I like it when it rains hard.  It sounds like white noise

 everywhere, which is like silence but not empty.

from: A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night

by: Mark Haddon

What I've Learned Today:

I am fortunate...at least 50 friends took the time to say something nice to me for my birthday. I am grateful for all the birthday wishes this week. I am grateful for another year!

If I had a 100 million dollars or even 2 billion dollars I should give it all away to help others. This is the way to find true happiness. (I bet you can  tell that I watched THE ULTIMATE GIFT with my mom)  Or, as C.S. Lewis said, "I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.  In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably  giving away to little. If our charities do not at all pinch  or hamper us, I should say they are too small.  There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charities expenditure excludes them."
gulp

I am indeed a terrible passenger. Road trips are best when I can have command of the wheel.


Again, nothing is for sure in life ...except for change.

Living one day at a time is easier said than done.

My dad's Toyota Prius will spoil me for the rest of my life.  Gas prices suck!!

I do love hiking with Lovely people.

My dad and mom are so very generous.

My kids' joy is my joy

Pepsi is a thorn in my side.

My mom has a beautiful smile...and.. shes always smiling.

Baby girl Evelyn is a princess. Already.

Im grateful I wasnt born in 1682 in tsarists Russia. So grateful. (Reading Peter the Great by, Robert Massie)

I'd almost forgotten what rain looked like, felt like and smelled like.  Salt Lake has had rain!!

"...it takes four men to make a salad; a madman, a scholar, a miser,

and a spendthrift."  "Meaning what, exactly?" James asked, mystified.

"Meaning that you need a madman to mix it-so," she said, shaking 

the ingredients vigorously together with her finger.  "But a scholar

to measure out the salt-one pinch.  Then you need a miser for the

vinegar."  She added a few tiny drops of vinegar. "But with the oil,

you want a spendthrift, because of course you cannot be to generous with good oil."

from: The Wedding Officer

by: Anthony Capella

It truly takes a village to pull off a wedding!! And no ones needs to tell a bride and groom how much stress is involved in planning and pulling off a wedding. Im just here to say...it CANT BE DONE WITHOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!! It just can't.   Unless of course money is not an issue. But its all the more meaningful when family and friends combine forces and do all in their power to pull off a dream wedding. Here below we have a little documentation of all the effort that went in to Brian and Mericar's wedding...and of course we didnt capture all the behind the scene work.  This is just the day of the reception/ring ceremony.  And this post is just about the prep work...stay tuned for the party and ceremony.

 Laying down on the job was expected...for Jenna and Clark...they had just arrived state side after a 3 month jag around the far east!! Beautiful women making beautiful paper flowers.

Clark enjoying a beautiful power nap.

Where is it written that wedding require Christmas lights...strung up all over!! ???
No ladder..no problem...we have Clark and Jenna...

Best man Blake...talent and patience...best friend ever!!!

Second mom Lisa...talent and skill!! Drove all the way to California to help!!! Bless them for ever!!!

Weddings are about the details...the never ending details!!! Steaming the veil..out darn  wrinkles, out!! Best mission companion..."Elder" Hardy!!! Thank you for coming and helping too..with your beautiful wife!!!

Worked hard all day long and all night too!! Taking time to check in with family and friends and taking a load off the feet!! Thank You Kim and Sharon...for ALL your help!!!

Dare I say that there were thousands...or many hundreds of homemade egg rolls for dinner!!?? Dad and grandma cooked for hours!! Yum!!!

Mericar's mom...beautiful Mercedes...planned on feeding the masses with all the very best that Philippine food has to offer!! She cooked for DAYS!!!! Words cannot explain how fine the dining was this night!! DELICIOUS!!!!

What you want to be eventually, that you must

be everyday; and by and by the quality of your

deeds will get down into your soul.

from: Put A Cherry On Top

by: Ben Behunin

quoting: Frank Crane

Can You Haiku?
We all know its a good thing to try something new...to stretch and grow.
Its a goal of mine to be creative each day...whether its writing or some silly art project or taking the 'perfect' picture of the desert. Even cooking a new recipe could count...but heaven knows I havent tried that in a while.
Names come to mind...for me to try and write about..to pay honor to..to show them that  I love and admire them...
This time it was Blake Brindley..Brian's very best friend. But this time words were hard to come by for me with this handsome man. So I took my own challenge and tried a creative route..something I've not done since high school or college.  I thought I'd  learn about Haiku's again and see if I could compose one for him. Its a challenge...because the guidelines say that Haikus are normally written about nature and the senses. I wanted to write one about a person. (Im always pushing limits arent I?!)
But over a period of time and a creative push, I've 'created'  a few.

