My Retreat

Last month I was going a little stir crazy and HAD to get out of town. I knew that my mental health was at stake if I spent another week off at home. So on Tuesday I called my grandma and asked what she was doing that week and if I could come-ummm... tomorrow. then I hopped in my car and took off 10hrs to Redlands California. NO, I didn't go to the beach. YES, I do love the beach- but that wasn't the objective. I went to be with my grandma. I slept in, went for a 2 morning runs (enjoyed thoroughly how my lungs didn't burn with asthma there), argued and lost with my grandma about who was paying for what, got a little sun, bought a bunch of the freshest sweetest oranges from the tree, Lion King, a trip to the apple orchards, my first apple dumpling, introduced my grandma to Red Box with a rental of Young Victoria (highly recommended!! amazing film) and then Saturday I turned right around and came home. It was just what the doctor ordered. Love you Grandma!!
We are 2 independent women steadfast and immovable (that is what my grandma says instead of stubborn) and it is an honor to be your granddaughter.

California Poppies- growing wild on the side of the road.

Roses Roses Roses

A few weeks ago I took a class on Roses for Beginners at the Red Butte Gardens. I must put a little plug in for the Red Butte Gardens. If you have never been- you must go! It is amazing.
The teacher is a rose fanatic. If you think I'm exaggerating just wait- you will agree with me I promise. I can only describe him as Occidental/Guernsville meets West Side SLC. I do realize that means nothing to most- but for the people who do know those two places it means everything.
This man and his wife bought a corner drug store and turned it into their home and office. In place of the parking lot and side lots he has planted roses. Almost 500 different rose bushes. He said his rose garden was peaking and that anyone was welcome to just help themselves through his gate and have a look. So I took him for his word. I rode my bike down to 880 W 200 S- Emily drove out to meet me and this is what we found.

PS- I learned a lot of great things about taking care of roses which I am very excited about! I have been wanting to learn more about caring for roses for years. It was a great class and now my roses will be even greater.

Spiral Jetty and The Golden Spike

Emily planned a great Saturday escape to get out to see the wonders that are so close- yet sometimes so far at the same time. A 2hour drive out to The Golden Spike State Park and a view of the Spiral Jetty. A few cars, a bunch of girls, a party sack complete with a wooden train whistle and snacks (because Emily is just that great), an incredible dynamic sky and you have a great adventure.

This was in honor of some sand art I created 6 years ago- it is, unfortunately, still true today.

The hostest and I

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Jumping for Joy

Happy Birthday Jody!!

My niece turned 9 on June 11th. She is a lover of crafts, pink, and princesses. She was born with an innate moral compass. Doing the RIGHT thing is such a natural guiding force within her Jody struggles to understand how anyone could chose anything else. She is an invaluable helper, natural nurturer, and care tender of all living things. In the spring the seedlings are put in her room because her mere presence inspires things to grow. Lately, her hula hooping and jump roping skills have made exponential growth AND she has discovered reading. Just ask her about her latest book.

Chalk Art

One of the summer's highlights is the Gateway Chalk Art Festival. Last weekend was the annual anticipated event. Emily was my stellar date for the Saturday night festivities. Have a look see below for some of the highlights.

MP 19th Stikes Again

I am making an attempt to integrate and become invested in the Monument Park 19th Ward. Whether you describe it as a valiant attempt all depends on your perspective. Every time I go to an activity I find the the song "one of these things is not like the other, one of these just does not belong, can you tell which things is not like the other by the time I finish this song" running laps in my head. And it seems to sum things up nicely. I am the thing that does not belong. I am the misfit in this ward. One begins to ask just why I am going there. I hope it gets better soon.
The latest adventure occurred at FHE this week. A night of beginning social dance. I am not in need of beginning social dance lessons but I thought it a good interactive way to meet people so I gave it a go. And I walked away with a latest and greatest story. Are you ready for it?
There was a change in partners in the dance line and a a new man strolled up beside me and asked how I was doing with the dancing. I replied "I am doing fine- but dance is my thing". To which he looked at me quizzically and asked- "dance is your thing?" "Yes", I said, "I am a dancer." At which point he stepped back looked me up and down and said "You don't look like a dancer." "What does a dancer look like?" I asked. "I don't know" he said, "lithe and elegant". I was stunned and speechless. Did he really just say that? And the funny part was he was clueless as to the backhanded jab he just handed me. He went on with get to know you conversation as I was attempting to smother the steam that was rising. And I thought-hmmm, I wonder why you're not married.
So there you have it.
Another successful blog entry courtesy of MP 19.

Only a Storm Could Be That Beautiful

I just spent the best part of 2 hours outside admiring the most beautiful heavenly event. Walking and staring entranced by the depth, intensity, contrast, light, color, smells, and feel of the storm that raced through at sunset, amazingly clearing up to piercing stars as the last glimpse of light faded beyond the horizon. The storm became so dark that black gives no proper justice to describe the enveloping presence that absorbed everything in its path. The entire spectrum of grey filled the sunset backdrop. Shapes of impending doom to fanciful artistry were expressed by the clouds. I was awed by the visible speed with which these clouds fled across the sky. There were trees silhouetted against the bright rays of sunset. The intricacies of the details of the mountains were made bare by the evening light which you only noticed if you could take your eyes away from the brightest double rainbows framing the fresh, lush, green mountains. Soon a heavy summer rain which was renewing without the bite of winter began to fall in thick heavy drops while silent lightening laid fleeting desperate patterns throughout the sky. At one point in the walk the capital looked framed in an artist's canvas with the black storm being challenged by the bright lights it shines at night to stand as a beacon on the hill. The flags were perfectly horizontal as the wind propped them in place. The western edge of the capital was gradated from black to blue to tinged yellow with the trailing of clouds that couldn't keep pace with the others silhouetted against the final hopes of day as the last light trickled into dark. And to cap it off one star (well, Venus) broke through the clouds with a confidence and presence demanding attention.


I couldn't believe I didn't have my camera. There were a hundred thousand pictures that cried to taken but I was helpless to heed their pleas- although my heart ached for it. I did have my phone on me for the first part of it and managed to capture the double rainbow. The second half of the storm it was Emily and I out wandering up to the capital to see clearly the glories. I was struck by the sadness of how many people missed the most incredible sights I have experienced in a long time. It was the best show on earth tonight- yet so few experienced it. It fed my soul more than anything could have. And to top it off this morning was the most glorious morning light over the mountains I have ever seen. I remember how stunned I was by the morning. I can't believe it was only the appetizer/the opening act before the main event of this evenings grandeur. Grateful, grateful, grateful for this most glorious Sunday gift God granted me today.

I think there are many profound lessons to be found within the storm. Emily commented on the poetry of it-so true. But the lesson I need tonight-my take home message... is to remember that storms bring a beauty and depth nothing else can. And not all storms need to be hidden from- some are better walking through and looking at the majesty they bring.