Thru This Naapiakii's Eyes

Posted by Val Fox on May 4, 2013 at 5:35 PM

This is a common sight here on the Kainai Reservation in southern Alberta. Thanks to Google Images.

It's quiet out here on the Alberta Prairie, at least by city standards.

When you live in a large city the noise may tone down a bit in certain areas during the night, but it never stops. You continue to hear road traffic, air traffic and people sounds. When I lived in the city we were in line with an airport runway so we heard planes and helicopters day and night. The sounds of emergency vehicles becomes commonplace, as do buzzing power lines, snow blowers, garbage trucks and lawn mowers.

You get used to it and tune it out - another invisible wall that separates us. For when you tune out the noise, you also tune out others. You don't even know you've lost the ability to hear well.

There are noises outside the cities too but the sounds are different and don't last as long. Take today, for example. This is what I hear when I am alone: a tumbling clothes dryer, croaking frogs, chirping birds (robin, red-winged blackbird, sandpipers, ducks, geese, sparrows.) I heard a bee zip past the window. Then I heard the screech of a hawk. Today is calm, without the usual wind. It is quiet. A young colt calls for its mother.

You get used to it and look forward to it, if you don't tune it out. You don't even know when your hearing improves but it does.

The letter Q, for Quiet.

Pinterest Inspires

Posted by Val Fox on April 24, 2013 at 12:45 PM

comments (1)

Pinterest is a great source for information, ideas and solutions for just about any topic you can think of. Pinterest is an image-sharing website, a tool to help you organize material you might want to refer back to later.

You begin by copying and pasting a Pin-it bookmarklet on your browser so when you’re searching the ‘net and want to save something more than just a URL you can pin a photo, music clip or some other graphic to a theme-based, virtual bulletin board. The source of the pin is usually attached so you can go directly to the site where the pin came from if you want further information.

You organize your pins onto a variety of digital boards based on your interests. In some ways Pinterest is similar to Facebook in that you might follow other pinners, they follow you and anything pinned goes up on a virtual news/pin feed. You can scroll through the pin feed and re-pin items from others or pin your own discoveries from The Web.

When I first learned about Pinterest I thought it would be a time-waster. But if I set myself a time limit, I gain valuable and interesting information without becoming too addicted to just mindless pinning. I focus on what I’m searching for and am rarely disappointed.

You can learn about people, products, events, how-to’s, history, science and just about anything the world offers. You will learn things you never knew before. You can share information/images with others who have similar interests. You will find ideas you never thought of and want to try. You will learn about places you never heard of before.

I started with about 20 boards with titles such as: photography, world travel, recipes, fashion, pets, literature, inspiring quotes. Pinterest provides plenty of guidance on how to get the most out of your time on the site. One suggestion I followed was to break down general topics as much as possible to target specific “audiences.” You can even pin your own material so long as you don’t become a spammer, just there to serve your own needs and promote your own products/services. I now have 80 boards and spend about one hour daily on Pinterest.

You can find photos and information from many places on the internet. Pinterest will help keep you organized and inspired. I’ve even gotten story ideas from perusing pins posted by others. So, give it a try when you find yourself looking for something new. Although Pinterest has been operating for two years, membership continues to grow at a staggering rate.

If you want to learn or you want to promote your own blog, perhaps Pinterest has something to offer you. It will result in more exposure for your own site and maybe increased sales. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

The next post will examine the letter Q as we continue our journey on the A to Z Blog Challenge for 2013. Thanks for visiting.

http://www.pinterest.com

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com

tags: exposure for your website; how-to articles; tips for the home; shopping ideas; vacation plans; photo sharing; history briefs; music clips; video clips for sharing

Natural Flame Burns

Posted by Val Fox on April 24, 2013 at 1:25 AM

comments (0)

Although most eternal flames are man-made, there exists in our world a number of Natural flames that have burned for centuries. The flames pictured below in Turkey are believed to be the oldest in the world. References to them go back 6,000 years.

Chimaera, Turkey Eternal Flame

This remarkable phenomenon is located on a rocky mountainside near Olimpos, Turkey in an area called the Chimaera. About a dozen flames issue from a large rock mass with no apparent fuel source, although it's believed the flames originate from a natural gas leak caused by long-ago volcanic activity.

In Greek mythology a chimaera was a fire-breathing beast - part lion, goat and snake. Ancient mariners have long used the Chimaera flames as a landmark when sailing along the coastline.

