Wandering and Wondering

Four years ago this week, my sisters, their families, and I scattered the co-mingled ashes of my mom and dad over the farm where they had lived for over 50 years. It was a windy day as I opened the wooden box and lifted the plastic bag of ashes into the air to float over the cornfields. I was pleased to return my parents to the land that they loved.

Farmers are folks that appreciate the land. My father embodied a land ethic. When he retired and sold the farm, the county conservation agent said 1 ½ inches more topsoil was on the land than when he had begun farming decades earlier. He practiced conservation practices such as crop rotation, contour farming, and using natural and artificial fertilizers. Large-scale farming today uses quite different methods for food production.

My dad and mom were land stewards. They cared for their land by considering all that it had to offer. Wendell Berry, one of the foremost spokespeople for stewardship, contends that few people are directly connected to land today as they once were when we were an agrarian society. Therefore, it is heartening when people feel a connection to land. Loving the land occurs when people get to know an area intimately by living and/or recreating on it.

I volunteer with a land conservancy in my community. Our organization has protected over 10,000 acres of land in the Estes Valley. The provisions of these land easements limit development and help to preserve the landscapes and wildlife habitats here. Recently a landowner donated his property to the land trust. One of our board members described how much he loved his land and wanted to guarantee its conservation for future generations of humans and non-humans.

I do not own any land but feel a deep stewardship regarding the 265,807 acres that comprise Rocky Mountain National Park. This park is my park, just as it is the national park of all US residents. My heart hurts when I see damage done in the park. I am a guardian of this resource and do everything in my power to assure that the land and animals are not harmed. I hope that some day my ashes will be scattered across this landscape that I love.

I have a thistle along a path near my house that I have nurtured for two years. As a “Weed Warrior” in the park, I am delighted to slay invasive thistles such as Musk and Bull Thistles. Canada thistles are hated noxious weeds. However, my thistle is a native Wavy Leaf Thistle that I hope will propagate to the meadow near my house.

The delight I have with my thistle reminds me of one of my favorite tales, The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. In the story, the narrator pilot crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert. A little boy, a prince, appears out of nowhere and they become friends. The prince comes from a far-away planet where his most prized possession is a rose. The prince describes his previous experiences on other planets including his encounter with a fox who taught him to realize how important it is to know others, including roses.

The book has other subthemes but the idea about loving a rose resonates with me. “It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important” says the fox.

I also find other inspiring words from the fox who said to the little prince:

“To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. And I have no need of you. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world….”

I have put a placard by my thistle saying what it is and asking the landscape people and anyone else walking by not to destroy this plant. It reminds me daily of the admission in The Little Prince, “and now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” To others, my thistle means little. To me, however, it is a wondrous plant that I am eager to greet each day.

Seeing what sometimes is invisible to others seems foundational for nurturing relationships with people as well as with roses and native thistles.

I am a biophilic. I believe humans need a connection to nature to survive. Part of this biophilia is embodied in a house decorated with objects that reinforce my love of nature.

When I lived in North Carolina, I had items depicting mountains since I longed to live in them. When I moved to Colorado, I brought those watercolors, paintings, and framed photographs with me. As I thought about where to hang them, it occurred to me that I could see “real” mountains every direction outside my windows. Did I need those wall hangings in my new home? I hung most of them. I realized how important it was to bring the outdoors inside as well as to experience it outside every chance I had. Home decorating with nature spoke to my heart.

As a farm girl, I was connected to variety in nature. For example, I was, and continue to be, fascinated by all shades of green as well as big natural rolling landscapes and intricate colors and designs.

I recently came across an article about bringing nature indoors. Unbeknown to me I had been doing that for years as I look around my house. One aspect that predominates in my house if the use of natural colors and images. My photographs, paintings, and hanging quilts emphasize nature’s calm images that bring peace to me.

Another suggestion for bringing nature in relates to nurturing leafy plants. I don’t have a green thumb but have special plants that elicit joy for me. I have the Christmas cacti that are offspring of a plant once owned by naturalist Sigurd Olsen. I also have a 25-year-old Norfolk Island Pine that stands seven feet tall that I have parented for years.

