Why I Love Being West

Just another sunset ending thunderstorm in the west desert of Utah.

Smile

Today I woke up.
I felt a strange pull on each side of my face.
I was smiling.
Smiling?
Yeah, smiling.
No particular reason existed either. I had no happy thought running through my head. No great event waiting for me. No reason at all. Just a smile.
It made me smile again.
Wow!
What a wonderful, unexpected surprise morning.
Thank you smile. It's been a while since you've been around without being asked. Come back again whenever you like.
Hey, look at that!
I'm smiling again.

2011's Weak Start

So I know I said I would start this blog so many times, and again to myself again for the new year.
I guess getting started on the 5th isn't too bad.
We are celebrating my son's birthday today so I will end it here for tonight. Happy Birthday Kirtland.
See ya all tomorrow.

What a Quote- Wish I knew who said it!

Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy cow ...what a ride!'

Still A Hero

I paid a visit to the grave site of my main character in "Ain't Dead Yet", Porter Rockwell.

It is not odd that his grave site is still commonly visited or that he is still popular locally even after over a hundred years since he passed away. It isn't even odd to always see flowers left at the base of his head stone. Porter is a hero to many of us. Paying a visit seems like a small price to pay for our thanks for what he did and what he means to some of us.

Today, stuck between the headstone and the plaque honoring his pioneer efforts, someone had left their guitar pick. Apparently even with the musicians, the ol' gun-slinger's still hip.

Rockwell Rocks!

Pretty on the Trail

Saw this on the trail hiking Saturday morning. I loved the contrasting colors and the morning rain still dripping off.
Thought I would share.

Crossroads

Crossroads is what most people call it. A point where two or more paths come together in one's life and the following of any direction will carry you in a direction distinct and separated from the others. Its a powerful and descriptive metaphor. I find however that the real thing is just a traffic jam in the making.

I have been sitting at a crossroad in my life for a long time now. Every time I start down one of those roads, I seem to just end up at the same crossroad. More like a French round point, if to continue the roadside imagery.

It's tough. It's scary. It's unimaginably expensive in terms of emotions.

Which is the happy road? Happy for who? Does happy matter?

I don't know. But I guess as long as I haven't abandoned the car, I still have a choice to make.

God, help me be wise.

Sunset Peak

To The Summit

I never shared here, but I accomplished my goal of hiking to the top of Sunset Peak in Big Cottonwood Canyon- my most favorite place in the world- on August 15th. The peak reaches to 10,644 feet. the trail begins at around 8,600 feet.

It was tough and hot but I made it along with my wife and one of my sons.

Sometimes goals are actually climbing mountains.

I perceive, therefore, it was, is, or something.

The first day of school was yesterday. All the kids began their respective schools and grades. This year they spread out over four schools. One began High School and another began her Jr. High experience, the other three all progressed to the next grade.

The changes come quick nowadays. The clothes, the language, and of course, the size. Both my older boys sport shoes into which I can nearly fit both of my feet! It's hard to believe they actually came from those cute little things at the hospital just years ago. I find it amazing how quickly it all changed.

Even more amazing still is how it all of a sudden became Fall. It's still August, yet with the sights of school kids and talk of football games this Friday, it all feels different. I thought the air at the baseball game last night had a slight chill, the sun hadn't felt so hot during the afternoon, and I'm half expecting to see the leaves changed when I venture out this morning.

Why? Sunday was very much Summer. Just one day before we were talking swimming pools and how hot the summer has been. Can it really turn on one day? Is perception really that important?

I perceive that it is.