Fun in the Sun

Last week we headed to cruise the Southern Caribbean with 24 of our friends. Need I say that we had a spectacularly fantastic time. The weather was amazing...78-84 degrees day or night and no rain. With the soft, white sand beaches and the warm salty water, playing in the surf and snorkeling was heavenly. After a day of sightseeing the islands of St. Croix, St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada, and Tobago, we would return to the ship for gourmet meals and great shipboard entertainment. I have to say this was the best cruise we have ever taken. We took a catamaran day trip Monday and snorkeled in a calm cove for about an hour. With our waterproof camera we were able to snap some pics of the fish among the coral reefs. After snorkeling we sailed to the small island of Nevis and had a yummy bbq chicken lunch with fresh coconut slaw. We had time to play in the waves on the beach before heading back under full sail on the catamaran. The next day (Tuesday) we took a tour of Dominica. Gorgeous island, very tropical of course. We hiked through a very dense forest to some falls and thermal pools. Then drove to Titu Gorge where a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. The water was chilly and wading into the gorge was "envigorating". But, once inside it was surreal when you looked up volcanic walls to the fern-fringed edges of the gorge. On Wednesday we toured Grenada. What was supposed to be a "three hour tour"...like Gilligan...ended up being much longer but we weren't marooned on an island at the end. We visited a spice plantation and learned how nutmeg is harvested and processed as well as cocoa beans. It's quite a process. At the end of the tour of the island which consisted of driving on itty-bitty windy roads up and down mountains to the crater lake at the top, we finally cooled off and played at a gorgeous beach before heading back to the ship. Thursday we booked a glass bottomed boat trip to Buccoo Reef to snorkel and then to the Nylon Pool to play in the water. The reef is some distance off shore. It was a bit rough that day with some wind. I didn't last long snorkeling but enjoyed the boat. The Nylon pool is an area offshore that is a white sand pool 4 1/2 feet deep for about a mile. The water was incredible. I could have floated out there for hours. Friday was a sea day all day. It was relaxing to sit by one of the on board pools and read, doze, and then...oh how awful...dine on some of the many cuisines on board. Then, again, off to dinner for a gourmet meal and show at night. We headed back home on Saturday with a long flight home with great memories (and a few extra pounds.) It is amazing to see another part of the world that is so different from where we live. It was beautiful, but I missed being in touch with my family and of course, there's no place like home.

Winter Skies

The poet Carl Sandburg wrote:

The fog comes on little cat feet

It sits looking over harbor and city

On silent haunches

And then moves on.

For weeks now mists of silent gray have hung over our valley. It is winter here and that means fog. Each morning lately I have opened the front door to pick up the newspaper and looked out into a sea of gray. Fog not only IS gray, it makes everything else look like it's been photographed in grayscale or captured as an old black and white movie. Houses are gray, streets are gray, trees and bushes are gray. All as if the edges were photoshopped with blurred edges.

Remember at the beginning of "The Wizard of Oz" when Dorothy starts out at her Kansas home in black and white film? In 1939 you expected to see a movie in black and white and shades of gray. But due to "modern" technology that year, when Dorothy enters the land of Oz, shazam...full glorious color.

Yesterday, in a "Shazam" moment, after an afternoon rainstorm, the clouds parted and a huge rainbow arched across the horizon. I wasn't in Oz but Clovis looked beautiful in full technicolor. It was as if this gift of a rainbow was reminding me that even on foggy days there is beauty. You just have to see it in the right light.

When Noah was shown a rainbow after so many days of rain, he and his family must have had a "Shazam" moment, too, as the clouds parted and the full light returned to the earth with the promise of brighter days.

The fog will leave our valley as the days lengthen with the approach of Spring. It was a lovely moment to see that rainbow yesterday, though. A reminder of the promise of days ahead of warmth and light.

Celebrating 40 years together

On September 5, 1970 we started our life together as husband and wife. It was a spectacular day and our faces were sore from smiling so much. We were so in love and looked forward to the adventure of building our lives together. As we drove off in our MG Midget (after unstuffing the newspapers in it and lifting it off of the jack stands my brother in law had placed under the axel as a joke) we were blissfully unaware of what the future held for us. We just knew we wanted to take the journey together.

Now, forty years later we celebrate that journey. Along the way we attended college (and graduated), raised five amazing children, moved several times, enjoyed careers, served at church and in the community, watched children go off to school, got misty eyed when they got married, thrilled at becoming grandparents, took trips to a number of states, camped and fished over the western states, spent a few weeks in Europe, worked along side each other and played...a lot!