Other ideas offered for bringing nature into one’s home include nature’s scents, nature’s sounds, and paying attention to textures. I enjoy burning incense or candles that have evergreen scents. I love having windows open so I can hear the breeze in the trees as well as listen to the early morning sounds of birds singing. Further, I have been buying log furnishings for years and nature is obvious in those assets. I just remodeled my fireplace with new stone walls.

Thomas Doherty, a clinical and environmental psychologist noted that recognizing which natural environments speak to an individual is important. I embrace my biophilia and cherish positive experiences in the outdoors that I highlight in my home.

Happiness is an emotion. According to the Declaration of Independence, it is an unalienable right. I have more time in my retirement to think about life’s philosophical issues, and I ponder the meanings of my pursuit of happiness.

Psychiatrist Gregory Scott Brown noted that “Happiness is fleeting.” Emotions such as happiness and sadness come and go. I wish I could be happy all the time, but that isn’t realistic. Brown suggests that happiness is NOT a state of being. Happiness is a moving target. Always expecting happiness can result in unrealistic perceptions about what is achievable.

Brown says that for life to be meaningful, focusing on fulfillment as a way of life is more feasible than happiness. Thinking about what fulfills me has given me a new perspective about my day to day living. My life is blessed even though I wish some aspects were different. I am grateful that my glass is “half full.”

I experience happy moments every day—a musical bird call, seeing a baby animal, hearing a beautiful melody, waking to a colorful sunrise, getting a special email from a friend. I am grateful for the smiles that come to my face when something stirs my soul. I am learning, however, that it is the relationships that I have that create fulfillment in my life.

Satisfying relationships for me are volunteering, sharing special occasions with friends, participating in learning opportunities, and making personal connections with people I don’t know. I feel happy about these associations that provide a sense of fulfillment.

I also find fulfillment in writing this weekly blog. It gives me ideas for rumination that I think about as I wander and go about my daily life. Some blog entries come easily; others are a challenge. Nevertheless, I feel fulfillment when I can express my thoughts for others to consider.

I appreciate moments of happiness. Moreover, I am grateful for the experiences with others and with writing that provide a state of being that sustains me each day.

The 4^th of July, Independence Day, is next week. I have ambivalence for the celebration. I wholly dislike fireworks and how they scare both wild and domestic animals. I dislike the crowded places that the 4^th brings. However, I feel respect and gratitude for the country that has allowed me to thrive.

I usually do not talk about politics in this blog. Nevertheless, the 4^th of July represents patriotism for me.  I feel deep allegiance to my country while at the same time I am chagrined by the way that some people have been historically, and are currently, treated.

The meanings of patriotism differ among people.  Being patriotic means I have a devotion to my country. Patriotism is more than exalting the military, although that is part of it. I am grateful to live in this country where I have the freedom to disagree.

I see a major difference between nationalism and patriotism. I do not believe, as many nationalists do, in the superiority of my country above all other places in the world. As a patriot I respect my country simultaneously as I respect other cultures. I also feel that regardless of political beliefs, the flag belongs to everyone-supporters as well as skeptics. I am entitled to wave the “stars and stripes” proudly.

International travel gives me insights as I learn about others. The experience of living in Turkiye (Turkey) for six months in 1974 changed my life. When I returned to the US, I had a new appreciation for the democratic republic of my citizenship. I had learned how others in the world envied this country and the ideals upon which it was founded.

Since my Turkish experience, I get misty eyed when I hear the Star-Spangled Banner because of the symbolic meaning it has for me. I have since traveled to dozens of other countries and I always feel a special gratitude when I return to the US.

The 4^th of July celebration is important. I love playing our annual 4^th of July band concert in Estes Park. Honoring my country with rousing marches and reflective tunes such as America the Beautiful, God Bless America, and It’s a Grand Old Flag inspire me. I wave the flag proudly as I also seek to assure that with my freedom also comes a responsibility to uphold it for others.

A friend and I were walking around Lake Estes in early summer several years ago. We came upon a herd of cow elk with two-week old calves. They were so cute! To not disturb, we cautiously took a detour around them. We met two women who were headed our way and excitedly told them about the cows and baby elk ahead. Their response was, “Thanks, but we saw them last year.”

Their response bothered me. I never tire of seeing and doing some things more than once. On the other hand, some enjoyable (and not so enjoyable) experiences in life only need to happen once.

