Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 6
September 15, 2015
Just another day in Delaware County, Okla.
So I was driving on Highway 10/59 south of Grove, towards Jay when I saw a field full of cattle and birds.
Yes, birds.
The birds and cattle were hanging out in the field,it was almost as if they were having a morning chat.
I did a "u" turn and decided to park, so I could walk backand get some pics.
Unfortunately, the birds / cattle got spooked as I got closer.Make that half a field away.
But I managed to get a couple of fun pics. I kinda like this one.
This one reminds me of a gaggle of middle schoolers, hanging outin a group, but not really together.
As I walked back to the car, I saw something atop a fence post.It was a really cool grasshopper.
Of course I needed to take a few pics of it.Experimenting and getting close.
These are two of my favorite shots.
Grateful that I took time to check out the cowsand that they led to me seeing this cool grasshopper.
#lifeofaneditorSometimes, it's the little things in life that make you smile.
Yes, birds.
The birds and cattle were hanging out in the field,it was almost as if they were having a morning chat.
I did a "u" turn and decided to park, so I could walk backand get some pics.
Unfortunately, the birds / cattle got spooked as I got closer.Make that half a field away.
But I managed to get a couple of fun pics. I kinda like this one.
This one reminds me of a gaggle of middle schoolers, hanging outin a group, but not really together.
As I walked back to the car, I saw something atop a fence post.It was a really cool grasshopper.
Of course I needed to take a few pics of it.Experimenting and getting close.
These are two of my favorite shots.
Grateful that I took time to check out the cowsand that they led to me seeing this cool grasshopper.
#lifeofaneditorSometimes, it's the little things in life that make you smile.
August 13, 2015
Bits & Pieces: Over or Under?
Over or under?
That was the great debate waged on my Facebook page in the last week after I posted a comment about another "rule" that has popped up in the land of "we."
In our first week of married life in my, I mean, our apartment, the Lawman casually looked at me one night and said "you know, you put the toilet paper on the wrong way."
Ok, let's face it, for years I've heard married friends lament about the way their significant other puts the toilet paper on the holder.
In fact, I seem to remember responding incredulously "you mean, there's a right way?" before walking away shaking my head in disbelief at the things people argue about.
While I know he was kidding (he was trying to make me laugh after a long day), the Lawman was serious.
In his world, you hang the toilet paper over the roll, so it falls in front, rather than under, where it glides along the wall.
After replying "whatever" to his comment, I took my thoughts to the land of Facebook. I asked my friends near and far the following question:
So.... the great debate... is there really a "right" way to hang toilet paper in the bathroom? Roll toward the wall or roll over the top? Yes, apparently I've been doing it wrong all of these # singleton years of my life. # frakay So tell me how do you hang the toilet paper and why?
The results, as they say, varied. However, a resounding number of people agreed with the Lawman much to my dismay.
While the response hang it over the top - so it doesn't roll down the walls - was overwhelmingly the winner, the reasons why were quite diverse.
Some said it's better to roll it over with kids, because it keeps little hands from a) spreading things on the walls; b) from unrolling a roll of paper with ease or c) it is just "cleaner" in their minds.
Other reasons varied. In fact one person said the practice came about in response to condensation causing the toilet paper to become moist as it hung along the wall in homes with less substantial insulation.
Some friends even found "scientific reasons" for the choice. Did you know that some engineering students decided to use this topic for research project in order to determine the most efficient way to hang toilet paper.
A few friends joked that they didn't care, as long as the person emptying the roll put a new roll on the hanger. Some said neither answer was right - just put the roll of toilet paper on the back of the toilet for easy access.
Ultimately, one friend came up with the answer I can live with. Who cares. Life is too short to worry about how the paper hangs. There are bigger things to worry about in life.
I'm humoring the Lawman. The toilet paper is fixed. All is well in our world for now, well, at least until I turn another pair of socks pink again.
Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. Have an idea for a column or story? She can be reached at khutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228.
Originally published in the Aug. 14, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.
That was the great debate waged on my Facebook page in the last week after I posted a comment about another "rule" that has popped up in the land of "we."
In our first week of married life in my, I mean, our apartment, the Lawman casually looked at me one night and said "you know, you put the toilet paper on the wrong way."
Ok, let's face it, for years I've heard married friends lament about the way their significant other puts the toilet paper on the holder.
In fact, I seem to remember responding incredulously "you mean, there's a right way?" before walking away shaking my head in disbelief at the things people argue about.
While I know he was kidding (he was trying to make me laugh after a long day), the Lawman was serious.
In his world, you hang the toilet paper over the roll, so it falls in front, rather than under, where it glides along the wall.
