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Journaling

September 1, 2018 9:20 am / 4 Comments on Journaling

I share with you CM Smith’s Blog from a while back. I’m into year four of Journaling every day. I did miss a couple of days two years ago when I had Heart Bypass surgery, but I went back into the book once I got home and captured what I could remember about, the experience in the Hospital.

People have asked me, just what do you write about? Much like my Blog, a little of this, that, and other things, no general theme. I mostly catch up on the previous day by journaling first thing in the morning, I did that before turning on the computer this morning. We had a massive lightning show last night from 5:00 – 10:30 when the eyes shut, I had to write a few words about that. I did peek at the phone to learn my wife and daughter were safely at the airport in Dusseldorf. I’ll be picking them up later on in the afternoon in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA, on their return home from a ten day trip to Germany.

All my Journals have pockets in the back. I’ll keep things like business cards, event tickets, significant receipts, mostly eating establishments, (something to blog about). I’ll usually have one or two of my son-in-law Jeff’s itineraries, he works for the State Department and litterlly travels around the globe. I Blog about him from time to time.

My Life

Looking back on my life, I wish I had started blogging from the day I graduated from Boot Camp at Parris Island, SC in October of 1962. I say after graduation, because they never would have allowed anyone to do such a thing during recruit training, There are some great YouTube video’s on the subject of the Marine Corps boot camp should you be interested. I can always watch one of those to capture that part of my life, should I wish to relive the experience.

Today I start a new Journaling book, and I give you, via CM Smith’s view, his take on it making you feel better. I especially like #3, for I consider mine well worth having been lived. I have three children, nine grands, four greats, one present and one former son-in-law, and my favorite daughter-in-law. Yes, even my X son-in-law had some, Life for the Better, characteristics. He also fathered three wonderful grandchildren.

A new edition is started.

So, read on, perhaps one day you will take up the old analog process of putting words to paper.

Remember my Mantra, “If It’s Not Written Down, It Never Happened”.

6 Unexpected Ways Journaling Will Change Your Life For the Better

CM Smith

Read full profile

I have been writing something about myself or my everyday for almost 2 years now. It has been one of greatest and most freeing experiences in my life because I can actually slow myself down to think about what’s truly happening around me as well as my part in it.

Most people treat journaling as something they “know they should do” but rarely ever take up the practice and if they do, they fall off the wagon within a few months. But, it doesn’t have to be this way, especially when you learn about the amazing benefits of journaling.

Here are 6 ways that journaling will change your life.

1. Dig into your true feeling

Journaling can help you get out of the way of what you truly feel on the inside. In other words, taken the time to sit and write about something that is affecting you can lead to a deeper and more realistic view of what feelings you are actually feeling.

When we are caught up in the “rat-race” of life, we tend to disregard our feelings and keep ourselves, busy and jaded. It isn’t until we slow down for some time to let the feelings inside be what they truly are.

2. Give you a point of view

Another thing that journaling can give us is a better understanding of our own point of view as well as what others may think of a situation.

It’s always thought to know exactly what others are thinking, but journaling can allow us to slow down enough to start to try to understand someone else’s point of view.

3. Remind you of a life worth living

I like to think of journaling as “my life’s story”. That alone makes it fun, enjoyable, and inspiring to write a little about myself and what is going on with me every single day.

After you have journaled continuously for sometime and you look back on the things that you have written you may realize that your life is much more interesting and deep than you once thought.

In fact, if you are down on yourself a lot, journaling is a great way to get around this and discover that your life is truly worth living.

4. Reassure yourself who you are

Do you know yourself? Without thinking too hard about it, you may just simply say, “of course I do,” yet if you haven’t done some serious introspection and work on who you are, chances are you may only know who you think you are.

This was definitely the case for me before I started writing for myself every single day. I thought that I knew what I liked and disliked, who I was, and where I was going in life.

But in reality I these aspects of myself were what I thought I should be; not actually who I was.

With journaling, I uncovered dreams and goals that I never imagine would be mine. I realized that there were so many things that I just couldn’t stand to do and therefore gave myself boundaries to say “no” more.

Journaling can do this for you too. You can finally say hello to yourself.

5. Help you record your legendary stories

The idea of being able to write for your life and then pass that writing onto someone else, whether it be old friends, children, grandchildren, etc. is inspiring.

I could only wish that my father or grandfather would have been able to pass on something like that to me. It wouldn’t have mattered if the words they wrote were deep or insightful; just as long as they were words that I could read and feel more connected to them.

You can journal every day and then pass this legacy on to loved ones later in life. They can learn about you and what made you tick as a human.