Growing old certainly does have its perks..Im printing these with hardly an ounce of concern for the opinions of others. Who cares. At least I tried. I enjoyed the experience of trying.

March winds

came two sons, different mothers

heavens' gift to one another.

(oops..haikus arent suppose to rhyme...)

Testosterone based

Lusting for life on edges

Starting  at noon.

Two bashful boys
turn statuesque and assured
sally forth good men

*


Many anxious nights
longing for returns
muffled footsteps bring relief 

I dont think I'll make a dime or earn any honors for my Haikus...but this truly was a fun experience..to learn and try my mind at something new. Hopefully Im a good example to Blake and Brian..to always try new things. Or maybe in reality that is what they do for me..for they are masters of risk and new undertakings. oh to be young again. But not too young...

Love this man...love what the two of them are for each other. Brothers from different mothers. They came into the world just a day apart...friends for a lifetime.

Godspeed Blake...you are loved!!

There are so many fun sites to learn and to read haiku's. This site is one of my favorites. Check it out if you'd like. Go Here.

How often it is that an idea that seems bright and bossed 

and gleaming in its clarity when examined in a church, or

argued over with a friend in a frosty garden, becomes clouded

and murk-stained when dragged out into the field of actual endeavor?

from: March

by: Geraldine Brooks

Dearest Nick,
My aging brain really cant remember just how long we've been friends...it could be as long as 15 yrs..for that is how long My Builder and I have lived in St George, starting in Bloomington 5th ward.  You have now  have given me cause  to shudder at the thought that this could have been our last year.

You and I have served together in church. (not earning a dime...but earning brownie points in heaven..here's why.)
We've hiked together for years...for Desert Cliffs and for extracurricular activity and exploration.
And we even worked together on the ZNHA board.
Good times my friend!!
I may have taken for granted this friendship of ours my friend. But no longer!  Almost loosing you just 6 weeks ago..hones ones perspective on things.
If I were asked to describe you, the first thing I would have said was, "he's cautious to a fault. A kill joy at times for all his careful measures."
I'd use words like 'over protective' and peaceful too...plus being like a teddy bear with an attitude.
So you can well imagine the shock and disbelief I felt when I learned about your accident.  How can one so careful and meticulous and so focused on safety have such a thing happen to him!!!?? (If it could happen to YOU, it could happen to anyone...thats the truth of it!!)
6 weeks ago the stars must have misaligned...orbits must have been out of kilter...something extraordinary must have shifted in the cosmos to have such a accident to occur.
One decision, followed by several other uncharacteristic casual choices led to unfortunate events and near catastrophe!! Pride and reluctance to bother others, plus not wearing a helmet were huge factors too .  WHAT!!!?? Wait!!! Nick not wearing a helmet while repelling!!!? Unheard of!!  No anchor to be found in the mountain side!!!?? How could this be!!!??  Not being patient..and waiting for help!!?? oops..I suppose this last characteristic isnt too hard to imagine in you my friend. Sorry...patience is neither of our strong points. Several risky choices made in the matter of minutes led to near tragedy.
Whenever I picture you free falling 50 ft...5 stories...onto unforgiving sandstone in a slot canyon..my stomach does flipflops!! That's nightmare material  my friend.
Oh Nick...
your dear wife is right...
No more daredevil activities for you dear friend! Mothballing your gear will be hard...no doubt about it. But it'll be worth it in the end. Staying married to dear Kim is essential.  And hanging up those ropes will increase your odds of living to hike again. Kims ultimatum for staying married sounds perfectly rational to me!!
You have lived,  thrived and survived something most people don't. Please dont press your luck. Please comply to Kims wishes. You're alive to hike again!!! What a miracle and a gift!! You'll live to watch your grands grow old and to hike with you!! What a blessing..for you, and for the rest of us mere mortals who have no such tale to tell...angels must have cushioned that fall...and we all know it.  You have grand and wonderful things still to do...and I cant wait to see what they are!!
Bless you friend,

....this attitude of concentrated meditation is the highest

activity there is, an activity of the soul, which is possible

only under the condition of inner freedom and independence.

from: The Art of Loving

by: Eric Fromm

Dear Mary,
Already Im treasuring the memories of the 'bugs view' in my mind of the two of us with our faces smashed into our smelly, shabby yoga mats as we try to maneuver into the Locust Pose or the Plow Pose!! Oh the giggles and grunts!! Good times my friend!!
Things are amusing at the Grill...because you are on the team. The world is better because you grace it. Logan, Utah is tolerable because you call it home too. May you always have places to visit, dogs to love, people to inspire, and someone to laugh with my friend! Thank you for your steadfast friendship and wisdom.

