A Climb

Monday, January 06, 2025

Almost every day, I think about planning for that day and estimating my needs for the week ahead. I designed a form to facilitate planning and printed copies of it to make planning easy. But I have the continuous problem of my head having a stubborn side that resists (or refuses) to create and follow a plan.

I insist on working in my head and keeping time and action needs there, but that’s sloppy. Sometimes, forgetting when and where I’m supposed to be forces me to show up on the edge or late.

Why, oh why!

I did some research. It taught me that some people have a high need for closure. They prefer certainty and predictability; they are more likely to engage in planning. They gain comfort from having a clear sense of direction and control. (Note: I’ve always assumed myself as such an individual.)

My explorations teach that others may be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty and are less inclined to make detailed plans. These folks seem more adaptable to change and may enjoy the element of surprise. (Note: I’d rather not admit that I might be one of these people.)

I have always disliked ambiguity, uncertainty, and similar conditions. I’ve also always been confident about knowing myself–and well. Reflecting on my resistance to making plans and armed with new insights, I wonder if I’ve known and understood myself well enough.

Pros and cons: Planning reduces stress, increases efficiency, and improves goal attainment. Spontaneity promotes present-moment awareness, enhances creativity, and increases flexibility. An ideal situation would be having the skills to activate both sides of the coin.

Ultimately, an individual’s best way to find comfort is by understanding and embracing one’s personality and cognitive style. A way to resolve planning and spontaneity issues is to find a suitable balance between them.

That points me toward working more to learn about and embrace my unique aspects. That would help me adapt more willingly to the typically daunting challenges of planning and achieving.

Dear Friends: Gaining more insight guides us into fewer tripping-ups. Diana

Yes!

Sunday, January 05, 2025

Today’s header image–“a find” in my Facebook feed–perfectly speaks for itself. A snapshot of joy and beauty that reminds me of many fun outings, most specifically, “chasing rising full moons” with my friend Susie. This image “says it all” without needing a caption.

The Calvin and Hobbes strips brilliantly point to adult sophistication using the antics of a six-year-old hyperactive boy and his “toy” stuffed tiger. I enjoy these strips that reconnect me to my early learning and to “my now.”

Last night, in a phone conversation with my longest-time friend, Linda, we reflected on the passage of time and on the evolution of human awareness. We discussed some complexities of living and marveled over the gradual unfolding of awareness between youth and maturity. Our periodic catches-up on each other’s lives helps us measure how much we’ve learned and continue to grow over the years.

We mutually recognize that a life journey involves self-discovery and expanding perspectives. Last night’s conversation, like most of ours, deepened our connection.

Later, I continued pondering the intricate tapestry of human experience and am still reflecting on it this morning. I selected today’s header image because it reflects many of the positive human attributes Linda and I were discussing.

Dear Friends: The “human experience” is rich with laughter, love, loss, and growth. Diana

Winter’s Puzzle

Saturday, January 04, 2025

Yesterday was the first anniversary of a major ice storm here in Central Oregon. That storm kicked off months of freezing weather. I remember cold, cold, continuously, until almost the Summer Solstice.

It’s hard to believe this area can skip spring, but it does, and often enough that old timers have jokes (e.g., “Central Oregon has two seasons, Winter and the Fourth of July.”).

This winter’s Central Oregon weather seems almost like last year’s. Our weather remained relatively mild through the fall and winter’s dark months. Since I remember last year’s surprising freeze vividly, I worry about that in this early January.

Every morning, I anticipate being greeted by a hammering freeze, with that kind of weather continuing nearly unendingly. Today, the sun has begun rising beautifully in the east, and I’m reassured, at least somewhat, of relatively mild weather today.

I’ve lived in Central Oregon for twenty years and cared for horses. I’ve had real-time wintery experiences outside that are memorable–and proof of the old-timers’ observations being right-on.

Winter and the Fourth of July. So far this season, not enough winter. The coin has another equally worrisome side. Not enough winter means insufficient snow and inadequate water in the spring. Central Oregon needs big winters, especially now, with a growing population and increasing amenities.

