Shopper Blog: Dr. Milton Russell remembered for environmental legacy
BEARDEN
Dr. Milton Russell remembered for environmental legacy
John Shearer, Shopper News
As an economics professor who grew up on a farm, Dr. Milton Russell had a heart for sustaining the natural environment and played a key role in the landmark removal of lead from gasoline.
As public policy analyst and veteran of the Environmental Protection Agency, he also had a practical side that helped him push through or suggest policies that had a positive impact.
Russell, who was retired from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, died Feb. 1 in Knoxville at 89.
His adopted daughter, Vicky Russell, recalled over the phone how, in the 1980s, he asked a group of scientists and economists to do a study, which found that lead causes several health risks to children.
His daughter said the study results were not being publicized much, so he, without anyone wanting to know the source, tipped off the Washington Post, and suddenly the results became big news.
“There was a lot of resistance and attempt to sweep (the study) under the rug, and my dad wouldn’t tolerate that,” she said.
An assistant administrator for policy, planning and evaluation under EPA head William Ruckelshaus, Russell figured out a way to have it make practical economic sense rather than be a new regulation seen as a hassle to some.
As local writer David Brill stated in a public obituary put together on Russell, “The market-based, versus regulatory, approach devised by Russell and his EPA colleagues and implemented in 1985 allowed refineries that exceeded required reductions of lead in gasoline to bank those credits for the future.” He also wrote that other developed nations soon adopted similar measures.
Vicky Russell, who lives in California, said her father’s love of the environment began when he grew up on a farm in Texas and realizing a sustainable world was important to growing food.
After schooling at the University of Oklahoma, he taught at Iowa State, Texas Christian and Southern Illinois before working in Washington.
He served on the faculty at UT from 1987 to 1997 and was the founding director of the Joint Institute for Energy and Environment, a collaboration between UT, the Tennessee Valley Authority and Oak Ridge National Lab. He also later served as a senior fellow of UT’s Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment.
Joel Darmstadter of Maryland, who early on became well acquainted with Russell as a fellow at the Resources for the Future think tank in Washington, D.C., beginning more than 40 years ago, said Russell had a naturally amicable manner, despite his ability to push policy.
“He was extremely self-confident, but I don’t remember any extended period of time of being at odds with him,” he said, adding that they collaborated on several projects. “This was a guy who was enormously smart and brought a sweeping command of many issues.”
Vicky Russell said her introspective and detailed-thinking father had a similarly great manner with the family. She and her two late siblings had all been adopted by Milton and Pat Russell from troubled families, but the Russell couple gave them a home of comfort.
“He was a very good dad,” she said. “I used to say he was a workaholic, but when I look back at the important jobs he had, he was looking at the world from a lot bigger perspective than just family. But he was very loving toward us, very virtuous.”
She said he and his wife lived in Sequoyah Hills until she died, and they had always enjoyed traveling and spending summers at a rural retreat in Ontario, Canada. He later moved into a condominium in the Phoenix Building on Gay Street, where he befriended many people, including while sitting outside smoking cigarettes or at regular gatherings at a local pub.
He also shared important advice locally, including with Don Barger of the National Parks Conservation Association, his daughter added.
His body was cremated, and Vicky Russell said a memorial service for friends, family and colleagues will likely be held in April.
It will be one last time to remember this man who was considered accomplished, but also amicable and engaging.
“He was an amazing figure in many ways,” added Darmstadter.
FARRAGUT
Quilt Show features masterpieces from longtime area artists
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
The Farragut Arts and Beautification Committee put together another great show Feb. 19 with about 50 quilts on display at the Town of Farragut Community Center.
More than 700 visitors attended. The committee sponsors an art show every year, but it’s been about four years since quilts were featured.
On hand was premier Farragut quilter Brenda Young Farrell, who brought 13 of her masterpieces to share with the community.
Lately, Farrell has been sewing “Row by Row” quilts.
