The EYES on the Storm

The thunder started to roll in and the lightening caressed the sky. I was in getting ready for bed when I heard Noah holler, "Mom, you have got to come see this...I'll pull up the chairs." Outside was a magnificent sky. Noah appeared to be captivated. He asked me if Heavenly Father was mad. I said no...this is how the earth is nourished...with drops of rain. He didn't want the storm to stop. I told him it was up to Mother Nature to work her wonders. The next thing I hear out of his mouth, "Oh please Mother Nature, make it last a little bit longer...please, please, please, make it a lot longer."

The sun started to peer through and the clouds reflected its light...then the rain came. As I sat by Noah, I felt that I was present and living in the moment. With excitement, we both watched until the storm had passed. We both took photos and hoped to capture the lightening on film. Just as things were settling down, Noah, in a very sincere and solemn voice exclaimed, "Now THAT....was quite a show.

What I learned from Noah: He appreciates the wonders of nature like I do. We share the love and thrill of a good storm and that he doesn't have to be watching TV to find "quite a show."

One Golden Night, One Golden Family

My sister will sometimes have what she calls the "after vacation blues."I think it is just a plain "Hebgen Lake Withdrawal."I don't stay nearly as long as she does and I am experiencing a withdrawal right now.

Honestly, there is something MAGICAL and SPECIAL about THAT PLACE, and this year I felt it to the extent of my inner core. Maybe it is not that THE PLACE is MAGICAL so much as the Pete and Michelle Bodine Family and Howard and Lisa Hart Family have created MAGIC for THAT PLACE.

Is it because they know how to make every moment count?

Is it because they have opened their minds to the wonders of nature, not just viewing it, but learning and applying it?

Is it because every year they have a craft from shrink art jewelry to felt paintings, hair wraps, friendship bracelets, fleece blankets, crochet hats, window art, jewelry made of washers and scrapbook paper and who knows what else?

Is it because every morning it is a guaranteed smooth ski or wave surf?

Is it the incredulous storms that appear late in the afternoons?

Is it the wildlife...the star gazing?

Is it the visits to West for the Playmill, loud laughter and homemade fudge?

Is it the wildlife tee shirt of the year?

Is it the fact that their generosity extends to families and friends, and then when guests come, they make everyone feel like family?

Is it because of the late night games and stories?

Is it because there is a wide variety of activities (4 wheeling, biking, hiking, nature walks, snipe hunting, bat counting, treasure hunts, wave runners, boating, tube rides, skiing, wave surfing and wake boarding, BOB, fishing, floating the Madison, visiting the sites, smores, picnicking, etc.)

Is it the cozy meals and cramped sleeping quarters?

Is it the quaint, charming decor of the cabin?

Is it the fact that their warmth and friendliness include the surrounding neighbors? (I am almost positive others plan their summer stay around when the Bodines/Harts will be there.)

Is it because they have improved and brought needed changes like a newer, safer stairs and boat dock?

Is it because there is still a spiritual component in discussion and attending sacrament meetings in the Park and in West?

Is it because my nieces and nephews are the coolest, the funnest, the hippest and blow cool over the edge?

Is it because every bathroom is chalk full of Bath and Body Works Lotions, Soaps, Shampoos, a rainbow of Venus Razors and toothbrushes?

Is it because there is a system, a real house of order that is set so that everyone pitches in and takes part and a certain amount of that system also is devoted to flexibility and spontanaiety?

Is it because even the Chipmunk has a place, a name (Davey) and feels welcome there?

Is it because you get to learn new words and phrases (random, awkward moment, retro, metro, bcote?)

Is it the "hot cocomotion" and the "whip creamer?"

Is it the array of desserts? (oreos and whip cream? peanut butter spread atop cookies? fudge stripe smores? "Bring it to the Idaho Fair."

Is it the contagious laughs, the infectious smiles and allergy sniffles?

Is it because the stars appear to shine brighter and be more numerous?

Is it because the sounds of the city and the fast pace of the world are put on hold to enjoy moments of a higher nature?

Is it because the Adults get to act like Children (Howard in floral swim cap and two ski Tuesday) and Children get to act like Adults?(like when Mallory was asked to move the car and Noah gets to drive mom on the wave runner)

Is it because there are unlimited opportunities for fantabulous photo shoots and pictures?

Is it the magnificent sunrises and brilliant sunsets?

Is it the "grow a moose" in a bucket of water?

Is it because Madeline is a Playmill Star and the rest of the Family is a Star Audience?(literally received their own ovation from the Cast when they came through the door)

Is it because there is a personal library brought to the cabin and a few classic dvd's for wholesome entertainment?

Is it the bronze tan and golden highlights in your hair that give you a look of refreshemnt, revival and relaxation?

