It's been nearly 10 years ago that I spent the summer in the Tetons.  I find myself missing those wonderful mountains and all the special places I would go in the Park...places that called to me when I wanted time alone or time with God...time to ponder the beauties of this world and time to seek answers.

Here I am 9 years later, still pondering and seeking, but longing for the grandeur of the mountains, the serenity of the lakes, and mostly for the peace and solitude that comes with wide open spaces.

Recently, a friend suggested that I am really a soul who belongs in the West.  I think she's right Places like Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Oregon and even Arizona and Utah seem to call to me.  So this week, I find myself wondering about where I really belong in the grand scheme of things.  Where...on so many levels. 

One thing's for sure.  I'm a lousy blogger.  This is my first post since 2008!  Oh, well.  It doesn't matter.  I'm not sure anyone ever read this in the past anyway.  It's more of a journal.   But in case anyone IS reading it...how do you know "where" you belong?  Selah.

Christmas 2008

It's hard to believe that it's almost Christmas. What a year! The weather in Augusta has been a real roller coaster during the past few weeks. We've gone from a high in the 80s late last week to 26 degrees this morning as I type. No white Christmas for us, unlike much of the country.

I took a short vacation in June to Tybee Island for a much-needed, restful getaway. I spent lazy days of beach walking and swimming, mixed with prowling quaint art galleries and visiting a wildlife preserve. It was just what I needed after a very busy Spring. During the summer, I made another trip, this one quite unexpected...my gallbladder attacked me! Ouch!

I recovered sufficiently to make it to my niece's wedding at the end of August in Huntsville, Alabama. She looked radiant and beautiful, and I do adore her and am delighted in her life's companion.

In September, a group of minister colleagues and I went on a mission trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. What a blessing that trip was in so many ways. We received more than we gave, and had a wonderful time as well.

Now, as the year draws to a close amidst financial woes, I am still thankful for so many things. I lost a lot of weight this year, and I now am back in "fighting" shape -- closer to where I should be. My health is better and I have more stamina. My church is filled with wonderful, caring people, and therefore my ministry is blessed. I do miss my friends and wish I could see all of you this year to share the glories and wonders of Christmas. God bless you all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Time passes...

Well, it's been over a year, so I guess it's time for an update. Not a whole lot to tell. I'm still being a pastor in Augusta. I went to the beach for a week this summer, then came home to a sudden gallbladder surgery.

Recently, I've been learning to sew. Who knew? Me??? The outdoorsy type... sewing. Mainly, I wanted to learn to make quilts. So, that's what I'm working on now.

I'll try to come back more often. Meanwhile, Happy Thanksgiving!

New Camera

I have been messing with my new camera. I haven't gotten the hang of it yet, but I did try a couple of shots late this afternoon. The weather was not very cooperative, in that it was gray so no spectacular sunset shots. I'll keep trying so that I'll be ready for the fall leaves.

I'm hoping to get the hang of it so that I can travel around Augusta (my new hometown) and take pictures of some of the historic as well as beautiful places here. Later, I'll take it traveling with me.

My next big adventure is a return to Alaska (my 10th trip, no less) and I sure want it to be working well for me by then.

Back already

See? I'm back already! I've been watching the US Open -- and those dreaming of a grand slam victory. I used to play tournament tennis when I was younger (and in better shape). I had always dreamed of making it to Wimbledon and to the US Open. Didn't happen, of course. But it does mean that I watch these events with a lot of interest.

Maybe one of these days, I'll actually make it to one of them as a spectator. I'm good at being a spectator to lots of events, including the changing of seasons. I'm enjoying the last of the roses now. Here's one from my yard.

Soon, I'll be enjoying the fall colors. Here's one from last year that I look at every once in a while just to whet my appetite!

Missing in action!

I've really not been missing, but have moved from Atlanta to a more rural area. I'm a full-fledged pastor of a church now, instead of a lawyer. And I still love traveling, especially to places like Alaska, the Tetons, and -- well, just about anywhere!

I've got a new camera, too, so I'll be out and about as the leaves start changing and plan to upload some photos.

Fall is one of my very favorite seasons. The temps start cooling off; the air gets crisper; my energy level increases; being outside is fun again. So, I plan to be back here a little more often.

Yesterday, the last U. S. survivor from the Titanic passed away. She was 99. When the Titanic sunk, she was a 5-year old girl, so she also was the last survivor with any memories of the sinking. The other two survivors were both less than 6 months old in April of 1912.

What does this have to do with dreaming? Well, of course, the architect and owners all thought the Titanic was unsinkable. But they were arrogant about it, not simply adventurous. There's a lesson in this for all of us dreamers!

Here's a picture of Norman taken by my friend, June. This was taken at the start of the Iditarod in 2005, when Norman was 99 years old. He last ran the Iditarod at the age of 84 (I think). He climbed Mt. Vaughan, a mountain named for him in Antarctica, at the age of 89. Sadly, Norman passed away in December of 2005, just days after his 100th birthday. What a life he lived! What a model for all the rest of us.

I spent last summer in the Tetons, gazing at scenery like this every day. I saw wildlife every day, mountains, rivers, and lakes. Wildflowers blooming, sunsets and sunrises, trees swaying in the breezes -- all were like aphrodiacs to the senses, awakening the spirit of adventure.

The Tetons inspired me in so many ways. Even now, far away from them and back home, I can go there anytime I want, simply by closing my eyes and dreaming...

One of my favorite people in the world was Col. Norman Vaughan. Explorer, gentleman, intrepid adventurer, Norman was always willing to try new things, to step boldy into the unknown, just to experience something new. His motto was "Dream Big and Dare to Fail." In many ways, I've always been a big dreamer, too. I just haven't mustered the same level of daring as Norman did.

I've been lots of places, and want to go to so many more. Here, I'll share some of my adventures and some of my hoped-for and wished-for explorations. Too, I'll explore my mind and things in my heart as well. At the very least, it will be an adventure. Time will tell whether the adventure will take wings.