What Happens Inside of Us Affects the Whole Planet
t's a challenge to summarize how I feel the day before the 2016 election. The stress of the moment, the anxiousness of the world and the extreme differences in desires, weigh heavy on my soul.
I could talk about the exciting (bear) Cubs win. Or the ship (USS Bear), a famous 68 year old wooden sailing vessel that carried men safely to Antarctica and back. Or the Arctic polar bears endangered because the sea ice is melting. What does Bear medicine have to tell us?
Be in silence, nurture your receptive side, seek and find your own answers, take action on your creative projects and tear down the illusions of this physical world.
Here's my reflection.
It's election day 1916. George Washington Gibbs, Sr. votes for his Presidential candidate, Charles Evan Hughes. Hughes is a middle of the road Republican. As governor of New York, Hughes was a champion of progressive causes. GWGibbs Sr. is disappointed that a Democrat, Woodrow Wilson, wins the election. So, on 11/7/1916, he changes his new son's name from Charles E. Hughes to George Washington Gibbs, Jr.
GWGibbs Jr., goes on to have an extraordinary life in the military, politics, corporate management, community leadership, entrepreneurship and family. At his birthday party (election day 11/7/2000),
George happily passes away thinking his candidate, Al Gore, wins the election. A political animal until death.
As I publicly acknowledge my father's 100th birthday, I wonder:
What history will we make on election day 2016?
How will our fate change?
What dreams wake, regardless of who wins?
And what is the golden thread that continues 100 years from now, in spite of our human drama?
What happens tomorrow affects the entire human race. What happens on Antarctica is the result of our actions. We are All Antarctica.
Leilani Henry at Holy Trinity Church (Russian: Церковь Святой Троицы), a small Russian Orthodox church on King George Island © Leilani Henry
George W. Gibbs Jr. aboard the USS Bear 1940 © Leilani Henry
Who Makes a Difference?- We do
Antarctica is a peaceful kingdom, writes Dian Olsen Belanger in her book, Deep Freeze.
Science is the primary focus for the Icy Continent. We learn about space, earth's changing climate, life sciences, ecosystems--every thinkable aspect of science can be researched at the bottom of the world. We also enlighten ourselves about humans under extreme conditions when we study Antarctica.
The Antarctic Treaty is an important accomplishment in the 20th century. The world came together to protect one place on earth from war, politics, mining and exploitation. We continue the "how did this happen?!" thought, with our new Paris Agreement. I love it when the world collectively determines something positive for our future. Critics say it's not enough. Like the Antarctic Treaty, the fact that we have this agreement is a feat worth celebrating. Over 100 countries in agreement and counting.
As I reflect on the success of Admiral Byrd's III expedition to the South Pole, I'm reminded that the human side of any endeavor can make or break the most well thought out plan. 125 men and 80 dogs found ways to cope with the harshness of their voyage because they each did their part and relied on the other.
George W. Gibbs Jr., said it was the best time in his life. Gibbs was 23 when he sailed on the USS Bear. When I first heard this, as his daughter, I felt disappointed that it didn't include me (haha).
The trip was well before he was married with family. After all the amazing things he experienced, Antartica was it! Count down Day 2 until his 100th birthday.
Remember every day, we make the difference in our future.
Miles to other world cities from King George Island 2012 ©Leilani Henry
Food Patterns in Antarctica - Count Down Day 3
Near King George Island, Antarctica 2012 © Leilani Henry
No where in the world is food more important than during Polar expeditions.
Even though my father was part of the mess or kitchen crew on the USS Bear, I never thought this type of position had much to offer history. Probably because of my less than enthusiastic relationship with cooking. See my guest blog post in The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning. This book is a fantastic account of two women, Wendy Trusler and Carol Devine, who were a part of an environmental cleanup project on Bellinghausen station, King George Island.
I happened to be in the same location in 2012, and had no idea of their expedition six years prior.
The blog, Green with Renvy, published beautiful book review of Trusler and Devine's book. It inspired me to pull a menu from Byrd's III expedition that my father, George W. Gibbs, JR., had a hand in making aboard their 68 year old wooden barkentine sailing vessel-USS Bear.
From Byrd Polar Research Center, Ohio State University Archives:
Planned on August 1, 1939 for the first week at sea ( 11/22/1939)
Breakfast: stewed prunes, hominy grits, condensed milk, chipped beef on toast, fig perserves, buttered toast, coffee
Lunch: local fish stew, local fried fish fillets, french fried potato shreds, cucumber pickles, bread and butter, vitaminized cherry gelatine, and cocoa
Dinner: Rice, rye bread and butter, stuffed olives, bohemian tea, crab apple jelly
You know that chocolate, cocoa, chocolate malt- any way you can make and eat cacao is present in ALL of the polar expeditions. High fat, high calories and good for your intuition. (according to Yogi J. Oliver Black as reported to me by Dr. Aaron Flickstein)
Finally, the photo is from my 2012 Antarctic trip. We visited an abandoned hut and found what... chocolate! Still edible from years past. ( I don't have a date)
Nature Rules OK? New Antarctica Musical in Hobart Australia
Today, I'm hyperaware of the line between life and death in Antarctica. Some have said it's not life and death any more on the Ice. Not true!
