P-J columnist speaks to Norden Women’s Club
Trending
The Norden Women's Club Fall member-guest luncheon was recently held in the Fireplace Room at the James Prendergast Library.
Maria Malmstrom and Yvonne Roman served as hostesses for the 36 members and guests in attendance. Brenda Fitzgerald provided opening remarks and introduced Shirley Swenson, who led in the invocation. Malmstrom introduced Margot Russell, known locally as a columnist for The Post-Journal, though her 30-year career includes writer of television scripts, articles for national publications, blogs for tourism bureaus and books. She has also been a tour director with a focus on archaeology and has traveled around the world to 35 countries. It is from her broad experiences that she shared "What the World Taught Me."
Russell used the words of William Wordsworth from his autobiographical poem, The Prelude ( Book 12 lines 208-218 in the 1850 edition):
"There are in our existence spots of time,
That with distinct pre-eminence retain
A renovating virtue.........by which pleasure is enhanced,
That penetrates, enables us to mount,
When high, more high, and lifts us up when fallen."
Russell shared several of her own "spots of time." An archaeological dig led her to ask, "What do we have in common with those who lived before us?" In San Salvador, as Starbucks entered the country, she observed the irony that coffee-bean pickers could not afford coffee sold in a paper cup bearing a green logo. This prompted the question, "Does consumerism make us happy?" In Bulgaria, as the country worked to establish itself as a democratic republic, she heard citizens ask, "What are taxes, and can we trust the government to allow us to practice our religion?" Her experiences in Nicaragua and rural Mexico reinforced the idea that the situations we are born into do not define us. She has found beauty, community, and humanity everywhere.
With her vast travel experiences, Russell also shared that many of her "spots of time" have originated here in Chautauqua County. The beauty of the sun setting over Chautauqua Lake, the vistas produced by the changing seasons of Western New York, the nostalgia of old Hotels, the Bemus Point Ferry, and unique eating experiences. She appreciates the simplicity of life, the slower traffic and a sense of belonging.
In conclusion, Russell enforced the notion that travel brings about transformation as we remain curious, recognize that the world is full of places and ways of living that are different from our own and we need to be aware enough to cross boundaries and find common areas to appreciate.
The meeting concluded with a drawing for $25.00 which was won by Nancy Jones.
The traditional Christmas Member-Guest Luncheon of Norden Women's Club will be held at the Moonbrook Country Club on Dec. 4, at noon.