Enough. Can we stop yelling publicly at each other, please? Yes, we are living through extraordinary and disruptive times, even historic times. Yes, name-calling has become “the new normal,” modeled from the top. So yes, strong emotions by the rest of us are natural, even justified. But is it productive to share them in public? Maybe they are best expressed privately or with a friend. Eventually, we may all tire of all this anger and return to courteous disagreement. I think that’s possible…IF we each find individual peace first. That doesn’t mean acquiescence. Just peace. How to do that in the midst of the ruckus? Find the place where you feel it. Go there. As often as necessary. Try out the mantra “Peace, Be Still.” If Jesus used it to calm the stormy sea, surely it can calm our inner storm too. If enough of us do that internally, maybe the external energy will shift. It’s worth a shot.
Here’s how I’m finding mine, at Huron Bay in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula….
Ah-h-h. Sunrise after a new snowfall.
Sitting on the front porch, watching the morning sun come through the trees.
Sunset snowshoeing on the frozen bay.
Admiring 16″ of new snow as it drifts around the Cabin at Many Moons.
Trudging into the woods before the snow falls from the limbs.
Loving being snowed in, even though (or because) I can’t go anywhere.
Gratitude for Jeff and his old plow truck so that I can go when needed.
Noticing how beautiful the humble balsams look when dressed for winter. Noticing, too, my worry that limbs will start to fall — then remembering that the forest recovers. (Most natural habitats do. Can humans? We’ll see.)
Chuckling as I plod through knee-high snow (wearing knee-high Mukluks) from the porch to the shoreline…just 75′ but feels farther in this.
Taking my skies out on the bay.
Heading into the woods again, falling in my snow shoes because the deep snow pulls them off, and laughing as I struggle to get back up.
Loving Roscoe, seemingly in his last days of a long life. Sitting in the snow with him, in his favorite spot. (He’s a Siberian Husky so naturally gravitates to a snow-bed, even at this age.)
Loving how Boo finds every sunny spot in the cabin. (She’s old, too, but still spunky.)
And loving the wildlife. I know they come close only because I feed them. But, still.Finally, trying something new. Curling! Because when your mind is focused on something new, there’s no room for worry. Maybe it’s more a distraction than peace, but it helps me get there.
everyone needs to calm down and start thinking, start peacekeeping in their own spaces. Whatever governments do or don’t do, in the end it is always we the people who make the difference, who make things better. We turn to each other. Jesus said that, too (only he said it in Aramaic😊)
This blog is so refreshing and filled with the joys of being snowed in at the cabin, Many Moons. I too, choose peace but from my cozy condo in Fairfax, VA. I find it in reading spiritual books or listening to uplifting podcasts or watching educational webinars. And, above all, I choose to be kind to others as well as to myself. Thank you for your insights, Mary. Diane Kartchner
You and Jeff have a life that I envy. While I am a dedicated Yankee (New Jersey), my wonderful wife is
not (Georgia). I won! I have followed you from the very beginning, the shakedown cruise at night, through our breakfast with you in Beaufort (SC) to your fresh 16” of snow.
Warning: your four-legged friends will eat 99% of what you plant. Prenez Garde
Stay well, Jock and Day
John K. Cowperthwaite, Jr.
PO Box 261
Tenants Harbor, ME 04860
well hello! So nice to hear from friends we met on The Loop. Thanks again for graciously hosting us ashore. Don’t I know it about wildlife eating everything. I buy only “deer-resistant” plants and shrubs, but even that…!
Mary,
I don’t care what you plant, I have been there, done that. When the snow is deep, our four-legged animals get very hungry. I am an outdoorsman by nature and have witnessed, many times, starving deer. It is pathetic and a horrible sight. This is the one instance I agree with your feeding.
May I point out a deterrent? It is called Deer-No-No. They have moved to Texas and can be contacted at http://www.deernono.comhttp://www.deernono.com. There are no poisons involved, I am in no way connected other than a satisfied consumer. I use the product only when there are plants to be protected. Good luck, Jock
John K. Cowperthwaite, Jr.
PO Box 261
Tenants Harbor, ME 04860
For Many Moons 
everyone needs to calm down and start thinking, start peacekeeping in their own spaces. Whatever governments do or don’t do, in the end it is always we the people who make the difference, who make things better. We turn to each other. Jesus said that, too (only he said it in Aramaic😊)
I hope you’re well, Mary
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This blog is so refreshing and filled with the joys of being snowed in at the cabin, Many Moons. I too, choose peace but from my cozy condo in Fairfax, VA. I find it in reading spiritual books or listening to uplifting podcasts or watching educational webinars. And, above all, I choose to be kind to others as well as to myself. Thank you for your insights, Mary. Diane Kartchner
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Thank you Mary, I felt as though I had taken a trip to your beautiful place…I’m so glad you are there….and willing to share with us!
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Thank you Mary, I felt as though I had taken a trip to your beautiful place…I’m so glad you are there….and willing to share with us!
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Great seeing the blog revitalized. Isn’t curling a hoot? We learned from a group of rowdy Canadians.
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You and Jeff have a life that I envy. While I am a dedicated Yankee (New Jersey), my wonderful wife is
not (Georgia). I won! I have followed you from the very beginning, the shakedown cruise at night, through our breakfast with you in Beaufort (SC) to your fresh 16” of snow.
Warning: your four-legged friends will eat 99% of what you plant. Prenez Garde
Stay well, Jock and Day
John K. Cowperthwaite, Jr.
PO Box 261
Tenants Harbor, ME 04860
LikeLiked by 1 person
well hello! So nice to hear from friends we met on The Loop. Thanks again for graciously hosting us ashore. Don’t I know it about wildlife eating everything. I buy only “deer-resistant” plants and shrubs, but even that…!
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Mary,
I don’t care what you plant, I have been there, done that. When the snow is deep, our four-legged animals get very hungry. I am an outdoorsman by nature and have witnessed, many times, starving deer. It is pathetic and a horrible sight. This is the one instance I agree with your feeding.
May I point out a deterrent? It is called Deer-No-No. They have moved to Texas and can be contacted at http://www.deernono.comhttp://www.deernono.com. There are no poisons involved, I am in no way connected other than a satisfied consumer. I use the product only when there are plants to be protected. Good luck, Jock
John K. Cowperthwaite, Jr.
PO Box 261
Tenants Harbor, ME 04860
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Well, I just ordered some, so we will see! Thank you for the tip.
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Only when things are green and yummy.
J
John K. Cowperthwaite, Jr.
PO Box 261
Tenants Harbor, ME 04860
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Jock. I have been trying to contact you. Please contact me!
Ursula
email: ursthenurse2000@gmail.com
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