The Retiring Sort

Think Pink (Even if it’s not your favorite color…)

Posted on October 16, 2012 by The Retiring Sort

When I was about nine, my mother decorated my room in pink and white. I had striped café curtains with canopy valances, pink walls and bedspreads, and a white desk and trim. I’m not at all sure why she picked pink – it really wasn’t me. I was a tomboy, and my favorite color was blue. It still is.

However, I now have a growing affection for pink.

I’m a breast cancer survivor (I finished treatment ten years ago next month), and as it happens, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Everywhere you turn in the US and Canada, there is a “Race for the Cure” or pink paraphernalia for sale to support research and awareness efforts.

There are many other cancer research efforts, of course. Ribbons in a rainbow of colors promote awareness of these and other diseases. Lavender ribbons are for general cancer, teal for ovarian cancer, light blue for prostate cancer, and so on. But everyone knows what that pink ribbon is for.

People buy wristbands, car magnets, tote bags, t-shirts, and mugs to show their solidarity and support. The items available are sometimes whimsical and silly, but the folks who oversee various fundraising efforts for breast cancer research have done an amazing job – even stamps at the post office and my bottled water are branded in pink this month, with some of the proceeds of their purchases going to the effort.

This may feel a bit overdone, and even tacky, to some people. Some of the vendors may not be legit. But for those like me (and others in my extended family) who have survived the surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, side effects and associated fears that accompany breast cancer, they are a sweet reminder of the many people who have supported research and treatment options that have made our survival and quality of life possible.

But wait, there’s more! Research and treatment centers are only part of the pink ribbon campaign. The other side is awareness. If you have a family history of any cancer (or heart disease, or diabetes…), make sure your doctor is aware of that. And even if you don’t know of a family history, make sure you have the regularly recommended screenings for these diseases as you get older.

Nobody enjoys a mammogram, prostrate screening, a colonoscopy, or blood tests – but these procedures take only a few moments out of your life. They can give you back years for the effort. Fight with your insurance carrier, if you need to – or figure out how to make this investment in your future – just please don’t ignore it.

Ten years from now and beyond, it’s my hope that we will all still be here sharing our thoughts, our hopes, and our gratitude for the many gifts our maker, this world, and the people around us have provided.

Even if they come in pink.

Think Pink from Funny Face – one of my favorite movies! Thanks, YouTube!

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This post was written in response to a WordPress Weekly Writing Challenge. This week’s theme was A Splash of Color. To see other bloggers’ colorful responses, click here.

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A few related sites:

Posted in Health Issues, Health-Diet, Ruminations, Writing Challenges | Tagged Breast cancer, Color, DPchallenge, Funny Face, Health, lifestyle, Pink ribbon, Think Pink | 28 Comments

New England On Display – The Eastern States Exposition

Posted on October 13, 2012 by The Retiring Sort

We moved back to New England about twelve years ago, and every year, we’ve talked about going to the “Big E” – the Eastern States Exhibition. It’s like a State Fair times six.

For two weeks in September, the town of West Springfield, Massachusetts hosts exhibits from the six New England states. There are featured state and theme days, an amusement park, a huge number of food concessions, and everything else you would associate with a State Fair.

We finally made it this year.

The Big E site is a permanent venue. Each state has its own building, and there are a variety of other permanent and temporary exhibition halls and booths.

Vermont State building and some of the wares inside

The theme the day we went was the National Grange. This means that there were lots of 4-H and farm-type exhibits featured, and blue ribbons awarded.

Pumpkin and woolen products award winners

Sheep judging

Raw wool and wool spinning demonstration

Butter sculpture – who knew?

Some of the many craft displays

There were also exhibit halls full of household goods, clothing, and other products made throughout New England, parades led by clydesdales pulling carts, and a recreated New England town square, complete with old houses, a museum, and a tavern.

All in all, a great way to get a flavor of our little corner of the world, displayed for children of all ages – and they’re already planning for next year. If you’re in the area, come enjoy New England on display!

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This post was written in response to a Travel Theme challenge from Ailsa at wheresmybackpack. This week’s theme is On Display. To learn more about the challenge and to see the exhibit posts from other bloggers, click here.

Posted in Photo Challenges, Recreation, Travelogues | Tagged Big E, Eastern States Exposition, lifestyle, New England, On Display, Photo Challenges, photos, recreation, Weekly Travel Theme | 31 Comments

Verrrry Interesting – Specialty Blogging Awards

Posted on October 13, 2012 by The Retiring Sort

My Dad always quoted the old proverb, “If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” So that’s my excuse. I’ve received a few very nice specialized award nominations recently, and have been taking my sweet time to finish this acceptance post with the right nominations.

What makes these awards so interesting is that they focus on certain aspects of blogging. For example, Canoe Communications has shared the Adventurous Blogger Award for travelers. I really appreciate this – I don’t normally think of myself as adventurous, just a curious and avid visitor. Catherine at Mezzaphonically Speaking offered the Super Sweet Blogging Award, which I think has at least something to do with food, so I take this as a reminder that I should share more about our recent diet success and favorite recipes! And Eleenie at Denobears sent along the Reader Appreciation Award. This one could be taken two ways – that readers appreciate the blog content (one always hopes), or that the nominee is a faithful and appreciative reader (I like that idea even better). I have tried to select nominees who qualify both ways for this one.