I still have my wedding dress, carefully hung in the closet. Reality set in when I realized there was no way I was going to fit into it this week. It was a wake up call to me verifying that time had passed and I was not the young bride I was 40 years ago.

But, then, that's not such a bad thing. I do wish I had the figure I had when I was 21 years old, but over the past 40 years I have had experiences that have helped me be the woman I am today. I have learned that goodness in people is to be treasured, whether it is in a spouse, a family member, a friend, or those you barely know. That no matter what the obstacle, there is a way around or over it. That saying what you are is good, but doing what you are is powerful. That I still have so much to learn and hope I'm always open to ideas and inspiration.

I am grateful to have shared the past 40 years with my amazing husband and look forward to the road ahead with my eternal travel companion. Happy Anniversary, my love.

Friendship

Twenty-six years ago a friendship was forged that has continued and grown over the years. Fifteen years ago, for our 25th anniversary we shared a week in Hawaii with our good friends, leaving our children at home to manage on their own (our 16 year old was put in charge of our younger two daughters and did a marvelous job. Although I'm almost sure the total account of the week's adventures has yet to be told.) Three years ago we planned to meet in Hawaii but plans had to be changed. This year, we once again have been able to renew our friendship in Hawaii, this time on Kauai. Isn't it amazing that with dear friends you can be apart for long periods of time, but when you meet again it's like there has never been a lapse. You pick up right where you left off, with hugs, and laughter, sharing moments from years past, and looking toward the future adventures that our friendship will find. Good friends, a blessing and a joy. A whole LOT of fun, too.

Ahhhhh....California

Just a week ago we traveled to the Sierra Nevada Mountains for the first time this year. What an incredible feast of natural beauty all in one day. Driving from the valley through the bright green foothills of Spring was as refreshing to the eye as it was to the soul. Most of the year the foothills are golden brown but for a brief time in Spring they are vibrant with new growth and new life. And the banquet of wildflowers along the roadways in brilliant hues of purple, yellow and blue are an amazing display of the beauty the Lord has placed here on the earth for us to enjoy. It's as if the multi-colored swaths of wildflowers that catch the eye also catch us before we hurry along missing the beauty that surrounds us. It is said "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" but I would venture that the eye needs to be open to the beauty first. Too often I find myself running fast through the day, so conscious of the hours that are slipping by and not paying enough attention to the beauty that is right in front of me. Wildflowers just seem to shout out to be noticed. And I have. At least on a beautiful day this Spring.

Wii've Come a Long Way

When I was about five years old, (at the dawn of time) my parents bought our first televison set. I sat transfixed in front of the black and white images that filled the screen. Often they would jiggle around due to some unknown intereference, then the screen would be filled with electronic "snow". I'd impatiently wait until the figures on the screen regained normal proportion and the snowstorm passed. I had my favorite shows. I barely remember "Winky Dink" but do remember you had to have a plastic sheet to place across the screen and a special marker to draw hidden pictures on the TV screen. I didn't have the special plastic screen, so tried to use plastic wrap and a crayon. It didn't work very well. I had to use my imagination to fill in the spaces on the screen to form a picture of a firetruck, a girl's smiling face, or a frog. It was a good exercise for imagination, I guess, but I longed for an official "Winkey Dink" set. One day, I'm not sure how it happened, but my sister showed up with one. In great anticipation we placed the plastic sheet on the TV screen and waited for the "Hidden Pictures" part of the show to begin. Poised with special marker in hand, we traced the design. It doesn't matter what it was...I don't remember. But I do remember that I felt as if I had entered a new age. I had interacted with a television program! See it here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eclOpNdzMEE
Fast forward about 50 years (or so) to 2009. My darling husband gave me a Wii just before Christmas. Talk about interaction with television! I was blown away with the responsiveness of the (what's it called...the stick thing...oh the "controller"). We laughed so hard as we tried to paddle a canoe down a simple course, ramming into buoys and flags. There was more ping in my ping pong than his and I won most games. Golf, well, not so much. I still have yet to master the fencing game where you bash each other on the head and knock your opponent off a cliff. A little too violent for my genteel taste.
Then, even more amazing, my ever wonderful man gave me the Wii Fit board for Christmas. Now you're talking! What a way to exercise and have fun at the same time. Once I was through the "check in" and winced at my weigh in, I took on several of the balance games. How does this set of flat white boxes know where I am and what I'm doing? It is a puzzlement!
I don't expect to understand the intricacies of the computer language and electronics that make this thing work. I think its a marvel. And I don't think I ever even had a glimmer of a thought back in my black and white TV days that such a thing would ever be real.
Looking forward and using your imagination, what do you see as the real future? The mind reels when you think of how far we have come and the potential of the future. What would you like to see? After all, Wii've come a long way already.