Dear Friends: We need snow and ice and thus willingly cope through deep winters. Diana

Hello, New Year

Friday, January 03, 2025

It’s not easy writing “2025” after long months of 2024. Soon, we’ll all adjust.

This year is the first I’ve not made resolutions because they usually drift to meaninglessness. Instead, I’m permitting myself to enjoy feeling optimistic and not trying to put my fingers squarely on “what about” and why. I am happy to have good friends and neighbors, appreciate my part-time department store job, and enjoy my critters, inside and outside.

All those are evolving toward a new and acceptable resolution to continue doing what’s already happening. I will also actively work to improve “sticky situations” when possible.

My perspective embraces the efforts a neighbor and I are making to patch long-standing differences. Years ago, we bumped heads over something unimportant and quit interacting with or speaking to each other.

What’s different are fallouts from life’s realities. We are single women with independent households, and we are aging. Simply put, our needs are different than in the past. We have recognized that collaborating would benefit us mutually. We have agreed to keep closer, more helpful eyes on one another. We will have the keys to one another’s homes and be more active socially.

We’ve always had much in common–our politics and love for animals–but unfortunately, our personalities didn’t mesh effectively. Ahead will be different because we’ve talked, want to, and are willing to collaborate.

I blocked my neighbor from my mind successfully and for a long time. Suddenly, in the early days of this new year, I find myself equally astonished and comforted by a strong sense of relief in knowing my neighbor and I can be friends.

Dear Friends: This “heavy world” makes feeling optimistic even greater. Diana

NY’s 2nd Day

Thursday, January 02, 2024

Yesterday, January 01, was New Year’s Day. That means today is the pluperfect NYD. This works for me because I went to work yesterday. Today, I’m free and can make this my New Year’s Day, proving that “Second can be lovely.”

I have four items on my NYD’s agenda: care for animals, go to the gym, visit my neighbor, and read more of Richard Dawkins’ The Blind Watchmaker {1986)–his geneticist perspective on “being human” blows me away. I’m rethinking, reconsidering, and reevaluating much I’ve always taken for granted.

I’m deeply in the learning and processing stages. I can’t yet step back enough to summarize coherently and intelligently here. I will, though, given time.

Experience teaches that I cannot “push the gym” experiences. Trying to do too much too soon (or all at once) ends my willingness and efforts. This year, I will go to exercise on my days off–hopefully, 3X weekly.

My neighbor has just returned from an emotional visit to her sister, whom I know and care about, and who’s dealing with the onset of dementia. My visit will have us catching up and planning for the year ahead.

Dear Friends: No resolutions yet, but I’m keeping an open mind. Diana

Greeting’s In 2025

Wednesday, January 01, 2025

Today starts another brand new year.

This is a time of renewal in a world facing many significant challenges! America soon will become Republican-led; Israeli forces continue letting loose on Palestine and thereabouts; Russia and N. Korea are unleashing unstoppable havoc on Ukraine.

Problems involving Israel and Ukraine aren’t the only or most worrisome situations. Much press attention makes these conflicts highly visible and people very aware of them. Throughout the world, many more active conflicts are occurring. Those that receive less press attention gain less public attention; however, all are bullying, starving, and destructive events.

I am proud of having done my part. I stayed aware and thoughtful, evaluated the options, and finally voted. Like everybody else, I must wait, hopefully, for satisfying resolutions to big problems.

Here in Central Oregon, the department store where I work part-time will be open today; I am being asked to go in and sell jewelry. Bummaroo, baby! I wish for more pleasurable activities, but like a good soldier, I will sell jewelry.

Dear Friends: Confusing times are making us yearn for clarity and order. Diana

Happy 2025

FB Post by Olga Kolykholova

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Here’s a toast to the New Year: May it become all we want to hope for!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, another early morning calls out, “Chores ahead!”

I am watching steam rising above the cup before me and am planning for this evening. I’m considering ways of approaching midnight with my crew and our activities.

I will be in a thoughtful mood this evening. That will have me reflecting on the past year and deciding what to celebrate or leave behind. I will raise a glass to the energy sources that are taking me into the new year.

My dogs will hear this late evening’s loud noises and will be on edge–their toenails unceasingly click-clacking against the laminated flooring. Ordinarily, such signals of their discomfort cause me discomfort more than tonight’s will because I understand and can let things be.

