In a world of so many great photographers and writers, I am venturing into some unknown territories, leaving comfort zones, finally very willing to practice the art of seeing. By maintaining the practice of posting daily photos, I hope to continue learning about the possibilities that I trust are out there for the taking.
Antonia, Jaime, Gina, Katya and Paula.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
In an hour I leave for a weekend workshop with lots of my friends.
At 9:30 this morning I had a golf lesson with Mike, a golf pro who teaches the
PROS! He says that I will be able to play golf and not hurt my back. I was hitting balls like never before. Now I need to make notes of all he taught me so I don’t forget. I’m so happy.
Then my friend, who lives out of state, back east, is male etc., etc., (I was told not to mention his name) sent me some notes he made following a conversation we’d had yesterday on the topic of fear.
“1.In fear there are no rewards nor punishment simply consequences…in overcoming fears there are simply rewards.
2. Fear is indifferent, it does not care about being good or bad, fair or unfair, it is not personal…it just hates to be banished as demonstrated by its capability of “hanging around” or “changing shape”.
3. Fear is habitual and can be taught, yet is unpleasant to be around if never learned.
4. Fear fends to be sequential, a leads to b leads to c leads to d. But d is never feared first nor can it lead back to a. The tour bus gets you to d as it would seem totally illogical to go there directly. Example of D…. “and then I will be pushing a shopping cart down the street muttering to myself about having no where to live or shower”. Could start with A….”oh the market was down today”.
5. Fear while seemingly large and powerful can be diminished with smiles, laughter, and conversation with another.
And the main thing about fear is all the pluses are on the other side.”
Gottago. I’m late to pick up the ladies.
Susan is picking out songs for Rick’s Memorial.
I found Susan’s latest poem in my in box this morning:
My Beloved
by Susan Alvarez
copyright 2009
He reached out to brush my tears
And held my hand to calm my fears
He pulled me close into his arms
His eyes told me this time he’s charmed
His smile was warming and brilliant and shined deep inside
No part of my being from him could I hide
He walked with me slowly to a meadow nearby
We laid in the tall grass, the birds heard our sighs
He opened my heart and I shone like the sun
Spirits united and God’s work was done.
May 30th
What was I thinking going out on a backpack to Big Bear when the temperature has been 100 degrees?
What was I thinking carrying a new, lighter weight (this means less frame structure) backpack on a trip when I had no idea how the pack would carry the extra water we needed and how my back would do? Oh, do I miss my McHale pack.
Be Hope and I hiked 18 miles today. We gained 5100 feet and descended 3100 feet. In case it doesn’t register that’s a hell of a lot of climbing and downhill.
At the Whitewater River (10 miles into hike)I started to feel real hot and extremely weak.
In the next mile, climbing to Tailwinds’ favorite ridge, I knew I was sick from heat exhaustion. I just wanted to go to sleep. I’ve had this condition 2 other times – once with StoneDancer past Warner Springs. After taking two short breaks and not feeling better, I wanted to bail and have Ray pick me up.
Be Hope was great. He thought of all kind of options but first suggested we find shade (hadn’t been ANY shade). After a 2.5 hour shade stop, and a nap, and somethoing to eat even though I didn’t want to eat, I felt better.
We started hiking at 5:50am when Ray dropped us off at the PCT trailhead at the I-10 underpass. We ended our day at 5:45pm.
The good news:
I was able to keep hiking.
No blisters.
Plenty of water to drink tonight.
I found out what a good, thoughtful, caring partner Be Hope is.
I’m clean from the stream-side Mission Creek bath I had.
Tomorrow is Ray and my 19th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary Baby Cakes.
The bad news:
I have my car keys with me. How is Jason going to wash my car Monday?
One of my Aqua Mira bottles is empty. I am using my partner’s Steri Pen to treat my water.
I forgot Advil.
My campsite up Mission Creek. I eventually went in the tent for the night as the mosquitoes came out.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry