hiking the hieroglyphic trail

One of my goals for this spring break was to take my kids hiking. There are so many hikes nearby and this is the perfect time of year to try them. First on our list was the Hieroglyphic Trail in Gold Canyon, about 40 minutes away from us. It is a gentle sloping trail, about 3 miles long, there and back. It wasn't too difficult for Elliot, my six year old, but he was definitely worn out by the end of it. There were lots of pretty vistas and the whole area seemed so green (relatively speaking, of course). The best part is that at the top of the trail are ancient petroglyphs covering the rocks.

They were pretty amazing. There was also a small waterfall and a little trickling stream, with lots of large boulders to climb. It was really fun and the cool shade was really refreshing. My kids didn't want to leave.

Every once in a while (usually when I am standing next to a ginormous saguaro cactus like this one) I remember that we really live in the desert here. I am learning to appreciate it!

for bright mornings and close church buildings

Just through that gate, across the park, and down the block is our church building. We are so lucky! This morning was beautiful and sunny and bright. I snapped this quick photo and then rounded up the kids to head out the gate to church. When the weather is nice, like it was this morning, we try to walk to church. That means being ready to leave just a little bit earlier. It doesn't always happen, but when it does, I can feel the difference it makes to our Sabbath day. Not only does it get some wiggles out before we sit down for our long meetings, but it helps me focus and prepare my spirit to be taught. It takes away a little of the pre-church rush and helps me to slow down and listen to the quiet. I am thankful for the closeness of our church building, and for weather that allows us to walk there. I certainly needed it today.

weekend plans and hooray for February!

February is my favorite month here in Arizona. If you are searching for the world's most perfect weather, you'll find it at my house these days. We had to drive out to Gold Canyon yesterday, and I snapped this photo of my favorite Arizona mountains, the Superstitions, on our way. Aren't they beautiful? Anyway, come visit.

If you need me this weekend you can find me with the windows and doors wide open, listening to the Les Miserables soundtrack on repeat while I scrape the 35 year old linoleum off the floor in our little office. I've been working on it for a week, and not making much progress, so hopefully I can finish it up. Let me give you some advice: if you have linoleum anywhere in your house, leave it be. Cover it. Don't attempt to take it out! Even if the corners are curling up and it looks like it will be a cinch. I have done many home improvement projects in my life, but this is the worst. The worst!

Happy weekend!

the sun will rise

via

I'm not sure I can adequately describe my reaction to the film, "Les Miserables", but for some reason I feel compelled to try to put my feelings about it here anyway. I saw it last week and it occupied my thoughts for days afterward.

I grew up listening to the music and seeing the play. I know every word of every song, and yet I was still completely overcome by the beauty and power of the film. I left the theater exhausted (but exhilarated!).

I think the entire story can be summed up in the quote above. Oh, the misery! It is portrayed so realistically in the movie, down to the unbrushed teeth and dirty fingernails. But as much misery and darkness and suffering as there is, hope and redemption and forgiveness come out on top. And they always will. Life can be beautiful and full of love, despite our sometimes dismal circumstances.

On Sunday, our Relief Society meeting focused on seeking happiness, even when things in our life don't make that an easy task. I was reminded that this happiness is to be found when we are increasing our faith and personal righteousness, and when we are serving our families and others around us who need help. When we have first worked to improve our own lives, we can then help others in their own search for happiness, and we will all feel joy.

And I know I shouldn't liken everything to Les Mis, but I just can't help it today. That is exactly what the hero of the story does. Jean Valjean was given a second chance, and he took it and brought about so much good. First, though, he had decided to be the man he knew he was meant to be. He left his bitterness and anger behind. Only then was he able to help those around him. His life was not easy, but I believe it was filled with great amounts of happiness.

Anyway, did you see it? What did you think? And most importantly, who wants to see it again with me?

at the park

We went outside yesterday to soak up the sun. It was a beautiful day - just right for a visit to the park. I was having a hard time shaking the chill from my early morning run, so it felt really good to sit with the sun warm on my neck while Elliot and Stella played with cousin Chase and I chatted with my sister-in-law, Lindsi.

When it was time to go home and eat lunch, Stella stopped to gather leaves. The trees in the park are finally dropping them, and they covered the ground in big golden splotches. The leaves she chose were big and green and gorgeous, and most importantly, hold the promise of a few more months of park weather still to come.

beauty

I was driving through what must be one of the bleakest spots in America the other day: the Arizona/California border.  After a week of cousin fun, I had just returned my brother's children to him. We had met halfway in remote Chiriaco Summit. As I set off back toward Blythe, the sun was setting behind me. I raised my eyes from the monotony of the road, and was surprised to see the distant mountains glowing in the golden evening light. It took my breath away. It was so gorgeous.

In that unfortunate place, I saw this overwhelming beauty. It made me realize that if such beauty could exist there in that lonely desert, then surely it was everywhere, not least of all in my own life. Now, I knew all of this before the sun started it's downward trek that day, but I needed a reminder. Sometimes in the midst of the busyness, beauty goes unnoticed. I would like to make a better effort to recognize the little bits of beauty in my life this year. Hopefully I can capture some of it to share here.

The longer I drove and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that God and beauty are the same to me. When I recognize those moments of beauty, I am recognizing His hand in my life, and feeling His love for me. After all, He designed this world, and I believe that He knows each of us and wants to bless us with His love. If I can stop for a minute and recognize those moments, then I am acknowledging Him and hopefully showing my gratitude for the things He has given me.

So, I am officially adding "find beauty" to my little list of resolutions. I think it's going to be a pretty great year.