Forgiveness

Posted on July 25, 2015 by JanetA

I recently read an article published by the Mayo Clinic on forgiveness. I’ve been pondering this subject on my journey. I feel that forgiveness is one of the more difficult emotions that we as humans can work with.

We have all been hurt by someone in our life time, whether it is family, work or socially related. Sometimes the hurt is major and sometimes it is minor. Being hurt by another is wounding to each of us. The emotions that result may include anger and bitterness and a feeling of not being able to let this event pass.

As defined by the article in the Mayo Clinic, “Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, more positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.”

Pain hurts. Emotional pain hurts, spiritual pain hurts, physical pain hurts. I wonder what are the benefits of holding on to all these hard emotions? I think that forgiving is also hard. I don’t believe you can just look at someone and say I forgive you. It takes time to work through all the emotions that are connected with one single act. lt would be so easy if we could just look at someone and forgive them and let it go. Ah, I wish it were so.

I have done one major, intentional act of forgiveness in my life. Intentional is the key word here. It was when I was practicing the “Rainbow Way Meditations”. With the help of the Medicine Men I was involved with, at the time, I acknowledged forgiveness to one person long since passed on. It was a very freeing moment for me and one I have never forgotten. My step felt light and my heart and mind felt right, I felt right with my world. It was a very freeing moment in time.

How do we learn to forgive? How do others learn to forgive? I really don’t know the answer to this question yet I do know that in the act of forgiveness, life becomes more positive and anger slips away.

Forgiving another person doesn’t mean you are best friends again, and yet, that may happen. Forgiveness has more to do with me than the person I am forgiving. Maybe my stress, anger and hurt will lessen and disappear. My life could be a bit brighter and lighter.

What if I am the one who needs to be forgiven? I believe that if I fess up and admit my wrong doing and apologize (sincerely) then I am well on the way to asking for forgiveness. Does the other person involved necessarily have to forgive me? Well no. I feel that after admitting to my mistake and doing what I can to rectify the situation I have done all I can and then it is my choice whether I hold onto these often sad and hurtful feelings or let it go. Letting go is frequently hard to do. Letting go of what I feel are negative feelings often frees me up so that my life will remain full and positive.

What if I need to forgive myself? Wow that is a loaded one. I am not sure of the answer to that. Maybe by admitting that I am human and stumbling is a part of growth, I can go easier on myself. I sometimes wonder if forgiving myself is not the hardest of this act to do. I have always felt that everything that goes wrong is my fault. I apologize more than any other human alive. Well maybe. I am practicing the art of self forgiveness and it is not easy. I catch myself when I apologize for something that is out of my realm of responsibility. Asking myself if this is something I need to forgive myself also guides me to a more healthy and rounded approach to my life.

I think the idea of letting go of suffering is good. Needing forgiveness or asking for forgiveness is one way to let go of suffering. Letting joy, peace, hope and gratitude into my life through the act of forgiving or asking for forgiveness helps suffering lessen or disappear.

Today I am heading for New Brunswick, Canada. I am off to explore new territories. I am not sure how often I will have access to the internet. I promise to blog when I can. My heart feels such joy in knowing that all of you are interested in following my Journeys of Thankfulness.

I am thankful for all my readers, known and unknown.

Cobscook Bay Maine

Friends

Posted on July 23, 2015 by JanetA

When I add a post to my blog I am never sure where it will go. Sometimes I know exactly what I want to say and other times I have no idea until I sit down to type the post up. There are times that my mind wanders and I take me and all of you off on an unknown adventure.

Missy and Janet Enjoying Moxie

I have just returned to civilization after spending five days with my friend Missy and her husband, Dan on Moxie Lake out in the woods of Maine. Having extremely limited access to the digital age was truly a vacation.

Missy and I have been friends for many years. Even though we live 3000 miles apart when we are together we seem to easily pick up where we left off.I always feel that is a sign of true friendship. It was good to have five days to catch up, laugh and explore together. Missy and I love to take wildlife photos. We spent quite a bit of time watching and photographing the loons that frequent the cove next to the camp.

When we left camp this morning it was hard to leave. I feel safe and loved and secure when I am with people that care about me. It is hard to leave that for the unknown. From now on I am on my own and traveling into new territory as I drive north up the down east coast of Maine. I am heading for Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Friends are a continuing important part of my existence. Since Jim died I have recognized how important my friends are to me. Their ongoing support and encouragement help push me forward to explore the next chapters of my life.

