Habits and Ingenuity...by Mary Hazlett

So I am sure you all have habits in your life...wether it may be good or bad...we all have them. And why is it that bad habits are so much easily picked up than the good ones: biting fingernails, staying up too late, not eating enough vegetables, eating too much ice-cream, swearing like a sailor...although I am great at going to the gym it is only because I love to indulge my bad habit of watching 30 minutes of television that does not have singing, dancing, or animated characters in it  (and quite possibly to let them change at least one of the days poopie diapers). Well that is enough about me...

My son, Benson, is hilarious.  I am so worried for myself and the things I might have to experience being the mother of a smart, energetic, and passionate-for-life kid.  He has a few habits that he has acquired in his little 5 years of life, some are good, some are annoying, and some are really disgusting.  So, as the parent of this little guy I am trying to help him avoid embarrassment by learning not to...here it comes...pick his nose.

Believe me when I say this...this habit has caused much a headache for those in this family.  We have had countless bloody noses that has disrupted nighttime routines, morning routines, family dinners, and even attending church.  Sometimes this poor little guy gets two of them in a day...because he does not even know that he is doing it.

So, I have had several discussions with him about why and how these things happen and how important it is to take care of our body. Usually after a traumatic episode of stopping the bleeding, Benson will devise some way to stop himself from picking his nose.  They are all very inventive.  To mention a few: he used his underwear on his head with his eyes peering through the leg holes and his nose right in the front of the underwear (which worked well until he noticed the slit in the front of those boy's underwear giving him perfect access to his nostrils),  a large bandaid wrapped on the outside of one nostril to the other nostril (convenient until his runny nose made it not stick anymore), placing his snorkel mask on his face (he got a headache after only 5 minutes),  but finally was my favorite and lasted through the night...the oven mitt.  Benson came down in the morning very excited that he still had his oven mitt on and his nose had not been touched all night long.  I have to be proud of his great ingenuity for these solutions.  I love the sweet innocence of children.

Now, as mentioned above, I have a few of my own habits I feel need some of that "Benson Ingenuity" and the only thing I could come up with was a straight jacket...well...I guess I will just have to live with a little imperfection.

**Please share your stories with us at nutshellstories@gmail.com

"Where's the Rum"...by Jordan Waite

First off I would like to start this post introducing myself. My name is Jordan Waite. I am a member of the renowned Terry family tree. Grandson of the infamous Marlene Terry and son of the merciful Gina Waite. Notice how I said merciful, this being the most valued trait my mother can possess while I am 17 years old and needing all the mercy I can get. I have wanted to write a nutshell post for a while. While thinking about what it was I wanted to write about, my mind vacillating from idea to idea, I always came back to the thought of writing about our beloved Grandma Marlene. The reason not being because she is the creator of this blog series, but because she played such an important role in the early years of my life.

Grandma and I had many similar interests. I think this is why we got along as well as we did. Whenever I had the privilege to spend time with my Grandma we both spent the entirety of our time together laughing and smiling. Whether it be discussing the latest “Star Trek” movie or simply eating some cookies together, we always had a fantastic time. We were able to share several evenings like these where we had nothing but a great time in each others company. My Grandma always made me feel very special and made a concentrated effort to recognize the things I was interested in and loved. Every Christmas a beautifully wrapped present (with paper that represented who I was at the time, and the gift a reflection of her effort in finding out what I liked and had a passion for) AND every Halloween, a custom-made costume!

Whenever I think about Grandma, there is one specific memory that always comes to mind...our shared love for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies! One particular Halloween...she fashioned a Jack Sparrow costume for me, complete with swashbuckling boots and dreadlock-enhanced wig! My Grandma was such a fun-loving, adventurous spirit and her love of the Silver Screen was contagious! She once traveled 4 hours (after working a 12 hour day) just to attend one of the premieres of the "Pirates" movies with me. Once she arrived we hopped into my family's van and we were on our way! I vividly remember sitting in my van, tightly packed, journeying to the movie theater where we could escape from our Idaho lives to the adventurous lives of our favorite pirates. Of course, Grandma and I had to sit next to each other so we ended up sitting in the back of the van as we chatted excitedly about the movie to come. I remember my mother calling to the back asking us why we wanted to sit in the back. My sometimes annoyingly quick wit and even quicker mouth instantly said back “Mom, the back is where they put all the rum!”. After the initial shock of the humor of what I had said, Grandma and I burst into laughter, and continued to snicker about the joke for the rest of the night!