6. Build your serenity

Getting back to number one; when you start to write about your feelings and how situations in your life change your feelings you gain the ability to start to process those feelings.

Rather than leaving feelings completely bottled up inside, you can put them down on paper and get them out of your heart and mind so you can process and understand them more which will lead to a more serene existence.

This especially works well with feelings like anger, jealousy, resentment, etc. Putting these feeling out on paper and letting them take their course is a great way to stay balanced.

The simple act of writing a few words, sentences, or paragraphs everyday can have a profound and instant effect on your life for the better.

Journaling can change your life and make you more interested and interesting through the years.

Don’t forget to check on the elderly.

Semper-fidelis

Sittard/Zittard

August 27, 2018 8:25 pm / 1 Comment on Sittard/Zittard

Thanks for the Pic Twitter

Today the ladies, Kathryn and Mary Agnes, got on the SB-3 Bus in Geilenkirchen, 15 Euro for two, and traveled to Sittard, Netherlands for some sight seeing. I’m sure the grapes from a local vinyard will become a tasting at some point, when in Rome, you know. The distance between Geilenkirchen and Sittard is 14 miles. Google maps say it’s a 34 minute ride by auto. I’m guessing the bus is a bit longer, but plenty of time to take in the country side.

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Fruit of the vine!

Just last week, one of the AM TV shows were interviewing people on the street with a large map of the world. Passerby’s were quizzed on various country’s and their locations. OMG, no orientation to location on God’s Earth is held by anyone they interviewed. I do realize that for the effect they were trying to get, those with geographic knowledge were not put on the air. That’s kind of how things work in that industry. Is Geography even taught in school today? There was a good article in USA Today back in 2015 on just that subject. Check it out if interested at: https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/10/16/us-students-are-terrible-at-geography

In case you’re one of those no-clue individuals, here is a map of Europe.

Image result for Map of Europe

Market area, Sittard, Netherlands

Sittard from a Wiki view.

The city of Sittard is located in the Dutch province of Limburg, which is the southernmost province in the Netherlands. Sittard shares its eastern border with Germany, and is located about 45 meters above sea level at its city center. As a result of its close proximity to Germany, many of the residence speak not only Dutch, but also German fluently. In this respect, Sittard is truly a blend of numerous European cultures living together peacefully.

Early History

The earliest settlements in the area of Sittard have been dated as early as 5000 B.C. However actual settlements of the present day city did not take place until approximately 850 A.D. History says that the name of the city may have actually been given to it by Charlemagne. Others argue that the name came from the fertile nature of the land.

The Duke of Limburg is said to have granted the city its “city rights” in 1243. The 15th through the 17th centuries saw much conflict and war in the area and Sittard was destroyed by multiple fires and rebuild a number of times.

Sittard in WWII

In the years prior to the war, there was a large population of German Jews that had moved to the Netherlands to escape the rise of the Nazi Party. However, as with most other cities in Holland, the German forces occupied Sittard during the Second World War. Most of the Jews were then deported to concentration camps. The 2nd Armored Division finally liberated Sittard in September of 1944. Although the city was on the frontline of the conflict for nearly four months, the historic structures within Sittard somehow avoided being destroyed.

Following the War, Sittard quickly recovered and many of its neighborhoods were constructed in the years after the conflict.

Mining in Sittard

Part of the economic engine that drove Sittard’s recovery and growth was the coal mining industry, which had actually begun in 1926. Prior to coal, the main source of income had been agricultural. However, with the move toward “Green” energy, the coal mines were eventually closed down in the 60’s and 70’s. Industrial terrain and numerous large office buildings now cover most of the areas.

Sittard Today

Although the city of Sittard has continued to grow with the years, it has maintained its connection with its history. Many of the buildings in existence still today are indicative of the 16th and 17th centuries. Of special note are the following buildings:

-Saint Peter’s

– Saint Michael’s

– Our Lady Basilica

Though the city is quite modern in many ways, the original city walls, built in the 13th century, is still visible in many places throughout the city.

Summary

Although a little out-of-the-way, Sittard is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. The city can be accessed my major motorways, rail and even bus. If you are not traveling far, you might even be able to ride a bicycle into the city. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, Sittard is an important city to visit on your tour of Holland, and one that will truly capture you heart.

(Thanks to Wiki for the information)

Once again I say thank you for stopping by.

This weekend Maryland Public Television featured long time DeMatha High School basketball coach Morgan Wooten ,now retired. His mantra was God, Family, School and basketball, what a wonderful way to approach the end result. Peace my friends.

Don’t forget to check on the elderly.

