Joe Writes Slow

Joe Returns to Writing Slow

2010-06-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at the West End Market coffee shop. The traffic on Main Street is endless, smelly, noisy. I'm going to try my best to explain why I've not kept up with writing here. I guess I was confused.

When I started this blog, it felt pretty natural. A place to write down some words to share. Eventually I was asking myself, "Self, is this a journal?" I guess I've been wondering and trying to figure that out. A journal is something I'd rather keep on the bed stand.

You see, way back when blogging was new to me I felt uncertain. Sure it is a quick and easy means of getting your words and possibly your thoughts out. But on what? And why?

Plenty is going on in my life. I did start another blog with a theme. morgellonsjoe.blogspot.com is written for those looking wanting to better understand the connection between Morgellons symptoms and toxicity (a topic I feel well qualified to discuss...and I've plenty to say). So, my seven followers of joewritesslow, I'm open to ideas on what I need to write about ...and please don't rush me! Happy trails- Joe

Zen Destiny

2009-10-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

What to write about? Today. What a great day!

Sometimes, I let go from what I think should happen. Sometimes, I follow my day on clues. Divine intervention...I think so. Today is such a day.

I decided to go to the new Sears outside of town (I needed saw horses and they have a 1/2 price sale).

Since the Goodwill is on the way, I stopped to see if there was anything I wanted. I found some bundles of tweed (and five books). I scanned the racks for Hawaiian shirts (I always do). Where's this going? Oh, yeah, the tweed. Admittedly, the bundles were not Harris tweed. I've had a vision of a tweed hoodie. A seamstress in Mansfield told me she could make one for around $20 (if I brought an old hoodie with me to cut up for a pattern). I had an old hoodie on. Somehow the whole matter reeked of destiny.

After stopping at Sears, I continued along hwy 6 to Mansfield. I parked in my usual spot.

Since the seamstresses shop is next to the best coffee shop around, I went in for a mocha. There was a woman editing some writing at an old lounger in the window seat. We talked. Thinking of writing, I went to a table near the book shelf. The book shelf had a book of poems. I looked.

A friend of mine who is a poet has been calling me weekly. She stated last night that she'd like to have my baby. Actually, she said 4. I said I'd like 7. I guess it is up for negotiation.

The book of poems was good. I got it and mailed it off to her.

The librians tell me I am the "First to die". In other words, I need to go. Keep that zen state.

Wellsboro Adjustments

2009-09-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it has been so long since I blogged. It's not that I haven't wanted to. Heck, no! If there is anything I'm not at a loss with...it's words.

My last entry was written in Scotland. Travel and adventure seem some distance ago (though it has been only just 6 weeks). Plenty has happened.

I have officially moved into my home in Wellsboro. Much of my time has been occupied redoing floors and walls in the place. The whole green approach to old home updates might make a book itself (no, I don't plan to write it). The article "Can You Green This?" will be in the Natural Homes Magazine Nov/Dec issue. The editor has already talked to me about a follow up article...so, that's cool.

I've had some challenges with contracting out my electric rewire and insulating of the place. Case in point, I've been waiting half of today for an electrician to come and give an estimate. I had an electrician I was going to go with but found out his estimate of the work was for only the second floor (I'm laughing about this. Did he think I'd just get the top half insulated?). Like any place, I'm learning there are some you can trust...and some you can't. Here's hoping it'll all fall together soon!

Job hunting in an economically depressed area isn't much fun. I signed up as a substitute teacher but haven't been called by their computerized system (this is weird as there is only four schools). I've also applied for a position as library assistant. The man who cuts my hair offered to make me his partner yesterday (somehow this involved me giving him twenty thousand dollars to learn how to cut hair. Ummm...no thank you). I did work for two days with a cleaning service; I was having trouble breathing after the second day (considering I'm working on detoxing, it made no sense to continue). Anyhow, here's hoping I find some work.

The greatest quality of the area is its people. I'm amazed at the kindness I've found. I am now a memeber of the local hiking club, the book of the month club and a regular at Quaker meetings in Mansfield. It's a comfortable place.

The trees are starting to change color. Fall is my favorite season. I'm hopeful of truly settling in. For now my writing is stiff...and so is my back.

Hike Along the Coast

2009-07-11T02:27:00.000-07:00

It is a quiet morning in Stornoway. The sun is shining but I find I need still need my fleece. I'm at the library enjoying the sound of Scottish accents and the light through the windows. A coffee after this post is entirely appropriate.

Yesterday I took a bus up towards the top of the island. There is a hike along the coast and I felt I need the exercise. The driver stopped beyond some pastures. "The Bridge to Nowhere lies up ahead. That's where the trail starts".

Of course it was the kind of adventure I'm always up for. The hike is 10 miles in length and the owner of the hostel had concerns about my shoes and "...did I have a cell phone?"

After crossing the bridge, the trail went up a coastal hill. The beach below and coastline were like some paint scene I once pondered. I bounced on (yes, bounced...that is what it feels like to walk in the bog) until I found myself in complete isolation. I could see across the ocean for many miles and along the north and south coast. There was no sign of people or civilization. My company was the various ferns, mosses and distant bird song.

As I meandered the marked trail, I found myself sometimes above jagged cliff faces looking down on waves breaking far below. Vertigo. The distant bark of seals added to the mystic.

5 1/2 hours later, I found my way out to the main road and caught the bus back to Stornoway. Truly it was a hike to remember.

Ediburgh Thoughts

2009-07-05T08:45:00.000-07:00

I'm suffering from sensory overload. Several days in Edinburgh can do that to you. Still I haven't eaten haggis. I have had several shop owners try to convince me I need a kilt. And I need to mention I felt fear when I first listened to the radio and couldn't even understand the DJ (though I'm understanding the accent better after several days).

I did manage to get into the National Archives. Friendly folks. I was able to view letters written by Duncan Shaw (the Factor...or Sheriff of Benbecula and other southern islands). The notes had no mention of the mermaid burial, but had interesting information on the island culture of the 1820s.

Tomorrow I'll be back in the archives. I want to look at any church records for the island. Best to find would be a record of the burial (though I think the mermaid wasn't Christian). I'm curious what kinds of information may be found in the island area as well.

I must go and wander the shores. I am starting to get into a proper mindset. I hope to have some decent writing surface soon!

Back in Dublin

2009-07-02T01:04:00.000-07:00

So, I wish I could write with the sincereity and wisdom of James Joyce. I saw a film The Dead based on a short story of his from The Dubliner. I thought it was a fantastic reintroduction to the place (though I must admit I nodded a couple of times due to exhaustion and jetlag).

I was treated to the movie by my friend Robert. I joined him and his friends for dinner and a pint afterwards. It was a great evening! I find my best guidance in travel is a friend from the area. Robert kept telling me things like, "This is a good place for coffee", "St Valentine's remains are kept here", and "This is where Handel's Messiah was first performed". Of course by the time I made it to my humble hostel bed, my mind was flipping through thoughts.

I did take some pictures. My camera has not been the same since an encounter with a waterfall in Costa Rica last winter. I have to take out the batteries after each shot or else the power will be drained. It slows things down. I guess it is helping me to be more thoughtful towards what I am shooting.

Today I am off to see the Beautty Museum (a collection of ancient Bibles and Korans and such). I will get around to the parks of Dublin as well. It should be another fine day.

Tomorrow I must get up at 4 am to get to the airport on time for my flight to Edinburgh. It will be the first time I fly Ryanair (and possibly the last if all the stories from Robert's friends are true).

I'm not certain when I'll blog again. I should start getting my head into the writer and research soon.

Writing Retreat and Finding Wabi

2009-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Franklinville had started to close in on me. I'd thought about backpacking down into PA. I haven't been backpacking in years, don't have a camp stove, and think I may be too old to sleep on the ground (it's possible ...isn't it!?). I was looking for a quiet time to commune with nature, work on my writing, straighten out some thoughts. I found I could rent a cabin in Letchworth for fairly reasonable. Why not? I figured I could get in plenty of hiking without having to carry all of my junk.

It was a perfect retreat. I hiked at least 10 miles per day. I had the luxury of a fridge and a stove...as well as shelter. To condense the week--I hiked, wrote, read, ate, slept (repeat this cycle over and over).

I was somewhat surprised by family visits. My brother Pat came early on Friday and spent the night. Sister Camille, husband Mike and two sons came on Saturday. Mom and sister Doreen came on Friday. Evy and all of her family showed up on Sunday in the late afternoon. It may sound as though I was not alone at all...actually it blended well (just enough time alone and with company).

The big nature sightings included a porcupine, many deer, constant chipmunks and squirrels, and huge swarms of bugs. The weather was wet at times, cold at other times, and occasionally sunny (I guess all of my years in the desert makes me open to the rain). I found myself very appreciative of the shelter. Again, the mix was enjoyable.

I did get some writing done. The final tally is 90 pages drafted on my mermaid/merman/merworld fantasy. The time alone gave me plenty of time to think through some of my ideas, create new directions for the piece, and get plenty down on paper. I feel almost ready for Benbecula Island.

I learned a new word- wabi. It was used in a book on architecture I read. It is more or less taking something you might not appreciate and looking at it in a new way. I applied it to the artistic graffitti filling the walls of my cabin- very wabi.

Well, my friends, I am in complete need of a shower. I know the librarians are asking themselves...who is this guy?Thanks for your continued reading and remember wabi is where you find it.

Morgellons/ Mercury Article

2009-06-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the article I researched last summer. I believe the historic and present day symptoms are similar. I believe the connection to mercury is very real. I tried my best to make clear the pieces of this that are speculation (such as the use of cinnabar as a dye in Languedoc...the timing is right but no proof yet exist).

For those few regular followers of my writing, I posted this so that some of the Morgellon sufferers could read it. I'll get back to my regular post soon!

Patterns in Early Morgellons Disease Considered as Effects of Mercury Exposure

Kellett’s 1935 article “Sir Thomas Browne and the Disease Called Morgellons” while giving background and contextual information for Browne’s observations also reviews other historic accounts of this condition. The patterns emerging from the documentations suggest a cause/effect relationship with mercury. Recent accounts of Morgellons symptoms are not included as it is uncertain whether historic accounts are documenting the same condition as present day Morgellons.