“The back is where they put all the rum”. That would be an ongoing inside joke between my Grandma and me for the rest of our earthly relationship. I will never forget the interactions and experiences I had with my Grandma. Most especially, I will never forget the joy she seemingly radiated whenever she saw one of her grandchildren. The passing of such an inspirational and loved woman in my life was definitely an obstacle...that continues to be very difficult for me! But as I reflect on the fun-loving, adventurous spirit that my Grandma was I think I know why it is she left us so quickly. She realized where it is they kept the rum.

*Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com.

Christmas In July...by Jim Terry

Now I know, and I can already hear, some of you are already saying, “Bah Humbug” to the title of today’s blog, but please bare with me for just a bit. First off because you wouldn’t change my mind about Christmas anyhow, but if you have been following some of the news feeds more recently you would or might be familiar with a certain astrological event that just took place just a few days ago.

“On June 30, two astronomical objects are destined to meet: The planet named after the Goddess of love, Venus, and the planet named after the God of Thunder, Jupiter. On Earth, they will appear so close together that they will look like a dramatic "double star." 

These two planets have been gradually approaching each other for the last few weeks, creeping toward their closest point: 1/3° apart. That's close enough to be able to cover them with the tip of your pinky finger with an outstretched arm. In reality, they will be around 670 million kilometers (416 million miles) apart in space, but it could produce a show that some astronomers say could account for the ‘Star of Bethlehem.’”

With the anticipation of this astrological event, I became excited and was filled with optimism by thinking how special it would be to experience a phenomenon that happened over two thousand years ago.  And of course this event, in the eyes of Christianity, served as a guiding light to help lead the three wise men to a destination known as Bethlehem where they found a babe in a manger known as Jesus.  

So in my attempt to get a vivid and vibrant picture of these two planets that appeared to almost collide and merge into one, I took a trek up the mountain one night after work to see if I could get “the shot." And just so you know, living on the coast has its pros and cons just like any other place in the world. One of the CONS of living on the coast in Northern California, especially during the summer, means FOG!  Have you ever heard of San Francisco referred to as “fog city?”  Or have you ever heard the proverb that some claim originated and could have been derived from Mark Twain that states, ”The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco?” 

Well as true to the proverb mentioned above, I started my hike in the fog. There are times however; where you can actually climb high enough to get above the fog line and once again experience the sun on your face, or on this attempt, the constellations in the heavens above.  So as I continued my journey and came closer and closer to the top of the mountain and approached the end of the trail, my hopes of seeing the “star” began to fade.  The elevation where I normally break free from the fog line was not becoming a reality on this particular day and each step I took towards the top only seemed to produce more fierce winds and a darkened ambiance. 

After I waited for about a half an hour at the top in hopes that there would be some sort of break in the clouds and because I was freezing my butt off at this point, I decided to end my attempt and began my three mile trek back down the mountain.  With each step I took in the darkness only equipped with a small flashlight, a heavy heart and no picture of  “the Star of Bethlehem,” I began to think about my life and my faith.  And as I did so, I couldn't help but to hum a Christmas song or two as my mind was flooded with wonderful warm memories, especially the ones at Christmas time to honor the purpose of my hike, where I was a young boy surrounded by family, a loving mother and father and the excitement that life offers to a young boy.  

In continuing my thought process I was also reminded of some really positive things or gifts that are happening in my life right now. 

- First the fog.  Even though I complain about it and its ability to obstruct the star I was so desperately searching for, it also provides one of the best natural air conditioners I have ever experienced. The best part...it's free.  

- A very painful pinched nerve I have been dealing with for almost two months now in my lower back that extends down my left leg has finally started to subside.

- All of my family members are currently healthy and happy.

- Not only do I have a job but I also actually really like the people and the patients I am working with.

- Finally, a dear friend who just recently endured chemotherapy for leukemia was released early from the hospital because her blood counts were so good and because there were no more signs of cancerous cells.  The next step I will be looking forward to is a successful bone marrow transplant for her.

