The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles. ~Anne Frank~
Sunday, September 5th – Bryce Canyon National Park
Where have I been all my life?! While I reflect back on my many corporate years, sitting behind a desk, I could easily berate myself for letting life slip away as I look at the breathtaking beauty of this land of red rocks and fabulous architecture. Why did it take me so long to experience all that I now see around me, when it was right outside my back door for so many years? I vow to not look back but ahead at what is to come.
Sunday morning dawned clear and with the promise of a beautiful day for hiking the canyon. We opted for the Queen’s Garden/Peekaboo Loop, a 6.5 mile venture into an ancient land of hoodoos, fins, and the Wall of Windows. As we hiked down into the canyon, we experienced a 360 degree view of red rock and limestone spires reaching up into the deepest cerulean blue sky we had ever seen. Although this was a well-traveled trail, it seemed that if you stood perfectly still, you could almost hear the whispers of the spirits who passed through these parts centuries ago. It was a very humbling experience and a somewhat difficult hike at times for someone who had not slept much the night before.
Enjoy the slideshow of pictures that is Terry’s contribution to this adventure!
Paint Your Landscape 
Great pix. Glad you were finally able to visit Bryce.
Lu,
It looks warm and wonderful there. I miss talking to you and seeing your friendly face. You look relaxed and happy. Your pictures make Dave and I want to go out and see something new very soon. I hope you have a safe journey to Mexico. Be safe and happy.
Kathy
Kathy,
It is beautiful here and warm, although I miss all of you there. We rented a house today so if you feel the need to soak up some sun, our door is always open to you and Dave.
Love,
Lu
Hi Lu and Terry! I woke up with you both on my mind. Actually, every morning I wake up thinking of you. Today, as I look out the
window from the bed where I lay waiting for Charlene to arrive and get me up, I see all that is familar to me. I know every leaf on every tree, every flower arising to face a new day hopeful with the expectations, every bird that nourishes their little body at my feeders gaining strength for a day filled with anticipation of the peril challenging survival and yet the opportunity to soar with the wind. All of these images and sounds comfort me. I know what to expect and that offers me a sense of peace with the world. Yet, there is a chill in the morning air that wasn’t there last week. I see that my morning glory leaves are turning yellow. The bunnies are not as frequent hopping around the yard in the morning. The birds arrive a little bit later each day and the sun is sleeping in just a little longer before announcing the mystery awaiting us all in the new day. I know this feeling. I am somewhat melancholy knowing what lies ahead. I didn’t tell you that I got a little kitten to try and distract Moses from the void left from the passing of Satch and Duncan. Hopefully he will gain a new friend and stop the ceaseless wailing and wandering that we have all come to know and that haunts the otherwise quiet evenings. As I look at the tiny body purring in my lap, the little perfect ears and the deep sleep of a soul who knows no worry, I’m left with a question . . . why do things have to change? Why can’t things stay the way they are? Why is summer leaving, my plants dying, the darkness coming? Why will this kitten, tiny ball that he is, grow up and eventually die? Why did I get sick? Why do we get old? All of these “why’s” are swimming in my head and there are no answers. I wonder, as I wake up and open my eyes to see the little safe world of my creation, what is Lu seeing right now? Everything is new, exciting, unknown. . . what is that like? So, I go on your blog and read your entries and see the incredibile photos of your travels and I get my answer. There is joy in anticipation of the unknown. Life is about growth and each new step, though a chance to fall, is also an opportunity to soar and feel and see things which before were unimagineable. Who knows, really, what bird will be at my feeder tomorrow morning and it is that hope which keeps me engaged and expectant. From the colorful village far away in Mexico, you and Terry are teaching me more than ever as you share your journey with all of us. As usual, your lesson is well timed, Lu!!!!!!! May you be basking in the seed of enlightenment that comes from all that is new and soaking in all of the glorious colors that are surrounding you in this, the next adventure in your life. Through your eyes I gain new experience and insight and strength. For this, I thank you and I love you. Buenas Dias, Senora! Vaya con Dios. Love, Barbara
My anam cara,
As I sit here sobbing (which is very cleansing, by the way), I think to myself that I will never be able to write like you do and never be able to feel all that you do, but that is to be expected, as I am to have other experiences, but thankfully, I am able to have you in my life. I thank God for allowing me the path to you. As I am sitting here writing this, I look out the window and see white balloons pass across the windows of our B&B as the church bells are ringing. That seems to be a sign of something (of which I am unsure) and know that this is part of the culture that I will learn to embrace. While we were sitting at a little taverna on the lake earlier today enjoying a marguerita, I told Terry O that I need to start taking pictures of the birds that I see, as I immediately think of you when I see birds. Although you are confined to a wheelchair, birds remind me of your free spirit, one in flight, as perhaps they do for you. Know that we are safe; that I love you so; and that we will be together again soon! Vaya con Dios, mi anam cara!
Love,
Lu
Awesome photos and commentary. Great to see you guys having so much fun. Keep up the good work!
Ashea,
Our physical bodies are here but part of us is still in Yellowstone. If you ever get the need to enjoy a bit more humidity and a slightly different culture (which is very open and welcoming), come see us. Our door is always open!
Terry & Lu