Getting used to Retirement
Mood:  bright
Topic: Temporary Retirement

For months I looked forward to this time when I no longer had to work and would have plenty of time to do all those things I longed to do, mostly to stay at home and write... putter around the house with various projects... and go for those nature walks with the dog.

It has been more than a month now since we moved into our new home in Ohio, and now that we are settled, I am feeling a bit disconnected from the rest of the world... the work world, that is. Why can't I just relax and enjoy it? Because I'm used to being productive and a multi tasker.

The "vacation" has been nice, but I am naturally a driven individual who needs motivation and tasks to perform to feel valued. Suddenly I'm in this situation where I have skills I am not utilizing, and I miss the contact in everyday life with the public and close friends.

Of course, there's this blog. I could commit to doing it on a daily basis instead of every couple of months... and the Web site always could use some revamping. There's my writing... I'm currently keying in an old manuscript that I've decided to re-work. There are several other projects of the fiction kind awaiting my attention.

My reading pile actually disappears! I never used to have time to read all the stuff that came to me, and now... I even take time to sit down and do nothing but read. So, time to get out some book reviews for the Beacon.

Part of this restlessness, I'm sure, is due to Winter's End. It's still too cold to get out and work outside. There will be plenty of grass to mow here in Ohio, where that task was not a priority in Colorado. And we can even plant a garden here and have things actually grow!

I am eager for the songbirds to arrive. The loyal cardinal has been serenading us already, along with the song sparrow. I spend time listening to my bird tapes, sharpening up my ears after these neglected years away from the Eastern deciduous forests.

"Get over it, girl," I tell myself. You're living the lifestyle you always wanted to live... staying at home, doing what your heart desires, being CREATIVE. Hubby wants me here and is grateful for my companionship and care. So I'll work at getting used to it... even though I know it is temporary. I feel it in my bones. I'm not old enough, and I haven't done enough yet in the world to be... RETIRED.

Let's call it instead a SABBATICAL. Time out. That's better... the gift of time in which to concentrate on my more creative attributes. In an hour I'll put on the Jazzercise video. After that, lunch, then a half hour with a good book. Maybe after that I'll play the piano for an hour... then back to the computer for a typing session.

One thing I can count on: Things always change. So I might as well enjoy it while I have it.

 

 

A Positive Attitude
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Facing the Future

Over a month has passed now since I found out one of my children was arrested. A mother's shock and disappointment possessed me, and my thoughts turned to the worst... possible imprisonment for this young man, who has so much to live for, so much talent and a greater understanding of what life is all about... more than most, anyway. I could not bear the thought of him living as an inmate.

His crime was a federal offense, and yet something that many people have been getting away with for years. His crime should not have been a crime at all. Over the last decade several states in this great nation of ours have been passing laws to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. Even though many states have passed this, the federal law still dominates over the states.

My view is that our government is unwilling to bend because if pot is legalized, even just for medical purposes, they cannot profit from it. The way I see it, pharmaceutical companies have more control over what goes on than we want to believe. Just take a look around at how many people you know have medical prescriptions from their traditional doctors.

Cannabis is an herb, a God-given plant put upon this earth to help heal us, like so many other plants. It has done more good for people than harm, as long as it is not abused. Abuse anything and you have problems.

There are many more benefits to wisely using this plant than negatives. It has brought relief to suffering chemo patients, increased appetite in AIDS patients, and soothed those who are unable to get a good night's sleep. It is the most effective alternative to Viagra that nature has ever provided... and without the side effects. Yet you only hear about its negatives because that is what the authorities want to do... program you into believing it is a dangerous substance.

It seems to me more people are killed because of drunk drivers, and more lives destroyed by abuse of alcohol and hard drugs such as meth, than from occasional use of Cannabis. Alcohol and cigarette commercials were banned from TV advertising years ago. But why are pharmaceutical companies allowed to bombard prime time with their solicitations of dangerous prescription drugs? Why doesn't the media report the many deaths from abuse and misuse of these substances that have side effects that are often worse than the original condition for which they are made?

