The Healing Properties of BLT

Over the last year my health issues have been getting the best of me

UNTIL ….

I found the sweet healing properties of this ...

That's right, I owe my sudden recovery to this delicious Bacon, Lettuce and tomato sandwich.  It is not just any BLT but a bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and turkey sandwich from this fun dinner in downtown Sioux Falls, SD.

Although I suspect my recovery has more to do with my dining companion than with the actual sandwich.

After nearly a year of letting my physical limitations get the better of me, this wonderful woman and my dear friend suggested we go out for a brainstorming lunch. As a fellow writer and a single mother of two boys, one of whom has major health issues, she completely understands how dealing with the stressors of everyday life and health issues can throw off ones creative processes.

During our brainstorming lunch I voiced my frustration over having let my health limit my creativity to the point that for months I did not take even one photo and worse yet it had been four months since I posted to my blog. I told her, I really wanted to get back to blogging but I didn't feel right about just jumping back in with my usual type of posts without somehow acknowledging my long absence. She smiled and pointed at my sandwich and said "how about, I've been battling some health issues, but this sandwich cured me." 

That dear readers is how I was cured by a BLT!

The Journey

From time to time in our lives we all get discouraged and wonder if we are on the right path. This is true for everyone not just creatives, but it is especially so for artists and authors.  I have been in just such a place recently and then Author/Photographer ‪Lori Gerads‬ shared these inspirational and encouraging words on her Facebook page. With her permission I share it here word for word. I hope that it encourages others as much as it has encouraged me.

"Food for the Soul. If there is one thing my soul learned this week...it is this. Although this particular soul journey started when I was quite young...like 4 or 5... When you find your passion (and over the years this may change, or your goals may divert you) stay true to your heart and your soul. Listen to the little voice that says...you almost have this...keep trying. Perfection for me isn't the same as it is for you...in all things great and small from cleaning, doing homework, playing, creating, most of all creating or inventing (think Adam Ansel, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Einstein, Da Vinci)don't let the little obstacles...whether they are people, health, criticism, time, et.al. keep you from learning, exploring and furthering your "project". Remember the people that have been guides, mentors (Monica Decker German), and road blocks (boy, have I had a lot in my lifetime)...they are there for a purpose, what purpose does it serve your soul? What purpose does it serve you today, where you are at right now? Sometimes it is a line or a scene in a movie, a newfound mentor (Anna Twinney, Crawford Hall, Monty Roberts all come to mind and to know that they know horses, but photography is where it is all coming together for me...this moment, this soul lesson), a passage in the bible (wow, it speaks to us yet today), a torn relationship (whether it is from your dysfunction or theirs) all serve a purpose and you are to learn and grow from it. Each and every moment provides a chance for you to either be sidetracked or to serve your soul, which are you going to let work for you today, right now. ‪Anna Twinney‬ thank you for sharing (years after the experience) that I learn and grow (from a flight or fight instinct and I choose fight instinct) that to me a no is more powerful...than a yes. I learn more from a road block (than I sometimes do from subtle hints from God...with all HIS yes's) that fighting for what we believe to be right, is the right path! So, am I a road block...not all bad although at times we think it is life altering in a bad way it ends up being life altering in a good way. God working miracles through the little things...starting when we are young...our path, our journey our story our soul growth. Truly one of our purposes in this life." Lori Lee Gerads

Now for a bit of artwork inspired by Lori's words.

Prints Available Here

So go out embrace your journey and make it the be the best that it can be.

Art, Improving the Quality of Life

I am sharing this post both here and on my Sioux Falls Photo blog.

It is widely accepted that art enriches both the lives of the artist and the lives of those that are exposed to the art.

• Imagine if you would slipping away from the noise of the city and the demands of everyday life to spend a long lunch in quiet solitude, meditating or just contemplating the beauty around you. 
• Imagine the sense of accomplishment in learning a new skill. 
• Imagine the joy and laughter that can be found in listening to a musical or theatrical performance. 
• Imagine the pride and boost in self esteem of a child returning from their first time at camp. 

Music, poetry/literature, visual and preforming arts all provide both the artist and the individual exposed to the art with a means of emotional release and enrichment, which in turn improves the overall quality of life for both. 

As one of the top 100 places to live (according to RelocateAmerica) and 2nd on Forbes' list of best places for business and careers Sioux Falls obviously understands that lives are enriched through exposure to all forms of artistic endeavors.  A cursory look at the many cultural and artistic attractions makes it is easy to see the community's drive for artistic excellence. Yet since the closing of the Horse Barn Arts Center earlier this year venues for emerging artists are virtually non existent.

To meet this need The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge a non-profit arts organization is proposing the development of the regions first artist's retreat. "The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge offers a unique gathering place designed to stimulate imagination for individuals and organizations seeking to improve outcomes in life, health and commerce through artistic expression" *

This river creates one border of the property

Today I had the privilege of touring the proposed site for the retreat which is located less than fifteen minutes north of Sioux Falls. It was very exciting to see the potential this site has to offer. Nestled in a wooded area adjacent to the river this location offers a peaceful setting away from the distractions of the city in which to pursue and develop artistic talents. This former Jaycee Camp although overgrown and run down still holds a great amount of charm, beauty and potential.

Here is the A-frame and a view of the cabins, behind which are the woods.

With the renovation of the existing facilities the retreat will have eight cabins for overnight stays, an A-frame with loft and a large central lodge with fireplace, piano, restrooms, showers and a commercial kitchen as well as other amenities. In addition to these some of the improvements they hope to add are a contemplation garden, hiking trails, outdoor fire pit and playground.

Just past the cabins and to the right of the central meeting hall is this small playground area

Although they look small the cabins will easily sleep 4 to 6 campers

These photos show only a small portion of the 23 acre site which sits on a gently slopping hillside. I was happy to hear that there are plans to restore the many wall panels in the main lodge which contain artwork by staff and visitors from the 30 years it was in operation by the Jaycee's. Unfortunately I didn't take my tripod with me so the photos I took inside the lodge were blurry.  To learn more about the vision and plans for the artist's retreat please visit The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge on Facebook.

* Excerpt from The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge mission statement.