Time to Go Public

I have been debating this entry all week. Yes- write it, no- don't. I have valid arguments for both sides- which I am not going to share- just not important. But I finally came to the decision to go ahead and reveal the inside joke behind my last blog. In all honesty, I had hoped it would reveal itself in time, but it just hasn't. My final conclusion was- I don't want any false assumptions regarding my last blog.

If you haven't noticed- my roommates and I like nicknames- the most recent being kung fu- the FU stands for "failing upwards"- another story for a different time and place. Generally speaking, those with nicknames don't even know they have one. Last December/January I had a run in of names- you might say. There was a Nate Walsh, a Nate Cannon, and a Ryan Cannon. For someone who struggles with names, this was a little too much to handle. The girls struggled to keep track of them all and "Hometeacher Nate" was just too long. Emily decided to "name" hometeacher Nate something else to make life a little easier. Her first attempt was Fernando- now if you know Emily at all- this is actually something she might name anyone- (she hadn't even met him yet). However, Anya vetoed it immediately saying it wasn't acceptable. So Emily went back to the drawing board. Later that night I was in my room when I heard a big HEATHER!! coming from the front room. So I come out to see what all the ruckus was all about- Emily stated she had another name- Fuego. She had been reading a book with Tierra Del Fuego and decided Fuego was a most excellent substitution for Fernando. And well... the name just sort of stuck. To this day- 7 or so months later, "Fuego" is still used. So if you review my previous blog- it just might make a little more sense- and why we thought it was fabulous.

What are the Odds # 2,976...

Hooray! Another "what are the odds" moment! This one was spectacular...

Today was Anya's birthday- it being July 24th, a holiday in Utah, the day was at her command. Happy Birthday Anya!! It started out by going out to breakfast- 3 times the charm. We found out that more people than we expected had the day off. Hence, Einstein's instead of Market Street Grill. Days of '47 Rodeo, a quick bit to eat, and then miracle of all- all 4 of us together to see Momma Mia. Not a date movie- but a most splendid girlfriends movie. It was a great day.

It was the quick bite to eat that was the capstone for me. For those who know- you will appreciate how fantastic the pictures below represent... what are the odds #2,976. We enter Costa Vida only to find...

This...

And This...

At the same place and time.

Truly, what are the odds?

I Like Mine Live

Hooray!! We actually managed to get 3 guys to come along to the John Mayer Concert with us. We were quite pleased with our accomplishment. You wouldn't believe how hard that was. It took me 4 tries to get it right. It would have been better if Emily had asked Micah (you wouldn't have known she didn't) and if Adam- well, had been someone else. He was the only "not too happy camper" in the bunch. But I didn't stress over it- not my date, not my problem. I was doing just fine.

All but one

Someone had to take the picture...

Points to anyone who knows who is not captured in the photo ;)

Levi and I

Big thank you to Levi for being willing to drive out from Logan. Great company to be in for the evening. I hope he didn't mind me talking so much... I felt like a motor mouth. He didn't even mind it when I broke out into dance here and there (or at least that's what he led me to believe). What can I say: music = dancing right? Levi is a rock star himself- a drummer of all things. I wish I knew him while he was playing in his band. He certainly does not give off a strong physicist vibe. Who would have thought? I would love to see him show off his science fair to the grade schoolers.

The 2 that should have been paired initially. They appeared to be quite enjoying the evening...

The Girls- Honestly, what would we do without each other?

The Stage- John is down there somewhere!

A word about John Mayer. Summer 2002 - I am in graduate school. Some of my friends are big John Mayer fans- he was coming to NC and we all decided to go. I knew some of his songs- liked some better than others, but not what you would consider a fan. Then I heard him live... I was amazed- I couldn't believe how good he was. The real genius of John, in my opinion, is in his guitar playing. (You never really hear it in his recordings- and if you do most people don't realize it's John.) When he just rocks out and leaves his nice, neat, and pretty set and lets the moment empower him- it is fantastic. He has a blues soul that weaves through it all. I like all of his songs better live than on his albums. Some of his songs, which I don't like much at all, somehow are transformed when he performs them live. Stage presence, taking it as it comes, and just wanting to share his music sums it up. I loved the concert. So thus marks my 3rd Mayer concert and he hasn't let me down. Although, he was minding his manners in Utah- the 2x I saw in him in NC he demonstrated quite the freedom of speech. Here, he only swore 2x. And then he apologized, stating, he forgot he was in Utah.

