Cabin Getaway and Henna Too

Few things bring me greater joy in life than spending time with dear friends. (Right now the only thing I can think of to top that list would be spending time with my family.) I feel so blessed to have friends that I can rely on for soulful conversation, friends that helped when I moved, friends that I can count on to help watch Persephone on occasion, friends that are loyal and love me with all of my flaws. Here are some pictures from a fun overnight cabin trip with two of my closest friends that I have known for nearly a lifetime.

We applied henna art in the evening and then wrapped it in tissue to dry overnight. We were all pleased with the finishing masterpieces that lasted a couple of weeks.

Breakfast at Road Island Diner

The lovable Julia and Megan

We all jumped in a cold mountain lake the next morning. Julia was the only brave enough soul to keep swimming long after Meg and I rushed for our towels.

Pre-lake Smiles

Pop Quiz!

How old am I really? I just read my last post and there's one problem. I wasn't 27 last year, I was 28 and now I am 29! Where did that missing year go? I think I am in denial over the upcoming 30. It's funny that I am already losing track of my age. In the words of Mark Twain, "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

So here is one more "first" to keep score with my real age:

* Held a starfish

27 Things

Here is a list of 27 "Firsts" from my 27th Year:

1. Swam with sharks in Hawaii
2. Finalized adoption
3. Had Pesephone sealed to our family
4. Saw "Madame Butterfly"
5. Took Persy on her first airplane ride (repeated this 4 more times during the year-including one mommy-Persy solo trip)
6. Learned to knit and made a scarf
7. Dipped chocolates
8. Ate a maple bacon bar at the famous "Voodoo Donuts" in Portland
9. Visited the world's largest bookstore
10. Celebrated my first Christmas outside of Utah while on vacation in Hawaii
11. Heard Mozart's "Requiem"
12. Tasted Vietnamese food
13. Drank boba, or bubble tea
14. Visited Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg
15. Ate fois gras
16. Rode "The Griffon" at Busch Gardens
17. Took an on-line opera appreciation course
18. Planted my first garden
19. Toured a Southern plantation
20. Got a Costco membership
21. Went to a movie by myself
22. Ran my longest distance ever- 16 miles
23. Got a clue about the Revolutionary War by studying Gordon Wood's award winning book
24. Took a course on Ancient Egypt
25. Visited San Diego's Wild Animal Park
26. Spent the night at Primary Children's Hospital with a sick daughter
27. Saw "Don Pasquale"

Here's to another great year . . .

Last Days of Summer

From Mexico, With Love . . .

I bought Persy and I these dresses 5 years ago on a trip to Mexico. I'm so glad we've finally met and she is not opposed to doing the whole Mother-Daughter Matching thing. (Or at least not vocal enough to express her fashion opinions yet!)

Pajamas

There's just something about a tot in pajamas that I absolutely adore . . .




(It can be hard to get a good shot as Persy is constantly on the go and grabbing at the camera, but I couldn't resist adding this little smile!)

Time to Think

In a couple of months I will be running the St. George Marathon. Since I am such a slow runner, I have even more time than the average marathoner to think during my weekly long run sessions. Here are a few things I do to keep my runs fresh as I log several hours on the road.

Poetry: I carry around poetry to memorise on my long runs. I know I look friggin' ridiculous chanting poetry cadence to myself as I jog through the park, but I don't care.

Musical Imaginings: My ipod playlists includes just about every type of music. I have classical, African drumming, country, hip-hop, soundtrack etc. I use my music to transport me around the world. One minute I might be jogging along a dirt trail in the swampy South as I listen to Cajun Zydeco, the next I might imagine myself fighting pirates as I listen to a soundtrack.


Running with Purpose: I like to write down a higher purpose for my run and carry it with me. I also write down how I will reward myself afterwards.

Audiobooks: Need I say more?