“They’re so much fun,” said Farrell. “You go to different shops. This one … ’H20’ has pieces from shops in Georgia and across East Tennessee. Each shop has a row. You need at least eight rows to complete a quilt. The first one to complete it gets a prize from the sponsoring shop.
“I didn’t get the prize, but it was fun to do anyway. I’m not much on appliques, but there are several really cute ones on this quilt.”
Farrell said she is relatively new to quilting – she’s been doing it only 23 years. She said her favorite part of quilting is being creative. “I love to play with the fabric. I pay longarm quilters to actually quilt the piece, but I do all the designing and sewing of the top.”
The Farragut resident took quilt classes at Joann Fabric. “I’ve done all kinds of crafts, but quilting is the top of the list. I can really be creative and try new things.”
Not too many quilts are handmade these days with the availability of sewing specialists who use longarm machines to quilt the front to the back. Then edging is done mostly by hand.
On hand as well was lifelong quilter Lynda Rizzardi, who handmade a “Double Wedding Ring” quilt with her mother, Norma Cook, as a gift for Farrell some 50 years ago.
“We are lifelong friends,” said Rizzardi. We made this for Brenda when she was in grad school. That’s a lot of years ago and it’s still in great shape. My mother and I poured blood – which is bad luck – sweat, and tears, not to mention love into this quilt.”
One of the most popular pieces was an eye-popping wall hanging featuring bright red tulip ruched (ripple-like) appliques on a background of sky and earth. The quilter is Mary Beth Hallahan, who used the pattern Tulip Fields #140 from Laura’s Sage Country Quilts.
One of the most interesting quilts was made by Nellie Durand. Her piece “Moon Dance” is embellished with beads, buttons, African themed doodads, plus a macramé neck piece Durand had made in the ’70s.
Quilting is growing in favor with crafters all over the country. Knoxville has a number of quilting groups, including Knoxville Area Quilting Friends, which can be found on Facebook.
Info: See Arts and Beautification Committee at TownofFarragut.org.
POWELL
Nurse turns jewelry creations into at-home business
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Accessorizing while wearing hospital scrubs can be a challenge.
It took a while, but Darlene Gillett got a bit creative.
Gillett, who lives in Powell with her husband, Derrick, and two children, was a labor and delivery nurse for more than a decade in South Bend, Indiana, and then East Tennessee.
“A friend of mine in South Bend made earrings,” Gillett said. “She taught me a lot. I’d take some of the earrings I made to work and they’d sell like crazy.”
In May 2020, she began regularly making earrings as a hobby. By the end of 2020, the demand was big enough for Della Jo Designs to be born.
“I’ve always been a crafty person,” Gillett said. “It’s been a lot of hard work. A business is a lot about transparency.”
'Drop' days exciting
Gillett juggles her at-home (“One-third of our basement is guest room, two-thirds is my work area.”) business with her two children, ages 5 and 2. Naps and Mother’s Day Out (Tuesdays and Thursdays) are the hours she can steal away and be creative.
But… a lot has to be done before she can sit down at her work bench and make the magic happen.
Everything starts with days, times and themes for product “drops” each month. She has loyal customers on her website (dellajodesigns.com) who monitor it regularly waiting for the newest creations to emerge.
She watches Pinterest and other fashion sites for ideas on which to put her own spin. Gillett said she’d have between 13 and 17 new designs in each “drop.”
“I mostly work with leather studs,” she said. “But, my go-to is dangles.”
Gillett said the actual process of making an earring takes less than 10 minutes, but the work goes into coming up with the design ideas, making sure the proper materials are in place and organizing how it will happen.
She works mainly in gold-plated, silver-plated and stainless steel. She makes sure everything that goes in the ears are hypoallergenic or nickel-free.
“I can’t tolerate heavy earrings,” she said. “I make an effort that all my earrings are lightweight.”
Neutrals always work
Recognizing fashion trends and keeping up with what people want is a big part of making sure the business stays current. It’s hard to do in East Tennessee.
“The South is about five years behind California (in terms of fashion),” Gillett said. “I’ve been surprised by product I thought would take off flopped, and then product I wasn’t impressed with sold out. You never know.
