Surprise

Friday, May 03, 2024

This is my birthday month, and typically, I ignore my birthdays. However, this year, I feel different. I want to give myself a gift—something special, like a fancy saddle, a new dress, or an Uber laptop. My changed attitude this time around surprises me, but I’m not obsessing about it; I’m simply enjoying the possible fun of self-surprising.

Planning for a self-surprise has me preparing an unexpected and exciting experience–a surprise to inject novelty and wonder into my birthday. It’s a fun way of feeling joy and breaking up routines. Besides, the process will keep me curious for weeks about what will become that special delight.

The gift could be more broad. I could arrange to take a special trip or sign up for a class or workshop to learn something new and wonderful. It could also be a scavenger hunt: I could wrap something that I want or is a special treat and hide it somewhere. I could create a series of clues leading to the hidden gift’s location, stash them, and enjoy my gift later.

In this little mini-adventure, I am blindfolded and exploring. It’s a roll of the dice and requires the element of surprise. Any outcome must be tailored to my interests and above all, very manageable.

Dear Friends: Who knows what’s coming! Diana

Flite Dreaming

Thursday, May 02, 2024

I want to take my horses out and ride them, and today could be perfect. Here in Central Oregon, the weather isn’t yet summerlike enough but it’s warmish. This morning, there’s evidence that a gentle rain fell overnight. I have today off from my part-time job, and it’ll be great for doing almost anything: riding, photography, lunching out somewhere, gardening, reading. Maybe I’ll do it all!

Today’s wetness also has me thinking about a casual plan to go fly fishing with a coworker and expert fly-fisher. My coworker practices catch-and-release and emphasizes the sport over simply catching fish for consumption. I’ve long wished to learn how to choose appropriate bait and cast lines without tangling in surrounding shrubbery.

Past fly-fishing friends have told me that the sport is great fun and that they love being near or in the water and casting out. They explain that fly fishing is a more demanding form than bait-and-tackle; it requires them to master casting techniques, understand fish behavior, and tie their own flies.

They enjoy feeling connected to nature in beautiful, remote locations, immersed in natural sights and sounds. They can unplug and relax, appreciate the outdoors, and feel the thrill of the catch. Tying flies to them is an art form calling for creativity and personalization. Above all, the repetitive casting motions and intense focusing make them meditative, promote stress relief, and give a sense of calm.

I stay hopeful for opportunities to learn from a patient coach, to improve my coordination and control with a fly rod. Regardless of whether or not I catch any fish, a wonderful win would be gaining knowledge and skills to position, toss, and land my lines more correctly on/in the water.

Soon, I might have another opportunity to try again and learn the sport.

Dear Friends: It seems that fly fishing compares favorably with horseback riding. Diana

May Daze

Wednesday, May 01, 2024

Happy May Day. This date is important to Communist countries, such as China, Vietnam, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, and the former Soviet Union countries, as a celebration of workers’ rights. My interest in this date, however, stems from some understanding of ancient history.

I learned long ago in grade school that May Day celebrations originated in Medieval Europe. In those times, people considered the First Day of May as marking Spring’s Return. They celebrated by participating in agricultural-themed rites. They gathered and exchanged wildflowers and wove garlands. They used those to decorate Maypoles and dance around them. In my imagination, all was great fun and I long have wished to go “Maypole Dancing.”

I understand that modern May Day traditions still exist in Europe and North America. They include dancing around a maypole, crowning the Queen of May, and continuing the tradition of exchanging May Day Baskets. I recall in my early school years that we kids exchanged baskets.

How to create a May Day basket? How about some popcorn, pretzels, cheese puffs, suckers, hard candy, bubble gum, licorice–snacks and treats, layered in disposable cups outfitted with a pipe cleaner handle, and maybe on the basket a few stickers or ribbons?

I particularly enjoy thinking of today as the first day of spring. Here in Central Oregon where I live, residents know not to plant anything at all before Memorial Day; that’s when our spring usually begins. Starting plants before May mostly ends with them freezing. However, with our weather patterns less predictable, our Real Spring’s “for-sure entrance” seems up for grabs.

Dear Friends: Let’s enjoy thinking about Maypoles, dancing, and pretty baskets! Diana

Stylish

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Yesterday, while at work in the department store and noticing a nearby shopper, I was struck by her obvious sense of “good style.” She wore tasteful, conservative clothing—slacks and a matching jacket—and noticeably, her slacks were breaking correctly on leather, low-heel boots.

These days, careful salutes to clothing style are rare. I see many shoppers wearing casual clothing, some even schelpping around in bedroom slippers. Watching that well-put-together woman made me think about style questions.

What is style and what makes it obvious? I wasn’t interested in runway-fashion styles but in types more like personal signatures.

