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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (July 10, 2012)
18 in other words july10 2012 By Lynn Berry Ever have one of those days, months, or even for some, years…..where you look around and it seems as if life is just not working out the way you expected? Whether it be a day of frustrations, like finding a flat tire when you’re already late for an appointment, or spilling a cup of coffee on your shirt right before that big interview, or long term life-changing events, like a sudden back injury that physically limits your everyday routine, or waking up one day and finding that your partner is not who you thought; in either case, our viewpoint of reality… shifts. So now what? Most of life’s occurrences, trivial or significant, are out of our control. How we redirect and respond to life’s situations truly creates our character and our perception of ourselves, others, and the world around us, thus, constructing our reality. At one very challenging time in my life, I was told to stop and to reflect; who do I want to be in this situation: angry, frustrated, cynical, or loving, peaceful, and hopeful? You see, the circumstances may be difficult, but our reality changes depending on our attitude and actions. This is the point when we get the opportunity to open our hearts and become willing to change. Am I sounding like an idealist? A little, but hear me out; I know, from experience, that it takes more courage to reach towards the light than to sit in the darkness. This month’s poem, “The Picture,” written by local resident Bob Yoder, continues a long tradition of pastoral poetry that began in ancient Greece. Essentially, this type of idealized poetry evokes idyllic scenes of country life that are usually contrasted with the ugliness of city life. Central to pastoral poetry is the agreement between the poet and the reader to limit their treatment of rural life to its positive aspects. Thus, pastoral poetry, like life, is all about one’s perception. The Picture In my family home since I first recall there hung a picture on the wall of a mountain lake with trees all around and golden sunlight filtering to the ground the near distant hills draped in forest green with silver shiny water sandwiched between edging the water where neat cabins and homes all quaintly dressed in earthy tones a scene so beautiful and serene I dreamed some day to be a part of that scene I imagined people living there in harmony and sharing neighbors who never dis-agree the air so crisp and fresh to breath to put ones body and soul at ease and stars that burned so vivid and bright and a moon reflecting on the lake at night no need for locked door or key and hugs and kisses would be plentiful and free there would be no strangers and a passer-by would promptly be greeted with a friendly “HI” such a paradise impossible to most it would seem but not so for me, I have my dream for here at Fishhawk I have it all I live in the picture on the wall Vernonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue Golf Benefit Sunday, August 5th, 2012 7:30 AM Entry Fee: Lynn Berry holds an M.A. in English, specializing in feminist literature and literary criticism. She has spent several years teaching Literature, Composition, Poetry, Creative Writing, and Critical Thinking at various school districts and colleges, and occasionally provides writing workshops. Possible Business Opportunity: “OREGON CAR” What: “Oregon Car” is a concept right now ! We plan on this vehicle to be a unique addition to the growing green car market. We are looking for a small town in state with some can-do people to fabricate and market “OREGON CAR.” We are seeking state, federal and private sector funding for production. (Jamboree Weekend) Where: Close proximity to Portland and shipping routes are a plus. However all towns in Oregon are open to consideration. Vernonia Golf Course 15961 Timber Rd. East Vernonia, OR 97064 Why: There is a niche in the market for a low cost green car for innovative owners. This harkens back to the sports car days with a 21st century emissions profile and high mileage stats. For commuting or fun touring, this would be the car. OC will be a rolling billboard for the community hosting its production. It will garner media attention which in turn attracts other business and tourism. Specialty car owners are loyal and will often return to its point of origin. Think rallies and annual events for local and out of state owners. Please join in supporting “Toy & Joy” to purchase toys for local kids for Christmas Format: ------------ shootthebardbob ---Writer’s Idea: Most of us artists fit the stereotype of the morose misunderstood person, writing from our angst. However, give it a try, write an optimistic poem, I dare you. ---Writer’s Tip: Do as I say not as I do…..give yourself the time to write. ---WE ARE LOOKING FOR LOCAL POETRY. WE NEED YOUR POEMS!!!! Please send your original submissions to InkwellVernonia@gmail.com or by mail: PO Box 333 Vernonia, OR 97064. Please include your name and contact information. Write-- Express--Expand. Scramble, Shotgun Start (4 person teams) $ 95.00 per person or $350.00 per foursome Due by: July 29, 2012 (Before July 1st receives an additional $10 off per person) Entry Fee includes: Green fees, 1 Cart per team, Gift Bag, Team Photo, Surf & Turf Brunch and Raffle Ticket Brunch, Raffle & Awards following the tournament. Individual registrations are welcome Make checks payable to: Vernonia Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association 501(c)3 Tax deductible For more information, please contact Randy Carlton: 503-429-8252, 503-791-8309 or Email: vernoniagolfbenefit@gmail.com Detail: The vehicle will be a low tech component car. This means that some assembly will be required by the owner This allows a car to become road legal without having to comply with extensive regs like air bags etc.Search kit cars . The prototype will be a tube frame 2 seater powered by (bio) diesel. This clean ‘n green Oregon fuel is readily available and can be blended with petro D2 in any ratio. Search biodiesel.org > Gasoline (ethanol) engine compatible. EV (electric) with modification.... BIO - WOODIE - The body will be marine plywood panels in natural color. We are consulting with the Wood Innovation Ctr. of Oregon State to make this a reality. This is a brief outline of OREGON CAR, details available. Profile: I am one of the pioneers in Oregon for the use of biodiesel and clean, diesel tech. Club Biodiesel was founded in 2001, we did the world’s first biodiesel drag run at Portland Intl. Raceway in 2002. This is part of my long history in motorsports and community work. Search Bill Isbister biodiesel on yahoo for more information. Thank you for reading this proposal, I look forward to hearing from you. Bill Isbister Cool Planet Racing - ‘CPR’ Portland, OR. 503-244-7178 clubbiodiesel@yahoo.com
