Mount Hood

Growing up is bad for you

Written by: Liberty Miller | Lifestyle Editor

t seemed like only yesterday that my biggest concern was feeling nauseous on the 30 minute bus ride back home before getting picked up by my mom at the end of the lane; everything was taken care of, and I had little to no thoughts about the future… back in the day. 

Nowadays, we are all in the unique position of having adult responsibilities like work, the dreaded annual taxes, homework and the understanding that if we sleep wrong, our necks will hurt for the next five days; and yet, we are not quite real adults. College is a buffer where one can undergo a trial phase instead of feeling the crushing reality of adulthood immediately following high school graduation. 

There are a set amount of variables that we can count on to appear as we traverse into our early 20’s: jobs, financial responsibility, stress, challenges and independence. However, I think that there is one big fallacy — a lie that’s been incorporated into our minds by society for years now. 

Childlike wonder, youthful optimism, utter refusal to abide by the stoic and unforgiving rules of society. These are the things we need to carry into the world and possess — in tandem with all of the givens that define adulthood. 

The big lie of society is the predetermined expectation to let these things go. Don’t give up on the smallest of small things that make life joyful because of societal conditioning to be put together, ultra-productive, serious and “mature.” 

If I think that the Wiggles are the greatest musical group to ever exist — bet on it that I’m going to that Wiggles concert. If I feel that crocheting, watching Disney channel or having deep conversations with my stuffed animal is going to bring me even the slightest molecular glimpse of happiness, I am going to do that. 

We supposedly only get the first 18 years of our life to act like a fool, but it takes a brave soul, and some belligerent optimism, to carry on that joyful spirit past the years we’re told are socially acceptable. So my advice is that after reading this article, we go about life doing whatever the hell we feel like doing. 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Get inspired and conquer creative block

Five tips for boosting creativity and overcoming artist’s block

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Creative block happens to the best of us, and it seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. Whether a creative medium is needed for a class or work, or it is simply used as an outlet, it can be frustrating to be out of ideas. When inspiration is lacking, try one of these strategies to jump-start creativity. 

Set aside time to work: Creativity is a skill, meaning it needs to be practiced regularly in order to improve. Dedicating time to working on one’s craft ⏤ even if it’s only 10 minutes a day ⏤ can continually keep the creative juices flowing. Remove distractions for an optimal work session.

Do nothing for a while: Alternatively, take a complete break from everything, including social media, homework and other stressors. Give the mind a mental break and take the time to recharge. This relaxing time can also be used to daydream or meditate on possible creative project ideas and let the imagination wander.

Try a new medium: When totally stuck, it could be time to do something new, yet still on the creative track. Try a hand at painting, crafting, writing, music, photography, baking or any number of creative outlets. If a friend or family member is skilled in a different medium, ask to spend some time with them performing their activity together.

Change the environment: According to entrepreneur.com, a change of scenery, even a slight change, can boost creativity. This could look like redecorating a workspace or working in a different room or location altogether.

Enjoy other artists’ work: Gather inspiration from others’ creations; any type of media can be helpful for any artist. Listening to music, exploring social media profiles and groups, watching videos or reading books and stories can all be inspiring while also providing some entertainment.

Brainstorm socially: Sometimes, the best ideas can come out of conversing with others. Exchange ideas directly with other artists, providing prompts for one another to work off of. Or simply take the time to have a fun conversation; maybe an interesting, inspiring topic will arise.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

These gardening tips are kind of a big dill

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

Growing a garden can be a rewarding hobby, though winter makes it all but impossible to grow greens outdoors. Luckily, many herbs and small vegetables can be grown indoors, a win-win for those without outdoor spaces and those looking for year-round fresh goods. Here are some steps to starting a personal indoor garden.

Firstly, map out the perfect spot in the house. Most plants will grow best in a south facing window with full sunlight. If no such window is available, investing in incandescent, fluorescent or full spectrum LED lights is also an option. 

Pick out which greens are going to be planted. The possibilities are endless ⏤ from scallions to basil to oregano to microgreens. According to gardentherapy.ca, the easiest herbs to grow indoors include chives, mint, parsley and Vietnamese coriander. Seedlings tend to be less fickle than seeds — a good option especially for novice gardeners. Buy seeds and seedlings from the gardening center at a grocery outlet or home improvement store.

Next, acquire other necessary supplies; use pots, containers or window boxes at least four inches deep, and make sure they have drainage holes with a drip tray underneath. Get organic potting soil and some type of watering can or mister, and buy fertilizer if desired.

Pat down about two inches of soil into a pot, then scatter many seeds over the soil. Top with a thin layer of soil, then water and add optional fertilizer. If repotting seedlings, make sure the roots get fully covered with dirt. Place the pots in adequate light; if using artificial light, set it on a timer for about 16 hours per day.

Each plant is unique, so follow growing instructions provided on the seed packet or online. Most plants will need to be watered every couple of days. Many greens will pop up in about one week, and some may be ready to harvest in as little as three weeks; cuttings can be taken starting when the plant reaches at least four inches tall.

