Pic of the Day

Migraine Days

I have been doing fairly well with my migraines lately. The combination of Qulipta, a once-daily CGRP medicine (most CGRPs are monthly injections), and quarterly Botox injections seems to be a working pretty well. I’m a month away from my next set of injections, but I’d gone nearly a month without a major migraine before I had one begin on Monday. It was a rainy Monday, and my migraine began with the rain. Thankfully, I was not at work since I’d already taken the day off to go to Burlington for my audiology appointment. However, I ended up calling in sick to work yesterday because I woke up continuing to have a migraine that seemed to be getting worse the longer I was awake. My migraine isn’t completely gone, but I have some things I need to take care of at work that do not need to wait any longer. If my migraine doesn’t improve as the day goes on, I may have to leave early, but I am going to give it a try. 

This will be a shortened week at work because I will be going in today and tomorrow, then I’m scheduled to work from home on Friday. Next week will also be a shortened week because of Thanksgiving. We’ll actually close at midday on Wednesday and have the rest of the week off.

Pic of the Day

To Wahilla Enhotulle

To Wahilla Enhotulle
By Alexander Posey

(To the South Wind)

O Wind, hast thou a sigh
Robbed from her lips divine
Upon this sunbright day—
A token or a sign?

Oh, take me, Wind, into
Thy confidence, and tell
Me, whispering soft and low,
The secrets of the dell. 

Oh, teach me what it is
The meadow flowers say
As to and fro they nod
Thro’ all the golden day.

Oh, hear, Wind of the South,
And whispering softer yet,
Unfold the story of
The lone pine tree’s regret.

Oh, waft me echoes sweet
That haunt the meadow glen—
The scent of new-mown hay,
And songs of harvest men;

The coolness of the sea
And forest dark and deep—
The soft reed notes of Pan,
And bleat of straying sheep.

Oh, make me, Wind, to know
The language of the bee—
The burden of the wild
Bird’s rapturous melody;

The password of the leaves
Upon the cottonwood;
And let me join them in
Their mystic brotherhood.


About the Poem

Alexander Posey’s poem “To Wahilla Enhotulle” reflects themes of longing, love, and a deep connection to the natural world, which are often characteristic of his work as a Creek (Muscogee) poet. Posey, a Native American writer and journalist, often used his poetry to explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the spiritual connection of the natural landscape. The poem expresses a heartfelt yearning for Wahilla Enhotulle, who might represent a specific person or an idealized figure of love. The poet’s tone is deeply personal, blending admiration with a sense of melancholy, as if the connection to this figure is distant or unfulfilled.

Nature plays a significant role in the poem’s imagery, serving as a metaphor for the poet’s emotions and his cultural identity. Posey often drew upon the natural elements of the Creek homeland to anchor his reflections, and here nature may symbolize the enduring beauty and purity of Wahilla Enhotulle or their bond. While the poem’s primary focus is personal, it may also carry cultural undertones. As a Creek writer, Posey’s work often honors his heritage, and the name Wahilla Enhotulle itself evokes Creek linguistic roots, grounding the poem in his culture. There’s a wistful quality in the poem, as if the poet is reflecting on something fleeting—whether it be love, memory, or life itself. This theme resonates with the universal experience of cherishing moments that cannot last.

“To Wahilla Enhotulle” can be read as an ode to a beloved person or a representation of an ideal that feels just out of reach. The intertwining of personal affection with a reverence for nature reflects Posey’s deep spiritual connection to the world around him, rooted in his identity as both a poet and a Creek individual. The poem invites readers to contemplate love, beauty, and the way they endure, even amid change or loss.

Most often when we think of the removal of Native Americans from the Southeastern United States, the Cherokee Indians and the Trail of Tears is often the most dramatically remembered, but the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek Indians also faced the hardships brought about by President Andrew Jackson’s administration passing the Indian Removal Act in 1830. The forced displacement of the Creek (Muscogee) people from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States (modern-day Alabama, Georgia, and Florida) to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma adds a deeper meaning for “To Wahilla Enhotulle.” The removal process, often called the Trail of Tears, was marked by immense suffering, resistance, and loss. During the removal, thousands of Creek people were marched westward under harsh conditions, suffering from disease, starvation, and exposure. It is estimated that around 3,500 Creek people died during the journey.

