Monday June 29 2015 DAY 117 ALWAYS ANOTHER THING TO DO!

How is it that my saga is almost over?  There is always another thing to do.  I am visiting Cynthia and Chris in Denver Colorado, the mile high city.  And boy can I tell the altitude difference.  Yesterday I had to abort a trip I would have enjoyed taken to the top of a mountain range but had to turn around and continue on my journey to Denver in order to arrive at my planned hour.  Today I did not go due to “always another thing to do”.  If you read the blog a few months ago you may remember Chris and Cynthia.  It was here in Denver that my previous IPhone died and Chris was able to transfer all my photos to his computer system, save them, then download them to my new IPhone.  For that I am forever grateful.  When I drove into Denver I realize I had made my first complete circle.  It was my first point of starting where I have now actually returned.  I guess my next circle will be Madison Wisconsin.

Cynthia has two little boys, one 4 years old and one 3 months old. I see how busy she is, nursing, cleaning, preparing, taking care of the children and it so reminds me of 40 years ago.  Courtland as a baby, Rebecca as 4 year old, me working outside the home, and Dave commuting long hours away.  I remember the comment that Cynthia said to me earlier this morning.  “There is always another thing to do”.  Yep, been there, done that!  And…it was one of the best times of my life.  At least I tell myself that now when I look back.  It seems however that that statement still rings true.  I believe if we are a person who loves life, loves learning, loves new experiences, there is always another thing to do.  Time never stretches long enough or far enough or high enough or deep enough for me to accomplish all I have to do.

A man who attends our church, worked hard all his life late into his retirement and had such a zest for living told me something a couple of years ago that still rings in my heart as a piece of insightful wisdom from someone who could only say it if they lived it.  He said to me, “do whatever you desire to accomplish starting today because there comes a time when you will no longer care.”  I looked at him quizzically and asked how he knew that.  He told me “because it had happened to me”.  Yes, he is older, a little slower, had a major injury later in life and now is winding down.  Sometimes things just don’t matter anymore he said to me that day.  “Do what you want to do now”.  He knew I was planning on retiring and he said to just jump in and DO IT.  Whatever the IT is.

I’m not there yet.  Perhaps someday I will be there.  I should leave the “perhaps” off the beginning of that sentence.  Should I live long enough I will be there.  So, I decided to take the bull by the horns and line up all that I want to accomplish in the next few years of life, places I want to see, books yet unfinished, books I want to publish, and to love and love those who mean so much to me.  It brings to mind the wisdom written earlier in this blog from a woman I met at one of the Botanical gardens.  She said whatever you plan to do, start it today or will never get done.  Does that mean I must do everything I plan to accomplish all in this one day?  No, but it does mean I have my priorities in place, I intentionally look at the avenues I need to go down to complete the project and put a tentative timeline as to what I am doing, will be doing, and make it a priority for today.

For instance I write.  I’m not going to write someday.  I write every day.  One line at a time, one poem at a time, one story at a time.  Now it is time for me to finish transcribing and organizing and editing that which I have already done.  I wish I could explain to you the reams of paper that are printed out that now will be in the sorting and organizing stage along with the computer organization.  It overwhelms me sometimes to think that I have written so much.  Who would ever want to read it, I wonder?  Does it matter if anyone reads it?  I would hope that it would matter if others read it so they could enjoy my words, my poems, but even if no one else in the world reads what I have written, it is what I wanted to accomplish and I did it one day at a time.