“Neutrals are always a huge hit. Then, black, gold and tan should always work.”
Gillett said studs cost $8 and dangles are priced at $12 or $17. There’s a $5.50 shipping charge or free local pickup.She is becoming more involved with local craft shows.
A new product she has launched is the Earring of the Month Club. There are different levels − $10, $15 and $25. Each month, a product that nobody else will ever see is delivered.
For more information, go to the website or Della Jo Designs VIP Facebook page.
FARRAGUT
Ball Camp Elementary Spring Fling set for April after four-year break
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
“It’s going to be an incredible event!” said Ball Camp Elementary School PTO President Amanda Finelli. “We haven’t had a carnival since 2019 and it’s taken about a year to plan this one. Bring your dollar bills. It’s free to get in, but some activities require one dollar.”
Ball Camp Elementary Spring Fling is set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. April 14, with a rain date of May 12.
Most outdoor areas of the school will be used for fun activities. There will be no parking at the school. Parking is provided by Ball Camp Baptist Church, which is a walkable distance to the school.
Finelli said not only is this an end-of-the-year celebration for the kids, but it’s the major fundraiser for the year. This year, proceeds will go toward installing a walking track around the fenced-in playground.
“Oh, we really need a walking trail. We’ve been working on our playground for a couple of years now. It’s all newer equipment, but we need that walking trail, too.”
The PTA crew of First VP Allyson Drumm, Second VP Sara Raby, Treasurer Misty Ryan, Secretary Laura Airhart, and Fundraising Chair Sara Clarke, along with countless volunteers, spent the past year planning the event.
The Spring Fling will feature all the normal carnival attractions including bounce houses, cotton candy, popcorn, carnival games, a very popular cake walk, and food trucks.
There will be face painting; Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids will do festival tinsel and colorful hair inserts; and Darts and Blasters will bring Nerf darts.
Finelli said the dunk booth for staff is expected to bring in lots of money.
“We have some surprise participants everyone will want to dunk.”
New this year is space in the library for 22 vendors. All are local artisans. A space is $40 to $50 depending upon size.
In 2019, attendance was about 1,500. Organizers are expecting more this year, so vendors should see great foot traffic.
“We’re really excited about the vendors. That’s new. The whole thing is a way to bring together community,” said Sara Clarke. “We’re right in the middle of Cedar Bluff and Hardin Valley. We want to bring all those kids together to have some fun and get to know each other.
“The pandemic really did a number on us as far as holding fundraisers and events. We have high hopes for this one. We want it to be an evening the kids remember and adults, too. Come have some fun with your kids and support a great cause,” said Clarke.
For vendor info contact Kimberly.batdorf@yahoo.com. Deadline is April 1.
POWELL
No job is too small for Hickory Village Land Management
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Helping build a friend’s house gave Shawn Norris an idea for the direction of his life.
“I was doing just about everything on the house,” said the 49-year-old Anderson County resident. “If I didn’t know it, I learned it. I got confident with a lot of skills.”
That was just the first part of the equation. The rest came together in December when Norris started a conversation with Chad Davis, who is living in Powell with his fiancée. Davis’ fiancée is friends with Norris.
“Chad approached me in early December and started bouncing ideas off me,” Norris said. “Just by those conversations, we realized we had a lot in common.”
Once Norris was done with his friend’s house, he picked up handyman jobs along the way. However, he was limited on what he could do by himself. Joining with Davis, 47, allowed him to expand the opportunities.
The partnership launched Hickory Village Land Management.
Built on trust
Hickory Village Land Management offers a wide variety of services. Since 2007, Norris had helped supplement his income by mowing yards. He continues that but adds services like tree planting, yard maintenance or just about anything outdoors.
Remodeling and handyman work is also available.
“There’s no clear leader between us,” said Davis. “Whatever we have, one of us will know how to do it. You have to have a trust factor. I trust Shawn would do as good a job as I would do.”
