more from Colorado

Colorado: from mountain to moss

the unknown

I’ve never really liked the unknown.

I'm a planner. I like to be prepared, on top of things, in the know. if you don't have a plan, don’t worry. I'll make one for you. possibly with an accompanying flowchart, route map, timeline and/or excel spreadsheet. that's just how I roll.

I'll be the first to admit it- I've got control issues.

but there are some things in life, big things, over which I have no control. it's kinda like a roller coaster. [cliché analogy, but I'm going with it] I can make sure my seat belt is securely fastened, but other than that I'm just along for the ride. a slow climb up a big hill, can't see what's over the edge. adrenaline pumping, anticipation building, stomach starts twisting...

and it's up to me to choose how I ride it out: terrified, white-knuckle grip, eyes shut? or hands up, hair in the wind, shouting with joy?

it's time to let go. time to let the unknown be exciting, not scary. time to try new things and go new places. no plans, no maps.

[ok, maybe one map]

12 by 2012

The other day I stumbled onto a new blog through something I pinned. And on that blog I found something that she had found through another blog that I want to try: accomplishing 12 things by 2012. It didn't take me long to come up with a list of things I've been meaning to finish or wanting to try. I tried to keep it simple and concrete- you'll note a lot of crafting and baking are involved.

1.       Use the fall cookie cutters I bought 2 years ago.
2.       Exercise 3 times a week, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
3.       Make a set of these adorable mugs to give away as Christmas gifts.
4.       Finish the last 10 weeks of the 52 weeks project.
5.       Pay off my car loan and say hello to financial independence.
6.       Buy and decorate, paint, or carve a pumpkin to sit outside our door.
7.       Roast the leftover pumpkin seeds.
8.       Try this newsprint nail technique- one of the first things I ever pinned.
9.       Edit and post all back-logged photos. [this means you, Colorado trip!]
10.   Clean out my wardrobe of all those things I’m hanging on to but never wear.
11.   Make marshmallows.  I’ve wanted to do this for years but never tried.
12.   Participate in NaNoWriMo [National Novel Writing Month] 

I hereby pledge to attempt to accomplish these 12 things by the end of December. And to document and post each of these things here, in hopes that will keep me honest. Bring it!

week 29: in the mountains

Colorado. a morning fresh and full of possibility.

hiking solo through the most gorgeous wildflower-covered mountains. 

Nikes on my feet and blue skies overhead.

rocks and stumps and branches and signs made makeshift tripods.

I slowly wandered down a trail unknown, breathing it all in.

stopping to see. stopping to be thankful. stopping to worship.

I discovered a stream, ice cold from melted snow.

so I plunged in my feet until they went numb.

I sat and pondered the great mysteries of the universe.

then I let the sun dry my feet, put my shoes back on and left.