For fun, I 'interviewed' your 'colleagues" at work. May you feel the love!!

Colby- (your adorable, and gentlemanly son) said this about you: "She's a strict mom, but somehow she's pulled off being the best mom too!! There are so many good things about her. There is so much love and she parents with ease."

Steph:."..hummm...its so hard to put into words!!! One thing for sure...she is always willing to give up her most valuable possession...her time!! She pitches in without hesitation!! "

Mindie-I love that she is always willing to help, that she is such a "free spirit", that she isnt afraid to be who she really is, that she has a heart of gold, and her goofy personality. Just to name a couple

Ari- I love her laugh!!

Shelby-She always says she has the best karma and that when the universe is off and  she has bad karma, she always drops everything at work. I like when her karma is off the best because it makes work much more funny!

Mikey- I call her Mom. She's REALLY happy when she's happy. But if momma ain't happy ain't nobody happy. She always has the most understandable and most solid advice. She treats me like she really is my mom. Her laugh cracks me up cause its so funny.

Jessie-"She gives her best advice to everyone that asks and she cares about others."

Hearts will never be practical until 

they can be made unbreakable.

from: The Wizard of Oz

by: Frank Baum

Im learning, again, that along with a healthy dose of lack of self control..ie Pepsi, tumblr, etc, I come up lacking in the technique of  'worrying.'
People worry.
Parents really worry.
Chickens worry.
Warts worry.
I do not worry...not like most people I know.

In some future life I may regret my lack of worrying...but for now its just what it is.  Though in the future I can see that I may beat myself up for not being more vigilante ..in fact there are a few things I can think of right now that I regret not being more on top of... now and then...but worrying about it would not have helped me.
I do not worry. Not compared to the vast majority of folks I know. 95% of the people I know worry to the point of loosing sleep, fingernails, and even clumps of hair from their heads as they contemplate possible trouble.  Many a stomach lining has been masticated by worry acids. Tempers flair or silence settles in when worrying raises its troublesome head.  Worrying seems to be a malady that cant be helped. Are we born with it...or is it learned? Once a worrier, always a worrier?!
 People do all sorts of things in the name of worry and protectiveness.  And I think its safe to say that parents are guilty of worrying the most. I read a Grimm fairy tale the other day.  Briar-Rose/Sleeping Beauty.  This time I read it as a metaphor for worrying parents....parents who do all they can to protect their principessa daughter from evil and peril. And do they succeed!? Of course not. For we truly cannot protect our loved ones from all heartaches and danger. Worrying has no form of

protection attached to it. We can teach, preach, and live our lives by example. We can pray, bribe, cajole or be domineering...but alas, it is worrying that helps the least of all.
At the end of the Grimm tale I  asked myself this question, "What do parents most worry about for their kids?"
My pathetic list looked like this:
1. Hoping for their spiritual centeredness-for the good times as well as the bad.
2. Wishing them financial stability
3. Hoping for the blessing of good health
4. Finding and being a good mate.

All of these things are big issues...but I can see that worrying about them for my kids wont help a thing.

I thought it would be fun and interesting to ask family and friends this same question.  To learn what others worry about for their kids.
The responses are telling.
No one is alone on the worlds worry track. (though I truly do feel isolated on my lack of worry track.)
Below are the unedited, unabridged answers from those I love!!

Judy:

Worries about her childrens'  health, their making good choices (religion, partners, job), and being productive citizens....

Christy:

Worries that her children will get hurt-emotionally, physically, spiritually, or die That she will not teach them enough or correctly so that they gain a testimony and understand the Spirit. That her relationship with them won't be open and trusting enough so that as teenagers they will come to her with troubles and worries. That they won't know how intelligent, beautiful, special, and of great worth they are as daughters of God.

(Okay, she's not gonna lie, she's worried that they'll get kidnapped or tricked by a trafficker, but she also  realizes that that fear is prompted by the volume of  work she does with this issue and she  tries to fight that one down, lol.)  Not being sure when to step in as a parent and when to let them handle it on their own...there you go, my inner parenting fears!  

Debi:

I worry about their happiness - altho they all seem to be pretty happy with life.

I worry about their marriages, altho they all seem to be good...

I worry about their children's health.

..and safety.

And I worry that they might have challenges someday that will challenge their spirituality.

Chelsea:

Hmmm 1. That they will be healthy and strong and never have to suffer through cancer.