My favorite song? "Say What You Need to Say"- Really, I think this is my anthem. Want to know a little about me? - Listen to the words- don't worry there aren't many- but it is like he opened up a piece of my soul and wrote a song about it.

The Four Agreements

1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don't take things personally
3. Don't make assumptions
4. Always do your best

I was at "feasting with friends" tonight when I saw that Travis had "The Four Agreements". I was excited because my copy disappeared along with a boy a long time ago. After my blog last week I was trying to remember what they all were. ( Truly pathetic- there were only four.) So I pulled his copy of the shelf and wrote them down so I would have them. As much as I hate my memory- or lack there of (truly I am often amazed at how bad it is) it does have it's pro's. It is really hard to hold a grudge if you can't remember. It helps me conquer the "natural woman". The part that holds on for eons and brings up past trespasses long gone. Anyway- enough rambling.

A Date with Shakespeare and Zion

Last year an annual excursion started- A Date with Shakespeare. There is a group that goes down, mostly from my prior ward, and well- just girls- to Cedar City. Not that boys aren't welcome- they just don't choose to spend their time and money with William. Cedar City is home to a Shakespeare festival which is one of the finest in the country. If you haven't gone, it- it comes highly recommended. Shakespeare is meant to be experienced as live theater. I learned this personally when my love for Shakespeare started when I saw, The Comedy of Errors, at the Globe in London (standing in the "peasant" section.)

My Latest Crush- Sir William. He made a most excellent date!



"Tell me all about it Will"

Beautiful Anya

Part of the Crew- waiting for the Taming of the Shrew (did you like my rhyme?)

I was very excited for Taming of the Shrew, but honestly, I was disappointed. But... Othello was hands down one of the best theatrical performances I have ever seen. I have never been more genuine in my standing ovation and applause. I am sure there is someone out there who has words to describe it--- that person doesn't happen to me me.

Waiting for the evening performance of Othello in the outdoor Globe replica.

This year the Date with Shakespeare coincided with a University 41st ward activity in St. George Utah. So on Saturday I got to fulfill one of my major goals for the summer. I FINALLY made it to Zion. I have been anxiously awaiting this for a long time. There was a group going down to spend a few hours there and I was not going to miss out. The plan was to hike the Narrows- which we did- kinda. The more people you add to a group the slower and more difficult it is to accomplish anything- so by the time we got there we only had a few hours. And, there were thunderstorms fore casted, that is not a good time to be in the Narrows, so we hiked what we could. I just want to say for the record... I LOVED IT!!! I felt like a kid in a candy store. The smile on my face was fixed. I even thought to myself- I can still have the joy I feel dancing when my body and opportunities languish doing activities like this. That, my friends, says a lot...

The group

The Entrance to the bottom of the Narrows

Happy as can be!!

Beautiful, Gorgeous, Wish you were there!!

(prize to anyone who can tell me what movie that line is from)

Emily Hodson and I

Emily and I decided that we definitely need to spend more time together in the great outdoors. Check out the water dripping off our shoes- isn't that excellent! We gave our cameras to Ryan and took a little swim down the current. I mean, we had already waded to the top of our legs- it would have been a crime to stay dry up top. It felt so good. The water wasn't "cold", the day wasn't too hot, the sky was blue, and the scenery was awe inspiring. What I don't have pictures of (but Emily does) was the bouldering we did just outside the entrance to the park. It was a great rock to climb on. I loved the chalk marks covering the hand holds. It is obviously a favorite place to "rock on".

We drove back after Othello Saturday night to arrive home at a mere 3:00am. Yikes! But, I manage to stay awake the whole time so I did not abandon Anya driving so late at night. Now all I have to do is undo the chaos my room is in after such a great weekend.

Assumptions and Journeys

Don Miguel Ruiz wrote a book entitled The Four Agreements. In this book, he discusses four agreements we should make with ourselves to reduce our personal suffering. The wisdom in his counsel is beautiful in it’s truth and simplicity and I have found myself pondering it since I read it 5 years ago. Unfortunately, my mind is more commonly drawn upon it when I am suffering because I failed to follow the counsel of the agreements. The agreement to "never make assumptions" seems to be the one I am most commonly offending. I am in awe of how often I make assumptions. It is all very fine and well to agree to this cause and altogether another to do it.