Little Girl Grown Up

Twenty eight years ago a baby girl was born into our family in the wee hours of a cold December night. Since then our lives have been blessed as this beautiful little girl has grown into an amazing woman. She has a gift of seeing the world in a unique way that is often surprising and sometimes very funny. Her poetry and writing reflect her ability to make the mundane magical. Her "Robynisms" are legendary. She has the gift of music with a gorgeous voice that even as a child was sweet and clear. She has the ability to understand children and knows how to encourage them to have the courage to be their best. She's an awesome teacher, loyal friend, loving companion to a terrific husband, caring granddaughter, supportive sister, quirky, funny, fabulous and smart. Best of all, she's my daughter and I love her with all my heart. Happy Birthday!

A Challenge

I have a really good excuse for not updating my blog lately. Two weeks ago I had repair surgery performed on my right shoulder which resulted in having my right arm in a sling/brace. The shoulder is healing nicely but it is rather a challenge to do everyday activities with just my left hand. I have to keep my arm in the sling 24/7 for about two more weeks. I am counting the days. But in the meantime these are the things I have learned. First, I have an amazing and compassionate husband who has been a lifesaver. I simply would have to be a blob on the couch if it werent for his help. I have learned that you need two hands to cut your meat. Hence I've been suriving on finger food and salads unless my husband cuts my meat for me. He says it reminds him of times he cut the meat for our children. Typing on the computer with my left hand is slow and although I'm getting faster it takes a lot of concentration. For a mental exercise you might try it. Buttons are for two handed people. Pants with elastic waistbands are my friend. Putting on socks with one hand...doable but try tube socks...getting the heels in the right place is a neat trick. Eating left handed, since I'm right handed has helped me with my weight loss program. I just get too tired chasing bits of food around my plate. I gave up trying to style my hair and got it cut short in a do I only have to fluff and go. I tried using the curling iron with only my left hand and gave it up as being dangerous. Putting in contacts one handed. Maybe for some of you this is no challenge but for me each morning is an exercise in how long I can keep one eye open and hopfully smush the contact in my eye before I blink. I'm not complaining. I'm finding this a unique opportunity to see how ingenious I can be at performing tasks that pre-surgery were no brainers but now take a great deal of mental effort to accomplish. I'm grateful that I do have two working limbs that I will in a few weeks be able to use in tandem. It has been an eye opening experience. You might like to try this, maybe for a short time. I'd love to hear what you discover, too.

Yosemite

Only a two hour drive from our home lies the majestic Yosemite Valley of California, a land of contrasts where granite crags thrust up from the serenity of the meadowed valley floor and gold-hued leaves of oak trees rustle in the breeze that also passes through stands of pines.

John Muir, noted naturalist and pioneer environmentalist explored Yosemite through it's various seasons. A poet in his own right, he wrote: "Nowhere will you see the majestic operations of Nature more clearly revealed beside the frailest, most gentle and peaceful things. Nearly all the park is a profound solitude. Yet it is full of charming company, full of God's thoughts, a place of peace and safety amid the most exalted grandeur and eager enthusiastic action, a new song, a place of beginnings abounding in first lessons of life..."


This week we took a day to visit this place of beginnings. Everywhere were grand vistas that were testaments to the ingenuity of God in creating this earth. I could only feel enveloped by the wondrous richness of this forested cathedral and humbled by the awesome power of cascading waterfalls over towering granite walls. It was good to put aside the mundane cares of daily life, as noble as they might be, and gather strength from this grand place and remember that this world was meant to be enjoyed, cherished and revered as a magnificent creation of God.

Into the Woods...and out of the Woods

My husband and a good friend just left for an off road High Sierra adventure. They packed their wilderness gear into a Toyota Land Cruiser outfitted with behemoth tires, a removable windshield, and canvas top...no windows... (why do you need to remove a windshield offroad)? They waved goodbye wearing ear-to-ear grins with hopes of catching numerous trout in Coyote Lake near the 9000 ft. elevation. The last mile is offroad and takes nearly an hour to traverse in the vehicle. You can walk it faster, so we're told. And the point is????

