Posts Tagged ‘hiking’
Inviting discovery: stretching our creative muscles
During my recent week-long hiatus from my keyboard (see “Pause, breathe, resume…”), I spent considerable time brainstorming various hobbies I might enjoy as creative outlets—aside from reading and hiking, of course. A few past interests have included crocheting, cross-stitching, embroidery and, most recently, making personalized bookmarks from recycled greeting cards. As far as gardening, I…
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Forging or following: finding your own way
A couple weeks ago, I grabbed my trekking poles and followed a trail from our neighborhood into the national forest. Normally an easy route to navigate, deep snow rendered the path undetectable. With no human tracks to follow, I drew on past experience until a few familiar landmarks confirmed my location. And I started thinking…
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Just do it: reflections on another birthday in the books
For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed making a big deal out of my birthday. But this year, the date snuck up on me and it came and passed with little fanfare. In fact, it felt like any other day on the calendar—except for the customary princess tiara I donned for the occasion.…
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Work hard, play hard: refueling our ‘output’ with ‘input’
I don’t think of work as work and play as play. It’s all living. ~ Richard Branson I was in the middle of a major household move, COVID and life in a new community when I wrote and submitted my debut Love Inspired novel (“A Father’s Vow,” April 2024 release) in August 2022—celebrating with a…
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Looking ahead: a healthier future
During a recent hike, my husband and I descended roughly 500 feet into a canyon. And what goes down, must go up or vice versa. Since moving to the Mogollon Rim in Northern Arizona—elevation approximately 7,400 feet—I wonder if this may be why I sometimes struggle with breathing on inclines. Another consideration may be that…
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Oh what a view: going all the way
Since moving to the mountain, my husband and I love to hike the Arizona Trail. Each time, we’re wowed with the breathtaking views—meadows, canyons, wildflowers, tanks (ponds for wildlife) and miles of forest. And whenever we revisit a trail we’ve previously explored, we typically travel another mile or so further to experience even grander settings.…
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Take ‘em or leave ‘em: managing deadlines and schedules
I’m all about deadlines and, consequently, schedules. While many of my deadlines are self-imposed, a few of my writing and/or editing projects are geared around due dates set by the publisher and/or client. Since transitioning to self-employment, I’ve found it a challenge to create a daily set schedule that not only encompasses these projects, but…
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Strength in the tongue: speaking life into our dreams
Once upon a time, a middle-aged wife and mother dreamed of being a princess. But not just any princess: one who often swapped out miles of tulle and a tiara for horse duds and Stetson. Plus, she teaches yoga and guides nature hikes on the side. Yet her biggest aspiration always entailed becoming a published…
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Life as a training ground: learning lessons the hard way
About an hour into a weekly trek in the mountains that can take me anywhere from 77-90 minutes, my ankle buckled and I broke my fall — and my wrist — with a large rock near the trail’s edge. Although my injury involved surgery, complete with the “premium steel plate and pins package,” the experience…
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Getaway of a lifetime: Day 3 (or recognizing the signs)
While exploring acres of forest preserve within Arizona’s White Mountains during our recent getaway, my husband and I soon learned the terrain in the northern part of the state differs from the trail systems in the Valley. With only a picture map on our cellphones as pilots, we relied on blue reflective diamonds strategically tacked…
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