happy st. paddy's day

strength

I ran across this yesterday.

A gentle reminder to be kind.

Have a blessed day!

happy thanksgiving

The turkey is roasting, the rolls are rising, dishes are (for the moment) done, the fire is blazing, big kids are skiing, and the girls and I are headed out for a Thanksgiving walk in the sun.

My heart is full and mere words cannot describe the gratitude I feel towards my family, the gospel, and the beauty which I have been so blessed to observe each day.

I am content . . .

laugh

"The most wasted of all days is 

one without laughter."

e.e. cummings

happy october

from, Anne of Green Gables

Thanks Anne.  Me too.

living wholeheartedly

"Don't ask what the world needs.  

Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.  

Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

Howard Thurman

I LOVE this!  Isn't it a beautiful reminder about what brings positive energy into our lives?  It's just one of the insightful quotes from the book I am currently reading by Brene Browne, The Gifts of Imperfection.  I thought I'd take a moment to write a little blurb on the blog after my yoga instructor mentioned the author's Ted Talk this morning which led to a discussion surrounding the essence of her observations and how these intuitive moments of awareness are reflected in our yoga practice.  If you haven't had the pleasure of watching, please take the 18 minutes and treat yourself, it's wonderful . . .

While reading, I found myself skipping around and finding the morsels that seem to fit my needs at the moment.  Isn't one of our greatest desires to live an authentic, connected, compassionate, spiritual, and joyful life with our whole hearts, everyday?  So, why do we hold back at at times? Brown's book delves into what prevents us from opening our hearts and allowing others to see our imperfections, our weaknesses, and our struggles.  To live each day wholeheartedly is to have the courage (which literally means to speak one's mind by telling all one's heart) to open our hearts, despite our vulnerability, and also allow our children to present their pure, authentic selves to the world.

I connected with her definitions of the critical aspects of humanity that are so important to each one of us and thought I'd share a few. . .

Connection: the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.
Love: we cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness, and affection.
Authenticity: the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and embracing who we are.  Choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect, to set boundaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable . . . exercising the compassion that comes from knowing that we are ALL made of strength and struggle; and nurturing the connection and sense of belonging that can only happen when we believe that we are enough.
Spirituality: recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion.  Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose into our lives.
Joy: Twinkle lights are the perfect metaphor for joy.  Joy is not constant.  It comes to us in moments--often ordinary moments.  Sometimes we miss out on the bursts of joy because we're too busy chasing down extraordinary moments.  Other times we're so afraid of the dark that we don't dare let ourselves enjoy the light.  A joyful life is not a floodlight of joy.  That would eventually become unbearable.  I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, inspiration, and faith.
Calm: creating perspective and mindfulness while managing emotional reactivity . . . 
Stillness: is not about focusing on nothingness; it's about creating a clearing.  It's opening up an emotionally clutter-free space and allowing ourselves to feel and think and dream and question. In our increasingly complicated and anxious world, we need more time to do less and be less.

too easily pleased?

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” 

― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses

thoughts from novelist/philosopher Paul Coelho

"But there is suffering in life, and there are defeats. No one can avoid them.  But it's better to lose some of the battles in the struggles for your dreams than to be defeated without ever knowing what you're fighting for."

"Waiting is painful.  Forgetting is painful.  But not knowing which to do is the worse kind of suffering."

"We can never judge the lives of others, because each person only knows their own kind of pain and renunciation.  It's one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it's another to think that yours is the only path."

"When you want something, 

all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it."

words to live by

"Making people feel important is part of courtesy, so it's important to remember that whether or not people remember what we say or do,
they do remember how we made them feel. . .  

Always be kinder than necessary

because you can never be too kind.”

Michael Josephson

The perfect example of this sentiment: Mother Teresa

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things:  a rainy day, lost luggage, 
and tangled Christmas tree lights."

-Maya Angelou-

yosemite

"Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, 

places to play in and pray in, where nature 

may heal and cheer and give strength 

to the body and soul alike . . ."

John Muir

 Giant sequoias in Mariposa Grove

 1800 yr. old "Grizzly Giant"

 Yosemite Valley - beautiful morning for a hike . . .

off we go . . . straight up from the valley floor 3.8 miles/3300 ft. elevation gain

on our way to to the top of these granite walls

 getting closer

LOVED these trees 

we made it- time to SIT!

 aahhh, yes - taking in the views while eating lunch!

Minor freak-out from Chris as I walked out on this rock . . .

 this is as close to the edge as Chris would venture

 The river right before it heads over the cliff

 Yosemite Point - unbelievable, majestic, breathtaking - best views in the park!

 heading back down - the sun reflecting on Half Dome

 El Capitan . . . next trip we'll hike to the top and watch the rock climbers summit!