For the male of the species I suspect there is a gnawing need to be "The Hunter" that in day to day life is supressed. But from time to time that need surfaces and is manifest in a "hunt" of one sort or another. For some men, watching 22 men "hunt" an air inflated pigskin on a measured field fills the bill. For others, crouching in a reedy marsh, repeatedly blowing on an irritatingly brash imitation of a duck call and watching wooden decoys bob in the still water quenches the need. Some even may be able to meet this Mother-nature instilled craving by sitting in front of a computer screen blasting to bits C-G monsters all in the comforts of their own home.

My husband and friend apparently prefer the real deal. Nevermind these hunters have the latest technology with them, walkie talkies, GPS, iPhones, and the all-terrain vehicle that could climb Anapurna. Those inborn tendencies to face the foe and conquer the world are what drive the outfitters like REI and Cabelas to take advantage of the cross purposes of males needing to be basic hunters but to do so in comfort.

If you have never been to one of these outfitter's emporiums, you must go. It is an education in the social needs of the male animal. Big stuffed dead animals decorate the walls signifying that you, too, can be the champion of hunters. Tools with which to accomplish these goals fill cases and line locked cabinets. Gear for conquering almost any conceivable environmental condition is displayed (with pricetags neatly concealed). It is almost too much for the mortal mind to absorb.

I don't begrudge the male of the species their outings of manlihood. Being a female, I just don't get it. I'm happy to enjoy creatures of great size from afar, maybe shooting them...but with a camera. I'm happy to wear my comfy sweats nestled in a chair by the side of a river, reading a book, waving at my fly fishing husband from time to time as he lifts his latest catch from the streambed and cheer as he releases it. I'm happy to watch flights of geese lift from glass-like waters to form noisy V's as they wing their way south. To see a beautiful rainbow trout dart out from underneath a mossy rock, sip at a delicate winged insect then with a splash return to it's rocky abode is excitement enough for me.

When the mountains call once again, as I know they will, my husband will be ready with boots, flyrod, and backpack. And I will, with a smile, give him a kiss, wave goodbye as I did this morning, and await his return with stories of high adventure and of the hunt.

A Berry Good Tradition

In Washington State, August is blackberry month. The lanes and hillsides are thick with lush, green bushes heavy with dark, juicy blackberries. For many years the Wrights have trekked to Grandpa and Grandma's house near Bremerton, Washington to visit. Each visit always included picking blackberries. Almost as soon as we would arrive we would find a pail or bucket and head up the lane. The berries arched over a wide ditch that was always running water which irrigated the bushes and made for an abundance of the intensely flavored berries. Reaching across the ditch to pick the most delectable berries was risky. Most of us would only venture far enough to keep our balance and still be able to pick berries by the handful but an occasional tumble into the muddy ditch was inevitable. Some years berries hung in dark clusters from branches bent under the weight of hundreds of berries. Other years, when rain was not as plentiful, thorny branches stuck out over the fields as if grasping for nourishment and berries were small and fewer. But there were always more than enough berries for all. We would ooh and ahh over the crop. The most delicious were immediately popped into our mouths. Soon lips and fingers were stained with the sweetest juice and fingers became sore from being pricked over and over by thorns. But in no time the picking pails brimmed with berries destined to be made into pies, cobblers, and of course, jam and jelly. In years past, Grandma Louise Wright would don her worn, cotton apron (the one she didn't mind getting jelly stains on) and set to work washing berries and jars in preparation for making what we knew to be the best blackberry jelly and jam on earth. The berry pails were emptied into a colander, berries washed and picked over, then placed in a large kettle to crush. Removing seeds was optional but, to my taste, an important step. An old conical strainer with a mortar for pushing the berry juice and pulp through prepared the berries for jamming. We carefully mixed sugar, pectin, lemon juice and berries then heated the glossy mix until it bubbled and sputtered as it transformed into jam, filling the kitchen with the heavenly scent of sweet blackberries. The hot jam was then carefully ladled into clean jars, sealed, and labled with the year. The bits of jam left in the pot were quickly smeared onto pieces of bread and we savored every bite.

This week when we visited Grandpa Wright, it was only fitting that we pick blackberries and make jam. We missed having Grandma Louise there but as we picked, stirred, cooked and ladled blackberry jam I felt she would have been happy to know that her kitchen was still a place of sweet joy and happiness and that those memories of her, and the blackberry jam she made with us are preserved forever.

