor who, despite her passing way too young, continues to inspire me today. One of the assignments she gave was to write a paper called “On Being Different.” It could be about anything related to diversity. In 1977, female marathon runners were “different” as they hardly existed. The first female to run the Boston Marathon was in 1967. I researched the idea and interviewed two local Minneapolis female marathoners to learn of their stories. In the end, I got an A on the paper and became intrigued with the idea of running a marathon.

In 1978 I ran my first marathon in the Twin Cities. It was a horrible experience as my running buddy and I had NOT trained enough. The racecourse was almost dismantled by the time we crossed the finish line. I could hardly move for a couple of days. I swore I would never run again, let alone run a marathon. I started to think about what had gone wrong and I knew from my encounters with others that running these long distances could be fun. In 1980 we ran our second marathon in Wisconsin. It was fun. We were well trained and ran the 26.2 mile course over an hour faster than that first attempt.

Since those early days, I have run a dozen marathons and mostly enjoyed them with proper training: Marine Corps, Raleigh Marathon, Big Sur, Drake Relays, Honolulu Marathon, Estes Park Marathon, Grandma’s (Duluth), to mention only a few. I loved running through Washington DC with all the iconic memorials. Big Sur had astounding beauty, and I did it with my cousin, Mary. (see photo)

Fifteen years ago, I did my last marathon and opted for doing 2-3 half marathons each year. I wanted to preserve my body for hiking and other physical activities. Proper training takes energy. I gave up running and opted for fast walking and longer distance hiking three years ago. I miss training for marathons and challenging myself to prepare adequately. I like the discipline of the training schedule and the joy of going back to running just for fun after the marathon is over. I miss the excitement of marathon day and the aftermath of reveling in accomplishing the goal.

Nevertheless, I know my limitations today and am grateful for all those years of going the distance and the joys of movement. Today I move in slower ways!

“Super Unimpressed” These words were used to describe Rocky Mountain National Park by a visitor. Although hundreds of thousands of people would describe it differently, everyone has the right to their perceptions and opinions. Some people might not be enthralled by hundreds of miles of trails, beautiful wildflowers, incredible mountain vistas, and myriads of wildlife species. Nevertheless, acknowledging not so obvious summaries is interesting to me.

Amber Share published a book called Subpar Parks in 2021. She explained her surprise in recognizing that reviews of natural wonders in National Parks might not be shared by everyone. For those of us who love nature in many ways, noting a lack of inspiration from the outdoors is puzzling. Thus, Share set out to illustrate some reviews and refute the claims by showing the basic facts of specific parks. She offered ways to enjoy the park aside from those negative or unremarkable comments.

Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park as seen from Bear Lake

I have visited numerous national parks. I recognize the irony in expressed reviews. Nevertheless, the observations are entertaining, and I answered with my perceptions about the parks I have enjoyed:

Denali: Barren land of tundra (An amazing humongous mountain)

Death Valley: Ugliest place I’ve ever seen (Things grow here)

Joshua Tree: The only thing to do here is to walk around the desert (The trees are in magical shapes)

Mount Ranier: I’ve seen bigger mountains (Surrounded by diverse ecosystems)

Olympic: No wow factor (Trees, mountains, and the ocean come together)

Arches: Looks nothing like the license plate (Rocks fashioned in geometric designs)

Big Bend: It rained on me in the friggin’ desert (A connection between the desert and mountains)

Capitol Reef: Somewhat bland (Fruit pies from the orchard are yummy)

Devils Tower: Just a big rock (A spiritual significance omnipresent)

Grand Canyon: A hole. A very, very large hole (Layers of geological history)

Grand Teton: All I saw was a lake, mountains, and some trees (The lake reflects the mountains)

Mesa Verde: Not much to look at (Cultural significance is clearly interpreted)

Saguaro: OK if you like cactus (Each cactus is unique)

Yellowstone: Save yourself some money, boil some water at home (Thrilling anticipation of eruptions)

Isle Royale: No cell service and terrible wifi (Hoping to hear the wails of wolves)

Voyageurs: There was no one except us (Solitude as seldom found in today’s world)

New River Gorge: Mist obscured the views (Lucious vegetation abounds)

Cape Hatteras: Nothing special (Sand and the seas unite)

To each his or her opinion, I guess!

“How many lives did we save today?” My colleagues and I joke about this as we volunteer positions at Rocky Mountain National Park. In my mind I am not inquiring about just human life but animal life as I think about the activities park service staff and volunteers do to make the touristic experiences of people and the everyday lives of animals in the park enjoyable and safe!

Every year, dozens of visitors are rescued from Rocky Mountain National Park. Some people experience injuries while others get lost. People often underestimate the perils of a mountainous area. Professionals respond to calls to rescue visitors in unsafe conditions. These Search and Rescue (SAR) missions can be dangerous for the visitor and the SAR response team. Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) aims to reduce SAR missions through preparation, education, and information.

