Living in the Wild Wild West

A couple of weeks ago, we headed up toward the Flat Top Mountains (up Rio Blanco County Road 8 - a Colorado scenic byway) just north of our town.

With our Polaris Ranger and ice chest

in tow, we stopped near Meadow Lake--off a mountain road between Buford and New Castle-- to off-load the Ranger and then went up to the top.

Here we stopped to have lunch next to a small mountain lake. All the snow last winter and the rain this spring has made for the most amazing scenery in the mountains this summer. The wildflowers are gorgeous and all the small lakes are full. It's been a real treat.

Here are some pictures we took along our day trip. Hope you enjoy them!

Scott standing on the edge--Yes, he makes me nervous.

An icy ledge facing north. Still fairly thick.

I've dubbed this hill "Mardi Gras Hill" the purple and yellow flowers against the dark green grass were an awesome site!

At the Summit!

Colorado's State Flower - The Columbine. Several patches out this year. Thanks to the rain and snow!

Death By Wasabi

This is a short (true) story I wrote a few years ago after my first encounter with sushi. I continue to enjoy sushi, but am a little more conservative with the wasabi!

Hope you enjoy the story!

Death By Wasabi

Marian Merritt

Deciding my palate needed stimulation, I ventured to the sushi counter at the local grocery store.

Not only would this be fresh and exciting, but something I could say with a measure of class. “Why yes, I love sushi.”

Anxious to join the ranks of the other sophisticates, I eagerly opened the package and examined the California rolls. The small tray held six of the delicately wrapped goodies along with a package of soy sauce, a small bundle of translucent flesh-colored slices, and a marble-sized piece of avocado. Why would this avocado be rolled into a ball?

I popped the “avocado ball” into my mouth fully expecting the smooth taste and texture.

Instead, a pasty glob assaulted my tongue.

But then—OH MY!

An inferno unleashed into my head. The burning spread like a brush fire through a dry wheat field.

The intense flames traveled unmercifully through my sinus cavity leaving a blazing trail of torture. I grabbed my head and hopped about the kitchen as though performing a ritualistic pain dance.

Tears distorted my vision. Through the blur, I read the ingredients. Aha, the weapon of wrath—wasabi.

My heart raced. Odds were not in my favor for surviving this wasabian adventure.

“I’m going to die!” I bellowed to the empty kitchen and the midday newscaster.

Would the anchor on tomorrow’s midday news be broadcasting my demise? I imagined tomorrow’s headline. “Woman dies of Wasabi overdose.” Not the epitaph I’d hoped for.

Pain seared through my head and set each cranial nerve ablaze.

Natural childbirth—a walk in the park compared to the torrents of torment I’d fallen captive to.

My sinuses—a runaway faucet. As a river of fluids gushed from my face, I prepared for imminent death. Please Lord, don’t let me die like this. Not—death by Wasabi.

I envisioned a gloved CSI team examining my kitchen, the scene of this gruesome crime.

What if forensics can’t trace Wasabi? My death would be a mystery. The only evidence—a tray of uneaten sushi. Would anyone notice the missing Wasabi ball?

As I rolled my head on the cool counter in an effort to ease the pain, my physiological need for oxygen prevailed. I braved a deep breath.

I now knew what inhaling broken bits of glass felt like. Please, instead, give me a root canal without anesthesia, a red-hot poker in my eye, bamboo shoots under my fingernails, or perhaps, a guillotine.

The pain continued its search and destroy mission. Survival consisted of short shallow breaths and hopping around the kitchen like a bare-footed kid walking on oyster shells.

Dare I try another breath? Not a walk through a spring meadow, but at least it didn’t feel like I’d snorted gasoline.

A flicker of hope ignited. The pain recoiled. Its mission accomplished.

The sardonic circles of calamity sat there so innocent looking.

Mocking.

Approaching the rolls like a lioness stalking her prey, I sneered at the tray. Were there more of the little green marbles of malice?

Both my appetite and confidence withered. Hours later when hunger returned, my ego-bruised palate dined on a simple PBJ sandwich with extra grape jelly.

The rolls? 

Gone.

