Rural Women ... Rural Stories

Jennifer GobleLiving in self-isolation reminds me of the 1963 song by Nat King Cole, “The Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer.” The title is spot-on, but unlike the song, this new normal doesn’t feel ideal or conjure images of sodas and pretzels and beer. Instead, I am lazy, each passing week is hazy, and we are indeed living in crazy days. I’m intrigued by the creativity and … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleMy writing critique group has not been meeting for several weeks. I reached out to two members to see how they were managing isolation. One answered, “I was built for this.” The other said, “Fortunately, for the last 41 years, Bobbi and I have always preferred being alone together. I doubt it will change as the summer passes. I tinker with books; Bobbi bakes and … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleHave you been opening the refrigerator more than usual? Is it difficult to focus on the projects you want to tackle? Do tempers in your home have a short fuse? Are you yearning to eat out and hug friends? Well, if so, you have joined the stressed and anxious club. Even though few people have tested positive in our sweet corner of the state, routines are … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleFlying out of necessity to Arizona, convinced me Coronavirus is not an April Fool’s prank. The reality started as we returned the rental car. The lot was full of snow-covered vehicles, and the young man who took our keys said the business dire. Next to tears, the airport shuttle driver said he was the only driver still employed. He was worried about his friends … [Read more...]

Jennifer Goble When my granddaughter’s university shutdown for the remainder of the semester, when the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) canceled the state basketball tournament, and when hand sanitizer sold out, it hit me—This coronavirus is real. This article will likely be old news by the time it is published because I’m writing on Sunday, March 15, the … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleI know this comes to you a day after St. Patrick’s Day, but I’ve not written about this holiday, and it’s time. I’m not Irish, but I’m a wannabe—they seem to have lots of friends and a ton of fun. Besides that, I like green. I have visited beautiful Ireland and experienced the energy and joy of her people. A bus driver taught me to sing Dublin’s unofficial anthem, … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleSuze Orman, an American financial advisor, said on the subject of retirement, “Never do anything you don’t want to do.” I initially thought she was spot-on. Retirement is ideally about saying, “No” to drudgery and, “Yes,” to excitement and satisfaction—activities to help our feet hit the floor in the morning. On further reflection, I thought what she said was near … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleLast week, I spoke to the idea of saying or thinking, “Bad karma,” to deflect nasty or hurtful comments. My mother would say, “I hope they feel better,” or, “Bless them on their way.” Another quick response to put in your mental wellness toolbox is, “It’s not about me.” Has anyone looked you in the eye and yelled or inferred you were wrong or stupid? Have you been … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleHave you ever stared into nothing and wondered how you got where you are? Have you ever asked, “Is this my life?” If so, you are not alone. Years ago, I was standing in a blizzard waiting for a city bus. My hands and feet were freezing, and it was scary standing there all alone. I remember saying, “Is this me and my life?” This winter, as the wind and dirt blew … [Read more...]

Jennifer Goble My sister, Zella, often says, “Bad karma,” when somebody speaks or acts unkindly. It is her way of excusing them because she believes what goes around comes around. Retribution is not her job—their treatment of others naturally returns to them. This past week I was reminded of her motto. Attending a sizable fine-art show, a particular watercolor painting caught … [Read more...]

A quote from “The Big Short,” a book by Michael Lewis, and made into a 2015 movie, sparked my attention: “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.” In my mental health counseling, if someone used the words all, none, always, never, everyone, and nobody, it activated my internal red flag. It was a clue to address … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleStress is a common word. As an unpleasant emotion it can be associated with illness, parenting, exams, relationships, diets, employers, money, holidays, etc. It can trigger with high expectation events—even beautiful, exciting things can be very stressful. Also, one person’s stress could be another person’s joy. Our perception of what is happening contributes to … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleI seldom travel without visiting local libraries, and last week in Omaha was no exception. The W. Dale Clark Library wasn’t architecturally spectacular, not like the one in Nashville, Boston, or NYC. Still, it was bright, spacious and clean, had comfy sitting places, and, most importantly, had kind and helpful staff. Unlike an overwhelming bookstore, libraries … [Read more...]

Jennifer GobleToday, Jan. 15, is National hat, strawberry ice cream, and bagel day. Isn’t it nice creative individuals designated celebrations for the middle of this long slow month? Christmas Hallmark movies still entertain and help me escape reality, and show numerous lovestruck men on one knee presenting little hinged boxes holding sparkling dreams. We also had a grandson’s … [Read more...]