Visitors pay a small admission fee to hike 3 km (2 mi) along the Lycian Way stone path to reach the site, also known as the Eternal Flame of Lycia.

The letter N - Natural, Eternal Flame - draws visitors each year to experience the mystery. These type of natural flames have also been a long-held traditon in many cultures and religions world wide - Something to consider when planning your next trip to the Mediterranian.

Next post will examine the letter O - a connection to recent events In Boston. Hope to see you all again soon and thanks for your comments.

Links

http://omplace.com/articles/Mount-olympo.html

http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/med/olimpos/chimera.html

http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/eternal-flame-places-always-on-fire/

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com

tags: Greek vacations; travel in Turkey; Mediterranian tourist attractions; history of Greece; Turkish history; natural landmarks

Kinkajou's Jungle Home

Posted by Val Fox on April 22, 2013 at 4:45 PM

comments (0)

While slurping fresh rainwater with his long, narrow tongue, South America's Kinkajou appears a curious species remarkable in its climbing and balance, its digging and screeching. Here is a photo of this gymnast of the jungle.

Photo Credit: Esquis' via Compfight cc

This kinkajou, about the size of a large cat (Potos flavis,) is of the Family Procyonidae, related to raccoons. Their sharp claws make them famous for raiding bee hives, hense the nickname Honey Bears.

Their most remarkable quality is that kinkajous are able to turn their feet backwards to run easily in either direction. They slurp with an extra long tongue and climb the trees with the help of a gripping monkey-like tail.

This nocturnal hunter enjoys a menu of nectar, insects, small mammals and fruit. A single infant is born each spring. Females are quiet but males proudly display their presence with loud screeching and barking.

You can learn more about the kinkajou at http://www.animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/kinkajou/

The next post will feature the letter L - for Body Language Secrets. What your body language tells others may surprise you. Bye for now. :-)

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com

A Question of Joy

Posted by Val Fox on April 22, 2013 at 3:15 PM

comments (0)

I did a little research recently on the topic of joy, asking what is joy and what does it look like. Is it an experience or a feeling..permanent or fleeting. There are many articles, books and bloggers asking the same questions. Here is some of what I learned.

Google lists the following words as synonyms for the word, Joy: delight, gladness, pleasure, mirth, rejoicing. I'd like to add the word ecstacy, and that I believe it could be constant in certain individuals.

People told me that joy is an attitude, that joy is a decision. Others talked of hope and anticipation, that joy is a gift from God.

"Joy is a constant, no matter what."

"Joy is a moment, or brief life interval."

"Joy transcends circumstances."

Some examples of the experience of joy might be: falling in love; lying in bed listening to the rain; finding money in an old coat pocket; hot towels from the dryer; playing with a puppy; singing at church or gathering with friends or family.

Psychologist, former Buddhist monk and author Donald Altman encourages readers to access their own joy compass to discover and experience joy. Reveling in nature can result in joyful feelings, as can seeking out laughter.

LetUsReason Ministries posts that Joy does not depend on our circumstances or emotional state. This kind of joy is constant because God lives within us. The book of Nehemiah in the Christian Bible reads, Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. In his Christian Living blog, Kevin Martineau says joyful people don't let negative thinking cloud their minds. Joyful people have a positive attitude, their responses are different, and even the words they use are uplifting.

This is what writer Mark Twain said of Joy:

What is Joy without Sorrow..

What is Success without Failure

What is a Win without a Loss

What is Health without Illness..

You have to experience each if you are to appreciate the other.

There are many sources from different cultures that also talk of joy; I'd will continue this topic at a later date, examining how culture plays into the meaning of Joy. I believe Joy is an experience brought about by action that releases intense happiness, and that priorities of Creator, Others, Ourselves will gift us JOY.

Join us again as we continue the A to Z 2013 Blog Challenge. The next post will feature the letter K. http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com ;

Wishing you Joy, today and always.

