Happy Place

 

Meadow Hot Springs. I have to talk about this place because it is my heaven on earth, or rather heaven in a meadow in the middle of nowhere in central Utah. Devan took me here on a date when we were just awkward dating love friends. Devan loves this place, he literally gets giddy every time we go-- but if you've been, then you know. We have taken several friends and family and it never ceases to be anything but relaxing.

I can promise a shooting star or two in the night sky and the perfect temperature to soak for hours in a minimally sulfur smelling natural spring. Your skin is soft and the water is deep. We've even been amongst scuba divers while swimming there, from children to drunk old men, it's quite a popular spot. I have heartburn posting this because I want everyone to know how awesome it is, but I also want nobody else to go. It's mine. Ok fine, you can go but don't ever go in the middle of the day in late summer. We ran into bird bee's you guys. Bee's the size of humming birds and they are not above diving into the water! This is real.

So besides that one experience of terror, Meadow Hot Springs is our spot. I love having spots. Places that make you feel yourself. A place you can breathe, a place you can be completely removed from the stresses of life. I live to find places like these, even if it's just a state of mind in the middle of the week. "Go to your happy place" has a real image for me and it may or may not be the picture above.

Disclaimer: There are sharp rocks and ledges, a muddy trail that will ruin your shoes, and possibly cows that wander too close. Worth it.

 

 



So.....I just finished this book. Every time I read a book that I really like-- I feel somewhat panicked that not enough people know how great it is and need to know RIGHT NOW. That is obviously ridiculous because this book has been extremely popular lately due to the recent movie release of, "Wild" with Reese Witherspoon. I've also seen the movie and figured I'd share my thoughts on both book and movie.

But first-- books are best. Memoirs can be even better than books. It's a dear diary sob story and I mean that in the best way possible. I think it was the perfect book to read at the turn of the year because I was in constant awe at Cheryl's self discipline and ability to push herself. The girl hikes the PCT, over 1,000 miles from Southern California up to Washington....by herself. If Cheryl could do that, well I could at least stay on this treadmill for 5 more minutes right? She made me feel kind of brave in my own little life. It's also one of those books that make you feel that you had everything growing up, not a single valid complaint in comparison. Also, I want to plan several different camping trips and hikes-- we should be outside you know?

The movie was wonderful. Reese Witherspoon was the perfect choice and I actually can't think of another actress that could have done better in this role-- weird, I know. The screen writer happened to be one of Devan's favorite authors, Nick Hornby. So we were biased to begin with -- a great adaptation.

If you're feeling the need to be a little braver, you could read/watch Wild. You wouldn't be sorry.

for the first time...

If only I could properly iterate how many times I have tried to start a blog. Frustration with choosing the right templates and multiple versions of dumb blog titles. This happens to be the first time i've actually uploaded. It's difficult believing you have something to say that is value enough to be public. However, I prefer to view my blog as more of a tracking of thoughts and a library of experience-- so it's more for me than anyone else.

It is liberating to have a space to freely express, even if it is a tiny url in sea of millions. Not to mention the absorption of time wrapped up into just one post. In this moment, that is a good thing.

I imagine my posts will range from personal theories to book and movie reviews and if you're lucky some dear diary sob stories.

Stay tuned-- or not. It's your life.