My trip is one of those endeavors I have wanted to do for the past three years.  I planned for it, saved for it, contacted people to see and stay with, made reservations across both the U.S. and Canada, took the training I needed to learn a PC instead of my trusty old MACS (which I regret not buying another MAC), took lessons on using a new camera (supposedly easier than my Pro Cameras) and learned a new program to work on photos.   It took a lot of time, a lot of thought, and I just did it a little at a time over months of preparing.  And now I have done it.  And there is always another thing to do, another place to see, another journey that is calling me, beckoning me from the ends of the earth.  And right now it still matters.  Someday it won’t matter anymore.  Perhaps someday I won’t even be able to remember what I’ve done, where I’ve gone, or even who I am like my mother and aunts experienced at end of life.  When or if that time comes it will not matter.  But you know what, what matters is that I did it and I enjoyed each and every moment in the present I lived.  If there was one things I would bequeath to others it would be to learn to live in the moment.  When you live in the moment you experience the fullness of life as you live it.  You are not storing up memories for later, or worrying about what is yet to come.  You are enjoying the very second, the very experience, and the very moment of now.  As I’ve often said, LIVING IN THE MOMENT it is a beautiful place to live.  LIVING IN THE NOW.  It was about a year’s learning experience for me to really grasp the true meaning of NOW.  It was through scripture, prayer, insight into others’ lives,and listening to the voice of God speaking to my thoughts.  To paraphrase a scripture, there is no need to worry about tomorrow for today has enough trouble of its own.  And  aother scripture that talks about we are like the grasses and flowers of the field, alive today and then withered and gone.  Think of the scope of eternity.  Our life is not even a drop in the ocean in eternity’s timeline. You might want to stand still a moment and contemplate on what difference can your drop of life mean, to yourself, to others.  Is it worth worrying about what may never happen?  No, I don’t think so.  Just live in today, live in the moment and so much more can and will be accomplished.  Just write one poem a day for years and see the pile accumulate.  In other words do what it is you want to accomplish in life one day at a time.  Begin today.  And feel blessed when there is always another thing to do.

Well, today I had a tour of the Denver Colorado State Capitol Building.  What an awesome place.  Sometimes we just go in a building and never think of the history, the whys of being built, how it was built.  Well today was very fascinating learning about the history of the Denver Capitol Building.  I won’t go into all of it because it might bore you even more that my reflections above might have done.  Don’t know how many of you will even get this far reading what I wrote.  But remember, I am doing this because it is what I want to do.  If you are reading it I hope it is because reading it is something you want to do.  If you get this far send me an email to wkmaratens23@gmail.com and let me know.  You can go to the contact page to do so.

I will tell you that the Denver Capitol allows visitors a tour up into the dome of the building.  The dome rises 272 feet above ground and is covered in real gold.  It took 200 ounces of gold to gild the dome when it was originally built.  In 2013 it had to be gilded once again and because of new techniques it took only 64.5 ounces.  Except for the brass and wood in the capitol building everything else was harvested from Colorado.  All the granite, onyx, and marble were from the mountains of Colorado.  The people of Colorado felt it was important to use local supplies even though it would have been less costly to order the marble from Italy.  I was amazed at the beautiful, one of a kind marbles they used.  Some of the marbles were literally used completely up.  There wasn’t even enough to finish some of the areas originally designed for it.  I took some photos and will include them when I can get online.  As I write I am unable to access the internet but perhaps I will be able to have service tonight.  It is only 4:24 p.m. and I am writing now so I can go to bed early tonight because I have a long drive day to Lincoln Nebraska and I need to leave very early.  I thoroughly enjoyed the tour today and only wish I could have toured Cheyenne’s Capitol yesterday since I was right there on the premise.  I will also include a photo of the City and County building that I took from the outside height of the dome on the capitol.  I walked up and up and up forever to get there.  I had to do it slow as not to go into Atrial Fib.  This high altitude does a number on my heart rate.  I just took it slow and rested a couple minutes when I needed to.  Some people in the tour could go to the top.  I am so glad I was still able to do so.

Tonight we will eat out, hopefully get home early and go to bed.  It was and still is a wonderful day.  Every moment filled with the joy of the Lord in my heart.  For this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!  And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

I pray God’s blessing on you this day.  Two more nights on the road if all goes as planned.

