Groundwaters

Holiday Greetings

December 17, 2008

What a beautiful week this has been for those of us lucky enough to be able to stay at home and enjoy our winter wonderland! But, for those who can’t, it’s been a treacherous, cold existence… especially those of you who have been out of power and have no alternate heat source. I’ve been fortunate to stay inside our warm cozy home where I have stockpiled enough food and water to last for several days. My husband Jim has had to continue life as normal, opening up our small country store in Lorane so that others can replenish their supplies without having to make long trips into town. He and our daughters have been breaking the ice on water tanks for our cows and horses and making sure that they all have plenty of hay to keep them satisfied. The livestock all have shelter in our barns and forested property where they can snuggle down if they want. Our three cats and three dogs keep me company in the house most of the day. The cold has acerbated the arthritis in the joints of our elderly Border Collie, Kelsey, so when she needs to go outside, we help her to navigate our front porch stairs… in fact, she’s come to expect it. Yesterday, our two canine “boys,” Shortie and Outlaw, went with me on a hike up the road where we live. It winds through beautiful farm and forest land to the top of the hill. The views of the valley and the still-pristine snow make it a gorgeous walk and invigorated us. I even baked cookies when I got home… a rare occurrence now that Jim is diabetic and I am trying to avoid such treats as much as possible. (I don’t pay fees to Curves each month for nothin’!

The snow has its drawbacks, too. Hopefully, the roads will have cleared enough in the next few days so that I can finish my Christmas shopping. I still have almost all of mine to do. But, hey! I’m not going to try to compete with other traffic on the roads right now. I’m a pretty good snow-driver, but the danger is in trying to avoid other drivers who aren’t. And, regardless of how carefully you drive, sometimes things just “happen.” Jim and I were in a pretty serious car accident several years ago while traveling to my mother’s house in Redmond. The pass had no snow on it, but tiny, light flakes began to float lazily down as we were ascending the pass. We were in a line of about three or four cars, all separated by at least two car-lengths and traveling about 40 miles per hour when our car, as we rounded a curve, would not pull out of it. We had hit a patch of black ice and the car, despite having fairly new snow tires, continued in a circle as it slid into the on-coming lane. We were T-boned by a small pickup coming in the opposite direction. It hit the driver’s side door and Jim sustained some internal injuries that kept him in the Bend hospital for five days. Fortunately, the other driver and I were unhurt. Since then, I don’t drive on ice or snow unless I absolutely have to.

I want to wish our readers a very Merry Christmas! For those of you who don’t celebrate Christmas, let me wish you “Happy Holidays” whether they be Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice or others of which I am unfamiliar. May you all have a Happy New Year and may we all join hands and hearts in working towards a better economy in 2009.

What’s Been Happenin’?

Groundwaters has entered its fifth year of publication. Judy Hays-Eberts never imagined that her “gift to the community” would remain so loved and appreciated for so long. As Thanksgiving approached this past year, the Groundwaters‘ staff was reminded of the loving support, both moral and financial, that has kept us on course since we took over production from Judy and Sonny in January 2007. We feel truly blessed.

Judy and Sonny have moved from Veneta. They are now living in a lovely older home in a quiet neighborhood in Philomath, closer to Sonny’s work at Oregon State University. We miss their physical presence in our lives, but we are fortunate to keep up to date by email. Judy’s health has stablized enough that she has fewer days of pain than she did last year and she seems quite happy with their new home. Pat Broome and her husband Dennis spent Thanksgiving dinner with the Hays-Eberts. “…Judy showed us around her garden in the mist. She said she is looking forward to Spring when she will be able to get out in it and see what surprises the previous owner has left. She also has an almond tree and a fig tree (with some figs still on it) as well as some apples…”

Judy writes, “Philomath is a step back in time. We love it, so far. At the local Thriftway, the clerk still takes items out of the cart for the customer. Richey’s in Corvallis is even more old-fashioned (by our generation’s standards), with handwritten signs for the specials, etc. Corvallis and Philomath both seemed to have retained their past, while they have modernized at a slower pace than Lane County. It’s such a pleasure to park for free and see the shops downtown… And, we’re not as concerned about the possibility of things being stolen around here.

