Persistence

Wednesday November 25, 2009

I just love a good story about a stubborn woman who wants something and then works tirelessly to get it. Sara Josepha Hale was definitely this type of woman. She should be known as the mother of Thanksgiving. Sara Hale was a determined magazine editor who wrote countless letters and many strong editorials lobbying for the United States to set aside a day to give thanks. For over 30 years she relentlessly campaigned by petitioning politicians and stirring up woman's groups across the country to support her goal. Finally in 1863 she persuaded President Abraham Lincoln to declare the last Thursday of November as a national day of Thanksgiving.

I am inspired by Sara Josepha Hale. She had disaster and tragedy in her life (after 9 years of marriage her husband died leaving her with 5 small children to raise) but she did not let them defeat her. She found a way to work and support her family in a time when a woman working outside the home was rare. Throughout her life Sara Josepha Hale encouraged women to prepare themselves for life through education. So in the spirit of Sara Hale, who believed in and used education so that a personal tragedy did not overcome her, here are some instructions to better prepare you for disaster.

Five tips for a smarter evacuation.

1. Take paperwork which documents your education (diplomas, certificates, etc.)
2. Take any legal papers which enable you to work.
(professional or business licenses)
3. Take an up-to-date resume
4. Take any tools required for you to work.
(computer, chef's knifes, hair stylist's tools)
5. Take clothing appropriate for your job.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Gratitude

Monday November 23, 2009

Here we are in the fourth week of November, the week in which we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. Most people immediately think of food when Thanksgiving is mentioned--the turkey, dressing, cranberries, pies, etc. The close association of food to this particular holiday is only to be expected. After all the pilgrims had been starving before they got some help from the Indians and managed to produce a decent crop. Still, I like to think that the Pilgrims were full of gratitude as well as food. We have come a long way since that small band of starving, struggling Pilgrims. Food is a lot easier to come by so what do we have to be grateful for?

There is so very much for each of us to give thanks for. When I reflect on the past year one of the things I am most grateful for is that I was able to get The Wine and Chocolate Evacuation Plan finished and published. I am happy that I have had an opportunity to speak with many different groups and prepare them for evacuation. I appreciate the support, feedback, and evacuation stories which my readers have sent me. All of your comments, both positive and negative, have helped me to refine my information and hopefully get better. So let me start the week of Thanksgiving in gratitude for all of the good people I have met while promoting my book. I am thankful for you.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolate plan.com

Camping

Wednesday November 18, 2009

Are you a camper? You know one of those people who leave a perfectly nice house with a warm comfy bed to go and sleep on the ground in a tent? Okay, I guess it is obvious that I am not a camper. However, this past weekend I had the opportunity to be on the periphery of a camping group. I'll have to admit that I came away from the encounter with a whole new appreciation for these camping people. Here's why.

If a disaster strikes I think campers will be much better prepared to cope with the event than the general population. This is because camping is one big disaster drill. Camping requires you to live without all the modern services (electricity, running water, indoor plumbing, and a stove) which we have become dependent on. When you are in the woods for several days you learn to adapt by cooking over a campfire and doing your business in the woods. Just packing up the gear necessary for camping is a great evacuation exercise. There is not space to take everything so you must decide what is really needed and then pack it efficiently.

One night I was sitting around a roaring camp fire considering all this camping activity while eating smores and having a glass of wine. (Yes, wine and chocolate are necessary camping supplies in my world.) I decided that there are a lot of benefits in knowing how to camp. Even though I am not ready to give up my soft bed for a sleeping bag until I am forced to, if the worst should happen, I plan to find a group of campers and throw my lot in with them.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Superstitions

Friday the 13th November, 2009

Well this seems like the correct day to confess that I am superstitious. My mind is constantly chiding me for my "ridiculous and childish" beliefs. Still let someone spill the salt and I instinctively throw a protective bit over their left shoulder. I know it seems crazy but I can not help myself. I was raised in the deep south where the black women who cared for me taught me many of their ancient beliefs.

Here are some of the superstitions related to natural disasters. The sound of church bells during thunderstorms can protect those within hearing. A black cat which boards a ship is good luck for those aboard and will keep the waters safe. If a cat suddenly runs about wildly clawing at things then a big wind (tornado or hurricane) is coming. A fern kept inside your house protects it from damage from thunder and lightening. A solar eclipse warns of a future natural disaster. A conch shell in your home protects from natural disasters. Dogs and cats can predict earthquakes and will desperately try to get outside.

I believe a good way to consider superstition is as a fragment from a long ago belief system. Of course, we don't live in the same world as when these values were held. We don't have a complete record of the wisdom ancient people lived by. Still, at least for me, when certain omens occur it seems like an echo coming to me from the distant past. I feel like a must respond to it it with the respect it once received.

Additional evacuation advice available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

The Danger Left Behind

Wednesday November 11, 2009

In my lifetime I have witnessed a number of natural disasters. There have been hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and a volcanic eruption. One of the things I remember the most about these disasters is how acute all of my senses became. Perhaps the potential danger sharpens the senses? Perhaps the immensity of Mother Nature in a fury is such an awe inspiring sight that our senses are challenged to record such grandeur? I don't know but many people have told me they never felt as alive and alert as when they faced a natural disaster.

