A Suggestion

Jerry standing by the old mill in Wild Rose. NPR Photo.

I have a suggestion. Something you could do in these troubled times when a huge part of the population is at home, young and old, as most businesses, schools, colleges, churches, restaurants—almost everything is closed. Try writing in a journal.

I began writing in a journal more than 50 years, ago, not every day, but several times each week. It is in my journal that I write down the good and the bad that is going on in my life. For me it serves several purposes—when something is bothering me, I write it down. When something good happens, I write that down, too. The writing not only establishes a historical record—it is fun to look back at what was happening years ago. Once I have written about it, especially the bad things, I feel better. It is if I have moved my troubles and concern’s from me to the pages of my journal.

Here is some of what I wrote in my journal this morning:

“On my early morning walk, I was reminded of the song, ‘The Sound of Silence,’ a popular Simon and Garfunkel song. I hear no background traffic sound, no roaring cars and trucks, only a crow announcing the coming of the sunrise, and a spring robin singing its cheerful song. In this troubled and challenging time, I remember my father’s hopeful words, ‘Tomorrow will be a better day, and next year will be a better year.’”

THE OLD TIMER SAYS: Never forget the power of hope.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

April 15, 10:00 a.m. I will be reading from my book TENTS, TIGERS AND THE RINGLING BROTHERS live on the Wisconsin Historical Society Press’s Facebook page. Tune in.
You can also go to the Wisconsin Historical Society Press’s Facebook page and see me reading my children’s picture book EAT RUTABAGAS, which was aired on March 25.

.WHERE TO BUY MY BOOKS AND DVDS.

Read about life on the farm in my book EVERY FARM TELLS A STORY..(Wisconsin Historical Society Press).
It is available from the Friends of the Patterson Memorial Library in Wild Rose—a fundraiser for them. Phone: 920-622-3835 for prices and ordering.
Patterson Memorial Library
500 Division Street
Wild Rose, WI 54984
barnard@wildroselibrary.
www.wildroselibrary.org

If you travel to the western part of the state, stop at Ruth’s home town, Westby and visit Dregne’s.. They have a great selection of my books for sale, or order a book by calling them at 1-877-634-4414. Or visit your local bookstore.



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