What is Morgellon’s?
Morgellons was a name used by Sir Thomas Browne for a condition he had observed in the Languedoc region of France in the early 1600s. He describes the symptoms as, “…harsh Hairs on their Backs, which takes off the unquiet symptoms of the Disease, and delivers them from coughs and convulsions” (Browne 1674). More recently, Mary Leitao reintroduced Morgellons Disease for a list of symptoms including fibers and “bugs” her son had (DeVita-Raeburn 2007: 1-2).
While the primary characteristics of this mysterious ailment have been the bug or worm crawling sensations and fibers, hairs, or bristles erupting from the skin, there are other symptoms included in the historic documents such as neurological (Browne 1674, Faventinus de Victoriis 1574, Montuus 1558), “fiber” locations (Browne 1674, Crocker 1884: 704, Guillemeau 1635, Pare’ 1564; Schenckius 1610) and smell (Guillemeau 1609). When compared with today’s accepted symptoms (Oklahoma State University Center for Health Studies is presently studying Morgellons and lists symptoms at: http://healthsciences.okstate.edu/morgellons/ or see the signs and symptoms developed by the Morgellons Research Foundation at http://www.morgellons.org/case.htm), most notably, the historical cases exclude mental manifestations.

Historic Accounts of Morgellons as Presented by Kellett
In 1935 C.E. Kellett, M.D., M.R.C.P. reviewed historic documentation of the Morgellons disease in an article for Annals of Medical History titled “Sir Thomas Browne and the Disease Called Morgellons” (Kellett 1935: 467-479). In addition to Browne’s account of Morgellons in the Languedoc region of France, there are other accounts of these symptoms in the same region over a long span of time and suggesting it was common (see Bassignot 1776, Guillemeau 1609, Montuus 1558, and Pare’ 1564). Other medical documentations include: Faventinus de Victoriis in 1544, Borelli in 1656, Schenckius in 1610 (Germany), Le Clerc in 1715, and, most surprisingly, Crocker’s 1884 account in London.
Crocker’s differs because of its later time period, occurrence in London, and unique symptoms related to “group comedones” (Crocker 1884: 704). Because of the uniqueness of Crocker’s article and, as there are other references of group comedones in the late 1800s and early 1900s (Adamson 1910: 56-57, Anderson 1874: 81, Bulkley 1912: 69, Hartzell 1917: 686-689, Hazen 1922: 152, Jackson 1914: 154- 157, MacKenna 1923: 386-387, Ormsby & Montgomery 1948: 1308-1309, Sutton 1931: 1086, and Sutton & Sutton 1935: 1150-1151), this will be considered separately.

Patterns in Early Documentation of Morgellons
In viewing the early documentations of Morgellons disease some patterns emerge. The patterns are presented under the more general categories of “Symptom related” and “Population related”. While the symptoms give a means to compare to known mercury exposure effects, population information sheds light on the source(s) of probable mercury exposure.
Symptom related-

1) Crawling Sensations-
While none of the early accounts of Morgellons speak specifically of “crawling sensations”, nearly all of the documents suggest that the condition is the result of worms. Descriptions include:
“…throughout the whole body lurk little worms with black heads” (Borelli 1656), “…having the appearance of worms, that are called by the common folk Dracontia” (Faventinus de Victorius 1574), “…bred a certain species of Worms” (Le Clerc 1721), “intercutaneous worm” (Schenckius 1665) and “They never creep entirely out from the pours, but protrude their little heads, which are distinguished as so many black points” (Schenckius 1665).
Ettmuller’s (1682) drawings from microscopic observations certainly give credit to the condition being the result of infestation by parasites, however Le Clerc’s publication “History of Worms” (1715) supports Leuvenhoeck’s later microscopic observations of them being “…Hairs or bundles of Hairs”. The worm or hair debate continues for some time. J. D. Wolf writes in his M. D. thesis that, “With the help of the microscope these cinder-coloured animals may be made out, having two horns, round eyes, a tail which is long, forked, with the extremities, which are bent up, covered with hair. These worms are terrible to look at” (Wolf 1789).
While the specifics of the fibers are still debatable, the common interpretation of them being connected in some fashion to worms suggest that a crawling sensations under the skin is present.
2) Fibers-

Ettmuller (1682) and Wolf (1791) among others would have argued that the follicles were the extended portions of worms jutting out from the skin; many define this symptom as hairs or bristles. Among these descriptions are:
“Hairs on their backs” (Browne 1674),”This disease ariseth from small hairs which are scarce of a pins length, but those thick and strong.” (Pare’ 1678), “Hairs are bred” (Guillemeau 1636) and “hairs or bundles of hairs” (Le Clerc 1721). In some cases the naming of the condition resulted from this symptom “’the hair affection’ (pilaris affectio)” (Montuus 1558) and “…cees…a Provencal term meaning bristles” (Bassignot 1776). To cover both camps on the issue, Schenckius describes them as, “worms or as others would have it hairs” (Schenckius 1665).
Hairs, bristles or fibers appear to be a common symptom of this condition.
3) Neurological Symptoms-
The following descriptions present a severe type of neurological disorder. They include: “…coughs and convulsions” (Browne 1674), “…above mentioned affliction…is a forerunner of epilepsy” (Montuus 1558), “Epylepticall convulsions” (Guillemeau 1635). Other epileptic references include Victoriis (1610) “epilepsy eventually supervenes” (Montuus 1558), and “They toss up and down being not able to take any rest” (Pare’ 1678).
The condition appeared through time to progress into a neurological disorder.
4) Physical locations of Morgellon skin symptoms-
There appears to be some patterns in the location of “hair” coming from Morgellons victims and it may suggest carriage through the nervous system. Locations are described as, “…in the muscles of the arms, legs and back” (Schenckius 1610), “On the back” (Browne 1674), “…on children’s backs and raines” (Guillemeau 1609), “…pricks their back like thorns” (Pare’ 1564), “…relation to the back” (Montuus 1558), “ (settle in) muscular parts of the body…the calves especially” (and) “…sometimes occupy the whole of the back, or failing that at least the interscapular region” (Faventinus de Victorius 1574).
The Morgellons fibers appear to have manifested in the muscular areas of arms and legs but especially occurred on the backs (this distribution pattern differs from the later documentations by Crocker and others).
Population related-
The population effected by this condition is suggested by many of the documentations. The Languedoc region of France was the location of most accounts. Almost universally, this is described as a disease of childhood. There are several documents suggesting women of the population in Languedoc suffered from it (Gillemeau 1609, Bassignot 1776) and one suggesting men did not (Browne 1674). Kellett notes “The great prevalence of the malady upon the extreme poverty of the people at that time” (Kellett 1935: 474). Clues connected to the distribution, prevalence, and possible source of toxicity are found in the various titles used in naming this condition.
1) Common in the Languedoc Region-
This condition was often observed in the Languedoc region of France. There is no doubt that is found regularly through time as Gillemeau (1609) comments, “Women of the countrie of Languedoc, because it is a common disease with them, make no great reckoning of it” and later in his document again presents, “(it is)…verie common in Languedoc”. Over one hundred and fifty years later, Bassignot (1776) makes a similar statement, “(treatment)…done by the women of the district who are so used to recognizing and treating this condition that as a rule they call in neither physician nor surgeon”.
From the middle of the 16th century until the late 18th century, it appears Languedoc was infested with this condition.
2) The Disease is Primarily Documented in Infants and Children-

Nearly all of the historic documents related to Morgellons Disease describe it as an illness of childhood. Bassignot (1776) states the condition, “Attacks nearly all the newly born”. The other documents clearly state the afflicted as, “Children have worms in the back like hairs” (Borelli 1653), “…not in Men but Children” (Browne 1674), “…happens unto children” (Guillemeau 1635), “…exists in little children” (Faventinus de Victorius 1574), “…Children afflicted with this Disease” (Le Clerc 1721), “infantile affliction” (Montuus 1558), “…chiefly troubles children” (Pare’ 1678) and ”(it)…infest infants” (Schenckius 1665).
The aforementioned cases, where women are suggested as having it (Guillemeau 1635, Bassignot 1776) and Browne’s (1674) account clearly stating that men did not have it, are significant. Described as effecting the newborn, infants and children, it may be a condition that formed prenatal.
3) Variety of names listed in Kellett (1935)
As referred to already, several names for this condition relate to the “hair” or “bristle” symptom (Montuus 1558, Bassignot 1776). The number and variety of names presented by the documents in Kellett 1935 suggest the condition had a widespread distribution temporally and geographically. The names mentioned in “Sir Thomas Browne and the Disease Called the Morgellons” (1935) include: Morgellons, dracunculus, dracontia, cridones, crinibus, masquelon, Pilaris affectio, crinons, cee’s, ceddes, comedones (used both in early history and the later historic accounts in London), Les Crinons, Masclous, masquelons, Morbus pilaris, mescoulo, mousclouroun, Soyes (in Haute- Provence), die zehrende Wurm and mitesser (German), die durzemaden. Further insight is found by sorting these names for the Morgellons Disease.
Kellet suggests that the word Morgellons may be an Anglicized version of masquelons which closely resembles Masclous, mescoulo, and mousclouroun. “Mouscouloun itself means the hook which is attached to the end of the spindle” (Kellett 1935: 471) no doubt a term common to weavers and dyers of fabric.
Pilaris affectio (the hair affection) and Morbus pilaris (sickness of the hair) are of Latin origin and reflect on the condition itself. Schenckius (1665) explains the terms used in Germany, “…die zehrende Wurm For the fact that they seize for themselves and consume the food of the infants they infect” and “mitesser” (German); he also documents, “…die durzemaden which is, “Norumbergian for ‘worms that induce wasting’”(Schenckius 1665).
Most interesting of all may be the earliest name documented for this condition—dracontia (Faventinus 1544). In Kellett’s (1935) description of Schenckius’ (1610) volume, Kellett suggest it is related to or confused with an Arabian condition known as Dracunculus. It could be that either or both of these terms directly related to a dye called “dragon’s blood”. As explained, “A great degree of confusion existed for the ancients in regards to the source and identity of dragon’s blood. Dracaena resin, “true” dragon’s blood, and the poisonous mineral cinnabar (mercury sulfide) were often confused by the ancient Romans, as there appears to be a tendency to call all things that are bright red “dragon’s blood”. ("Dragon's Blood." 6-26-2008.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon's_blood (accessed 8-3-2008). Could it be that the “Arabian” name Dracunculus or the later name of dracontia were a natural result of a connection between exposure to “Dragon’s blood” (mercury sulfide) and onset of this condition?

