Month: March 2025

This period marks 5 years since the COVID emergency occurred. Like everyone else, I found the pandemic highly unsettling. Nevertheless, I had my cats, computer, and jigsaw puzzles during this lonely time. I also had the outdoors and daily sojourns into those environments, which saved me. I survived because nature did not have COVID.

Similarly, I feel I am living in another emergency now with the inhumane ways that our government is treating people in our country as well as globally. I am distressed daily by the news I hear. In the same way as five years ago, however, I head outdoors to find peace each day.

I know how lucky I am to live where I do. I have heard more than one local person remark that “at least we live in this beautiful place.” I am privileged to live here since the Estes Valley is not an affordable place for everyone. Getting to view the mountains every day and gather strength from them is priceless.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The world is full of beautiful places. For example, whenever I return to Iowa, I marvel at how verdant the outdoor landscapes are. I grew up in the Wapsipinicon watershed and although I often did not appreciate it as a youth, I got my love for the outdoors as I rambled in that area. Awe-inspiring opportunities occur in micro as well as macro environments.

I seek the outdoors when I want to rejuvenate my soul. Watching geese on Lake Estes delights me as they land and surf on the water. Tracks in new snow remind me of the world that is busy even as I sleep. The sight of the first bluebird of spring gives me joy. The recognition of the call of the red-winged blackbirds staking out their territory reminds me also of the Iowa environment of my youth.

I often write about the outdoors. It is my passion. Viewing the mountains from my house or walking up a park drainage area provides a “joy” snack for me. The outdoors is strength in challenging times. I am thankful for breath-taking landscapes and evidence of abundant wildlife to heal my heart from the traumas of the outside world. I get to live here!

Mom says that Gitch and I will turn 15 hooman years old this month. That is equivalent to 76 cat years—slightly older than mom! She doesn’t know if March 23 is the exact day we were born since our biological mom wandered into a rural North Carolina garage and gave birth to us. Our adopted mom, Karla, chose the day because it was the day her first great niece was born. Regardless, we know we are getting older.

Karla says life is a matter of timing. Timing was the case for Gitch and me. Mom’s rabbit had just passed over the rainbow bridge with her two previous kitties all in one year. She was missing another breathing being in her house. A friend heard from a friend who heard from a friend, that four 6-week-old kittens were looking for homes. The photos showed a tabby female, a gray male, and two calico sisters.

Of course, I am biased since I am a brown tabby, but mom was partial to my markings. When she saw the photo, she knew she had to have me. She drove 1 ½ hours to pick me up. That first night with her was horrible. I missed my cat mom and siblings. Karla let me sleep with her and I settled down, but it was hard. The next day she had a long day at work. I was terribly lonely and scared.

That second night she decided having a single kitten was not a good idea. She called and then drove the 1 ½ hours again and picked up my brother, Gitch. When she chose me two days before, I could tell Gitch was disappointed. I was ecstatic when we were reunited and both of us could now cuddle and play together.

We moved from North Carolina to Colorado when we were 4 years old. It was a good move since all three of us were together. We are indoor cats, and I regret that sometimes. Going outside would be nice. On the other hand, the outdoors is scary with coyotes, bobcats, owls, and hawks in our backyard. We are safe inside.

We are lucky to have mom as our guardian. By the way she hugs and kisses us, I know she is happy to be our servant. As we age, both Gitch and I have health issues, but we are getting good medications and a nutritious diet. I hope we all live for a long time. Although I prefer to often be aloof, I know how good our lives are with our liberal cat lady mom. Happy birthday to us!

Only on rare occasions have I worn make-up. I like the natural look and have never thought that putting chemicals on my body was a healthy idea. However, I love the external adornments of earrings and special rings.

Several weeks ago, I was at a writing workshop where the prompt given by the leader was to write about something we always carried with us. I chose the ring that I now wear every day on my right hand. The ring was crafted from one of the diamonds in my mother’s wedding ring. I had it mounted on a band with mountain images surrounding it. To carry it with me reminds me of my family as well as the natural world that I love.

I have worn earrings every day for over 50 years. When I was in the work world, I would carefully choose the earrings I wore to match my outfit or my mood or a combination. I especially enjoy earrings that show an image whether it is a flower, an animal, or a creative symbol.

Having an affinity to earrings makes gift giving to me easy. I associate some earrings I have with the people who gave them to me. Almost all the time, the gifts reflect something I would choose myself and I appreciate that the giver “knows” me. When I volunteer in the park, I often choose to wear earrings that symbolic of an animal. I like to think they represent the “animal whisperer” in me but I have no proof that is the case.

I don’t think as often about earrings anymore since I am not usually choosing them daily based on what I am wearing. Regardless, I still enjoy the inventory of earrings that I have and what they mean to me.

External accoutrements like rings and earrings make a statement about what is important in our lives. I hope to continue to make those statements about myself as I think about what is important in my life.

My favorite song from Wicked is “For Good:”

“Like a comet pulled from orbit (Like a ship blown from its mooring)

As it passes a sun (By a wind off the sea)

Like a stream that meets a boulder (Like a seed dropped by a bird)…

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?

I do believe I have been changed for the better…

I have been changed for good.”

I have been lucky to have had “peak experiences” and “moments of insight” in my life that have changed me for the good. I believe in the importance of moments and seek to recognize them when they come serendipitously or intentionally.

Chip and Dan Heath published a book in 2017 entitled The Power of Moments. They contend that human lives are highly variable, and positive moments are dominated by elements such as insight, pride, and connection. Brief experiences can change lives. I discussed some possibilities in the recent blog I wrote about kindred spirits. Sometimes these opportunities happen spontaneously and sometimes they can be orchestrated.

I have long been interested in research on the benefits of organized camp experiences for children and adults. I had a “moment” as a high school 4-H camper that changed my life. I didn’t completely understand what had happened at that moment, but in reflection I realized how significant it was. I had a college aged counselor whom I admired. I was not a talkative person but her parting words she wrote on a card to me was, “Share, share, share, Love, love, love.” My confidence surged after that experience and has since shaped my life.

I am fortunate to have had positive experiences that changed me for good. Receiving recognition and awards has been wonderful. However, moments that change one’s life are often subtle. Coaches, teachers, parents, siblings, and friends have the potential to offer the possibilities of positive moments. Unfortunately, moments can also be negative and recognizing that cannot be ignored.

Many defining moments occur in youth, but they can happen at any stage of life. Being adventurous and open to new experiences may facilitate these moments. They all help me be “the best version of myself.” I hope I can also pay positive moments forward.