Variety can be the spice of life. In addition, repeating treasured experiences can be zestful.  As much as opportunities can be similar with repetition, many are different depending on the circumstances. Some of the trails I hike in the park, for example, never get old no matter how many dozen times I do them. I see the same wildflowers year after year, and they continue to give me joy. The seasons make each trek different.

My RAGBRAI Friends

Events often change over time. I have ridden RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) six times. It was fun with my friends and when my parents were still alive in Iowa. I doubt, however, that I will do it again.

Other wonderful experiences only need to happen once. For example, I ran the Boulder Bolder several years ago and enjoyed it, but don’t need to repeat. I have run memorable marathons (e.g., Honolulu, Marine Corps, Big Sur, Drake Relays) and have never done the same one twice.

Friends in North Carolina talked me into going sky diving one Saturday morning. I especially loved the quietness of being in the parachute floating down, but it is a once-in-a lifetime happening for me.

I have a bucket list of countries I would like to visit. I have curiosity about places that I have not seen. I appreciate unexplored places as well as my favorites. A new mantra for me is, “Life is short. Do stuff that matters.” That might be repeats, or new things. I am grateful for choices in my life.

I was 10 years old the first time I flew in an airplane. It was my mother’s first time too. We dressed in our “Sunday clothes” and flew from the Cedar Rapids Airport to Chicago to visit my aunt and uncle. Mom was nervous but she tried not to show it. Her concern was getting motion sickness so the two of us nibbled soda crackers and ordered 7-up from the “stewardesses.” I loved the thrill of racing down the runway, floating into the air, and seeing the structures below become smaller and smaller.

Since that day, I have flown hundreds of times and amassed thousands of air miles. I still find the take-offs exhilarating. I marvel at the concept of flying and how millions of people move around the world quickly. I love the idea of taking a long journey and ending up in a new culture in hours.

Statistically, flying is the safest form of transportation available. Flying is affordable, especially for the solo traveler. Further, I like the idea of soaring above the clouds. One time while flying at night I saw flittering green lights of the Aurora Borealis over Michigan.

Airports fascinate me. When waiting, as one seems to do often in an airport, I see people of all persuasions. I make up stories about where they are going and what they will do. I overhear bits of conversations that indicate the expectations people have for their trips.

Like other folks, however, I find flying to be less romantic than it once was. I still get motion sickness sometimes, and turbulence causes anxiety. Airplane food is non-existent. Sometimes I get bumped into First Class and the food is better. I get frustrated with delayed/cancelled flights and try to be patient. I have always made it to my destination but once got stuck in Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris for three days.

Going through security tries my patience. I remain irritated that my bicycle pedal wrench was confiscated several years ago. I feel sorry for the crying babies on planes and for myself when I end up sitting in front of one. People who take forever getting their carry-on luggage into and out of the overhead bins annoy me.

Regardless, I am grateful for airplanes and the freedom to move about the world. I am also grateful that I don’t fly often anymore.

It’s 7:30 am at Sheep Lakes. Three big brown bodies are wading in the water. Photographers focus their mega-lenses on them. Visitors wield cell phone cameras. I mingle in my volunteer uniform among the folks making sure they stay back from the meadow at a safe distance.

This scenario describes my early Sunday summer mornings at Rocky Mountain National Park in my expanded volunteer role as a Mooseketeer. Although the moose may stick around for a bit, my primary volunteer duty later in the morning will be to assist with traffic control as part of the Bighorn Brigade if Bighorn Sheep come to their namesake lakes to ingest their dose of minerals.

I am learning more about moose every day. I love to see and talk about them in the park. Their presence on the east side of the park is a new phenomenon and they have become common residents. They come to Sheep Lakes to ingest the aquatic plants.

Moose are the most dangerous animals in Rocky Mountain National Park. People worry about black bears and mountain lions, but nothing can compare to an annoyed moose. Although Bullwinkle J. Moose was a benign sidekick of Rocky J. Squirrel, moose are far from docile.

I have encountered moose on trails who blithely walk away when they see me. On the other hand, I have come across them when they quite literally dug their hooves in, gave me the eye, and declared without a doubt that I was the one who needed to move away. I am not one to argue with a 500–1000-pound animal that can run as fast as 30 mph.