Comedones- late 1800s/early 1900s

The later historic case mentioned by Kellett (1935: 473) of Morgellons Disease is Crocker’s 1884 documentation of comedones in children. A survey of dermatological text from this era resulted in others with mention of comedones and they are included to discuss patterns. The symptoms appear close in description to the earlier accounts. Differences primarily are in the location(s) of skin symptoms and also in population affected.
Symptom Related Patterns
1) Crawling-
These accounts also lack mention of a crawling sensation being among the symptoms. However, several of the texts mention other condition names, which suggest a living creature of worm, grub or other parasite. Burkley (1912: 69) defines, “Comedo- This represent the little black specks upon the face commonly called blackheads, worms, or grubs” and similarly Jackson (1914: 154) lists, “Comedo…mitesser, hautwurmer, grubs, fleshworms”. In several of the texts, claims of comedone occupancy are made. “The so-called ‘bottle bacillus’ a microorganism…is commonly present (and) other micrococci, particularly the staphylococcus aureus and albus, are found in lesions. An animal parasite, the demodex folliculorum is also a frequent inhabitant of the plugs” (Sutton & Sutton 1935: 1151). Jackson is not nearly so specific with, “…many varieties of microorganisms in comedones” (Jackson 1914: 155-156).
Comedones, whether full of life or barren, indeed do appear to have a symptom one could call a crawling sensation.
2) Fibers-
The fibers, hairs, and bristles of Languedoc and other earlier accounts are described as such. The comedones appear to consist of plugs. Jackson (1914: 154) describes these as, “Brown or black topped plug(s)” and “worm-like mass(es) that may be a half-inch or more in length”. Hartzell mentions similar occurrences along with apparent cause, “Occasionally small black dots resembling comedo at a little distance are formed at the mouth of the follicles as a result of a chemical decomposition when mercurial preparations are followed shortly by sulfur, or vice versa”. ( Hartzell 1917: 689). They are also described as, ”…each follicle is plugged with a firm apparently horny plug often having a blackened top” (Adamson 1910: 56).
While the more recent accounts of this skin condition describe a kind of projection from the skin, the common descriptive word among dermatologists was plugs.
3) Physical location of skin symptoms-
Most comedones are described as located on the skin in relation to an irritant such as a hatband or shawl. In Crocker (1884: 704) he describes, “The position in most of the boys corresponded with the part where their caps were in closest contact with the skin; naturally suggesting that they had a causative connection”. Similar hatband and comedone correlations are presented in Adamson (1910: 57), Sutton & Sutton (1935: 1151), Hazen (1922: 152), and Sutton (1931: 1086). Shawl relationships are also considered an irritant accounting for them “…occur(ing) on the cheeks, forehead, and temples of nurslings, and others of tender years.” (Sutton & Sutton 1935: 1150).
Some skin symptoms appear similar to earlier Morgellons Disease accounts. MacKenna (1923: 386) suggests that, “(they)…may occur in groups apart from acne on the back or chest of young children”. Some appear as mixed in location, “…upon the face or upon the chest or back” (Adamson 1910: 56) and others are less well defined as in, “…believed to be due to some form of local infection, the exact nature of which is not determined” (Ormsby & Montgomery 1948: 1309).
Skin symptoms (comedones) are most often located in areas directly associated with hatbands. Some are documented in connection to shawls. Some accounts describe physical locations similar to the earlier Morgellons described primarily in the Languedoc region of France.
Population Related
The majority of those suffering appear to be boys aged, “…between three and twelve years old” (Crocker 1884: 704). The oddest description of those suffering occurs in Jackson (1914: 155) as, “More frequent in chlorotic girls than in coal-heavers”.
The population most referred to in describing those afflicted with comedones is that of boys.

Symptoms/Side Effects of Mercury Exposure, Ingestion, and Absorption
In reviewing numerous documents related to mercury poisoning, related conditions and symptoms appear on a spectrum from less severe symptoms such as drooling (widely documented when mercury was used medicinally see MacKenna 1929: 15-16) to more severe neurological symptoms like the Dansbury Shakes of hatters in Dansbury, Conneticutt (see http://corrosion-doctors.org/Elements-Toxic/Mercury-mad-hatter.htm) to death such as in the Japanese fishing village of Miamata (Allchin, Douglas, “The Poisoning of Miamata” http://www1.umn.edu/ships/ethics/minamata.htm).
The known symptoms of mercury poisoning are extensive and, “…usually misdiagnosed because of the insidious onset, nonspecific signs and symptoms, and lack of knowledge within the medical profession.” Barry M. Diner, MD presents known symptoms, means of exposure and some history of this condition (http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic813.htm accessed August 8, 2008). Neurological symptoms appear in various forms possibly due to type and length of exposure, sensitivity of individual, and amount of mercury.
Side effects were common when mercury was regularly administered for medicinal reasons. A list of possible effects include: “1) Salivation, 2) Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which may contain blood) and collapse, 3) Ulcerative stomatitis. Blue lines on gums, 4) Fine tremors of arms, hands, and legs, 5) Nephritis-rarely” (MacKenna 1929:15-16). Medical use of mercury causing skin conditions (eczema mercuriale) was well documented (Anderson 1874: 62, Davis 1913: 102, McKenna 1923:273, Stelwagon 1914: 283, Strickler 1927: 207, Walker 1911: 71,) and other symptoms were documented as well (Mapother 1899: 108-112, Ohmann- Dumesnil 1908: 236-237, Ormsby 1934: 186, Tobias 1956: 470, and Wiener 1947: 267).

Connecting Symptoms and Patterns to Mercury
One pattern of interest that was not yet mentioned was the description by many of the observers that this illness was new. In 1558, Montuus states that the condition was “…A new affliction to infants”. Pare’ in 1564 confirms this to be true in the Languedoc area as it was, “…not known to the ancient physicians”. Somewhat later in Germany Schenckius (1610) writes it was, “…unknown to old authorities”. According to Kellett (1935) in the 1880s of London it is, “…described once more as a new condition”. Could the newness of this condition correlate with widespread access to a source of mercury exposure?
Beginning in Languedoc, the documented time period of approximately 1550 until the late 1700s correlates well with the Languedoc textile industry—especially “…the production of silk weavings and draperies” (Rafael Hyacinthe, Archivist, Archives departementales de I’Herault, Montpellier 2008: personal communication).
A likely means of mercury exposure would have been cinnabar in use as a textile dye. Cinnabar is “a bright red mineral consisting of mercuric sulphide” (http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/cinnabar?view=uk).
“Rossetti in the Plictho of 1548 refers to at least two recipes using cinnabar (mercuric sulphide) or vermillion” (John Edmonds, Dye Expert and Author, 2008: personal communication). The early names of Dracunculus (Schenckius 1610) and dracontia (Faventinus 1554) as they relate to “dragons blood” (cinnabar form) may be significant.
The populations of Languedoc most affected were the infants of the economically poor. The lack of men having this condition is likely a reflection on sexual division of labor. Mercury from exposure to cinnabar when dyeing could have been absorbed by a woman’s body and carried to her womb and a developing fetus. In the documentation of Minamata, “Mercury would concentrate in a developing fetus, leading to congenital cases, even where the mother showed no signs of the poisoning” (Allchin, Douglas. "The Poisoning of Minamata"http://www1.umn.edu/ships/ethics/minamata.htm. accessed August 3, 2008). The FDA recently released the statement, “Dental amalgams contain mercury which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses” (http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/amalgams.html). Fitting the general patterns of Languedoc, the EPA states, “Methylmercury is particularly damaging to developing embryos, which are five to ten times more sensitive than adults” (http://www.usgs.gov/themes/factsheet/146-00/). The later case in Germany (Schenckius 1610) may document the spread, use, and effect of cinnabar in dyeing.
Mercury poisoning has neurological effects as shown in the Miamata “Dancing Cat” syndrome (Allchin, Douglas. "The Poisoning of Minamata"http://www1.umn.edu/ships/ethics/minamata.htm. (accessed August 3, 2008), “Dansbury Shakes”( http://corrosion-doctors.org/Elements-Toxic/Mercury-mad-hatter.htm#Danbury_Shakes), and indigenous children of Northern Quebec (McKeown- Eyssen et. al. 1983: 470-479) as well as numerous effects documented when mercury was used medicinally. Recorded side effects of mercury may be viewed from its use as a medicinal in the 1800s and early 1900s. Of these, the most widely documented effects include; gastrointestinal and neurological consequences, skin eruptions, halitosis, dental deterioration, and excessive drooling (MacKenna, Robert M. 1929: 15-16, Davis 1913: 102, Stelwagon 1914: 283, MacKenna Robert W. 1923: 273, Strickler 1927: 207, Walker 1911: 71, Evans 1912: 251). The epilepsy like symptoms, skin eruptions in the form of hairs or bristles, the placement of hairs, and the reference of “worms” may be neurological in nature and not parasitic.
Sequeira (1911: 275) defends his use of medicinal mercury, “The drug is well borne by even the youngest of infant…(resulting in the)… presence of snuffles (which) sometimes prevents the child sucking (and he suggests they be fed by spoon)”. Similar effects are described in some of the earliest accounts of Morgellons. Bassignot describes the babies’ dilemma well as the, “Complete inability to suck, the tongue being unable to fold on itself and grasp the nipple” (Bassignot 1776). An even earlier account states that the babies “…neither sleep nor take their milk” (Borelli 1656). Again, this may be indicative of a neurological disorder.
The hairs and fibers may be the same symptom later documented as “plugs” of the comedones (see photo in Sutton & Sutton 1935: 1151). If they are the same physiological symptom, could they represent the body’s attempt to remove toxins?
The comedones of the late 1800s and early 1900s are primarily documented as forming in areas directly touching a hatband (however, see photo in MacKenna 1923: 387). Hats of this time period contained mercury and it could be passed onto the wearer. The connection to shawls may also relate to use of a mercury containing dye. The population of boys from three to twelve being the primary carriers of such conditions may relate to a higher concentration of mercury in smaller hats (as observed during the hat making demonstration at Musee du Chapeau in Chassel-Sur-Leon, France, contents in the felt would become more concentrated as the original felt is shaped and shrunk).