-V

Sources:

http://www.psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/10/06/3-ways-to-access-joy/

http://www.letusreason.org

http://www.jansjoyousjungle.com/whatisjoy.html

Bonnie, Elwood, Janelle, Paris and Dotty.

tags: a to z challenge; writer Alex J. Cavanaugh; joyous; celebrate in spirit; songs of joy; finding joy; having joy; open to joy; joyful in spite of;

Conquering Indecision

Posted by Val Fox on April 16, 2013 at 3:05 PM

comments (0)

The January 10, 2012 issue of Forbes Magazine contained an article by contributing writer Steven Berglas where he examined Seven Ways to Conquer Indecision. Berglas, who spent 25 years on the faculty of Harvard Medical School's Department of Psychiatry explained that indecision is about avoiding choices, usually between two negative alternatives (catch 22) or between two similar choices.

An example of a Catch-22 choice might be:

Should you remain in a job where you're unhappy and unfulfilled, or should you leave the security it offers and take another position half-way around the world, far away from your family..

Both choices have something you've attached negative feelings to, so either way you feel like you will lose something.

An example of two positive choices might be:

You've been offered two opportunities. The first is a dream job that fullfills your every desire but the salary is smaller. The second job is one that offers security, benefits and a six-figure income. Both are exciting opportunities but making a choice between the two can be brain-draining.

Berglas writes that searching for input from others is not always helpful, adding that shopping for advice can lengthen your list of possibilities, slow progress and make your decision even tougher. This is called the Paradox of Choice.

Here are some tools that can help when you're feeling stuck between two choices - any kind of choices - whether it's what to have for supper or whether or not to move far away. They are simple, clear and they cut through apprehension and doubt.

1. Follow your conscience, your gut instinct and your own truth.

2. Expect challenges, even failures. It's all part of the process of gaining clarity.

3. Avoid paralysis by analysis. If you've completed a decision-making process, over-

thinking it will not make things easier, only more confusing.

4. Act. Make the choice and move foreward. Don't look back..yet.

5. Examine the results of your choice. What worked, what did not. Did this choice give

you the results you hoped for or planned?

6. Adjust. If your choice needs to be different or altered in some way, do what needs to be

done.

7. Move on. You do not have to remain apprehensive or stuck.

Simple, right?

If you'd like to learn more about Steven Berglas and his tools for indecision, this link is a good place to start. http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenberglas/2012/01/10/seven-ways-to-cope-with-indecision/2/

There is a selection of interesting books listed on Amazon and in book stores that this author has penned. Today, Steven Berglas works with entrepreneurs and C-level executives, using many of the same success strategies he used when in private practice as a therapist.

My next post will examine the topic "What is Joy." I'm looking forward to reading some of your thoughts on this topic.

Cheers!

New Posts Ready

Posted by Val Fox on April 15, 2013 at 6:25 PM

comments (0)

Hi Friends! Just stopped in to say I replaced my corrupted computer and am now back on line and ready to return to the April 2013 A-Z Challenge, where bloggers post daily (except Sundays) and work their way through the alphabet. I will post the link at the end of this message for anyone wanting to learn more about this annual event.

I got more writing done in the time off computer than I ever did with a computer! There is something to be said for plain, old-fashioned pen and ink. I continued to write blogs every day and will begin posting them tonight so I can get caught up with everyone. Have a great day, readers. So glad to be back in cyberspace with you all. More later...

-Val

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com

Discipline Produces Results

Posted by Val Fox on April 5, 2013 at 11:55 AM

comments (6)

Discipline is something all writers must face, for without it our messages remain in our thoughts, never to be shared. Through my own experience and that of other writers I've compiled a list of tips to help you stay focused and productive. As always, take what applies to you and leave the rest. Here goes.

1. Remind yourself daily that you are a writer. Don't listen to any negative self talk. Be

what you say, claim what you are, keeping in mind that not everyone that writes a

book is a writer. Writers write all the time, on anything and everywhere, even in their

heads.

2. Shut the self editor up, and let go of your ego telling you it must be perfect. Just keep

writing until the work is finished. You can always fix it later.

3. Set a time or a page goal, then stick to it. Do not break your promise to yourself.

4. Regular session with the muse can be helpful, whether it is perusing bookstore

shelves or spending time with a mentor. Feed yourself this inspiration to help

stay inspired and motivated.

5. I teach the kids I work with to complete their have-tos before their want-tos. Then, I

model the behavior myself. If these words are a negative trigger, then use what

works for you.

6. Regular physical movement, enough rest and good nutrition really do help the brain

function better when writing. Don't just nod and grab another soda. Try these tips.

They help.

7. The use of foam ear plugs muffles out distracting noises. I use these often.

8. It's okay to ask for help. Sometimes I assume others are too busy or not interested,

but don't play silent martyr unless you want to use it as a story character. Open

up and ask for feedback, editing services or whatever you need to keep momentum.