I imagine my outside animals will react to Midnight’s noises, too, especially the equines. Our years of living here decently assure me of their taking another New Year’s in stride.

I will cozy up at home tonight for a quiet evening. I will reflect, embrace solitude with animals, and enjoy some quality “me time.”

Oh yeah, there’s Peaches! He’ll be a screaming accompaniment to midnight’s fireworks.

Dear Friends: May your New Year’s Eve be lighthearted–your expectations joyful! Diana

A Nice Man

Monday, December 30, 2024

Today, I am thinking about Jimmy Carter, who became an American President out of the blue. He died yesterday at 100, less than a year after the death of Rosalyn, his spouse, business partner, and advisor for nearly 80 years. Unlike other Presidents, Carter (and Rosalyn) remained in the headlines throughout their long ex-presidency as socially conscious humanitarians and givers to communities.

Carter was a man for all seasons, an artist who wrote books, composed poetry, and created paintings. He also could work with his hands and helped to construct homes for Habitat for Humanity. Rosalyn worked alongside him, and their partnership was trusting.

One historical incident I’d change in a heartbeat (among many others!) would have been for Carter to have full credit for freeing the Iranian hostages. Reagan’s team scooped their release unfairly, and that stained Carter’s significance in freeing the Americans.

Carter’s humanitarianism taught us how greatly and actively he believed in the value of human life. He and Rosalyn worked to emphasize improving the lives of others and reducing suffering. They were driven by their sense of compassion, morality, and the wish to promote justice and equality.  

The years following Carter’s presidency introduced significant changes to the world’s political and social institutions. Through all the changing elements, both Carters remained true to their core beliefs and traditions

Dear Friends: Another RIP to Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter. Diana

Planning A Future

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Two days and counting to this year’s ending and another’s beginning.

I am starting to wrestle with the value of New Year’s resolutions. Should I formalize my key reflections on the year ahead by committing them to paper?

I am always looking forward, casually planning, and mentally preparing for what might come next. Yet, solidifying my floating notions and aspirations into concrete, written goals feels strangely daunting.

Practical matters aren’t making me pause. Caring for my horses, Pimmy the donkey, and my dogs are clear responsibilities with measurable goals. My biggest challenges are grappling with the unknowns: the unpredictable economic landscape’s potential impact on my life, the logical best ways of pursuing my more whimsical dreams, and mostly, identifying a wise path toward the future I wish for and the steps to take.

Maybe concerns are making me pause. There’s a weight of expectations that could inhibit achieving formal resolutions. By defining goals too rigidly, their possibilities might be limited. On the other hand, I could feel wonderfully liberated by articulating my aspirations, giving them shape and form.

As this year ends, I’m struggling with the delicate balance of perceiving ways to embrace the unknown and chart a doable course toward the future.

Dear Friends: Goal setting means dancing between serendipity and intention. Diana

TeePee

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Yesterday, a day off from my part-time work became an adventure thanks to my kind and energetic friend Susie. With her impressive strength, we tackled the long-overdue task of clearing away an unappealing pile of heavy items stacked outside for too long. We loaded them into my trailer and made a satisfying trip to the dump. Thus, reclaimed order from clutter!

But our day didn’t end there. That evening, we joined her husband, Dale, to gather inside their authentic teepee. The cozy space with a blazing wood fire warmed us as rain drummed rhythmically on the canvas overhead. We feasted on delicious takeout, savored a pleasant bottle of wine, and shared stories and thoughts into the night. I’ll cherish our blend of camaraderie, warmth, and connection for a long time.

Today, I’m back at the bustling department store and in trusty running shoes for a long shift. The post-Christmas rush is in full swing. Many customers are eager to exchange gifts for different sizes or return those that missed the mark. It’ll be a whirlwind of activity, all rustling receipts and shopping bags.

There will be a day of energy and a shared sense of purpose in helping people find more closely what they need (or return what they don’t!). For all that, I am about to lace up my most comfortable shoes and dive headfirst into the fray.

Dear Friends: My coffee and bread are welcoming this #3 day of more daylight. Diana