Welcome Winter . . .

11/4/2022

The November 1st sun shone brightly and I enjoyed its brilliance from the warmth of the hot tub. And then on the 2nd the sky opened up and dumped so much snow that the school system shut down; which is impressive for Alaska.

Due to my work schedule and inclement weather along the coastal regions where I was assigned, I didn't enjoy much of this past summer. And I confess, I've been a bit agitated at the weather conditions during my time off. But, I've decided that in order to maintain my joy, it's time I slough off my grumpy-pants attitude and start embracing what is and employing the concept of "extracting the precious from the worthless."

This morning's temp is at a chilling 18 degrees, the sky is layered with cloud covering and snow is . . . everywhere. But, I'm going to enjoy this day with a leisurely soak in the hot tub. I'll sink into the water up to my chin, breath in the freezing air and peer up through the steam at the mountains. I'll pack a picnic lunch, drive to some place spectacular and maybe I'll even stroll the beach or a wooded trail. An attitude of gratitude is on my agenda today as I speak to my soul and remind myself that . . . life is sweet.

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I credit my love of the outdoors to two major influences: Dad and Aunt Jan.

Dad pushed limits. He seemed fearless through my little girl eyes. And when he’d take me and my sister camping in the woods or cycling through a canyon or swimming in the river, he made every experience seem as though we were bold adventurers conquering dangerous feats.

Aunt Jan nurtured. She loved to teach and she loved, what she affectionately called us at times, naughty children. I’ve fond memories of my four cousins, my sister and I traipsing along wooded trails or sandy shorelines chatting with aunt Jan. She had a gift for making us feel important, valued. She opened up her heart and the outdoors to each of us.

Though these childhood experiences have long faded into memory, dad's and aunt Jan’s legacies remain. No matter what presses against me, my world seems to right, at least on some level, when I climb a mountain, float a waterway, pack up into the alpine, cycle along a trail, traverse a wooded path, pitch a tent, build and sit by a fire or throw a sleeping bag down on a sand bar and sleep under the stars.

God’s creation has a way of calming my mind, comforting my soul and soothing my spirit. And I am thankful for dad's and aunt Jan’s examples that nurtured my love of nature.

Guffaw Thru Life

It's such fun jumping on beds . . . and couches too and eating pie from the center before serving it to others. I love laughing and I appreciate people who make me.

Life is amazing with its possibilities. And, I am blessed by the wonderful people in my life and the liberty I have to pursue what brings me joy. In spite of life's griefs, there is peace and joy and love enough to fill all the spaces.

Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord your God is in your midst, a Warrior who gives victory; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will renew you in His love, He will exult over you with songs of deliverance."

Welcome Winter . . .

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