The Garden of Roses: Stories of Abuse and Healing

Healing is a Sacred Journey:  Cheesy Fun in Tillamook by Virginia Pickles Jones Way back in 1978 when I was attending the  University  of California and began grocery shopping for myself, I discovered this cheddar cheese called Tillamook that was far tastier than other cheddar cheeses.  I bought the Tillamook cheddar and left the Kraft cheese on the shelf. Somewhere in the back  of  my mind was the fact that Tillamook cheese was made  some place in Oregon. Fast forward to 2002, when I followed a friend's  advice  and visited The Tillamook Cheese Factory for the first time.  Who knew that a cheese factory could be such a fun place to visit?  And we all know that fun is healing because that is the whole point of this blog.  The Oregon coast town of Tillamook boasts two cheese factories which welcome visitors -- The Tillamook Cheese Factory and the Blue Heron Cheese Company. I love The Tillamook Cheese Factory with...

Healing is a Sacred Journey:  Following the Footpath to Fishing and Fishing Boats in Garibaldi, Oregon by Virginia Pickles Jones Begin by the Bay Lane Clam Bed Pier off of 12th Street just south of Highway 101.  Low tide allows you to walk on the rocky bay side.  When you have had your fill of turning over rocks and looking for invertebrates, take the stairs to the pier. In reflecting on your own life, where did you begin your journey to healing? The casual crab fishermen plies his pleasure, baiting a trap and throwing it into the water below. The crab he catches nurtures his taste buds, body and soul. What do you do to nurture body and soul? Whether you are fishing or walking, enjoy the azure skies, the view of green forested and grassy hills, and the mild breezes coming off the Pacific. Pacific… Pacify…. Peace…. Where do you find peace? Walk up the pier… …to the shore. Take the trail which le...

Healing is a Sacred Journey:  Maximum Relaxation on Rockaway Beach by Virginia Pickles Jones Many years ago, when my children were little, during the years after my husband and I divorced, I worried how I would support myself and my children.  I needed inexpensive fun activities for them and for me.  My deepest form of relaxation was resting on the beach while my children played.  I brought a simple lunch of fresh salsa, tortilla chips, sodas in plastic bottles and Pepperidge Farm cookies, spread out a couple of beach towels and a picnic cloth and stayed the whole day.   One of my favorite places to go was Rockaway Beach, Oregon.  Now I am sharing Rockaway Beach with you. Close your eyes and breathe in slowly and deeply….. Think of what you are feeling. Are you relaxed and happy?  Stressed and anxious?  Or just numb? Go for a walk on Rockaway Beach.  Take the kids.  Take the dog.  All will be content. ...