SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – In school it took me a while to distinguish latitude and longitude. I can remember the day the concept was introduced, and my head was swimming. Intuitively (and erroneously) I wanted the definitions to be reversed. I still struggle with the concept but not as much as I once did. Having a globe for a while helped — and in college taking an elective in geography and map reading.
Does anything still puzzle you from your school days — or in the post-school adventure called life?
Is a new relationship ruled by love or infatuation? Is gaming a fad or a skill? Is the unworn wool coat in the closet something to preserve – or destined for the recycle bin?
The answer to any of these puzzles or riddles can be elusive. It may even be “it depends.” To a point, we may hold the words “both/and” in our minds. Or access deep memory for the day “paradox” was explained in English class.
Perhaps nature in these autumn weeks offers a pantomime, a silent message about the dilemma. Piles of leaves crumble like corn flakes. A supple leaf sways and circles on its way down to the earth. Leaves yield to the inevitable, but there is remarkable beauty as they shed. And they hold on . . . let go . . . wait patiently through the long winter with branches, like delicate fingers, stretching to the sun.
Seasonal mood changes. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that recurs predictably as the days grow shorter, daylight dwindles, and fall triggers biological change. Not everyone is susceptible, but it’s important to know about it. Although I did not know what was happening to me at the time, I began to notice SAD symptoms in my teens.
If you or someone you care about has SAD symptoms, a physician or nurse practitioner can help devise a treatment plan. Symptoms can include:
a persistent low mood.
loss of enjoyment or interest in daily activities.
irritability.
feelings of despair, guilt, worthlessness.
lethargy (lacking energy)
sleepiness during the day.
sleeping longer than normal and still finding it hard to get up.
In fall — or in any season of the year — those feeling depressed need not go it alone. Read more at the National Institute of Mental Health website.
Lovin’ Lyndhurst. Our Hillcrest area is fortunate to have multiple city newsletters, electronic and otherwise. I enjoy reading updates from Lyndhurst, as the seeds of this column were sown right there some years back! Do any readers remember “Lovin’ Lyndhurst?” That was my first go-round with Cleveland.com, though I had written for several other publications. Focusing on one suburb led me to look deeper and deeper, and it was fun. From the recent Lyndhurst newsletter I learned that the “Fall Shred Event and Food Drive (the “Shred and Bread”) will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11. Location is behind City Hall, 5301 Mayfield Road. Shredding is another great exercise in letting go.
And right around the corner is Lyndhurst’s “Trick or Treat Trail” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 17 at Lyndhurst Park. It features a festive, decorated park, treats, train rides and costumes. That’s at 1341 Parkview Drive. And do stay tuned for updates on new businesses opening soon along the Mayfield Road corridor and at Legacy Village. A changing landscape: Another message that resonates at this season of transition.
An invitation. The volunteers at Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Cleveland Service Center in Highland Heights, have shared word of an ongoing English Dharma Study Group, The term “Dharma” refers to moral values to uphold and deepen.
“Join us every Saturday from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.,” the email said. “We are currently studying The Sutra of Forty-Two Chapters Spoken by the Buddha — one of the earliest collections of the Buddha’s teachings.”
All are welcome to attend, including those new to Buddhism or continuing their exploration. The center is at 1076 Ford Road, Highland Heights, 44143. Questions? Call 440-646-9292.
Boo Bark Bash? Three cheers for alliteration! One South Euclid will host its inaugural Boo Bark Bash from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 18 at Quarry Park North. That is near the intersection of South Belvoir Blvd. and Monticello Blvd. This festive event invites pet owners and animal lovers to get creative. “Pets of all shapes and sizes take center stage in a celebration of creativity and community,” the email announcement states. “The Boo Bark Bash will feature a Pet Costume Contest, where pets and their owners can strut their stuff. Expect the chance for prizes, even “tail-wagging” excitement! Who says the runway is just for models? Let the dogs dress delightfully (more alliteration).
The event is a new one for South Euclid, and some hope it will become an annual tradition. Mark (bark?) your calendars and start planning!
Lend a hand. For those looking to give back in a convivial atmosphere, consider joining One South Euclid’s community engagement or fundraising committees. Working behind the scenes, volunteers actually are at the hub. Meet other civic-minded citizens, collaborate, and make a difference. Learn more and email OneSouthEuclid executive director, Kristian Hunter, at khunter@onesoutheuclid.org
Paws to consider. Happy, my Australian-cattle-dog mix, looks at me quizzicallly – and nervously – when she sees some dogs on our morning walks “sans leash.” We walk at the hub of three Hillcrest-area cities.
I do not know the leash laws of each community, but free-range dogs pose a challenge to dogs with fear.
Happy is as puzzled at the inconsistency as I was discerning latitude and longitude. She knows she must wear leash and harness and stay by my side. There is to be no running amok, swirling in the air, or yanking.
But every so often her peers roam without any means of restraint. Does the human-canine supersede written law?
Have you ever witnessed: A mad rush after deer. Or squirrels. Or an unwanted encounter, dog to dog.
Our evening walk recently led to several re-routes to avoid the unexpected.
You do not have to watch “Judge Judy” to know that a frightened dog and a feisty dog will likely not “make friends.” They may dash, snarl, bare their teeth, snap, bite, and more. Even if the freer dog is good natured, an anxious dog may react.
Happy is strong enough to pull me over (on to the ground) and she has done so. Last year’s pinched nerve took months to ease up; she could not help herself when that squirrel did a flying leap. (And on the ground I was a heap.)
Happy was a rescue from Kentucky where she may have roamed freely (and likely was neglected). She was rescued by a volunteer en route to a shelter while pregnant with nine pups. Then, she made it to Geauga Moms and Pups to give birth and then Rescue Village.
She needed a lot of redirection in the early months, as she reacted to every bird and moving thing — including the trash and UPS trucks — and indeed wanted to roam free.
It was love at first sight for us, but she had to adapt to walking on a leash as a condition. If your dog needs to roam freely, and you have a fenced in yard or an electronic fence, perhaps that is the place to do it. Paws to consider, if you will.