My latest assumption (resulting in suffering) revolves around a journey and its destination. There are a multiplicity of possible journeys. I believe the physical journey to be, perhaps, the most common but least significant. The journeys of the heart, mind, and soul are what make life elevating. We find at the end of the path that these journeys changed our character, desire, achievement, understanding, love, and/or any numerous other qualities (if we let it).

Several months ago, I embarked on a journey- assuming-- I knew what journey I was on and its intended destination. But as I am learning once again- sometimes the journey is the destination. The purpose being the lessons learned, habits changed, character forged, compassion achieved and wisdom treasured. I now find myself at no "destination" although I believe (and hope) this journey to be through. I pause in reflection and wonder at the inspiration I received that led me to set sail toward my intended/assumed destination. I wonder if the purpose of the inspiration was solely to motivate me to lift anchor and set sail. God knowing, that for only so great a cause, I would embark and thus gain treasures I could not achieve in any other way. God knows my needs and what motivation I require to attend to those needs. There was suffering along the way, but mostly caused by the times I foolishly tried to steer the ship toward the destination I assumed to be mine, instead of trusting God at the helm, even when the ship did not move where I planned. Although I am grateful for the journey- I admit, I am ready to not be seasick any more. :)

The Art of Abundance

While in graduate school, I purchased a book entitled "The Art of Abundance". At the time, it was an odd purchase for me. I found it in the gift section and it looks like a book people give someone they don't know because- the book looks pretty. In graduate school, the only books I was buying were $100 or more text books and a movie was a special occasion because it "costs so much". So $15 on a gift book? I remember thinking at the time that it was an impulse buy, but something about it captivated me. I have never regretted the decision. It is a treasure and I still turn to now and then. It always lifts my soul and brings me peace, joy, and delight.
Today in testimony meeting, someone talked about being content with what you have and where you are in life. It reminded me of my abundance book. I was excited to come home and again, discover what was with in its pages. Most of the book is compilations of the completion of one sentence- "Abundance is...". There is a challenge at the end to write your own ending to this sentence. A challenge I have never taken... until today. It was so much fun! I couldn't believe how fast I filled up 3 pages. It felt like dipping into Mary Poppin's bag- endless possibilities. The list is long, I don't expect you to read it all. But, for my own personal record, I am writing my first list of "Abundance is..."

"Abundance is..."

• Cheerful geraniums greeting you at the front step
• Coworkers you consider your friends
• Successful day at work
• A person freed from pain because they took your advice- and it worked
• A red phone, a red comforter, and a red lamp
• Anya cooking in the kitchen
• Emily reading a book
• A Kristin sighting
• Everyone home at the same time
• Understanding something new
• Understanding something again
• Opening a new book for the first time
• Finishing a book with a sigh
• Sweat from honest work
• Wildflowers
• Hummingbirds outside my parent's house, feeding on my dad's feeder
• Warm sun and a gentle breeze
• Kisses from my nephew Jacob
• Slumber parties with my niece Jody
• Tim's musings
• David's puns
• Andrea researching
• Anginette's calming presence
• Mom creating
• Dad always anxiously wanting best for us children
• Dad winning a game
• Grandma Mac writing a new story
• Grandma P anxiously engaged
• A canopy of trees
• Gatherings around pianos to sing
• Conquering a fear
• Having enough
• Having enough to share
• Finding something you thought lost
• Watching people discover dancing
• An umbrella in the rain
• No umbrella in the rain
• A safe return after a hazardous journey
• Reunion of old friends
• Treasures from travels
• Unfulfilled dreams- meaning you still have something to hope, work, strive, and live for.
• Personal testimony
• Acts of service (especially secret acts)
• Fresh laundry
• Trails yet to be explored
• Being in the right place at the right time
• Making someone smile
• Fresh fruit and vegetables picked from the garden
• Finding "just what you needed"
• An answered prayer
• Stepping out the door with luggage
• Airplane ride - away
• Airplane ride- home
• A clean house
• Something baking in the oven
• Knowing you are loved
• Someone keeping their promise
• An unexpected ending/ pleasant surprises
• Flowers from Mr Darcy, Mr Thornton, or Mr Rochester
• Reading/ hearing inspiring words
• Not being cold
• Not being late
• Appreciating the gifts, talents, and strengths of others
• Walking into the temple
• Creating traditions
• Singing out loud in the car
• Sore muscles from a favorite physical activity
• Music that makes you want to dance
• Music that connects
• A sight, sound, or smell that takes you back...
• Writing down an anticipated event on the calender
• Additions to the family
• Feeling safe
• Realizing you've made a change for the better
• Knowing you are right where you belong

I would love to hear other's ending to "Abundance is..." Please feel free to share!