Catching my breath

It's been five weeks since I have posted. Five very busy weeks filled with great things. We took a trip back to Utah 4th of July week and spent time with the Utah clan doing some home repairs in their various locations, taking time out for a trip to the zoo with grandchildren, getting to know little baby Ella, celebrating 4th of July Utah style, taking in a performance of "Singin' in the Rain" that Kenneth had the lead in, congratulated Sarah and Teanca on their July birthdays, enjoyed seeing Teanca in "Oliver!", took a day in the mountains at Huntington Lake for a break from the heat, spent innumerable hours preparing for our community theater production of "Beauty and the Beast", enjoyed a surprise visit from Ann and the kids when they came to see the show, spent five days playing with Robyn and Megan when they drove out for a visit, celebrated the big "60" birthday with loving attention from my family and some beautiful yellow roses from my adorable husband, attending and coordinating the performances of "Beauty and the Beast" last week and this week...and whew...here I am and it's August. And this afternoon I finally took a nap. Now that I've caught my breath, I'm ready to see what next month holds.

Grandchildren are a Precious Gift

We are so blessed to be the grandparents of five amazing grandchildren. Our newest addition, Ella Jane made her appearance just a few days ago. We can't wait to meet her next week. Her older sister and brother are two very lively, creative bundles of energy who melt my heart when they wrap their little arms around my neck. I have to think back over a decade when our oldest granddaughter was that age. She just recently starred in a play alongside her brother, served as Student Body President, graduated from 8th grade and just got the lead in a summer production of Oliver! I still love getting the hugs even if her arms are a little longer and she's almost as tall as I am. Her brother is also amazing, talented, and gifted in so many ways. Sharing his enthusiasm for life makes my life rich.

I cherish the name "Grandma" and enjoy every moment we are able to share with these five terrific kids. What a precious gift they are.

Worth a Thousand Words

I know you've been waiting to see more pitctures from our trip to Europe. Here's just a taste of the marvelous things we experienced. I'm having trouble with the formatting, but here are some pictures anyway!

Castellina in Chianti, Tuscany

Roman Colosseum
Plaza Navonna, Rome

Fountain at St. Peter's Square, Vatican

Pantheon, Rome

Colosseum, Rome

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Lugano, Switzerland (Lake Lugano in background)

A view of the hills of Tuscany from a 13th century fortress.

What a Wonderful World

We have just spent a marvelous eighteen days touring Rome, Florence, Tuscany and the Alps of Switzerland. These are some of the things I loved:

Stopping in at a little shop to buy fresh bread and cheese for lunch.

Wandering down the narrow side streets of Rome and coming upon a plaza filled with flowers, sketching artists and PASTA!

Meeting fellow travelers, laughing over our novice attempts at the Italian language.

Hiking through brilliant green meadows with our eyes on the startling white peaks beyond the Lauterbrunnen valley in Switzerland.

Chocolate...chocolate...chocolate!

Exploring medieval hill cities in Tuscany.

Watching the sun set over the sloping vineyards in Castellina in Chianti.

Riding a gondola to the top of the Schilthorn...a mountain over 10,000 ft to look down on the little alpine towns below.

Hiking through the Roman Forum knowing that hundreds of years earlier citizens walked those same roads.

Marveling at the intricacies of ancient tilework, weaving shades of red, green and cream marble into spectacular pieces of art.

Michaelangelo's "David". Enough said.

Eating dinner late at night in a sidewalk cafe in Rome, watching couples go by on scooters or strolling arms wrapped around each other along the narrow streets. Ah. Amore!

Sharing these experiences with good friends and their little 3 1/2 year old daughter whose favorite thing was to chase the pigeons in the plazas of Rome.

Waking up to the bells ringing at St. Peter's Square.

Feeling history, not just imagining it.

"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go..."

"and I'm leavin' on a jet plane..." as Peter, Paul and Mary sang. It's been quite a journey already in getting ready for this monumental trip to Italy and Switzerland. I have been determined to pack light since way too many times as I've traveled I have found myself lugging heavy bags full of unworn clothing and unused items. Thanks to you fellow travelers who shared your wisdom 'o packing with me. We each are taking one carry on bag and that is IT! Well, I do have to admit I'm also bringing a rather large "purse" and can't do without Rick Steves' Best of Europe guide. Planning this trip has taken many hours of sorting through all the fabulous possiblities of places to visit and then paring the list down to the ones we want to see most. I want to see and experience "Erything!" As those who love to travel already know, the planning is almost as much fun as the journey itself. I say "almost". And the reality of the journey will begin in just a couple of days. In talking with friends and family about the trip and hearing about their experiences I am excited to try out a new country and see for myself the art, culture, food and ambiance of Italy and Switzerland. Along the way I'll try to post to keep in touch and share this amazing experience with you. Til the next post, Ciao!

