MAGIC of GIANT Proportions

Me and my giant, Bumblebee

You know those moments in life when everything just seems to come together and you're amazed that everything could have been orchestrated that perfectly? There are more moments like these than we realize-I mean getting home safely every day in this insane world is pretty magical if you ask me, but there are stand outs that need to be acknowledged as well. I mentioned in my last post that I was going to share...and it's time!

I have never been to Colorado. Things kept whispering to us that we needed to plan an adventure there, so we got to work setting up a last minute trip before I went back to work at my school. Things seemed to fall into place quickly and rather easily, so Chad and I were looking forward to it. We had several activities lined up, and we were excited to see somewhere new. 

You know how I am about dimes. Before we even checked our bags I had found two dimes and a penny, and I felt this was a great start. Our flight went well, even through turbulence, and we arrived in Denver after a huge rainstorm-their first in weeks, and one that helped quell some raging wild fires there. 

While we rode the shuttle to the car rental place, my daughter Meghan let me know that one of our favorite bands, one we know and call our friends, was IN Colorado Springs to give a concert and help debut the new Ford Amphitheater there. MAGIC GIANT was opening with OneRepublic and they were giving away some tickets on Instagram!!!

https://www.fordamphitheater.live/venue-info/

I messaged Magic Giant and so did Meghan,  and then Chad and I  went along our way (crossing our fingers)  in absolute awe of the Colorado beauty we were in. After a fresh rainstorm, it smelled heavenly and looked so green and lush. Our hotel was lovely, surrounded in forest and green. We went towards Old Colorado Springs and spent the evening in the charm of it all. It was just beautiful. I mean absolutely breath taking and every kind of terrain you'd imagine all around us in vivid colors. We went to bed that night just stunned at the beauty we were in, and excited for all the places we were going to adventure to. 

In one of the store fronts in Old Colorado Springs.

Had to take a picture of this because it reminded me of  my Jennifer.

Right before lights out, I checked my Instagram and had received a message from Austy (Magic Giant) asking if we still wanted tickets. Of course I said yes, and we went to sleep. 

https://magicgiant.com/

Not to bore with travel logs, but the next day Chad and I headed out to Garden of the Gods. That in and of itself is absolutely stunning.. Rock formations shot out of the ground in every direction, forming wonderful feasts for the eye. Everywhere we looked there was something beautiful. Just glorious. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and again marveled at the astonishing beauty of it all. 

https://gardenofgods.com/

By 4pm, the ticket giveaway was over. To be honest, I felt so special and loved that Magic Giant had even found the time to say hi to us, and that was enough for me. But as we were hiking by a stream, my notifications went off and we found we had tickets for that night (August 10). They asked if we thought we could make it. I was thrilled as we flew to the hotel to freshen up and get to the venue. I was so excited to see everyone from Magic Giant and so grateful they had pulled strings to get us there. I hadn't expected it, and I was so very surprised and pleased. 

You have to understand that Magic Giant really is magic. They have amazing, uplifting, happy music. Their spirits are just wonderful to be around. Every one of them in the band and crew are just lovely humans. Meghan met them at a music camp that changed her life and saved her life and soul. Literally. They are magic. They reach people. I got to meet them last year and I did not want the time with them to end. 🎵I know I know, that we're all pretending, this night is never ending🎶  They just make the world feel good and their light gives so much hope. They are incredible individually, and as a whole. I can't describe the feeling you get just being in their presence and being able to soak up their energy and love. So this was big. I couldn't wait for Chad to meet them after the show. 

When we got to the box office, our tickets were there. I honestly was so excited to have them and figured we'd be on the lawn taking it all in. When we opened the envelope, I almost fell down. 14th row!!!! Right in front of the stage. It made me cry. I felt so blessed. I was very happy to be able to catch Austy and Zang before he show to profess my immense gratitude. I know they had to work to get that done for us. And they were just gracious. They said it was their pleasure, and thanked US for making time for them! My word. I am still humbled. 

That's me!!!!!!!!!!