Right now six of my friends have very willingly taken on the task of taking care of my house and yard so I could comfortably get into my RV and travel and explore. I appreciate these friends so much for their effort and kindness. I would like to share with you a little of these six incredible women.

Nancy and Janet

Nancy is the coordinator of the house sitting project. She even found an on line calendar so that the six of them could sign up on the calendar for the days they wanted to check on the house. Nancy and I have been friends for close to 30 years. We have had our ups and downs but we always have remained strong friends. She feels like my sister. We both have a love of native plants. We see each other often and share a lot of our intimate thoughts with each other. I am so glad we met and have been friends for all these years.

Phyllis

Phyllis and I used to work together as nurses. I quit after 25 years but Phyllis remained a nurse for much longer and is now happily retired. One of her passions is to walk the 3 day, Susan G Komen walk for the cure. She has done these walks all over the United States. We usually find a day each week to walk and have breakfast, one of my favorite meals to eat out. She has very unselfishly supported me. After Jim was diagnosed with metastatic cancer all I had to do was call her and she would be there, even at 2 in the morning. It is good to have a friend who I can always lean on if need be.

Janet in the Desert

Janet and I met dancing. We have been friends for many years. We also share the same passion for native plants and her yard is exceptional. Janet and I walk together, go to the movies and much more. We never seem to run out of things to talk about. Janet loves to English Country Dance and Contradance. She often is traveling to dance. Her unending support of me has been treasured.

Raquel

Raquel house sat for me and took care of Miss Elsie two years ago while I traveled in my Roadtrek. She and I have become friends over the past couple of years. I enjoy having her down the block. I can stop in and visit whenever I want. We never seem to run out of conversation. Raquel is a beautiful artist. She is a costumer for the local theaters in San Diego. Her work is amazing. I am glad we met.

JoAnn is a new friend. I met her through Nancy. I don’t know her well. I enjoy her company and hope when I return we can do more together. She has house sat for me and Miss Elsie the cat really likes her. She lives down the street from me and so it is convenient for her to swing by the house. What I like about JoAnn is that she is easy to converse with. I feel we have some common interest. She is going through her own life transition and I am glad that I am part of this transition time.

Janet and Beth

Beth is my massage therapist, healer and friend. Although we don’t do much outside of her office we have grown close over the years. I appreciate her insight and her joy of self discovery. I appreciate that she takes the time to listen to me and support me. She supports me in all ways, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Beth loves to dance and she has the most amazing singing voice. I appreciate her gentle and insightful way and her commitment to self growth and friendship.

Aren’t these the most amazing women? And they are my friends. I feel so honored to know each one of them. Friends are important in my life. I never forget that. It is because of their loving support that Elsie and I are adventuring around the United States and Canada. Each day I give thanks to them.

As my journey continues I will tell you cool things I see along the way but I also will share with you from time to time some of these amazing people that are in my life.

Tomorrow I journey north. I am looking forward to seeing new things and await new adventures along the way.

A Celebration

Posted on July 14, 2015 by JanetA

The departure and entrance to a new life together.

This past weekend was my niece’s, wedding. It was a delightfully, extravagant affair. And everyone was there.

Since Jim’s death I have not handled large crowds well. I prefer the company of a few close friends. I was a little apprehensive about attending this wedding. There were close to 100 people in attendance. Now that is a lot of people. I also knew that I would know very few of them. Because it was family and I needed and wanted to be there, I knew I would have to bite the bullet and attend. And, you know, I had a good time.

We stayed near Norwalk, Connecticut at what used to be a Monastery and is now the Dolce Norwalk Conference Center and Hotel. A beautiful property with hiking trails and tennis courts among many activities it offered. And, I had my own room. When I was full of conversation and needed a break, well, there was my room or the hiking trails.

Hiking at Dolce Norwalk

If I need a break from all the activity and people interaction, it is important for me to find alone time, no matter where it is. The nice thing about this property was that it offered enough space to those of us who needed regrouping time.

I also enjoyed getting away with my sister, Ginny, on Saturday, before the wedding. We went to an estate sale and then drove around the towns of Norwalk and Westport, CT. I even got my feet wet in Long Island Sound. My sister and I travel well together. The driving about and checking out homes and pretty places is something we have done since we were children. My dad love to go for rides and check out how everyone else lived.