One more thing.  Just so you can see how quickly plans can change.  Last night I stepped off a step in the garage without realizing it was there.  Caught unaware I started going down and my face was aiming right at my car’s right hand mirror.  It was as if it happened in slow motion.  All I remember is saying to myself “Oh Lord” and I felt an unnatural pressure on my chest, my feet came forward from the step and it was if I was caught in midstride and quickly walked off that step, returning to an upright position.  I felt a little twinge in my right hip as I stumbled somewhat, quickly righting myself.  With the dynamics of what was happening that should not have been the outcome.  I was left with that little twinge of pain in my hip for a while, slept well, and could walk up all those steps today.  I give praise and thankskgiving to God for having His Angels surrounding my every step.  And I thank God for his protection.  How quickly my plans could have changed in that twinkling of an eye.

TO BE IN THE MOMENT

Kathleen Martens

June 29, 2015

So much to do

When do we live?

Time has a way

To others give.

Is any leftover

To use as we may

Do we worry about tomorrow

Or in today stay?

What must be done

To accomplish our goal

To have things happen

That speaks to our soul?

Do we spend time

On yesterday’s regrets?

Or worrying about next week

And all of our frets?

To be in the moment

Is the place to be

In the here and now

You are forever free.

So slow down and keep

The promises to self

To finish your desires

Upon your shelf.

Sunday Sabbath June 25, 2015 DAY         LIFE IS A HIGHWAY!

It certainly seems life is a highway.  At least for me at the present.  I have roads to travel, experiences yet unknown, people to meet, and I’m behind the wheel for hours.  And today I met two more interesting people to talk to on the steps of the Capitol building in Cheyenne Wyoming.

Once I determined my route home I decided that I would see as many of the State Capitol buildings as possible in this last week.  My trip is winding down and I’m still wound up and ready to go.  I don’t know if I would ever be ready to settle back in place if it were not for the loved ones I desire to return to.  I never suspected that I would learn to love to travel as much as I have.

My Airbnb experience was wonderful last night.  I had the entire lower level of a home.  Beautiful neighborhood, and beautiful surroundings.  Last night after some browsing on the internet I discovered that the Cheyenne capitol building was not open today, as it is Sunday.  I just assumed that since the Madison capitol is open on Sunday so should all capitols.  Not so.  But, decided I wanted to spend some time there anyway just looking around the outside.  And wouldn’t you know it, up rides my special meeting of the day.  A big burly man from a distance with a little lady on the back seat of a two seater motorcycle.  I asked to take their picture and the conversation ensued from there.  And of course I asked if he would take my photo.  He didn’t but his wife did.  We talked for quite a while and I learned some very interesting stories about their lives.  It is so interesting to talk with people in an unthreatening atmosphere with no ulterior motives except to just hear their story.

The more I talked with them the more I liked them.  The more of their life that I heard the more interested I was to hear more.  This couple is Dave and Angie.  Dave looks like the “stereotype biker” that you might be afraid to meet in a dark alley.  He had a head kerchief tied around his head, a bright red shirt and the ever present leather vest you might see on so many bikers.  And…some interesting patches.  I liked him at first sight.  He allowed me to get on his new motorcycle so I could have my photo taken on it.  I don’t know if many of you who know me realize I loved to ride a motorcycle before I had kids.  After the kids were born I never wanted to get on one again because I valued my life too much from that point on.  I was no longer living just for me but I had someone I loved very much who was  dependent on me for everything.   I wanted to be the one to raise my children because no one else in the whole world would ever love them like I did.  My kids are grown. Now that desire to ride, has again crept in.  This time however,  I think about my husband and my grandchildren and realize “how could they live without me”, especially without all my unsolicited opinions?  So I probably never will again…well maybe just a short ride.