Thanks for coming, fellow readers. I will shut down now, as I'm experiencing problems with my computer and will have to take it in for assessment. It has taken me almost two days to get this post done. I will be back as soon as possible. See you then.

Difficulty Posting Today

Posted by Val Fox on April 4, 2013 at 11:15 PM

comments (0)

Hi Everyone,

Today I experienced some techical problems on my computer that prevented me from posting today's blog. I'm working on getting it fixed and will be back with you soon. Thanks for stopping by.

-Val

Constant Chatter

Posted by Val Fox on April 3, 2013 at 9:45 AM

comments (2)

It started at 5:15 this morning - that constant chatter that goes on in my mind sometimes. You know the kind. It's born of frustration and worry. It's often counter-productive too, especially after a night of little sleep.

It goes something like this.

What made me ever believe I could live out here like this in a world that is so different from how I was raised. God, I can't believe how many animals we've lost over the years. And we do our best to be responsible animal owners. But it's the elements out here that are different from living in the city...

Poor M... I don't know what to do. It feels horrible knowing she's out there and I can't help her. I need the truck but it's not ready yet. It took so long getting out there yesterday and it was hard on the van. The land looks smooth but when you actually travel over it, it's bumpy, littered with badger hole communities that'll swallow up a tire in one gulp, deep gumbos and coulees...

How can we prevent these kinds of things happening - a horse stranded in the field, injured. I wonder how the human would feel - she has to be in pain. She could go into shock. God, please be with M now, please. One of your creatures suffers and needs your help. Gee, what's going on with the furnace? It's sounding like a tractor. Just a little while longer, please. Don't quit now. Gee, I need to get my blog done for today. Why do I always do this - wait until the ninth hour to finish something and then get overwhelmed. Sometimes I think I should just throw in the towel and accept that I'm just a wannabe writer with no message. Maybe I should just....

You get the drift, right? I can't be the only one. Your thoughts may be different but the wave of worry is the same. Round and round on the hampster wheel of Constant Chatter. How then, do we respond to it?

My response to the above mind ramble began with this blog post to you. I wrote about it. A feathery spring snow is falling. I will carry some water out to her and stay with her until help arrives. I hear a meadowlark outside the window. Also, the screech of a hawk. The bison are running. I will call the veterinarian. I will quit moaning and get out there and do what I can. Enough of this constant mind chatter.

Tomorrow's blog will feature the letter D, as we continue our journey on the 2013 A to Z Challenge. See you then. http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com

Broken-hearted

Posted by Val Fox on April 2, 2013 at 11:10 PM

comments (0)

Journal Entry

Date: April 02, 2013

- Still shocked and saddened after yesterday's visit from S. Looks ill. DEATHLY ILL!! What is going on!!

- Shower leaking...again. Call plumber.

- Truck repair called. New starter..again. ?? Warranty?

- Kids home for Spring break. Noisy and chaotic. Hard to write.

- Lost satellite signal. Troubleshot with repair teck. TV needs replacing?

- Day 10 no cigarettes. Struggling.

- Burnt Pizza for supper. Smoke alarm, open windows and doors.

- Checked on M & P. Hadn't come in for meals x 3 days. M's leg broken!! Colt won't leave her side.

- Notified M's owner. Away in city, does not want me to do anything but "make her as comfortable as possible." Are you kidding me????

- Broken-hearted. Better tomorrow.

- The letter B.

A to Z Begins

Posted by Val Fox on April 1, 2013 at 10:20 PM

comments (0)

Hi Everyone! I have decided to blow this Dodge City and head overseas to work with the poor in India. After much thought I realized I could no longer manifest my truest dreams in this country. Canada has been good to me but now it is time to go.

Jokes.....HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!

See you tomorrow for the letter B. :-)

Recent Blog Entries

Research Chimps Retire

by Val Fox | 0 comments

Quiet Prairie Songs

by Val Fox | 0 comments

Pinterest Inspires

by Val Fox | 1 comment

Natural Flame Burns

by Val Fox | 0 comments

Images Stories Music

Val studied Journalism and Public Relations at Lethbridge College. After working as a reporter/editor for a community newspaper she pursued a career working with Children and families in crisis. Aspiring author, amateur photographer, ghost writer and animal lover.