Is it the night swims, the swim to the point, the brave jaunt off the steep blue slide?

Is it the warmth of tradition?

Is it the fact that you are reminded that "families are forever" and there is no one else I would rather be forever with?

Is it all of the above and more? Yes, and so much more that words escape me. This year I would say there was a bonus

--One Golden Moment for One Golden Family--for one glorious evening every sibling shared an evening together with their amazing parents in their Golden Years of Life.

One can only be too grateful for those making these MAGICAL MOMENTS possible.

What Noah and I learned from the Bodines and Harts: Hebgen never loses it's MAGIC.

Low Visibility

Rick was not the Utah Senior Open Champ of 2009, but when he climbed in our car, he returned to being the champion husband and father. It was quite the ride and I have labeled this one "Low Visibility." They forecast called for high winds, but this was unbelievable. The wind was blowing sand, salt, and who knows what else making driving conditions exciting, but dangerous. Naturally, being obsessed with the complexities of nature, I was snapping photos left and right. Let's just say it was a good thing I was not driving. The photos did not do justice to the scene we witnessed first hand.

It wasn't long before the white turned to orange. This was something different, but again, the visibility was low, I was clicking pictures, and Noah "oooing" and "awing"from the back seat only added to the anticipation. This just had to be a fire and though, we couldn't see one, the effects were eerily cool. I love changing skies and mysterious events.

What I learned from Noah:  He was glad I was not driving as well and he loves the thrills of nature and has as many questions as his mother.

Storm Chasing

This has definitely been the summer of storms. I have always thought that if I had the experience, the expertise, and the convenience, storm chasing would be right up my alley. One evening, Noah and I stepped out for bags of ice. When the garage door went up, there was a beautiful cloud before our eyes. I ran in the house for my camera just in case.

It wasn't long before the clouds began their transfromation. I was in awe of the beauty of the storm and I wanted to be a participant. I pulled off into a vacant parking lot, rolled down the windows and let the wind blow through me. Noah felt the same excitement and climbed up front while I snapped pictures. There was thunder and lightening and then...battery died. How is it that even when I think I am prepared (bringing the camera) I am still not prepared (dead battery.)

We watched for a few more moments. We were counting lightening strikes and thunder. Noah and I both let out a scream when the thunder and the lightening hit at the same time. We felt the vibration and we trembled like no ones business. It felt almost like it was directly above us.Then it rained a torrential rain. By the time we arrived back at home, the sun was trying to peer through the clouds. It made for a beautiful reflection and silhoutette.

I quickly grabbed Rick's camera, determined to follow this storm through until the end. It just doesn't get better than this...or maybe it does.

I turned around and above our home and perfectly framed was a double rainbow. Both rainbows very vibrant and clear. There was not a way to get the whole of the picturesque scene that was before me in a picture, but that didn't keep me from trying.

Just when I thought it wouldn't get any better, there above me, the clouds had transformed again. What an amazing setting of the sun. I took hundreds of pictures.I lived in the moment of the storm with my best friend, Noah. The hundreds of photos were put into a Shutterfly Book for viewing again and again.


What I learned from Noah: He has inherited his mom's love for the storm.

I Often Go Walking

Most of the days, my exercise routine consists of dancing with Roxy from  "Dance Dance Revolution."  Once in a while it will be so pleasant outside, that I say bye to Roxy and take a brisk walk in the fresh air. A few Saturdays ago, Noah wanted to go with me. I did not think I would be able to get much of a workout with his little legs keeping time with my long strides. It has been somewhat stressful around here with finances and me trying to deal with some challenges and worries. Sometimes I needed those walks just to clear my head.

This morning, I put on my exercise clothes. Noah has been such a good boy, while Rick and I have tried to work through some of these things. I decided to abandon the intense workout and all my distractions and to connect with my son again. I told Noah we were going on a walk together.  He was so excited that he got his red backpack and put toys, water, phone, hats and bread for the ducks. Surely there is more to life than calories and dollar bills. I was going on a walk with my son and I was going to see life as he sees it. In fact, I carried my camera to snap images from the eyes of a child.

What an adventure we had--there were ducks and ducklings, swans and breadcrumbs, throwing pebbles and skipping rocks, signs of every kind, slides and puppies, rain and sunshine. We walked on dirt trails, green grass, side walks and bark. When the rain started to fall, we started to run. While running by Noah's side, I thought, "this is amazing...this is truly a great day and I am having the time of my life doing nothing with Noah--just being. Just being with Noah is a great place to be.

We headed for home with smiles on our faces and I knew that this is the joy that I had been missing. I need more days like today, more days with Noah, more time living his experiences.

What I learned from Noah: I often go walking, but if you want an adventure, bring a child along.