I Hope You Dance...

This winter has been filled with financial bailouts, economic downturns and political corruption. The icy winds of 2009 blew in a newly selected President who has been meticulously disassembling the strengths of our nation and replacing them with Socialistic impoverishment.

And so it began - this, our winter of discontent.

As we struggle to bring attention to the Elephant in the room, we remain surrounded by a party of power wielding Jack-Asses. In the midst of this doomsday environment, it has become too easy for us to lose sight of the beauty that surrounds us each day. Lament about our glasses being half empty, but find some comfort in knowing that those same glasses are also, by design, half full. And with sincere apologies to my staunchly, sugar-free blogging partner, (for my shamelessly, sugar-coated sentiment), I still contend that our ability to persevere has always been reliant upon our sheer expectation to succeed. And so, to quote a Leanne Womack song:

"I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance.

Never settle for the path of least resistance.


Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance.


And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance -

I hope you dance."

The decision to join a chorus line of metaphoric dance is limited solely by our own choices because this world has always been Blessed with an enduring rhythm. Colors slowly transitioning at sunset. Bird wings fluttering in rapid arpeggio. Raindrops pulsing with percussive patterns. Waterfalls crashing in crescendo. Magical, rhythmical sights and sounds within nature that can never be adequately defined by words because they are inherently Divine by Creation. Consequently, can there ever be any outdoor adventure more exhilarating than that which God has created as it’s natural backdrop?

Having recently braced my posterior atop the skis of a snowmobile for the first time, I think I found my personal rhythm within those picturesque settings which served as willing distractions for my novice hesitations. In fact, I instantly felt as though I had been given the keys to some secret world. A world which still exists in it’s purest form and rivals the most pristine of snow globes.

- I secretly wondered how many people had experienced this exact same beauty without ever fully understanding or appreciating the privilege of that experience.

- I secretly wondered if I would emerge unscathed.

- My daughters secretly wondered when I was going to come to my senses.

And, within this secret wonder-land, I not only emerged unscathed -
I immediately came to my senses upon arrival.

In fact, I came to all five of my senses.

Seeing -
The landscape was frosted. The sunset painted rainbows against the white snow that sparkled in brilliant, pastel shades of cotton candy. The mountains carved a path through the powdery landscape. There were ice caves and panoramic views of majestic peaks and peaceful valleys. Shadows from tall trees stretched across the fields - and track marks from our sleds were left as if they were artful brushstrokes on a waiting canvas.

Hearing -
There was an ethereal sound of exhale. The wind moaned. Branches rustled. Engines revved, hummed and strained, dependent on the level of terrain. I could hear my own breath echoing from within my helmet and the sounds of the skis chopping through icy inclinations on the trails.

Smelling -
There were smells of dampened pine and woodsy scents captured within the breezes. My gloves smelled of leather. The air smelled cold and crisp. But I will unashamedly admit that, after several hours of riding, the meaty grill smells that wafted from a quaint little diner along the trail rivaled for my attention.

Tasting -
Clear lungs and a tremendous appetite are quite the combination for making burgers taste better than anything else you have ever eaten. Although the fries were a close second ;)

Feeling -
Blessed.

To me, there is a form of contentment that is reachable only within nature - and it is the very definition of a natural high.

I want to thank DI for his patience, his support and his willingness to teach me the basics of snowmobiling. Watching him on his sled - charging bankings, spraying powder into the wind and speeding effortlessly over the terrain - was like watching wild horses running free. While conversely, I know that I exhibited all of the gracefulness of a gawky, newborn foal. Quite a contrast in capabilities! I sincerely hope that a fraction of the beauty of this adventure remains evident in the video below. I know that I may not have completely found my rhythm - but I will never regret my choice to dance.........

"I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens.

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance.

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance -

I hope you dance."

*Posted in memory of my father -

on this, what would have been, his 76th birthday...