When You Close Your Eyes

Having a “honey” makes it a given that you also have a “honey do” list. For me, the Fall list is always predictable when it comes to the “tasks” to be completed. Some of the annual “to do’s” including putting away the patio furniture and as it sits on our deck, should be called “deck furniture;” get the snowblower out, make sure it starts and then put it in the garage. Mow the grass that one last time, until you mow it again in a couple weeks that one last time and then once all the leaves fall, mow it again just one last time. Burn the branches and sticks that have accumulated throughout the summer… and this is where today’s column begins.

After I gathered up all the branches to be burned, I set some kindling and smaller sticks into a “tent” formation. With one match (okay, it wasn’t a match… it was a lighter for the grill) a small fire ignited. As I added more kindling to the fire, it continued to grow. I continued to follow “Fire Starting 101,” increasing the size of the sticks until I had a nice, roaring fire going. No wadded-up paper balls, no fire-starting accelerants and certainly no wood that had been soaked in gasoline for the Environmental Science Class project behind Kennedy School in 9th grade. “Mr. Jacobsen would be proud of this fire,” I thought to myself. I soon found myself sitting on one of our red plastic Adirondack chairs that I knew had to be put away soon, but for now provided a great place to plop down. As I cast a gaze into the fire, my thoughts veered away from the various tasks that I hoped to accomplish. I found myself to be in a very relaxed frame of mind. I literally felt my breathing pattern slow down. The warmth of the fire was so comforting and while the weather was a bit chilly and breezy; I was not cold at all. I closed my eyes for a bit and listened to the sounds around me. The crackles and pops coming from the firepit was reminiscent of one of my favorite breakfast cereals of my youth. A flock of Canadian Geese flew over as they communicated with each other with their “honking.” I did not open my eyes, but I could tell that there was a significant number of honkers looking for a cut field to land on to relax like I was, and maybe even get some grub. Or house is fairly close to Highway 316 so I also could hear the sounds of north and southbound traffic combined with the laughter of a few teenagers that were walking past our house. I finally opened my eyes and noticed the fire was in need for some more branches. I stood up and my knees made a loud and way too familiar snapping noise that when added to the crackle and pop of the fire again brought me back to the breakfast cereal… Snap, Crackle and Pop.

I restoked the fire and soon found myself sitting down again to enjoy the fire a bit more. Some may call it lazy and I might even agree. This time, it was truly about more than just not wanting to do other things on the list. I began to think back to that Environmental Science class again. It may have taken nearly 40 years, but I was finally beginning to fully realize the impact that class and specifically, that teacher, Mr. Cliff Jacobsen had on me. Many of the things I hold most dear about the outdoors; I learned in that class. Some of the simplest rules of conservation were confirmed in that classroom and during some of our “lab” projects. Like most who grew up in the 1970’s-1980’s, I learned things like “don’t litter” and other keys to keeping our environment clean and sustainable AT HOME. As to how the environment can be damaged and to what extent, I learned in Mr. Jacobsen’s class. The project most alums of Hastings Jr. High School (before the Middle School concept arrived to Hastings) remember is the “survival project” which included starting a fire with no more than 3 matches, cooking a stew in a coffee can pot and eating GORP. I imagine this type of project would not be allowed today as playing with matches might be deeded far too dangerous for a Freshman in High School; making a stew in a K-Cup would be virtually impossible and might not be very health conscious and GORP… what is that, some kind of domestic terror group? Easy folks… GORP stands for Good Old Roasted Peanuts that are mixed with M& M’s and other good stuff like raisins. If they do still have projects like this, I wasn’t aware of them when my kids were in school.

Another thing I remember learning from Mr. Jacobsen was how to identify the various trees that are native to our area. We went for a couple walks around the area to what now is home to Schoolhouse Square, some townhomes and the old neighborhood where I grew up. We looked at trees, learned of why they grow and thrive in the seasonal changes and conditions of our area, their specific characteristics and much more. To this day, I can still tell the difference between a Bur Oak, White Oak and Black Oak just from their bark and leaves. This knowledge that I gained nearly 40 years ago helped when looking for a faster growing tree to plant in our yard around 11 years ago. We went with a Silver Maple because those things grow like weeds and we wanted shade fast. I learned to love and respect the environment in that class and sadly, I learned that others will not respect it and not throw their trash, cigarette butts and even protective masks on the ground. Mr. Jacobsen taught us that instead of complaining about what others do, it is better if we try to be better and help protect the environment by picking up after the “Eco-Slobs.” Yes, Eco-Slobs… that term has stood the tests of time as well.

I have had the good fortune to reconnect with Cliff over the years through Social Media. I shared with him how much I learned from him and that class and he has always been very appreciative to hear this. As Junior High kids, we were not always the most respectful of our teachers. We had nicknames for many of them and due to our lack of maturity, maybe were not totally able to realize just how much they cared about us. It’s amazing the things you think about when you just close your eyes.

I learned things that go WAY BEYOND anything to do with Environmental Science. My final letter grade was F… as in FAILED… as in You Sir Did Not Pass. Also, as in… Mom was not very happy which may have been one of my first true, “when Momma isn’t happy; ain’t nobody happy” experiences. I failed that class because I did not study for the tests; I did not turn in homework when it was due and, I (along with my lab partner, who will remain anonymous for now) did in fact soak our wood in gas for the survival project. Mr. Jacobsen did not fail me. He assigned to me the letter grade that I earned. This overall experience helped me understand that we need to be responsible for our actions and that in life, you get out of it what you put into it. Taking the easy way out of things is not going to give you the optimal results if indeed that is what you are looking for. Sometimes it is the people that you show the least respect towards in time become the ones you have the most respect for. Mr. Jacobsen is ALL THAT and more.

As the fire began to slowly burn out and all the sticks were now turned into ashes, it was time to put an “X” on this task of the “Honey Do” list. I put the chairs away for winter and mowed the yard for the last time… until I mow it again next week or the week after for the last time. The list for this year is complete, that is until Mary or I add another task or two to it. We all have lists… whether there is a honey attached to them or not. If I could suggest that when trying to complete your list, try to take some time to breath in the fresh air and take your mind back to a much simpler time in life. Close your eyes; Relax and find your happy place. Think about the people who have made, and/or continue to make an impact in your life… no matter how small or large. Feel good about accomplishing the things you have set as priority on your list and as always; Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.

Passing Shot: I was reminded by a post on Facebook the other day: “It’s kinda cool to think someone somewhere is having the best day of their life today. Someone’s hearing I Love You for the first time today. Someone’s gonna get the job of their dreams today. Someone received some kind of good news today. Tomorrow it could be your best day – so keep going.”