 2. That they will love school and that we will be able to pay for their education when the time comes.

 3. That we will be financially stable so that when they want to play a sport, take karate or gymnastics I can give them that opportunity.

 4. That they will be confident and know how special they are no matter what. 

5. That in the future they will choose to serve a mission and be married in the temple and raise a family in the gospel. 

  It makes me cry to think they DO have their free agency and they are going to be hurt and tried and I hope we can teach them the way so they will KNOW the way that will make them the happiest.

Jackie:

 1.  That they and their children will retain their testimonies.

2.  That my grandchildren will be able to go to college (because of rising costs.)

3.  That they all live where they will be physically safe from idiots in the big, bad world.

4. That they can afford to own their own home.

5.  I worry that as the world gets worse, they will lose hope.  I want them to always have hope.

Kip:

1.Quality education

 2.Future jobs

3. Safe country

4. Want them to enjoy life

5. Remember what is important in life

I am optimist on the future.  It will go well for them.  It may not be easy but they will make it and the U. S. too.

Natalie:
Hmmm...I worry about when they start school and what they'll be exposed to there, I worry about then being made fun of (kids are mean these days!), I worry about their safety, I worry about their health. I think I worry about everything  I don't know about their future. If things continue with our country the way they are right now, I don't think their future looks too great. I just want them to be happy and find someone who loves them as much as their dad loves me!

Joan:
Kids? Worry? All the time! (1)I worry about their health. Carly has had tummy problems for years and no doctor knows why despite all the tests.Bill was in a car accident in June and hasn't been able to work since. Looks healthy but a concussion and damage to his dominant hand. He was just finishing a Millwright program and now that job is on hold. (2) I worry about him driving now...? (3) I worry about them finding happiness with a spouse and family one day. I want them to have what I have, a great marriage and children.(4) I worry that Allison and her husband will finally settle down thousands of miles away. She is my best chance for grandchildren!(5) I worry that she won't be able to get pregnant ( been trying for a year)(6) I worry that they will have healthy children.(7) I worry that they make enough money to support themselves and a family.(8) I worry that they will never be able to own a home in todays economy. Man! I'm officially a worry wart!!! Kids! They are a life sentence!!! I wouldn't change a thing about having kids though. Love them so much!! Big hug to you my friend Cindy. ( I worry that we won't see you again hiking in beautiful St. George) xoxox

Amanda:

Wow... That is tough. I don't really think about it like that. I anticipate a changing world. But, so did my parents and their parents. There will be things we can't control and things that are scary and undesirable. But, those things help us shape our character so I am not sure I would say that I worry about it. Each generation has its own trials and tribulations. I don't worry about broken hearts. Everyone needs to experience a couple so they can appreciate Mr. Right. I don't worry about what most people do. I have raised my daughter the best I could with values that were mine. At some point she will decide to hang on to them or let them go because she is her own person and I am glad of that. I just don't worry about her like that. I worry about things like kidnapping and disease andthings that are way out of my control or hers. I am no good to you. You wanted a list but I don't really have one. I don't like to think about those things. Bit I am super glad you thought of me to ask. I miss and love you dearly




Ashley:

Most worry about… 1. That I'm not teaching them everything they need to know 2. That they are getting all the nutrients they need 3. They are going to see me doing something wrong and then do it and then they will be messed up for the rest of their lives (i'm dramatic) 4. (this is a church one, I hope thats okay) I hope they feel the spirit in my home. I want them to be able to know it and understand it and want to have it in their lives. 5. I'm worried that sometimes he doesn't listen to me enough… I don't want him opening the front door and walking outside when I'm not looking

Future… 1. I'm worried my kids will get picked on 2. I'm worried the world is so bad it is going to be very difficult for my kids to have a strong testimony with all the bad things going on around them. 3. I'm worried that they will be easily influenced 4. I'm worried that one day my kids might not like me… (I don't like my mom, so maybe they won't like me) 5. I'm worried they might be like me

so it was kind of hard coming up with those and honestly I know some of them sound silly, but I know you love me and won't make fun of me

Barbara:

1. Health 2. Safety 3. Future in our country and what that means to them and my grandchildren. 4. Job security 5. Relationships with spouses and their own children...and people around them.

One thing I don't worry about is their spirituality .....I feel each one is pretty blessed in that area.

Rob:
Health, success, friendship, confidence, love. Hope that helps. Thanks for making my wife cry doing this. Haha.






My Builder:
My prayers for our kids include: staying healthy, being safe, staying(getting ) close to the Spirit, to have them fulfill covenants, to love their spouse and kids.