Waveney Hall

The wedding took place at Waveny Hall in New Canaan, CT. It is a lovely open space park with a house that reminds me of Downton Abbey. It was built as a private estate in a beautiful natural setting.

There was an implied formality to this event, and yet, it felt very comfortable and relaxed. After the formal sit down dinner the party took off. There was terrific music and the dancing was fun. Although there were many different ages of people there, the gathering had a feeling of inclusiveness and age did not appear to make a difference.

What did I do when I needed a time out? I went to the bathroom. At one point my oldest sister, Ginny and I found a bench to sit on out on the lawn. I am learning there are always ways to disappear for a bit and then come back in again. Funny that I should be doing this now.

Jim was an introvert, he could only take groups of people for a short time and then he too would disappear. He would take a walk outside, go to the library, find a spot to read and if he was at a Scottish Ball, there was always the men’s room. I know he needed that time to recover a bit. Being an introvert is hard in a large group situation.

Needing some space and time is fine, yet I think that what often happens with me is that I disappear and I don’t tell anyone I need some time to recover. This can lead to misunderstandings. I want to learn to stop assuming others know what I am doing. Just like all communication, if I don’t say anything then how do they know? Hmm. An insight, I think. I want to be honest and up front and if the other person or people don’t understand or are offended then I cannot be responsible for their response. And I don’t need to apologize. Right Nancy?

Dancing on the wall

The wedding was grand. My niece made a beautiful bride. It was a delightful evening and I am very glad that I attended.

The next time may be a bit less stressful.

I am still finding my way.

Ginny dancing her way out to the party

Adrienne and Friends

Adrienne & Joe, father of the bride

Two sisters, Two nieces

Summer on the Lake

Posted on July 7, 2015 by JanetA

The original summer bungalow.

Wow, where does the time go. I have been in northern NJ for two weeks. Oh my gosh I can’t believe I have stayed in one place so long. My niece gets married this weekend and then I will be on the move again. It has been fun to be at my sister’s and her husband’s house on the lake. It has been many years since I spent the Fourth of July here.

My sisters and I grew up on this lake. Originally it was owned by my grandmother Arnold and then my father. Each Memorial Day weekend we opened the house for the summer. My mother and the three of us would come here from Delaware for the summer. My dad would come on weekends. It is a very different house now than what it was then. It is hard to believe that this house has seen three generations in it.

When we were young it was a summer bungalow. It had a wood stove for heat, no insulation to speak of, running water and electricity. There was also an outhouse in the garage and bath houses to change in. We spent a greater part of the day in water. It was a wonderful way to grow up.

Same house in current time

Today this house is lovingly owned by my sister, Ginny and her husband, Frank. It is a permanent year round home. Although it is their home we are always invited to come and enjoy the lake. Each of us girls has brought all those that are important to us here. I have come in the winter and in the summer. I love coming here and sitting on the grand front porch and look over the lake.

This year my niece, Adrienne and her fiancé, Jed had a Fourth of July party here. There were a few people from Germany and they wanted to show them what a typical and classic 4th was like. We grilled burgers and hotdogs. Everyone had to try out the new paddle board. We ended the day seeing the best fireworks I have witnessed. They were grand.

What made the party special for me is that a long time friend of mine from Philadelphia was able to come up and join the festivities. I treasure my friends. I treasure the time I get to spend with them, no matter how limited it might be. It was so much fun to catch up with Chris. We never run out of subjects to talk about. I like her company because we talk about what is important to each of us and it is respected. I am thankful for my friends.

Today my sister, Ruth and her husband, Joe and my other niece, Brittany and her husband, Trip arrived. Tomorrow it is time for another picnic and even more people will be showing up. I am camped in my Roadtrek in the side yard. Elsie is with me. We are a team. Because of this sweet little home everyone has a bed to sleep in tonight. I like the fact that when I need a time out I can disappear to the side yard and hang out in my RT.

She is in the back forty

I feel very thankful this week for family. We may not always see eye to eye but I think we always have each other’s back. Even if we disagree, we are always talking again, because we are family. When Jim died my sister, Ginny was on a plane to come to me when I needed someone most. That is what family and friends do for each other and I am so thankful that I had someone to rely on.

Shortly after the wedding I will be on the road again. I am planning on heading back into Canada. I want to see Nova Scotia and then I will be heading west and slowly towards home. More to come.

