Alone in a Crowd?

Have you ever felt alone in a crowd? 
 

A few years ago, a pig wandered into a pasture where we kept yearling colts.  The colts quickly gathered around this little 'piggy', giving him (or her) a thorough checking out since they hadn't seen anything quite like this before.  The pig seemed unafraid and actually appeared to enjoy all the attention.  The colts took their time sniffing out this odd creation with a different look and smell.  Eventually, they became disinterested and left the pig to find its way home.  I took a photo while all this was happening and captioned it... 'alone in a crowd'.  I was reminded of this again, only through a different variant of life.  My eye caught sight of one lone white tree that stood out in a forest of junipers, all stoic against the green hillside.

Nature has a way of presenting a story that we can relate to our own lives...  in this case, being alone in a crowd.  I would venture to say that we all have had this feeling at one time or another in a particular type of gathering.  It can become a matter of paradox - to be alone and to be lonely.   It is good to be an individual, one who is confident of his or her own person, not to be swayed by the crowd. These ones recognize their own worth in their difference and do not yield to intimidation.  Solidarity with God gives an inward assurance to be true to self.  This is a strength but it is not without moments of loneliness, for it is difficult to find connection when there is disconnect in perception and understanding with another or others.

I decided to end on a humorous note.  It's not exactly profound but it is a proof in point -  it's good to laugh at yourself, with yourself or by yourself and occasionally with someone who has the same sense of humor....

Until we meet again at The Turn-Up Patch, have blessed days ahead......  😊

Magic - Worthy Brewing - Hopservatory

Magic - Worthy Brewing - Hopservatory.... a strange title for this post.  Actually, all three of these dynamics were experienced in one setting.  Let me introduce you to the first dynamic - his name is Magic.  I learned that he is a Bernese Mountain Dog, one of four breeds originating from the Swiss Alps.  Imagine discovering this 110 pound dog in a brewery setting in Bend, Oregon.  Managed by his owner, he was quite social making friends with patio patrons and occasionally being rewarded with pizza for his good behavior.  I understand why the owner calls his dog Magic because of the distinct charm and appearance that sets this breed apart from the canine population.

Moving on to the second dynamic -  Magic was at the Worthy Brewing Company socializing with young and old alike in a patio setting where people gathered for food and beverage. Since it is a brewery, there are different types and flavors of specialized ale as well as wine and non-alcoholic drinks.  The atmosphere is cozy with fire pits and lighting in the cool of the evening.  Occasionally, they have live bands to entertain the crowd through listening and dancing.  For more information, check out one of their links: https://worthybrewing.com/about-us/

And now the the third dynamic - the Hopservatory!  Quite a clever way of distinguishing it in name from observatory, which is what it is.  There are stairs on the outside of the hopservatory that take you to the inside viewing area.  A guide is there to explain a star gazing event that you can look at  through the dome's telescope.  For more information with viewing days and times, check out this article.... https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/eat-drink/beer-breweries/stargaze-at-worthy-brewings-hopservatory/

Inside Hopservatory Dome

We are blessed to live in Eastern Oregon where high desert country meets the Blue Mountain range.  However, the downside to residing in a small community are frequent trips to Central Oregon for specialized doctoring and shopping.  It is a three-hour drive (one way) to Bend.  Highway 26 with its curvy mountain two-lane road becomes a familiar route.  The lure of Bend with city amenities can also bring new discoveries such as 'Magic - Worthy Brewing - Hopservatory' that makes the trip worthwhile.

A quote from Anna Vasily - "Be a seeker of everyday magic".  Magic comes in many forms in God's creation.  It can be a beautiful sunset or sunrise, a fresh flower, the smell of rain, a child's smile, the pleasure of sound or sight or touch or.... a dog that licks your hand who bears the name of Magic.


Until we meet again, hope you will 'travel up' and meet me at The Turn-Up Patch in three weeks on Monday, April 29th.