A column about life at PK

This is the first article of my new column, Mind, Body, Spirit, in the Lake Country Sun newspaper:


Mind, Body, Spirit
Thursday, August 30, 2007
By Kim A. Talbert

Welcome to the first publication of Mind, Body, Spirit. The column will address a topic from one or more of the three areas in relation to life at Possum Kingdom Lake.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey was published in 1990, and from it arose a list entitled “Suggestions on How to Live a Happy and Rewarding Life.” Seventeen years later, a fish magnet still holds that laminated list to my refrigerator door. One day, as I skimmed it for the millionth time, I decided to create a new list for those who love Possum Kingdom.

I begin this first column by sharing this list with you:

Worship the triune God ** Inhale fresh PK air ** Boat around others as you would like others to boat around you ** Think positive even when you don’t feel like it ** Respect your fellow camper ** Fall asleep under the stars ** Learn to wakeboard or water ski ** Contemplate, “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” ** Remember sound travels at the lake ** Wear sunscreen – you’ll be glad you did in 20 years ** Arise early, drink coffee outside, say your prayers ** Eavesdrop on wildlife ** Hang sheets on a clothesline ** Eat homegrown fruits and vegetables ** Kayak through quiet coves ** Make sun tea on the boat ** Forgo debauchery – the eternal consequences aren’t worth it ** Swim in PK and notice thermoclines ** Attend church ** Spy audads scaling the bluffs ** Savor rain’s aroma ** Thank God for PK’s beauty ** Fish ** Turn off the television and sit outside ** Observe nutria gliding through still water ** Hug your friends ** Appreciate a spider web’s intricacy ** Relax in a hammock ** Love deeply ** Watch for snakes ** Remember it’s not all about you ** Behave at Hell’s Gate as if God’s observing (He is) ** Wear polarized sunglasses ** Nap ** Practice yoga on top of a dock ** Feel nature’s vibe ** Consume less alcohol and more water – you’ll look and feel better ** Never miss a PK sunrise or sunset ** Photograph the ordinary ** Smile at strangers ** Note the sounds of changing seasons ** Retrieve litter daily ** Don’t litter ** Read nonfiction and expand your horizons ** Pray without ceasing ** Skip dessert – you won’t miss it ** Pursue your dreams ** Turn off your music and listen to nature’s ** Choose happiness ** Power walk – it rejuvenates the mind, body and spirit ** Leave PK natural ** Live every day as if it were your last.