The past has floated away like fluff on a dandelion as the prairie winds blow across the old abandoned yard. The young girl’s grandmother has long since passed away, but the old house from her childhood still stands as if to be a testament to her very existence.
The skeleton of a house is what remains, but in the mind are memories… laughter, tears, struggle and joy are carried by the wind as it flows through the empty windows. Heat radiating from the wood burning stove, smells of fresh baked bread permeating the air, the cluck of chickens in the coop to the sound of chicken sizzling as it fries in the old cast iron skillet…
Escape…
In the deepest, darkest days of Minnesota winter, I feel the need to escape. It is often not practical to escape in the physical sense, but an escape inside the mind is possible anytime.
When you think about it, the sky is the limit whether reading a compelling novel, historical account of days gone by or fulfilling love of travel with reading and exploring travel blogs. Mix it together and winter isn’t so bad.
Does yoga sound appealing? Try Yoga For Beginners at DoYogaWith Me.com
Netflix has some interesting documentaries involving cultures around the world, thought-provoking topics and history. I especially enjoyed Living On One Dollar a Day, an inspiring film of life in Guatemala.
Cuba has been in the news lately with a lifting of travel restrictions and Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, also on Netflix, shows us life inside of Cuba, as well as delicious food choices.
Combine an interesting program with the treadmill or exercise bike and you have a double delightful day.
Yes… the sky is the limit. Now, excuse me while I dream of faraway lands and exotic places.
Shout out to the wonderful custom artistry of Leon Kaiser of Kaiser Kreations hidden away near the historic Gateway to the West – Gary, South Dakota. Thank you, Kaiser Kreations! You are a gifted artist and we appreciate your talents.
This piece of metal art is 12″ X 12″ of 1/8 inch metal and will hang on our wall along with our enlarged photos from this adventure.The lines make up the scallop shell which is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago, a backpacking pilgrimage across northern Spain dating back to the Middle Ages. I asked Leon to also include three crosses to symbolize our Christian faith. The words at the bottom are the common greeting among hikers along the Camino de Santiago and means good path or good journey.
This 500 mile walking pilgrimage allows for unique life experiences while exploring history and culture and has become a personal favorite experience for us.
Take a peek at their designs atKaiser Kreations on Facebook. (Click on link)
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. ~ I Peter 4:10
Regardless of political leanings to the left, right, or anywhere in between, we expect American citizens to show respect to those in uniform. This has not always been the case.
Flashback to the Vietnam War era.
The G.I.’s returning home from the unpopular Vietnam Conflict, during the 1960’s and early 1970’s, were protested and threatened when wearing uniforms in public. It was even necessary to hide their tell-tale haircuts when in civilian attire. Most were barely out of high school when they were drafted and quietly arrived home, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
This is a personal issue in my household. My husband enlisted into the military at age 17 during the era of draft numbers and Vietnam. He was on military flights that had to be gated off from the public, upon landing, due to anti-war protests. In the United States, they tried to hide their military identity when engaged in activities off base for their own safety. During military leaves and upon returning home to the Midwest, he remembers going to area dances only to have individuals against the Vietnam war wanting to inflict physical harm because of his service. Not much of a welcome home.
Now military service is acknowledged with send-off ceremonies and welcome home celebrations while families at home have access to a network of support groups. Challenges still exist as war is never pretty, popular or pleasant, but at least we are not adding to the stress. Vietnam veterans can’t help but think, where was all this when I returned?
Regardless of political leanings to the left, right, or anywhere in between, we expect American citizens to show respect to those in uniform. This has not always been the case.
Flashback to the Vietnam War era.
The G.I.’s returning home from the unpopular Vietnam Conflict, during the 1960’s and early 1970’s, were protested and threatened when wearing uniforms in public. It was even necessary to hide their tell-tale haircuts when in civilian attire. Most were barely out of high school when they were drafted and quietly arrived home, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
This is a personal issue in my household. My husband enlisted into the military at age 17 during the era of draft numbers and Vietnam. He was on military flights that had to be gated off from the public, upon landing, due to anti-war protests. In the United States, they tried to hide their military identity when engaged in activities off base for their own safety. During military leaves and upon returning home to the Midwest, he remembers going to area dances only to have individuals against the Vietnam war wanting to inflict physical harm because of his service. Not much of a welcome home.
Now military service is acknowledged with send-off ceremonies and welcome home celebrations while families at home have access to a network of support groups. Challenges still exist as war is never pretty, popular or pleasant, but at least we are not adding to the stress. Vietnam veterans can’t help but think, where was all this when I returned?
RJMeyerArts 