Dave and Angie were delightful to talk with.  This new bike of his was a very important step for him.  He was in a serious motorcycle accident and had numerous, severe injuries.  It sounded like he was fortunate to still be alive.  This was a big step for him to get back on the bike.  I could tell his wife seemed to enjoy biking too and was happy for Dave’s recovery.  Dave and Angie helped me map out some afternoon driving plans.  I was able to accomplish one and even snag a photo of the beautiful yellow fields of blooming flowers.  I so wanted to go to the mountains again but decided I needed to be with my friends who are like family to me, more than I needed to go to the mountains.  Maybe I can fit it in tomorrow.  My days are so packed with fun things to do that I don’t always get them all in.

I asked Dave and Angie for their wisdom.  When you read it think of it in context as coming from bikers who love to travel and see the world.  I invited them to come and stay with us in Wisconsin.  All we need is another Dave in our life.  I would enjoy hearing more of their stories.

Dave’s wisdom:  “Life is a highway and when looking in the rear view mirror it’s closer than you think.”

Angie’s wisdom: “Watch out for people because they are not going to watch out for you.”  In reference to riding a motorcycle.

I loved their wisdom.  It is so true.  So bikers out there, take heed!

I drove the country roads to Denver Colorado and even drove out part way to Estes Park where the mountains are.  I realized I would have a late night if I went all the way and then all the way back.  I didn’t want my friends to be waiting.  Usually when I’m out like that I don’t have cell service to call either.  So instead, I stopped at a Goodwill Store and only bought two little books.  Can’t look at clothes right now because I have gone up one size and must come home to reality, workouts and smaller portions to fit back nicely in my current clothes.  I can still fit into them but don’t like the way they feel or look on me.  So I’m wearing the same things home as I did when I left, only they look and feel a bit, shall I say, tight?

Arrived in the front of Chris and Cynthia’s apartment just as my phone rang and it was Cynthia calling me to see when I would be arriving.  She was surprised to know I was actually just outside her door.  So was I.  I didn’t know which door I was supposed to be in front of.  Her baby, 3 ½ month old Noah, who was two weeks old when I was here previously has blossomed like a spring flower.  He is beautiful.  Sorry I forgot to take a photo of him this evening so you could see how cute he is.  His older brother David has even shot up.  David calls me grandma and I love it.  He was so excited on the phone talking to me yesterday when he knew I was coming.  I hope Zach and Xander will be as excited  to see me.  I know I am excited to see them and see how much they have grown.  Oh wow!  I bet they have grown noticeably in 4 months time (just like grandma did).

How am I going to end this trip?  I take just one day at a time and keep each day full to overflowing.  It may take me awhile to come down.  It has become my normal to do, do, do, and to go, go, and go.  How will it be to sleep in the same bed every night again and not have to pack up day in and day out?  I certainly know the next trip I take I will have A LOT LESS STUFF TO TAKE.  I can hardly wait to see if I stick to my promise to myself to travel light.  I do not what I don’t need to take.  I just hope I’ll remember when we take off again.  I’m already formulating plans to drive to Alaska.  Don’t know when and don’t know if it will ever happen but I do know it will never happen if I don’t plan.

I am so looking forward to what life has for Dave and I.  No matter the ups and downs we may someday find ourselves in, we are together for a reason.  The first is the love God put in our hearts for each other.  The second is for what good we can do together rather than just singly.  We are a team and I am so thankful for that.  I am excited about the transition we are entering with his retirement.  I wish I could have been in two places at once these past four months.  Now I will just be there to step into the nitty gritty of the day his retirement begins.  One day you work, the next day you don’t.  I’ve yet to feel that for me because I still have work to complete when I arrive home.  My goal is to have it all done in as little as two months.  Then I too will step into that world that is always the dream but never seems it will really happen.  And so much of what happens to us is out of our control.  That is where taking life one day at a time comes into working.  Regardless what this day will hold we must just always remember that our strength is from the Lord and He will help us through it.  I have just a few more days on the road and I ask you all to pray for my protection and safe trip home.  I have some long drives ahead of me this week.  The drives have been my most favorite part of this trip.  I love the hours in the car, the solitude, the time with the Lord, the peace, the beauty of what my eyes behold, stopping and talking to people along the way, eating out of my little red cooler bag that sits on the front seat beside me with all my snacks and food arranged for the day.

