Sometimes...you just need to zipline. The End.

Coward

So I joined this emailing list that gives you a "word of the day," every day. The task is to write something, and by something I mean anything, using that word.  It's a great little writing exercise.  I like it because every day, I put something down on paper that was once in my head.  There's something very satisfying about that.  Anyways, on Monday, the word of the day was "coward."  Here's what I came up with:

What the heck am I so afraid of?  These raw emotions collect like a wad, like an unwelcome crowd of Orcs coming for tea.  With a caw and a crow they get stuck in my craw, declaring war on my peace of mind.  I'm stuck in a boat with a single oar.  I paddle and row only to go in circles, creating an arc of disappointment.  How do you draw them out?  How do you ward them off?  Perhaps with a cord wrapped around the neck of Fear, attached to a speeding car rambling down the road of unfulfilled dreams.  Holy cow!  That would teach it a lesson.  Or not.  Ugh...it's such a cad, or better yet, a cod.  That's right, a cod.  Good thing I brought my rod of truth today so I can beat the living daylights out of it.  That would be a sight to see.  Totally rad.  Oh I have much ado.  It's time to OD on optimism, positive thinking and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  Maybe I'll send that little monster a greeting card with one word: Coward.  That's what it is and what I will not be.  And now for the coda: Well there isn't one, at least not yet.  I guess fear doesn't always go away, but it's what you do in the face of it (and with a rod of truth).

"It is vain for the coward to flee; death follows close behind; it is only by defying it that the brave escape."  Voltaire

*Bold lettered words are all the words within the word COWARD

Falling

Ok...so it's finally September 1st. Funny how time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was supporting the local kiddie business with their lemonade stand and scarfing down snow cones (always Tiger's Blood with Vanilla ice cream on the bottom). This morning I enthusiastically donned my sweater and boots, only to realize later today that 24 hours doesn't magically turn the air from 80 to 55 degrees. My mistake. I just love the Fall so much. really. It's my favorite, as a matter of fact. For example, I've been done with school for two years now, but whenever I see those fresh shipments of school supplies, I still get happy little heart palpitations. And even though we have a good 23 days until it's official, I'm ready to dive head first into a pile of leaves.

Bring on the oranges, reds and yellows. Bring on the pumpkins and harvests and hay bails. Bring on the turkeys, full moons, and a fresh box of crayons. I'm so ready.

"Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive Autumns." ~ George Elliot

Day Dreams

I could use a little bit of this in my life...like, right now. Closing eyes...

Let's play "Guess what my new job is?"

This last week has really been a good one. I just got a new job and I practically can't stop smiling. But before I give it away, try and guess for yourself from the following possible occupations:

1. Back-Country Snowshoe-er...

2. Model...

3. Farmer...

4. Museum Curator...

5. Russian Spy...

6. Professional Sidewalk Chalk Artist

7. Avatar...

8. Lunch Lady...

So what's your guess?

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Answer:

None of them!

And it's a miracle too. I'm going to be working full time up at,

........drum role please........

My reservations position starts Saturday...

...and I couldn't be more excited.

Pretty in Pink

Pink Refrigerators

I know what your thinking; you wouldn't be caught dead with a pink refrigerator in your kitchen. But after seeing it, I think I would. They're just so darn cute and retro that they might even inspire some circle skirts and cookie baking. Bring on the cuteness and calories...

Country Roads...take me home

Since we moved to Highland, UT last Summer, I have been wanting to drive the scenic Apline loop. It's a winding 20-mile drive through the rugged Alpine Canyons, from Provo Canyon to American Fork Canyon. I had heard that it was a beautiful drive, but I just never found the time to do it. Finally, I was in the area, coming home from an interview up at Sundance, and decided to take the scenic byway. It was breathtaking, to say the least. Midway through, I totally took a wrong turn and ended up taking my '96 Toyota Avalon up a mountain side rock/dirt road. Leave it to me to get completely lost.

Hilarious. Forty five minutes later....

But, the adventure was well worth it and something I would love to do again.
(Maybe with a map next time...)