I actually could go on and on about what I thought about while hiking that night; however, I will stop with those mentioned and simply recognize all of those items as gifts in my life.  And, "Yes," I know the objects mentioned weren't like the typical gifts that are placed under a tree all wrapped up with a bow on top, but is it any wonder then, with receiving gifts such as these, that I would think that Christmas had come early this year?  Christmas in July?  Who would have thought?

Also if you have some photos or were able to get a great shot of the “Star of Bethlehem” please share. We would all LOVE TO SEE THEM!!!

♦ Hope you'll let us share your stories and photos here at our residence "In a Nutshell." Email us at nutshellstories@gmail.com. 

Happy 4th Of July

Happy 4th of July week...Hope you all enjoy your family, friends and all the activities
 that come with this holiday celebrating our Independence!  Be safe and have FUN!

If you ever see this...by Mary Hazlett

Have you ever dipped your toe into a pool of water and watched as the ripples move?  Watching this phenomenon, I ponder how far reaching the effects are with such a small and simple thing as barely touching the water. 

With yet another Mother's day come and gone, I took the time to reflect on my mother as well as my own opportunity of motherhood.  From a storage bag, I gently removed the letters and notes that my mom had given me over the years.  I read them, cried on them, smelled them, and even hugged them as each one brought back a memory.  The card my mom gave me with the birth of my first child still plays the lullaby when you open it.  One note in particular is my favorite...and it was not given to me in an envelope or for any special reason.  

My mother loved little notebooks and she collected many.  The one that I am specifically remembering is pictured here and hung in my mother's sewing room for years.  Its home was on a pin, just above my mother's sewing machine.  I often spent time with my mother in her sewing room.  I loved to watch her create beautiful things.  She was very determined in making things just right... I got to pick out several seams in my day.  

Knowing the hours my mother would be spending sitting at her sewing machine, I wrote a note to my mom in this little notebook that read, "Mom if you ever see this, I love you lots!"  Gauging by the handwriting I would guess that I was only 12 years old.  I knew my mom would see that note at a time she was working and quite possibly frustrated with a project... and perhaps needed a little encouragement.  It made me happy knowing I could help her even a little.

Well, the years did pass as they always do and I had forgotten about that little note.  And for any of you that has lost a loved one, you know what happens when you enter into the home of your lost loved one.  First you go around the house touching everything that they might have touched, smelling their things, and closing your eyes imagining that they are there with you.  I did this too... and the first place I went was to my mother's sewing room.  I sat on her chair, closed my eyes to imagine my mom there with me and when I opened them I saw the notebook.  I reached for the notebook and lifted the front cover.  Inside was that little note I had wrote to my mother all those years ago...stapled to the cover of the notebook with this response, "Mary if you ever see this, I love you lots too!  Mom OX".

With tears beyond control, I thanked our Father for that little note.  I thanked Him for such a mother who cherished those little things and gave her love so willingly back to me.  For who would have guessed that 21 years earlier that this small note would be so profound to a hurting daughter...a daughter that needed her mother's words and strength at that very moment.   I will forever cherish that little notebook.  

So I too would love to be that kind of mother to my three darling children.  For I see how fortunate I am to have these beautiful children and to experience motherhood.   I can only hope that I may be the kind of mother my mom is...so I will begin by saying to my darling children:  If you ever see this ... I love you lots and thank you for making me a mother!  

"All that's Gold Does NOT Glitter...but it can sure make it easier to find it under the mud"...by Gina Waite

The Faith of a child is a beautiful thing! To be able to witness that faith…well you’ve just found a little piece of Heaven on Earth. I remember when my daughter was three-years-old. She loved nothing more than to stand on a step close to the top of our home’s full flight of stairs…wait for her Uncle Mike to arrive and position himself at the bottom, and then would freely, and uninhibitedly, jump into the air in a swan-dive- type pose…only to be caught by her Uncle just before hitting the ground. As I watched with trepidation, I realized that with each and every jump my daughter would take, it was EQUALLY as important for her Uncle to believe in her ability to launch herself appropriately into his arms. It was as essential to her faith in knowing she would be caught that my brother exemplified complete determination and dedication to being there as a support to catch her before she hit the ground. This example of complete faith and unwavering determination reminds me of a recent experience between a certain nephew and his precious ring!