And the concert. Oh, the concert!!!! It was magnificent! I knew every word. I sang and danced and even cried a little. It was truly magical. They put on an incredible show. The talent is unreal. The feeling you get watching them in unbeatable. 

After they sang we went to find them and got the most magical hugs and personal interaction with them. Bonus that some of their significant others and even one of their mothers was there too-with the same warmth and goodness. They again thanked US for coming and we left promising to stay in touch. Have you ever had a band tell you they love you, too? They do. And they mean it. I can never thank Magic Giant enough for this opportunity to just BE WITH them and witness the magic they make. They are incredible. And thank you to Meghan for introducing us to them. Luckily she was going to see them 6 days later in LA. 

The incredible band. Just amazing people. 

 

Zang, me, and Austy.
I am not photogenic-especially when I am with famous people. I get so 
happy I smile too big and the camera catches me at weird angles. But I
feel like my happiness shows, so I treasure these photos.
BELOW🠋The boys in action.

And then I have to mention OneRepublic...they were also just wonderful. They sang all the songs I know and love. They had an encore and their last song was "I Lived" at which time Ford set off the most gorgeous fireworks display that lit the whole night. We were already on such a high, and that just topped it all off. We left the venue on cloud 9-reveling in the kindness we had been shown snd the experience we had just lived. What a night. And not a word I say can really put into perspective the joy we experienced that night. I will never forget it. 

https://www.onerepublic.com/

There was so much more to this trip. One of my favorites ever. We saw Cave of the Winds with beautiful caverns and rich history.    https://caveofthewinds.com      We drove up Pikes Peak, stopping all along the way for glorious views, varied terrain, lakes and even a Big Foot Crossing! When we reached the top there was a fantastical storm that enveloped the entire mountain top for an hour. The layers of clouds and varieties of landforms was mind blowing. It was very cold at the top and I had to wear every layer I had available. But it was so worth it. Then coming down the mountain we had the most glorious thunder storm!

https://www.pikes-peak.com/

Another place I would really recommend is Royal Gorge Bridge. It's exactly what is says-a marvel of a ginormous suspension bridge crossing the huge expanse of a deep gorge. The beauty is staggering and the thrill of being on it is electrifying. There's a zipline and sky coaster and a few theme park rides-even a raptor show with live birds. It surpassed every expectation. I loved it there. The drive  back from it was lovely as well. 

https://royalgorgebridge.com/

I could go on, but I already have. One last thing we did was go visit the most charming mansion in Manitou Springs called the Miramont Castle. It is just gorgeous and has a fabulous history on so many levels. It was definitely worth the trip just to look but the ongoing history is what I loved most. 

https://www.miramontcastle.org/

If you get anything from this post-besides picture overload, I hope you get at least these three things:

1-Life is Magical-go LIVE it! Especially when you can celebrate the things you love with people you love.

2-There is beauty EVERYWHERE. I can't get over the beauty we saw in so many ways on so many levels. It is out there. Find it.

and 3- PEOPLE provide magic. MAGIC GIANT and their generosity and their genuine love of what they do and the people they do it for made an already wonderful vacation truly MAGICAL and unforgettable. I will always be in awe that we were such recipients of their grace. Their music changes life. GO LOOK THEM UP. They make a difference. And I am grateful! 

Next Semester

Oh it has been far too long. I have made promises to blog for almost a year now. It's time to follow through. To be honest, I have written a couple of blogs and then didn't post-either because the moment and the feelings were past, or because I worried it wasn't relevant. Today I am jumping over those hurdles and soldiering on! Time for a few updates to get the ball rolling. 

As I ready myself to return to work at my little school, I am finding myself very thoughtful and quite emotional. I'm evaluating many parts of my life right now-not because I felt the need to, but because the process just naturally presented itself through a series of events during the past few weeks. I feel changes on the horizon, and I am usually not comfortable with change. This time around I am able to see the good that might come from some of them. I'm watching for signs, and finding them everywhere. So we'll see where this journey goes-but in the meantime, I'm finding glory in the immense pleasure of LIVING. And for now, that gives me peace. 