I consider myself part of the PSAR team in Rocky. The information we provide makes our wondrous park the safest it can be. The efforts vary greatly. It may be discussions at a trailhead where we warn visitors of trail hazards or impending weather conditions. It also may be through educational programs provided such as campfire programs or through the Junior Ranger program. I hope the advice we give when people call the Information Office may be useful in them making smart decisions about how they will navigate the park.

This information, however, becomes incumbent upon the visitor to consider the suggestions. Preparation for a visit to the park or any other outdoor area is essential. Knowing one’s limitations and the challenges of the park are essential. Hiking requires having ten essentials: navigation such as a compass or GPS device, headlamp, sun protection, first aid kit, knife, fire matches, light emergency shelter, extra food, extra water, and extra clothing.

The quandary with any type of prevention work is that one never knows what difference it makes. Prevention is hard to measure. It is far easier to measure treatment or response rather than prevention. We can count the number of rescues done in the park. However, we cannot count the number of rescues prevented because of the actions taken by park rangers and volunteers to prevent incidences. Accidents are going to happen, but preparation is still key.

I advocated for parks and recreation throughout my career because these opportunities are central for the prevention of accidents, poor health, loneliness, and the list goes on. I like to focus on prevention in all its forms. I am proud to participate in these efforts. I have faith that our PSAR work makes a difference.

I do not enjoy being the center of attention. Although I decided to embrace birthdays years ago, I have usually not enjoyed any gathering to celebrate me. This year is different. I am changing my attitude just for this year.

I am having a big (I hope) public birthday party. I am turning 75 and I want to celebrate with the friends I have made in the last few years. My BFF Deb is helping organize an “open house” on my birthday day to share in the celebration. I am not sure who will come, but I want to acknowledge my gratitude for life and the connections I have made over the years.

I am proud of my 75 years and grateful for the health that has enabled me to enjoy that time. I am grateful for a fulfilling career and now a second career as a volunteer. Although I have no idea whether I will have another day or decade to live, I want to celebrate big and little achievements along the way.

My parents lived long lives. I remember them talking years ago about not having high school class reunions any longer because so many of their cohorts had passed. Although I still have friends from high school, a little less than a fourth of them have passed. I am sad by the transition from this earth of younger colleagues over the years. By celebrating my years, I want to remember those who are no longer physically on this earth.

I am not a fan of silly birthday cards that can be agist and sexist. I am a fan of honoring people while they are living with special gifts that keep on giving. Paying it forward is always a possibility in acknowledging anyone’s birthday. I don’t want any cards or gifts for my birthday, but I hope those who want to celebrate with me will be kind to others and consider doing something that day (and every day for that matter) to make the world better for humans and/or animals.

To that end, think of me on November 4 when I celebrate the milestone of turning 75 years old. I honor all who read this who have already reached that milestone and wish health and happiness to folks who will someday join me in the “club.”

This fall marks the anniversary of four years of writing this blog. How time flies! I have made over 200 entries during this time–about once a week. I did not have a goal for the quantity of entries when I started. I focused on the quality of my work.

I ponder whether to continue this blog. Sometimes I worry I am running out of interesting (at least to me) thoughts. Other days I feel overwhelmed with number of ideas that bombard my head. Selfishly I wonder what I would do if I did not have an opportunity to write to an audience every week.

Writing has defined my life. I wrote my first “novel” when I was 6 years old. I have been a constant journal writer (I called it a diary) since I read The Diary of Anne Frank in junior high. Recently I was going through memorabilia from high school and college and started reading journal entries. I can’t remember who some of those college friends were who warranted space in my journals at that time. Someday I will toss all those journals, but I can’t quite bring myself to do it yet.

Several years ago, a therapist suggested that I not worry about writing for others but just for myself. Was it possible for me to write and then stick those writings in a drawer never to be shared? I concluded that I write secretly in my journals. Sharing other thoughts professionally as well as personally is a risk worth taking.

I stopped writing a daily journal for a few months several years ago. I was saying the same boring things as I wallowed in my unhappy life. Since resuming daily writing, I have focused not so much on what I was doing but what meanings life has for me.

The title for this blog (wanderingwonderingwithkarla), came about as I had hours to amble in the mountains during the pandemic. Often by myself, I observe my environment as well as reflect on how I feel about those surroundings. Those reflective thoughts sometimes end up in a blog.

Now that I am not writing professionally, I have a different, albeit small, audience. I told a friend that if she wanted to know how I was doing, she could always see what I was thinking each week by reading my blog.

Sometimes I am exuberant about what I post. Other times I like my entries but don’t feel overly enthusiastic that they will resonate with anyone else. Nevertheless, I will continue to write this blog until I run out of ideas or find myself bored with myself. I hope the best is yet to come.

I have long been interested in popular psychology ideas about living one’s best life. During periods of time, I have dwelt upon those ideas. At other junctions, I have been so busy with work and my personal journey that life was just unquestionably full.

As a retiree I have more time to think. I want a full life and continue to challenge myself to enrich my experiences to feel a continual sense of fulfilment.

I am aware of my values, passions, strengths, and foibles. This blog has been one way to dig deeper into processing my daily life of hiking, volunteering, and maintaining friendships. I value myself but also recognize my shortfalls as I endeavor to improve myself.

