A Song for Karen

When Palouse winds greet you
Be they soft enough to make waves of green and gold,
forceful enough to catch the earth and mask the sun
Remember me
When Palouse winds greet you
Know that music was my dearest companion, singing my joy
Lyrics and melodies, wings together that created heaven on earth
Remember me
When Palouse winds greet you
They carry my memories of a life so blessed
Hiking, sailing, back packing, seeing the world
Remember me
When Palouse winds greet you
In the brightest or darkest time
Dark times were part of my life but I found the light
Remember Me
When the Palouse winds greet you
Know that a loving family helped me be strong
My parents, sister, husbands and all my friends created me
Remember Me
When the winds of the Palouse greet you
No regrets because I have been true to myself
Discover gratitude by dedicating yourself to serving others
When you do that. . . remember me.

My Hobbit Neighbor

The Palouse is a magical place. Nature’s brush filled with the color of life’s paints the rolling hills with white, green, yellow and gold and finishes the transformation with red, orange, & brown. . . the mystery of life unfolding with each season. 

In such a place I was not surprised to find a Hobbit. He lived in his Hobbit house with his human wife only 200 yards to the West.  

Had I come to this universe in my imaginary saucer I would have had to travel 46.5 billion light years before landing on the Palouse. A light year is 5.88 trillion miles.

My Hobbit was bigger than fictional Hobbits. He was easily 5’10”.  He wore many disguises: graduating from Potlatch High School, the University of Idaho with a degree in architecture, rancher, farmer, County Commissioner, Republican, Christian . . . to hide his identity! He did tell me he was a Hobbit.

His life was like the Lord of the Ring series where Frodo sought to find the One ring. My Hobbit and his wife (Vickie) found a much more powerful, prophetic message in Isaiah

“He will not falter or be discouraged until He establishes justice on the earth. “As a young couple they exchanged rings out of devotion to each other and Jesus. 

They found comfort and the strength to live virtuous lives. They withheld the judgement of others following the advice of their Savior. 

They were inspired by the Sermon on the Mound in Chapter 5 of Matthew: “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy… Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God… Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven.”

Angels in Heaven greeted Dick & Vickie Walser in 2024.