But then the immediate threat passes and we returned to our normal state of diminished consciousness. This is dangerous because every natural disaster leaves behind some quiet seeds of destruction. The environment we reside in is violently disrupted when a huge force of nature hits it. There needs to be a time period where we exercise caution and observe our surroundings.

The water we fish, boat, swim, and walk beside can now have strong waves and unfamiliar currents. The land on which we stand and build our homes may have become unstable due to an internally shift deep beneath the surface. Even though Hurricane Ida has diminished in strength and is now primarily a rain maker we must still be careful. Remember that it is usually the quiet danger which can sneak up and catch you unprotected.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Hurricane Ida

Monday November 9, 2009

Well this hardly seems fair. At this point in the year everyone usually can take a breath and relax because another long hurricane season has been survived. Apparently that will not be the case this year. Hurricane Ida has decided to pay a late visit to the Gulf Coast of the United States. Fortunately the forecaster predict this hurricane to be a weak one (presently a category 1 and expected to weaken). Still you should remain vigilant and make preparations to evacuate should weather conditions suddenly change.

A FEW BASIC STEPS TO FOLLOW NOW

1. Decide where you will go if you have to leave and fill up the vehicle you will be leaving in.

2. Get some cash.

3. Keep your family members and pets close by and dressed in bright colors.

4. Locate and gather all of your important papers for transport.

5. Locate and gather any possessions you want to evacuate.

6. Pack clothing and medicine.

7. Review your WINE AND CHOCOLATE EVACUATION PLAN

Additional evacuation information is available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Countdown to the Holidays!

Friday November 6, 2009

Here are some numbers which will cause anxiety for most women in the country. There are 20 days until Thanksgiving, 35 days until Hanukkah, and 49 days until Christmas. Yes indeed the holiday countdown has started. When I was young (long, long ago) people waited until the day after Thanksgiving to begin holiday shopping and decorating. This is no longer the case. Now preparations seem to start as soon as Halloween is over. I think this is because our lives have become more complicated.

There is one suggestion I have to make your holiday shopping a bit easier. You should consider giving that hard to buy for person on your list something that they don't have and definitely need---evacuation supplies. Of course you should start with my book The Wine and Chocolate Evacuation Plan. The book has an attractive pink and white color which appeals to women and can be combined with a nice box of chocolates or bottle of wine to make a lovely and thoughtful gift. If you are the artistic or crafty type you could place all of the items in a pink basket and tie a white snowflake ornament on the top. When the person receiving the basket thanks you for being so original and clever I give you permission to pretend like it was all your idea.

Additional evacuation information at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Happy Anniversary To Us!

Wednesday November 4, 2009

Tomorrow is my 32nd wedding anniversary. I can't believe it. It is difficult to imagine how our years together have flown by so quickly. If I was able to survey the wedding guests from that long ago ceremony, probably most of them would also not be able to believe it but for entirely different reasons.

I will admit that there wasn't a lot of evidence that two such different people could possible make a marriage work. I was a quiet bookworm and he was a car/motorcycle speed demon. All of these years later I have still never been on a motorcycle and he, to the best of my knowledge, has never read a book (NOT EVEN MINE)! Life is a wondrous strange journey and sometimes the long shot wins.

In the marriage category I know that I did. I not only have longevity; I still have love. You don't have to take my word for it. I have proof. Everyone is aware of the care I take in selecting the possessions I will evacuate with me during a disaster. On my top 10 evacuation list are two things associated with my marriage ceremony. One is the oil portrait which was my wedding gift to my husband and the other is our album of wedding photographs. Two out of ten or twenty per cent of my critical evacuation list dedicated to items from our wedding. In my world that is proof of love.

Perhaps you have been reminded of a special something from your own big day which you would hate to lose in a disaster? If so, please add it to your written evacuation list immediately and congratulations for also being lucky in love. I will be very busy tomorrow. I intend to get my hair done, pull on a pair of spanxs, hide my husband's eyeglasses, take him to a dimly lit restaurant, and hope he sees a glimpse of the 21 year old bookworm he married.

Additional evacuation information available at wwww.wineandchocolateplan.com

Monday Blues

Monday November 2, 2009

Every had a bad Monday? Well today was mine. Things got off to a bad start by a night filled with nightmares. I was determined to change the course of the day so I sat down to say my prayers and meditate. As I was lighting a candle on my altar I burned my thumb. It hurt! I had no idea how much I needed my thumb to do almost everything. I hate to whine but I am now trying to type without using my right thumb.

I was depressed. Someone I cared for just went away. They left hurt and confused children and family behind. I am trying to help with the care of the children and not dwell on the sadness I feel. However some days are harder than others and this was a difficult one. In fact the day continued a slow downward slide until I suddenly found myself eating a cake with a fork. Just me and an entire cake! Clearly I needed to get hold of myself before I gain an extra dress size.

So I put the fork down and went outside to look, really look, at the beautiful day. I went over to the beach and gave myself a few minutes to soak in the miracle of nature. Then I did what I always advise people to do after disasters when they feel defeated and depressed. I got up and went to work. I worked hard but still made time to do something nice for someone else. You know what? I was right. I do feel better.

Photo by Liz Empson

Additional evacuation advice available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com