I don't think I'll ever be able to aptly express how I feel about Yosemite.  Obviously, I haven't visited all the national parks our country has to offer, but out of the parks I have been to, Yosemite is and probably always will be my favorite.  There is a spirit here that touches my spirit and rejuvenates my soul.  The place seems to me a living, breathing entity, which, like a person is constantly changing as the day progresses from early dawn, to bright afternoon, to dusk, to blackest of night.  We were privileged this trip to not only hike to the top of the tallest waterfall in North America, but descend by a full moon (thank goodness just the last 1/3 mile) and then witness that moon rise over half dome from the meadow and light up the impressive, towering granite face of El Capitan.  I will NEVER forget the view of Yosemite valley that night from "tunnel view" as we were departing the park and heading back to our hotel . . .

and hope to return to see it again.

this christmas . . .

This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. 

Speak your love and then speak it again.

President Howard W. Hunter

reflecting on 20 years

September 21, 1991

I really can't believe we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary earlier this week.  I remember my PARENTS' 20th anniversary when I was in Jr. High and they seemed so OLD.  Honestly, how did this milestone creep up on us so quickly?  As alarming as hitting 20 years together seems, it's also been a sweet reminder of the things that have kept us together all these years and how we've grown, both individually and collectively.  We've reminisced about everything from the excitement of meeting one another and dating, to the realization that we've actually put up with one another for this long ;-).

Of course, we have had highs and lows like every other marriage . . . we've struggled, we've done stupid things, we've hurt one another, we've said things we regret, we've felt unsupported, unappreciated, and misunderstood, we've yelled and slammed doors, we've cried together, we've forgiven, we've learned from our mistakes, and we've stayed up all night working things out . . . we've also created countless memories, laughed so hard it hurts, shared some unbelievable experiences and adventures, nurtured our faith and testimonies in the gospel, raised our children with unflinching honesty, and become closer with each passing year.  Through it all, we've realized that we are two firstborn stubborn, opinionated, passionate people who care deeply about each other and couldn't get along without the other.

I don't know what I would do without Chris.  We both agree that we would be lost souls if one of us were gone.  What we've realized in the years since our wedding day, is that our marriage is anything but "perfect" - it requires vigilance and constant nurturing, understanding, and communication.  However, it also has become one of my richest blessings as I continue to develop greater patience, humility, empathy, and charity for my family members as well as others.

Some say "soul mates" don't exist, that it's just a matter of luck or timing.  But I believe they do. I truly believe that I could only learn some of the most important lessons for my personal growth here in mortality through my relationship with Chris. We were meant to find each other 21 years ago, in circumstances that every year seem more than coincidental. It wasn't a chance meeting, but truly a soul connection that brought us together, and the longer we live and grow together, the more I believe that is true. It seems everyone is searching for some sort of "soul connection" these days because it's my most popular post, receiving several hits each day.  After some digging I found the quote in its entirety.  It's simply exquisite . . . and oh, so true:

"A soul connection is a resonance between two people who respond to the essential beauty of each other's individual natures, behind their facades, and who connect on this deeper level. This kind of mutual recognition provides the catalyst for a potent alchemy. It is a sacred alliance whose purpose is to help both partners discover and realize their deepest potentials. While a heart connection lets us appreciate those we love just as they are, a soul connection opens up a further dimension -- seeing and loving them for who they could be, and for who we could become under their influence. This means recognizing that we both have an important part to play in helping each other become more fully who we are....A soul connection not only inspires us to expand, but also forces us to confront whatever stands in the way of that expansion." 

John Welwood

So, thank you Chris for helping me realize my potential, for inspiring me to expand my heart to degrees I didn't think it was possible to stretch, and for the years of love, laughter, and understanding.

Anniversary dinner at Log Haven, then off to a remarkable contemporary musical ("Next to Normal") at Pioneer Theater.

(for a few more pics of our wedding day, click here)

"From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of each other - above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead, andhow earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received."

- Albert Einstein-

my passion

"as life is action and passion, it is required of a man that he share the passion and action of his time, at the peril of being judged not to have lived."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

In action last week up Millcreek Canyon.

Not just a marriage, an eternal marriage

The topic today in relief society was eternal marriage.  It was my week to give the lesson and I shared this thoughtful quote from a talk given in General Conference a few years back by F. Burton Howard of the seventy . . .

An eternal marriage is eternal.  Eternal implies continuing growth and improvement. 
It means that man and wife will honestly try to perfect themselves. It means that the marriage relationship is not to be frivolously discarded at the first sign of disagreement or when times get hard. It signifies that love will grow stronger with time and that it extends beyond the grave. It means that each partner will be blessed with the company of the other partner forever and that problems and differences might as well be resolved because they are not going to go away. 
Eternal signifies repentance, forgiveness, long-suffering, patience, hope, charity, love, and humility. All of these things are involved in anything that is eternal, and surely we must learn and practice them if we intend to claim an eternal marriage.

