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.

The Mountains Are Calling Me

Here it is only March 1 and already the mountains are calling to me. Just this week after a rainstorm, the clouds cleared away and to the east a panorama of the Sierra Nevada appeared out of the often clouded skyline. I tried to catch glimpses of these beautiful mountains while I drove hurriedly on errands. Seeing each new vista was like drawing fresh breath from an open window. Envigorating and renewing. I am drawn to the mountains. My heart yearns with a real ache to go "home" where there are grand peaks, gracious meadows woven with crystal streams and quiet hidden granite canyons. There I feel peace and a sense of residence as if my soul simply belongs there. Over the years I and my family have been able to spend many wonderful days in the mountains. Good times filled with simple pursuits. Reconnecting with one another and fortifying the bonds of love that sometimes become frayed in the busyness of daily homelife. In the mountains we were free to be silly, silent, somber. To experience the grandeur of this world the Lord created and inhale the spirit of its beauty. At night when the campfire was lit, we told our stories, sung our songs, and sometimes flamed our marshmallows into Olympic torches. On some clear summer nights we could lie back and see the Milky Way sweep across the curve of dark sky. And I would feel so small. We would eventually gather together and settle in for the night. After the rustle of sleeping bags and the hurried last minute whispers of the children, there was quiet. I would sit near the campfire, warmed by the flickering coals as they burned down for the night and simply be.

Soon the days will lengthen and the summer heat will come to our valley. I know the mountains will be there for me, cool, refreshing and welcoming me home.

Across the Finish Line in Clovis

Yesterday our home town of Clovis went International. The Tour of California bicycle race came to town and brought with it over 150 world-class bike racers from all over the world. Following two days of torrential rains and grueling miles on the previous stages, the fourth stage of the race which went from Madera to Clovis dawned sunny and almost warm. As the racers sped over the course which climbed up through snowy Oakhurst near Yosemite and then down through the flats north of Fresno, the 25,000 onlookers in Old Town Clovis kept one eye on the Jumbotron and the other watching for the racers to appear on Clovis Avenue. About 3 hours and some minutes into the race the shout was raised, "They're about 20 miles out!" Heads bobbed back and forth as the crowds leaned forward over the barricades, hoping to catch a glimpse of the first riders. "Watch for the helicopters. When you see them, the racers are not far behind." In a few minutes two helicopters hovered just north of downtown. The traditional cowbells that clang a welcome to bicycle riders began sounding up and down the street. Leaning over the upstairs balcony at Fifth and Pollasky Streets I strained to see to Clovis Avenue where the racers would first ride, then loop around to race to the finish past us on Pollasky. Literally, in a flash the peleton was there a block away, then past. We knew they would be sprinting past us in just a few minutes. Bells rang, flags and banners waved, people were cheering and clapping as the first rider rounded the corner followed closely by a huge pack of riders going flat out. They were a block away, and then in a moment, they were past...in a blur of spinning wheels and bright jerseys. "Did you see Lance? Did you see him?" I heard from several onlookers. "I think so. I'm not sure," was the answer. Me, too. He must have been in the group. But in that moment of sheer energy it was hard to tell them apart. Lance Armstrong was one of the riders as was Levi Leipheimer, the current leader of the race that day. Several riders rode in long after the main body had crossed the finish line, slowly, painfully making their way down the last few hundred yards. And for every last one of the riders, the crowd cheered and rang their cowbells, glad for them to have made it to the finish. There is something to be said for those who race with hopes to win, and those who race with hopes to finish. For most of us there are many times we will be glad we have just finished the race and I think we'll hope that there will be someone on the sidelines cheering and glad we made it across the finish line.