Norris has taken the expertise he has gained from three decades in the restaurant business into this new venture.
“Whatever the situation was (in the restaurant), you had to figure out a way to fix it,” said Norris. “If a recipe doesn’t work, you break it down to the basics and figure out why. That’s the same thing about what we’re doing.
“The restaurant business is a young man’s game. I’ve spent some time figuring out me and coming up with a direction.”
In for the long haul
Davis is focused on this new venture being around for the long haul.
“This has always been a dream of mine,” he said. “I want people to say this is a company they can rely on. I want to be able to help the community. I want our business to be a staple of Powell.”
Norris and Davis aren’t trying to rush their stability. They understand that there will be growing pains along the way.
“There’s no job too small right now,” Norris said. “No matter the job, it’s an opportunity to come up with bigger opportunities in the future.
“We’re both putting our names on the work we’re doing. That means a lot to us.”
During the slow start, Norris said they are learning to roll with the punches. He knows there will be tough conversations when bidding for jobs is concerned, but he’s ready to take it on.
“I had a lady want to put shingles on her shed,” Norris said. “After our quote got the job, I found shingles on Craigslist for half the price of the box store. I called her up, she got the shingles, and I saved her money.”
For more information, go to Hickory Village Land Management on Facebook, or call or text 865-208-0914 or 662-340-0516.
NORTH KNOXVILLE
New Land Rover given to Appalachian Bear Rescue
Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News
A nonprofit that works to protect some of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most beloved inhabitants was recognized recently when Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) was declared a winner of the 2022 Land Rover Defender Service Awards.
The ABR earned top status in the animal welfare category from more than 2,150 nominations and submissions nationwide. During the local celebration at Land Rover Knoxville on Parkside Drive on Feb. 21, ABR was presented with a brand-new Land Rover Defender 130.
The nonprofit works closely with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and is licensed to take bears up to age 2 for treatment at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.
Staffers have been using a Toyota Tundra, won in a contest in 2013, and a 2004 Ford Expedition, given by a generous supporter. Dana Dodd, who has been executive director of ABR since January 2017 and a board member for five years before that, is thrilled with the new vehicle.
“The Land Rover has so many features that we’re grateful for,” said Dodd. “In 2004 there were no such things as a backup camera, or a little feature to keep you in your lane if you’re sleepy. It’s a much safer vehicle. Also, our SUV is not 4-wheel drive. And a lot of times, cubs are not at the bottom of the mountain, they’re at the top of the mountain! We have to drive through some pretty steep territory.
“It also has our name and logo on it. We’ve never had a vehicle that had recognition like that. It gives us access to a bigger audience.”
In addition, the organization received $5,000 from presenting sponsor Chase Bank and $25,000 from category sponsor KONG, who also sent along a big box of their signature tough dog toys.
“We have a yearling right now who is enjoying some of them. They’re tough enough for bear cubs too!” Dodd said.
Land Rover Knoxville is providing complimentary service on the new vehicle and has signed on to sponsor ABR’s ongoing membership education series.
“The work that Appalachian Bear Rescue does to save cubs and yearlings and educate the community is tremendous and much needed, as black bears are a treasure in our region and part of the fabric of East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains,” said Lee Ann Furrow Tolsma, president of Furrow Automotive Group, Land Rover Knoxville’s parent company. “We are so proud to be able to present the Defender 130 SUV and sponsor a program that will further education to help us all become better stewards of our natural surroundings.”
John Tolsma, Lee Ann’s husband and Furrow Automotive family council member, said, “Our whole family loves being in the Smokies. As good neighbors it’s so important that we boost awareness about ways that we can interact with bears that respects the boundaries of both of us. We want to be good stewards of the park.”
Joe Eberhardt, president and CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America, said of ABR and the winners in four other categories, “[their] dedication to giving back is an inspiration and exemplifies the can-do spirit of the Land Rover brand. We look forward to seeing how the fully outfitted Defender 130 vehicles further their efforts and we commend their service to their communities.”