Morgellons in Today’s World
While it is uncertain how many are suffering from the Morgellons symptoms, presently close to 13,000 families are registered with Morgellons.org. I had the condition myself (see Keleher, Joseph W.. "Hell and Back Again” Explore 17. 4 (2008), members.cox.net/llyee2/NCS_article_by_joe.pdf . (accessed August 12, 2008).), and followed the protocol designed by Dr. Omar Amin. The “bug” crawling sensations and other symptoms ended some time ago (although I get a slight electrical current-like sensation across the base of my feet on occasion). I will continue detoxifying for some time.
Dr. Amin’s studies suggest this condition (appropriately named Neurocutaneous Syndrome) is due to certain dental adhesives (see Amin, Dr. Omar. "Neurocutaneous Syndrome (NCS)”members.cox.net/llyee/ncs_diagnosis.htm. (accessed August 12, 2008)), but this would not account for the historic documentations.
Given the historically documented patterns discussed and the possibility of a mercury connection, further studies are needed. The symptoms described are similar to present day Morgellon’s symptoms and future research may determine whether the historically documented is the same as todays.
Currently, there are several funded research organizations studying Morgellons Disease. These included The Morgellons Research Foundation, Oklahoma State University- CHS Center for the Investigation of Morgellons Disease, and The Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Division of Research. Let’s hope they can find a cure.

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West to East

2009-06-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

It's a little after noon. I'm at the library in Arcade, NY. Strange how little this library has changed since I was a child (except of course for all of the computers). I've been here (in NY state) for almost a week. I'm adjusting in many ways.

The move and long drive from Teec Nos Pos went smooth. Actually, so smooth that I'm convinced it is a sign. Yes, it really was time for me to make the big move. I suspect those missing most are of the canine sort (I picture one dog in particular laying in the sand out in front of my old apartment).

I drove to Cortez my first night and slept on my friend Mike's couch. Thursday night I had fun visiting friends in Mancos. On Friday I drove to visit an old girlfriend in Denver (it was pretty stressful...I don't know why I decided to add to my turmoil).

In Iowa I ended up in a convoy of vehicles marked "Vortex 2" and having all sorts of weather instruments projecting from their tops (this morning on the news I saw footage of a tornado taken by these wanderers).

It took me 2 1/2 days to make the drive from Denver to my Mom's place in Franklinville, NY. I rested for one day and then drove down to Wellsboro, PA to unload the semi trailer with my stuff. My brother in law and my niece's boyfriend help me out.

I will go to Great Britain for the month of July. I plan to put most of my time into writing and researching on the islands off the NW coast of Scotland. I have some ideas of a story taking place up that way (and involving the famous Benbecura Mermaid burial). I also hope to get some details for a Sherlock Holmes piece in London and some important details from Plymouth, England for another project. I guess I have enough writing to keep me busy for the coming year.

I suppose I should try to find a job. I'm hoping to substitute teach in the fall in the Wellsboro area. Somehow I am confident things will fall into place.

Beclabito Memories and Discomfort

2009-05-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight there will be a dinner in Farmington in my honor. It's nice that some would want to do this...but there is an overlapping feeling of politics. Dinner-Great idea! Politics-Get me out of here! I know enough about the people involved to take it all in stride.

My classroom feels empty...maybe like a prom after all of the decorations have been taken down. There is plenty I'll miss. There are some things I won't miss. I explore these thoughts in expectation of some speech on my part tonight.

I will miss the students. The kids who came to visit me with drawings and writing. The writing club I'd started was popular with many of the students. I enjoyed having morning duty and overseeing running races "...around the tree, around the basketball court, around the slide, back to me and slap my hand". I liked the time I had with the 4th grade as a sub and also the time I was able to teach some of the 2nd graders reading.

My adult students were a trip! The day started and ended according to their schedule. I tried not to get discouraged. I always had a plan and coffee brewing in the morning. I find teaching one or two students so much more difficult than a classroom full (in fact I'll take 70 students over two any day!).

My opinion towards wanting a full classroom seemed to conflict with others' opinions. To me, few students is way more work and dull than many students. I had way too many days with only one or two students. To say I was underwhelmed and bored would be an understatement.

I will miss the wildlife. The rabbit and lizard population at the school is healthy. In the warm months, I felt I was constantly chasing lizards out the door. There aren't too many rez dogs around Beclabito. Some days I'd see one or two. I did, on a couple of walks to the highways, watch a pack of 6 or 8 dogs chasing something (probably a rabbit).

Phone calls at Beclabito were always interesting. If I had a call, the cooks in the kitchen would yell for me. If my door was closed, they might walk down the hall and open to yell in. usually by the time I got to the phone the caller would have hung up. If I still had someone on the line, I usually had to speak very loud (not yell) over the cooking, dish washing, or country western music (the ladies always picked a local station to listen to).

The old building my classroom was in had been build some 75 years ago. There were old pipes and other less desirable things to deal with (such as the possibility of asbestos or other toxins in the air). the classroom itself had been a library, a dorm and a multi grade classroom prior to Adult Education moving in.

One thing I was able to add to the Beclabito adult education class that I think will, stick is puzzle building. I guess it is a minor addition, but proof that I made some difference. I enjoyed the conversations and visiting with students that happened while we put them together.

The biggest thing I will not miss from this setting is taking on the role of coordinator. Wow, did that ever suck! Try taking on double the duties without buy-in from your coworkers. Add to this no extra pay (although other sites do pay their coordinators). I absolutely hated it! Lordy, don't ever put me in charge of something without some backing! Ouch!!! Still, I guess what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I guess I'm nearly Sampson in my inner strength!

I do believe we are all on a journey. To me God is a busdriver. My journey has lead me to Belcabito and is now without a doubt leading me away. Sometimes I'm slow on understanding why things go the way they do. I suspect given a little time all of this will make complete sense.

I appreciate the time with kids, adults, and staff. I hope to have continued contact to the school. As the new building goes up, I hope to hear the numbers, hopes and strengths of students soars.

Snails and Other Stuff

2009-05-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

It has been a landmark weekend for the Keleher clan. My nephew Finian evidently broke the world record for "snails on the face". There were three news camera crews overseeing the event. Of course, I think it is cool...but the posted comments were less impressed.

As for myself, I have three more days at work in Beclabito. I'm sad to be leaving the good kids. I'm glad to be moving onto new pastures. I wonder what I'll be doing for income in the near future.

The box pile is building in my garage. I will with the help of friends haul all of my stuff to Farmington and load it on a semi trailer. I'm nearly ready...just hope the heat doesn't get too crazy.

My writing and reading are suffering right now. I suspect I'll get back into the groove after I settle in my house. In the meantime, I will probably take a break and do some sort of travel.

Box That Please!

2009-04-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

There's this new found energy in my life. It feels like things are starting to work at the proper pace. Things are happening!

I'm planning to make my big move across the US at the end of next month. I have little planned beyond that. I suppose a major move and finishing out my school year is plenty.

I've been going through closets and shelves bagging and boxing what I want to take...and keeping the stuff I don't want aside for a thrift store drop-off. It feels great! It really does.

Life on the reservation, in a different culture, by myself, and among the occasional sand storm is tiring along with dull (at this point). I'm ready for coffee shop mornings, drizzly days, house projects and (dare I say) the possibility of a dating scene. I'm also hopeful of getting my foot in the door at the local school. Maybe there's a writing group. Maybe there will be hikes with friends. Maybe I can going out in the canoe to meditate/fish. Maybe I can have cookouts. Maybe I can visit NYC for a weekend (it's 5 hours away). Maybe I can create a perfect Hobbit hole to live out my life (though an adventure now and then wouldn't be passed up!). Too many maybes...too much excitement.

I'm also looking forward to green...and all of the fresh smells that come along with the color. The woods, trails, and wildlife. I know it'll be good for me. I might even take up painting again (my truest passion...although some mistakenly think it is writing).

Change is good. Change is inevitable. I'm ready to take the plunge!

Coffee, Groceries, Writing--Proof I lead a Dull Life

2009-04-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have a few plans for the weekend. No Easter egg hunts. No ham dinners. Just coffee tasting, grocery shopping, and writing.

There's a plant place at the end of Montezuma Avenue. It has some nice stuff. The coffee is good. I like what's in the store, but find the location odd (next to a trailer court and not on the main strip). The couple who own it seem nice and hip. My favorite thing about the place is, I think, the old truck they use to advertise. Anyhow, the coffee and some music will be free tomorrow...so I'll go there for my Saturday morning fix.

Grocery shopping...what can I say? I don't really like it. I cook only for myself and find I buy pretty much the same thing every week. It bores the crap out of me! I'd like to get excited about cooking. I guess with a change in social settings, I may find myself entertaining others (it's a better motivator towards good food). My biggest thing not to forget when shopping is potable water (nobody seems to trust the water at Teec).

I've got the first dozen pages of a new novel underway. It's not quite right yet. I'll hold off on sharing until I feel better about it. It may take awhile. I also need to get back to the library and do some hunting for publishers. I sent off a query letter to four publishers. I've gotten two back--one saying they are not accepting anything right now... the other just had a return to sender sticker on front. Anyhow, my instructor Kevin McColley suggest I keep a line of possible publishers in mind. Who'd thought writing would be so much work?

Knowledge- A Terrible Thing to Share?

2009-04-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting weekend. As Dr. Shelton considered my thoughts on Morgellons worth sharing with other doctors, I thought why not post it on a site for people suffering. I did. Was it a mistake? I don't think so.

I had a number of members show confidence in detoxing. Some voiced that they were glad I shared. I also went to a strand (is that what it's called?) and added my opinion on bloating being related to mercury in your system. I got some major misguided anger. I guess I'd been passing some myself (like to the medical researchers working on Morgellons). Somehow it'll all sort itself out.

Work has been really slow! I had two students today. I think I'll be more comfortable when I get into a more predictable classroom setting. I guess I'll find out soon enough!

My writing has been moving slowly ahead. I guess when I don't have distractions, I make the best progress. The past couple of weeks have been stressful with the winds, work tensions, and possibly the new celation I've been following (it makes me tired...and, yet, I can't fall asleep?!). Anyhow, this too shall pass.

I am beginning to shift. I have started packing books. I will be selling my motorcycle. I hope to soon know where my new home will be. It could be it'll even surprise me? I'll keep you posted.

Winds Be Gone!

2009-03-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

The winds are picking up. It's springtime in the Four Corners! Initially, the winds aren't so painful. After a month of them and their effect on sleep (sometimes I feel like I'm on board a ship in a monsoon), you want nothing but peace.

The week has been busy. I did make the journey back from my visit to Phoenix. Dr. Shelton got me rolling on a new detox protocol (costly,but designed by "The Master" as he put it). I had my IV celation while at his office (leaves my urine smells metallic for two weeks). I promised to send him my thoughts on Morgellons via email.

I kept to my promise and wrote out a list of observations and speculations on Wednesday. He was impressed enough to request posting my thoughts on a statewide website for medical professionals in Arizona. Whatever it takes to get the word out on this condition is worth pursuing.

