MIMI MONDAY

I believe that most people have some degree of talent

for something..forms, colors, words, sounds. Talent

lies around in us like kindling waiting for a match,

but some people, just as gifted as others, are less

lucky. Fate never drops a match on them. The times are

wrong, or their health is poor, or their energy low,

or their obligations too many. Something.

from: Crossing to Safety

by: Wallace Stegner

Jim Denevan is renowned for his sand drawings, and rightly so. Most take all day to complete, are massive in scale and stunningly precise—each circle seemingly perfect, each angle exact. Every drawing has a defined lifespan, lasting only as long as it takes the tide to rise.

Via: Jim Denevan

Dear Ehlert Family!!

All Im saying is, kindness dont have no boundries.

from: The Help

by: Kathryn Stockett

I always feel inadequate when trying to express my gratitude to you for sharing your Lake Powell experience with me and my family!!

But here is my best shot at articulation.

First, I fully realize that you 'gifted' the Stephensons a few extra days on that sparkling, wonderous lake. We know that you could have packed up and headed home to your bug free, air conditioned home after already having spent a week out there! Instead you girded up your loins, put on your happy faces and turned your boat “out to sea” again...just for us!! Thank you for being so generous and for being such amazing host's!

Each one of you dear Ehlerts lend such a great flavor to the Lake Powell experience.

Handsome Matt...you seemed happy to keep the little kiddies entertained (which is a new side of you I never knew was there!! so cool!!) You answered silly questions from young and old and always pointed us in the right direction to a good time!! What a perfect 1^st mate you are to your good dad!

Sweet worry-wart Becca! Oh how I love you! Before this trip I would never have guessed that you'd be the one to loose sleep over a stray green pool noodle floating away in the dark. And I will be ever grateful to you for sharing your craftiness with such patience with young and old alike!! I have cool bracelets to prove your skill in teaching...as do 10 yr old boys and girls!! Impressive Becca!! Keep smiling that beautiful smile of yours...and for petes sake...DONT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!!

Beautiful Stephenie...whom I also love and adore. You are a dear friend not only to Anna, but to me as well! Your sense of humor, quick wit and brilliance always lift those around you!! Your such a good sport and always so willing join in and make something FUN!!! Its delightful to visit with you and to watch you grow into the most amazing, charming lady!! I wonder what tales you'll be telling us next year on the lake?! Cant wait!!!

Dan the growing man! What a fine fellow you are!! Such a good sport...no one can ruffle your fine feathers...even when you were referred to as 'Ben' throughout the voyage. What a dashing fig're you struck in your captains shirt..the picture perfect 2^nd mate to your dad. And I understand you play a wicked game of monopoly as well!

Dearest Cathy! Cruise Director extrodinare!!! (Julie McCoy has nothing on you!) You have having a good time down to a science!! Feeding the masses- deliciously , leading by example and jumping from the upper deck, practicing patience and calm until its an art form. Maybe we too might some day be just like you!!! Dan must have learned from you how to not get ones buns in a ruffle!!

Lastly but not leastly there is Captain Paul-

How does one go about explaining the skills and aptitudes of the master of the ship!? I've seen him in action in other years...and have always been amazed at his prowess. This year I learned some new things about our fearless leader.

First: Anchors set by Paul...set with precision...thus we are confident we wont find ourselves somewhere where we dont want to be in the morning.

Next...a “professional hiking guide” can fall back and follow ones captain to magical places in the moon light and be much the better for it. Oh my oh my the hike and the moonlight was stupendous! Our tour of Antelope canyon via ski boat...beyond blissful!

Captain Paul..chief of smooth running!

Ski boat for skiing, and tubing and exploring. Check.

Jet ski's – smooooooth going. Check (Though the man of all trades had to figure out how to get sticks and debris unstuck from the 'guts' a few times.) In my heaven we are all getting around on jet ski's!!! yes sir eee!!!

Who knew that the only enticement to get our busy captain to set a spell would be the movie Meet the Robinsons!!!??? go figure. He sat there and almost giggled with the rest of us while sucking on a otter pop!!

Yep...Paul is the sailor extrodiniare..with his trusty and beautiful wife as cruise director at his side. Nobody does a better job of docking a 90ft houseboat to a 150 foot dock that is teaming with activity and chaos than Paul. I watched others try and almost fail, and then we watched Paul with wonder when he made it look like slicing butter with a hot knife. Impressive!