My son broke the law. Period. As the justice system stands now, he must pay for his crime. He recognizes this fact and he is facing it with a positive attitude. He has cooperated with authorities and, because of circumstances not entirely his fault, he will probably face a lighter sentence than being stuffed into another crowded correctional institution. This has given him a new perspective on life, and how precious freedom is. At 26 he has his whole life ahead of him, and enough lessons learned in the past 8 years to fill a lifetime.

Until the public wakes up, until the laws are changed, how many more lives will be affected? How many more mothers will mourn when they get that devastating phone call that breaks your heart? Check it out. Laws won't change until greed and control end.

 

 

Relocation Plans
Mood:  not sure

After almost 29 years living in the West, I'm moving back to the Midwest in 2007. I never thought I'd leave these mountains, but sometimes circumstances lead us to make major changes in our lives. Due to my husband's illness, we need to move to a lower altitude and be closer to his relatives. So, toward the end of January, that is exactly what we are going to do.

Real estate activity is in full swing at both ends of the spectrum. The property here is under contract, and the property at the Eastern end is also being inspected and nearing its closing date. I thank Spirit and the Universe for manifesting the right buyer for us at our time of need. Listing the Paonia property so late in the year, we were uncertain as to whether we'd be able to get out of here by January, as planned.

Leaving your home, especially when it's in such a beautiful area, and with such a coveted view and all the amenities of a treasure, is difficult, and leaving a good job and many dear friends is equally as hard. So many memories crop up as I look around in my packing process... memories of family events and cozy times together.

The excitement of moving to a totally new and different place can be exciting. I cling to the dream of rediscovering the Eastern birds I had to leave behind when I left Michigan in 1978 with my first husband and toddler son. The place we've chosen to live is 99 percent deciduous woods bordering a national forest, and the peace and remoteness is what I need right now. There will be new faces, new names, new experiences... and no pressure to seek an outside job, at least right away.

My attention will be focused on taking care of my husband/soulmate, and helping him through this difficult transitional time.

And, of course, Earth Star will go along with us. The Star Beacon will continue, just from another location. Perhaps there will be more time for creative pursuits I've had to put on hold.

All is going according to plan, and I trust that all is for the Higher Good.

 

 

 

Congratulations, Scott!
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Scott's Graduation

Our son, Scott Ulrich, achieved his goal and will graduate from DeVry University this evening. The amazing thing is, Scott is not yet 21 years old, although he will turn 21 on November 26. He has worked extremely hard the past three years to get through a difficult program in computer technology, to earn his Bachelor of Arts. At night he would work at FedX to suppport himself, unloading boxes off a truck, which was hard, physical work for someone who has always been on the small side. Yet he stuck to it, despite many frustrations, annoyances and challenges only he knows.

Scott is the youngest of my three sons, but has always been the most generous, compassionate and selfless one of the three. Each one of my sons is special and loved equally by me, but Scott, being the youngest, will always be my "baby." Yet now he is grown man, and has proven how independent he can be, and has met life's challenges with courage and a positive attitude. He deserves the rewards life has to offer him in the future.

When Scott graduated from high school, a little over three years ago, he was only 17, and had done high school in three years instead of four. He stuck it out for a few more weeks at the home of his dad and stepmom, but then decided to come live with us in Colorado. He has always been welcome here, and we hope he will always think "Home" is where his mother and stepfather reside. If it weren't for the generosity and faith of his stepdad, in fact, Scott would not have had the funds to go to college. It is interesting that a man who did not complete high school, due to family challenges in the '40s, was willing to co-sign dozens of student loans to help Scott out, when his own father, who has the resources, was not.

How I wish both of us could have attended the graduation in Denver this evening. Unfortunately, Scott's stepdad is very sick and unable to travel. I made the decision to stay home with him, but wish to convey our dual congratulations to Scott -- a loving, intelligent, handsome young man, with the world at his fingertips -- for his remarkable accomplishment, and for being the very special young man that he is.

Please send your congratulations on to Scott at hexdaemon@tds.net. I know he will appreciate hearing from you.

Hickory Hill is Here!
Mood:  happy
Now Playing: The Mystery at Hickory Hill

Hurray!! She's here.... Annette Vetter makes her debut in The Mystery at Hickory Hill, the first in the adventure series featuring 15-year-olds Annette Vetter and Penny Duncan.