Yesterday was a productive day for my writing. I sent off two query letters and started drafting a new book (romance with a twist). I guess if I keep writing and knocking on doors one will eventually open.

It is eight weeks until the end of the school year. Eager to head in new directions, I got boxes yesterday from the supermarket to begin packing. I hope the direction I'll be taking will become clear soon!

What's Up?!

2009-03-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

I'm in Scottsdale, AZ. It's a strange feeling. I'm staying at the old resort turned apartment complex- The SunKing. It is amazing just how not much of anything has changed. Anyhow, I made the half hour hike up to the library to email and thought I had time to write in the blog- I do...and here it is.

I've not written a new post since my return from San Diego. In a nutshell, I got incredibly sick and ended up in the Cortez emergency room. I drove the whole 45 mile drive late at night, gasping for air, and unable to think straight. My heart was going at an unbelievable rate. As with my other 4 emergency room visits over the past 5 years...I was told nothing was wrong. I guess it's good to hear. I somehow suspect it relates to shifts in the wind from the power plants (raising the levels of toxins in the air)...but it'd be impossible to prove.

Anyhow, all of this prompted me to visit Dr. Shelton (one of the world's best known detox specialist)...which is why I'm here. His office is in Phoenix and I have a Monday morning appointment. As the costs are high (my last visit was around $650.00) and my insurance covers nothing (he is a homeopathic), I plan to get the best out of what I plan to be my final visit. I hope to get more information on continuing to get the heavy metals out of my system on my own.

In the realm of strange coincidences, my old girlfriend emailed me today (we haven't made contact in some time). She tells me she is considering some self hypnosis work...unknown to her I purchased a self hypnosis CD last night. Cosmic, eh?

10 Minutes of Babble

2009-03-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

I've about ten minutes to get some thoughts down. I have a bad-ass cold and wouldn't be at work except the principal assigned me as acting principal for the day. I've been fighting being sick since my return from San Diego.

The national meeting I attended was exhausting. I can climb a mountain, hike all day, move rocks or throw hay bales...but nothing is as exhausting as sitting in on meetings. I managed though with some evening hikes along the coast and a bike ride during my dinner break on the last day.

My friend Michael and his wife Karen helped me get away for dinner a couple of times. We even got over to Coronado Island and the famous Victorian hotel The Del. Way cool!

My muscle aches and watch tell me it's time to go. Here come the kids.

Hilton, Paris and You

2009-02-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

So, it's Sunday afternoon. I'm in a hotel next to the Albuquerque International Airport. It's a chain hotel. The air is crowded with stale scents (all rooms are non-smoking. Mine smells like an ashtray over powered by incense).

I drove down to the big city yesterday. I stayed at a motel downtown and went to see Dervish, a traditional Celtic band, last night. This morning I went to the never-disappointing flea market at the fair grounds. I've learned from past experience that the most interesting finds are on the outskirts. I found a stack of CD--at a buck a piece they're hard to beat (as long as they play). I also found some well-aged photos from Paris (the Norte Dame one will need to go in my study...when I have one) and one from Switzerland. I like old black and whites.

I went to lunch at The Frontier Restaurant (a regular setting found in some of the Tony Hillerman novels). I'm always impressed with the quick service/ fast food/ semi-healthiness of it all (the tortillas, chili, beans and orange juice are all fresh). I read some of my biography on Edgar Cayce while I waited for my number to come up.

I'm settled in and feeling like I should sit down and work on my fiction writing. I've been feeling like the spoiled kids who keeps saying, "I don't like crust"...only I'm saying, "I don't want to write a query letter, synopsis or cover letter". So, it'll happen. I just need to sit down and work at it.

Cosmic Karmic Train

2009-02-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

I have a kind of Saturday schedule. It goes like this--get up, have coffee, drive to Cortez, have coffee, visit with friends (if possible), walk to the Methodist Thrift Store, drive to the library (check email...this is where I'm at right now), do some shopping for the week (always groceries...but sometimes other things too), drive to the gas station, gas up, and drive back to Teec Nos Pos. It is my day in the "big city", so I usually take my time and get back to Teec just before sunset (the sun and driving west near sunset can be challenging since my shader (is that what you call it?) broke off). I unload my groceries. I go for a walk with the campus dogs (short if it's cold and longer if it's warm). I eat dinner. I try my best to put one hour into writing every night. After writing, I either read or watch a movie.

Today, I met up with my friends Babette and Wayne at the coffee shop (I say it's a purple building, Babette says it's blue). We visited. I brought photos from my Costa Rica trip. We talked about work. Babette described her situation, "It feels like I'm stuck on flypaper." I can relate. If it weren't for the kids, I'd say my job was just to make money. The kids make it worthwhile though; sometimes they come in to bring writing for the writing club, sometimes they bring in drawings, sometimes they just come in to visit. The Beclabito kids are a great group!

I'm not stuck on flypaper. I'm in limbo. Some people never experience limbo. Some people spend their life in safety. They believe what their parents believe. They usually stay close to where they grew up. They are so fearful they never jump into limbo and see what happens.

The limbo state may have something to do with me moving my own cheese. I want to find my place in the sun. I have let the principal and others know that I will not be staying at the job I'm in. I want the stability and simplicity of having a job I can walk to from my very own home. My resume' is off for Wellsboro, Pennsylvania (where I own a home) as well as the first school I taught at (Moffat in the San Luis Valley of Colorado).

I feel like my cosmic karmic train is about to pull into the station. I look to be getting on board. Limbo isn't too uncomfortable when you know there's a seat soon enough.

Baby Shower

2009-02-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

My dvd/cd player isn't working. I always have music playing in my apartment. So, life has been different.

I have an old 2$ radio in the kitchen. I can only get a really bad country western station in on it. It sucks! Still having some twang in the background gives me company.

It has been an especially quiet week in my classroom. One day one student. Another day two students. Today will probably be different. Why? Well, because there will be a baby shower for one student's newborn. Luckily for me, the principal will be coming to do my observation today (it is much easier to see me teaching when I have students).

My drive in this morning had some excitement. The bus that picks up local high school students had bottomed out in the wash area it turns around in. The back end of the bus was hanging way out into the highway; I drove around.

I'm struggling to get over my bad ass cold. It's worse at night. I guess it give me something to do besides listening to music (who doesn't enjoy the sound of their own hack!).

Campus Lice

2009-02-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

My time with a former girlfriend was short and sweet. I guess it could worse (long and bitter comes to mind). Anyhow, we have agreed that we're not all that compatible. She might change her mind if I begin driving a Porche. I might change my mind if she becomes much nicer.

As sometimes happens on school campuses, today several students were found to have lice. One little girl let me know she had them by whispering in my ear, "I have L-I-C-E-S. Don't tell anybody." She was close enough to leave me scratching. Parents were called to pick up their kids. Kids were left to wander into my classroom. I am seriously considering a brush cut (why not...spring will be here soon).

I'm starting to materialize my next professional move. Work or no work? East or West coast? Teach or don't? It's coming together. This may be the year when everyone is left saying, "Wow! Joe finally made it. He has a stable job (let's hope it's not cleaning up after horses!)".

Shifty Blog

2009-01-25T10:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I have too much to write. Coming up with a single topic to blog on is difficult. I've not been good at even keeping a personal journal over the past months. I do have topics in mind; each could fill a volume. Since this is my space and my words-let me break life down into some topics. On my mind are (in no particular order): the new President, health, the end of my life on the reservation, and relationships.

The New President- Much like guacamole, I really enjoy saying Obama. It rolls off the tongue in a relaxed way (much better than say Bush). The name makes me think of a resort or a health and beauty aid (such as "If you rub a little obama under your eyes it removes the wrinkles and leaves your skins feeling refreshed."). See what I mean?

I did catch parts of the inauguration (a coworker insisted on bring it up on not one but two of the computers in my classroom). My hope is that somehow the new president can bring America together again after 8 years of the country being highly divided. I didn't vote for him (I went for all of the Green candidates). I hope America can move beyond its' materialism and once again take leadership in promoting freedom (sorry conservative readers but actions really do speak louder than words. These last 8 years seems to have been fear driven and not freedom driven. Yup, that's my opinion). He's got a tough job ahead of him--let's hope he'll be the kind of leader to bring us all to a better place!

Health- Midweek, I had an appointment with my regular doctor. Dr. Cain has always been focused on my health and well being. Admittedly, while I see him at social events in the Cortez area, it's difficult to approach someone as a friend when they know your body better than you do. I brought up two health topics; one related to Morgellons studies and another of a more personal nature. A study by a former NASA doctor connects Morgellons symptoms to the presence of Lyme Disease bacteria. My blood sample was taken and I should know the results sometime this next week. I'm now wondering if Morgellons is a kind of neurotoxin soup--mercury with Lyme Disease bacteria (or the bacterias' waste)...and possibly other ingredients.

I am considering writing a review of my health history from the past 20 years. I believe it reflects on mercury poisoning and hope to get an expert to take a look. I made copies of my two Explore! articles and sent them along with a note to a mercury poisoning expert in Georgia. I want to get him to author or co-author an article with me.

My Last Stint on the Rez- The dog incident from last week left me disturbed. I took it as a sign. I am damn sensitive. I have been working on the reservation setting for 10 years and lived 7 of them in less than pleasant teacher housing. I've gotten plenty of good out of my time here...but I need a new setting. I'll take the good and leave the bad. I'm okay with my decision.

So, where to next? I (due in part to Jayne's motivation) have been working on getting my CO teacher's certification renewed; it's not at all an easy hoop to jump through! I guess this spring I will be doing plenty of searching in CO, NM and PA for possible work. I want to find a setting where I can picture myself for many years to come.

Relationships- Jayne, my old girlfriend for some half dozen years ago, jumped back into my life. I enjoy her company and we have a great deal in common. We have differences too (much like a salt and pepper shaker, we contribute flavor without overshadowing the other).

We rendezvoused at the Valley View Hot springs in the San Luis Valley. It's an interesting setting. The weekend was enjoyable filled with soaking, hiking, visiting, and getting reacquainted. I find the setting unbelievably beautiful. Star lite nights and clear blue Sky add to the dreamy-mystical aura of the area. My first year of teaching was at Moffat...which is mid-valley (we drove by).