Are Minor Leaks Part of Your Day?

Do you know where all the clean bathrooms are in the areas you frequent? Do you use them "just in case" when you walk by? Have you ever practically dropped your bags beside the door when you return home so you can make it to the bathroom in time? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you may suffer from urinary incontinence.

Whenever we think of this condition, it's in the context of wearing diapers and total loss of control. Most people believe leaking urine is a normal part of aging or the normal consequence of childbirth. It is NOT. The truth is the small leaks during coughing, laughing, sneezing or any physical activity are considered incontinence. Many women don't seek help in this area because they feel embarrassed or think this is normal. Only when the symptoms become out of control do they seek help. With the recent bombardment of commercials advertising drugs or panty liners, many women think these are their only options. There is another option--physical therapy.

Types of Incontinence

• Urge incontinence is the most common type of incontinence. This is also known as an “overactive bladder.” This occurs as a sudden need to urinate and you feel as though you cannot reach the bathroom in time.
• Stress incontinence happens when there is a sudden increase in pressure (stress) in the intra-abdominal area that results in increased pressure on the bladder. This can be caused by laughing, coughing, sneezing, exercising, or heavy lifting. It is essentially a weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. This is the most common type in women age 30 to 50 and can be caused by:

o Pregnancy and Childbirth

o Episiotomy (during childbirth)

o Injury or trauma

o Vaginal or Rectal Surgery

o Lack of exercise and lack of use

o Weight gain

Mixed incontinence is a combination of stress and urge incontinence

• Functional incontinence occurs when a person cannot physically get to the bathroom in time. This type of incontinence is uncommon and can only be established as a cause after other possibilities have been ruled out by a physician. Possible causes:

o Environmental (Too far to bathroom, slow ambulating because of walker or cane use, too many obstacles to navigate around)

o Joint pain or muscle weakness

o Decreased functional mobility

o Confusion or dementia

o Psychological problems such as depression or anger

• Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder cannot empty properly. Because the bladder never empties completely, it may feel full again very quickly. Tests can be performed to determine if you have this type of incontinence.

Urinary incontinence can be the result of weakened pelvic floor muscles. These muscles attach from the pelvic bones and run from front to back to form a sling-like structure that supports the internal organs and controls the sphincter muscles. They aid in strengthening the low back, stabilizing the pelvic girdle, and help with sexual function. When these muscles become weakened they no longer perform as well. Physical therapy can help strengthen these muscles.

Physical therapy intervention can include:

Behavioral modification - Education on avoiding foods or drinks that may irritate your bladder and/or change behaviors that may be contributing to your incontinence.

Bladder retraining - Education on techniques to increase time between voiding.

Biofeedback - Visual feedback that shows you how your muscles are working.

Electrical stimulation - Used to strengthen or relax muscles.

Physiological quieting - Guided imagery for relaxation.

Personalized exercise program - Techniques to increase awareness and initiation of the correct pelvic floor muscles.

With physical therapy you can regain control over you bladder and your life. Save money by eliminating or reducing the need for costly incontinent medications and supplies. Surgery can possibly be prevented. But the biggest benefit can be a return to an active healthy lifestyle.

If you suffer from incontinence, please discuss this with your doctor and see if a physical therapy referral is right for you.

The following link offers help with discussing your problems with your doctor.

https://www.mypelvichealth.org/ToolsforPatients/TalkingwithYourDoctor/tabid/78/Default.aspx

Kegel Exercises are the most well known exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. How do you know if you're actually tightening the pelvic floor muscles? Physical therapists trained in Women's Health can help ensure you are activating the correct muscles. The following document from the Women's Health section of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) can provide more information.

http://www.womenshealthapta.org/pdfs/What is a Kegel.pdf

For more information, visit the following sites:

Women's Health Section of the APTA

Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute - Resourses

To find a physical therapist trained in Women's Health in your area, click on the following links:

Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute - Practitioner's Directory

APTA - Women's Health Section - PT Directory

Wild Horses couldn't drag me away...