After 35 years, she is finally in print and can be shared with the world. This young adult novel pilots a series of mystery books with Annette and Penny, two farm girls from west-central Wisconsin, right out of the Sixties.

In their first adventure, they travel to western Colorado to spend a week before school starts at the Mitchell Ranch in the Cochetopa Hills. Their new friend, Mandy, leads them on horseback into forbidden territory, where they all get more than they bargained for.

Check it out: https://earthstar.tripod.com/HickoryHill.html

The price of this 196-page book has purposely been kept low ($9.95) in order to be affordable to all. In 2007 Earth Star plans to publish the next two adventures in the series... The Secret of the Green Paint, and The Pouting Pumpking Mystery. Stay tuned!

By the way, you don't need to be a young adult to enjoy this book. Older readers can time travel back to the '60s. Your reading pleasure is guaranteed.

 

Dog Days
Mood:  lazy
Topic: Summer's Heat

Everyone seems to be suffering from hot weather these days, no matter what part of the country you're in.

We don't have a swamp cooler for our home, because we've never really needed one. Our house has stayed comfortable the past couple of years after we had new insulation and siding put on, and new energy-efficient windows installed.

However, I've been wishing we had a little more relief these last few days. In the mountains it usually cools off at night, but not lately.

There's lots of talk about global warming these days. People are finally starting to wonder if there's something to it. A little late, I think.

My female turkey hen, "Lucinda," is smarter than we gave her credit for. I walked out to check on the birds this afternoon, and there was Lucinda standing in the metal basin I use for the birds' outdoor water. She was soaking her feet and getting cooled off. She didn't move as I went into the barn and drew half a pail of water and added it to the basin.

Tom Turkey isn't as smart, unfortunately. He forgets he has to drink in this heat. I end up throwing handfuls of water up into his beak. That way he at least gets some much needed water down him.

The dog knows where it's cool. You'll find him on the cement floor of the garage, or in one of the bedrooms where we still have hardwood floors and he can get the coolness of the crawl space under the house.

Perhaps a rainstorm will develop and bring some relief. We sure need it! And in a couple of months we'll soon forget this heat as we face Autumn and the cold that follows.

I have word from a Native American source that we are going to have an early fall and a harsh winter. That sounds really good right now!

 

Prediction from a Reader
Mood:  accident prone

The following e-mail came from Der Voron, who asked me to post his prediction. Of course, I certainly hope this does NOT come true.

July 5, 2006

Discovery Shuttle possible crash
By Der Voron

I foretell that Discovery Shuttle could crash during its current flight,
due to the technical troubles identified before and during takeoff (and
under flight I mean all period from launch till return to the Earth) and
will share the fate of Columbia Shuttle.

I would suggest that our astronauts should perhaps return to the Earth
in another space ship, that is some 1-time use module, and not the
shuttle itself.


I think it is publishable now.

Cheers,
Der Voron

Vacation time is wonderful
Mood:  happy

I'm coming to the end of my vacation time. I am not looking forward to returning to my job after a wonderful week of just staying home and getting a few projects done that I've wanted to work on for a long time.

For once, it was nice not to have to go anywhere on my vacation. This was not what had been planned, however. Due to health reasons, I had to change my travel plans to stay at home with my husband, who is — more or less — house bound these days.

There is also the fact that no money was available for traveling at this time. Just as well, though. Traveling creates stress, and I've truly enjoyed staying home and puttering. I could get used to this too easily!

Because my job is literally boring in the summer months, I'm NOT happy about having to go back on Wednesday. Yet, I know I should be grateful I even have this job. Three years ago I was without a job and had prayed to return to HCN, where I had left to start a newspaper in southern Colorado that didn't pan out.

Most the time my job is interesting and filled with tasks to take my mind off my preference to be at home, working on my "own stuff." But the summer months drag on, slowly, and I'm trying to figure out a way to compensate.

In September, I'll take another week off. At least that is something to look forward to. Perhaps I'll go somewhere, to visit my brothers and sisters if we all decide to meet in Nevada for a "shed reunion" (only our family knows what THAT is!).