The Loves of My Life

Valentine's Day is a perfect time to reflect on love. It seems so much the topic of art, music, literature that you might think the human race would have figured out what it is that makes up this thing we call "love". Some say it is a physiological hormonal response. Others might say it's a chemical reaction, hence the phrase "It's Chemistry!" More reflect on the emotional aspects of love and the ethereal concepts of "true love". I confess I have no philosophical definition of love. I only know that in my life, love is central to my happiness. What I have experienced is love in its various forms. Compassion, grace, forgiveness, charity, fondness, generosity, caring, delight, steadfastness, trust, pure joy and countless other qualities that make up the mosaic we might call "love". Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, "How do I love thee, Let me count the ways...." I give up. I can't do it. There is no way I can count the ways that I love the people in my life. Pictured here are some of those I love most. Foremost, is my husband who makes my life one grand adventure filled with love. I am blessed beyond measure to know that our love will continue throughout eternity. One of our favorite phrases came from a card he gave me spontaneously one day long ago. Simply it said, "Yes indeedy, you're my sweetie!" We've said those words to each other many, many times over the years and they have the same silly sweetness they did the first time I read them. I think I've come to the conclusion that "love" doesn't need to be defined to be understood. It only needs to be experienced. I have, and I know what love is. Happy Valentines Day to all the loves of my life.

A part of the laser and Kevin at his presentation

Way to Go

Parents always seem to have high expectations for their children. In our case our expectations have been greatly exceeded by all of our children and we are constantly amazed at what they have accomplished, and are still achieving in their lives. This week was a celebration of our son Kevin's lifelong dream. When he was about four years old he decided that the world of physics was where he wanted to grow up and unravel the mysteries of the universe. Tuesday he received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Rochester and completed a thesis which explored the attributes and applicability of the Bose-Einstein condensate in new ways. While the math and science are way beyond what this mere mortal mom can comprehend, I can understand in some small measure what being recognized for this sometimes agonizingly painful research means to Kevin. The whole family rejoices in his success and are grateful for the gracious patience of Kevin's wife, Dana who has encouraged him at every turn. So, Dr. Wright, we honor your achievement. Now, about that teleporter I asked for. Maybe next on the list?

Extremely Good

Last week it was announced that the ABC television program "Extreme Home Makeover" was coming to Fresno. Five families were in the running to be chosen to have a home built for them. At 10 a.m. on Thursday morning the Riojas family was greeted by host Ty Pennington's bull horn announcing they would be whisked away to a ski vacation in Colorado while their old house was demolished. A new home would be built in one week that would meet the needs of Mary Ann Riojas who was born without legs. Read about this amazing woman and her family. http://www.extremedeyoung.com/family.php I have been a fan of this TV program for years and had heard of friends who had participated in builds in other parts of the country. The stories all have the same motivation; to make life better for some very deserving people. I have admired the enthusiasm and sensitivity of the that filled each episode. I was not ready, however, for the impact that I have felt in my own life seeing such extreme measures of good will come to my own backyard. I wanted to be a part of this demonstration of community service. As soon as I heard the project was going to be in Fresno I signed up on the builder's website as a volunteer. That was Sunday. The volunteers would be notified in the next couple of days with what their assignment would be. On Wednesday I got the email. They had so many volunteers they could not use them all and I was too late. At first I was disappointed, but then I realized that they had 4,000 members of the community willing to hammer, nail, dry wall, shovel, scrub and serve donuts round the clock for the five building days. Some skeptics may think these people were only trying to get on television. I like to think otherwise and believe that people are inherently good and you just have to give them an opportunity to shine. Since I wasn't going to be able to work as a volunteer, I decided to visit the construction site. Today I joined about 100 people waiting in line for the shuttlebus that would carry us to the construction site. The crowd was a great mix of people who were chatting and enjoying the beautiful afternoon of 65 degree weather. It reminded me of waiting for a ride at a Disney resort. There was anticipation and a feeling of joy as we went to witness something that reaffirmed that there is still goodness in the world. After a short ride we arrived at the construction site, the house completed and ready to load in the furniture. There were hundreds of people lining the neighborhood street and more streaming in from the regularly arriving shuttlebuses. The television crew was moving cameras to various locations, the blue-shirted volunteers were herded to the side of the driveway, and after about 20 minutes a huge roar rose up from the crowd and two of the design team members, Michael Moloney and Didiayer Schneider led another group of volunteers out of the home to help unload one of the truckloads of furniture. All the time the crowd was laughing, visiting with the neighbors who were perched on rooftops and front porches. It was a scene that in all its chaotic glory was electrified with hope, goodwill, and generosity. Yes, it was extreme. Yes, it was just one family. But it is one more effort that perhaps will touch the hearts of those who have been even a small part of something that is good in life. I know it has touched mine. In an extremely good way.