I love this quote and the perspective it offers of eternity; that it is a gradual progression towards perfection, and as we continue to grow and overcome weaknesses together, and earnestly strive to live our lives in harmony with the gospel, our eternal companionship will be blessed. What a beautiful reminder to keep our marriage strong and continue to nurture the bond that began, for us, twenty years ago next month.

a thought

Satisfied

"There are some days when I think I'm going to die 
from an overdose of satisfaction." 

~Salvador Dali~

Simple pleasures . . .

Early morning run through historic Monterey and along the bay, relaxing by the pool with a book, time alone, the beauty of the California central coast, kayaking, seals & otters, Steinbeck country, uninterrupted conversations, cottage in the grove, ocean sunsets, Phil's fish market, 17-mile drive by bike, exploring together, crashing waves, sea air, brilliant ice plant, gnarled cyprus trees, birds, rocky shores, sand . . .


Our adventure.

well said

Invisible to the Eye

Some problems are more obvious than others. When someone is clearly struggling, we are usually quite empathetic. We see them limp through life, and most of us readily help in any way we can. We may even make great personal sacrifices to ease their burdens.

Other times, however, the afflictions people endure might be completely invisible to the eye. Some struggles are silent; some burdens are carried privately. It may be an unhealthy relationship, a personal financial crisis, or physical or emotional pain. Whatever the ailments, these silent sufferers may smile and seem to be all right, but inside they are barely holding on—and doing so alone.

Perhaps we could be more observant. Maybe we should notice when hands clench with pain, when eyes glaze over with disappointment, or when cheeks are flush with embarrassment. Along with such subtle signs, we could pay attention to those quiet feelings in our heart urging us to help, even when others haven’t asked for help.

One woman recalls how a friend noticed that she had started hanging laundry on the banister inside her home. She never told her friend that her clothes dryer was broken; she did not want to explain that she did not have money enough to repair or replace it. But this observant and kind-hearted friend paid for a repairman to fix her dryer. As much as the woman was grateful to have a dryer, she felt even more grateful to have a friend who cared enough to look beneath the surface of her life.

Opportunities to help surround us, but they rarely come with engraved invitations. More often, they come with a gentle nudging in the heart, an intangible sense that we can help. As Saint-Exupéry’s little prince wisely observed: "The eyes are blind. One must look with the heart.”

I remember listening to this inspiring message last Sunday morning before the first conference session began and thought I would share (thank you Lyn for recording these messages on your blog every week).  While listening, I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes:

"Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Plato & oft quoted saying of Marjorie Hinckley

How true.  It is amazing how much a little kindness, love, respect, patience and encouragement means to someone who is struggling.  Even a smile goes a long way. So SMILE this week and look for opportunities to brighten someone's day :-).

Take a moment

“Life moves pretty fast . . .
If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Ferris Bueller

This is one of my favorite quotes, from one of our family's favorite movies.  Most days my life seems to move at the speed of a bullet train; running kids around the valley to their games and activities, racing to get errands finished, helping in the school, tennis league, fulfilling church callings, a few minutes here and there catching up with friends, exercise, phone calls, attending meetings, playing fetch with the dog . . . the list goes on.

However, in the midst of all the insanity, I am often caught off guard by the breathtaking beauty of a brilliant sunset as I'm driving high above the valley, or the magnificent sight of our towering mountain range that hugs the freeway as I make my way to and from my various destinations.  I love watching the first signs of the changing seasons out the windows of my car.   The valley below the I-215 corridor has become a living entity as I witness the gradual turn from summer's lush green, to the warm hues of autumn, to the barren branches of winter, and then to the beginning buds of springtime.

This past week nature couldn't have been more kind, as each evening as we made the drive home from the tennis club in Sugarhouse back to our Little Cottonwood, we were blessed with the setting sun illuminating the fresh snow on Mt. Olympus and the Cottonwood canyons in such a manner that I was literally speechless, it was that beautiful.  Of course, I had to try my best to capture the moment on my phone camera (btw, I don't recommend taking pictures and driving at the same time - quite dangerous - just ask the guy I almost swerved into - yikes).

These pictures don't even come close to how fabulous the view was, but I want to remember that feeling of pure "aliveness" that I feel whenever I am so lucky to witness nature it all its glory, and then hold on to the moment for just a few minutes before it becomes a memory.  These are the moments that, even with the "busyness" of my life, I am still able to notice and appreciate . . . it makes my days all the sweeter!

Heading south on 215 coming off Foothill Dr.

Glorious Mt. Olympus

Much better in person - the snow on the peaks was unreal

Making our way to our canyon 

Almost home - the view of our canyon neighborhood from Wasatch Blvd.

My kids get tired of me constantly pointing out the beauty that surrounds them, but I just can't help myself.  I hope that although life is fast paced and we're on the go much more often than not, my family will know that I do slow down enough each day to feel immense gratitude for the beauty that surrounds me, and to feel for a moment the love the Lord has for me as I try to comprehend the bounty of blessings in my life.  

Life is good.  I am reminded of that every single day when my eyes and heart are fully open.