The Oregon Connection

August 26, 2018 10:06 pm / 2 Comments on The Oregon Connection

Image result for roaring springs ranch oregon

https://www.countrynaturalbeef.com/

Roaring Springs Ranch
Stacy & Elaine Davies, Managers
Frenchglen, Oregon

Who are these two you ask,the other set of granparents to Mia, Ana, Dax and Zoe. Our eldest daughter, Kathryn’s first child was Samantha(Sam). Sam attended and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, class of 2012. While at the Academy Sam met Zed Davies, who also graduated from USAFA. Zed is the first born of six to Stacy & Elaine.

These two young Airmen became engaged and married the day after graduation in May of 2012. The ensuing years would find them stationed in Columbus, MS and Oklahoma City, OK. For a short time Zed would find himself at Naval Air Training Facility, Pensacola, Fl prior to Pilot training in Columbus, MS. As I write this blog they are now safely in their new home town of Gielenkirchen, Germany.

So, the below is a bit of information from Country Natural Beef and the Roaring Springs Ranch, managed by Stacy and Elaine Davies.

The historic Roaring Springs Ranch headquarters are located in the sweeping Catlow Valley on the high desert of southeastern Oregon in Harney County. The ranch is a contiguous block of land located between Adel, Fields and Frenchglen.

In 1872 the cattle baron Pete French occupied the area that includes the present day ranch and developed a magnificent ranching empire. In the early 1900’s the federal government purchased the heart of the ranch to create the Malheur Wildlife refuge and the remainder of the ranch has since changed hands several times including Eastern Oregon Livestock Company, Swift and Company, Gill Cattle Company, and Allied Properties, among others. In 1992 the Bob Sanders family of Vancouver, Washington purchased the ranch and they still own it today.

The mission of the Roaring Springs Ranch is to be sustainable: This requires a focus on the economic, ecologic, and social function of our operation.

We are proud of the abundance of diverse wildlife species that share the landscape with our cattle, horses and ranch families. We are proactive in finding solutions to challenging resource issues. Clean water and air, beautiful scenery, open space, healthy fish and wildlife species are important outcomes of our management strategies. Through co-operative projects with a multitude of agencies and interested groups and individuals, we are able to ensure healthy ecosystems on our private land as well as our permitted public lands. Projects have focused on sage grouse, bighorn sheep, antelope, deer, elk, neo-tropical migrant birds, raptors, waterfowl, and overall ecosystem health. We are very proud of our wildlife populations and the health of our watersheds.

Roaring Springs Ranch recognizes the importance of the role we play as resource managers and food producers for our urban friends and customers. We are confident about our land and resource stewardship and take many opportunities to share our achievements, direction, failures, and opportunities. We value the input of others and seek opinions on issues that are important and include them in management decisions where appropriate. Involving and communicating with beef consumers, public land users, policy makers, voters and all of those who share our love for America is a responsibility we take seriously.

Cattle fit naturally into this environment with its diversity of vegetation types and over 4000 feet change in elevation. The conversion of grass to beef on rocky, dry sparse rangelands is the most economically sustainable use of our land. Marketing our beef directly to the consumer has insulated us from price swings and non-profitable years so common in the normal cattle business. Attention to detail, long term planning, frugal spending, and a consumer direct market are the recipe for economic sustainability.
A healthy environment, happy people, and robust economies are not in conflict but in fact are dependent upon one another. Our job is to leave this ranch in a position to benefit the families of Roaring Springs Ranch for many generations into the future.

Mary Agnes and I were honored to attend the feeding of the flock after the wedding at the reception held at the home of Eric and Melissa Bringhurst in Castle Rock, Colorado. Should you ever bite into a piece of Country Natural Beef, you’ll be in for a treat.

Prior to the kids going off to Germany the Davies grandparents spent time with the kids for a few days in Alabama and Georgia. The following pictures appeared on Facebook and I share them with you now.

Image may contain: 2 people, including Stacy Davies, people smiling, people standing and outdoor

Stacy Davies with Son Zed.

Image may contain: 5 people, including Elaine Davies, people smiling, people standing, child and outdoor

Granny Elaine with the Davies Crazys

Ranch employment could be in Ana’s future.

It doesn’t matter if the grandparents are from the East or West, It’s the “LOVE” that matters. More pictures exist on FB, check out Elaine Davie’s FB page should you wish to see more pictures of the kids.

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, car and outdoor

The van and luggage carrier was there to greet them on arrival in Dusseldorf.

I hope you now have a little better feel on the Davies side of the Berthiaume – Fiddler Clan. The DNA keeps multiplying East to West and North to South.