After replying "whatever" to his comment, I took my thoughts to the land of Facebook. I asked my friends near and far the following question:
So.... the great debate... is there really a "right" way to hang toilet paper in the bathroom? Roll toward the wall or roll over the top? Yes, apparently I've been doing it wrong all of these # singleton years of my life. # frakay So tell me how do you hang the toilet paper and why?
The results, as they say, varied. However, a resounding number of people agreed with the Lawman much to my dismay.
While the response hang it over the top - so it doesn't roll down the walls - was overwhelmingly the winner, the reasons why were quite diverse.
Some said it's better to roll it over with kids, because it keeps little hands from a) spreading things on the walls; b) from unrolling a roll of paper with ease or c) it is just "cleaner" in their minds.
Other reasons varied. In fact one person said the practice came about in response to condensation causing the toilet paper to become moist as it hung along the wall in homes with less substantial insulation.
Some friends even found "scientific reasons" for the choice. Did you know that some engineering students decided to use this topic for research project in order to determine the most efficient way to hang toilet paper.
A few friends joked that they didn't care, as long as the person emptying the roll put a new roll on the hanger. Some said neither answer was right - just put the roll of toilet paper on the back of the toilet for easy access.
Ultimately, one friend came up with the answer I can live with. Who cares. Life is too short to worry about how the paper hangs. There are bigger things to worry about in life.
I'm humoring the Lawman. The toilet paper is fixed. All is well in our world for now, well, at least until I turn another pair of socks pink again.
Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. Have an idea for a column or story? She can be reached at khutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228.
Originally published in the Aug. 14, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.
Over or Under?
Over or under?
That was the great debate waged on my Facebook page in the last week after I posted a comment about another "rule" that has popped up in the land of "we."
In our first week of married life in my, I mean, our apartment, the Lawman casually looked at me one night and said "you know, you put the toilet paper on the wrong way."
Ok, let's face it, for years I've heard married friends lament about the way their significant other puts the toilet paper on the holder.
In fact, I seem to remember responding incredulously "you mean, there's a right way?" before walking away shaking my head in disbelief at the things people argue about.
While I know he was kidding (he was trying to make me laugh after a long day), the Lawman was serious.
In his world, you hang the toilet paper over the roll, so it falls in front, rather than under, where it glides along the wall.
After replying "whatever" to his comment, I took my thoughts to the land of Facebook. I asked my friends near and far the following question:
So.... the great debate... is there really a "right" way to hang toilet paper in the bathroom? Roll toward the wall or roll over the top? Yes, apparently I've been doing it wrong all of these # singleton years of my life. # frakay So tell me how do you hang the toilet paper and why?
The results, as they say, varied. However, a resounding number of people agreed with the Lawman much to my dismay.
While the response hang it over the top - so it doesn't roll down the walls - was overwhelmingly the winner, the reasons why were quite diverse.
Some said it's better to roll it over with kids, because it keeps little hands from a) spreading things on the walls; b) from unrolling a roll of paper with ease or c) it is just "cleaner" in their minds.
Other reasons varied. In fact one person said the practice came about in response to condensation causing the toilet paper to become moist as it hung along the wall in homes with less substantial insulation.
Some friends even found "scientific reasons" for the choice. Did you know that some engineering students decided to use this topic for research project in order to determine the most efficient way to hang toilet paper.
A few friends joked that they didn't care, as long as the person emptying the roll put a new roll on the hanger. Some said neither answer was right - just put the roll of toilet paper on the back of the toilet for easy access.
Ultimately, one friend came up with the answer I can live with. Who cares. Life is too short to worry about how the paper hangs. There are bigger things to worry about in life.
I'm humoring the Lawman. The toilet paper is fixed. All is well in our world for now, well, at least until I turn another pair of socks pink again.
Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. Have an idea for a column or story? She can be reached at khutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228.
Originally published in the Aug. 14, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.
That was the great debate waged on my Facebook page in the last week after I posted a comment about another "rule" that has popped up in the land of "we."
In our first week of married life in my, I mean, our apartment, the Lawman casually looked at me one night and said "you know, you put the toilet paper on the wrong way."
Ok, let's face it, for years I've heard married friends lament about the way their significant other puts the toilet paper on the holder.
In fact, I seem to remember responding incredulously "you mean, there's a right way?" before walking away shaking my head in disbelief at the things people argue about.
While I know he was kidding (he was trying to make me laugh after a long day), the Lawman was serious.
In his world, you hang the toilet paper over the roll, so it falls in front, rather than under, where it glides along the wall.