In the meantime, I've got TWO DAYS LEFT of my vacation. Son Scott is here for the 4th of July, and son Ryan and his fiancee, Trish, are on their way. Middle son Marty is flying to Michigan to attend a cousin's wedding, so he can't be with us at this time. But I'm going to enjoy these last two days to the fullest!

 

Night of the White Raven
Mood:  bright
Topic: Forthcoming Books
At long last, my husband's novel is coming out. In just a week or two, his historical adventure, Night of the White Raven, will be in our hands.

And what an accomplishment it is. After nearly 12 years of writing, rewriting, revising, rearranging and sometimes frustration (on my part as editor!), the book came together and is now in print.

I never would have dreamed my husband would turn out to be an author. His education was limited, and he is dyslexic, which means he has trouble even writing a simple one-page letter, or addressing an envelope.

Yet something deep within him brought forth this work, which seems to be his memory of a past life. I wouldn't doubt it... I can see it in him.

You will love his characters as much as I have come to know them. It starts out with his childhood on a farm in western Pennsylvania, with a hard-working mother, an abusive father, and younger siblings that look up to him, as well as the pretty young school marm who attaches herself to the family and has her eye on young Nathan.

At 15, he takes off with Mr. Joe, the old Indian friend who taught him to trap, and together they make their way toward the Illinois River, surviving because of Mr. Joe's wisdom.

When Nathan reaches Starved Rock in the fall of 1818, he has already killed three men, but was unable to save his old Indian friend. Seeking refuge for the winter, he gets hired as a stable hand for the blacksmith, Mr. Jakobes, whose assistant, Charley Blackstone, and the mulatto cook and housekeeper, Fanny, take to Nathan and nurture him.

The blacksmith's teen-age daughter, Kate, sheltered by her parents, finds the young stable hand most interesting, and eventually seduces him.

Nathan teams up with his black friend, Cole, who works for the riverboat captain, and together they plan their journey west into the untamed country.

I won't disclose the rest. You'll have to read it for yourself. I believe Ethan has done an excellent job plotting and pulling his story together. The grammar and writing style won't win any prizes... but it doesn't matter because it all comes from his heart, and those who know him will recognize his special "voice."

Contact me if you are interested in getting a copy of this limited-edition first novel!

* * * * * *

Earth Star is happy to announce that two, possible three more titles will be added before fall.

Still waiting for a contract is the novel, COZY, by Karen Gallob, a local writer with a beautiful style. Karen has written articles for the Merchant Herald, and her light-hearted novel is a delight, sure to keep you turning pages.

Definitely on the table is Commander Sanni Ceto's second book, ZETI CHILD — LOST UPON A ONE-STAR WORLD, due out around the end of August. The response to Sanni's first book, STRANDED ON EARTH, THE STORY OF A ROSWELL SURVIVOR, was tremendous, and people are asking when the second one will be out.

Her book will include numerous illustrations, including the workings of spacecraft and species from other worlds.

Next, my own work: The first in the Annette Vetter Mystery Series, THE MYSTERY AT HICKORY HILL, is slated for August or September. More about that in my next blog...

Sherry's Memorial
Mood:  sad
Topic: A beautiful soul passes
Today is the day we say farewell to a beloved sister, Sherry Chism, my sister's life partner for 28 years. Sherry made her transition last Sunday, April 23, at the age of 51, after battling five years against cancer. We were saddened to learn of her passing, yet relieved to know her suffering had come to an end.

Her memorial service will be held today in Madison, Wisconsin, and I have flown across the country to attend and be with my family. My sister is doing remarkably well, upbeat and cheerful as always, although I know deep down she is mournful and missing her dearest companion.

Sherry's sisters, nieces and a brother have come all the way from southern Indiana, a great bunch of folks, and at the visitation last night there were swarms of co-workers from Madison Kipp, where Sherry worked for 19 years.

She was obviously well liked and loved, and in our family we accepted her with open arms and delighted in her upbeat, humorous attitude. I am happy that she and Alice spent some time with us a year ago in Colorado. Sherry loved the West.

We miss you, Sherry. And I know you will be there, among us today, taking it all in (the love, especially). Thank you for sharing a part of our lives.