One of the biggest things that happened this year was that my youngest daughter found her One True Love-and eloped with him in Costa Rica!!!! I have never seen her so happy and we absolutely love her husband. This was a long time coming for both of them to find the person that fit them best. They are adventurers who make the most out of life and boy, do they go LIVE!!!! It gives me joy to see them move forward in life and find adventure along the way. They had a reception in May, and the way things came together was just magical. The kindness they were shown-that we, as a family were shown-well, it's staggering. 

I do have to say that I have had to adjust to this change more than I thought I would.  Meghan tried to break me in gently by being absent more often, but after having her as my sidekick for the last 10 years since Cassie got married, I am feeling quite alone. Walmart is unbearable without her. Chick-Fil-A has lost its savor. There are shows I don't even watch anymore as she's not here to share them. The hours of in depth discussions about everything in the world are desperately missed-but there is also a sense of calm that she has found her person, and that trumps all. They are happy. Indescribably so. And that helps me heal my lonely heart a little. 

Costa Rica 

Shawn and Meghan

I am also healing from an intense injury I incurred last November. I cut my index finger of my left hand to the bone-and in doing so severed both of my tendons, leaving my left finger completely useless. I cannot describe the anxiety that came with this accident. And the nausea that is still with me because of the trauma that a one inch cut caused my whole nervous system. BUT-with the help of a fabulous surgeon and equally fabulous hand therapist, I have regained 80%  use of my finger! I am so extremely grateful to have my finger move I can't even express it. There was a chance it could not be repaired. It was tricky, as tendons are elastic and when I severed them they retracted back into my hand. This resulted in my surgeon to have to go on a "fishing expedition" to find them before he could repair them. I spent several months in a removable cast, and 6 months in physical therapy. I had so much help and love and support and kindness just thrown into my life during all of this. So many blessings. I am still not done with this journey, but have been able to make it because of the wonderful people in my life. There is still a little hope for a little more recovery, so if you have room in your prayers for me, I'd be delighted to be included in them. Ah, miracles. I love them. 

******TRIGGER WARNING****** if you are sensitive to seeing injury or pictures involving wounds, scroll past these pictures. I think they're proof of visible miracles. 

November 30, 2023

Today-August 16, 2024

They say change is good, and I'm trying to learn that. These experiences are teachers to me. Sometimes I even constitute the changes. My hair is missing the blue streak this summer so it can rest from 8 years of color. It took me a good month to be okay without it, but I found I could live with it for awhile. Don't get me wrong...the blue will be back. But it was nice to show myself I could still be me.

As I sit here and look to the future, I'm astounded at the caliber and character  and pure goodness of the people in my life.  I know, I say that all the time. But I believe it with every fiber of my being. Gather your people. Surround yourself with good. And then BE THE GOOD. It all circles back around in the most unexpected and delightful ways. (Yes, that's a teaser for my next post.)And I am grateful. 

Special thanks to Twenty One Pilots for the title of this post. 

NOREPLY

Some of you might have heard from our friend Noreply, who regularly sends us emails. You may get emails yourself from Noreply. This name became well known in our home after my then young daughter asked "who is this 'Noreply'  who's always contacting us?". Of course, she meant the "no reply" that comes with certain emails. But it was so cute we held onto it. Noreply has become a household name. Someone we refer to with fondness and laughter.

While we laugh about "noreply", it also causes some consternation for me. Not in the way you'd think. It has nothing to do with spam or phishing-though you do have to be aware on that front. It has more to do with the feeling there. Let me explain.