Andrew, nephew extraordinaire and willing enthusiast of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of The Rings” and “The Hobbit,” novels, worked very hard to earn enough money to buy himself a very convincing replica of the famed books’ ring. After playing outside and single-handedly trying to recreate Peter Jackson’s cinematography magic when the golden ring rotates perfectly, and mesmerizingly slowly, through the air…Andrew disappointedly expressed his sadness at his inability to catch the “precious." As the ring was then lost in a half-acre worth of thick, Kentucky Bluegrass, hope seemed futile as it was very possible he would never recover it…but a pleading prayer and innocent faith would inspire all who loved him to help search for the ring.

Hour after hour his family searched until one day, and the fine pin-pointed accuracy of a dear friend’s metal detector (thank you Lamoyne and J Ann), the general location of the ring’s whereabouts was identified and it's muddy grave, exposed. I watched as my brother Richard, a very loving father, remind our Andrew that through his example of faith and prayerful supplication…it inspired unwavering dedication and the process by which the ring was finally recovered. Presentation of “The ONE Ring” then ensued and the pay-off for all the time and recovery efforts was truly in watching our Andrew’s face light up as the ring was then restored to it’s rightful owner! As I said before, to witness the faith of a child is to experience a little piece of Heaven…and to quote from Shakespeare, “All that’s gold does NOT glitter,” but it can sure help you find it under the mud!

"Lions and Tigers and Bears"...by Jim Terry

While surfing the net the other day, I noticed a picture from a famous movie known to most of us…”The Wizard of Oz.”  As you recall, Dorothy, the main character in the movie, is swept away by a tornado only to experience a remarkable journey in a world very much different from what she was used to.  While there, she met and conversed with munchkins, saw flying monkeys and followed a yellow brick road to the Emerald City.  During her adventure, she also had many different experiences with people, fictitious characters and even encountered “lions and tigers and bears”…well maybe not all of those animals, but certainly a cowardly lion.  And since it is now OFFICIALLY the travel season and we all like to be swept away and experience our own journeys known as “family vacations”, I wanted to provide you with a suggestion of something to do.

I recently took a trip down the California coast to a sleepy little coastal town known as Monterey.  Monterey is located about two hours south of the San Francisco area.  If you have the time and are an adventurous personality, I would HIGHLY recommend forgoing the major freeways and take Highway 1 south instead.  It will definitely take you more time to reach your destination but then you will be able to see the lighthouses that are frequent along the coast, smell the salty air, gaze at the cliffs that plummet into the Pacific Ocean below, and—if you want to stop—can even experience the sand on your feet and in between your toes.  

Once you finally reach Monterey you can then head to the aquarium, stroll along cannery row and head over to their version of “Fisherman’s Wharf.”  As you meander down the boardwalk you will notice all of the traditional gift shops and restaurants that one may expect in a “tourist trap,” but at the end of the pier is where I found the “diamond in the rough”…Monterey Bay Whale Watch. I had seen photos, watched videos and heard the stories about whales breaching the water, but now I was ready for my own journey to begin.

As I boarded the ship for my four-hour tour, I must admit that I was bursting with excitement…I seriously was like a kid in a candy store or definitely like a kid on Christmas morning.  I had experienced plenty of nature before since I grew up by Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, but never in my day had I experienced, let alone anticipated, how exhilarating it might be to see a FORTY TON mammal leap from the water. 

The seas were a bit rough and cold that day but each person that turned yellow and threw up, each crash of the waves on the bow of the ship that tried to drench my camera and its lens, and every cold splash of water that was lanced against my face from the piercing wind, only made me more determined to get what I paid for…”an EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME.”

So without further adieu, I will let the collage associated with today’s blog speak for itself in whether or not you think I saw anything or got what I paid for.   I will say just one thing though, “I, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, did have an experience in a world that was foreign to me but definitely turned out extraordinary, impressive and remarkable in the end.  And even though I didn’t see ‘lions and tigers and bears’, I did see…sea lions and dolphins and whales!”

“Some Journeys Take Us Far From Home.  Some Adventures Lead Us To Our DESTINY!”  ~C.S. Lewis~