Red Desert

Oh, I had a fabulous weekend.

Knowing that we would be without children for Easter, Todd and I spontaneously hopped in our car for a quick jaunt to the desert to re-charge our batteries. This weekend's road trip was comprised mostly in Zion National Park, however we did make a quick stop in Bryce on our way home. We packed a lot into 2 days and loved every minute of it!

First I should mention that we hate it when our kids are gone and unless we make fun plans, we tend to mope around the house, dwelling in our sorrows. (A bit of an exaggeration - but we hate it, nonetheless).

I have titled my blog 'redhoodoos' for reasons I've not fully disclosed but one could probably surmise. I know I'm not alone in my feelings for Southern Utah and don't profess to being the only one enamored with it's beauty - but being down there does something to my soul. Invariably I am drawn to reflection, to peace, to words - and for a small moment in time, the world seems less abrasive. Less severe.

Growing up, my family would frequently vacation at Bryce Canyon in Southern Utah. I have fond memories of piling into the wood-paneled station wagon, affectionately named 'The Staish", at 4:00 a.m. Now that I'm a parent, I realize my mom and dad left that early because they knew Brian and I would sleep and find little time to fight. Mom would bake a roast the night before and would make us delicious roast beef sandwiches to enjoy on the drive (stuffing us with food was another ploy to keep us from fighting). I'm sure my sandwiches don't taste nearly as good. My cousins and grandparents would meet us there and undoubtedly make the trip fun - always more eventful with Uncle George's tandem bike. Songs and ghost stories around the campfire and bomb-pops from the market made the trip even more unforgettable - the memories indelibly seared into my mind. But it's the scent of Bryce Canyon that reminds me that I'm home. There's a scent carried with the Bryce winds that I've never smelled anywhere else. It is truly Heaven.

I'll never forget the first time I visited Zion National Park at age 17 with my YW group. I recall being awestruck as we entered from the East and I caught my first glimpse outside of the tunnel. It couldn't be real - how could any place on earth be so beautiful?! My pictures from this trip only capture glances of it's beauty.

It was a weekend of renewal for me - appropriate for this Easter weekend. I have yearned to go back since my cancer diagnosis last November. Nothing is more healing or therapeutic than being in the red desert. Surely, there isn't a more beautiful place on this Earth. I was able to breathe the fresh air and be reminded that no problem is too insurmountable.

Tomorrow, undoubtedly, I will be embarrassed with my oozy sap-filled blog entry, so I will end by sharing some of our animal incidents that we endured on the trip.



I met this buffalo after our hike in Zion. Apparently, he had just finished the hike and was as tuckered out as I was. Poor guy. I felt his pain.

This little vagrant begged for food by putting on a sad face. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the "Will look cute 4 food" sign he was holding up. We felt sorry for him, but didn't comply, lest we break National Park rules.

We happened upon the Easter Bunny feeding small children and I noticed a glimmer of hope in Todd's eye. Alas, she didn't stop at our car and I had to buy Todd a chocolate bar instead.

This goat excitedly hopped down the mountain when he heard the Easter Bunny was at the Park.

Todd liked the goatee on this buffalo and made him pose so he could get a better idea of how to grow one for himself.

Ghetto

Yes, this is our tree from last Christmas. As in 3 months ago. It has been buried under the snow and has finally reared itself in all of it's ghetto glory. Hmmm, maybe I'll keep it for next Christmas.

I wonder what else is buried under there!

Happy First Day of Spring

I think there's grass under there somewhere. The flowers should bloom any day now.

Death Warmed Over

This is how I feel today. Can't sleep. Can't breathe. My head feels like it's falling off.

Poor me. I'm going back to bed.

Elora's Art

Wow. Elora is an artist. She conceived of the idea then drew and colored this picture. Amazing.

She makes it look so easy that she inspired me to try my hand at drawing. This is my picture of a beautiful landscape.

Secondhand Lions and Sense of Place

I admit to being a couch potato tonight - and also a sap. First on the tube was American Idol (go Jason Castro and David Archuleta!) and then one of my favorite movies - quite possibly my very favorite movie, actually - Secondhand Lions.

If you have not seen Secondhand Lions - go get the DVD - you will love it or I'll eat Connor's gym sock! I'm a fan of Robert Duvall in any movie - but he played an especially terrific role in this one, as did Michael Caine.

A young boy, Walter (Haley Joel Osment), is dumped off at his rich uncles' house by his mom so she can wander off and live her life without ties. He feels unwanted (obviously) and awkward/shy (obviously) because he has never met these uncles before. They live in an old farmhouse in rural Texas. The uncles are eccentric and set in their ways and don't like having him around at first. The movie evolves as the old men become attached to their new house guest and he to them. Walter learns that his uncles have led very adventurous and interesting lives and he finds himself drawn to their history. Eventually, they are not just weird old men living in a farmhouse - but interesting, noble men who have lived and learned from life. I won't divulge any more of the plot so I don't ruin it for you when you watch it. Have I mentioned that you need to go rent the DVD?

I love this movie's portrayal of life's phases and stages. Walter has his whole life before him. He is learning and growing and finding his place in the world. Conversely, the uncles have lived life and have wonderful memories to which they firmly grasp while knocking on the door of their final years. They don't want to let the memories go and they don't want their senior years to rob them of their dignity.

As time passes on ever so rapidly for me, I am reminded of my once-small children who are no longer as needy of me and my wisdom motherly advice. Wasn't it just yesterday that they rushed to me in the middle of the night - scared because of a nightmare? My children are finding their places in the world. Have I taught them well? Do they know of my indescribable love and concern for them? Have they learned from my mistakes? Do they understand the importance of good decisions?

I am keenly aware that in a few short years my children will be living on their own, possibly raising their own families. Will I be ready for that next phase of my life?

Dogs!

I've been harboring thoughts of getting a dog this Summer and I need your help in deciding the best breed for our family. But first let me give you some history.

Until we gained custody of Todd's kids (as a side note - Darren, Elora, and Larissa are not my Biological kids - but my kids, nonetheless), I had never really had a pet. My brother Brian had a crazy cat named Tard that I lived with for about 3 years - but she was downright mean. (Sorry Brian, I know that hurts to hear...be strong). I didn't grow up with pets and was, to be honest, scared of them. When it was determined that Larissa, who is a huge cat lover (not to say that Larissa is huge, because clearly she is not - but to say that she has a very large affection for cats), would be coming to our home - Todd and I realized that we would need a cat or two. Enter Stitch, aka Creature, and Baby Bear. In case you haven't noticed - I ADORE these cats. Who knew that animals could be so much fun to have around? Since then I have gained a huge love for all animals - not just my cats. They make me giggle and I think they're just funny little critters. Llamas and emus particularly tickle my funny bone.

So, I'm branching out and thinking I might like a dog. I realize they're a huge committment and want to make sure I know what I'm getting myself into. I would like a dog that I can take on walks and jogs - medium to large-sized. Preferably a dog that doesn't bark too much. Needs to be good with my cats. Would like a gentle, cuddly dog - not mean - but one that also likes to play and have fun. Here are my thoughts so far....



Old English Sheepdog - How cute is he??!!
I love his fuzziness.

Newfoundland - I hear they are great dogs. But huge! Would a Newfie be too much dog for a beginner like me?

Lab - Just an all-around good dog, I hear.















Collie - For cute!













So, what are your thoughts? Advice, hints, tips, other dog breeds worth considering? Do you have an awesome dog?

Some people tell me they haven't been able to leave a comment. Choose "Anonymous" if you don't have a google id.

Thanks much!