Women United To Heal Wounds And Create Peace
Tragedy and uncertainty united Ione Jenson, Masil Hulse and Julie Keene, but peace keeps them together.
In their secluded North Idaho retreat, the three women salve wounded psyches and heal heartaches. Like circuit riders, they also travel the country in a motor home to minister to lost souls.
They have compiled the wisdom of their combined 194 years in a just-published book, “Women Alone: Creating a Joyous and Fulfilling Life.” They’ll sign copies of their book at Hastings in Coeur d’Alene from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 21.
“So many women are suffering, and they can help each other,” says Julie, who’s 62. The book shows women they can lead fulfilling lives with or without Mr. Right.
Masil, who’s 72, and Julie are divorced. Ione, who’s 60, is married, but her husband is a pastor in Oregon. They see each other a few times a year.
“We have a firm belief that neither of us should abdicate our personal growth,” Ione says, her voice as gentle as a breeze.
Ione was a psychological counselor with spiritual leanings when Masil came to her in 1975. An accident in 1961 had killed one of Masil’s sons and blinded another. She had squelched her grief for 14 years.
“It seemed like I cried for three years straight once I started,” Masil says, shaking her head.
Ione’s psychological and spiritual healing process so impressed Masil that she decided to open a healing center with her. They found their sanctuary in a Hayden Lake tree farm in 1979 and built a spacious cedar home with a swimming pool, therapy/discussion room and extra rooms for guests.
Julie joined the pair in 1981 after her job as pastor of Coeur d’Alene’s Unity Church didn’t work out. She had left a tenured teaching job in a Michigan college to move to Idaho.
“In this wonderful, serene place, surrounded by love and support, I unloaded tons of stuff I hadn’t dealt with,” Julie says, shutting her eyes for a moment.
She exorcised her abusive childhood, a series of bad marriages, the death of one son and permanent injury of another.
“I released those pains, forgave myself, let go. That’s what we do here,” she says softly.
If “Woman Alone” sells well, Ione, Julie and Masil will expand for others the retreat that renewed their lives.
“We’re at an age and stage now where accumulation is not our goal,” says Julie. “Our goal is peace.”
Great Adventures
Remember Carolyn and Ron Orcutt, the Coeur d’Alene couple that trekked to the base camp of the world’s tallest peak? They’ll show slides of their latest 24-day trip to the base camp of K-2 and the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan at 7 p.m., May 18, at REI in Spokane.
The Orcutts are great photographers and tell a good story. Their show is free.
You’re in the Army now
The Salvation Army doesn’t ask for much. In fact, this time it wants to give you some free cookies and coffee to say thanks for all the help you’ve given it over the years.
The Salvation Army emergency disaster van will be open for tours and free eats 10-11:45 a.m. Monday at the Silver Lake Mall, noon to 2 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Resort and 3-5 p.m. at the Factory Outlets Mall in Post Falls.
Flower power
I drive past 514 Wallace Ave. in Coeur d’Alene every day just to smile at the wild array of red and yellow tulips throughout the front and back yards. Go see what you think.
On the corner of Wallace and Third is another budding beauty, though much more contained.
If your garden is a miracle of spring, share it with the rest of us. Or if you know a garden rampant with daffodils, tulips and grape hyacinths, send directions to Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83814; fax them to 765-7149; or call 765-7128 and tell me all about it.