The Creek removal was part of a broader pattern of dispossession and cultural disruption faced by Native American tribes. Despite the trauma of removal, the Creek Nation has endured, maintaining a vibrant culture and community in Oklahoma today. Despite the hardships, they established a new government and cultural institutions, preserving their traditions and identity. The history of removal remains a powerful reminder of the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of systemic oppression.

On a personal note, my great grandmother was a Creek Indian from Alabama. A small group of the Creek descendants stayed behind and settled largely in Escambia County, Alabama, where the federally recognized Poarch Band of Creek Indians has a reservation.


About the Poet

Alexander Posey (1873–1908) was a Creek (Muscogee) poet, journalist, humorist, and political figure, celebrated for his contributions to Native American literature and his advocacy for his people. Born near Eufaula in Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma), he was of mixed Creek and European descent. Posey was fluent in both Creek and English, which deeply influenced his literary voice.

He attended Bacone Indian University, where he honed his writing skills and developed a love for literature. Posey became a prominent journalist and the first Native American to own and edit a newspaper, the Eufaula Indian Journal. Through this platform, he addressed issues facing Native communities, including land allotment policies and the erosion of tribal sovereignty.

Posey is best known for his poetry, which blends themes of nature, love, and Creek heritage with a modern sensibility. His poems often reflect a deep connection to the natural world, as well as a sense of longing and melancholy. He also gained fame for his humorous “Fus Fixico” letters, satirical essays written in the voice of a fictional Creek elder, critiquing government policies and cultural assimilation.

Tragically, Posey died at the age of 35 in 1908, drowning in the North Canadian River. Despite his short life, his work continues to resonate as a significant contribution to American and Native American literature.

Pic of the Day

Soup Weather

Luckily, I don’t have to work today. I have an appointment up near Burlington at noon, so if I went to work today, I’d have to leave around 11 am and would not be back until before 2 pm. It just wouldn’t be worth it. 

Besides, while I am in the Burlington area, I have a few errands I need to run. One of those errands a is to run by a grocery store. (The other is to have lunch at a Mexican restuarant I enjoy. I had planned yesterday to try a new soup recipe, but I realized it called for three cans of cannellini beans, and I had only gotten one. It’s definitely soup weather, and I love a good soup. The soup is a Creamy White Bean and Kale soup. The soup has two of my favorite things in a soup, beans and kale. I usually only buy kale when I am going to make Zuppa Tuscano, but this recipe looked pretty good, even if it is vegan, although I think the addition of ham, or even Italian sausage, in this soup might be pretty good. I haven’t decided if I will modify the recipe with a little ham or not; I’ll see what my mood is when I’m making the soup. The recipe says it’s for four people, but that sounds like a lot of soup for just me, so I may half or at least third the recipe. Anyway, this soup is what I plan to make for dinner tonight.

I love trying new soups. Sometimes, they are really good and I can’t get enough of them, and sometimes, they fall flat. Do you have a favorite go to receive for when the weather cools down in fall and winter? If so, let me know. I may want to try it.

Pic of the Day

Freedom and Responsibility

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

—1 Peter 2:15-16

I have always believed that the most important message in Christianity is that Christians should live in a way that exemplifies goodness and righteousness. By being a decent human being and doing good, God says we can silence our critics who speak against Christians out of ignorance or prejudice. As LGBTQ+ Christians this is especially important because so many people who consider themselves to be Christian do not accept us as part of the Christian community, or at least as not living the lifestyle they think we should. In the bone passage Peter is encouraging believers to counter hostility not through argument but through the strength of their character and deeds.

When Christ brought the world His teachings, He set us free from free from sin and the constraints of the Mosaic Law. However, this freedom should not be seen as an excuse to engage in sinful behavior (“a cover-up for evil”). In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. Peter explains in 1 Peter 2:16 that freedom should lead to living as “bondservants of God.” True freedom, according to Peter, is found in willingly submitting to God’s authority and living in accordance with His will. And Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:39-40 that His will is to “love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” 

Christians are called to live lives that testify to their faith, even in the face of criticism or opposition, using good works to show the truth of their beliefs. The Bible offers extensive guidance on living a life that bears witness to faith in God, emphasizing both words and actions as key components of a witnessing life. Matthew 5:14-16 tells us that we “are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” By living our lives in a way that reflects God’s love, truth, and goodness to the world, we can draw others to Him through good works and faithful living. John 13:34-35 tells us that Jesus gave us a new commandment to “love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