My heartfelt thanks to the kind bloggers above who included me in their nominations – please take a little time to see what they’ve been up to, and why they themselves were nominated! Here are the requirements for accepting these awards:

1) Thank the blogger who nominated you and share a link to that blog – Done!

2) Attach the award icon to your site – Done!

3) Answer some specific questions. Unlike many awards which just ask for some random things about you, these ask specific questions, related to each award, as follows (with my responses):

a) The Adventurous Blogger Award asks:

In which country or region would you like your next adventure to be? We’d love to travel to Central/South America, The Alaskan Coast, or somewhere in the Mediterranean. (Clearly we lack focus.)
Where would you recommend for an adventurous time? Honestly, adventure is where you look for it, but Hawaii has a lot to offer – coral reefs, waterfalls and rainforests, volcanoes, and more. Most of our US National Parks offer wonderful adventures.
Most interesting culture: This depends on where you start out, I think. I was fascinated with how the Japanese culture evolved in the 20th century, without losing its identity in the world. Many places we’ve been are in a state of change – China, Romania, Greece – all with incredible histories but currently changing dynamics!
Favorite activity: I love learning the history of new places. Often when we travel, we start with research, and maybe a quick initial tour to help us learn a little – then we choose the spots we really want to spend more time.
Favorite quotation: This is a tough one… I have several – serious and funny. My humorous favorite right now is “It’s never to late to have a happy childhood!” (This has been attributed to Tom Robbins, Bruce Williamson, Wayne Dyer and others.)

b) The Super Sweet Blogging Award asks:

Cookie or cake? Cake (no frosting necessary)
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
What is your favorite sweet treat? My Nana’s Scottish Shortbread
When do you crave sweet things the most? Bedtime
If you had a sweet nickname, what would it be? Well, my Aunt called me Jelly Bean when I was little… it rhymes with my middle name!

c) The Reader Appreciation Award asks:

Your favourite colour? Deep Blue
Your favourite animal? Love the elegance and independence of cats, and the companionship of dogs
Your favourite non-alcoholic drink? Tomato Juice
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook (family connections)
Your favourite pattern? Maybe the Black Watch Tartan (plaid)
Do you prefer getting or giving presents? Giving – I love the challenge of finding the right thing.
Your favourite number? Never thought about it – how about 7…
Your favourite day of the week? Saturday – all day with my hubby!
Your favourite flower? Violets and Pansies – they seem to have faces
What is your passion? My family. They fill my thoughts (and many days), got me started on enjoying photography, inspired me to learn about genealogy, and make life in general worth living!

4) And finally, offer “pay it forward” nominations, advising those bloggers that they’ve been nominated and how to accept. I’ve listed the mandated number of nominees for each award below. This is the best reason to accept blogging awards – to spread the word about other blogs that we enjoy!

Adventurous Blogger Award Nominees (12):

http://deetoursbydeepali.wordpress.com/about/ Travel, photos, musings
http://nprimopiano.wordpress.com/about/ photos and more
http://divine-lunacy.com/about/ photos and other creative stuff
http://ensummerfield84.wordpress.com/about/ photos of Japan
http://natureontheedge.com/about/ focus on wildlife/southern Africa
http://godcolors.wordpress.com/about/ nature, travels, missionary work
http://cjvl.wordpress.com/about/ fun reflections and photos
http://lifesjourneyblog.com/about/ philosophical reflections, photos
http://the-travelbunny.com/about/ travel, photos, and more
http://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/about-me/ great photos, love of travel
http://ronmayhewphotography.com/ wonderful travel, nature, other photos
http://pommepal.wordpress.com/about/ photos, wanderings, Australia

Super Sweet Blogging Award Nominees (A baker’s dozen – 13!):

http://crunchyparenting.com/about-me/ parenting, families, food, etc.
http://gertrygiggles.wordpress.com/about/ travel photos, humorous musings
http://janetsnotebook.com/about/ variety of post topics, great writing
http://atasteofmorning.com/about/ homey recipes and country inn photos
http://bebs1.wordpress.com/about/ recipes, photos and more
http://fitnwellmommy.wordpress.com/about/ food, fitness, family
http://eastasiablog.wordpress.com/ all things East Asia, including food links
http://theeverbuddingbear.wordpress.com/about/ food, gardening, photos
http://zhongguojumble.wordpress.com/about/ all things Chinese – including food
http://autumninbruges.wordpress.com/about-me/ travel, photos, and food
http://campanulladellaanna.wordpress.com/about/ photos, travel, food
http://rainbowbakery.wordpress.com/about/ photos, travel, food
http://carriefehr.com/about/ great recipes from fresh seasonal foods