After replying "whatever" to his comment, I took my thoughts to the land of Facebook. I asked my friends near and far the following question:
So.... the great debate... is there really a "right" way to hang toilet paper in the bathroom? Roll toward the wall or roll over the top? Yes, apparently I've been doing it wrong all of these # singleton years of my life. # frakay So tell me how do you hang the toilet paper and why?
The results, as they say, varied. However, a resounding number of people agreed with the Lawman much to my dismay.
While the response hang it over the top - so it doesn't roll down the walls - was overwhelmingly the winner, the reasons why were quite diverse.
Some said it's better to roll it over with kids, because it keeps little hands from a) spreading things on the walls; b) from unrolling a roll of paper with ease or c) it is just "cleaner" in their minds.
Other reasons varied. In fact one person said the practice came about in response to condensation causing the toilet paper to become moist as it hung along the wall in homes with less substantial insulation.
Some friends even found "scientific reasons" for the choice. Did you know that some engineering students decided to use this topic for research project in order to determine the most efficient way to hang toilet paper.
A few friends joked that they didn't care, as long as the person emptying the roll put a new roll on the hanger. Some said neither answer was right - just put the roll of toilet paper on the back of the toilet for easy access.
Ultimately, one friend came up with the answer I can live with. Who cares. Life is too short to worry about how the paper hangs. There are bigger things to worry about in life.
I'm humoring the Lawman. The toilet paper is fixed. All is well in our world for now, well, at least until I turn another pair of socks pink again.
Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. Have an idea for a column or story? She can be reached at khutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228.
Originally published in the Aug. 14, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.
March 7, 2014
Bits & Pieces: Confessions of a Fast Food Addict
Hello, my name is Kaylea....and I'm a fast-food addict.
That statement is probably not a "revelation" to people who know me. Let's face it, the journalism diet / pyramid is well, heavily weighted with junk food, pizza, coffee and well, some other beverages.
For someone trying to get healthy, and well, not live the "15 things you must do to call yourself a journalist" lifestyle, food choices can on the run can be a challenge.
So last week, I sat down with Lucinda Wilson, the dietitian at INTEGRIS Grove Hospital, to get some tips on how to be healthy on the go.
Did you know that INTEGRIS not only provides a dietitian to talk with patients at the hospital and through a doctor's referral, but folks like me, who simply want some new information.
(It does work better to have your doctor refer you to Wilson, to get on her official schedule).
Anyway, Wilson and I hashed out a few - we started with five - things I could try to get healthy.
I figured, since I'm not the only one running from event to event, I'd share the tips.
Goal 1) Eat at home more often
Ok, let's face it. This takes planning. Wilson suggests going to the grocery store at least once a week to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and to pick up food items for the coming week.
The other tip, to make this goal a success comes from having at least one "cook day" each week, where you can cook your protein (meat or beans) and prep the fruit and veggies for the coming week.
Cooking the protein once a week lets you make "fast meals" at home, rather than grabbing something through the drive thru.
Goal 2) Eat at least a small meal two or three times per day
Ah. For me, this means eating breakfast, rather than passing on it and then getting too busy to eat lunch.
Wilson suggests planning for a quick breakfast of yogurt or fruit. She also suggests taking prepped veggies/fruit with you as you set out on your day, so they are available when the munchies hit.
Goal 3) Increase Veggies
Yes, your mom was right. Veggies make the world go round. Wilson suggests prepping the veggies on the cooking day, and sorting them into bags that can be taken with me in my camera bag or purse.
She also suggests having several favorite veggies on hand to cook for dinner each night.
Goal 4) More for Fruit
Are you noticing a trend? Eat less junk and more good stuff. That includes fruit. She suggests fruit for breakfast and to keep some on hand for snacks or desserts.
Goal 5) Stay hydrated
The last goal, focuses on water. An easy way to know if you are getting enough water in your diet is to do this simple math calculation: Divide your weight in pounds by two. This tells you the number of ounces you need to drink. To make it "manageable" divide that number by eight. This tells you how many cups of water (or fluids) you need each day.
Wilson suggested setting a goal to at least drink a fourth of the amount if it is much more than you ever would normally drink, and then gradually increase your intake.
So there ya go. The five goals I'm going to start implementing in my life. For my friends on Facebook (and probably eventually my blog) it means I've started having #AdventuresInCooking again.
This week I tried out a recipe for "Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas." Apparently, for the friend I fed them too (to share the left overs), it was a "keeper" recipe.
I said it was "Kaylea proof" because it only called for four ingredients: Salsa Verde, chopped chicken, shredded cheese and tortillas.
