Life Through My Lens - Backroads and byways...

Take the back roads instead of the highways. - Minnie Pearl

Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, 

and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost

Recently, as I was returning home from a few days out of town, backroads and byways I'd never before traversed beckoned me to follow. I headed their call. Vistas vast and seemingly unending greeted me as I followed the winding twists and turns of the road.

I was struck by the reflection of the surrounding scene in the window of this one-room schoolhouse. I thought to myself what an amazing thing it must have been to have such views encompassing one while learning.

One room schoolhouse - Fruita, Utah

This scene seemed to capture a sense of homecoming, of peace and serenity, after a day spent eking out a living amidst the beautiful but often unforgiving terrain. I am in awe of the perseverance and courage it must have taken to settle and thrive in the shadows of the redrock.

Gifford Farm, Capitol Reef, Utah

I think perhaps a little bit of their pioneering spirit lives on in me because as I left the majestic landscape behind me I longed to stay and explore. Yet on that day I had to finish my journey home. Still, it seems as though a part of me was left there wandering among the monoliths and crags awaiting the time when I return again.

Yes, I do exist - despite rumors to the contrary...

Here are a few other great places to see and share photos. Often there are even more photo meme links on these sites. So - go forth and share - Sweet Shot Tuesdays, Show off Your Shot, Your Sunday Best, This or That Thursday,  Community Global.

I love to see the Temple...

Monticello, Utah Temple 

I had the opportunity to attend the Monticello Temple with a friend of mine today. She was invited by the family of a young lady in our ward to be at the Temple when she went through for the first time. My friend didn't feel comfortable driving the distance on her own and asked if I would drive her down and attend the session as well.

Now I must admit - though I am ashamed to - that it has been far too long since I have taken the opportunity to attend a session.  Life just seemed to get in the way. College courses and assignments came and went. Workshops and conferences filled weekends. Family events took precedence. Visits with friends filled other hours. There were a thousand and one excuses I told myself each time I failed to follow through on plans to go. Many of them were valid and reasonable, but they were ultimately, just that - excuses. So, it was with gratitude, and a bit of apprehension, that I went today, hoping I wouldn't flub anything up too badly. 

Upon entering this sacred place I was greeted in hushed but friendly tones and guided where I would need to go. As I waited for the session to begin the quietness and peace of the room lent itself well to prayerful pondering. Removed from the din of the outside world I turned my thoughts away from the hustle and bustle of every day and instead focused on praying for guidance, healing, and peace for those whom I care and for myself. 

The familiarity of the experience, even after my long absence was soothing. As I went throughout the day, in many ways it brought to mind my own experience in going through the Temple for the first time over a decade ago. The quiet expectancy, the reverent tones, the beauty of the surroundings, the peace and comfort that fall upon questioning, troubled, and weary hearts were in abundance on this late winter afternoon, as they were back then.

I needed that today. 

I can't say that I had any startling epiphanies. I saw no burning bush. Manna did not appear from the heavens. Any angels who may have been in attendance were purely unseen.

 Still, I left the beautiful edifice feeling a sense of peace that I hope will stay with me for a while.

I truly do "love to see the Temple..."

Crystal Geyser... finally!

I probably should be ashamed to say this - and I am - but, I am starting on my 14th year of living in Green River and I had never been to Crystal Geyser - until today. Thanks to a dear friend who wanted to go for a Sunday drive, and knew I had never been to the geyser, I got to go today.  (I never wanted to go on my own for my first time, because I wasn't sure how to get there and I was worried I'd get lost... ) Now that I know where to go I'll probably try it on my own.... maybe... :-) I just wish the road was better - or that I had a truck... LOL! Unfortunately, it didn't go off while we were there - although we did get a little gurgle...
Anyway... here are a few pictures of my first visit... 14 years late...