I did a first today.  I had not eaten at a fast food restaurant (except for a MacDonald’s soft serve ice cream) until today.  My food is gone for the most part and I haven’t been to a grocery store for fruit and veggies. Well, today I chose to eat at the one fast food place that for me seems to work the best BECAUSE THEY DO IT MY WAY.  I bought a subway tuna sandwich on flatbread and had ½ of a 6 incher for lunch in Cheyenne.  Then when I got hungry in the afternoon I ate the other half.  Then I came to my friends and had a delicious dinner of chicken and potatoes and carrots and grapes.  Oh yes, and asparagus.  Lots of asparagus.  The asparagus was a gift from Carrie and Blake two days ago.  They go down to a river bank close to their home and pick it by the bundles.  It was starting to go to seed so they picked as much as they could and came home and refrigerated it.  I just happened to luck out and be the recipient to their generosity. I have been eating that for the past two days.  I even had a snack of it tonight.  For some reason not many other people like it raw.  That is my favorite way to eat it. Cold and uncooked and crisp.  Thanks Blake and Carrie for my wonderful green food.  I have enjoyed it immensely.

I did another first at Blake and Carrie’s house.  I washed a load of clothes and it wasn’t until I was taking them out of the dryer that I realized I had forgot to use the detergent in the wash cycle.  Oh well, I wore them anyway.  I guess they were a little cleaner than they had been, even without the soap.  I did another first a couple of months ago (and fortunately did not do a second of the same) but haven’t had the guts to tell about it in my blog yet.  I finally did break down and tell someone the other day.  It is funny now, it wasn’t then.  The first person that asks me about it after I get home, in person or on the phone I will tell it to and then to no others (at least until I am over the embarrassment of it).  This will just let me know who is reading the blog.  Dave you don’t count because you will see me first.  I’ll tell you anyway.  And no, it’s not about my checkbook that I lost.  I haven’t told that story either.  If I ever get a book written about this four month saga there are a few other tidbits I might put in for public knowledge.  Not quite certain what will make the cut.  After all, I need to preserve my dignity!  Just needless to say.  The blog only has a little of all that transpired.  So, so many wonderful memories I will have for  as long as my brain functions. NO COMMENTS FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY (that means you Dave, and Courtland).

I think my biggest fear in returning home is that people will not even know that I’ve been gone. even though they haven’t seen me for 4 months.  When I worked so much I wouldn’t see or talk to some of my friends for a year.  I do hope that changes with our retirement.  I have discovered that relationships are the most important endeavors to  undertake.

Remember…LIFE IS A HIGHWAY AND WHEN  YOU LOOK IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IT IS SHORTER (my word) THAN YOU MAY THINK!

Good night everyone.  Have a great tomorrow.  Remember it is you ATTITUDE that determines what kind of day you will have.  Smile…it goes a long way and is always free to give away.

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY

by Kathleen Martens

June 28, 2015

A highway is but a road

Laid out smooth and straight

One that you learn to love

Or one that you may hate.

The decision is all yours

For many things will come you way.

How you deal with what comes

Determines how you stray.

And if you stray too far off

The path laid out for you

Becomes blurry in your quest

And you can’t see through

So look ahead for each moment

The past is no more

Live with truth in your heart

Then your life will score.

When you dwell on what is past

It smacks you in the face,

Live each moment as it comes

Let NOW occupy your space.

Worry not for the unseen

Enjoy each moment alive

For it is in the present

That we are revived.

Life’s highway stretches out

So many bends and turns

Be thankful for each one

For that is how  you learn.

Inspired by Dave on the Motorcycle.  Thanks Dave for you wisdom today.  It is so true.