Today I am thankful for family, good friends, my kitty and my RT.

Dad and the three sisters

Janet, Brittany, Ruth, Trip, Ginny

Elsie, A Second Blog Post

Posted on June 28, 2015 by JanetA

Hi everyone. I heard that Janet was upset because I received more response to my post than she does. It is not every day that a cat contributes to a blog so she should be thankful. And isn’t that word part of the title of this blog?

I am still on my journey. I have been to more states than I can count on all four of my paws. Yes, I know, I have not seen some of these states because I still spend my days under the covers. I sleep at home, I sleep on the road. Like that behavior is suppose to change?

Janet has been good about stopping at least once a day so I can go out and explore. She hooks me up to my long leash and off we go. She has also been good about looking for quiet spots to do this. One day we were on our way out of North Carolina and she stopped at view stop where there was no one. These 3 guys parked their car and when they saw me they started to come over. Janet told them that I was scared of people but they still kept coming so I did what any good scaredy cat would do; I ran for the RV as fast as I could. I bet those guys never even saw me. Just call me Flash.

I have been on two small ferries on this trip. I admit to not seeing much from them as the noise and people made me nervous. I do think it was cool to be taken from one piece of land to another. Those big bodies of water are a bit overwhelming for a kitty of 6 pounds.

Hanging at the Radisson

Since my first posting I have spent two weeks in Ontario, Canada. The first 5 nights I stayed in a hotel room. The house on wheels disappeared and then one day it came back. The hotel was OK. There were a lot of unfamiliar noises but I think I did good. Janet still has me on board.

I met, briefly, my first dog. Her name is Ruby and she was really giant. Remember I am only 6 pounds. I didn’t take time to know her I just headed back to my house on wheels. Thank goodness for my safe place.

Janet, Carol & Ruby

Ruby

After camping for several nights we are now at another house. This one is on a body of water too. We are visiting family, Janet’s sister, Virginia. I have the upstairs of the house to myself. There is another cat in this house. I hear them call her Kitty. We have met a few times. Both of us are not sure about each other. We do a common greeting of hissing and growling. When things become a bit overwhelming I go back upstairs.

I get to look out over the lake. There is a lot of activity out there. Kids are swimming. People are mowing their lawns. Right now there is a beach party going on. I am not sure what that is but I prefer to stay in my upstairs area. There is a blanket I can sleep under. Janet comes and spends time with me too. Once in a while I get to go outside on the long leash. I like that.

Here is my next list. These are new things I find I really like:

Watching chipmunks and squirrels. This is the first time I have seen those little chipsters. They are fast. I like that.
Watching bunny rabbits. There are big and little ones in the yard here.
Spending time with Janet. I curl up next to her when she is on the bed or in a chair.
Food.
Going outside and exploring.
Sleeping under the covers. This is a favorite of mine.

Chipmunk

I have to admit I have not reached being fearless yet. It is a work in progress. I am a good little traveler though and I think Janet is glad I came along for the ride.

Where Have I Been?

Posted on June 25, 2015 by JanetA

Lake Ontario

Yes it is true that I disappeared for a while. I have been traveling in Ontario, Canada. One of the advantages or disadvantages, depending on how you see it, is that I had limited cell phone service and limited internet interaction.

Elsie and I checked in to the Radisson Hotel and took up residence for 5 nights in Kitchener, Ontario.

Elsie in the Radisson

My Roadtrek disappeared to the Roadtrek Factory to have some work done. It was an interesting experience in patience on my part so that no one felt hurried and the work could get done properly. I went on a guided tour of the factory. No photos, please. There were all kinds of Roadtreks that were in some process of production.

What impressed me most about the factory was the sense of community among all the workers from the front desk to Jim Hammill, the CEO. There appeared to be a lot of support for each other. Everyone seemed to get along. And I was treated like royalty.

I explored a bit of Kitchener while I waited. It is a large Mennonite area. The drives through the country showed beautiful farms. It wasn’t unusual to meet horse and buggies while I was out and about. The Farmers Markets were delicious. I even got the chance to see the last covered bridge in Ontarion, the Kissing Bridge.

Friday morning, Elsie and I packed up the RT and drove to Penetanguishene. It is on the Georgian Bay just off Lake Huron. A couple of fellow Roadtrekers, Tim and Carol, invited me to use their driveway for weekend. For three nights my RT had a buddy and I got to know about Tim and Carol. I am slowly beginning to meet the people who are part of the Facebook Roadtrek group. We had a lovely weekend and I now have friends in the north country.