My personal thoughts are also with G and Granny, in Geilenkirchen trying to make the transition a little smoother for the Davies Clan. I love you girls, see you in a week.

Yes, Rachael made it safe and sound to Austin, TX. If you have an address for her, send her a “You Go Girl.”

And last but not least,

The Rooster says!

Don’t forget to check on the elderly.

A Share & Remembrance

July 21, 2018 12:24 pm / 3 Comments on A Share & Remembrance

I can not help but share the beauty that is SE Oregon, so I share my granddaughter’s Blog.

Today in the tiny Village of Allen, MD we bury our Fire Chief David Barry, who tragically died in a car accident on 15 July, may he rest in peace.

.Reposted 21 July 2018

A rainy Saturday on the Eastern Shore.

S 1 E 3: Ranch Life

by c12samb

If you haven’t been out to the Roaring Springs Ranch, or really this part of Oregon, you need to find a way to make it out here. Each time we come out I am reminded of the beauty of it. This trip out was a little more relaxed than normal because I have no ties to anyone but my family right now. We have out-processed from Tinker and have yet to in-process to our temporary duty at Maxwell AFB.

We began this leg of our trip with a much needed nap. The kids played with all of PaPa and Grandmas toys while Zed and I enjoyed some sleep. After waking up we had a date with 11 bulls. After getting them loaded in a trailer we drove 3.5 hours and dropped them at a ranch who would be leasing them for the summer. Along the way we stopped at Dairy Queen (more popular than McDonald’s out there) for dinner and ice cream. You’ll see that ice cream is a common thread for this trip. Once dropping the bulls we headed back towards the ranch and spent the night in the apartment over the office in Burns. On top of running the ranch Stacy also runs a co-op of ranchers who make up Country Natural Beef. They supply beef to places like Whole Foods, Blue Apron, and Burgerville. The next day we woke early, picked up kid horses and finished the drive to the ranch.

The kids enjoyed riding horses, helping PaPa work cows (it’s AI season currently), and riding toys. Zed and I are storing our four wheelers at the ranch while we’re in Germany and they bought 2 little motorcycles for the kids. Mia mastered the one without training wheels while Ana claimed the one with the extra help. Zed taught the kids how to climb rocks (I missed the photo op). It was great to see him in his element and sharing that with the kids. While we were there the ranch was hosting an AI school. Those who take part in the school learn something new and Stacy gets a few more hands to help out. Ana also adopted a calf and it was her responsibility to feed it each day.

One of the most fun days was when we enjoyed a trip to Fields for burgers and shakes. The kids (Jonah and Dallen (brother #3) had made it out and joined us) climbed trees and played in the mud while we waited for our food. This is another most stop when you come to visit the ranch. We then headed out on four wheelers and motorcycles to enjoy the reservoir.

While there Zed found a nest, where two of the eggs were beginning to hatch. The kids insisted we stay until they were out, but we explained we couldn’t wait that long and had to go see Sadie.

On the drive back, 3/5 kiddos fell asleep and we met up with Wes (brother #2) and Sadie. That night the couples went into town and enjoyed a benefit dinner for the boys’ high school English teacher.

The final day on the ranch we took a Steen’s Mountain tour and truly enjoyed the south eastern Oregon landscape.

One of the many gorges along the Steen’s. There should be some snow still visible on the peaks, but it wasn’t a great snow year.

This looks out over the historic Riddle Ranch.

Mia and Ana attempting to throw rocks into Wild Horse Lake. The angle of the picture deceives the eyes. Ana’s right foot is hanging over a sheer face that drops a “couple” feet.

Behind Zed and me is the Alvord Desert.

We concluded the tour with a stop at the Frenchglen Mercantile for some ice cream. The ability to easily come to the ranch for a break is going to be missed while we’re in Germany. It will be an amazing treat to be welcomed back to.

-S

c12samb | July 6, 2018 at 3:19 pm | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: https://wp.me/p7p01n-3J

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The Grands and Greats take to the Road

June 28, 2018 4:01 pm / Leave a comment

Many of you are already aware that granddaughter Samantha, Captain, USAF, and husband Zed, Captain, USAF are relocating from OKC, Oklahoma to Geilenkirchen, Germany. For those who did not know this, now you do.

Image result for cartoon van with lots of people

Photo from: idiotsbooks.com

So, to further enlighten you on their upcoming adventure and cross-country journey, I share with you Sam’s most recent blog. Should their schedule hold true, we might even have them on a float in the famous “Allen, MD Fourth of July Parade.” If you’re close by, the parade is an enjoyable experience with a picnic at the end.