First Peter 3:15 tells us to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” In living a life that is pleasing to God, we are to do good without complaint or expecting praise. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Christian freedom means we should express ourselves through service to God and others, not through selfishness or moral compromise. Considering the recent election that showed how far many Americans who would claim to be Christian have rejected the life that God’s commands us. They voted for selfish reasons and made compromised their morals to follow a man who proclaimed hate and exclusion. God encourages us to live with integrity and purpose, to align our actions with God’s will and showing the world what it means to serve Him faithfully. 

The national anthem of the United States refers to our country as the “land of the land of the free and home of the brave.” Jesus set us free but also gave us responsibilities to have this freedom. The Bible speaks extensively about the balance between freedom and responsibility, emphasizing that true freedom is found in Christ and is meant to be exercised responsibly in service to God and others. Here are key principles: John 8:36 tells us, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” True freedom comes through Jesus, who liberates believers from the bondage of sin, guilt, and spiritual death. This freedom is not merely about doing as one pleases but about living in alignment with God’s will. 

Likewise, Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Christian freedom is not a license for selfishness or sin but a call to selfless service, motivated by love for others. I honestly believe that Americans have strayed from this commandment of God. On the Day of Judgement, we will all be judge by God for how we lived our lives. I try my best to live a life that is pleasing to God because Romans 14:12 tells us, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” We are responsible for our actions and decisions, knowing we will answer to God for how we the freedom He gave us. 

In the recent election, many people forgot that 1 Corinthians 8:9 warns us: “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” Christians have the freedom to make personal choices, but they must consider how their actions affect others, especially fellow believers. Love should guide the use of freedom. However, many people chose to vote against what God commands us to do and considered only themselves and not how their vote will affect others. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:19, “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” We should follow Paul’s example Paul used his freedom to serve others and advance the Gospel, showing that Christian freedom is a call to mission and sacrifice. 

The Bible teaches that freedom and responsibility are inseparable. True freedom is found in Christ, and it empowers us to live holy lives, serve others in love, and glorify God. Rather than indulging in selfishness, we are called to use our freedom responsibly by considering its impact on others and aligning our actions with God’s purposes. In conclusion, 1 Peter 2:15-16 emphasizes that God’s will is for us to live upright lives, doing good to silence the ignorance of our critics. While Christ set us free from sin, this freedom should not be used as an excuse for sinful behavior but as an opportunity to serve God faithfully. We should balance between freedom with responsibility, by living in a way that honors God and reflects His message. Many in the LGBTQ+ have abandoned their faith because the leaders of their church did not practice the commandment that we are to live a life that shows love and kindness. Those church leaders abandoned the responsibilities they were given to teach the Gospel in a way that restricts the freedoms of others. 

I try to live my life in a way that at the end of this life, I can say as Timothy said in 2 Timothy 4:7 that “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Pic of the Day

Moment of Zen: Sleeping

Pic of the Day

My Bed Is Calling Me

This morning, my bed is calling me back to it. I would love nothing more than to just crawl back into my bed with its warm blankets and go back to sleep. If I did not have a class to teach this afternoon, I would call in sick with a migraine; however, instead, I took some medicine for the headache I woke up with this morning. I am hoping it will improve before I have to leave for work. Maybe after I have some breakfast and take a shower, I will feel more energized, but right now, my energy level is low. 

At least, it’s Friday and tomorrow, I can go back to bed after feeding Isabella. I can do the same on Sunday and Monday, too. On Monday, I have a medical appointment at noon, and since it is up in Burlington, I am taking the whole day off. I need an extra day out of the office. Nothing bad has really happened, but work has been putting me in a bad mood this week. There are reasons for my grumpy mood, but I just need to get over it and go about my day.

Pic of the Day

Slow Week

It’s been a slow work week because there hasn’t been a lot for me to do. Today though will probably be different. I have several tasks that I need to complete today. I have two tours to do today and a class to prepare for tomorrow. I had my work from home day yesterday because I have to be at the museum tomorrow, my usual work from home day, to teach said class. I would rather stay home and crawl back into my bed, but alas, I have to go to work.