Carol & Tim & Ruby the dog.

Friends

I have been enjoying some long bike rides on this trip and am feeling thankful that I brought my bike along. Saturday afternoon I rode several miles along the Georgian Bay. It was a beautiful very sunny day. I really enjoy biking along the water.

Yesterday I did a nice drive to islands of the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Following Route 33 east a free ferry boat ride is included at no cost. It is part of the road system.

Now I have crossed over into the United States and am camped on the east side of Lake Ontario at Wescott Beach State Park.

Elsie is doing well. She still remains a surprise to me. Although she remains under the blankets during the day she continues to come out when we stop for the night and even asks to go out, on her leash. I am glad I brought her with me. She is a fun little companion and as Jim used to say, we are a team. Of course, I do all the work.

Tomorrow I will be arriving in New Jersey at my sister’s house. I look forward to seeing her and spending the Fourth of July on the lake. We spent our summers growing up at this house and the Fourth was always a fun occasion. I remember my dad setting off firecrackers in the morning to wake us up.

I t will be good to spend time with my family. I like being loved and taken care of. This visit also includes my niece’s wedding coming up on July 11. It will be good to stay still for a bit before I start to move again.

Tonight I am thankful for a clean and semi-private campsite. I am thankful for the long daylight hours. I am thankful for all things Canadian. I had a wonderful visit north of the border.

It is now two days later and I am happily set up in the side yard. Visiting with my sister. I am thankful for a beautiful spot to set up my cute little RT.

Moving On With Elsie and the Roadtrek

Posted on June 15, 2015 by JanetA

Elsie directing traffic

I just realized that it has been a while since I have posted. I think I was a bit jealous of the responses Elsie got to her post. Heh Heh.

I have been traveling. I left North Carolina about a week ago and had been steadily moving north to Kitchener, Ontario. I am here today. Yay. All issues Roadtrek are hopefully being addressed.

Before I tell you where I have been I want to tell you where I am. I am at the Roadtrek factory this morning. I have been taken on a tour and met Leo who is helping me with the issues concerning my RT. I am so happy.

This is a family run business and they are treating me well. Each concern I have they have taken seriously. I like being respected and honored for who I am, the owner of a Roadtrek.

While I am here Miss Elsie is hiding under the bed at the Radisson Hotel. At least she is safe and happy. The do not disturb sign is on the door, along with a Cat in the Room sign. She is back in the dark. Poor baby. It does make her feel safe.

After leaving North Carolina I began to travel first west and then north. I spent a night on the Pigeon River in TN. It would have been a nice place except that the traffic noise was pretty heavy.

Camping at The Horse Farm

I have had a lot of favorite places to stay on this trip and I found another one outside Lexington, KT. It is called The Horse Farm. It is a beautiful place with beautiful horses and a bit of money. It does give one the flavor of the Bluegrass Country. Being a horsey (meaning I love horses not that I am horsey) kind of girl I really enjoyed the chance to tour the farm. I camped at the Horse Farm Campground and was able to ride my bike on beautifully kept trails over to the barns. I even watched a dressage competition. Have I told you yet that I love horses? If it hadn’t been for the heat (93 degrees) and the humidity (75%) I would have stayed longer but I have to admit that by that day the heat and humidity was becoming old and I was ready to move on.

Dressage at The Horse Farm

Camping at William Sterling State Park, Monroe, MI

Next stop was William Sterling State Park, on the edge of Lake Erie, south of Detroit. After the oppressive heat further south, it was nice to be back where it was still humid but the temperature had dropped by 20 degrees.

Elsie and I were camped on the edge of the campground and El felt brave enough to come out and sniff along the edges of the tall grasses.

It was at this state park that I noticed the feeling of vacationing in my RV left me. I began to feel like I was living in my RT rather than just being on vacation. One afternoon Elsie and I laid in the back and she napped while I read. All the doors and windows were open, a breeze was blowing and the book was good. Sweet

Eating May Flies. If you look close you can see them in the gulls mouths.