Yes, the title of this blog was taken from a song titled "Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones from their 1971 album Sticky Fingers. It is said that the song originated as a song for Keith Richard's newborn son Marlon. It was 1969 and Keith regretted that he had to leave his son to go on tour. The song has recently re-emerged to entertain a new generation by Susan Boyle of Britain’s Got Talent fame.

But do we really know the power and strength of Wild Horses?
Are they still around?
I always think of this song when I see these awesome creatures.

A few days ago while doing Stormwater Inspections at Oil & Gas facilities, I was fortunate to see several wild horses out in the Piceance Basin of Western Colorado.

Amazing animals! Interesting how they continue to thrive amidst the heavy oil & gas exploration and producing activities in the area.

On one lucky day I got to see this little fella/gal (not sure which) "Horse puppy" cross the road to follow the rest of the herd. He/she stopped in front my vehicle and stared for a second before trotting off to catch up with mama. What a blessing!

The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) conducts an annual horse round-up to manage the land and the herds.

Interested in adopting one of the wild horses?

Check out the BLM website for full details:
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro.html

Nice to know they still exist and are doing well. According to BLM statistics the herds can double every four years. So each year they are rounded-up and evaluated. While Colorado doesn't boast the largest number of these wild animals, Arizona and California do, there are approx. 700-800 in basins throughout the state. I must say, it's always a treat to see them galloping through the sage brush.

Life Goes On...

Indeed it does, regardless of what we do, think, or feel. Life continues on. All we can hope for is that we’ve made some type of positive impact in the lives we’ve encountered along the way. An impact of good, not harm. And left a lingering note that God loves ALL his children and wants them back. I hope those who are lost will find their way back into the arms of a loving God who can forgive the most grievous of sins in a repentant heart. I pray this with a driving passion that overwhelms.

This Easter time, reflect on the sacrifice that was made for each of us and make a vow to pray ceaselessly for those who are lost. Those who struggle to find purpose in a world that has no purpose.

This prayer of St. Francis has usually hung at my work place or in my Bible. It’s such a powerful way to ask God to use each of us. But most importantly, when we pray this prayer we’re asking God to make us like Jesus.



Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon:
where there is doubt, faith ;
where there is despair, hope
where there is darkness, light
where there is sadness, joy
O divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.


He is Risen, Indeed….

He Knows...

I love how the Lord gives us what we need, when we need it.
With starting a new full-time job, my time and enthusiasm for writing had waned. Finding the energy and the time to write seemed a daunting task. My church and friends were praying for me and I asked God to remove all desire and let me feel okay about NOT WANTING to write. Well that didn't happen and an awesome thing did. I met another ACFW member in my small town of 2500 people. A women who is enthusiastic and so eager to learn. Her enthusiasm has rubbed off on me. Thank you, Lord. We've become face-to-face critique partners and I love seeing writing through her eyes. And it's been great to be accountable to someone on a weekly basis. And to be able to share what I've learned so far. And to be editing my second novel, The Moon Has No Light.
Thank you, Lord. You know what I need when I need it.

Book Review - An Irishwoman's Tale

I met Patti Lacy over the internet a couple of years ago then in person at the ACFW conference in Dallas in September of 2007. After reading her debut novel, I saw her personal beauty shine through in the way she told this story. Patti has an awesome way with words. READ HER BOOK. You won't be disappointed...

Review of An Irishwoman's Tale:

Bravo to first time author, Patti Lacy! The story, the characters, the plot all gel to make An Irishwoman's Tale a book worth reading. Based on a true story, Patti has woven the elements of fact and fiction to take the reader through the life of Mary, a poor Irish girl whose life is a series of rejection and poor choices. But it is also a story of an unlikely friendship, of unselfish forgiveness, and God's amazing redemption. In this fast-paced world where reading is a luxury few can afford, this book, filled with deeply drawn characters, is definitely worth your time.

Time, Time, Time

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I've last posted.
Yet, there's been so much that's happened, it's easy to see how time has slipped away.

Brief catch-up:
My Dad indeed passed away at the end of April. God blessed me with two weeks to spend by his bedside before he went on to be with our Savior.

Two weeks later, we moved into our new house. Pics to come later.