Jayne is uncertain where she stands at the moment. She doesn't want a long distance relationship (she did it before and hated it). She also has expressed concerns about our differences in degrees of materialism (it's true...given the right opportunity I could be content living in a shack with very little else. She's into creature comforts...even manicuring). I sometimes think we make relationships more complicated than we need to (maybe arranged marriages really are the way to go).

Thanks for reading. All comments are welcome.

Dog Scrap

2009-01-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

I went for a walk last night. I have a 3 mile loop down by some dry ponds up to an illegal dump and back. My neighbor went out before me and most of the neighborhood dogs followed her.

The brown dog, Baby Girl is her name I think, waited for me. The sun was out, so I had a good clip and was enjoying the hike. Along the way the other three dogs that usually go with us joined our pack. each of these dogs have real personality.

There is Fluffy a shaggy large male who is "owned" by the only other Anglo in the area (I put owned in quotes because Tom is home about every third day). Tom also has a kind of ownership with the brown puppy; he took the pup to a vet in Cortez after it was hit couple months back. The dogs tend to hang out at his place because, when he is around, he feeds them.

The last in the pack was (past tense as I fear this pup has gone on to doggy heaven) a mangy black runt that liked to fight.

Anyhow, last night as we were walking...a pack of three vicious dogs came out of the junkyard and surrounded the black pup. They were all putting up a nasty fight. I thought it best to continue on my way. So, I headed back to my apartment and hoped that the fight stopped somehow.

After my evening shave, my neighbor stopped by. She told me that she saw the black dog getting torn to shreds. She carries pepper spray and was able to scare off the pit bull and others. She told me the black dog looked to be dying but was still breathing.

I felt pretty bad. I told her I saw the attack but didn't want to step into a fight. Maybe I was being a wimp. I don't know.

This morning Baby Girl sat on the roadway in front of my truck. I swear the dog was crying. It broke my heart. I guess there's little room for sensitivity on the Rez. I guess we'll all get over it.

On a much better note, I'm getting away to a hot spring for the weekend with a friend.

The Greatest Non speaker of Foreign Languages

2009-01-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

I am possibly the best person at not learning another language anywhere. The point could be argued. here's how I see it.

I've worked on the Navajo Reservation for nearly ten years. Logic would say through osmosis, exposure and practice I'd pick up the language. I know more than the average American. I can say "hello, please, thank you, Grandpa, dog and Grandma" and that's about it. Sad, eh?

Other languages I've attempted to learn but failed include Spanish, French, Arabic, Romanian, and Polish. In a similar fashion, I can say "hello, good bye, please and thank you". I also have a knack for picking up all of the cuss words. I'm not entirely certain why those are the words that stick.

If you were to step into my apartment you'd swear I was making a legitimate attempt at learning Spanish. I am. My old recliner has a copy of Spanish for Gringos to the left and Spanish in 15 Minutes a Day. I practice, read, reread, cover words recite words and even share with the local dogs (when we're out for our daily walk). If you asked me to share, I'd try.

Until someone finds the means for me to be injected with words (via a mind probe or such), I guess I'll continue continue as the greatest non speaker of foreign languages.

Friday in Relation to Saturday

2009-01-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

It's a good Friday. Though I didn't ask for it, I was once again appointed as acting principal. The only real difference in my day was I signed one leave slip. I still find it odd someone would want to leave me in charge of a school.

I have a topic on my mind...It's old love. A past relation and I have been opening our communication. I guess it's at the least a chance to become better at speaking your mind. I've always liked her. I guess there's a reason we've kept in touch. Funny how it goes though.

So, we talk and write and kind of listen. She seems to be hypersensitive towards miscommunication and I'm blunt. She tries to keep everything in balance and I put things out of whack. Maybe we have a bit of the yin yang thing going. She lives pretty far away, so it'd be hard to say we're about to rekindle anything. Still, it gives someone with a monk life like myself hope that there's still the possibility of company beyond a rez dog.

I've often said I don't like movies or books that are predictable...so why would I want a life that's predictable. I guess the same goes for relationships. Why chose vanilla when you can have rocky road or peppermint swirl? Enough on the relationship thing. I suppose if she ever decides to read my postings, it's kinder to keep things personal and out of any public viewing. Right?

Back in Teec

2009-01-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

Traveling...especially flying leaves me pretty tired for a couple of days. I managed to follow my lesson plans, oversee a student writers' club, and get some cancelled events back on the school agenda. All in all, a day of productivity.

My flights back went decent until I got to Dallas. The whole Code Orange, take your shoes off again, find your luggage and try to make your connecting flight gave me heart burn. I had to take a later flight to Albuquerque.

I stayed in Albuquerque for the night. Ate a bad Gyro. Got up early. Drove off towards Gallop with grey clouds overhead. Somewhere around Mount Taylor, the road became a sheet of ice. It was as slick of a drive as I'd ever made. I counted two semis (one overturned and one jackknifed) off the highway along with a half dozen other vehicles. Somehow, I glided into Gallop and decided I'd stay for the night.

The Lariat Motel was possibly a negative two star accommodation. The toilet overflowed and, after a man came and snaked it out, smelt of sewage all night.

I managed to make the drive to Beclabito for a half day of work yesterday. I picked up my mail (lots of Christmas cards and a large package from my sister-in-law), was escorted to my apartment by the Teec dogs, and had a long conversation with a former (not old) girlfriend.

Since my return, I've reflected some on my travels to Costa Rica. Here's a summary of the good and the not-so-good.

Good- Friendly people, lots of green space, nature and clean air (big, big, BIG on my list!), the ocean, butterflies, coffee, chocolate, bananas, and cheap buses (and ferries)

Not-So-Good- Costs (food, lodging, and entertainment were more expensive than I'd imagined), travelers' stories of getting robbed (one had $1500 worth of cameras taken from the overhead space on a bus...another was robbed in the jungle at knife point), time of travel (get a bus to a ferry...just as the ferry leaves. I'd ended up waiting another two hours to catch the next boat), the Disney look of many tourist destinations (the hot springs I'd gone to)

The funny thing about Costa Rica and those who travel there is that, although there are some challenges, many return. Would I? Yes! It is a truly beautiful part of the World. I'd like to see more of Costa Rica's "Roads Less Travelled". I also am intrigued by the prehistoric stone balls (some weighing as much as 16 tons!).

Well, those are my impressions at the moment. They could change...but I don't think they will.

Finding My Way to San Jose´

2009-01-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

I´ve been in Montezuma long enough. I´ve found it overpriced and damn trendy...kind of a very warm Telluride.

Tomorrow morning I´ll get up early and find my way to the San Jose bus. I´ll be going back on the ferry and plan to sit up on top (to catch the views and the sea breeze). It´s a 6 hour trip...so I should be back at Casa Ridgeway around noon. My flight is early on Saturday (up at 4 am) which makes me tired already.

This in between time from vacation back to real life always takes something out of me. I find I always appreciate getting back to my own bed and general routine. Work becomes kind of a vacation from travel (if that makes any sense).

I´ve taken plenty of pictures...mostly of nature. I guess it´ll take up a new photo album.

Coffee with the Monkeys

2008-12-30T07:35:00.000-08:00

Though I had plenty of sunscreen on, I managed to burn my back yesterday while snorkling. It´s not so bad...just warm on my back as I tried to fall asleep last night.

This morning I had coffee with a troop of monkeys. I´d been told by a local guide that monkeys appeared at 6:30am at the local bakery. I´d gone yesterday and was disappointed by the lack of monkeys and bad food. The cappachino though was good.

This morning I´d wandered down to get another cappachino. As I sipped away, a monkey bounced down out of the trees and began to pose. Really, the damn thing was posing in the branches. It made faces at other customers. It bounced around and finally a worker came out with a banana. I guess monkeys really do love bananas; this one stoled the whole thing...one chunk in his swollen cheeks, and another in each of his paws.

By the time I´d finished my drink, I counted seven primates jumping through the canopy. Pretty cool!

I´ve decided to finish reading a novel I´ve been cruising for awhile. It´ll be a day of swinging in one of the hotel hammocks and being lazy. The monkeys were a bad influence.

Joe Vs. the Volcano, Hot Spring and Wisdom Teeth

2008-12-22T14:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel I need to be secretive. I guess it´s my stubborn nature. Maybe I just don´t want anyone to worry too much. I had taken this stubborn, secretive approach with dentistry. Yeah, crazy huh? I had planned the beginning my Costa Rica stay around a dentist appointment.

My plan had been to get my lower wisdom teeth pulled and move on to getting all of my teeth straightened. The costs in Costa Rica would in fact pay for my rt flight. It sounded smart...and even thrifty.

I tried to find my bus at the Coca Cola bus station (the station isn´t nearly as refreshing as the drink). After some wandering in a very rough crowd, I decided I could afford to take a taxi.

I got to the hospital complex and followed the directions emailed to me...building number two on the sixth floor. There were no numbers on the buildings, so logic said go to the one next door to the big building. I did. I wandered the sixth floor for a minute or two before figuring out it was the maternity ward. The babies didn´t mind.

Asking a desk person where I need to go she pointed out and beyond...one more building. I found the place. The office reminded me of a chain store hair salon. I sat on the white leather couch and listened to the elevator music as I rolled my tongue over my wisdom teeth...fully expected they had little time left in my mouth.

The dentist I was to see walked by waving in a princess manner to everyone...except me (another dentist would soon explain she expected me at 11:30 and not 1:30). So I sat and waited. I finally was directed in to a dentist chair. The dentist asked me about my teeth. Were they bothering me? Why did I need them pulled...and such. I told him I´d like to get them straightened and felt the only way would be to have my wisdom teeth pulled to create some room.

His response- your teeth are really good. Then he had an orthodontist come in to look at them. He felt they might be straightened without extracting any teeth. So, three days of waiting and 50$ later, I had my teeth looked at by a dentist. I guess I have mixed feelings about the whole damn thing.

Anyhow...tomorrow being my birthday, I decided to treat myself to a tour of a volcano and a visit to a hot spring (ends up it´ll cost me the same as my trip to the dentist). It´s true a vacation should never be mixed with a dental appointment. Off to find some grub!

My Big Loop

2008-12-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

As with most of my travels, I arrived in Costa Rica without much of a plan. I´ll be here in San Jose for two more days. I will go to the Quaker meeting this morning and then visit a museum or two in the afternoon. Tomorrow will be a morning of museums and an afternoon of visiting with a local dentist. So, those are my big city plans.

