Resolutions

Tuesday December 29, 2009

A surprising thing happened after the publication of my book, The Wine and Chocolate Evacuation Plan. I originally wanted to write a little guidebook designed to assist women in evacuating from natural disasters. I worked hard and was very happy when I had accomplished my goal. Then my book found a following among a very different group of people in need, victims of domestic violence.

At almost every single public appearance I have made someone has told me that the book would be used by someone preparing to leave a domestic abuse relationship. At first I was caught off guard by these comments since domestic violence was nowhere in my mind during the writing of the book. I even wondered how helpful my book could actually be since there is not one single reference to anything related to domestic abuse in The Wine and Chocolate Plan. However people have repeatedly told me that it is this absence which is a big part of the book's appeal. Victims feel that no harm will come to them by bringing this particular book into their home.

I did have some experience with abused women through my years as a nurse. I felt sad for all the many women (most of them so young) who told me their stories. Although I thought I had an understanding of their circumstances, I can see now that I didn't have a clue. I didn't really understand until it happened in my own family and to me personally.

I am now helping a close family member leave a domestic abuse situation. The violence spilled over to me personally and I now understand. I realize why so many women feel they must stay and "take it". I get why you don't pick up the phone to call the police and how the threats to harm someone you love keeps you from doing what you know deep down is the right thing. I understand because that is what I did and you know what? I was wrong. Not doing anything only gave the abuser more power and made things worse. Yes, leaving is dangerous and very hard but staying is harder and much more dangerous.

My resolution this year is to try and help my family member specifically and other victims through my book. I have already started donating books to woman's shelters. I am asking anyone out there with an idea of how I or my book could be helpful in this cause to please contact me.

Additional evacuation information available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

Did you die?

Monday December 21, 2009

Thank you for your kind inquires. No, I haven't died but there have been moments in the past month when I wondered if that was the direction I was headed. Frankly, it hasn't been my day, week, or month.

My family has had several family emergencies. I will share all of the sordid details as soon as I have the energy to post the stories. These emergencies have consumed a great deal of my time and energy.

In addition, I have been sick, very sick. I am slowly getting better but I am still recovering and weak. I ask for everyone's understanding and patience. I will be back and bossing everyone around as soon as possible.

One good thing that has come out of this is that my readers have contacted me and wanted to know what was going on. In the past there were times when I wondered if there was anyone out there. It is nice to know that you are there and care.

Happy holidays! I'll be back soon!

Additional evacuation advice available at www.wineandchocolateplan.com

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