Season 1: American Road Trip

by c12samb

Sung to the tune of Little Einsteins

We’re going on a trip in our big blue rocket truck

Zooming down the road, Davies Family

Climb aboard, get ready to explore

There’s so much to see, Davies Family

We’re going on a vacation, start the countdown

5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Everyone to the truck, rev it up now

RRRRRRRRR

We’re going on a trip in our big blue rocket truck

Zooming down the road, Davies Family

Climb aboard, get ready to explore

There’s so much to see, Davies Family

Come on, let’s go, Davies Family

Can’t wait to see you, Davies Family

Yeah!

On this season follow the Davies Family as we leave Tinker AFB in our rear view and head out on a 3 week family vacation. Follow us as we go from Oklahoma City to Vernal, UT to Frenchglen, OR, to Boise, ID, to Oklahoma City, OK, to Allen, MD, to Bay City, MI, to Montgomery, AL. You’ll get an inside look at the chaos of traveling as a family of six from sea to shining sea.

Enjoy!

-S

c12samb | June 26, 2018 at 10:04 pm | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: https://wp.me/p7p01n-3y

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The Days, They Will Get Longer Now

December 21, 2017 7:19 am / 6 Comments on The Days, They Will Get Longer Now

Manhattanhenge (NBC photo)

Herself, who likes the shorter days, shall not be enthralled with this day I assure you. Oh she of the belief that when it is dark one goes to bed and as the sun rises so does one’s self. Do not even get her started on her opinion of Daylight Savings Time, what a waste of time that is. (No pun intended)

Several years ago we were blessed with the opportunity to spend time in Ireland in the town of Kilkenny on this very short day. Herself had become the American mother of sort for a son (we shall call him Eddie) of Ireland. This of course was quite appropriate as her maternal roots travel back to County Donegal on the Emerald Isle. Herself and this lad of the land of the green spent a number of years together behind bars. Herself’s sentence was 23 years, he is still serving his sentence but is obviously off for good behavior at the moment. We are both envious of their present geographical location.

theRooster, Kilkenny, IE December 2015

Of late we have been following our adopted family on Face Book as they are in Kilkenny as my fingers hit these keys. I mention Ireland because of Newgrange and its ancient history and the relationship to The Winter Solstice.

I share with you Bill Ervolino’s most recent article on this shortest day.

The winter solstice — also known as Yule, Midwinter, the Shortest Day of the Year and the Longest Night — occurs at 11:28 a.m. ET Thursday.
But this short, little day with the great many names also may be the worst day of the year, according to astrologers. The reason? Saturn.
Apparently, the sun will appear to pass in front of the constellation Capricorn hours after Saturn does likewise. This will cause both of these orbs to line up for the first time since 1664, according to London astrologer Neil Spencer, who writes for The (London) Observer but first wrote about the alignment on his blog.
He insists that starting something new on this day is “ill advised” and will have long-term consequences. And anything you try to do Thursday will be more difficult than usual, take more time and be more frustrating.
► Tuesday: Thursday’s winter solstice marks the longest night of the year ► December 2016: Winter solstice: It only gets better from here ► December 2015: Monday’s winter solstice marks the longest night.

Perhaps that’s why the president probably won’t sign the tax bill Thursday — that and Congress has its paperwork to process — even though Spencer said the establishment, patriarchy, big business and property will be front and center in the cosmos.
Toss in all that holiday traffic — it is a gridlock alert day just about everywhere, according to Inrix, a company that analyzes transportation data — and it may be a good idea just to stay home.
“Saturn in Capricorn is a very useful placement, denoting one tough individual, but on a macro level, it doesn’t promise much in the way of fruitful change.”
Neil Spencer, astrologer
“Patience will not be a priority, especially if we are told that we ‘have to’ (do something) by our superiors,” Lunar Living astrology website says. “We may be perceived as (in)subordinate. Be ready to deal with the repercussions of the rebellion.”
Yet you can take solace in the winter solstice celebration at Newgrange in County Meath, Ireland, which is being streamed live to the world from 3:30 to 4:15 a.m. ET Thursday.
The entrance to the monument, which has a retaining wall made of quartz cobblestones, is aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice. As the sun comes up between 8:30 and 9:15 a.m. in Ireland, sunlight pours in through an opening in the roof (called a “roofbox”) and floods the chamber with light.
News shows likely will carry some of the footage. After you watch it, you might want to get back under the covers.
Follow Bill Ervolino on Twitter: @billerv

As The Rooster Crows

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Season 1: American Road Trip

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