Until recently had little interaction with moose. Other ungulates in the park such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and elk tend to be herding animals. Although more than one moose might appear, I like the independent nature of moose.

I admire their jumping ability. “Exclosures” were constructed in the park to keep elk from over-grazing willow and aspen areas. The fences are six feet high to keep elk out. However, moose can jump seven feet or higher, so these fences do not deter moose from the willow smorgasbords.

The Mooseketeers group is an experimental project aimed at keeping the moose safe from people, the people safe from the moose, and the people safe from one another. We will see how the summer goes. In the meantime, being in the park in the early morning seeing “The Bullwinkle Show” is far more exciting than a childhood TV cartoon!

I once worked as a lifeguard at a 4-H camp that offered 3–5-day camping sessions. New campers as well as volunteer staff were revolving every few days. Almost 55 years ago, I found this turnover stressful as I just got to know interesting people and then they were gone and never seen again.

Dr. Seuss wrote about “the places you’ll go” in the broadest sense. For me it has been the people I have met along the way that have been memorable, influential, and sometimes inspiring.

Little did I realize years ago that short-lived relationships would be part of my life pattern. I was reminded again of this reality last week. I spoke at a leisure research conference in Ottawa. I saw former professional colleagues and met emerging scholars. I had a delightful lunch with someone whom I had not met before. I doubt I will see him again, but I came away inspired by our conversation. I am grateful for that encounter and for the people I have met during my life’s journey.

Being a camp counselor, teacher, professional, band member, traveler, and volunteer are the opportunities I have had to go places and share experiences with others. Some folks have remained friends with whom I stay connected. Others, however, were part of my life for a fleeting time never encountered again.

I cherish my long-time friends. I am fortunate, however, to meet new people every day it seems. Some provide an existential moment not lasting long. The essence of meaningful encounters, however, is the way that I feel during the interaction. I don’t always remember the conversation, but I do remember how positive I felt during the exchanges. I look back with a smile.

Dr. Seuss’s book is a reminder for me to appreciate the journey of life – its joys and its challenges. The book has relevance for all ages as the reader goes on an adventure about the opportunities and trials of life. As I get older, I appreciate daily the friendships and acquaintances I make. Regardless of where I go, I am thankful for the characters along the way who offer me lessons in gratitude and growth.

I am bipolar about tourism. I like being a tourist, but I don’t necessarily like being around tourists. Because of this ambivalence, I try to be a good tourist when I am visiting a place that isn’t my home. Similarly, I am kind when I am around them in my town and the park.

Tourists visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park year around. We are no longer just a summer destination, although more people find summer enjoyable. Every season, however, holds something special for visitors. Travelling has increased worldwide, and our destination is no exception.

I have worked with students interested in tourism careers for decades, but I have never been a big fan emotionally. Professionally I know that tourism has a huge economic impact on communities. On the other hand, a balance is necessary to address economic importance as well as sustainable environments. It is not either/or but both/and.

I am committed to sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism refers to a level of tourism activity that can be maintained over the long term because it results in benefits for the social, economic, natural, and cultural environments of the area where it occurs. Sustainable tourism can also maintain a high level of tourist satisfaction and ensure a meaningful experience for tourists while it raises their awareness about environmental integrity.

Another popular term is green tourism referring to any tourism activity operating in an environmentally friendly manner. Protecting natural habitats and fragile environments may best be done by banning visitors completely to these areas. That solution, however, is not viable as tourism is imperative for many local economies. Green sustainable tourism may offer the best of both worlds by protecting the ecology of an area while keeping businesses thriving.

I try to nurture sustainable traveling. Sustainable travelers understand that their actions create an ecological and social footprint on the places they visit. They are mindful of the destinations, accommodations, and activities chosen. I think about how I can best be a sustainable traveler with my activities—using public transportation when possible, reducing my use of water, learning as much as possible about the residents. I also aim to help visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park understand how the “authority of the resource” dictates ecological balance.

RESPECT is the key to sustainable tourism. It includes reverence for the environment as well as for the people experiencing that place whether tourists or locals. Courtesy and gratitude are important components that I try to offer whether I am a traveler or a community member welcoming others to this beautiful place.