Thank you for a glorious time dear Eherts!

And you should know...I have water spots on my sun glasses; spots that were acquired as I sped across the bay on that last afternoon on your jet ski...spots that I dont want to remove, for they are a great reminder of those euphoric three days on the lake with all of you!!!

Bless you!!!

Thank you!!!

Love you all!!!

“Ten times a day something happens to me like this - some strengthening throb of amazement - some good sweet empathic ping and swell. This is the first, the wildest and the wisest thing I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness.”

Mary Oliver

Experience Human Flight from Betty Wants In on Vimeo.

Friendship at the Water’s Edge by Jonel Aleccia ~This is the story of a fish named Falstaff and Chino, the dog who loved him. More here :)

“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” -Albert Pine.

My Baby's Down There!!!

go full screen if you can!!
so cool!!!!

"The country lay bare and entirely leafless around him,

and he thought that he had never seen so far and so

intimately into the insides of things as on that winter

day when Nature was deep in her annual slumber and

seemed to have kicked the clothes off. Copses, dells,

quarries and all hidden places, which had been mysterious

mines for exploration in leafy summer, now exposed

themselves and their secrets pathetically, and seemed to

ask him to overlook their shabby poverty for a while,

till they could riot in rich masquerade as before, and

trick and entice him with the old deceptions. It was pitiful

in a way, and yet cheering—even exhilarating. He was glad

that he liked the country undecorated, hard and stripped

of its finery. He had got down to the bare bones of it,

and they were fine and strong and simple."

from: The Wind in the Willows

by: Kenneth Grahame

This week I have been training a few new hiking guides for Desert Cliffs. And its be a LOT of fun!! They are young little whipper-snappers, so this old lady hasnt had a chance of lollygagging along the way. These kids have been on my heels! But I love it!! And better yet, they are loving it too. Its reminding me of the good ol days when I was first learning/training on the trails.
Around every bend in the trail is a new wonder to behold. Every climb brings a vista that takes the breath away. Every time out you learn something new about the flora and fauna. I love the awe and wonder in their eyes.
Of course we have the same reactions from most every guest we take out as well, but its fun to know that Im 'molding' sweet young fledglings to feel it too. And to know that inevitably they too will pass the enthusiasm on to our guests and their families!!
Hiking is relatively new to these young kids; they didnt hike much before coming to us....and now, in just a few short weeks I can already see the passion and excitement in their eyes for what we are doing.
And truly...it never grows old!!
When people ask me how long I've been doing this, and I reply that its going on 7 years, they immediately ask, "dont you get tired of it?"
NO, NEVER, NADA, NOWAY JOSE, NETT!!!
Every morning spent on the trails is a gift.
This morning brought frozen waterfalls and the greenest resurrection moss I've ever seen. We enjoyed shirt-sleeve temps in the sun and frozen sand to glide over instead of having to wade ankle high through. We had hidden pigeons cooing from lofty cracks in the rocks overhead and we even enjoyed the rare friendly park ranger too. (wonders never cease!!)
Every morning there are gifts waiting to be discovered. And there is nothing better than to share them with like minded souls.
It feels great to be 'grooming' future hiking enthusiasts. Im doing my part as I show others the joy of gathering coral dust between our toes!
Every day I thank God for my life and my job...(and for the hot shower I come home to each day!!

“I am trying to find the courage to be tender in my life.

I know that violent people are weak people.

Only the gentle are ever really strong”

-James Dean

from:ireallylikejamesdean

Happy Winter Weekend Everyone!!!

Young skater with safety cushion, Nederlands 1933

Follies and nonsense, whims and

inconsistencies do divert me, I

own, and I laugh at them whenever I can.

from: Pride and Prejudice

by: Jane Austen

swissmiss

One girl is worth more use than 20 boys.

from: Peter Pan

by: JM Barrie

Divine Nature Part 3

"As they passed the rows of houses they saw through

the open doors that men were sweeping and dusting

and washing dishes, while the women sat around in

groups, gossiping and laughing.

What has happened?' the Scarecrow asked a sad-looking

man with a bushy beard, who wore an apron and was

wheeling a baby carriage along the sidewalk.