Tennessee basketball went from the peak to the pit 30 years ago | Mike Strange
HALLS
Meet Me at the Market: A space for 'handmade' vendors to get known
Ali James, Shopper News
Kayla Cook and her husband learned a lot about markets and expos when they started their small business Little Valley Mercantile.
“We realized that there weren’t many markets that were focused on handmade and local businesses,” said Cook. “Some of the expos just concentrated on multilevel marketing and the bigger companies.”
Despite juggling a full-time job working at Hammers in Halls, Cook created Meet Me at the Market and decided to organize her first vendor market in the fall of 2021. “It went really well, and we started growing from there,” she said.Last summer Cook decided to get serious, creating a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for Meet Me at the Market and growing her social media to almost 3,000 followers.
Meet Me at the Market does the legwork for vendors, Cook said. “I find the location, set the date/time, create and promote the event on social media,” she said. “I create a space for these small businesses to sell their items and get their names out there. I try to keep my vendor prices reasonable, because it is hard to grow and get your name out there when you’re just starting.”
An organized approach and clear communication have led to valuable reviews. “I almost over-explain and try to answer any questions as quickly as possible,” said Cook. “Being a vendor means I know what did and didn’t work, and I use any negative experiences I’ve had as an opportunity to improve.”
Meet Me at the Market’s event schedule is filling up for 2023.
“I reached out to 865 Axe Throwing for a private party two years ago. It’s just a really cool space, but I feel it's underrated for what it is,” said Cook, a Halls High School alum. “There really is not much to do around here and they have axe throwing, bonfires and the space. I sometimes struggle to find a place to set up that doesn’t charge an arm and leg, a cost I would have to pass onto the vendors. I thought partnering with 865 Axe Throwing is a really good way to grow both our businesses.”
Meet Me at the Market’s expo events can accommodate 180 vendors at the Knoxville Expo Center, while the outdoor markets tend to average around 25-30 vendors.
“I do like to theme them because it gets people excited,” said Cook. “For Easter I may buy baskets for the children or have promotional items. I had Santa at a Christmas market for free photos or a ‘monster’ market in October, so the kids have something to do as well.”
The Spring Market at the Expo on April 29 is already filling up fast, according to Cook, with only 40 spaces left. The Halls Market at Grace Missionary Baptist Church on April 1 is already full.
“The 865 Axe Throwing markets are our first time doing a monthly market series,” said Cook. “We did two different markets at their location last year and thought we could generate more traffic if it’s the first Friday of the month from April 7 to October 6. We may do a November one, but with the Tennessee weather you just have to wait and see.”
Cook uses the Meet Me at the Market Facebook and Instagram pages to highlight as many vendors as she can at every event, and potentially help them grow their own social media following. As Meet Me at the Market grows they plan to have basic supplies that vendors can rent, but for now they need to supply everything they need.
“Right now, I like to just have local vendors, because my main focus is small businesses and that means East Tennessee, Halls, Maynardville, and the Tri-Cities. I try to give them priority,” said Cook. “I also ask what percentage of their products are handmade on the application. I do take some consultants, if they are small businesses trying to make money for their family, but I give the handmade people priority.”
When placing vendors, Cook said that if she has 10 boutiques, for instance, she will try to space them out.To see the full schedule of events or apply to be a vendor, follow Meet Me at the Market @themarkettn on Facebook or email meetmeatthemarkettn@yahoo.com
NORTH KNOXVILLE
KCDC’s First Creek at Austin earns Keep Knoxville Beautiful award
Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News
Knoxville Community Development Corporation’s First Creek at Austin Phase 1 has won a 2023 Orchid Award from Keep Knoxville Beautiful.
First Creek at Austin Phase 1 began as an initiative to revitalize the nearly 23-acre Austin Homes community, established in 1941. In December 2019, Knoxville City Council approved $4.25 million in funding for infrastructure improvements supporting the master plan.
