Jenn Howe

PART 1: THE STATE OF THINGS, AND TURNING TO NATURE FOR HEALING

I’m sorry, readers…

I haven’t been able to post for some time.

First, there was the reeling and the processing that took place after my father’s death.

Then, more political hatred and nonsense, both in the U.S. and worldwide.

And now, Putin is out of control. Ukrainian people flee for their lives. Everyone is angry, terrified, and arguing about how to deal with this horrific situation.

Couple all of the above with the fact that I almost never get time to myself anymore — to write, make films, blog, or otherwise creatively express myself —and it’s pretty much a recipe for a nervous breakdown. I’M CLOSE, FAM.

😫

Civilians from MANY countries – including the U.S. – are doing whatever they can to help Ukrainians…whether that’s housing refugees, collecting supplies, donating money, etc.

But what can you do for YOURSELF — for your heart, for your own peace of mind — to help get through such a heartbreaking and trying time? Your health and happiness are important, too. And if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you certainly cannot do much good in the world or help others…not to the fullest extent.

One thing that helps me is to spend some time in nature. It doesn’t have to be a long trip or a camping excursion. If you feel lost, you can simply step outside and look around. Unless you live in a totally “concrete jungle,” there are likely at least a few wonders of nature available to you — flowers, bushes, bugs, a neighborhood stray dog or cat. You can take off your shoes, grind your bare feet into the dirt, and breathe. Run your hands along the bark of a tree. Kneel down to smell the daffodils that are just springing to life. Watch a spider as it weaves its intricate and magical web.

Or, as I did recently, and as I share with you in this new poem ⬇️…

Just LOOK UP.

Will appreciating nature instantly solve all of mankind’s problems? No…but it can help. It will make you more grounded and calm, and remind you that we are connected to everything in this universe.

We humans could ALL stand to raise our heads and our awareness, and to be more respectful of every other person and living thing on this planet.

PART 2: I WAS TRIPPIN, SO I WENT ROAD TRIPPIN

As many of you already know, I don’t own a car, and I only rent/drive one a few times per year. I was due for a small trip because a) I sincerely needed alone time AND inspiration, but mostly b) I wanted to head up north to visit a half-sister. There are actually SIX of us HOWE kids…the older three half-siblings that my father had with his first wife, and then the set I grew up with: myself, a brother, and a sister…in that order.

On this particular trip, I headed up into Missouri to meet the eldest of the first three kids. I wanted to bring her some of our father’s ashes, some family photos, his obituary…and I just wanted to get to know her a little more.

My destination was about a six-hour drive, one way…but I enjoy the journey itself. I just love heading down highways that are unfamiliar to me, seeing new and unusual sights, and having adventures.

I’m always surprised that so many small American towns are just…slowly falling apart…

#AmericanDecay 🌾

I stopped to eat a packed lunch in an abandoned A-frame on the side of a mountain. Such a lovely setting and afternoon. ⬇️

Wide open spaces. ⛰ ⬇️

Remember these? ⬇️

When I first arrived at my sister’s house, I was pleased to meet not only she and her husband…but also many animals! 👏🏼 Three dogs, six cats, and seven chickens.💚☺️ ⬇️

After several hours of visiting and a great dinner, I retired to my rental that I found on Airbnb. I stayed in a pleasant little cabin, located just a few steps from the famous Katy Trail. ⬇️

Sitting outside at night and having a beer on the front porch was sweet and peaceful. ☺️ ⬇️

In the cold hours of morning, I enjoyed hot coffee and a cozy fire as the sun rose over the horizon. ⬇️

If you hop on the Katy Trail (directly behind this cabin), you can walk or bicycle all the way to St. Louis. This trail is the country’s longest pedestrian/bike recreational trail. It’s 240 miles long, largely running along the northern bank of the Missouri River. ⬇️

I didn’t have time to go all the way to St. Louis 😅…but I did enjoy the trail for a while.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was staying in an area with a large AMISH community. Each time I heard one of their horse-drawn buggies approaching, I got so excited. ⬇️

After some more visiting with my sister, it was time to head home…but I chose to keep the rental car for an extra day. I used that extra time to go on a long, rambling journey of discovery over parts of Missouri and Arkansas. That’s half the fun of any trip —> trying random restaurants and stopping at unknown, out-of-the-way spots…just EXPLORING.

I stopped to experience a deep, vast cave system. ⬇️

So fascinating — like being on another planet.

I’m always on the hunt for a new and exciting place to eat. I found a delightful restaurant in downtown Springfield, Missouri, if any of you ever happen to find yourself there. ⬇️

The downtown area is colorful and diverse. ⬆️

Here is the restaurant I chose: Van Gogh’s Eeterie. 🎨 👏🏼 SO delicious, and such a nice environment/ambiance … ⬇️

LOVED it. I was very happy with my choice. 😋

I decided to stay the night in a completely different kind of place while heading back south. I went for the old-fashioned, cheap, ugly, somewhat-tacky-but-ironically-charming, all-American, one-level motel. Think #SchittsCreek ⬇️

There’s something about these old motels along dying highways. So much history, so much fading Americana. And late at night, I sat in that chair ⬆️

…and I stared out at the small, mostly-ignored and forgotten town… ⬇️

When I’m on the road, morning time is always about hunting for the best coffee shop in the area. ☕️

Found it. ✅ ⬇️

Great place, with a wicked-good french press coffee. 💯 Should any of you pass through Heber Springs, Arkansas…the place is called Jitterbug Coffeehouse.

I like listening to audiobooks while I travel, and for anyone looking for a good recommendation…the one I listened to on this trip was “The Long Walk,” by Stephen King (under the pen name Richard Bachman). A most excellent work of horror/suspense. 🎧 👍🏼

These are just a few highlights from my travels. A lot of fun, but I wish I’d had more time. Hopefully, I’ll be able to go on another solo adventure soon. It’s soooo good for my heart and mind.

PART 3: RANDOM MOMENTS FROM MY LIFE OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS

WHAT’S TO COME…

It was an unbelievably strange and painful winter. I can only fight to keep the faith and not completely give up on humanity. I can only hope that better times are coming…for myself, and for all of us.

I have some things to think about, some big decisions to make, some feelings that are weighing heavy on my heart. I need to get back to the core of who I am. I am a creator, an adventurer. I cannot lose that.

And I send sincere best wishes and positive thoughts to all of YOU, readers. 🙏🏻 Hold tight, love yourselves and each other. Care, heal, share, create, LOOK UP….

…as best you can. ❤️

Until next time,

Jenn ☺️