Here's the quick low down: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix 3 cups chopped chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken), 1 cup cheese and 1 cup salsa verde together. Line the bottom of the baking dish with a cup of salsa verde. Then put 1/3 cup of that mixture on a tortilla, and wrap like a burrito and place fold down in the pan. Repeat until all filling is used. (It made about 8 enchiladas). Then cover with another cup of salsa verde and cheese, and bake for at least 10 minutes. That's it. See "Kaylea Proof."
So if you have a "Kaylea proof" recipe I should try, email it to me at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com. My friends (I share leftovers) will appreciate it too. Feel free to send your "get healthy" tips as well. But be forewarned, you may be written about in this column (hey a girl's got to have some fun!)
This column was originally published in the March 7, 2014 issue of The Grove Sun.
That statement is probably not a "revelation" to people who know me. Let's face it, the journalism diet / pyramid is well, heavily weighted with junk food, pizza, coffee and well, some other beverages.
For someone trying to get healthy, and well, not live the "15 things you must do to call yourself a journalist" lifestyle, food choices can on the run can be a challenge.
So last week, I sat down with Lucinda Wilson, the dietitian at INTEGRIS Grove Hospital, to get some tips on how to be healthy on the go.
Did you know that INTEGRIS not only provides a dietitian to talk with patients at the hospital and through a doctor's referral, but folks like me, who simply want some new information.
(It does work better to have your doctor refer you to Wilson, to get on her official schedule).
Anyway, Wilson and I hashed out a few - we started with five - things I could try to get healthy.
I figured, since I'm not the only one running from event to event, I'd share the tips.
Goal 1) Eat at home more often
Ok, let's face it. This takes planning. Wilson suggests going to the grocery store at least once a week to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and to pick up food items for the coming week.
The other tip, to make this goal a success comes from having at least one "cook day" each week, where you can cook your protein (meat or beans) and prep the fruit and veggies for the coming week.
Cooking the protein once a week lets you make "fast meals" at home, rather than grabbing something through the drive thru.
Goal 2) Eat at least a small meal two or three times per day
Ah. For me, this means eating breakfast, rather than passing on it and then getting too busy to eat lunch.
Wilson suggests planning for a quick breakfast of yogurt or fruit. She also suggests taking prepped veggies/fruit with you as you set out on your day, so they are available when the munchies hit.
Goal 3) Increase Veggies
Yes, your mom was right. Veggies make the world go round. Wilson suggests prepping the veggies on the cooking day, and sorting them into bags that can be taken with me in my camera bag or purse.
She also suggests having several favorite veggies on hand to cook for dinner each night.
Goal 4) More for Fruit
Are you noticing a trend? Eat less junk and more good stuff. That includes fruit. She suggests fruit for breakfast and to keep some on hand for snacks or desserts.
Goal 5) Stay hydrated
The last goal, focuses on water. An easy way to know if you are getting enough water in your diet is to do this simple math calculation: Divide your weight in pounds by two. This tells you the number of ounces you need to drink. To make it "manageable" divide that number by eight. This tells you how many cups of water (or fluids) you need each day.
Wilson suggested setting a goal to at least drink a fourth of the amount if it is much more than you ever would normally drink, and then gradually increase your intake.
So there ya go. The five goals I'm going to start implementing in my life. For my friends on Facebook (and probably eventually my blog) it means I've started having #AdventuresInCooking again.
This week I tried out a recipe for "Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas." Apparently, for the friend I fed them too (to share the left overs), it was a "keeper" recipe.
I said it was "Kaylea proof" because it only called for four ingredients: Salsa Verde, chopped chicken, shredded cheese and tortillas.
Here's the quick low down: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix 3 cups chopped chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken), 1 cup cheese and 1 cup salsa verde together. Line the bottom of the baking dish with a cup of salsa verde. Then put 1/3 cup of that mixture on a tortilla, and wrap like a burrito and place fold down in the pan. Repeat until all filling is used. (It made about 8 enchiladas). Then cover with another cup of salsa verde and cheese, and bake for at least 10 minutes. That's it. See "Kaylea Proof."
So if you have a "Kaylea proof" recipe I should try, email it to me at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com. My friends (I share leftovers) will appreciate it too. Feel free to send your "get healthy" tips as well. But be forewarned, you may be written about in this column (hey a girl's got to have some fun!)
This column was originally published in the March 7, 2014 issue of The Grove Sun.
February 28, 2014
Bits & Pieces: Through the eyes of a child
Members of the Tiger Scout Pack 713 visit the Grove Sun office on Thursday, Feb. 20, to earn their communications badge. Students had a chance to see how a digital and print newspaper works. Have a group of students needing to earn a merit badge for a media-related topic? Tours are available for local groups by appointment.