There is a famous person (actually probably many famous persons, psychologists, and just plain humans) that said:

While I know this is true to an extent, I have a different take on it. Now there's something to be said for someone who can sit patiently and listen without interruption. And believe me. I DO want to hear you and understand you. I want to understand what you are saying and the message you are trying to convey to me. But I feel like there are times that occur in epic numbers, where we reply with the intent to RELATE. Many times the response is so the author of said thing does not feel alone. They know they were heard. They know someone has some kind of idea of a similar feeling or situation. Responding shows focus, empathy, relatability, compassion, knowledge, and perspective. While I understand that everyone wants to be heard and have their chance to speak and tell their story, it is called "conversation" for a reason. The need to help and inspire and give feedback is just as an inherent a need as delivering a story. It bonds us when we can come together with expressions and feelings. It is natural for a spark to be lit in a person's brain when it is registering something familiar, and sharing it helps us process. 

I do keep in mind that there are people who want something entirely different. Some people feel the need to correct, or be right, "one-up" or even "one-down. There are people who just need the attention or are used to the spotlight. But that happens no matter what kinds of situations we are in.

When I am telling a story, conveying a feeling, and even pouring my heart out, while I love the chance to finish my thoughts, I really enjoy the fact that someone else can understand the things I have felt-if only to a degree. It may give me perspective and ideas on how to process or cope with the experience. Or cherish it. Or learn from it. I may find all new kinds of things to try and gain understanding that I haven't had before. That, and I love people and hearing about their lives and experiences. I love feeling happy with or for another human being. I love offering sympathy and love and compassion to others as well. There are so many times I needed to hear exactly what was said. Even if I haven't finished my story yet. I learn a lot that way. I even learn to listen to my heart to know how I can reply, and even say just the right thing that someone else needed right then. I am so grateful for the times I listen. I am especially humbled when I get to hear that I did. Many times we never know-we just hope it was right. So when the reward comes of knowing you helped another with Heaven whispering in your ear-well, there's nothing quite like it. I want others to know when they have done that for me. Stuff like that just binds us humans together- and Heaven knows the world needs so much of that right now. 

What I'm saying is, yes, it is good to listen. It's good to let someone talk and get their stuff out. Though it's not a bad thing to want to respond. Not every time. Not every situation. But it takes a lot more counting than I have appendages for the times it has paid off to either listen to someone's reply, or give one of my own to help us relate to each other. It builds trust and relationships, gives calm and comradery and in the end gets us all on the same page knowing there's someone out there who understands-at least in part-what we are trying to say. 

The other thing hanging out there that needs to be addressed is the elephant in the room-the times we respond to protect, defend, and make clear the proper stance is being heard and understood. Alot of miscommunication can occur when the speaker is assuming something, and proceeds to lay out their case -not wanting interruption or response until they have been heard and put all their evidence out there. But sometimes, the case is faulty-because assumptions have been made or information has been mis-construed. And then it's time to correct the falsities before that train of thought can move any further. Oh, this causes frustration and consternation on the speaker's part, but if there are false ideas being presented to the listener, that needs to stop before things are made worse. "That's not what I said. You misread my reaction. That is false information. That never happened. That was not my intent. That was taken out of context." These are phrases that may be used to interrupt when the accusation train has headed down that track. It is okay to defend and explain yourself (or anyone who is being mis-represented) before the conversation gets out of hand and more misunderstanding occurs. Oh, I am not encouraging anyone to interrupt another person, but pointing out there are valid reasons to speak even when the other person desires to just be heard. This is another situation where balance has to come into play and it is rare that balance is achieved in this area-but it's worth a shot. So, open your mind to a conversation as you open your heart to another. Understand that you may get feedback as the listener tries to relate to you and let you know you're not alone. Or be ready to hear a rebuttal if need be. There are so many people that want to help or want to relate or even give perspective. There are blessings that can be found in the reply. For that we can be grateful! 

And thank you for letting me be a little 
devil's advocate😉

#dinosaursinthemud

YOLO and FOMO -When Two Acronyms Go Walking

It's been over a year since I have been able to bring myself to blog. For so many years it brought me joy and therapy. But I'll admit-this crazy, mean, dishonest, finger-pointing, disaster wreaking, backwards world got to me-Miss Sally Sunshine. The Silver Lining Seamstress. I couldn't do it. I didn't know what  to say. My mind's been  too full. I didn't give up. I just had to concentrate on keeping my life together and having perspective that would help me see though the fog and know what is important to share-and what isn't. I think I'm ready. 