Two weeks later, my daughter graduated from high-school and we hosted 8 family members for several days. Lots of fun and it was great for my Mom to travel to a new part of the country.

In the midst of the above, I started a full-time job working for a local Oil company. Helps to offset the costs of the house and a daughter starting college in a few weeks!!!!

I continue to receive rejections on my first manuscript. But they are getting more personal and provide some encouraging feedback. Who would have thought that a rejection could be encouraging?

I'm currently working on a Certification as a Health Specialist in Ergonomics and hoping to write a book for writers...all those hours at the keyboard.

Life sure has a way of keeping us on our toes and sometimes in a tailspin. I've come to understand--that's normal. How we react to those tumultuous moments can mean the difference between chaos and trust.

I've had many moments in the last few months to examine my reaction to life events and quite frankly, sometimes chaos edged closer than I preferred. But in the end, peace and trust reigned. Why? Because I handed those moments to the Lord. He does a much better job than I.

The Gentle Giant

The waters of Lake Pontchartrain welcomed like a grand dame hosting her own. Although the view was limited by the size of the plane's window, the sight stirred pent-up emotions. From deep within.

In the distance, the afternoon sun reflected from the newly-repaired roof of the infamous Superdome--more stirrings. I'm Home.



My heart twitches with a bevy of emotion. I visit, not to enjoy once again the plethera of seafood, not to take in the good times of family, and not to take in the quiet history of oak-laden plantations. I come to say goodbye.



I come to grab those last moments that God would allow with the man who I will always, despite today's sad reality, view as invincible. The man who could fix anything (including his own lacerated thumb). The man who seemed unstoppable (as evidenced by carrying over 300 wheelbarrows of dirt), the man who stood for strength and stability and as the anchor of home. My dad.



As I take in the worn body, one struggling for the last breaths malfunctioning lungs allow, I see his spirit--it's still invincible. Still strong. I see a gentle giant who rarely complains and still smiles behind the annonying mask pumping massive amounts of oxygen to lungs refusing to accept the life-sustaining mix. But what I see, maybe for the first time the quiet courage of a gentle man who knows his days on this earth are coming to an end. As I watch his struggle to do what I can without effort--breathe, I fully grasp the essence of my father--his spirit, his courage, his character. With a heavy heart, I wonder--Would I exhibit such grace were I in his position? Did I inherit a small measure of his character to endure in quiet dignity what he now endures?



The question burns in my heart. Am I prepared to say goodbye? Are we ever? Yet, I pray for God's mercy on him. To relieve his suffering. My father's exit will leave an unfillable void. And as I prepare, as best I can, to grieve, I cling to hope assured. I can see his smiling face and envision his joy as he reunites with his own parents comfortably in the arms of his Savior, Jesus. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Housing Development - April 6

I know it's been awhile since I've posted pics. Truthfully, we've been pretty busy. I've started a part-time job, the house is getting close to completion, and Hope will be graduating in less than two months! Phew, life really does come at you fast!

Here are pictures of the latest in our house-building saga--yes, saga. It seems to go on and on...

But one day I know it'll be finished and worth the wait.


The tongue & groove ceiling in the great room is going up. I'm really loving the way the knotty pine looks. We're using a light oak colored stain and it's really warming up the room and going well with the paint colors.






The kitchen tile is down (grout left to do) and some of the cabinets are in place. It's starting to look like a place where meals will one day be prepared!
















The master bedroom. The stacked boxes are hardwood flooring for the great room.















The master bath - getting close...














We're hoping to be finished within the next month. But I've learned not to get my hopes up. This whole building process seems to have a mind of its own.

Until next time...

Interview with Megan DiMaria

Please welcome one of my ACFW writer friends. Her debut novel Searching for Spice is out. Look for it online or at book stores!

Megan please tell the readers about yourself?
I love to spend time with other writers and be an encouragement to colleagues on their writing journey. I am a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, HIS Writers, and am assistant director of Words for the Journey Christian Writers Guild, Rocky Mountain Region.