* * *
Last week I had an awesome opportunity. I had the chance to give members of Tiger Scout Pack 713 a tour of the Grove Sun office.
Unlike past newspapers I've worked for - that still had the cool presses and layout tables - the Grove Sun's newsroom can be summed up in two words: my desk.
As the boys crowded around the desk, I showed them how to take photos from my phone to upload to Facebook, and how to create a story for our website.
It was all part of a tour designed to help the kidlets earn their communication badge. While young, mainly first grader boys, and well, a bit rowdy (to the chagrin of their parents) it was a fun evening.
One thing to remember when asking kidlets questions - be ready for their answers. I asked the group "what do you know about newspapers?" The response from one young man "they have lots of words and are boring." I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.
To the troop leaders who invited me to meet your crew, and give them the tour, thank you. It was pleasure to meet with your group, answer their random questions and show off a few of the things I do on a daily basis.
Most of the kidlets in Grove are learning to know me as the "newspaper lady" which becomes quite fun as I see them at different events. Their enthusiasm for life becomes quite contagious.
As I approach my one year anniversary with the paper (April 20), I'm glad to live in town where I can share life with the people around me. Thanks for helping Grove truly feel like home.
So, if your group of kidlets needs to tour a newspaper to learn about journalism, social media, photograph or just to see "behind the curtain" of how we do things at the paper, let me know. We're happy to work out a time when you can stop by the office.
Girl Scout Cookies are in town
In case you missed it, boxes and boxes and boxes of Girl Scout cookies have arrived in Grove.
I have on good authority from scout leaders that you can get your "fix" in this weekend thanks to booth sales at Walmart, Harps and other locations throughout the area.
For those of you who plan to give up sweets for Lent, you have until Tuesday to purchase and eat your stash - because Ash Wednesday is well, Wednesday!
A personal favor
Last year, I wrote a column about Canaan, a kidlet in my life, who needed a bone marrow transplant.
Canaan had his transplant and has been recovering in Houston. Test results earlier this week have raised concerns that he may be rejecting his transplant.
If you could remember Canaan, and well, everyone who might be facing the need for an organ transplant or might be recovering from treatment.
One last thing
Starting next week, in the Grove Sun, you'll find an ad featuring well, a movie trivia question. We'll explain how the contest will work in Tuesday's paper, but the basic jist is this - bring in the answer to the question of the day and you'll be entered in a drawing for a pair of movie tickets we'll award at the end of March.
Happy welcome back and boat show weekend. Hopefully March will bring sunnier days - cause I don't know about you, but I'm ready for flip flop weather again!
February 21, 2014
Bits & Pieces: Connections
Connections.
Life is truly a small world. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to remind us how interconnected we are in this world.
As the Amber Alert went out for 10-year-old Haliey Owens, her photo began popping up on the social media accounts of friends in southwest Missouri.
Then like the ripples in a pebble tossed pond, the word began to spread - especially after Kansas and Oklahoma media were added to the Amber Alert.
We live in a vast interconnected world.
We laugh and celebrate together. We cry and mourn together.
My heart breaks for the family of Owens. It cries out for my friends who work within the Springfield school system and for those who have direct connections with the family.
Sometimes living in a community hurts.
In the wake of a tragedy like this, I know my immediate reaction is to grab my loved ones, hold them tight and well, find a hole and not come out.
But isolation is not the answer.
One of my favorite authors, Thomas Merton, penned a book, No Man Is An Island during his writing career. The jist of it is this. We cannot live without connections. We need each other — not only to share our joys, but also our sadness.
I wish I knew why things happen. I guess I'll add this to my "long list" of questions that have no answers.
Evil exists in the world. It's a fact. But here's the deal, we cannot let it win.
If we isolate ourselves, turn on each other, become suspicious, and frankly look for monsters behind every nook and cranny, evil wins.
I think Grove Police Chief Mark Morris summed it up best yesterday.
We need to educate ourselves and be aware of our surroundings — but we can't scare ourselves (or our children).
Monsters may not come with signs that say "I'm evil, run from me." They don't look like the zombies on Walking Dead. Sometimes they masquerade as people we would least expect.
We need to educate ourselves, we need to talk to the kidlets in our lives. We need to step out of our isolation and band together with our community. This means not only reporting suspicious behavior but also coming together to celebrate life.
Yes, evil won in this case. But in reality, the good is shining through.