San Francisco Fog-much like my mind

So life scares me. I LOVE it. But it has always scared me. Yet I have a zest for it that will not be quiet. In fact it is constantly screaming in the back of my head. "LIVE!" "Take chances!" "Try something new!""Don't miss out!" Yes, I have a bad case of YOLO. There are so many things I want to do. While I love being organized and love having a plan, I also I love adventures on the fly. I love being impulsive. And I love finding the opportune moments- golden chances in life.

.

As much as I am sure there really are the "opportune" moments in life, I also know that many times, you just have to take them. On that note, insert FOMO. I hate the feeling of missing out. Oh, I am picky about what I have FOMO about. I really don't care if I know the latest, have the most current, do the most amazing, or have the longest list. But I hate missing out on trips, or fireworks, late night walks, or concerts. I hate missing out on chance meetings, and planned ones, too. I hate missing work, or  Sunday worship, or flashes of lightning in the sky. I hate knowing I had the chance to do something great, and either squandered the opportunity or was kept from it in any way. I don't like missing things that could fill my bucket or feed my soul. So I'm on a constant search to make those FOMO moments few and far between, and make the YOLO moments count. 

Planes Landing almost close Enough to Touch

Fallout Boy Concert

Fourth of July Fireworks. I can never get enough.

Barbie Movie with my girls-yes. I loved it-I took a very spiritual
meaning away from it. I looked for good and found it.

As always, my summer has gone so fast. What I used to accomplish in a summer is not even feasible anymore. The days are gone before I can blink. I keep plugging away, but the list is never ending. It has also been a physically, mentally, and emotionally draining summer for me. I am not complaining. I care and I love caring. My self-care has taken a back seat, but I have been able to care for many people around me-although not nearly as much as I'd like to. Some nights as I fall into bed at midnight or much, much later, I wonder what more I could have done. And as I lay there in the dark where sleep is elusive, but thoughts are intrusive, a few answers come to mind. 

I am human. Utterly, one hundred percent human. While I love it that I have a body that works despite its many ailments, I know it can only do so much. Loving late nights and early mornings does not help that issue. Life is hard. Wonderful, but hard.I get tired and burnt out. I have concerns of my own. So again. I can only do so much before I become incapacitated and then am of no use to anyone. But oh, I would love to be one of those people that can "run and not be weary." Maybe someday. For now, I just have to do the best I can. And hope my love is felt by anyone within my reach. And exuberance for living. That too!

I have also, especially in recent years, realized and embraced the fact that seasons of life are really a thing! It's not just a song, or a scripture. It is a real life enigma. Seasons of good and seasons of bad. Seasons of peace and seasons of turmoil. There have been years of my life that have been dedicated to serving outside of my home, but then times where my family had to be at the forefront. I have loved spans of time when we've been free to travel and explore, but remember the days of small children and sickness, homework, and tight belts. I have loved being able to offer service, meals, cards, and love, but have also had opportunities to be the recipient of these things when I have had need. Seasons with people and places, opportunities, joys and sorrows.  And they inevitably change.

Sometimes I mourn some of these seasons passing and morphing into other things. I yearn for the past, and sadly, sometimes, want to skip to the future. I realize the danger in both, So I try to focus on the season at hand in my own life; doing what I can, when I can, and maybe jumping on a chance when I find one. 

When it comes down to it, these cute little acronyms  have become quite the cheerleaders for my life. They inspire me and motivate me. They get me out of my comfort zone and help me to see beyond my boundaries and reach for something more-something new. I have experienced things I never would have without these special sets of letters. They have helped me LIVE. And I am grateful.

#beachweather   @beachweather

#fearofmissingout     #youonlyliveonce    #dinosaursinthemud       #imissyouamy

This entry is dedicated to Amy Echard Otto who loved life to the fullest and never missed out on living or loving. I love and miss you my beautiful friend!