Posted on by Jessica Dofflemyer · 3 Comments

Just a Little Boost

You have to climb a hill to reach our sweet abode. It’s a paved driveway, but steep. Like the kind that tugs the gears of our all-wheel drive vehicle when we hit just-that-spot of incline.

This hill, plus a valley, plus one more sharp slope, are all that lie between us and the Good Neighbors. Mary, (referenced here over the years in connection with her abundant garden) is one half of the Good Neighbors living next door. And being more like, Incredibly Amazing Neighbors, they’ve given Jeb an open invitation to freely roam between our house and theirs.

On one of Jeb’s recent visits, after fueling up on hearty snacks provided by Mary, he was ready to return home. I get the call. It’s Mary and Jeb in her front yard.

“Ok, Jeb’s here and ready to head back to you. He’s going to try to beat his record. Can you set the stopwatch?”

The last time we played this game, Jeb ran home in around three minutes. Not bad for two steep hills in flip flops.

“Yeah, I can set the stopwatch here in just a second.”

“He’s going to try to beat his three minute time. So if he gets 2:59 or under, I’ve agreed to offer a cash prize.”

“Hmm. Ok. Lucky boy…I’ve got the stopwatch ready.”

“Jeb can hear you on my speaker phone, so you say the word and he’ll take off.”

“Alright then. Ready…set…go!”

Somewhere on the other side of the valley, Jeb sets in motion, his growing ten-year old legs leaping down sheer terrain. The seconds on the stopwatch roll.

At 1:45, I wander out to the top of our driveway to see if I can hear any sign of Jeb’s approach. At 2:04, I’m shocked to see him cresting the hill in front of me.

He is very close, though he is not running. Rather, his arms dangle at his sides, nearly scraping the pavement like an orangutan. His back is curved in slight defeat, his flip-flops advancing him forward in exhausted ascent.

He does not realize how fast he’s made the journey. He has no idea how close he is to easily achieving the goal.

“You’re at 2:04! Come on!” I shout with enthusiasm.

His face looks to me, brightening. “2:04?” he heaves.

“Yes, you’re so close and plenty of time. Come on! You can do it! Get to the steps and you’re at the finish!”

Like a flipped switch, or lit flame, Jeb’s exhaustion takes an instant turn, motoring him across the final stretch and landing him at the bottom of the stairs. 2:34.

“2:34! You did it! Right on, Jeb!!”

Never one to miss a chance at theatrics, Jeb proceeds to collapse on the bottom step, panting dramatically, and punctuating his triumph with sportsman-like spits toward the lawn.

It matters not to me whether Jeb makes it home in two minutes or twenty. But I saw a little something in this beat-your-record exercise.

We all have challenges to face on our own. Sometimes, we don’t even realize how far we’ve come along our journey. The trek can be strenuous and long. Ofentimes a bit inspiration is all we need.

As we make our way, it really can make a difference when we get just a little boost of encouragement.

courtesy of out of ideas
courtesy of out of ideas
Posted on by Jessica Dofflemyer · 1 Comment

The Flow

The whipping winds of yesterday have come to a complete standstill. Nothing moves. I kick off bed sheets in my sleep, as we rest in the thick air of an island petri dish paused in surreal calm.

All is silent but for the faint sound of crickets in the pre-dawn dark, and the occasional rooster ricocheting calls from the tops of motionless trees.

So much can change so quickly, just look at the weather.

In my last posting, I bemoaned a broken water pump at our new abode, while watching trees bent sideways from wild gusts. Within 24 hours, I am in a new setting. Water flows from the tap. The air hangs stagnant.

With the water pump fixed yesterday, I got to do chores. Like four loads of laundry. Three piles of dishes (hot, sudsy water, all the while). I wiped away years of black film from behind the refrigerator. There was even joy in cleaning someone else’s left-behind grime. Because I could. Oh, the delight of running water!

All day I drank glassfuls of precious liquid. Some with lemon. Some with fresh mint. Some glasses, just plain, fresh water.

Now, with the winds so dramatically stilled, this morning’s pregnant pause is full of mystery.

Water still runs from the tap. I have more cleaning plans in store. But then there’s the weather. Sort of solely in charge. We are vulnerable, despite extended forecasts. I am humbled in the mystique of this stillness.

courtesy of Evan Blaser
courtesy of Evan Blaser
Posted on by Jessica Dofflemyer

Look to a Tree

We’ve been without running water since Friday. The pump malfunctioned, a part needed to be ordered over the weekend, and we’re hoping that today the troubleshooting is correct and water will be flowing through the pipes of our dream home soon.

There is something to be said about learning the intimate, inner workings of the place where you dwell. It’s good to know the source of your water, where the septic system is buried, where the gray water drains from your washer.

Moving into this house, we were clear that it was a fundamental in building a foundation for our lives. Thus, we are being schooled on the cornerstones of operation of our sweet abode.

Funny, a girlfriend and I were talking about the complexities of modern life, and I commented that many days I wouldn’t mind the simplicity of chopping wood and carrying water. Well, within a day, I found myself schlepping a five-gallon bucket to the house, grateful for the precious liquid with which I could wash our dishes. Careful what you wish for.

Ironically, the island where we abide has been drenched with rainfall, a flash flood in effect, and puddles aplenty. Water, water everywhere, but nary a drop to drink (no worries, we have a secondary source that’s been keeping us abundantly supplied. The only catch is that we need to transport it).

I wish I could say I’ve been graceful through this inconvenience of no running water. But there have been waves of irritation that have forced me to see a less-than-ideal side of myself. I’ve lived in my car, camped in the woods for extended periods, and I’d like to think I could make a decent homesteader. So what’s the fuss with a little pause on the water supply for a couple of days?

The truth is, I’m afraid that I simply am annoyed by inconvenience. The interruptus of my everyday luxuries, the ones I’ve grown accustomed to expecting. I don’t like the monkey wrench in my routine. I hate to admit this, but I think it may be true.

Along with the rains, has come a wild wind that shakes the windows and rattles the trees with a fierceness.

I once met a wise man who suggested that when seeking the answer to a question, look to a tree.

If there was a question (besides ‘will they fix the water pump today?’), I think it would be ‘how can I be more gracious in less than ideal conditions?’

Outside the safe container of my windows, leaves and limbs are thrown and whipped about. What are they to do but take it? Or break.

Today, I’ll look to a tree. Try for more grace. Bend with what is blown my way.

2014-02-17_trees