From the Springfield (Mo.) Department's Facebook page: "We would like to thank all of you, the Springfield community, as well as the dozens of communities near and far that helped spread the word of Hailey's abduction. You often witness the strength of a community in the way they handle a tragic situation, and we couldn't be more proud of the citizens' concern and assistance in this matter. ... We certainly wish more than anything that this event could have had a different conclusion. If there's any positive news in this at all, it's that the suspect is no longer on the streets of Springfield. Please keep the family and friends of Hailey in your thoughts and prayers."
I think, more and more, I'm going to need to rely on a verse a friend reminded me of yesterday.
"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (NLT)
I don't see things clearly right now. Evil has clouded the view for the moment. But I know that ultimately, faith, hope and love can, and will win - we just have to be willing to puzzle through the murky times in life to find them.
Kaylea M. Hutson is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. She can be reached at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228. This column originally appeared in the Feb. 21, 2014 issue of The Grove Sun.
Life is truly a small world. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to remind us how interconnected we are in this world.
As the Amber Alert went out for 10-year-old Haliey Owens, her photo began popping up on the social media accounts of friends in southwest Missouri.
Then like the ripples in a pebble tossed pond, the word began to spread - especially after Kansas and Oklahoma media were added to the Amber Alert.
We live in a vast interconnected world.
We laugh and celebrate together. We cry and mourn together.
My heart breaks for the family of Owens. It cries out for my friends who work within the Springfield school system and for those who have direct connections with the family.
Sometimes living in a community hurts.
In the wake of a tragedy like this, I know my immediate reaction is to grab my loved ones, hold them tight and well, find a hole and not come out.
But isolation is not the answer.
One of my favorite authors, Thomas Merton, penned a book, No Man Is An Island during his writing career. The jist of it is this. We cannot live without connections. We need each other — not only to share our joys, but also our sadness.
I wish I knew why things happen. I guess I'll add this to my "long list" of questions that have no answers.
Evil exists in the world. It's a fact. But here's the deal, we cannot let it win.
If we isolate ourselves, turn on each other, become suspicious, and frankly look for monsters behind every nook and cranny, evil wins.
I think Grove Police Chief Mark Morris summed it up best yesterday.
We need to educate ourselves and be aware of our surroundings — but we can't scare ourselves (or our children).
Monsters may not come with signs that say "I'm evil, run from me." They don't look like the zombies on Walking Dead. Sometimes they masquerade as people we would least expect.
We need to educate ourselves, we need to talk to the kidlets in our lives. We need to step out of our isolation and band together with our community. This means not only reporting suspicious behavior but also coming together to celebrate life.
Yes, evil won in this case. But in reality, the good is shining through.
From the Springfield (Mo.) Department's Facebook page: "We would like to thank all of you, the Springfield community, as well as the dozens of communities near and far that helped spread the word of Hailey's abduction. You often witness the strength of a community in the way they handle a tragic situation, and we couldn't be more proud of the citizens' concern and assistance in this matter. ... We certainly wish more than anything that this event could have had a different conclusion. If there's any positive news in this at all, it's that the suspect is no longer on the streets of Springfield. Please keep the family and friends of Hailey in your thoughts and prayers."
I think, more and more, I'm going to need to rely on a verse a friend reminded me of yesterday.
"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (NLT)
I don't see things clearly right now. Evil has clouded the view for the moment. But I know that ultimately, faith, hope and love can, and will win - we just have to be willing to puzzle through the murky times in life to find them.
Kaylea M. Hutson is the managing editor of The Grove Sun. She can be reached at kaylea.hutson@grovesun.com or 918-786-2228. This column originally appeared in the Feb. 21, 2014 issue of The Grove Sun.
February 18, 2014
Blog Tour: Smitten (Review)
When I had a chance to review this book, I jumped on it. Honestly, I love all four of the authors who contributed stories to it.I thought, it will be a fun book to read, I'll enjoy it, go for it.
Ok, I'll start with what I liked.
The idea of a group of friends having a book club, reading a joint book is just intriguing.
To have a group of friends you are so close to and can share with in this way sounds very inviting.
I really wanted to like this book. Like I said, I liked books by all of these authors.
Some how, though, I just didn't get the book. I didn't connect with the storyline. I tried. Really, I tried.
Ultimately, though here's what I know. This is a fun book. The authors are solid. If you like a light, fun read, this book is for you.
I'm not sure why it didn't "click" for me. Like I said, I like all of these authors. Here's what I know. If you like this group of writers, it's at least worth a look.
About The Book
The century-old Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship is no ordinary book club choice. But for the little book club in Smitten, Vermont, it might be their best pick yet!
The thick, leathery tome Heather pulled out of the dusty cardboard box was definitely coming home with her. Not only was The Gentlewoman's Guide to Love and Courtship an appealing curiosity by virtue of its title; it was also written by Smitten, Vermont native Pearl Chambers, a local gentlewoman from three generations back.
