Tag Archives: Sharlot Hall

Home Is Fluid

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Posted by on in Community, distraction issues, impediments, Personal Values, Service Activities, Social, Striving

September 17, 2019-

“Well help me figure this place out.  I know I’m an outsider, but I’m not an enemy.” “No, you’re not.  But in this town those two words mean the same thing.”                     – Toni Morrison, “Paradise”

So, I was part of an interview, this morning, promoting a Home Safety event, sponsored by the American Red Cross, and to be held this coming Saturday.  Inside that little room, among friends, I felt like somebody, safe and honoured.  The interview went well, and I felt secure in sharing it on social media, once back in my apartment.

Walking from the studio to Ms. Natural’s, I crossed the Courthouse Plaza, normally a neutral place, where all are welcome, at least officially. Today, I had to pass by those who glared at me in my Red Cross shirt and ball cap; pass by the well-to-do, who look down at anyone not dressed for business.  It’s never pleasant dealing with the Self-Perceived Originals, in any community.

It was much different at Ms. Natural’s, as it always is.  Claudia and the young ladies are not from here, either, and know some of what gets thrown around, by some of the Pioneer Families and the faux elite.  I am at home there.  Sharlot Hall, one of the original pioneers, for whom Prescott’s Historical Museum is named, would spin in her grave  at the pretense and the snobbery.

No matter; I am here to serve those who need it and just have to put my lingering Impostor Syndrome and refugee mentality aside.  The people who accept me, and take me into their circle, are also from somewhere else.  These are the ones who matter.  They are the ones who make it all worthwhile. Home, for me, is a fluid term.

 

 

Investing Time

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Posted by on in Personal Values, Social, Striving

May 27, 2016, Prescott- This was something of a free day.  There was no work, since we got all our end-of-year tasks done yesterday.  I had to take the Nissan back to the shop, to get a tire re-balanced and thus get rid of the Fifty Shimmy (what happens when an unbalanced tire hits 50 MPH).  Whilst this was being done, I had breakfast at a place called Waffles ‘n’ More, which is a rather popular eatery on Prescott’s northwest side.  Enjoying a waffle topped with sliced mangoes, I can understand why.  WnM has lovely Southwestern murals on its adobe walls, which adds to a joyful ambiance. I will go back again, when my car next needs service.

After breakfast, an early Memorial Weekend visit to Prescott’s Pioneer Cemetery allowed me to honour several deceased Baha’i friends, and Prescott’s premier historian:  Sharlot Hall, whose name graces our historical museum.  I will be out of town for several days, starting tomorrow, so this was a welcome opportunity to reflect on all who have gone before us and show appreciation for what each has given.

I was taken aback, later in the afternoon, by the sudden illness of a dear friend.  After several hours of diligent attention and labour by ER staff at our Regional Medical Center, it appears her condition has stabilized.  I felt relieved enough to attend a dinner in honour of disabled veterans and to do a 30-minute workout afterward. Household activities ended the day, in advance of a drive up north, to Carson City and Reno.

So went a “free day”.  Each moment one is given, can be spent or invested.  Sometimes recreation is investment; other times, so are work, acts of service or time socializing with loved ones.  The aim is to continue to build character.