Born on the 4th of July

Happy 4th of July!! Here is a glimpse of my celebration.

First off-- a hike in the Uintas to celebrate our country's beauty from sea to shining sea! Or at least peak to shining peak.

The Goal- Mt Bald




At the base: Ready for an adventure!



!!! What's This??? Sudden unexpected end to our adventuring... =(




Well, when life gives you snow- make snowmen!!





Sorry Emily, I didn't realize your eyes were closed. But the smile is excellent.






Believe it or not, Emily, this was one of your penguin shots!!

The runoff made for some excellent mud! Where's Emily's boot?

We were not satisfied with our anti-climatic end to Mt Bald. So Emily and I found another trail. Which turned out to be a meadow stroll. Not much of a hike, but beautiful- (minus the fragrant deer carcass decomposing on the trail). However- it will be perfect for beginning mountain biking! I want to learn, but need to ease my way into it.

After a quick tour of Emily's family farm house in Marion , complete with lunch, I was off to American Fork for a family movie- WALL E. A beautiful backroad drive (I know, imgaine that- me taking a back road...) through Heber to arrive just in time. FYI: loved it!!! I have a total crush on WALL E. But at times couldn't decide if I loved the movie or watching my nephew Jacob watch the movie more.

Then it was off to Lehi for dinner. Don't worry, I showered when we got back to the house. Perfect timing- I cleaned up and it was all ready. How lucky am I?

So as it turned out we ended up with a married table, a singles table on the end, and a kids table. Seating was not intentional-- separating us singles but at least I have progressed up a table.




Final festivities: Sparklers!!!

The night was topped off with a slumber party in Jody's room. I had the princess canopy bed and Jody had cushions covered in pink blankets on the floor next to me. Both of us fell asleep perfectly content.

Heaven's Highlights

As Emily and I were hiking the morning of the 4 th of July (to become an annual tradition), our conversation turned to an interesting subject- videos in heaven. Let's not argue how they would not actaully be videos or DVDs... not the point. It all started when my brain wandered as it is wont to do and it landed on this thought--- it would be nice when we get to heaven to hear all the kind, positive thoughts people had about you. I believe there are so many unsaid things that could help someone along the way. I do make it a point to try and tell people my kind thoughts about them, but I am no way near 100%. Well, that started a stream of thoughts. Emily's top video she wants to view is her blopper reel. So here is a very short list. I would love to hear anyone else's ideas of what highlights they want to see in heaven.

Kind thoughts about me (perhaps the most egocentric video... but it did start the conversation so it deserves to be first.)
The blooper reel (I wonder if there is a prize for whoever has the longest reel)
The times I got it right...finally
The result of the kind things I did for others
All the times I belly laughed
Personal moments of art
Epiphanies
The Whys
The kind things others did for me I never noticed (a belated thank you is better than none at all right?)
Moments of joy, peace, or contentment
Top Adventures
Effects of my example I never knew about
My guardian angels at work (just how many times did they save my life?)
Moments I lived up to my potential (I really hope I have a few of these)

The best part of this conversation was the effect it had on me. It made me want to be better--so I am excited to see the "Best of Heather". Something worth watching. Specifically, it made me want to do more for others. It was Emily's comment of wanting to see the effect of kind things you do for others that prompted this excitment. (How shameful am I... I wanted know all the good things people think about me and she wants to see the effect of her kind deeds. I think this is a sad commentary on the two of us. She is always looking for ways to serve and is an excellent example to me. I am hoping serving others consistently will be on my "I finally got it right" reel.) What would you change to make a spectacular "best of"? Emily and I joked, after repentance, it would be sad if our videos were only 10 minutes long.






Self Portrait of the Hikers