On celebrating my 45th time around the planet, I hope to go to the volcano area north of San Jose. After that, I want to get to the Monte Verde area for Christmas-fellow Quakers- and the Cloud Forest. The next stop will be via bus and ferry...I´ll go over to Montezuma for beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula. Another bus ride and I´ll be near the Manuel Antonio National Park in Quepos...and more beaches. Then my plan is to pursue more info on the mysterious prehistoric rock spheres found near the Osa Peninsula. Finally, I will loop back to San Jose for my final days and flight back.

Plans can change. That´s the best thing about traveling alone...it always plenty of freedom. I´ll try to keep my blogging rolling along. Maybe next I´ll share some ideas related to the giant stone spheres.

Getting to Costa Rica

2008-12-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

The night before last, I was taking care of last minute concerns in my apartment in Teec. My packing was finished, I´ll put a full crock of beans on for the FACE potluck, I´d watered the bonsai Christmas tree brother Chris and wife Jane had given me, and I´d finished my rewrite of Chicken Scratch Yazzie. Unlike past travels, I actually slept well. I got into my morning routine of working out before I have my morning coffee and loaded up the truck. All was smooth.

I was concerned about the weather. There were all sorts of rumors out there...Albuquerque was socked, the weather would be getting worse, and the roads were slick. One of the rumors was correct. The roads around the Four Corners were incredibly slick...I slid out to my truck on the thin sheet over my sidewalk...and took the driving slow. I got to school at my normal time...but most of the teaching staff was delayed. An 18'wheeler had tumbled off into a ravine and traffic was held up. I watched over the kids in the teacher resource room until the other teacher arrived.

I had asked for some leave so I could get to Albuquerque without any troubles. My principal was accommodating. She told me to get going.

My drive was very smooth except for one thing. My truck died in Shiprock. Evidently, my battery died right there at the gas station. I guess if it had to got...that was the perfect place. I managed to get some help from a couple of mechanics. With my new battery in place, I drove to Albuquerque. I can only say it was a little weird. I listened on the radio of weather getting worse and worse...but I seemed to be riding within a bubble of sunshine...you know, Jesus rays and all. I took it as a good sign.

The flights were smooth. I had no panic attacks. I did have my Xanex in my pocket but didn´t need it...I do think all of my panic was a product of too much mercury in my system. So, this was good. I most enjoyed looking down at lava flows off from the volcanoes of El Salvador. The jungles, jagged mountains and wild pristine waterways were pretty impressive too. The air smelt funny...kinda like near the coal burning power plants. As I waited for my final flight in San Salvador...a police officer did a little show with his drug sniffing dog....really, a show...after he had the dog sniff around every ones bags, the dog chased after a tennis ball and did several impressive belly rolls. The most life threatening situation was taking a taxi drive through San Jose to my hostel. Obviously, I lived.

Plenty Going On

2008-12-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

The weather in the Four Corners has been wintry to say the least. Yesterday we had a two hour delay at school. The drive over this morning was slick. I ended up filling the back of my truck with boxes of books from storage to get some weight over the back tires (I knew those books would come in handy some day).

Today, I'll make the 4 1/2 hour drive to Albuquerque. There's more snow expected...so it looks like I'll take a personal day (better safe than not) and make the trip.

I usually stay at a hotel in downtown. It's affordable and not sleazy like so many up on Central (if you know Albuquerque). In the morning I'll be up early for a 9 am flight.

Yes, I'm excited about my coming travels. Jungles, beaches, and all...who wouldn't be excited. Honestly though I've been so busy I haven't had much time to think about what I'll do when I get there.

There are days in my life that feel like landmarks. This is one. I finished my rewrite of the novel I've been working on last night at about 8pm. I'll print it out when I get back and read it out loud to catch any major glitches. I've a set of goals for the year listed next to my desk. Finishing the rewrite last night was a major one.

This morning I finished reading the first of my collection of Sherlock Holmes novels. I really enjoyed it! Man, Doyle definitely did not like the Mormons! I'll continue with my collection when I get back (a good winter read I think).

I've beans cooking for a potluck. I best go check on them.
Adios, Joe

p.s. If I can figure out how to upload photos, I thought I'd do this onto my FACEBOOK account.

Dogs are Men, Women are Cats

2008-12-14T12:39:00.000-08:00

I remember as a child believing all dogs were male and all cats were female. In fact, I thought they were the same species (as a preschooler I didn't think species...I thought animal). Maybe this was the effect of too many Saturday morning cartoons explaining animal gender.

I've thought this could make a decent topic explaining relationship dynamics...a new twist on Men are From Mars Women are From Venus. While John Gray has some grasp on relationships, I could never take on such a project. Honestly, I'm too dumb.

Isn't that the point though? Dogs really do come off as dumb. Even the "smart" ones are typically driven by a Scooby Snack after rolling over and playing dead.

Cats are so intelligent. One of my ongoing challenges with my former feline friends was finding a toy they actually liked. I would scan the shelves of feathery, bright, jingly toys and go for whatever I found appealing. Typically, I return home unwrap the toy "All Cats Love", toss the wrapper along with the alien object on the ground and always the cats would chose to play with the wrapper (maybe I needed to search the local dumpsters and not the closest pet store).

How does all of this play into my life today? I did get a kind call from my "Friday Night Dance Partner". She explained she was sick. She asked me to forgive her. She told me she would treat me to coffee after I return from my travels. I was glad to hear from her.

Another thing I believed in as a preschooler was that a road with the sign "Dead End" lead to a giant cliff where all cars drove off and joined the wrecked vehicles at the bottom. Kinda morbid.

This is Good

2008-12-12T19:47:00.000-08:00

So, I've read everything I can about positive attitudes. I've learned to say "This is good" even when a situation seems less than perfect.

Case in point- I just recently reconnected with a lady friend from long ago. We went for coffee, she mentioned dancing. I responded-dancing? Yes, dancing! There's open dance at the studio on Friday nights. Okay-says I.

So, while I'd like to completely believe I'm a man of the world and could never be taken for a chump. At this very instance, I feel like some little ant with a giant foot just inches over my head and about to squash me. I feel chump-ish.

Let me back up- go in reverse- hind step. I had a busy week at work. One thing that was getting me by what this potentially romantic evening of dance I had understood would be happening. I even made arrangements to sleep on a friend's couch.

Dancing would be from 8 until 10. In the meantime, I went out for pizza with my friend and his wife. Good pizza. By 7 I was already tired. I took a 10 minute power nap, got up, brushed my teeth and headed off for the dance studio.

When I found the place, I expected to see my coffee companion/female friend/fellow dance enthusiast. She was nowhere in sight. I paid my 5$ and looked some more. I asked the lady sitting up front. "Oh, yeah, she was here. She said she was going to a party." I sat on the couch and watched 5 or 6 couples dancing. Of course, I felt like shit.

But, hey, it's 9, I'm tired and I got to do just a little bit more of the blog thing right?

This is good.

Pondering Religion

2008-12-04T06:32:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 2am. I'd been dreaming about going to a high school reunion. For some reason, I had to make a speech to all of my class of '81 peers. It sucked. I laid in bed and my brain started pumping out thoughts on religion.

Religion is an interesting topic. I guess we all have our reasons for believing what we do. For some it's like politics.."I'm (fill in the blank) because my parents were". Others have had a life altering experiences figure out where they fit it. For myself, I spent some of my college years trying out different religions. I felt and continue to feel Quakerism, fits me best. So, I'm a Quaker.

I try to keep religion out of the picture with friends. I think it's wrong to tell others what they should believe. So, I have close friends who are (in no particular order) Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Atheist, Agnostic, Native American Church...and so on. It's a good mix.

If there is one group I have problems with and find freaky, it's the Right-Wing-Christian-folk. I guess there are extremist in each of the major religions...and even the minor ones.

In my summer travels, I happened upon a monastery just outside of Granada, Spain. The patron saints were burnt alive in a cave sometime in the 1st century(the catacomb is located below one of the main chapels). With the bodies were a number of lead tablets written in Aramaic, Greek and Arabic. The "books" described the foundation of Christian, Islamic, and Judaism as the same. I found this fascinating (the guide leading me around did mention the Vatican had labelled these heresy. ..and that they couldn't be authentic as the Arabic language didn't exist in the 1st century)!

With the Christmas season here, I also like to consider the role of annual holidays. Easter, Christmas and Halloween all correlate well with Celt holidays. The summer solstic in Ireland is called St. John's Day (complete with large bonfires on every hilltop). The history of holiday dates and names (Easter for example) is pretty mind opening.

In the end, we each believe what we do. A meditation I find myself doing whenever the stars are out is first to remember how small I am in this Universe. This is followed by reminding myself I'm personally connected to the light coming from a million light years away. It's humbling and empowering. I like it.

Believe what you believe.

New Writing

2008-12-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

My new mini trampoline has had an effect on me. I must admit I like bouncing. I bopped around as I edited yesterday. I bounced through the evening and just before I went to bed. I dreamed I was bouncing. The floor feels way too solid when I finally step off.

I have hopes to finish my current writing project before I leave on winter break. I may write something while I'm in Costa Rica (in part to make it tax deductible)....but have started to consider my next BIG writing project.

I want to finish writing a novel on William Latham (ancestor and Mayflower stowaway). I also started a novel on a Mer-boy (who will go in search of a mermaid). They both offer exciting possibilities. I have a cryptozoologist friend who is try to get permission from the Scottish authorities to dig up a mermaid's remains (killed by a local boy and the funeral was attended by the whole town...in the 1920s I think)....maybe this could somehow be tied in? I like writing about the offbeat. If it keeps my interest, it should keep the readers. Right?

Time to get back home for a bounce.

Odd Turkey Effect?

2008-11-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

It's an odd day. Not a bad day...just odd.

Last night I celebrated Thanksgiving with my brother Chris along with his family and friends. There was plenty of food and laughter (both always a good thing). I was the early to bed one...and slept well. Up for coffee, I didn't bother with my morning exercise.

On a related topic, I found a mini-tramp to get some aerobic exercise in the coming winter (this being a good thing for my detox work). It was a good buy. The sports shop had an odd way of going about making the sale...but, like I said, it was an odd day.

Chris and fam were eager to go see the newest Batman movie. In my humble opinion, it was not good at all. I always have a problem with matinees anyhow. Still, the movie was a downer for sure!

There's plenty more to consider writing about...but I'd like to spend some more time with my relations. I'll be driving off tomorrow at sunrise.

