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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 13, 2017)
4 Wednesday, December 13, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Commentary... Girls basketball faced top teams All In! By Katy Yoder Columnist Our seven-month-old puppy is afraid of the vac- uum cleaner. Our barely ambling older dog, Alfie, walks by it like it isn’t there. Recently, young Beau skirted fearfully by it to visit me in my office. Right after he made the perilous journey past the green mon- ster, I accidently dropped my phone. He skidded back out of the room like Scooby-Doo! It was hilari- ous but also a bit of a reminder of how I’ve been feeling lately. My scary vacuum is my impending last day of work with Sisters Folk Festival. I’ve been employed there for 11 years, and I’ve got- ten very accustomed to my daily routine. It’s not always easy, but after all these years, it’s a predict- able existence without many surprises — that was until the recent smoke- filled cancellation. But as a team, we handled the diffi- culties and have almost put the unfortunate event in our rearview mirrors. It’s still a sad, almost surreal memory but we had each other to get through it. Now I’m going on alone. I’ve been avoiding thinking too much about the uncharted territory that will soon be my reality. It’s scary, and it sure can get the adrenaline pumping. I have a plan, but also don’t really know what’s happening next for me. Now that I’ve given myself the freedom to work full-time on my book and freelance writing, I wonder if I will I be able to create a work that fulfills my expectations? Not to mention everyone else’s. Like Beau reacting to my phone falling, I can get spooked pretty easily. But, really, what is it I’m afraid of? Can it kill me? Will I fail? Thoughts along those lines are floating just below the surface. I don’t even realize they’re there until I try to meditate. Once I shut my eyes and attempt to quiet my mind, I real- ize that the wild animals have all been let out of the zoo. My thoughts are out of control, sliding around corners and overwhelming me with their demand for attention. When my thoughts go rogue, I’m surprised at how many topics are lurking in my subconscious. Without trying, my mind’s way to deal with mental over- load is to pull the curtains and pretend the fears are not there. But that doesn’t last. Especially soon without a job to distract me, I know it’ll soon be “showtime!” This is my last week of work. I’m excited to get organized, start acting on my plans and see where it all takes me. I’m begin- ning to meditate more regu- larly, and bit by bit the wild thoughts are calming down. This is not an emergency! This is an opportunity! When I take it all down to the ground floor, it’s simple. I’m alive. My mind still works. I have a chance to live a dream I’ve carried since childhood. I’m going to truly give faith a chance. No more excuses, crutches or pro- crastinations. I’m taking that step off the cliff, know- ing I’ll either have wings or a very large helpful bird just might sail by to give me a lift. However it hap- pens, I’m all in! By Rongi Yost Correspondent The Lady Outlaws faced two formidable foes this past week, and the high level of play was more than the young Sisters squad could handle. Sisters fell 54-14 at home to North Marion (No. 5) on Tuesday, December 5, and three days later were defeated 55-23 by Yamhill-Carlton (YC). In Tuesday’s action, the Outlaws faced a tall Husky squad that was calm, method- ical, and executed the offense well. Sisters had a rough time throughout the game, and only shot 14.5 percent from the field. Alexa Stewart had seven points for the Outlaws, Sydney Head contributed four, and Gracen Sundstrom added three, all from the free- throw line. Rheanna Salisbury was the leading rebounder with seven. Salisbury played strong for the Outlaws and set good screens for her teammates. Three days later, the Outlaws faced No. 1-ranked Yamhill-Carlton. Sisters played a better game than they did against the Huskies earlier in the week, but were unable to play up to the high caliber of the Tigers. Sisters did have a great second quarter. The Outlaws worked together, shut the Tigers down, and held them to just one point. At the half, Yamhill-Carlton held a 21-10 PHOTO BY OUTLAWS PHOTOGRAPHY Sidney Head scores two vs. North Marion. advantage. The Tigers have a small gym, and they used it to their advantage, and pressed the Outlaws constantly. YC extended their lead through- out the second half, and beat the Outlaws by 32 points. Stewart led the Outlaws with six points. Coach Alan VonStein said, “They’re (YC) at a differ- ent level of basketball than we are. We’re a young team, FINEFURNITURE and we’re improving every day. Our spirits are good, and we’re having fun.” “Today was my birthday and the girls sang Happy Birthday to me twice. They probably should stick with basketball,” added VonStein with a grin. The Outlaws will play in the Seaside Holiday To u r n a m e n t T h u r s d a y through Saturday, December 14-16. For Individuals & Families Make your emotional wellness a priority this holiday season Counseling, medication management, and testing Adam Bronstein Cra sman By Commission Audry Van Houweling PMHNP-BC Quick and Affordable Help 541-595-8337 • www.shesoarspsych.com 541-410-1309 SpringCreekWoodworking.com 102 E. Main Ave., Downtown Sisters Don’t throw it away, we can fix it We do repair work & fabrication in steel, aluminum, copper & other metals. “Your Local Welding Shop” CCB# 87640 PHOTO BY ALEX JORDAN 541-549-9280 | 207 W. Sisters Park Dr. | PonderosaForge.com