Have you ever heard of Mayflies? Neither had I but there was a hatching of May Flies while I was at the Park. They were everywhere. They look a little like eeny teeny tiny reptiles. I guess they are good for the fish. The seagulls loved them. It was interesting to observe the gulls behavior. I have never thought of gulls as being a group kind of bird. These gulls worked together. Every morning I would hear them calling. They would almost methodically work together in the same section of the campground eating many flies in the grass and then would fly en-mass to the next section. It was fascinating to watch. It reminds me how when almost any species works in a group, collectively, they are smart. Hmm is there something we humans can learn from this?

flying to the next section

Sunday morning I drove north of Detroit and drove along Lake St Clair in the mist and fog to Marine City. I crossed over to Canada on a little ferry with 3 other cars. There was no wait time at that border crossing. A look at my passport, a few questions and I was on my way. I rode across a river that connects Lake Huron to Lake Erie. Cool country up here.

Waiting for the Ferry

On The Ferry

The Ferry

I am in Kitchener for a few days before I head toward Niagara Falls and New Jersey.

Where my cute RT came into being.

I am feeling grateful to my friends, today who are so lovingly watching my home. Without them being there it would be much harder for me to be here.

Feeling thankful. Really thankful.

Elsie’s Blog Post

Posted on June 8, 2015 by JanetA

Elsie Venturing Outside.

Hi, I am Elsie the cat. I am on a grand adventure. I have traveled through 9 states already and am still going. I have seen things a kitty could never imagine.

I am riding in this small and comfortable house. It moves around. I am a little nervous about it moving but when it stops I get to do some things I love.

During the driving part I sleep under the blankets. I feel safest there. As you can tell, I haven’t really seen a lot of those states I have traveled through.

I am getting brave enough to go out on a leash. I know where the door is and am beginning to ask, politely of course, to go out when we camp for the night.

Here are things that scare me.

People I don’t know. That is just about everyone.
Janet inviting people to see her RT. They come inside and I hide.
Big animals. For 2 nights I saw horses and mules right outside the house. They scared me A Lot!!! I couldn’t take my eyes off them, though. When the mules talked I hid.
Dogs.
Sudden movements.
Big bodies of water. Janet takes me down to the edge of them but I run. Where the heck did all that water come from?

OMG Big Animals!!!

Another Point of View

Hiding

Here are the things that make me more comfortable.

My stuffed toy. I like to carry it around.
Being fed.
Going outside when it is quiet. I was tracking a mouse about 2 weeks ago.
Knowing my new house is close by in case I get scared.

Soaking up the Rays

Laying in the front window and soaking up the rays. Vitamin D is good.
Getting a skritch when I want one.
Sleeping
Hanging out with Janet and trying to guess where we are going next.

I am now in North Carolina. For the past 4 nights I have been staying in a house. Janet’s friend Zoe offered us her house. I really like it. There is a giant screened in front porch and I can go out there and look around. No collar, no leash, just me. Sweet!!! I get to watch birds and try to stalk them. Darn that screen for being in the way. I am suspicious though that this is not going to last. I saw Janet spending time cleaning her RV yesterday. She doesn’t know I was peeking through the blinds.

I have become quite the traveling kitty. I am not fearless yet, but I am working on it.

“Squirrel”

Hanging out in the National Forest Campground.

Being Uncomfortable

Posted on June 6, 2015 by JanetA

Have you ever found yourself in uncomfortable situations, only to discover that the reason you are uncomfortable is because of yourself? Well if you have and I bet there are many of you out there, join the crowd. I have been pondering this for the last few days.

Believe it or not, I am not always comfortable in large group situations. I tend to get quiet and withdraw and try to find a comfort zone. I know many of my friends and acquaintances may be surprised to hear this. Jim often said that one of the things he admired about me was how easy it was for me to meet people. He would tell me that I could know a whole room full of people in 10 minutes. I know I can be a very social person. I love going to gatherings. I enjoy meeting new people. When I meet new people I learn new things and I enjoy learning and growing.

Since Jim’s death I have found that I prefer small groups of people or just one person meetings. It has been hard to be among the masses. On Saturday night, at the Hells A’Roaring Ranch there was a large group of people. Many of the locals and near by locals came for an evening of eating, dancing and social interaction. Now I love to dance and I know if I had gone up to any of those wranglers I would have had a dance partner. Instead I tucked myself off on the side lines and got quiet. Now I know there is nothing wrong with this, however, I didn’t like being there. My question is, What is the solution? I am not sure.

It may not be helping that I am still trying to figure out this solo act business. I don’t feel married. I don’t feel single. I dislike the word widow (it makes me think of black and spiders.) I just feel like myself and sometimes I am not sure who that is.