Sandy Consumerism

2008-11-24T14:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I drove from Teec to Sandy, Utah. It's a long drive (about 7 hours). I chopped it up into small bites. First, I made it to Pam and David's just north of Cortez for a morning conversation and coffee. Then, I made an impromptu stop in Cahone at too-much-of-something-back-in-the-60s friend who owns the old trading post (to visit and buy fresh beans). Finally, I explored an interesting thrift store in Moab (part of what makes it interesting is that it is open on Sundays). I managed to pull up to Chris and Jane's just before the sunset.

Today was a fine mix of productive and consumptive. Feeling motivated, I trekked down to the nearby Starbucks for a fancy coffee and to work on my current novel. I can feel my brain hemorrhaging over the process on some days and on other days (like today) the pen writes by itself. Odd, eh? I felt content with my writing by lunch and so made my mecca to Ross's, Ikea, and a nearby mall.

Ruth, an attractive Israeli kiosk salesperson, tried to convince me to buy some cleaning oil/salt from the Dead Sea and polished one of my nails. She also gave me a list of places I needed to go in Costa Rica. I didn't buy anything. Should I feel guilty? No.

Back to the Steps

2008-11-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you seek inspiration and it's just around the corner. Yesterday was a corner. I had a guest speaker from a local college. I was impressed with how well she connected with the ladies in my class. After her presentation, my students went to spend playtime with their children and I took a minute to visit with Michele.

Her being Native gives her insight that I sometimes lack. She gave me some ideas for a health unit. We talked about specifics and possibilites. I sometimes forget about the potential differences I'm making as an instructor of adult students. I once asked a group of my students to list the people their education had a direct impact on; one grandmother had over 50 relatives listed! So, while the numbers in my class may be small, the impact of my efforts can be great.

I guess physical health has been on my mind...but I've not been putting time into other health aspects. In my mind, I'm returning to 12 steps work. For myself I've added the 13th step of "Move on!". It's powerful to sincerely look at yourself in the mirror (both literally and figuratively). I need to help give my students some of the tools needed to thrive in this world. So, I'm inspired and realigning with all of the potential. It's good!

Is This Dull?

2008-11-19T06:38:00.000-08:00

Today is traditional dress day at the school. Already I'm seeing girls in velvet dresses with turquoise jewelry. I used to have a ribbon shirt I'd wear on such days, but sold it at a yard sale along the way.

My job is stressful. I'd say somewhere around a 7 on most days. I guess I wouldn't mind the stress as much if I felt it was accomplishing something. I'm constantly reminded I only have control over my own actions. Students and coworkers will do what they do. I look forward to one day being my own boss.

It is the middle of the week and I'm rolling towards the weekend and a full week off for Thanksgiving. I have the usual coffee shop stop on Saturday, a cribbage game on Sunday morning and the long drive to my brother Chris and his family on Sunday afternoon.

My writing isn't the best this morning. I guess I'm feeling pretty uninspired. I promise a more lively ponder on my next attempt.

Twanglish and Dental Jackhammers

2008-11-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

I had an epiphany several weeks back. Twanglish! My God it describes everything and nothing. Twanglish! The newest in vogue proof of being a true American. Twanglish-was I the first to come up with this term?

I google the term this morning. Damn...others have been using it! In fact, it seems to have been used for some time (I'm thinking Joe Bob Briggs and his movie reviews from long ago may have been the origin of written Twanglish). Maybe I'd picked it up subconsciously from some politician or collective consciousness or alien mind probes.

I've had a fine weekend. I visited friends. Last night, I was the guest of honor at an inpromptu dinner party. I got to pass around some photo albums from my summer travels. I got to hear/connect/reconnect/share...just plain communicate. This shouldn't feel like a luxury, but at this point in my life it does. It was really great!

One of the topics of conversation was my plans to get my wisdom teeth pulled. The opinions were mixed. Several yeahs... a couple of nays.

Lew, a retired educator and gardener extraordinaire (who recently made the observation that his garlic bulbs were 47% larger than the original seeders), shared his scientific opinion of getting my dental work done. "I had one pulled by a dentist and one pulled by an oral surgeon. The tooth done by the dentist took several weeks to heal. The one done by the oral surgeon took only three days." Of course, we were all intrigued by Lew's observations. He went on to describe the life story of crime lived by his oral surgeon. Pressed for more information on his dentist, Lew shared, "He used a kind of miniture jackhammer that he wound up to chip at my tooth".

Laughing yourself to sleep is never a bad thing. As for by blog, I'll just "Get-R-Done!".

Sunday Reflections

2008-11-09T10:19:00.000-08:00

You ever have one of those day when acquaintances smilingly invade your space with, "How are you?'? For me there is a short pause before I respond. Usually, I weigh being honest against not being a bummer.

I phoned Cheryl at the rehab center yesterday afternoon. She would have left a message she said. The hawk had 3/4ths inch of exposed bone and had to be put to sleep...she didn't think leaving this news on my answering machine was right. We talked for awhile and her voice cracked up a couple of times. I assured her we both did everything we could.

On a related topic, my neighbor stopped by last night to see if the bird had died (he wanted the tail feathers). I told him the woman at the rehab center was upset and I hadn't asked what they did with the body. He left after a short time; I guess he could sense that I felt the bird was worth more alive.

I spent some time working on my most recent novel last night. I plan to complete all of my revisions before I leave on my winter break trip to Costa Rica. The long list of considerations from Kevin McColley, as well as comments from a local friend who gave feedback on Navajo tradition, need to be considered. I enjoy revision; to me it's something like a word puzzle. How do you across to the readers all you mean to?

My hand has nearly healed. I did wake up with a late night concern. I felt itchy here and there. Most likely it is from the change in weather. I worried about getting mites or some other parasite from the bird handling. It brought emotional flashbacks of my earliest time with Neuro-Cutaneous Syndrome (Morgellons if you prefer). I didn't rest well and changed my bedding when I got up. I guess part of healing is dissolving the trauma.

As I once told a friend--I don't like books or movies that are predictable. Why would I want a life that's predictable?

Hawk in Hand

2008-11-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

I like to walk. Friends know this. Neighbors know this. Dogs know this.

My afternoon trek is never lonely. The present parade down the dirt roads of Teec includes a brown dog named Baby Girl (very, very loyal...that's another story), an extremely ugly black dog left by a retired librarian, a fluffy mixed color dog, and a small brown puppy with a nasal problem (got hit, got repaired, runs wild). Sometimes one or two of the boys in the hood join us on their bikes.

Last night, it was just the dogs and me. We did the 3 mile loop and were on our way back to staff housing, when the puppy ran off in the brush and started chasing something. I stomped over yelling at the pup the whole way. As I got closer, I could make out it was a bird with one wing twisted and bloody off to the side.

I wanted to get it away from the dogs, so instinctually I scooped it up with my bare hands. Big mistake! I realized it was a hawk as it curled claws ripped into the palm of my hand. Part of was shocked with pain, another was amazed at how easily the claws slipped through my skin.

Somehow I managed to get the claws out of me and dropped the bird back on the ground. I slipped out of my sweatshirt and padded the space between me and the bird. It stayed with me through the night...exploring the amazing world of Joe's desk and hot water heater.

As I type, it is in a box next to me. I'll make the journey up to Dolores and a rehab center sometime today. It's an immature Red-tail. Let's hope for a quick recovery.

Shifty Week

2008-11-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

What's up with this week? Daylight savings time makes me wonder. It may have made complete sense when most of us were farmers, but it makes no sense now.

Speaking of outdated shifts, when are we going to fix our Presidential elections? Again, the electorial system did make sense when we all rode in buggies. Are we really living in a Democracy, if our system doesn't always reflect on the common vote? I guess these are questions best left for the next Green party picnic I attend.

Still, it is a week of shift. We get to adjust to the new time. We get to find out who our new president and VP will be.

I'm very much hoping to see a Joe finally making it into the White House. Never has my first name been more abused and politic-warped than in this election. From "Joe the Plumber" to Palin's debate pun of "Say it ain't so, Joe" (who does she have as a speech writer? Maybe a retired writer for Hee Haw?). The Joes of America must stand tall. Go Biden!

Happy Shifting, Joe The Teacher

Foggy Thoughts

2008-11-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I visited an old friend. It was great to see her. She passed on the news that another friend of ours had committed suicide. I hate this kind of news. I'd not been in touch with him in a couple of years. He'd been the one to convince me to give Bahrain a try and also to consider Tai Chi for exercise.

For every piece of crappy news in life, there' something good. Reflecting on it has made me want to reconnect with old friends. Friends really are our "Family of choice".

My query on blogging today is not so deep. What is the difference between blogs and journals?

No Coffee

2008-10-31T06:19:00.000-07:00

The Halloween Carnival was a hit. I was in charge of the fishing pond (where the kids drop a line over the wall and I clothes pin a prize on their line). The alligator costume fit the theme but caused me to get tangled in the fishing lines through the night (it was the tail). The kids and families really enjoyed themselves.

I slept solid last night. I'm tired still. My cup of coffee is 9 miles away--left on the counter. Shit! I do have a pan of brownies sitting in my truck. I guess a chocolate sugar high will do.

Mr. Alligator

2008-10-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Halloween. What can I say? I'm never overly excited about it as a holiday.

Sure, it's fun to see the kids enjoying themselves. I enjoy the chance to confront our fears. Besides the vampires, ghosts, goblins, and (at least out these ways) skinwalkers, it just works out to be the best time for the most frightening to crawl out from their lairs; of course, I'm preaching about the religious fanatics.

Our school is having its annual Halloween Carnival at the local chapter house (local gov't building for those who wonder). When this came up in staff meetings several staff members suggested we must refer to it as a Harvest festival (but isn't that what Thanksgiving is about?!). Whatever you might want to call it, I'll be at the event dressed in my alligator costume.

The alligator costume came to me via several friends who insisted I dress for a party a couple years back. I wore it last year for the Carnival. Some preschoolers decided I was there to chase them around, so, not having much else to do, I did. They circled me taunting with "Mr. Alligator, Mr. Alligator...". Some preschool logic inisist that this is what I must always be called. There's a large number in the Kindergarden class who still yell "Mr. Alligator".

I'd hate to disappoint. The costume is back out from storage. Tonight, I slip back into my skin.

I Start Now

2008-10-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

I like the word blog. Most of my favorite words are longer like guacamole, paparazzi, and lugubrious.

I am sitting in my classroom waiting for the first of Beclabito's three buses to arrive. I have morning duty. I don't mind and I won't apologize for not minding. In fact, I enjoy pacing along the breakfast tables and eventually heading out to the archaic playground to watch the kids. I hear a bus engine rumble. There's the start.