The revitalization process involved months of dialogue with residents, stakeholders and community members in interviews and public meetings on topics such as overall site use, street layouts, residential building types and use of open spaces, along with research and analyses regarding Knoxville’s housing and retail markets.
First Creek at Austin Phase 1 earned the award in the category of new architecture, recognizing developments demonstrating excellence in overall design, aesthetics, form and proportion; appropriate use of materials; and the magnitude of visual impact on the area.
Johnson Architecture was the architect of record, and J.A. Fielden served as the construction contractor. KCDC’s owner’s representative on the project was Partners Development, and Pinnacle Financial Partners served as equity partner and mortgage lender.
As part of Knoxville’s first mixed-income community, First Creek at Austin Phase 1 is an affordable housing community, with multiple income levels − including a “workforce housing” level − accommodated.
The 105-unit community represents the first of three phases and offers contemporary one- to four-bedroom units, modern amenities and close proximity to the Old City and downtown Knoxville. Residents must qualify for housing at all levels based on income.
Since 1936, KCDC's mission has been to improve and transform neighborhoods by providing high-quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency.
Keep Knoxville Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, promotes litter eradication, recycling and beautification efforts in Knox County communities using education, events and volunteer engagement. The organization has hosted the Orchid Awards since 1979 to recognize the architects, contractors, organizations, businesses and artists that strive to improve the beauty of Knox County.
In 2019, KCDC earned an Orchid Award in the new architecture category for Five Points 2 in East Knoxville − also designed by Johnson Architecture along with Ross/Deckard Architects.
KCDC executive director and CEO Ben Bentley said, “the Orchid Awards represent excellence and beauty that enhances the community, and we appreciate being recognized by Keep Knoxville Beautiful. First Creek at Austin is a transformational community for Knoxville with a broad range of residential housing types and shared open spaces that encourage an inclusive and engaged neighborhood.”
Leasing for First Creek at Austin Phase 1 is open now at firstcreekliving.com. Leasing for Phase 2 will begin in the spring.
SOUTH KNOXVILLE
South-Doyle Middle stages beloved 'Beauty and the Beast Jr.'
Ali James, Shopper News
At an after-school rehearsal, the cast of “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” is excited to try on their costumes for the first time. Auditions were held last October, so it is the culmination of many months of work.
“Almost 80 kids tried out; it really was a lot of kids,” said Bethany Williams, choir & musical theater director at South-Doyle Middle School.
“I think that was definitely due to the success of ‘Elf the Musical’ last year. There are a lot of sixth graders in this cast and almost as many eighth graders. It is a pretty young cast, but our eighth graders have been good at mentoring.”
While auditions were open only to the choir program students, backstage applications were open to the whole school.
There are 40 cast members, with Veda Farr as Belle, Liam Milbourn as The Beast, Hilton Smith as Gaston, Caroline Berry and Chloe Loy as Mrs. Potts and Madame de la Grande Bouche, Eli Scott and Lincoln Philips sharing the role of LeFou, Seth Witenbarger as Maurice, Gideon Walker as Lumiere, Clara Teglas as Chip, Rylan Ayres as Cogsworth and Addie Least as Babette.
“Beauty and the Beast Jr.”, as many know, tells the story of Belle and the Beast, her hideous captor who is actually a young prince trapped under a spell. To break the spell, the Beast must learn to love Belle and earn her love in return. The castle’s enchanted staff – a teapot, candelabra and mantel clock – help Belle and the Beast discover a beautiful friendship and love.
“The kids had talked about ‘Beauty and the Beast’ around me last year, and then I thought it would be fun to bring a cartoon to life on stage,” said Williams. “I think I am just excited to show the whole thing together, for the kids to showcase their different characters/personalities beyond the animated characters and the work they have done.”
“Beauty and the Beast Jr.” features classic songs from the Academy Award-winning motion picture, and some original songs from the 1994 Broadway production that ran for over 13 years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards.
“One song, ‘Home,’ (stands out) when Belle gets stuck in the bedroom in the castle,” said Williams. ’Be Our Guest’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’, all the well-known songs, are in the show.”
