Cookies

My mother recalled my first spoken word …  At age 3, I finally gave voice to my dominant thought: "cookie!"  Our children began talking at a much earlier age, thank goodness, probably with more affectionate words like "Mama" and "Dada."  But I'm different, and "cookie" has stuck with me as a keyword throughout my life.

Before the Internet and TV Food Network (launched 11/23/1993 with Robin Leach and others,) cookies were the simple, ultimate fast food – a convenient, satisfying snack, especially for kids.  Extra healthy with oatmeal and raisins (my all-time favorite.)  Who can forget the cookie jar!

Sister’s Search for Happiness

She arrived safely – our oldest daughter's first daughter – our tenth granddaughter. Twenty-three grandchildren now, each one as precious as on the day she or he was born.  Nine months of discomfort, pain, worry, and joy.  Days of loving welcome by an adoring extended family and a generous community. “Happy day,” as my great grandfather Dr. Rich would say.  When her parents first saw her, they knew an old-fashioned name would fit.  I expect those who meet her will agree it is perfect.  Her brothers like their new sister, though life has dramatically changed for them.  They will learn to protect, teach, and entertain her.

Mother and daughter, spirit sisters, begin a new relationship here – so special.  Father and daughter, spirit brother and sister, as well.  I recall an old film, Man's Search for Happiness, produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for exhibition at the New York World’s Fair of 1964-65.  (lds.org/church/news/…)  I first saw it there at the Mormon Pavilion with my family on a three-week vacation; (that was before YouTube, where I found it this week.)  I was also impressed by other exhibits that were dazzling, futuristic, and educational; but that one really hit home and found a special spot in my memory. The movie is narrated by Richard L. Evans (1906 - 1971) – Apostle, writer, and U of U alumnus.  In thirteen minutes it simply portrays the eternal nature of man; Elder Evans quotes the poet Wordsworth: 

“Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting;

… trailing clouds of glory do we come

               From God, who is our home”

– excerpt from Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood by William Wordsworth, 1770 – 1850  (poets.org)

We know it is Heavenly Father’s purpose to help His children find true joy and happiness, having prepared us before we came here.  What desires, gifts, talents, and character traits does this beautiful baby bring from her premortal existence as a beloved daughter of God?  Seeing her cuddled peacefully in parents’ arms, I believe she is on the right path to finding happiness in this life.

"100 years" for 5 cents each

As I recall, a gift subscription from my parents provided our young family with years of National Geographic magazines and the intended education.  They complemented our children's favorite nature shows on PBS.  (Nature and "... Street" – key elements.)  We were also fortunate to receive other valuable magazines.  Contrary to some members’ opinions, over the years, I haven’t saved all of them.  Some were donated, including a few I generously gave to a good cause last month.

Much to my surprise yesterday, after donating my heavy metal desk to Deseret Industries, I discovered “100 Years …” on sale for five cents each!  On top of the overflow cart, probably a new addition, the coffee-table size naturally caught my eye.  Still in the giving mode, my first thought was, “What a wonderful gift this book would make” (followed by) “after I read it and look at the awesome pictures.”

Although we have no coffee table, no way could I pass up this $5 beauty with its dust jacket in pristine condition.  A bargain at twice the price.  More enjoyment than most $6 new movies with stadium seating (discounted for seniors.)

In the Introduction of The National Geographic Society / 100 Years of Adventure and Discovery ©1987, C.D.B. Bryan begins the journey, “Writing this book could not have been anything but fun. To have the opportunity to explore nearly one hundred years of the National Geographic Society’s history is like becoming a child again – a child who, confined indoors on a languorous, rainy, endless summer afternoon, discovers in the attic of a rented beach cottage the elaborate illustrated family albums of a somewhat eccentric, always fascinating, and truly remarkable clan.”

Founded in 1888, “the Society has been offering ‘a window on the world’ to millions of its members.”  Explorer Robert E. Peary’s 1909 account of reaching the North Pole; Hiram Bingham's 1912 discovery at Machu Picchu; “Richard E. Byrd's 1926 and 1930 articles on being the first to fly over the North and South Poles …”  A two-page aerial view of Mount St. Helens a year after she blew her top; (volcano erupted May 18, 1980.)  I say, let not this treasure become a permanent resident, but a welcome guest in our frontier cottage.

  

I wonder if men and women will press onward to explore more frontiers?  ...
In 2115, who would pay 50 cents each (or 5 cents each at thrift) for the next “100 Years”, coffee-table size in all its splendor.