Little did Heather know the repercussions this little curiosity would have on her and her friends' romantic exploits.
When Heather and her fellow book club members begin passing the book around, their respective interpretations are unleashed on their respective love lives . . . for better or for worse. Is it a mystery? An idealist fantasy? An intimation of Jane Austen? As romantic love finds its way to each woman, the Guide proves itself both surprisingly prescient and hilariously irrelevant.
What's more, a handwritten inscription indicates that the arcane book might hold the only extant clues leading to buried gold---exactly what one of the members needs to keep her house. How could they not go treasure hunting?
In this remarkable collaborative novel, besties Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt tackle the tale of the Gentlewoman's Guide by writing for one book club member apiece. Smitten Book Club is a hopeful, hilarious story of friendship and healing, written by friends for friends.
Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/t7BO1
Meet the authors:
RITA-finalist Colleen Coble is the author of several best-selling romantic suspense novels, including Tidewater Inn, and the Mercy Falls, Lonestar, and Rock Harbor series.Christy Award finalist and two-time winner of the ACFW Book of the Year award, Kristin Billerbeck has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times. Her books include A Billion Reasons Why and What a Girl Wants.
Denise Hunter is the award-winning and best-selling author of several novels, including A Cowboy's Touch and Sweetwater Gap. She and her husband are raising three boys in Indiana.
Diann Hunt has lived in Indiana forever, been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, her dog, and, well, chocolate. Diann lost her courageous battle with cancer in December 2013.
Smitten Book Club Kindle Fire Giveaway,
Facebook Party and Saturday Brunch
The Smitten gals are back with their newest release, Smitten Book Club ! Colleen Coble, Kristin Billerbeck, and Denise Hunter are celebrating with a Kindle Fire giveaway, a Facebook party on February 20, and a nationwide book-club brunch on March 22.
One winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire HDXThe Smitten books (Smitten, Secretly Smitten, Smitten Book Club)Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 20th. Winner will be announced at the Smitten Book Club Facebook Author Chat Party on February 20th. Connect with Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, and Kristin Billerbeck for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! The Smitten gals will also be taking questions from the audience, giving away books and gift certificates, and sharing news about their upcoming nationwide Smitten Book Club brunch on March 22nd. (Sign up to host today!)
So grab your copy of Smitten Book Club and join Colleen, Denise, Kristin, and friends on the evening of February 20th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!Sign up to host a Smitten Book Club Brunch on March 22nd!
Read more reviews online at: http://litfusegroup.com/author/smitten
Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this e-book by Litfuse Publicity. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
January 11, 2014
Bits & Pieces: The tale of snow days and more
All in favor of spring starting immediately, say I? Motion carried. Now how do we enact this with Mother Nature?
I don't know about you, but frankly, I'm ready for spring, and as I write this, it's only Jan. 9.
From friends lamenting on Facebook about cabin fever to teachers trying crazy science experiences, I know that the last few days have been "challenging" to say the least.
Frankly, my favorite - don't try this at home without adult supervision experiments came from a couple of my teaching friends. I loved the one where you make boiling water become snow, which really does work (but note that it must be VERY cold outside, and you run the risk of being burned by water splash back if not done safely), and the "stiff as a board" frozen t-shirt.
Frankly some pictures of frozen bubbles have inspired me to have it on hand for the next really cold day.
Ah snow days. Somehow the carefree snow days of my childhood have moved into the reality of adulthood - there's really no "snow day" for adults. Work and life tend to fill in the gaps.
I know it hasn't been a popular decision at times, but after talking with Superintendent Sandy Coaly, I understand her reasoning for having canceled school in Grove - especially on Thursday.
It only takes one teacher, one student, and for that matter, one bus full of elementary students, running into difficulty, to make you realize life is short, and missing a day of school is well, not a matter of life or death.
I've been in her shoes. I've made the call when it meant more than 200 basketball players, parents and cheerleaders would miss - and not make up - an Upward Sports basketball game.
Deciding that for 200-plus individuals was hard enough - and yes, I didn't make everyone happy when I made the call for a snowstorm.
Imagine taking into account more than 2,600 students and more than 300 faculty and staff. Sandy Coaly has some hard shoes to fill in this case and I'm thankful that she is focused on the safety of GPS students and adults.
The point is this. I'm grateful to be writing a story about how the district will make up snow days, verses a story about a bus of children exposed to frostbite or worse - and I'm pretty sure, ultimately, most parents would agree they would rather read the later than the former.
Give us your opinion.