I have daily goals in my life. As discussed in the past, I am a list maker. I think about what I want to achieve each day as it fits with long-term goals. Now that I am retired, I have few long-term goals other than to find meaning in each day. If my goals resonate with my values, I feel good. I remind myself not to lose the present moment by thinking too much about the future.

Personal relationships are important. I try not to take them for granted. More than ever, I recognize how important support and a sense of belonging are.

Being a volunteer is my second career. I appreciate those possibilities. I am a person who likes to keep active and busy. Volunteering gives me the chance to contribute to my community as I pursue these occasions to add depth and excitement to my life. These volunteer activities elevate my sense of purpose and belonging.

Being grateful is central to a full life. I sometimes don’t think about how privileged I am. In my later years, however, I intentionally acknowledge in my journal the gratitude I feel for the full life I lead.

These days I am more attuned to my physical, mental health, and intellectual life. I know my body is aging and I am not capable of some activities that I used to do. Therefore, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest are foundational to today’s fuller life.

I remind myself of the need to adapt to change. I don’t want to be one of those old people who resists everything new. On the other hand, I recognize that life is unpredictable and developing resilience and flexibility are necessary. I reflect on my daily experiences and seek to adjust as needed, not always easy.

Everyone’s path to a fuller life is unique. I continue to explore these ideas as my life evolves.

“They” say it isn’t polite to talk about money, but it is important in everyone’s life. I started receiving an allowance from my parents when I got old enough to count. I got a nickel every week for the chores I did around the house like helping to wash dishes. The amount increased to a dime shortly thereafter as I took on more responsibility such as bringing in wood for our stove fire. I was expected to save part of the allowance and use some of it for what I wanted. A coke and a bag of chips only cost a dime in those days.

I learned quickly, however, that spending the allowance the minute I got it was not the way my parents expected me to behave. Having an allowance made me a better money manager, and I am thankful today that my cautious spending over the years makes retirement financially stress-free.

Having an allowance during childhood taught me some financial skills. I learned that you had to do the assigned chores, or the allowance would not be given. I also learned the hard way the consequences of overdrawing my bank account. My parents emphasized that they would only bail me out once. I realized deferred gratification through needing to save until I could afford something special. Getting a “loan” on my allowance was usually not possible.

The value of money was associated with work. I found my parents’ expectations were clear and consistent, although they were flexible if I needed to negotiate work activities occasionally. I also discovered that one did not get paid for everything done. Some chores around home contributed to the common good without having a monetary reward associated. I internalized the need to balance spending money with saving as well as donating for others when appropriate.

At my mother’s memorial service, our pastor talked about how my mother was frugal but generous. I hope that description also fits me. Perhaps I have taken fiscal management too much to heart. Maybe I should have spent more money during my life rather than focusing so much on saving. However, I cannot think of anything that I really needed that I was not able to purchase. I reap the rewards of that frugality now as I do not worry about not having enough money. I remain a cautious spender, but I also have money to give away to causes that are important to me. I relish those opportunities, and I am glad I learned money management early in life.

I was in college when Woodsy Owl was born in the “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute” campaign. Since then, I have tried to cut down on the amount of trash that I give to the universe. I feel overwhelmed with how much garbage I throw away each week and I am just one person (with two cats) in a country with 330 million people.

In the US, consumption patterns have evolved resulting in great quantities of waste generated. The average American throws out 4.9 pounds of trash each day. This waste impacts not only the environment but also public health, urban landscapes, and economic resources. Our disposal habits load up landfills and exacerbates global warming.

I recognize that excessive trash requires a multifaceted approach. Public education campaigns and community projects such as electronic recycling days held in my community twice a year minimize environmental impacts. I, as an individual, also have a huge responsibility.

I strive to make mindful choices and adopt sustainable habits. I embody a minimalist approach by trying to reduce my consumption. I aim to purchase mostly what I need and not just what I want. I reuse containers as much as possible. I recycle paper, aluminum, and glass. I am not handy, but I attempt to fix broken items.

Unlike North Carolina, composting is difficult in Colorado because of the dry climate, but Deb’s chickens get the organic scraps that I have. I think about mindful eating by avoiding single-use plastics and other disposable products. My eating habits are inconsistent, however, since I am a lazy cook and often find getting take-out or a grab and go item in the grocery store easiest for me.

Two of my biggest peeves regarding trash are bottled water and the growing amount of micro-trash. I am proud to say that I can count on one hand the number of times I have purchased bottled water in the past few years. I endeavor to always carry a stainless-steel refillable bottle as well as a plastic coffee cup with me.

Micro-trash is mostly inadvertent. I am aware when I tear open a Kind bar, for example, because it is easy for the tiny top to fly off in the wind. When I volunteer in the park, I pick up far more pieces of mini trash than larger pieces of garbage. These bits add up.

I am struggling to reduce the amount of trash that comes out of my household. My kitties are responsible for pounds of litter that goes into my trash bags. Yet, I am not willing to part with these critters. Nevertheless, I think daily about more responsible consumption patterns and how I can minimize trash to play a small role in creating a healthier planet.