Take It or Leave It

I am in a quandary. In two weeks we leave for our dream Italy/Switzerland trip and I am determined to only take one carry-on sized suitcase for the 18 day trip. Rick Steves, the guru of travel-saavy recommends that you pack light so you don't have to lug ninety-pound suitcases from aircraft to train to hotel and back. Sure, sounds great and very practical. He even posts suggestions on his website as to what to pack. But, then, he doesn't mind wearing the same khaki pants and shirts for days on end. I'm still calculating how much monotony I can tolerate in my wardrobe. Maybe since I'll be busy touring the amazing parts of Rome and the Italian countryside I won't care what I wear. I mean how often will I look at myself when I'm looking at Michaelangelo artwork and daVinci paintings. I'd love to have some input from you who have bravely traveled the world. What's important to take? What's not? What do I take and what do I leave behind? All suggestions gladly accepted!

Dream Vacation

For years I have dreamed of visiting Italy. Next month my dream will come true. For two weeks we will bask in the Italian culture, taking in the sights in Rome for a few days before heading off to our villa near Siena, then on to Florence, Pisa, and points in Northern Italy (with a few added days in Switzerland, we hope.) Half the fun of a trip like this is being an armchair tourist as I study the culture, history and historic sights of Italy. I'm one who gets as much pleasure out of planning a trip as I do in the actual traveling. But I can hardly wait to actually stand on the site of the Colosseum of Rome, explore the Vatican Museum, enter the Sistine Chapel and get a neck-ache from looking up at the spectacular ceiling, walk the Spanish Steps, climb the leaning tower in Pisa and then actually see magnificent Michaelangelo's David in person. Too much to see, so little time. In between I plan on lunching on fresh baked bread, local cheese and olives and a little (or a lot) of gelato just to round out the cuisine. I want to experience the Italian culture, to (probably very brokenly) speak their language, get happily lost in some small Tuscan town, and return home having a greater knowledge of the world. I have only been to Germany once, and for my husband this will be his first trip to Europe. I know that armchair travel cannot compare with the real thing and I am so grateful for the opportunity to finally fulfill this dream of a lifetime.

Yosemite Valley

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. John Muir

Yesterday was a crisp, Spring day like the ones you hope for when you visit to Yosemite Valley. I was wondering if the falls would be running and if there would be climbers on the sheer granite walls of El Capitan. Yosemite is only two hours from our home so we periodically set aside a day to visit this place of grandeur. In a way it is a sort of pilgrimage that envigorates my soul. Every time we emerge from the tunnel leading to the valley, that classic panoramic overview simply takes my breath away. I then can't wait to see the ethereal cascade of Bridal Veil Falls on the way in or hear the sub-woofer-like rumble of tons of water thundering over Yosemite Falls. Yesterday the park was more serene than in summer. There were only a few visitors and we drank in the precious silence as we walked along the Merced River that runs the length of the valley floor. We met a hiker from New York. He was in awe of the stone cliffs that line the valley. He craned his neck upwards to view the snow-dusted granite faces and said, "In New York you look up just like here, but this, this is something else!" I agree...this is something else. You just have to see it to believe it.

Create

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." President Uchtdorf spoke of this at the last conference in October. A friend sent me a link to a video clip that truly touched and inspired me. (see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k&feature=channel_page ) One part of the video really hit home. "You might say, 'I'm not the creative type'....If that is how you feel, think again....Don't let the voice of critics paralyze you--whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside."
How often have I thought of creating something and have yielded to my own voice telling me I don't have the skill or talent to do it. How often have I admired the works of others and have said "I could never do that" without even trying.
I am learning that creations don't have to be perfect. The process of creating something of beauty can bring satisfaction and joy without even resulting in a finished product. In doing this, President Uchtdorf says "you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."
And so I issue a challenge. Take a moment and create...something. Start small. Build from there. You'll be fulfilling one of the most essential parts of your own soul. Try it out. I'd love to hear how it feels when you create.