Jenn:
I'm having a hard time coming up with answers to these questions because most of my worries revolve around my own insecurities. I feel like whatever worries I have if I have enough faith Heavenly Father will help me overcome them so I try not to worry too much. We'll, I try.

7th Day- in San Diego!!!

“When I got up this morning the sea was full of sun pennies -

 and now it all seems to be covered in lemon scrim. Writers 

ought to live far inland or next to the city dump, if they are

 ever to get any work one. Or perhaps they need to be stronger-minded than I am.” 

from: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by: Mary Ann Shaffer

Who knew that trains and beaches go together as well as melted butter and steamed artichokes!!?? Trust me, they do!!!
My vacation started with a train...(link) and on this day Jude and I board a train again.
 For 6 days we enjoyed the sounds of the train gliding past us and all the other beach loungers and surfers in San Clemente. So it only seemed fit that we should climb aboard for an adventure.
This day's jaunt was to be in Old Town San Diego!!
It was yet another fabulooous day!
The weather was perfect..again.
The company was perfect...dear Jude.
I unlocked the purse-strings..just a bit...and did a little gift buying...just a little...plus a few little things for me. I put a toe ring back on my left toe. (It'd been naked for far too long.) I also adorned my wrists with some nice bangles.
Unfortunately we ate lunch at a mediocre Mexican restaurant..which was a shame, for there are many great places to eat in Old Town.  But that was the only bummer of the day!!
Time was well spent at the Mormon Battalion Museum.

Its so cool that the Church rings true no matter where you are.  In Cal., or in the 1800's as  pioneers struggled to survive, and in Chile and Japan!! Love this!!

This was the night we decided that we were risking becoming a burden at the Anderson beach bungalow. The was more company and babies arriving, plus packing and stress happening there. We didnt need to add to it. It was time to relocate.  So we kissed the babies and cousins  goodbye, packed up Lola and went in search of a hotel.
I will be eternally grateful to the Andersons for opening their doors to two old ladies on a whim. Eternally grateful!! If it wasnt for them...all of this wouldnt have happened! Bless you for forever Steve and Jenny!!

Daisy the dolly with the dark brown hair!!!

This night we spent a peaceful, dare I say, luxurious night...each in our own king-sized beds, with a big screened tv, which we were too tired to watch, and fluffy white towels to buff off the days' sand.

Each day is a gift.

Day One of my California Adventure

When active, strained vision only obscures and  frustrates,
looking away often permits the eye to see and interpret the shapes
 of what it sees.  Thus does inattention allow the mind to
register the still, small whisper of the daughter of the voice of God.
from: The BeeKeepers Apprentice
by: Laurie R King

Dearest Friend,                                                                                   9/5/13
Im on the train, with no cute paper to write on, but IM ON THE TRAIN!!
I had no idea it would take 2 1/2 hours to go from Ogden to Provo....its a fast train for petes sake. But no matter,,Im on a new adventure, and words cant begin to explain how excited, relieved and anticipatory I am for my Cally trip.  We used to

vacation a lot in days gone by. Now Im having a hard time remembering the last time I went away.
Can I just say I love trains!  They will always mean adventure to me!! Europe is ALL about trains and train stations. Oh how I revel in my memories of all the places I have been.  Just listening to this train brings some of those memories right back...the clicking and clacking and the weaving of the cars as they move along, the doors hissing open and closed. And all the different people coming and going to who knows where. Its the best!!! Just for your information...the bests trains are in Japan! Bullet trains defy imagination.
More random information...this Frontrunner cant even sell me a Pepsi-oh well-I wont let that trivial flaw get me down...Im happy to be here!
I cant wait to find you the perfect sea shell!! It'll be my mission. It'll be great!!

I plan to be on the beach every single day. I plan to learn to surf and to ride bikes, and eat lots of seafood..real seafood.
I know its  bad to start out on a trip with this encroaching attitude...but Im already trying not to think about returning home.  I need to put that out of  my mind and enjoy each day for the gift it is to be away and doing what I want to do. That will be my mantra for this trip.  ENJOY THE DAY...and stop thinking about the end of it all. Reality and Logan are hard to to swallow at times.

Since Im on the train, I wont be able to find the music and videos that you recommended me to listen to, but I promise to check them out soon.  I look forward to it.

The train is now speeding past Lagoon! Have you ever been there? I have good memories of that place too. Its not Disneyland...but we had fun there. I see that its closed for the season. So sad. That means winter is just around the corner.  Bah Humbug.

