I have often thought of writing a book on this subject. If it was a work of fiction, The Woman who Had Everything would have all the material possessions and yet still be unhappy. If it was a work of nonfiction, and say, took the form of a memoir, the woman would be happy. However, since there would be no hardship, the book would not sell.

This morning I was listening to the radio on the way to town and my name was mentioned, as was the essay I wrote about bicycling from Fairbanks to Valdez. I heard this and thought, wow, I am somewhat of a celebrity, that is one who does have it all. I am lucky in that what I imagine often comes to be.

Blueberry Campground

This is not true of everyone I know; my sister Eleanor being one such person. She lives in Portland, Oregon. She would say, yes, she has everything. The problem is that being in the Pacific Northwest, she is having to deal with extremely high temperatures. And being in the city, she is having to directly deal with the consequences of growth – for example, an apartment building kitty corner to her place, and now RV squatters as next door neighbors. She is considering moving but likes her house. She doesn’t have a husband or partner.

Me, living in southcentral Alaska, I’m dealing with moderate temperatures. And being in the country, I am having to indirectly deal with the consequences of growth. For example, new neighbors down the way, and other neighbors using a trail turned access road that previously was relatively untrafficked.

What I’m dealing with is nothing compared to what Eleanor is having to deal with. Oddly enough, I don’t think that she is unhappy either.

And I do have everything. For example, I have my metal cup. I have a Smokey the Bear lunchbox. I live in a neighborhood that’s relatively quiet. I have clothes I feel comfortable in. I have a relatively new vehicle that tells me when I need a rest. I have three horses, two goats, two dogs, three chickens. And all are really good animals. I have access to trails that are near my house, so I don’t have to trailer someplace else to ride. I have Pete, who has always been supportive of whatever project it is that I’m involved with at the time. I have bicycles and kayaks. I have a book shop and enough reading material to last me several lifetimes.

I have rich inner and outer lives. I’m in good health. I am no longer putting off having teeth pulled.

There are some negatives; for example, I’m tone deaf. But this isn’t my problem; rather, it’s the problem of those who have to listen to me.

If I dwelt on it, I would be able to go into more detail about the above or expand upon this list. However, I think that I have made my point. I forgot to mention, I am able to use writing to problem solve and communicate my ideas to others.

Next: 212. 8/4/23: A Swing and a Hope