Gordon Hamilton, a prominent climate scientist, died from a snow mobile accident, in late October. He fell into a 100 ft deep crevasse. Crevasses are one of the primary hazards on the continent. You can be super skillful and still fall prey to the landscape.
and Yes, Nature does Rule. Antarctic scientist, Dana Bergstrom, an Australian survivor of a fatal sewer gas leak, wrote and produced a New Antarctica Musical. She vowed, if she survived, to share in a more dramatic way, why Antarctica is the 'canary in the coal mine' on our planet. If you live near Hobart, it's playing until 11/12/16.
I hope these posts help you be more engaged with our precious bottom of the world.
I know I need to do more, many people are waiting for me to finish my writing project. Thanks for your support!
Leilani Henry speaking to students at a CO Middle school ©Leilani Henry
Antarctica 2041- Robert Swan Inspires Hope
It's the year 2000. I'm introduced to Robert Swan, five minutes before he goes onstage to deliver his FAST company keynote address. Mr. Swan is the first person to walk to both poles, from about 700-900 miles away each trip. With generosity, he listens to my story about my father on Admiral Byrd's III expedition to Antarctica.
Next thing I hear is an announcement from stage-"Will the daughter of George W. Gibbs, Jr. please stand." I stand as Robert Swan adds to his already packed speech, "I'm honored by a man who worked humbly to make one of Admiral Byrd's expeditions successful. The George's of the world, who quietly serve and don't receive much thanks." It's important to know we are not alone. Together, we build a better world.
This is the first time I acknowledge, in public, my father's accomplishments. I don't even know (at this time) any details of what happened on the expedition- only that he was a part of it. I feel compelled to connect to this famous explorer and tell him this little known part of Antarctic history.
Robert Swan impressed me that day with his Presence. His willingness and ability to adjust his remarks on the spot is an important model for leadership. It's not all about us. If we're willing to change in an instant, we can make a lasting impact with one small gesture.
Learn more about keeping Mother Earth's last frontier forever protected.
http://2041.com/robert-swan
You've Heard of Microagressions, No? It Started in Antarctica!
Charles M. Pierce, a brilliant, All-American ( quote from Paul Dalrymple) hero introduced the concept of microaggressions, from his collaboratively research on extreme conditions at the South Pole. This research was published from 1968-1990 that might also be applied to space travel.
Dr. Pierce, a Harvard medical school graduate, was a true renaissance man. From football, to film, to medicine, to research, he is also remembered for his attention to stress, race and class. As I read bios, interviews and wikipedia about Dr. Pierce, most fail to show the origin of his research on microaggression: "small acts, almost innocuous in themselves, that in aggregate can undermine self-esteem and destroy relationships". Quote from Paul Dalrymple www.antarctican.org.
Since there are many tensions and aggressions before and during this election season, I think it's important to get as many facts correctly as possible.
I share Charles M. Pierce (3/4/29-9/20/16 RIP), and this little known connection with polar research as a count down to what would have been George W. Gibbs, Jr,'s 100th birthday coming up 11/7/16.
Post Script: I'm published in Management and Leadership Skills for Medical Faculty. My chapter is "Navigating Conflict". I wish I had known more about microaggression and Dr. Pierce's work last year! http://www.mettasolutions.com/best-leadership-book-for-medical-faculty/
Antarctica-Past, Present and Future: Count Down to Gibbs 100th Birthday
One week to go to 11/7/16- This would be George W. Gibbs, Jr's 100th Birthday.
Best news this year for Antarctica: The most pristine waters in the world are now protected! http://bbc.in/2f6d1G3
Gibbs sailed to the Ross Ice Shelf with Admiral Richard E. Byrd's III expedition to the South Pole, in 1940. Where icebergs look like castles and penguins love to play. Thankfully, after 76 years, we still have these sights. For the next 35 years, the protections remain. Antarctica is melting. We're more aware of what that might mean for the planet.
We need to save the world's last frontier. This is a perfect step.
Antarctic News and Announcment
Good news for inhabitants of this planet and the environment. "Antarctic Ozone Layer is Finally Healing", says Chris Mooney in the Washington Post. http://wapo.st/2bOo9Zi
.."And the Ozone Layer over the Antarctic continent is getting better directly because of our choices and policies." I think it's important to celebrate our small wins.
Also, Colleen O'Connor, who was killed by a car last week. She won an award for the article on George W. Gibbs, Jr., right before I left for Antarctica in 2012.
She inspired and helped me in many ways. RIP Colleen.
World's Largest Canyon Spotted Beneath Antarctic Ice Sheet!
Today, 76 years ago, is the historic day that George W. Gibbs, Jr, set foot on the West Antarctic Ice Shelf, making him the first man in the world of his race to do so. I woke up wondering what I would write to commemorate the day. Only to see this new discovery in the news, just announced on 1/14/16 in the Australian press.