A little research teaches that “style” refers to our ways of doing something and our ways of expressing ourselves. Ways of “doing something” apply to all sorts of things–from artistry skills and musical tastes to practical activities, like horseback riding (Western and English styles). Ways of expressing ourselves include many things, like how we dress (clothes style), how we speak (writing and speech patterns), and even how we choose to live (minimalist style).

Essentially, style refers to what’s unique and/or distinctive. “Style” helps us recognize others’ personalities and is also how we recognize and describe specific periods of time. Even how we exchange information has style; we may ask questions in very formal ways or instead use informal language and slang. Making a list of what comprises style would be a timeless and endless project.

Dear Friends: So, okay, “style” is applicable to everything about ourselves. Diana

Still Standing

(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Monday, April 29, 2024

Last night, I streamed the 2024 George and Ira Gershwin Awards Show from the Library of Congress, honoring the musicianship of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. That was unusual for me, as recently I’d watched the televised version. That excellent production featured great artists performing key numbers from the duo’s catalog.

What made me want to stream was a clip from the show which turned up on Facebook, featuring Joni Mitchell singing “I’m Still Standing,” Accompanying her, Annie Lennox, Brandi Carlile, and the Sista Strings. As a standalone, the number struck me more deeply than back when it seemed one among many satisfactory performances. That superb performance clip encouraged me to see the whole show again.

Again, this time, I found the event excellent. Many elements of John’s and Taupin’s music make it lasting. The Awards Show highlighted some of their best, with world-class musicians performing. I’m not much of a modern music fan, but their music has slowed me down, and I’m thinking more deeply about their collaboration.

John’s catchy melodies reflect excellent musicianship; his memorable melodies stay with listeners. Taupin’s lyrics have depth and storytelling; his themes are poetic and insightful: about love, loss, hope, and self-discovery. Everything’s personal and relatable.

John’s musical style is genre-bending. He’s an artist at blending pop, rock, and gospel, key sounds that appeal to wide audiences. His musicianship connects deeply by evoking a wide range of emotions. Essentially, John’s and Taupin’s key themes are timeless and enduring.

Their music resonates with all ages because listeners connect to it on personal levels. That all landed home to me while I was re-seeing and re-hearing Joni and her collaborators, “…Still Standing.”

Dear Friends: The super-to-watch, streaming awards show is available on PBS. Diana

Mind Journey

Sunday, April 28, 2024

I wonder if others like me periodically discover themselves feeling an occasional sudden restlessness. The best I can explain is that when that occurs, it confuses my feelings, causing confusion and discomfort with daily routines, forcing thoughts about my short-term (and by association, long-term) goals. Suddenly, I want to start changing things, but I feel like a fish fighting in choppy waters without a defined direction.

I’m in a mode of “needing to change things,” but now I am pausing and wondering how to quell those feelings without my usual response of changing routines. Changes do distract my brain by making it process lots of new information. However, I hope to refocus this time and comfortably maintain the status quo.

Mindfulness skills make sense; they’re a way of paying attention to the present moment without making judgments. It’s brain training to heighten awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Careful mindfulness, or pausing and thoughtfully evaluating the present, may calm and reduce misunderstandings that might feel overwhelming.

Focusing on what’s happening now without worrying about the past or future should avoid feeling judgmental. Instead of labeling thoughts and feelings as good or bad, it’s best to observe them simply, with curiosity and acceptance. Comprehending my inner experience might heighten my self-understanding and guide me to more logical responses during stressful moments.

Dear Friends: I can get started online with guided meditations and exercises. Diana

Egg-zactly

Saturday, April 27, 2024

I love 30- to 60-second microwave meals made from scratch. This morning, a low-carb tortilla sprinkled with cheese turned into a cheesy melt breakfast delight in merely 30 seconds. Peaches, my Cockatoo, enjoyed a slice, too; he “hearts” anything with cheese.

My love affair with quick cooking started on a morning long ago. I was in a hurry and experimenting, so I microwaved a stirred egg for 45 seconds. To my surprise, it created a lovely little soufflé. After getting good at producing the basic cooked product, I played around by stirring simple ingredients into a raw egg, like bacon bits and a drop or two of cream. Those made my microwaved soufflés really pop.

All that happened because of my chickens. They lay bunches of beautiful eggs. After teaching myself to cook quickly, I began carrying a raw egg and a little cup to work and microwaved 45-second lunches. Coworkers became interested and learned the cooking process.

These days, after washing fresh eggs and setting them into one-dozen-size cartons, I refrigerate them. Periodically, I take eggs to work for coworkers. They contribute $2/dozen, which helps defray costs for bags of chicken feed. Happily for all, a fresh egg easily becomes a hot lunch.

Here are more quick microwaved-egg meals for protein-packed breakfasts or light lunches:

Mug Scramble: Whisk an egg in a mug with a splash of milk, chopped veggies (spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes), and a sprinkle of cheese. Microwave for 45-60 seconds, stirring halfway.

