Roseau Times-Region - Serving Roseau County for over 100 Years - The Official Roseau County Newspaper

Running in circles never getting anywhere, sounds like a bad dream. I had a dream last night that I was somewhere taking a walk. The walk took me to unfamiliar territory. I started out alone on my walk, but sooner or later I discovered that Joe was with me. We were trying to get back to our starting point, which was a place in which we were familiar. It was a real challenge. We walked and walked, asking questions to anyone who would stop, listen and give directions. No one gave us any help. The further we went on our quest, brought us deeper into the unknown. The new territory we entered became grayer and darker. There was no place to find rest or feel safe. At least I didn't lose my shoes, I hate when that happens in a dream. The deeper we went, the more frustrated I felt. The only emotion I could clearly distinguish was my own.

It is said that dreams will bring out the emotion you feel buried in your subconscious. Frustration must have been in mine.

I was talking to a friend the other day who has a difficult time sleeping. She watches the news before bedtime and becomes emotionally worked up and frustrated with the negativity. She then brings all this emotion into her sleep. Sometimes it is better not to know what is going on. Uff da!

When I eat a lot of sugar before bedtime, it takes me four to five hours to settle down. Definitely not a good idea!

I have tried Melatonin, Tylenol PM, Naproxen (Aleve), Ibuprofen, and even warm milk to get a better nights sleep. Some people use wine, but I know if I did that, it would easily get out of control like chocolate chip cookies. Self medicating with wine isn't a good idea. We all self medicate to one degree or another. You need to do it in a safe way, staying away from things that foster addiction. Everyone has addictions, mine is chocolate, Pickled Herring, Lutefisk with butter and sugar, Rømmegrøt (Norwegian Mush) with butter, cinnamon and sugar, Cheetos, and any kind of ice cream, Ritz Crackers, plain or with cream cheese and jelly. I am also addicted to Marianne Ballard's cooking. Oh my, just the thought of her home- made soup makes my mouth water.

Look up the Gaither's Vocal Band. Their message in song will bring peace to your mind. Their music will help you think about good things in the evening. A verse which helps direct my focus, is Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." (Especially before bedtime!)

We Have This Moment Today

by The Gaither Vocal Band

Hold tight to the sounds of the music of living. Happy songs from the laughter of the children at play.

Hold my hand as we run through the sweet fragrant meadows. making memories of what was today.

We have this moment to hold in our hands, and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand.

Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come, but we have this moment today.

Tender words, gentle touch and a good cup of coffee, and someone who loves me, and wants me to stay.

Hold them near while they're here, ah, and don't wait for tomorrow, to look back and wish for this day.

We have this moment to hold in our hands, and to touch as it slips, through our fingers like sand

Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come, but we have this moment today, we have this moment today