“Our analysis provides the first evidence that a huge canyon and a possible lake are present beneath the ice in Princess Elizabeth Land,” (East Antarctica) Dr Jamieson said.
“It’s astonishing to think that such large features could have avoided detection for so long."
"The results of this analysis, published recently in the journal Geology, reveal a chain of winding features over 600 miles long and half a mile deep buried beneath miles of ice." This discovery will be confirmed later in 2016, trumps the latest finding in 2013 of Greenland's Grand Canyon. Due to satellite sophistication, "the age of discovery is far from over."
The canyon is over twice the size of the USA's Grand Canyon. Hello Mother Earth!
Wikipedia Page is Alive
The only error I see, is in addition to being the first African American on Antarctica, he was the first person of black African descent in the world, to set foot there. This information was verified by Robert Headland, in an email to Ted Scambos, in October 2009.
Gibbs Made History Today
Joyce Gibbs (George's wife) and Leilani Henry (daughter)
A few months ago, I found another document that speaks of today's historical event. One of his ship mates wrote on January 14, 1940, George W. Gibbs, Jr. was the first Negro in Antarctica. It's exciting to find more evidence of personal connections aboard the USS Bear.
Today is the 75th anniversary!
The Prime Meridian in Antarctica is less than 500 miles/900 kilometers east from where the crew of the USS Bear docked for the first time, on the Ross Ice Shelf.
A few weeks ago, my mother and I stood on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich Park, London.
How cool is that? Thanks to our hosts Vicky Thomas and David Hall.
75 Years Ago-The U.S.S. Bear Set Sail
-courtesy of Leilani Henry files. Picture on USS Bear, near Antarctic circle January 1940.
There are many remembrances for this day. It's 50 years since the assassination of JFK.
I celebrate Hannah Claire, who turns 20.
The biggest day of my father's life happened on this day. He set sail for Antarctica and magnetic South Pole. His diary says on Nov. 22, 1939, "75 huskies howling day and night". Later on the trip, his autograph book is signed by Admiral Byrd.
To George W. Gibbs, Jr,
"Best wishes to one who has done so much to make our cruise more comfortable and pleasant"
- RE Byrd
Today-Guest Blogger for The Antarctic Book of Cooking & Cleaning
It's Easter Day 2014 and Passover Week. Thanks to Carol Devine for hosting me on her The Antarctic Book of Cooking and Cleaning blog. http://bit.ly/1mpQRv3
The Perceived Value of the Poles
What solutions might emerge to balance our need to mine, with a balance of protection for all life on the planet?
Current reality at the Poles--great summary slide show. http://bit.ly/1hT6UBT
AND today, George W. Gibbs, Jr, made history by landing on Antarctica in 1940. He was the first man off the ship and became the first person of African descent, in the world, to land on the continent.
Goodbye to Nelson Mandela
I'm grateful for witnessing the influence of his life on our planet. Richard Branson's blog is my favorite tribute so far. http://bit.ly/19ksmqX
Here are some of his many quotes. Let his light continue to inspire us.
Today is the Unofficial George W. Gibbs, Jr. Day
http://www.snapjudgment.org/silver-dollar-lounge
Earlier today I wrote:
I come from a political family. They are/were more passionate about politics than I am. I appreciate all who work tirelessly for the Common Good! I do my best to use my voice. Blogging is one way.
George Gibbs was born on November 7th election day and died on November 7th election day. He was going to be named Charles Evans Hughes, after the Republican candidate. When Hughes lost the election, his father named him George Washington Gibbs, Jr. Both he and his father were quite political. On the evening of November 7th, George died watching the election results, thinking his candidate, Al Gore, won.
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| Blanket Given to my mother, Joyce Gibbs, from Gibbs Elementary |
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| Tree on Gibbs Dr., Rochester, MN |
Denmark Is the Happiest Country on Earth
My father, George W. Gibbs, Jr. was ahead of his time in many ways. He loved Denmark. Of course, I never knew why or perhaps didn't inquire. Over the years, I've met wonderful Danes and now this article. We CAN have our cake and eat it too, if we choose for the common good.
Stories about George Gibbs, Jr.- News from the Rochester Post Bulletin
Today the Rochester Post Bulletin printed an article about my book progress. They highlight the challenges and opportunities I face, as a researcher and writer. Telling a historical story to make it relevant to today is my goal. I'm exploring his journals, papers and other expedition members information to create the story of Admiral Byrd's III expedition to the South Pole. It's a little known story that needs to have it's place in history.
In the actual newspaper, (not the online version), Mike Dougherty asks on my behalf, to send me stories and experiences about my father. George has many admirers, many of whom I've never met. Others have stories I've not heard.
If you knew him or know someone who had an experience, please email me with your experience at contact.leilani (AT) beingandliving.com. The moment the article came out, I received my first, heartfelt story. This is very exciting!
The USS Bear leaving for Antarctica
My goal is to continue to write and reflect on the six month journey the crew of the USAS experienced, beginning today. Any good wishes on finishing this book in the next six months, is appreciated!
Colleen O'Connor Wins CABJ Award for Frozen in Time!