I was born and raised in New York State and attended SUNY Plattsburgh where I earned my B.A. Degree in Communications. I have been a radio and television reporter, freelance writer, editor and marketing professional. My husband’s job moved the family to Pennsylvania, Texas, New Jersey and ultimately Colorado. My husband and I live in suburban Denver near our adult children. We often travel back to our roots in Long Island, NY to visit family and get our fill of delicious Italian food.

Tell us a little about your book?
Searching for Spice, my debut novel, tells the story of Linda Revere, a married woman who wants to have an affair—with her husband of nearly 25 years. Of course life isn’t scripted, and nothing goes according to plan.

What inspired you to write this particular book?
Searching for Spice was written as a response to a running joke I had with some girlfriends because despite being happily married, women still want romance in their lives. God hard wired us to crave closeness and a special connection with the men we love. Unfortunately, some times we need to remind them of that.

Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her?
Linda is loyal, loving and life-like. By that I mean she definitely has flaws. She desperately wants to live a life to please God, but she often recognizes when she fails. Her character sprang from a situation a friend told me about years ago. She was expecting guests to arrive for a weekend visit when she spotted a smudge of cream cheese on her carpet. From there I imagined what it would feel like to be a woman, sitting on the floor, scraping cheese off the rug and wishing for something more in life.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?
The most fun I had in writing Searching for Spice were the parts where Linda and her husband Jerry interacted. Sometimes their romance hit the spot, and sometimes they couldn’t get on the same page, so to speak. My least favorite parts of writing the story was when Linda got into the thick of difficult situations. I’m so sympathetic, I wept for her.

What has been the most unexpected challenge you’ve had with becoming a published author?
I don’t think I’ve had any more challenges than other writers on this journey. When you’re unpublished I think it’s sometimes difficult to remain motivated. With God’s help, and the support of my husband and family, I was able to press on.

What one bit of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write regularly, read regularly, join a writers group or two, hang out with writers, have your work critiqued and attend conferences if you can. I confess, many times in my writing journey I was tempted to throw in the towel. But the moral of the story is, don’t give up. Hold on to your dreams. Press on. Trust God.

What author’s books do you enjoy reading?
Oh, goodness. That’s like asking me who my favorite child is. I read CBA and ABA fiction, and mostly books written by my ACFW friends.

What message do you hope readers gain from your novel?
Life is hard, and that’s a reality that must be accepted. We shouldn’t be caught off guard when we hit a bump in the road. The message I hope readers gain from Searching for Spice is to know you can trust God despite what your circumstances look like. That was a lesson I had to learn during a difficult valley I walked through. At the time it looked like nothing good could come of that situation, but now I see the hand of God guided me. Equally important to me is the message that marriage is valuable and precious and should not be lightly regarded. Another message I hope readers grasp is that friendship is priceless, and we should cherish the people in our lives.

Tell us what we have to look forward to in the future. What new projects are you working on?
My next book, Out of Her Hands, is scheduled to release this October. Out of Her Hands has the same characters as Searching for Spice, but the focus is more on the relationships Linda and Jerry have with their children. Like many parents of young adults, the Reveres want their children to be careful about making decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. As usual, there is always more than one situation clamouring for Linda’s attention. They’re helping Jerry’s father get on with life after he’s widowed, Linda’s best friend is moving out of state, and then their son decides he’s falling in love, but the object of his affection doesn’t share his Christian values.
Thanks you very much for the opportunity to visit your blog. Feel free to send visitors to my website at megandimaria.com or for more interactive information, stop by my blog at megandimaria.blogspot.com.

Housing Development - March 17

Here's the latest pictures of our house. The inside is sheetrocked and ready for paint!

The front "lines" will be stained to match the green siding and the trim around the windows will match the redwood soffit and fascia.

Things are moivng a little faster and we're hoping to see much progress in the coming weeks!

Stay tuned...we'll keep you posted.

We all make mistakes...

Dear readers,

A writer friend recently sent an email asking to post the following apology. She wants to reach as many readers as possible to explain something that may offend some of you.

From Linda Windsor in reference to her book, Wedding Bell Blues.

