Get-A-Way

What's your sanctuary? You know, the place that you go when you've had enough of the world surrounding you. The place where you feel ultimate comfort and an escape from reality.

With the pressures of the world getting heavier this past week, that's what I needed this weekend. I needed to find my sanctuary. Actually, I know where mine is...I was there last weekend with many people that I love. (That post can come later when I get some of the pics developed). With Bob's cabin on the Niobrara being 4-5 hours away, I needed to find something closer. Honestly, I thought about driving there, time on the road can be therapeutic...or harmful, so I opted to stay close-ish to home.

Yesterday morning, I did my good deed for the day. The local Salute to the Troops committee was having a fundraiser 1 mile and 5K walk/run. With my pending medical issues, I wasn't able to run, but the walk was a blast. I met up with a couple fellow co-workers and enjoyed being outside on the bike trail with some good conversation. It was also satisfying to know that we were supporting our troops and helping a good cause. Next year at this time we will be able to see the effects with the big Welcome Home event by Salute to the Troops.

The morning walk was over...This is when living alone can be the most wonderful thing. I needed alone time. I needed quiet time. I needed to just be with my thoughts. I needed to hide my thoughts. I did exactly that.

This was my view for a while yesterday. Laying in my comfy bed feeling the nice breeze come through the window and listening to the birds sing and cars drive by. There is something relaxing about hearing the hustle and bustle of cars on their way to something or somewhere, and me having no agenda for the day. In my bed, I can let go of worries and concerns and just be content. I can cry out of anger and sadness with no one asking why. The fresh air from the window and the coziness of my blankets and pillows comfort me as I lay back and let time pass.

As the breeze got warmer, I knew it was going to be a beautiful day. I got up, put my suit on, grabbed my jumbo beach towel, hopped in my car and drove. Windows down, sun roof open and radio up. I drove until I wanted to stop. Where did I stop? A lake. A place where no one knows me and I can just lay out and be in the sun. Hope into the water when it gets hot, read my book, listen to the wind and the water, eat some fresh raspberries and be me. There is something about being outside, alone and the sounds of water that can melt away anything and grant peace to a restless soul.

Getting home I had quite the redness on my back and behind my knees...nothing a little aloe can't fix. Even being sunburned makes me happy - because I know that I had a restful day outside. Yes, reality will come knocking on my door, but we all need some time away to strengthen us and prepare us for that fight. And now I'm prepared.

Time & Trial

It’s funny how in life
I can be so sure
But then something unexpected
Always seems to occur

I go about my day
As I think I should
But when all is over
Did I do all I could

Life can be short
Or it can be long
And we waste so much time
Trying to belong

That’s not what’s important
It’s not what we need
We need to slow down
And let go of the greed

Throw out the money
Throw out the toys
Let go of the stress
Quiet the noise

We think we can control
Everything around
But it’s with this thinking
That we’re disaster bound

Trying to make life
What we want it to be
Through all the clouds
The sun we can’t see

Each struggle we survive
And trial we go through
Makes us more unique
And independent too

Life’s not made to be easy
It’s not a walk in the park
But there’s a lot more sunshine
Just quit looking for the dark

There is always good
And there is always bad
But I’m learning to be thankful
For what I’ve already had

Don’t live in the past
For the future is near
Treasure the present
Because that’s what’s here

E. Crabtree

So What's Next...

I'm sure many of you heard on the radio, news or by reading it in the newspaper about the tragedy that has hit our world. Myself, now I'm just in a weird awe. If you haven't heard, I'm sorry that I'm the bearer of bad news...

Michael Jackson is dead. Paramedics were called to his home where he was found unresponsive and believed to have had a cardiac arrest. Resuscitation was attempted but with no success. The came just days before "The Kings" plan to make his comeback tour opener in London - July 13th. Since the news came out, radio stations and MTV (possibly other channels) have been playing his music and videos non-stop as a tribute to the most renowned artist of our time.

Ok, so maybe the world isn't touched by this - but I'm shocked. Something many of you may not know...I do have an obsession with the freakishly odd looking artist. First off, PERSONAL LIFE ASIDE. I'm not one to say whether those accusations are right or not...if they are correct - that's terrible and NOT acceptable. With that out of the way - who has EVER been able to sing, write, dance and perform that well??? In my opinion, no one - not even close. You have the ones who can re-enact pretty well, like Justin Timberlake, who has picked up some of his moves pretty well, but he's not Michael. Others attempt but fall short, and that's putting it generously.

Hours were spent in my freshman year dorm room watching Michael Jackson's Number 1 DVD. Often with the lights off and a bowl of freshly popped popcorn and possibly with the only friend who will feel this sadness as much as I do, Danielle. With the door shut, we'd whip out our attempts of the hottest dance moves ever done by man. We'd sing it loud and proud. My poor roommate...and what she had to go through by living with me =) Love ya Jess!

When you think of Michael, there are so many amazing songs that come to mind, it's hard to even just name one, because there are so many great ones circling in my brain. Some of the goodies: Free Willy Theme Song, Black or White, Thriller, the Earth Song, The Way You Make Me Feel, Bad, Beat it, Man in the Mirror....and the list just goes on and on and on....And that's just to mention him as an individual artist, don't forget about the Jackson Five singing Rockin Robin and ABC, 123 and oh so many more.

It will be interesting to see how our performer's legend will live on through current and future artists. I can see his songs and dances being utilized and re-enacted by high school dance teams, half time performers and the thousands of musical artists on stage. Let him live on in the way he reached out to the world.

It's not a secret that his childhood was questionable and we can't deny that would impact someone farther into life. His surgeries and alienesk appearance were more than odd. His behaviors and clothing were not typical of what is expected. But he created ways to channel his thoughts and mood into a way that could reach out to all - entertainment. I pray that his hurt soul is now at rest and also pray for his friends and family in this tough time. He definitely will be missed.