Spicy Edamame: Toss frozen edamame into a microwave-safe bowl with a stirred egg, drizzle of olive oil, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. For a hot and spicy snack, microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring occasionally.

Mini Quiche: Prepare a small portion of pre-made pie crust dough and press it into a microwave-safe mug or ramekin. Fill with a beaten egg, shredded cheese, and chopped ham or bacon. Microwave for 45-60 seconds or until the egg is set.

Dear Friends: I am transformed into an egg guru, to my great surprise. Diana

Learning Is…

Friday, April 26, 2024

Writers have subjects they’re passionate about. A high interest fuels creativity and makes writing processes more engaging. A favorite topic may recur frequently. Over time, I’ve blogged mostly about adult learning. Apparently, it’s my favorite topic, a springboard for exploration. The learning theme lets me delve into complex ideas, ask big questions, and share my perspective.

We are lifelong learners. Our constant learning usually isn’t from single incidents but it’s cumulative. Our challenge is to face our unique behaviors and speaking patterns and be self-aware enough to see learning opportunities. We must be able to rearrange some attitudes.

It’s all very tricky because new learning may manifest as anger or frustration about something carefully planned that went wrong. If we become obsessive about what went wrong, we might remain in a cloudy mode of, “Why instead, didn’t I?” We must refocus, reevaluate, face, and discover what might have created a better outcome.

That’s an adult learning experience.

Spotting errors lets us see things we previously overlooked or did incorrectly. However, new information may challenge our existing beliefs. That requires the strength to face shortcomings and to plan differently ahead. Misplanning brings new insights, new knowledge, and a huge challenge to evaluate new ways of handling what might have contributed to a current discomfort.

New learning illuminates something we thought we understood and creates a fresh perspective. It encourages us to change our behaviors to achieve more favorable outcomes. Essentially, grasping a new concept offers satisfaction and accomplishment.

My point is that learning is a continuous process, but it doesn’t always occur clearly. Only by slowing and being thoughtful may we start seeing its signs. Learning is amazing because something new can spark our curiosity and encourage us to delve deeply into a subject.

Dear Friends: Patience with ourselves is how new information may sink in. Diana

Magical Gifting

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Working in retail teaches that charge accounts are a key way the retail industry makes money. Retailers that issue their own cards establish a special relationship with cardholders. A store’s unique card increases sales, ensures customer loyalty and repeat business, earns interest income, and provides data and customer insights. Stores also may partner with banks to provide credit card services and share monetary rewards.

For customers, it’s convenience. Almost magically, they shop without needing cash or a debit card. Many stores also offer rewards programs tied to their charge cards. Customers receive points or cash back for purchases. Incentivizing customers to return and use a store’s card ensures repeat business.

Charge accounts also provide a retailer with valuable data on customers’ spending habits and preferences. This helps the store create targeted marketing campaigns and personalized promotions and develop new products better suited to its customer base.

My part-time job in retail has made me a witness to all those elements. I’m impressed by how efficiently the retailer I work for captures everything associated to its credit business. My job also makes me aware of a very negative side to the business of easy credit and rewards for customers with charge accounts.

Customers with credit cards often say they purchase too much. Many such shoppers soon learn that store cards’ interest rates are high and that late fees accumulate quickly. These days, shoppers often explain that they have opened credit cards previously and ultimately found they couldn’t pay off monthly card balances. After accumulating great debt by using a card and finally managing to struggle from under the burden, these shoppers are adamantly opposed to opening another charge card.

Dear Friends: All this argues for a greater focus on managing our assets skillfully. Diana

Retail Rant

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

I was called to work on my day off yesterday, which was no surprise. The department store is shorthanded in workers and asks all its regulars to help above and beyond.

These days, the retail industry is in crisis. There are many confusing price cuts, much pushing for credit applications, incredibly complicated online competitions, and growing numbers of empty brick-and-mortar stores.

While I am working in the department store, its customers keep me aware of the confusion in navigating current retail processes. For example, they have learned to compare online and in-store prices and may enter an actual store to negotiate for the best price. Upon finding an item online that they want but that a physical store doesn’t stock, disappointed customers are essentially forced to shop online.

Price cutting is rampant, and nobody knows where that might go. Retailers must make profits, so price-cutting is an art; sale pricing is a game–a tease designed to draw would-be customers. All retailers are doing whatever’s needed to make buying quicker and easier, to attract customers.

Customers know all this, are highly aware and still purchasing like crazy. Retailers keep pushing sales and offering rewards as incentives. Meanwhile, buyers are struggling with debt from easy buying.

You get it because most of us overbuy readily available products. Nonetheless, retail must keep changing and solve the current burdens of disappearing storefronts, its hugest retailers competing mightily to keep and gain customers, and a central issue of pricing dancing with the unrest of inflation and interest rates.

Dear Friends: This commercial climate stresses a hard lesson of restraint. Diana