Day 20

This cold (41 deg) morning we had one of those great Texas thunderstorms roll in at 4:00am in the morning. Water in the tents and all the girls scrambled into the cabin which is to the left and behind this image. We had strong wind gusts and I captured one of those in this image. The wind actually broke one of the pole elements in this tent. It's hard to see in this picture, but it's the top element of the right side pole sticking straight up. That piece actually split longitudinally (lengthwise).  Other than girls getting soaked and freezing cold they were fine. They had breakfast, got into what dry things they had and we headed back home.

Remember that old adage? Bend, but don't break. I try to remember that especially at work. Be flexible. Don't be so rigid that I snap when things don't go as I envisage them. And we all know it never goes according to plan.

Day 19

Rappelling!

I think this image captures the essence of the day. Most of these girls had never done anything like this.  Imagine walking backward off a 60 foot cliff! She is holding the rappel rope in her right hand that controls her descent.  The yellow rope is the belay line or safety rope. This was the harder of the two rappels that were set up. To get the tension in the rappel rope the girls had to lean back off the mountain.  What an adrenaline rush! It was phenomenal to watch each of these young ladies overcome her fear, put her trust in the ropes and the belayer -- (in this case it was Dayna Carroll).  All watching yelled a loud WOO HOO!!! as each girl made the initial plunge. This expression caught the fear, joy and intense adrenaline rush all in one moment. There were screams, tears, and huge smiles from the various girls. What a great achievement! What great knowledge and source of power for each of them knowing they could overcome overwhelming fear and accomplish a tremendous feat. One girl backed out three times before going down. One screamed the entire way down and everyone in the parking lot watched with concern -- she was fine, just letting her emotions out in full force.  She went a second time and screamed just as loud -- no drama queen that one :) 

I can tell you that this is an experience that each of these young ladies will remember all their life. What a great thing to learn that in the face of great fear and overwhelming odds they can achieve great things. They don't need to be a victim but instead can be a leader and a great force for good. Don't mess with these girls from Texas!

Day 18

I'm back home and catching up on the past few days.  Thursday morning we (six adults) drove 15 fifteen year old young women up to Pedernales State Park and then on to our campsite for the night. Here you see four of them wading out across the falls -- busted. The park ranger, Barrett Durst, got after them and had them return back. With all the rain the water is dangerous and even where they are now they could have been knocked over. (The really dangerous part was further out.) Gladly they stopped at this point and returned. Just the previous night they had to rescue someone from the water. Believe it or not there have been 25 deaths along the river. I'm not sure if that was this year or over the life of the park, but the water flow is dangerous. Normally the water flow is a third or less of what you see here.

The Pedernales Falls were beautiful and the park crowded. The park ranger, Barrett, had taken the girls on an hour long nature hike just before we went to the falls. He was a fantastic guide and a fun time had by all -- and yes girls, Barrett is single and available!

That night we camped at the Mahana's cabin just ten miles from Enchanted Rock -- which was Friday's adventure. 

Day 17

I stopped by the Houston LDS temple today. They have a multitude of tulips on display. The temple is a big reminder of families. Speaking of; if you'll excuse me I have a call to make. Enjoy the tulips and I'll be back in a moment.

Hey sis...

Been a while, how you been?...

Not too bad, can't complain. Seems like just yesterday you were here....

Stayin' busy? ...

I'll bet, you're non-stop motion. Seems you help everyone, have a zillion friends...

Yeah, I know. You've been that way since we were kids. I was the big brother and you'd tag along. Know I teased you alot, but umm, well I've told you before I really love and respect you, the way you've raised  your kids.  You know,  have a good strong marriage. Active in the community. Wow this list goes on and on...

Look, I've always believed and supported you in your marriage. You two guys are great, ignore anyone else who tells you different. And just so you know, I always held back to make sure I didn't intrude. You guys have it going pretty good and that is the most important thing -- for you and your family. I'm a firm believer in that. And for all the ribbing you took, I do think you are smart...

Hey, I did pretty good  in school, but that's not the whole picture. Look at your accomplishments. That's impressive. Think that makes you pretty smart. Anyway, that's what I think. Really...

Me? I'm hangin' in there. Really no reason to complain, but you know I like to anyway...

The family is doing well. Two married now and I'll be a grandpa soon. Seems you beat me to it...

They miss you incredibly, but are doing OK. They have a good situation now.  Couldn't ask for better, you know with the way things happened. Anyway, just thinkin' about childhood memories. It's gets harder every year to remember clearly. pets, vacations, school, church, sports -- FUN football, marching teams, high school -- sports, friends, belles, state championships, seminary. There's volumes of stories in each of those...

Hey! Not too many stories now...

Yeah, I know you're busy and have a lot of work to do including watching over your kids...

Yes, they know you do. We all know you do...

Hope to see you soon, well not too soon, you know what I mean...

And I'll always treasure the last words you spoke to me and I return them to you:  

I love you...

I'm back. Did you like the colors?  Yellow? Sorry, can't quite see -- things are a bit blurry. Tell you what, I'll check in with you tomorrow. Camping trip for a few days so I may have to post the next three days pictures on Saturday night. Bending the rules a bit, but what the hey.

Day 16

Well, Spring has begun here and there. There was a light rain today and I was greeted by this rose as I trudged towards the front door after surviving the long trek home. I used the built-in flash to get the reflections.

So, to each of you I offer this rose. And no, this is not one of those unreal reality shows. Just simply from me to you. Enjoy -- or not. As you wish.

Day 15

I've always loved the colors of this stained glass lamp shade. More amazing is that without the light shining through, these wonderful colors are the most drab, dull and frankly quite ugly piece of junk.  Truly amazing what a bit of light will do.   I shot this image on a black background trying to emphasize the colors. Sorry guys, no elegant words tonight.  No waxing on symphonically portraying exuberant rhapsodies chiming sweet, rich melodic memories of.... oops --  that's enough! Suffice it to say that you, just as your are, can be as bright and full of color as you allow your inner light to shine.  And the really neat thing is that we are all alike in our uniqueness.

I hope you are enjoying this journey as we really start to roll. It took me aback realizing that there are few of you who like my words. I began this project thinking it would mostly be about the images. For those of you you still reading my words I'll continue to share my thoughts and for the rest of you -- please enjoy the images. I'm tired tonight and my brain hurts. Nothing a few months sleep won't fix. I'm sure none of you can relate...

Day 14

Tonight we visited my daughter and son-in-law. On the way home we stopped by this fountain. As I was taking some pictures this couple wandered into my frame. I didn't notice them until I saw them through the viewfinder and quickly took this image. I changed the white balance to as blue as I could and then pushed the saturation way up.  This image reminds me of being at a resort on a quiet evening taking a stroll with a loved one.

There have been times in my business travels that I've been alone in places like this. These moments can be very lonely filled with bouts of melancholy and this image reflects that feeling within me. And yet, I take these opportunities for introspection and in my reflections have discussions with my Creator. It is a great wonderful healing power to have a sense, a knowing that I am not alone, not really.