When harvesting, use clean, sharp scissors to cut lower outer leaves and stems. Harvest often, but cut less than one third of the plant at a time to encourage growth. Enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables in meals, soups and salads all year-round.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

Review: “Mushrooming Without Fear”

Be a fun-gi and safely forage for mushrooms with this field guide

Natalie‌ ‌Dean‌ ‌|‌ ‌Entertainment‌ ‌Editor‌

Nature-lovers alike can appreciate any field guide that is safety-oriented ⏤ especially one that is in-depth and provides full-color pictures. This quick read by Alexander Schwab is full of thorough information; “Mushrooming Without Fear: The Beginner’s Guide to Collecting Safe and Delicious Mushrooms” includes detailed steps on the proper way to hunt for these hidden gems in the area. 

Throughout the three main sections, the reader can explore the components of a mushroom and how to tell the difference in its anatomies — such as its gills, tubes, spines and ridges. Since there is such a variety of species and toxicity levels, it is important to go through Schwab’s recommended steps for positive identification. The guide breaks into sections for different types of fungi, which has a full overview and highly stresses their “safe method,” and consists of these guidelines:

  1. When first starting off, leave most mushrooms alone.
  2. Closely evaluate which specific markings are present, and keep in mind which identifiers are absent.
  3. Follow the rules and take the identification process step-by-step.

This safety method ensures that the forager will avoid deadly species or ones that can cause permanent damage, such as ones with gills, which are highly poisonous and should be avoided completely. Further in the book, there are eight rules that should also be studied before picking or consuming. 

Aside from the bounty of safety information found in this guide, readers can also check out the twelve types of mushrooms and their species — like the King Bolete, Chanterelles, Common Puffballs, Hen of the Woods and Bay Boletes. One especially useful part of the positive identification checklist is a scale of colors along the top of the page, which represents the correct color the cap should be when picked.

Other details on the checklists include the average size across the cap, what time of the year they make an appearance, their location and other tips. 

With the identification checklist readily available for each type of mushroom, there are also plenty of details for how to handle, store, season and cook them. Out of all the field guides out there on the market, this one is very beginner-friendly, affordable and definitely worth taking along while foraging. 

Rating 4/5 because I will now be spending all of my money on mushroom field guides. 

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

20 classic games to play with family and friends

Board and card games to revisit this season

Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor 

Between the stress of buying gifts for the holidays and the building excitement of the incoming new year, a classic board game can be all anyone needs to destress. Tabletop games are about coming together with family and friends to have a lively, fun and lightly competitive time together. Some games are straightforward and lighthearted, like Candy Land or Connect Four, while other games seem like they are designed to cause an all-out debate about the rules and technicalities at the table, like with Scrabble or Clue. 

In any case, here’s a list of classic board games that everyone loves to play and hates to lose. Nearly all of these can be purchased online or in stores; thrift stores are also a good place to check for more unique games or neat card decks to try out. These games are ranked from the least to most likely to start a debate about the rules and who won. 

  1. Uno
  2. Marbles
  3. Mancala
  4. Connect Four
  5. Dominoes
  6. Hungry Hungry Hippos 
  7. Candy Land
  8. Chutes and Ladders
  9. Operation
  10. Don’t Break the Ice
  11. Sorry!
  12. Jenga
  13. Battleship
  14. Checkers
  15. Chess
  16. Twister
  17. The Game of Life 
  18. Scrabble 
  19. Clue
  20. Monopoly

Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu

Oh, what fun: winter hobbies to try

Indoor and outdoor activities for the winter season

Allison Vanderzanden | Lifestyle Editor

COVID-19 has forced many people to find new ways to fill their time, like picking up on a variety of hobbies. As quarantining continues, the cold winter months bring on a new season with an abundance of new activities. Get inspired to try something new or rekindle an old favorite activity with this list of indoor and outdoor winter hobbies.

Knitting/crocheting: Whether it be a scarf, hat, blanket or sweater, knitting and crocheting generate perfect products for winter days. Knitting needles and crochet hooks can be purchased for as little as $5, and yarn costs as little as $3 depending on the type. Numerous blogs and YouTube videos exist to help get started, or ask a family member who knows how to knit or crochet to pass down their skill.

Baking: Home-baked desserts can make any dull winter day sweeter. Whether it be cakes, cookies, breads or other confections, there are endless possibilities of baked goods to choose from. Check out recipes online, including on The Western Howl’s website, or invest in a cookbook; add a fun challenge by making a dessert only with items currently in the pantry.

Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles are great for all ages with their wide variety of piece numbers and artworks. There are also other types of puzzle games to try, like sudoku, crosswords and word searches. Many different apps are available for any of these puzzles, or go old-school pen and paper by printing them from websites or buying a whole bookful.

Birding: Though the weather is cold, the trees are now bare, and that creates the perfect opportunity to pick up birdwatching. According to the Fernhill Wetlands Council, common birds to see in the winter in Oregon include the black-capped chickadee, red-tailed hawk, killdeer, northern flicker, house finch and song sparrow. Use a birding app or book and get outside to spot and identify some birds.

Photography: The world is a piece of art that can be captured in a photo. Winter’s shimmering snow and monochromatic backdrop can make for beautiful photos, and now is as good a time as any to try it out. Even phone cameras can capture great shots — try adjusting different settings and filters to see the wide range of possibilities photography has.

Winter sports: Getting outdoors and exercising can be a good stress reliever while simultaneously getting out of the house. Hit the slopes on skis or snowboard, go snowshoeing or learn how to ice skate or play hockey. Make sure to research if venues are open and what their COVID regulations are. Another outdoor activity that can be done with family or neighbors is a snowball fight.

Contact the author at avanderzanden19@mail.wou.edu

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