Reader Appreciation Award Nominees (10-12):

http://max510.com/ travel, photos, videos, whimsy
http://visitstothepark.wordpress.com/about/ great eye for photo ops
http://danajoward.wordpress.com/ lovely photos and outlook
http://pigletinportugal.com/ everything about Portugal!
http://seraphim6.me/about-me/ eclectic, upbeat blog
http://mywordwall.wordpress.com/about/ writing, photos, and more
http://eof737.wordpress.com/about/ photos, writing, positivity
http://beeblu.wordpress.com/ writing, travel, photos
http://sued51too.wordpress.com/about/ writing, photos and more
http://ayearinmyshoes.wordpress.com/about/ photos, travel and writing

I hope, whether or not these folks opt to accept, that you will choose to visit some or all of them, and perhaps find some new favorites of your own!

Enjoy! And thanks for reading all the way to the bottom!

Posted in Blogging, Giving Back | Tagged Adventurous BLogger Award, Blogging Awards, Gratitude, Reader Appreciation Award, Super Sweet Blogging Award, Thanks | 59 Comments

So Big!

Posted on October 13, 2012 by The Retiring Sort

We played a game with our children and grandchildren to get them to put their hands in the air when it was time to take off a shirt for bath time, or put on pajamas for bed.

How big are you? Sooooooo big! A laugh always followed as the tiniest person in the room felt much bigger for that moment, reaching up and dreaming of the time when all the big people stuff would be within grasp.

When you think of big, how big do you think?

Pumpkin, too big to lift, big?

Big Island of Hawaii, mostly two huge volcanoes, big?

Or Great Wall of China, visible from space, big?

When it comes to your dreams and imagination, think as big as you like and reach for the sky. After all, you might just grow into those dreams.

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This post was originally written in response to a Weekly Photo Challenge on WordPress.com’s Daily Post. This challenge topic was Big.

Because I’m unfortunately not able to put together a new post right now, I’m sharing this one again in response to a new Travel Challenge on that topic from Ailsa at WheresmyBackpack. To learn more about her challenge and to see the great images posted by Ailsa and other bloggers, click here.

Posted in Photo Challenges | Tagged Big, Dreams, Great Wall of China, Hawaii Island, lifestyle, photography, postaday, Pumpkins, Weekly Travel Theme | 42 Comments

Happy Days – Happy Memories

Posted on October 9, 2012 by The Retiring Sort

We had a great weekend. A friend from Hawaii arrived last Thursday evening and left Monday – and in between we packed in a lot of happy New England moments. I love the Fall, and we did all our favorite things while she was here…

On Friday we spent most of the day kayaking on the Lieutenant River, some tributary streams and associated mud flats filled in by the tides. The weather was perfect!

On Saturday we started with breakfast and apple and pumpkin picking at our favorite orchard. Our daughter and grandson joined us. Then we headed back to our place to make apple crisp and applesauce. We finished out the afternoon with a walk on the Air Line Trail. A little light rain made the woods take on a whole new character, and it was gorgeous.

On Sunday we headed to Boston to walk the Freedom Trail. We parked in the Boston Common Garage, started at the trail’s beginning on the Common, and covered everything on the historic walk – which ends at the Bunker Hill monument. We had lunch in the historic Green Dragon Tavern and dinner at a pub back near the Common before the long drive home.

A wonderful time was had by all… and by Monday morning when we finally got up, we were all tired, but very happy.

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This post was written in response to the Weekly Photo Challenge on WordPress.com’s Daily Post. This week’s challenge topic is Happy. To learn more about the challenge and to see the joyful images posted by other bloggers, click here.

Posted in Photo Challenges, Travelogues | Tagged Autumn, Boston, Happy, kayaking, lifestyle, photography, photos, postaday, postaweek, recreation, Walking | 22 Comments

Animal Kingdom – It’s Everywhere

Posted on October 9, 2012 by The Retiring Sort

Our friend Ailsa pointed out that last Thursday, October 4th, was World Animal Day. This got me thinking about the different levels of freedom and autonomy that animals have in our world.

There are places where they are wild, but interact with us by visiting our campsites or gardens. Some stay hidden from view, keeping our ecosystem working behind the scenes. Some we’re lucky enough to find in their own environs…

Then there are those who live in protected areas like parks, where they can come and go, but live relatively protected, and probably become a bit too comfortable with us.

And then there are those we keep in captivity, whose natural environments we try to duplicate… although we know we always fall short in some ways…

And finally there are those we have domesticated, or tamed to some degree. Some we use for food or clothing, some for protection and companionship…

And some we think we’ve domesticated… but I suspect may have trained us!

Regardless of where you find them, or how you enjoy them, animals are all around us, and depend on us to keep the world clean and safe place for them – and us – to live. Many of them actively trust us to provide for them.

Let’s try not to disappoint.

Happy World Animal Day! (A little late.)

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This post was written in response to a Travel Theme challenge from Ailsa at wheresmybackpack. This week’s theme is Animals, in honor of World Animal Day. To learn more about the challenge and to see the beastly posts from other bloggers, click here.