MARRIED? SINGLE?

WIDOWED?

Uncomfortable

Happy

Content Awkward

JUST JANET

It feels somewhat sad and awkward to be in my 60’s and trying to figure this out. I may just say the same thing in my 80’s. Life is growth and at least I am growing.

There are some things that do help me adjust to large groups of people. Here are some of my successful techniques.

I try to find others with common interests. Mark was that person at the “ranch”. I met him and his wife and he chose to come and talk to me a few times. It was very helpful.
Ask questions. This helps to draw others out and maybe I will be able to find that common ground.
Take a little time and figure out who appears most approachable.
Remind myself that it is OK to take a break. Go for a walk. Go outside and look at the stars. Then come back in again.
Remember that it is OK to want to be quiet but a smile never hurts and will often make me feel better and more secure.
Sometimes I just give myself a lecture (kind of like buck up, go have fun) and dive back in. Occasionally this works and other times it does not.
It is important to acknowledge when I am just not having a good time and choose to leave. If it is the wrong situation or the wrong time then it is OK to leave.

Interacting with others, I believe, is the hardest thing that humans do on this earth. Everyone is trying to read everyone else and interpretations may go awry. Sometimes there are questions with no pat answer. This conversation may be one of them. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts on this I would be very interested in your response.

Still Growing.

Being Thankful

Posted on May 29, 2015 by JanetA

I have not once forgotten the theme of this blog. Every day I am grateful and thankful for at least one thing or person. I believe that I will remember to do this for the rest of my life. Without all of the people who have entered my life be it for a moment or for a long time I would certainly be alone. I value everyone in my life and am thankful.

Two days ago I, physically thought I was doing well. After breaking up camp I started to get in the drivers seat and something went kablooie in my lower back. OUCH!!!!!! All of a sudden I could not stand up straight and I could not sit down comfortably. After taking a motrin, I got on-the-road.

I was about two hours out of Spearfish, SD. I remembered this chiropractor I had seen two years ago when I came through this area. He has moved on but Kari has moved in. I made an appointment to see her later that day. I limped into her office and she began to work with me. After several adjustments I walked out standing straight and remained sore.

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She sent me out with an ice pack and I decided to spend the night so I could see her the next morning. I did not see much of Spearfish. I did see a lot of the KOA where I stayed. Every hour, on went the ice pack. After 20 minutes I took it off and walked the park. I did this until it got dark and I went to bed.

The next morning I was feeling a bit better. Back I went for one more adjustment and sports tape to my back. As I drove into Nebraska yesterday, I was on the same routine, ice pack to my back, while I was driving and then stopping and take a walk. This morning I am better, not great but better.

Dr Kari Bennett

I am so thankful for Dr Kari. She was kind and very professional. Because of her I am still on-the-road. The second day I saw her she usually doesn’t see patients in the morning, but she put me in at 8 a.m. so that I could get on my way. Now that is nice. Would I return to her when I am in the area again? In a minute. Today I am thankful for all the chiropractors that have ever treated me. Because of them I am able to go out and stretch my limits.

Now I am in Bassette, NE. I spent the night last night in the Rock County Fair Grounds. I was tired and sore and there was a camping sign but I couldn’t quite figure it out. I saw another RV and the man told me that it is open for camping when not in use. What a great place to stay. I had an electric hook-up and a great view. Elsie loved it because it was quiet and she felt safe to explore.

If you have never been to northern NE, and I bet many of my friends have not, it should go on your list. What pretty country. There are rolling hills and wide open prairies and plenty of water. They have been getting a lot of rain here. I even got to see a bald eagle at one of the small lakes. I felt blessed.

I am ready to roll soon. I am taking my time. Well right now I am laying on an ice pack. Oh Lord!!!! This morning I am standing straight, though. That is an improvement.

Thank you chiropractors everywhere. Today I am grateful.

I think you all probably already know but just in case, if you click on the pictures they will enlarge.

Journeys of Thankfulness

Embracing Life, Traveling in my RV, Feeling Grateful

Category Archives: Uncategorized

Forgiveness

Friends

A Celebration

Summer on the Lake

Elsie, A Second Blog Post

Where Have I Been?

Moving On With Elsie and the Roadtrek

Elsie’s Blog Post

Being Uncomfortable

Being Thankful

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