24 Jan 2008 10:55 PM

I remember camping in Colorado with my family circa 1959...and just over the state border in the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming (see photo). Back then we had the whole mountain range to ourselves it seemed (im sure its more populated now) ...total quiet solitude. We camped right on the edge of the water with those enormous magestic mountains gracing the horizon.

I remember muscrat and beaver making a silent wake in the mirrored glassy lake as they swam at dawn, and fishing for rainbow trout (i caught 5 and thought they were big...but everything is big when you're small...lol). I remember seeing bear, deer, and elk and even a rattlesnake (i remember worrying because our little beagle dog, "missy", was barking at it, and i screamed and ran away).

I remember waking up in the morning with my long brown hair all messy and i was missing my front baby tooth...and my father calling me Cochise...lol. But i laughed...afterall, my father told me Cochise was a great Apache Indian Chief that died free and absolutely unconquered...i was honored...lol.

We experienced all of the best of Colorado while living there....aspen trees, Garden of the Gods, skiing, ghostowns, panning for gold in a cold mountain creek, and rock hunting in the foothills (oh the geodes we found!).

We left there and moved to Japan for 3 years.

What activity do you recall from your youth that makes you smile?

View Comments (13)

15 Jan 2008 10:27 AM

A PERSONAL REFLECTION:

....I was deeply sad yesterday (unusual for me). Today i'm all better. I'd like to share the steps i took to make that happen in hopes that it might help others who want to escape their sadness.

...i came home tired from working an all night shift, WROTE DOWN EVERY LITTLE DETAIL of why i thought i was so sad and sent it to someone who is a GOOD LISTENER (and i think they're still my friend even...lol...thank you my friend)

...RELAXed in the tub

...I recognized that i was sleep deprived so i took a NAP.

...When i awoke i read DESIDERATA posted by smoggie...soothing my soul.

...I had a good LAUGH when i read SleepySam's Deteriorata

...I made something WARM and HEALTHY to eat with fresh ingredients. It was chilly outside but i went outside in the SUNSHINE anyway to have my soup...and wore a soft warm COMFY sweater

...i faced the sun so i could feel it's warmth and a slight breeze, closed my eyes, and sipped a COOL CLEAR WATER...savoring it's purity as it cleansed me

...i made myself take a short WALK to get my blood flowing while i made sure to TAKE NOTICE of some flower gardens

...when i got home, i totally IMMERSED MYSELF in doing a quick painting of a flower garden...SOMETHING I LOVE TO DO...the result giving immediate pleasure

...i bowed my head, and said "THANK YOU". There is so much to be thankful for.

View Comments (16)

15 Jan 2008 9:43 AM

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
By Erma Bombeck
(WRITTEN AFTER SHE LEARNED SHE WAS DYING OF CANCER)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed LESS while watching the televison and MORE while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it ... live it .and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each day. I hope you all have a blessed day.

View Comments (5)

7 Dec 2007 6:28 PM

Photo: Pix's decorated flat 2006 Christmas, her "fix" for Seasonal Depression

I've been thinking of you this Christmas season because, well, you just made my Christmas last year.

At first you blogged on nov 9 2006, "The nights have got darker and the days colder. I don't like Winter; preferring the Sun and light and warmth. It's not good for the way I feel - nothing seems right at the moment. Christmas is coming and I have to admit, it fills me with despair!
My family isn't big and quite divided. It's not a happy time, nor has it ever been. Memories are best forgotten and new ones made. Push it all down inside and it can't ever hurt me. I think that I shall be happy when Spring arrives! lol."

My heart went out to you at the time. And then, courageously, you faced your seasonal depression (many feel this at this time). You later posted a blog with a picture of you with a Christmas wreath placed atop your head and said "A few days ago, I bought lots of Christmas decorations - all sparkly and new! My flat is only very small, so no room for a tree, but I'm sure that as I'm quite artistic, I shall think of something! heheheh....".

And later you posted, "I'm trying at Christmas....there are decorations up now - all sparkly. I even have some presents organised, which isn't like me at all! Maybe it's made me feel a bit better having done something and not left it all until the last minute, like I usually do."

And then you looked outside of your self and reached out to others and did a selfless act to bring smiles to someone else by making a very special homemade gift. And you spoke of baby Jesus and what he might teach our young children of today. All of these things being a perfect example of what the true meaning of Christmas is.

What an inspiration you were to face an obstacle you loathe with such gusto! You turned your world into a wonderful celebration of Jesus' birthday...He must be so pleased. You bring Him much Glory and Honor and Praise. Thank you for showing us all how to face our fears.

I know you've had a most difficult year but you have hung in there and always seem to face each day with hope and love and perserverance.

Merry Christmas Pix! ......hugzzzz, anna

View Comments (16)

5 Dec 2007 2:54 PM

...scroll over if you can't see the whole cartoon...

....H A P P Y  H A P P Y  H O L I D A Y S .....LOL

View Comments (12)