Some days, we ask questions, and get a few responses. Other days, like this week, wow, y'all have lots of opinions.
This week, we asked two questions that are still going strong, even days after the initial post on Facebook.
The first dealt with the proposed statue the Satanist would like to place on the capitol grounds featuring a seven-foot statue of what has been described as a "goat-headed demon sitting on a throne with children next to it."
The other, dealt with the city of Grove's decision to mirror the recent executive order to limit the use of electronic cigarettes on city property, well, has let us know there are some strong thoughts on both sides of the issue.
Thank you to everyone took time to share thoughts and opinions about issues raised in these question of the day. I believe it's a new form of democracy and truly lets local officials have a sampling of their constituents opinions.
So here's to snow days, snow ice cream and more. May your days be filled with laughter and humor, and may spring come quickly!
The column appeared in the Jan. 10, 2014 issue of The Grove Sun.
You can read the original column here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I don't know about you, but frankly, I'm ready for spring, and as I write this, it's only Jan. 9.
From friends lamenting on Facebook about cabin fever to teachers trying crazy science experiences, I know that the last few days have been "challenging" to say the least.
Frankly, my favorite - don't try this at home without adult supervision experiments came from a couple of my teaching friends. I loved the one where you make boiling water become snow, which really does work (but note that it must be VERY cold outside, and you run the risk of being burned by water splash back if not done safely), and the "stiff as a board" frozen t-shirt.
Frankly some pictures of frozen bubbles have inspired me to have it on hand for the next really cold day.
Ah snow days. Somehow the carefree snow days of my childhood have moved into the reality of adulthood - there's really no "snow day" for adults. Work and life tend to fill in the gaps.
I know it hasn't been a popular decision at times, but after talking with Superintendent Sandy Coaly, I understand her reasoning for having canceled school in Grove - especially on Thursday.
It only takes one teacher, one student, and for that matter, one bus full of elementary students, running into difficulty, to make you realize life is short, and missing a day of school is well, not a matter of life or death.
I've been in her shoes. I've made the call when it meant more than 200 basketball players, parents and cheerleaders would miss - and not make up - an Upward Sports basketball game.
Deciding that for 200-plus individuals was hard enough - and yes, I didn't make everyone happy when I made the call for a snowstorm.
Imagine taking into account more than 2,600 students and more than 300 faculty and staff. Sandy Coaly has some hard shoes to fill in this case and I'm thankful that she is focused on the safety of GPS students and adults.
The point is this. I'm grateful to be writing a story about how the district will make up snow days, verses a story about a bus of children exposed to frostbite or worse - and I'm pretty sure, ultimately, most parents would agree they would rather read the later than the former.
Give us your opinion.
Some days, we ask questions, and get a few responses. Other days, like this week, wow, y'all have lots of opinions.
This week, we asked two questions that are still going strong, even days after the initial post on Facebook.
The first dealt with the proposed statue the Satanist would like to place on the capitol grounds featuring a seven-foot statue of what has been described as a "goat-headed demon sitting on a throne with children next to it."
The other, dealt with the city of Grove's decision to mirror the recent executive order to limit the use of electronic cigarettes on city property, well, has let us know there are some strong thoughts on both sides of the issue.
Thank you to everyone took time to share thoughts and opinions about issues raised in these question of the day. I believe it's a new form of democracy and truly lets local officials have a sampling of their constituents opinions.
So here's to snow days, snow ice cream and more. May your days be filled with laughter and humor, and may spring come quickly!
The column appeared in the Jan. 10, 2014 issue of The Grove Sun.
You can read the original column here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
January 10, 2014
From the 01.10.13 Grove Sun
From the 01.10.14 issue of The Grove Sun
(Left) An eagle, captured in mid-flight over Grand Lake with its prey. Local photographer Dave Wagenblatt caught this image in December from his home on Monkey Island. - Dave Wagenblatt / Special to the Grove Sun
(Right) Kevin Swalley, with Vapers Tek, demonstrates the use of an electronic cigarette and the water vapor produced in the process. Swalley, who spoke at Tuesday's council meeting, urged council members to not limit the use of the devices on city property, saying many people - including himself, have used them to stop smoking regular cigarettes. - Kaylea M. Hutson / Grove Sun
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
January 9, 2014
Renew my spirit
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10 NIV..
This week's faith photo.
Loving this concept.
Need to think of a slightly better game plan for future photos.
Fortunately a co worker took my idea - hands and snow - and made it awesome when she said "What about shaping a heart?" So I said yes! Then captured the pic after she made the shape.
Creativity and faith. Mixing the two on the faith page. I've created a monster. Now I need to think of ideas for the coming weeks.
