Goodbye to 2010

The past year offered gifts I didn't really want.

Imperial Peak, Breckenridge Ski Area

It provided lessons I didn't care to learn.

Early Morning Moon over Imperial Peak, Taken from My House

There were challenges I resisted meeting.

Gregg and Bob Riding up Peak 8 with Neve and Caden

After my Heart Attack, I was fragile both physically and emotionally.
I felt suspended - uncomfortably out of control.

Attaching Tethers to Children

Safety is an elusive concept.
Sometimes, fear kept me from living life to its fullest.

Early Morning at T-Bar

2010 was a year of new experiences.
It required me to change my perspective, to redefine myself.
I had to decide whether to save my Life or to spend it.

Neve (4) with Pop Pop

Reclaiming innocence, trust, and spontaneity was the work 2010 gave me.

Caden (3) with Daddy

I began to realize that happiness is a state of mind.
It's not something that happens to us, it's something we feel.

Grammy and Pop Pop with Jack (6), Amanda (7) and Ben (7)

Thank you 2010!
We don't always choose what will help us grow.
Sometimes, Life just happens.
We stumble, adjust, and move forward.

I feel healthy and happy at the end of 2010.
I thank Family and Friends for their support.
I look forward to 2011.
(I hope it's not planning too many "surprises" for me!)
Happy New Year!

Visit to Houston, Texas

I like exploring cities almost as much as I like finding my way in wilderness.

Modern architecture, center city, Houston

A city, like Nature, has its own special character. 

Hermann Park

I seek beauty, and I find it.

Hotel Zaza

If there's quirkiness, I want to know about it.

Rice University Campus

I'm interested in people. If there is a college, I walk the campus.
Do the students seem helpful, happy, productive, energetic?

Self Portrait, Hotel Zaza

Do I feel my own spirits rising because of a city's upbeat vibe?

We were in Houston for only a brief visit.

Japanese Garden, Hermann Park

We did lots of walking.
We rode public transportation.
We talked to Houstonians.
We felt safe and welcome wherever we roamed.

Museum of Fine Art, Houston

Even in the Fine Art Museum (where I unknowingly took this illegal photo),
the guard smiled and was kind in correcting me.

Skyline Downtown

I found Houston to be a wonderful blend of old and new.

Japanese Garden

There were many trees, water features, and green spaces.
People smiled and helped if I needed assistance.

I have two special memories of the city:
One is of a young black man who cleared tables at a center-city deli.
His smile lit the room as he bustled at his job.
He asked about my day and then shared that he was so happy to have work.
He was earning money for his baby daughter.
He produced a photo of her, so we could see how lovely she was.
He told us his name, and we introduced ourselves.
The next day, when we returned, he came right to our table.
Calling us by name, he asked if he could do anything for us.
His enthusiasm transmitted One Good Thing to me, and I thanked him for that gift.

Walkway at The Grove

My other special memory is of a concert I attended.

Andrea Bocelli sang with the Houston Symphony.
We traveled to Houston especially to hear him.
His voice is incomparable and brought tears to my eyes.

I'm grateful for the time I had in Houston.
I saw amazing sights, heard glorious music, and met unforgettable people.

My hope is that your journeys are as fruitful.
Remember to enjoy the season.