Ah...kissing on train platforms...so romantic.  silly me  This is only a commuter train.

When I get to Provo my boys will pick me up and we'll go to dinner somewhere yummy!! I think its going to be to a Pho place. Oh how I Love Pho!!  Theres a place in St George that makes pretty respectable Pho. You should try it some time. Its delish!!
Then it'll be early to bed and EARLY to rise  and start our road trip!!! Whoot whoot!!! Its going to be a 91/2 hour drive. I love road trips!!

(I suppose we are definitely going faster than the cars on the highway...so why in the world is this going to take 21/2 hours?!!?) oh yeah...Im supposed to remember to enjoy the journey!! Im too excited to nap, though the rocking and sway of the cars is conductive to sleep.

I see that I've begun to ramble. Sorry.
I'll sign off now and write again from sunny, bright California!!
Love you!!

P.S.- did you know that short shorts are back!?!?  I know we shouldnt want to wear them... but they take me back to my good ol days-BC-before church.  When my hubby describes our meeting one another (at USU) it always includes a description of my white short shorts. Silly me.  Naughty me. Silly hubby.

P.S.S.- I love Sara Bareilles!!  I guess I shouldnt be surprised that I havent heard of any of the other artists you mentioned. Im old, remember?  Do I dare admit to you that I like country music? Did you know that about me? I love a good story set to music.

How about this random fact...I had a goal...I wrote about it on my blog.  I wanted to learn how to ride my bike without hands.  Guess what!!!??  I can do it now!!  Im pretty proud of myself.  Its a simple pleasure.  Hopefully it empowers me to conquer the waves and to learn to surf!!

(Now I see why it takes so long to get to Provo!!! we are creeping,,,really creeeeeping through the Salt Lake valley, and making lots of stops.)
You had no idea you'd be receiving a travel log from me did you?

The Salt Lake mountains sure are beautiful. No one could dispute that.

There are some other wild things I'd like to do while in California:
-get a tattoo
-ride a bike to Mexico
-spend lots of money...but it takes money to spend money
-see a shark
-see dolphins

As soon the train rounded the point of the mountain and entered Utah Valley, the clouds began to do their 10 Commandment thing over the mountains. And it began to drizzle.  I didnt write my friend about what I could see through my train window because I was too enthralled by what I was witnessing.  When the train pulled into the Provo station and I disembarked - there was a magical double rainbow framing the tall peaks right in front of me.
I took it as a sign.
...as an omen.
This trip to California was going to be all that I hoped it to be. I had an even greater sense of anticipation than before.

I also didnt write to my friend about finding the perfect Pho restaurant with my boys and their women! I didnt tell her how happy I was to share the hugest most delicious bowl of deliciousness with Jenna!! (did I say delicious enough!?!?!)  And about how it felt to spend time with my grown up children.
It was such a lovely evening.
I also must  mention that my Good Builder sent me off on this adventure with his blessing.  With nary a whispered breath of complaint.  He did nothing or said nothing to make me feel guilty for going. (There must have been a 'look' in my eyes....???)

Stay tuned for Day Two of my  California adventure. An adventure that had nothing to do with amusement parks, but had everything to do with rest, relaxation and recharging and the sea.

Peace friends

A Letter to a Friend

Its true that I do not speak as well as

I can think.  But that is true of most people,

as nearly as I can tell.

from: The Poisonwood Bible

by: Barbara Kingsolver

Lets be pen-pals!!
It'll be fun!!
May the thrill of getting real mail in our mailboxes never, ever, fade.

All is well here. With the exception of a sinking feeling in my heart when finding a tree on todays' excursion, whose leaves are already changing color.  Ugh!! How can this be!?!?  Its still August!!  I don't want to start hating Logan so soon.  8 months of cold weather just isnt right. Not on any level.

I live in the hope that this will be our LAST winter here.  I've pretty much laid down the law in fact.  I dont want to do 2 more winters here.  I also aspire and dream of finding a used hot tub to put out back...to help the winter seem not so bitter a pill to swallow.  We're  hunting the pages of Craigslist and KSL.com. Wish us luck!! And that it wont break the bank.

Please dont concern yourself  about finding me a purse that matches my style.  (do I have a style?) Im a fickle soul...my 'style' is always changing.  Right now Im loving the  big bag...that smells divinely of real leather...that you so generously gifted to me.  It holds my notebook, and several novels and my huge wallet! I am happy!!  Plus it reminds me of you!!

I will be sure to tell Rob of your kind offer to use your beautiful pool. He just might take you up on it!!  I know he misses our pool...as do I.