My heartfelt APOLOGIES regarding Wedding Bell Blues. I had two regrettable errors in this publication that, when called to my attention, I didn't at first believe it.
I didn't remember my hero having a Rhett Butler moment when he said "D_mn, I still love you, Alex."
And while I'd written unsaved character Sue Ann exclaiming, "Oh my g_wd!" with the intent of convicting Sue Ann of its blasphemy in her own book #4, I changed her mind after discussing it with my editor and deleted those occurences rather than offend anyone. Well, I missed one. The GOOD NEWS is that these have been removed from future printings and book club issues.
To anyone who read Wedding Bell Blues and was offended, my humble apologies. I'd written this book after my husband died and during those months of brain fog, I almost stopped writing because it was so hard to put coherent thought together. Then I turned it in months late, which put my publisher in a bind as far as getting the usual multiple editings. This was the result. Granted, I must have written these blunders or they would not have been there. For that, I can only ask for your forgiveness and understanding.

Blessings,
Linda Windsor

I hope you check out her latest release, For Pete's Sake.

Stay tuned. Pictures of our latest housing developments coming! I can't wait to share with you all that is happening. Sheetrock, siding, etc...It's getting close...

Housing Development - Sweet progress

Hello Family and Friends!

Here are the latest pictures of our house building. Some progress has occurred and we're really hoping to be in by the end of March. I'm sure that's wishful thinking, but our builder assured us that things move faster in this phase of the "game."

"Front" of house. This is technically the back, but it's the side that faces the street. The plastic sheeting is covering the stone facade the bricklayer is working on. He has a heater running under there to keep the mortar at the correct temperature for curing.

This is the "back" technically the front that is facing the ridge.

The siding is emerald green cement board with cedar soffit and fascia in the same materials. The trim will be stained to match the fascia. This middle section with the large windows will have stone instead of siding. Also there will be a deck across this part of the house.

The kitchen










The Great room.









The insulation is complete and the sheetrockers are scheduled to come this Monday.

As you can see the builder has started installing the siding and will continue through this next week. I'm excited about all the progress and ready to see what the next phase of work will look like.

Until then, I ask for your prayers for the building to run smoothly, safety for all the workers, cooperation from the weather, and that the entire process, every phase, glorify God.


I'll post more in a few days as progress continues.

Community Coffee Snob

I think it's finally happened—I've turned into a coffee snob.

No, not the coffee of the green symbol with the lady's face on it.

But the coffee of my youth.

The coffee that created a bond between granddaughter and grandfather.

The coffee that I now have to order online because it's not available in Northern Colorado.

But worth it.

Because every morning's cup gives more than a caffeinated morning jolt. It takes me home.

Just the smell of Community's coffee and chicory brews the most delicious memories. Images of my late grandfather, who lived across the street, rising early to hand drip his coffee come to mind, and with the memory comes a smile.

I'd quickly dress for school then dash over to Paw Paw's house to have a cup of coffee and a couple of the small biscuits he cooked every morning.

Orange and brown curtains covering the old oak door's window were parted as a signal. The rousing aroma of strong coffee and steaming hot biscuits filled the air along with the Cajun French, chanky-chank music from the portable radio. And sometimes, the lingering scent of menthol. Evidence of an aging idol. The scene conveyed warmth, goodness, heritage.

He'd speak French and I'd answer in English. Both understanding the other, but comfortable speaking our own language. Two generations bridging the gap. A twelve year-old feeling grown-up, special. He'd "pass" a wink as he filled the demitasse that held my portion. More milk than coffee.

During the rare times when cold air crept into the South Louisiana swamps, those mornings have special meaning. Two pine rockers hugged the small gas heater in the kitchen/living room combination. Their worn wooden slats warmed and waiting for two different generations to share the space, to share the difference in experience and education and language. But to also share the same love of good coffee and hot biscuits. The music? Well, there are some things that younger generations don't appreciate until later...


He's been gone for almost ten years and our conversations wiggle through my brain as though they occurred just this morning. His voice and the way his prickly thin mustache moved when he spoke, continue to fill my thoughts with clear images.

Ones, I love.


Ones, I want to hold on to for as long as I can.


They comfort.


And when I think of the things I missed because I grew up in the southern most regions of Louisiana, I quickly remember those mornings with Paw Paw and nothing I missed really matters.