Walking Through Life

I seem to check my blog every day, as if a new post will just write itself, sometimes it's hard to make myself start, but here I am, waiting for the ideas to flow into the cycle that starts from my heart, processed in my brain, and down to my fingertips where I try desperately to keep up with myself.
A couple of weeks ago, I finally did something I had been waiting all summer for. I saw the production of Les Miserables at the Tuacahn theater in St. George. I shouldn't say I saw it, because it was more of a magnificent experience than just sitting and seeing. For anyone that does not know the story of Les Mis, learn it. I can't explain how moving the plot is. The characters, situations, settings, dialogue, conflicts, victories, and in this case the music are all woven together into a fantastic tapestry of aphorisms. I found myself with tears running down my cheeks and sobbing by the end of the performance. I am, in fact, starting the 1000 page original Les Miserables novel by Victor Hugo- just as soon as I finish my latest novel by Dickens. There are such a great number of wonderful books in this world, and so little time to read them all.
Something else I've done that has made me quite happy: running. It's been awhile since I have actually gone, but every time I do, I feel so so good. Now it's just about getting in shape. I honestly am doing it more because I want to be able to "run and not be weary" rather than lose weight. That is a plus, though. If one does want to lose weight, however, I recommend walking. I can't even begin to explain how amazing the results can be. Oh heck, at the risk of sounding like a weight-loss program advertisement (which I already do) I've lost 15 pounds just from walking to and from school every day! Honestly, though: walk. I also feel that walking is the best way to get around not only for health benefits, but also because it's better for the Earth. We don't want to corrode this precious planet anymore than we already have. Walking is a good way to tune in with nature as well. Then you can appreciate what you are helping to save. It's one big cycle of good Karma.

A New Way of Old Life

I'm back in Cedar City. It's beautiful.  I've gone to a number of bonfires, reunited with many friends, made quite a few new ones, and bonded with my brother. He lives in the apartment in front of me, which is very exciting, as I've been away from home for 2 years, not really being able to spend time with him until now. It's interesting to see how he has matured since his sophomore year of high school. He's more independent, insightful, and definitely more like me than I would have guessed. (He'll disagree with that statement completely.) Coming back to school almost felt like I was being pushed into the deep end with my jeans still on and my phone in my pocket. I wasn't ready, but at the least, I can doggie paddle. You'd think after 3 years, I'd get used to this. I doubt I ever will. Oh.. I also went to my very first rodeo! Yee-haw. It was freezing, but we got some fun pictures (above), and saw the most gorgeous sunset.

I mentioned my "Peace Album" in the last post, but I have lost the receipt that I wrote the tracks on the back of, so I'll try to remember the best I can:

1. Blowin' In the Wind- Bob Dylan
   
2. Give Peace a Chance- John Lennon
3. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding- Elvis Costello
4. Abraham, Martin, and John- Dion
   
5. The Pipes of Peace- Paul McCartney
   
6. Belief- John Mayer
7. Fragile- Sting
8. Redemption Song- Bob Marley
9. Peace Train- Cat Stevens
10. Give Me Love- George Harrison
11. Muse- Bliss

Now there are a few more, but I've yet to find the list, so these will do for now. 

On another note: last night I went "camping" to make up for my last "camping" trip, which consisted of sleeping in a trailer (not real camping.) My whole motive was to sleep under the stars, in the open air, on the dirt. So I did just that. It was amazing. As our small group spread out looking for what little firewood we could find (we weren't very successful) I looked up at the sky and couldn't help but shed a tear at the majesty of it all! It was like being showered with love. If God's love could take on any appearance, I know it would look like the sky.  I dropped to my knees in the dirt and thanked him for the vast beauty that I was witnessing. Now that I'm high from seeing something so great, I can't help but want to sleep out every night. Even the coyotes that awoke me during the night didn't frighten me, they just further magnified my love for Mother Nature.