The Stress Doc taps into reader's reflections on their country road memories and, more basic, how vital it is to take time to reconnect with the the wonders and mysteries of the ultimate mountain momma -- mother nature!
The Gospel of a Country Road: Part II
Readers Who Have Walked My Talk
I received a delightful email medley in response to the essay describing my West Virginia mountain retreat. (For a copy of "The Gospel of a Country Road" and its companion piece, "Mountain Vision," email, stressdoc@aol.com .) I was particularly pleased by the number of former natives who seemed to experience a virtual return to their childhood roots and/or spiritual homeland. Actually, the most startling email was from a born again mountainmama who was beginning to question plans to return to her roots. So let's get into your memories, reflections and insights. (And I may throw in some commentary when the spirit so moves me. ;-)
I am a transplant (22yrs) from Hoboken,N.J. & I have been thinking of returning "home" to the Jersey shore area. I wonder, after reading this, if I am not making a mistake. Thanx for the rethink. Marti~~~"mountainmama1" :-)
Doc: In my youth I was a beach bum; now I'm a mountain man. Maybe that's why I'm thinking of California...I can be both ;-)
Reminds me of how much we enjoy life and nature when we take the time to relax and not rush time. How does one get a copy of the rest of the poem? Thanks, Helen
Really enjoyed your trip into the West Virginia mountains!!! Ah, yes---the days of yore--it took me back to when I was a child & we'd visit my Grandfather's ranch in the sandhills of Nebraska! (Not as picturesque as West Virginia, I grant you, but just as dark at night, I'll betcha!!!) Being a city girl, I loved going out in the night & standing on the porch with my Dad as he showed me all the Constellations!
I think an annual trek of this kind would do wonders for the world as a whole. Let's make it mandatory!!! Thanks for the great view!! Jo
Doc: Amen!!
Hello my dear friend... what a wonderful newsletter (I also ran the essay in my newsletter, "Notes From the Online Psychohumorist" (TM)...it was calming to walk with you during your brief time with reality ... thank you.... there are times Mark people forget what is real as they stay in their own worlds of masks, racing, superficial hearts and minds, forests of concrete and pavement... so very happy you escaped into the best of all places for awhile.... how very much I miss the islands and all the gifts they offered .... warmest of hugs... Barb
Your newsletter is like reading a very leisurely written journal, though I know your writing activities are far from being leisurely. I loved the description of the WV trip. Betsy
Doc: I must confess, this email evoked many memories. Betsy and her husband, Paul, were best friends during our Americans in Cajun Paris years..the New Orleans cycle. There remains a "family" tie though, alas, the reunions are too infrequent. In highly spirited and, sometimes, a bit obsessive editing and coaching sessions, Paul and Betsy would help polish my radio feature, Stress Brake. Paul, a physician by training, was also doing travel writing. Betsy had, and still has, an acutely sensitive and empathic ear. We had our own little writer's colony/production company. So a homeland is often more than the landscape, but it's the heart-and-mindscape as well.)
You are so fortunate to be able to go to West Virginia, the Wild and Wonderful State. My mother was born and reared there and we still have family that resides there in a very 1/2 wink of a town known as Union. But actually the town is called Waiteville, and my family owns the entire top of this part known as the HOLLAR! Give you 3 guesses as to why? Did you know that a yodel was a form of communication and information? I found that out and thought you could do something with it in your writings, as you are so much more relaxed with your talent/gift than others that I read. I am not sucking up, I leave that to my vacuum cleaner, but I do love to read your articles. I like to get a cup of blackberry or any tea really, and sit and breathe the gentle smells as I read on. You have a gentle way of making all of the senses kick in when one reads, and a cup of tea does make it even more enjoyable. I love tea anyway and I haven't an ounce of Brit in me. Anyway, might I suggest that you take a bedroll and lay down to view the night skies, it saves the neck! Only in the really back places in WV one must be very careful as there are many rattlesnakes and copperheads that do not like visitors of the night. But snakes do prefer the sun, so nighttime is pretty much safe. Cheryl
Doc: What can I say. I attract some earthy characters. And, believe this, you all help me...Practice Safe Stress!
Mark Gorkin, "The Stress Doc," Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a nationally recognized speaker, workshop leader and author on stress, reorganizational change, anger, team building, creativity and humor. He is also the internet's and the nation's leading "Psychohumorist." The Stress Doc is a columnist for the popular cyber-newsletter, Humor From The Edge -- HUMOR FROM THE EDGE HOME PAGE . Mark is also the "Online Psychohumorist" for the major AOL mental health resource network, Online Psych -- ONLINE PSYCH: THE STRESS DOC and Financial Services Journal Online. And he is an offline writer for two mental health/substance abuse publications -- Treatment Today and Paradigm Magazine. His motto: Have Stress? Will Travel: A Smart Mouth for Hire! Reach "The Doc" at (202) 232-8662, email: Stress Doc@aol.com, or check out his "Hot Site" website: http://www.stressdoc.com or click STRESS DOC HOMEPAGE. (The site was selected as a USA Today Online "Hot Site" and designated a four-star, top- rated site by Mental Health Net.)
** For his free newsletter, Notes from the Online Psychohumorist (TM) or for info on the Stress Doc's Online Coaching program, email stressdoc@aol.com.