It was lovely to get some news about Bloomington 5th ward! Thank you!! Its hard to believe that Garrett has already returned from his mission. I saw a picture of he and his brothers on facebook.  He does look terrific. Angie and David  must be thrilled to have him back.  Its a long 2 years!!

Im not surprised to hear about the Clarkes moving.  In fact, Im surprised it didnt happen sooner.  I wish it was me that could have knocked her door and offered to buy her home. I loved how unique it is.  A Frank Lloyd Wright style.  It reminded me of my neighborhood that I grew up in in Maryland.
Wouldnt it be fun to move into a condo in downtown Salt Lake?  Or better yet...how about downtown New York City.
Oops...Im showing my fickleness once again.
Down town N.Y. in a condo...
Or Ivins, Utah, at the foot of those red rocks.
How about this...
New York City for a year.
Ivins for the rest of my life, with a dash of Cancun and Lake Powell whenever I want.
This would be perfection.
Anyway..Im happy for the Clarkes.  They'll be happy up North.

So are you reading anything interesting?
Im enjoying

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Its the first book I've read in many months.  Yep...thats right...I said months.

Im planning a get away!!
I must!!
I thought my burger joint...where I work...was going to fold.  That possibility caused my mind to churn.
So I called Jude. My perfect co-conspirator.
It so happens that I have dear family that live in So. Cally.
It seems the stars are aligning.
It now looks as though our plans are really going to come together. Very soon I will be  spending a handful of days at the beach!!!!
My heart and soul can be replenished there.
And my dear Builder didnt even bat an eye at my request. I must have that look in my eye.  He knows I need this, especially before the snow flies...this California girl in me needs to have some sand between her toes and salt air brushing against her skin.  Im hoping to hit the road in a couple of weeks.  Even taking the time off at work has been easy. It must be that Im meant to go...FINALLY!!

I love you dear friend.  Time spent with you is always precious to me. I do hope it happens again soon!
Good luck in selling your home...if this is what you really desire.
And yes...our motto will be...keeping fighting the fight!!!
 Cant wait to hear from you ...my new pen-pal!!  Im giddy with excitement!

Love,
me

...the pleasure of painting is that hurting sense that you're 

not getting it right, and so you try something else, and 

you try and you try until  you get it.  It may not be 

perfect, but it's comfortingly better than when you started,

and when  that happens, it's one of the grandest feelings

in the world,  because it's earned.

from: The Passion of Artemisia

by: Susan Vreeland

I mentioned it before...but last weekend was 'my' first funeral as a Relief Society president.  Im happy to report that it went very smoothly.  Due in no part to me...for the woman in charge of compassionate service/funerals is a dynamo!! She's got funeral luncheons down to a science!! Im already ever so grateful she's on the team!!
 And.... how very cool is this hearse!!? I couldnt resist taking a shot of if as it waited out front of the church.  When I die...you can carry my bones to the grave in this ride!!! Gladly!!!

The apartment gets quite toasty come 3 o'clock, so often we head to the park for  a cool down...it truly is a wonderful place.

My new friend and her 'babies' went walking with us the other morning..or I should be more clear...I was invited to join them on their ritual morning walk up the canyon.  5 little Yorkie all in a row...pretty cute.

You cant tell from these pictures...but this week the deer have come into the garden and have been sampling the many flavors that grow so abundantly there.  It appears they LOVE strawberry plants, and squash leaves, and most decidedly my morning glory leaves!  Thankfully the garden is so large, that their feasting isnt too damaging...except for maybe the strawberry leaves...they took a good bunch of them out...not as much photosynthesis going on there right now...ugh!

Now that the Olympics are over---this show has become  my guilty pleasure, which is made all the better 'cause I share it with Anna. The men go down to the Mill to make rabbit food..and we make time to watch a few episodes. Its really quite captivating and an eye-opening  portrayal of the deaf culture! Not to mention the premise of two babies being switched at the hospital and going home to grow up under completely different circumstances...and then as teenagers learning the truth!!  Its sweet and entertaining and Im often moved with emotion as I watch.  (I dated a charming, and very handsome deaf  boy in high school..eons ago.) Switched at Birth is worth watching! (aint Netflix grand!?)

My Builder snatched away my copy of Mayflower and is enjoying it...(I'm happy to see him read..and relax) I will pick it up again when he's through. So Im reading a light and delicious  book..which is good for me right now.  Its full of eccentric characters, vivid imagery, and silliness...all written with great skill! Then it'll be back to the hardships and heartache and awesome courage that is the story of the Pilgrims!!
Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard ***1/2

And look at this...Clark is in Chicago!  Good times!!  Love these two!!