Why, we've had a revolution, your Majesty -- as you ought

to know very well,' replied the man; 'and since you went

away the women have been running things to suit themselves.

I'm glad you have decided to come back and restore order,

for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out

the strength of every man in the Emerald City.'

Hm!' said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. 'If it is such hard work

as you say, how did the women manage it so easily?'

I really do not know,' replied the man, with a deep sigh.

'Perhaps the women are made of cast-iron."

from: The Marvelous Land of Oz

by: L. Frank Baum

Another requirement for completing the 'Divine Nature" section in the Personal Progress program, is to reflect on motherhood, and what it means to be a good mother. I learn best when Im learning from others...so I asked my friends to share with me their thoughts on their mothers or on the women in their lives. Here are some of their responses:

Lauren is a dear friend of Annas...and mine, who lives in Logan with her husband and two kids:

My mom taught me to love others despite their apperances. She always made me befriend the kids in my class that seemed at bit different. I remember one birthday party she made me invite every girl in my class despite my wishes. She didn't want anyone to feel left out. I've always remembered that. It's stuck with me and it's something I hope to teach my children. That despite peoples differences we should be kind and reach out to all people. I'm grateful for that message my mother taught me.

This is from Carly, a dear sweet niece of mine:

hmmmmmmmmm some good things i've learned from my mother? ah there is too much to choose from! my mom has taught me patience, love, kindness, christ-like living, to not judge, to always understand the whole situation, to be forgiving, to accept others, to serve, to put others before yourself, that there is no reason to NOT be happy, to persevere, to ask for strength from the lord, to rely on the lord through trials....i could go on and on and on...i love my mom so much. AH!!

thank you for letting me reflect on my perfect mother!!!

from my lovely and brilliant Cousin, who now lives way too far away-

What did I learn from my mother? The better question would be; what didn’t I learn from my mother? She taught me how to tie my shoes, how to whistle, how to sew, how to cook, how to match colors and not wear stripes with patterns. She taught me to love good music, and to appreciate fine art. She taught me right from wrong, that it was wrong to accept a date from the second boy to call if you told first boy no. That it was right to be honest and to always tell the truth. She taught me to sit with my knees together “like a lady” and to not chew gum in public. She told me that it made me look cheap to wear earrings too young and that make-up should be used sparingly. She taught me the gospel, mostly by example. She taught me about hard work and persistence and that even at the old age of 40, you were never too old to go to school. In later years , she taught me that life didn’t always turn out the way you planned, but if you maintain the right attitude, you can still have a rich and good life. She taught me the secret to happiness; that no one can MAKE you happy, that happy was a decision you made every day of your life.

As I read through my list. There isn’t one thing on it that I don’t hope I was able to teach my own daughters. It’s that old circle of life thing. We swear we won’t turn out like our mothers. And then in the end, we pray that we do.

Jan keeps me on my toes, and I LOVE her:

My Mom is very black and white so I have learned to be very gray in all that I see. I know there are always many sides and to decisions and events and I always try and listen to understand different sides. She was a compassionate nurse and always helped people from different countries when we lived in poor neighborhoods. She helped my Orthodox Jewish Russian best friends father despite his huge temper and abuse towards women. It still stands out in my mind today. I have become compassionate towards patients. Also I have great desire to become a patient informant and educator so that they can become educated concerning their care.

Wise words from my beloved sister-in-law Pam:

She learns how to listen to her children and really give them her attention for those few minutes when they ask for it. She sets the example, at least most of the time, and shows you how its done. In all aspects of life. She makes you tow the line, and loves you when you do or don't, but still, you know what is expected, right? Cause she let's you know it, somehow. Mostly love though, love, acceptance, long-suffering, patience, endurance, forgiving, etc. etc. These are some of the things I have learned are important from my own life and from watching some of the wonderful women I have in my life.

This is Lisa. Shes become a dear friend plus she's the mother of my sweet, and talented Daughter-in-law. What does that make Lisa to me?! How about just someone Im very lucky to know and to now call family??:

My mom taught me that everyone is a little stronger than they think they are, especially if someone they trust tells them so. "You can do it!" is easy to say, but telling a child--no matter what age--that they CAN is like pumping up a deflated balloon with helium--suddenly, they can because "mom said I could." So, you fell down? Oops, get up, you can do it. You made a mistake? Make it right, you can do it. You want something that seems out of reach? Try harder, you can do it. You think you're sad/hurt/tired/hungry/angry/broken/in need? Count your blessings, you can do it. My mom is my biggest fan, my "groupie", my cheerleader. She's the first to applaud me, the first to give me a standing ovation, the first to blow my horn. Sometimes it's embarrassing because heaven knows, I'm not the wonderful, perfect, beautiful, spiritual person she tells everyone I am. I've hurt her and disappointed her plenty of times in the past, but she chooses to forgive and forget...truly. I know I'm a lucky girl.