A favorite 1980s coffee table for sale at polyvore.com and 1stdibs.com; (thanks for the image.) 

Single Ski Season

Looking back, it seems like I was in a different world for twelve months.  In March I completed my mission in Argentina North, where I served 24 months for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  (“The best two years” could be a topic for another post someday … or a whole series – so sweet!)  But this is a quick account of my life as a single adult who focused on three endeavors for a year after the mission: four quarters of classes at the University of Utah (including LDS Institute of Religion,) skiing, and dating.

Now at the peak of ski season in Northern Utah, I feel the urge to go skiing. ("Dream on, old man!")  Recalling that April, I was immediately thrown into spring quarter at the U – a real shock to my system.  I took school seriously, but soon as classes were over for the day, I often turned my attention to water skiing during summer quarter and snow skiing during winter quarter.  I took skiing seriously as well.  Suffice it to say that most summer water was smooth as glass, and I thrived on it.  Loved Lake Powell, though I almost lost it in one fierce storm.  Between ski trips, studying by the community pool with my solar-powered transistor radio helped me keep up with the demands of school.

That fall I found the deal: a $70 ski package at Wolf's Sporting Goods, State Street, Salt Lake City.  Extra-long wooden skis with bindings, boots, and poles!  My compact car served well without a ski rack, as the skis extended out the passenger window.  A season pass at Park City West (aka Park West, later renamed The Canyons) was a wonderful gift from my father, who took it in trade for a debt they owed.  I made sure we got the value out of it by going up three times per week that winter.

I was attracted to the most difficult runs, challenging myself to learn quickly and negotiate huge moguls (mounds formed by deep troughs) on scary, steep slopes where gravity really worked.  College skiing class at Alta Ski Resort was heaven to me – a lot more satisfying than calculus and chemistry.  It was a subject I could really put my heart into and enjoy learning.  The experience was enhanced by combining skiing with dating when I took Kay, my Music Appreciation study partner, to the Alta “bunny hill,” where beginners used a rope tow to ascend the gentle slope.  Before long, her feet got so cold that we had to retreat to the lodge, where we sat by the fire.  I keenly felt responsibility for helping her warm up, and I was happy to do so.  Sweet and slow was the drive back down Little Cottonwood Canyon with a darling young woman cuddled close by my side (before seat belt law,) and a favorite song by Anne Murray on the radio.  More heaven for me!

Getting back to earth and skiing, I didn't know my days were numbered (for fun on the water and slopes, that is.)  At the end of those twelve months, my good friend Gordon in the Institute choir got engaged to be married, and encouraged me to boldly follow his example. I didn't know it, but I was about to get engaged to another close friend, Kay.

Married life was (and is) wonderful and different; I necessarily cut way back on skiing.  The first and final time I took Kay water skiing was in the middle of our first summer, and it hailed at Rockport reservoir just as she was getting up on the water; I failed to sell her on skiing after that.  Can't blame her.

DIY & other verbs that get me going

For future reference this year, I recommend the "Complete List of Action Verbs" compiled in past tense by my mother’s college “… to assist you in describing your experiences and achievements on your resume.”  – www.wellesley.edu/...complete_list_of_action_verbs.pdf
(Now important for the Class of 2016 and me, facing the real world.
And anyone may use it when writing personal history and a memoir.)
I share a few favorites, plus several that somehow didn't make it:

accelerated  [learning, I hope, not evading officers]

accomplished  [congratulations!]

balanced  [checkbook and life]

[missing “caught”]
developed  [a program and patience with coworkers]

[missing “DIY”*]

dramatized  [by role playing or writing creatively]

edited  [nice work if you can get it]

effected  [good, but missing “affected”]

[missing "forgave"]
rewrote  [done that]

shared  [by every social-media user]

simplified  [sweet – need more of that!]

sought  [missing “Googled”]

trained  [to color within the lines]

translated  [missing “transcribed,” another favorite]

wrote  [I did it!]

Obviously not complete as the college claims, but certainly helpful to those inclined to take action.

*I have it on authority, since a BH&G magazine rode the current wave of “do-it-yourself” by printing: [Buy it, or] "DIY it."

Caught the action at the center!

Inviting, and suggesting a forgiving, retail establishment in Prescott AZ

Relaxing in her dream house, Barbie watched action TV
(smartphone played video behind screen) on Christmas Day.