“We’re still living with a lot of boxes! Unpacking seems like a slow process. Hopefully, the house will be in order by Thanksgiving – when it will be full of extended family. We’re also getting to know how to live with natural gas. So far, so good…”

On another note, on page 16 of our January issue, you will enjoy the return of an earlier contributor to Groundwaters. In his story, “Natalie and Alexis,” Greg Williams has shared a familiar legend with us in his wonderful Brothers Grimm fairytale style of writing. Welcome back, Greg! With Greg’s story comes a vision for the future of Groundwaters, as well. When an appropriate graphic could not be found to accompany the story, I sought the help of some of our talented “Bubbling Up” contributors to see if one of them would be willing to do an illustration for us. A very talented new contributor, 16-year old Chelsey Franklin of Cottage Grove, has agreed to come up with an original piece of art and we are so excited to begin what we hope is a continuing tradition for the magazine.

This brings on our hope that other artists – young and old alike – will be willing to provide illustrations for Groundwaters‘ submissions. If you are interested, please contact us at contact@groundwaters.org so that we can send you copies or descriptions of upcoming articles that can be enhanced by illustrations. In the past, I’ve searched for appropriate clipart, but we have so much local talent that it seems a shame not to use it if it’s available! Please consider volunteering your talents to future issues of Groundwaters!

Judy’s Comments on Volume 5 Issue 1

Dear Groundwaters Team,

Before more time passed, I wanted to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed the latest issue of Groundwaters. I read it from cover to cover and I liked it all.

Avis Rust’s drawing seemed perfect for the front of this one. And I’m sure she’s over the moon, to see it. Thank you for featuring so much of what I love about Avis – her and how she’s used her creativity.

Colyn Vosika’s photo is truly adorable, with that sweet expression on his face…

It’s exciting to see and hear how the Dew Drop Inn is being refurbished! I know from talking to Allie Kraemer, folks around Lorane are paying attention to what’s happening and think it’s a good thing. Pat’s blog is impressive, too! A publication in itself; one that should hold the interest of contributors and readers for the long run.

It was great to see the varied selection of pieces from Norm (Maxwell). I think his writing is excellent and the subject matter is appealing to a broad range of people.

And, what a nice profile of Herbie Medlin. I like his poems even more after learning a bit about him. He’s a good example of the writers who’ve found an outlet, a home and perhaps launching pad, in your magazine. His poems and reflections are beautiful and deserve to be shared.

“The Handiwork of God” is certainly a lovely tribute. I hope to see more poems from Jim (Burnett), as well as more reflections!

Karen Wickham’s style is very poetic, too. I enjoyed meeting her at our writer’s group, but her writing is a pleasant and relaxing experience in itself.

And, Wanda Edwards‘ work has been a fun surprise, as well. Just the sort that suits me.

Jen (Chambers)’s pieces are just superb in this issue. I really liked the focus of all your contributions. I continue to follow Hannah Stevenson’s adventures; however, I truly crave a complete story in serialized form. That would keep me even hungrier for more. I am reminded of all that Charlotte Perkins Gilman promised with a subscription to The Forerunner, including a complete serialized novel by the end of a year. I’m not suggesting you do the same; Charlotte was quite a workhorse. (The magazine was not where she found fame; however, between books and lectures, she did manage to make a living as a writer for her entire life. Quite an accomplishment, especially for that time period)!

Tom Howell’s work for the mag is developing quite nicely. The photo is an important accompaniment for Teresa. I liked both pieces.

Also, I’m glad Spyder (Gary Lewis) shared his poem that was inspired by the photo on the cover of last issue. this was one of his best offerings! Truly good. And an effective placement below Nichole’s poem.

I loved all the contributions from our young writers and artists. Nick DeAngelo is an incredible font of creativity, with both writing and drawing, just from what can be seen in the pages of Groundwaters. Wow! And now Joe (DeAngelo) has joined in!

So nice to see more from Stephanie Kau and Riley Chambers, too. (”Jason” reminds me of our cat Earl).

I hope Nichole and Rebecca Bain will be regulars as you go on, as well.

I found “Bear Walk” by Bridgett Johnson-Elliott to be especially appealing, as I am very sensitive about animals and I liked to explore the woods when I was growing up.

Kelly Edwards‘ poem from her teenage years was compelling, also.

Sonny (Hays-Eberts)’ and Pat Edwards’ offerings continue to be informative and well presented. I’m glad the WLN allowed for the reprint of Petries’ profile. It’s a good sendoff for the letters from them to come.

“Always.” There is exactly what I like about Groundwaters. The memories of people are rich and should be shared.

Like recipes. I’ve enjoyed reading those, too. Good choices for fall.

Nice to see the contributions of new poet Christine Mount. I especially liked the playfulness of “The Path of Life.”

Great selections of Community News. Would definitely like to see more of those. And the puzzle feature is a keeper!

I have just one complaint: It’s too short! There’s not enough to carry me through the long stretch until your next issue comes out! More, more!

May we be “refreshed” soon!