You remember this handsome man?  He's home from his mission ... and getting on with his life...north of here, in Idaho.
He's following my counsel and dating cute girls, smiling more and trying not to take life so seriously...he's too young for his old man persona ! I do know he's fulfilled one of his childhood dreams since returning and has set up a salt water aquarium in his bedroom...I suppose he finds fish good company. He's working hard and saving for school. And Im hoping he's putting away some greenbacks so he can come to Logan for a visit.

One of the down sides...the only down side...to having missionaries return is that you stop getting mail!
I MISS Justus's letters to me while he was serving in Chile!! I miss my son's emails too, but Justus's letter were epistles,  full of insight and his reminiscing of how he saw life with crazy me, while he lived with us in St George. I treasure these letters.  Maybe one day when Justus becomes a famous film maker and moves away to some distant land he'll write me again.
I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this fine young man!

What God asks of men, said Graham, is faith.

His invisibility is the truest test of that faith.

To know who sees him, God makes himself unseen.

quote: Billy Graham

from: Unbroken

by: Laura Hillenbrand

My new friend Tami and I went on another 20 miler bike ride this morning.  While my old friends in St George are hiking Orderville Canyon in Zion this morning...I just had to get out and distract myself from the ache of not being there with them and hiking down one of God's greatest creations. God, water, time and red sandstone= Orderville Canyon.
Tami, two wheels and a beautiful valley = a descent distraction and a good time and work out.  We had to pedal to Walmart first to buy me a bike helmet...on My Builders insistence.  I was very tempted to take home the pink one with the brilliant Mohawk!!  Dont you think I could have made a real statement with this one!!!??
We pedaled up and down hills and felt that wonderful familiar burn in the leg muscles. We stopped and took pictures of the darling homes, and we pulled over at a fruit stand and bought a fresh, juicy peach as our reward for a good ride!  And on the way home we stopped in at Great Harvest and sampled their free bread! A pretty darn good morning I'd say.  Didnt think about Zion once.

And just so you know...I've been Relief Society Prez for less than 24 hours...and the bishop calls last night and informs me that there's been a death in the ward.  Here we go!!!





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J.R.R. Tolkien, in The Fellowship of the Rings  "The road must be trod,
but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far
upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the
strong. Yet it is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world:
Small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are
elsewhere."

Her missionary made the following comment about the quote:

"Mom, I love this! We are constantly tracting out ministers and pastors who
say we are too young to really know about Christ and proclaim Christianity.
This quote is a reminder to the protestant world that all through the Old
Testament God used weak things against strong things to show his power.... AND
HE STILL DOES!! I also like that it refers to our necessity to ALWAYS push
ourselves, ALWAYS lean on the Lord and ALWAYS rely on the spirit to do our
teaching, very awesome!!"

Mom: "Later after I shared this quote with an elder here in our stake he said
it made him think of Alma 37:6, by small and simple means the efforts of
these young elders and sisters really can "confound" the wise and help the
kingdom roll forth!"

Brian's plane was supposed to arrive at 2:30...we get there and check the 

schedule and learn that his flight is delayed....like he was still at the gate inLAX!! Ugh oh no!! Now what do we do??!!

family and friends have gathered to greet him...but we have 2 hours to wait...

nourishment is required...off to find something yummy to fill the void...

At least 12 Elders came down that escalator...to masses of family waiting 

anxiously at baggage claim...to claim their long 'lost' sons!!

watching, watching for "the suits with name tags" to appear at the top!

and there he is!!!

...and I really didnt think I'd do it...but I found myself hopping up and 

down and squealing with joy!! 

I got the first hug...AFTER 2 YEARS!!!  It felt so wonderful!! So, so happy!!

...and here we have Clark...'facetiming" or Skyping for Robby and Chelsea 

in St George!! Isnt modern day technology amazing!!!?

 hugs for dad!!

cant stop smiling and cant stop holding on to him!!

Best friend Blake...who just returned last month from his mission to 

Fort Worth, Texas!  Watch out world!!!

Checking out his newest nephew Ben...who couldnt be bothered to stay

awake for the party!!! (and yes..Im still holding on!)

still skyping...

and still holding on...

"oh mom"...(or maybe he's just dead on his feet??)

WELCOME HOME BRIAN!! Words cant express how very proud we all of you...and how 

thrilled we are to have you home!! LOVE YOU!!!

(and thank you Brindley's and cousins for showing up to celebrate with us!!)

Peace and Happiness!!!

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