My wise and wonderfully talented friend Kathy:

Being a mother is just like so many other jobs, overworked, underpaid, underappreciated. The difference is that the rewards are often little surprises- like an unsolicited butterfly kiss, an overheard compliment (I wish you could cook like my mom), a truthful admission (I broke the remote), or an uncommon yet thoughtful gift (I found this caterpillar and put it in a baggie for you). Those rewards keep you going, serving, guiding, loving. You don’t get that kind of reward from any other job.

When faced with something I would prefer not to touch or clean up, I remember my mother saying, ”You can always wash your hands.”

Good friend, mother of 11, and kindred spirit Sue:

My mother-in-law, who I also loved dearly and learned much from, said, "everything will be okay, just put on a little lipstick."

I learned from my mother that love at home is the most important thing. Whenever I was having a trying time with one of my children, mom would remind me that things work out, love is the most important thing and our home has so much of it. She also gave so much to her family, that when she sees me do that she sheds some light in that I need to also take care of myself. I am reminded that my long-term health will affect my husband & family and balancing their needs with mine is a better example than just giving all of the time.

I love my mother very much and am so glad I have her as I am getting older. I am able to share more of my life and she is able to see the wonderful results of her children and grandchildren and great grand children.

Ive said it before, and I'll say it again...

my own dear mother is an angel. I always lack the perfect words to describe all her virtuous qualities. And I find it difficult to convince her of the powerful role model and example she is in my life. A good and brilliant church leader strung together the words of Proverbs that best describe my mother-

: “Who can find a … woman [with a mother heart]? for her price is far above rubies. … She … worketh willingly with her hands. … With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. … She stretcheth out her hand to the poor. … Strength and honour are her clothing. … She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Prov. 31:10, 13, 16, 20, 25–27).

How very, very grateful I am for a mother who loves and nurtures me even now. Im grateful for her quiet lessons, and her willing spirit. May I continue to try to strive to be like her. To always be learning, and doing and helping. And to have patience in all things. Love you mom!!!

This shivers my bones!!!

SABBATH MUSINGS

Synchronicities are our own miracles and
revelations that ground us in the Creator,
and guide us in developing a reverence for
and comprehension of the creation.
Synchronicity is religion without dogma,
wherein all are free to draw their own
conclusions from personal experience. Each
man is his own priest; each woman, her own priestess.
from: Synchronicity and You
by: Frank Joseph

Saturn’s Moon Mimas is seen in this Cassini image against the cloudless, blue skies over Saturn’s northern hemisphere. The stripes seen on the planet are the shadows of the planets rings.

"Do not stay a moment after midnight.
If you do, your coach will turn back
into a pumpkin, your horses into mice,
your footmen into lizards and your riches into rags."
from: Cinderella
by: Marcia Brown

SO.....!!!!
How was your Mothers Day???


I thought it would be fun to share this short clip with you, in honor of my most favorite holiday of the year...yep...that would be Mothers Day. (Im told that there is now a new texting symbol for sarcasm...insert that here!!!)
Please note...I have never, ever been neglected on Mothers Day....
Hope you all had a great Sunday/Mothers Day!!!

DAY
Just look at how this Church is growing!!!
There are 13,508,509 of us on the planet!!
The first missionaries were sent out in 1830.
We have had 26 missions served in our family!
And thats not counting the in-laws!
What a great tradition we enjoy!!!


How exciting to be a part of and contributing to such a great legacy!!!!

ELDER CLARK UPDATE

Im a bomb technician. If you
see me running, try to catch up.
from: Sum of All Fears
by: Tom Clancy

So we finally got a first hand experience from the Mission President and his good wife on the catastrophic earthquake in Chile where Clark is serving!! Its a wonderful letter and would be well worth your time to read it. Go HERE for the full account.