While some of the props and backgrounds have been repurposed from the school’s storage rooms, some things still had to be created.
“We have done all of it. The parents have helped out with set pieces and costumes,” said Williams. “Now that we have done shows for several years, we have a lot built up that we can reuse and repurpose so we are not completely starting from scratch.”
One big scene should wow the audience.
“I am excited about the palace library reveal,” said Williams. “We have a whole backdrop with the library. Most of the show will be in the front half of the stage, and then it will open up for the library.”
The first public performance will be for students from the Tennessee School for the Deaf and Mt. Olive Elementary on March 1.
“We are excited to perform for other schools in our community. We sent the script to the School for the Deaf a few months ago to prepare,” said Williams.
The cast has three performances scheduled for their fellow sixth, seventh and eighth grade classmates.
The community is invited to performances at 7 p.m. March 3 and 2:30 or 7 p.m. March 4 at South-Doyle Middle School auditorium.
Doors open for ticket purchases 45 minutes before each show. Tickets for students are $5 and adults are $10 (ticket sales are cash only).
OPINION
Angry-walking is good for the mind
Leslie Snow, Shopper News
Most of the time, I don’t even know I’m doing it. I start off on a hike, with my husband and Buttercup bringing up the rear, and before I know it, I’ve left the two of them behind.
It isn’t until I hear my husband yell, “Hey, Scooter!” − a nickname that has something to do with me being fast and maybe a little annoying − that I realize that I’ve been “angry-walking” instead of hiking. And lately, I’ve been angry-walking a lot.
When I’m angry-walking, I’m not just walking fast, I’m thinking fast, too. I’m shouting in my head, decrying all the little things I can’t control. Like the passage of time, the fragility of our health, and the inevitability of death. I swing my arms back and forth, rhythmically, while silently screaming every curse word I know. And I know a lot of them.
It may seem like a strange way to enjoy nature, but angry-walking does have some health benefits. I feel emotionally drained when I’m finished, but in a good way, like I’ve released some poison that’s been fermenting and bubbling up inside me. And while shouting in my head isn’t relaxing, it does keep me from shouting out loud. It allows me to release my anger without offending the people I know and love.
Angry-walking doesn’t solve my problems, but it helps me identify my worries and find some release. Plus, I burn a lot of calories speed-walking and silent-screaming. It keeps me fit and I get to hear my husband lovingly call me Scooter. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
One morning I took Buttercup for a walk by myself. I thought the two of us might be in for some fierce internal shouting about my mother’s upcoming oncology appointment, but when I stepped onto the worn path I take each morning, I heard a hawk cry and saw the first leaves of spring. I felt the cool earth beneath my feet, solid and alive, and I didn’t feel angry anymore. I felt content.
I walked at a slower clip then and let Buttercup stop to sniff all the wonderful, terrible smells she loves. I noticed the delicate lichen growing on a tree stump and the bright green moss spreading along the path. I saw the enormous boulders I pass every day but don’t always see and wondered if they tumbled into place years ago or had been slowly unearthed over time.
Later, I found a break in the trail and wandered onto the beach created by the low lake levels. While Buttercup waded into the water to get a drink, I sat on a fallen tree and took in the freshwater snail shells lying in the sand and the great blue heron fishing on the shore. I felt at peace, instead of emotionally drained.
My slow walk with Buttercup is the opposite of my angry-walk, but both serve a purpose. When I’m walking and shouting, I’m shedding my anger and my discontent. I’m releasing the dark thoughts that can permeate my brain when life gets hard.
But when I’m meandering on my hike, I’m connecting with nature and reflecting on my place in the world. I see all the tiny wonders hiding in plain sight, the osprey nest high in the trees, the vines snaking along the forest floor, the nubby bark of a loblolly pine.
And while I know that angry-walking is good for my mind, a slow deliberate hike with my dog is much better for my soul.
Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com.
Knox County Republicans look to return to 'normalcy' under new (old) leader
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Shopper News brings you the latest happenings in your community
