Lifeline

Alaska 2011

The symbolism of this picture strikes me today. One continuous line stretches across each stone, tying together the separate pieces into a complete sequence. No matter the size, the stones move the line along with slight adjustments and bends along the way. Each stone needed to be laid before the next could follow and none can be removed without disrupting the entire product. Beautiful and serene, and yet, it's really all just sand and stones...

The Laws of Nature

Recently we witnessed a snake's attempt to devour a toad.

We watched as the snake bit the hindquarters of the poor creature, amazed that it would even attempt this feat.

And just as we thought that the toad had met the end of his existence, he began to move, struggle, and fight back. Still the snake kept its steadfast clasp.

Then the toad made another valiant effort and kicked its way out of the snake's hold.

Quickly the snake slithered off and the toad sat with goo and saliva-covered legs, but it was safe.

Sometimes life just isn't fair... and sometimes it is. The laws of nature were reversed that day. It's refreshing to see that happen. A reminder to keep trying and be resilient. The outcome just might surprise us.

Candid and Open Conversations (in nature)

This week I put on my hiking "boots" and went for a few good hikes.

We were fortunate to have my outdoor education professor from college come and visit us for a night. We shared stories of our trip to Alaska and her trips to Colorado, Tanzania, and Ireland this year.

But the next day we hit the road and then the Appalachian Trail to hike up to McAfee's Knob. During our hike we never stopped chatting and talking about our lives. The same was true when we hiked up to Table Mountain in Wyoming three years ago.

Nature has that calming ability to relax your temperament and let you be real with the people around you. It's back to the basics.

I really appreciate a good conversation with a good friend. It feeds my soul. I'm so thankful that one of these friends came to visit. And thankful for the discussions and the sentiments shared.

Three years later we had another great hike. Hopefully it won't be another three years!

A Prettier Sight I Never Did See!

Okay, well this isn't necessarily true. But we recently made an order to REI for some new climbing gear and I think that it is a beautiful sight! When we arrived home to boxes of REI gear we could hardly contain our excitement.

(How do I rotate this, if it is already rotated in iPhoto? See my new camp chair, rope, and quickdraws. Jim's in his camp chair upstairs- they'll serve as extra furniture too!)

Here's to future adventures and trips spent climbing! Our rockclimbing gear is finally complete, for our purposes anyway.

Thank you to Mom and Dad for our combined birthday gift- the rope :)

Below you can find the gypsy moth that visited us this week. Jim snapped the picture with a nickel to show the size.

Tomorrow's a field trip with school and then it's just 1.5 days!