Lunch Break

It seemed like the perfect day to head to one of the places that brings me joy- the mountains. Despite the weather report of snow flurries and dropping temperatures, the sun shown brightly down onto Denver that morning (besides, during the months of December through March when does the weather reports not include flurries and cold temps?). I threw a quick bag together and headed up. The skies were turning darker with every mile I drove but that was no matter. After all, a girl can still go hiking in the snow and enjoy her day!

I was heading to the same place I had been a week prior with my three little girls. We didn’t manage to get too far since it was a fairly steep incline near the trailhead. After venturing up the trail a little while, I realized there was no way that I could have dragged the girls to the top. But since I didn’t have a 25 pound baby on my back or a 32 pound 3 year old clinging to my neck, it was no problem today for me to trek to the glacier that awaited me.

The air was bitterly cold and bit at my nose every now and then. All I heard was the crunching of my steps and my breath racing in and out. It appeared that someone had broken the trail earlier that morning and admittedly, I was glad for it. I hadn’t come as prepared as I should have (famous last words…literally) and I was wishing I had brought some poles and snowshoes since it was snowing and the traction was difficult.

Once I reached the glacier I took some moments to take it all in. I’ve always felt so vulnerable in the mountains, particularly during the wintertime. During the past year I’ve witnessed policy makers build coalitions and senators act as judges…I’ve had weeks of running around with papers and meetings while cramming in the occasional room parent hours at my kid’s school and late nights of research and phone calls. It’s easy to fool yourself into thinking that you have control of your life or that you’re a pretty important person - but out here - none of that matters. The simplicity and the silence of the mountains trump any personal agenda and all that really matters is getting to where you’re going. I like that.

I sat down on a rock high above the frozen glacier and far below the towering peaks. The wind whipped the snow off the peaks as quickly as it brought it more. I grabbed an apple out of my pack and took note that my only lunch company appeared to be the tree from A Charlie Brown’s Christmas and the squirrel that raced around it. There’s something invigorating about being alone with nature that has always brought me a sense of peace. I wondered about the children I’ve worked with throughout the years as a social worker and if any of them have had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the mountains the way I have. It’s one thing to know about outdoor recreation and not enjoy it but entirely something different to have never been exposed to it. My thoughts then turned to my own kids and I hoped I would be able to introduce the little miracles of everyday life from the evolution of a pinecone to the dozen points on a snowflake. When I take the time to think about my surroundings, I can’t help but be in awe. I took some time to pray and be still…. I felt renewed. When hiking, I often turn towards the scriptures in which Elijah obeyed God’s instruction and went to the top of Mount Horeb. The wind blew fiercely and fire passed by but God was not in either of those. He came in a still small voice. God didn’t come to Elijah because he conquered some great feat of climbing a mountain but He came to him because Elijah was listening and because Elijah obeyed.

Time passed quickly and I decided after sinking thigh deep into the snow banks, that I had better turn back. My heart sank a bit when I knew it was time to head back just like it always does. It had been a great day. I breathed in the evergreens while glancing around the glacier and took a step back down the trail. And although I usually feel like I leave a small part of myself behind, I smiled inside because I know – I can take the peace of the mountains anywhere I go. There may not be wind whipping off my roof at home or fire in the sky every sunset, but there is the space for that still small voice to guide me…. as long as I am willing.

Sam's 1st Birthday!

Prima

She is a princess. She is a treasure. She captures fun and fancy all in one and it makes me smile. She dresses with intention and delicacy with her many layers of pink tulle and then jumps on the bed giggling as if forgetting about her perfect hair....

The power of a small brown make-up bag

So, I was running late. I decided to just find a random parking lot downtown instead of my usual spot that required me to walk a few extra blocks. It was a usual day and I was feeling pretty good about the day despite the hurried schedule. I wore a comfy jeans and sweatshirt combo. Given my rush out of the house that morning I threw on a hat and neglected my make-up bag. No big deal, I usually don’t get too bothered about appearances while doing street outreach.

As I pulled in I handed the parking attendant my credit card. Without taking it he shook his head no. “We don’t take credit cards. Cash only.” His bright plaid shirt seemed a bit loud in appearance but it was his abruptness that was even louder. “OK” I thought except I really was in a hurry and could use the help….. “I’m so sorry” I apologized, “is there any way you could just let me run to an ATM on my way back?” Given his disinterest I wasn’t surprised at his response. “Nope, sorry. Cash only. You’ll have to just drive in and turn around, I’ll let you out.” Well, that was that. Of course he had rules to follow and it would be unfortunate if he got in trouble for disregarding them.

I didn’t think twice about it until this Tuesday. I was heading to the Capitol that morning to lobby with some other people from a coalition. I made sure to have my best dress pants on, full make-up... the whole enchilada. I even underwent the annoying task of blow drying my hair, which is a rare occurrence. I had plenty of time that morning but it seemed like everyone else in the metro area had the same idea and they all took my parking spot. I didn’t realize that I had turned into that same lot until I saw the same man standing there, bright plaid and all. I realized I had made a wrong turn. I pulled into the lot ready to explain to him that I just needed to turn around and find another spot but he unfolded his arms and flagged me to stop. I rolled down the window and before I could get a word out he asked “Looking for a spot? Number 23 is open.” I grinned and told him no thanks but I didn’t have cash on me and I just needed to turn around to find another place that takes credit card. “No need to do that, Sugar.” He unfolded his arms and bent down to lean on my window “You can take that spot and just pay me when you come back.” It seemed like 2 entire minutes of confusion but really it was more like a few seconds until I caught on. “Oh really?” I said with a sweet smile, “I thought you didn’t take cash.” He smiled back a little more interested “well, technically we don’t but I’ll make an exception.” So, I decided to take advantage of my lip gloss and straight smooth hair and I parked, waving thank you as I walked on. I could almost feel his eyes burning into the back of my neck as I walked away, leaving only the sound of my high heels clicking on the pavement.

I was gone about 4 hours and returned with my ten dollars to pay my debt. This time there were two men inside the entrance booth. One took a clipboard off the wall as I walked up and then he asked if I was number 23. I said "yes", a little curious how he knew that the white car in that spot was mine. Perhaps I was the only one who hadn't paid that morning or perhaps the man next to him in the bright plaid shirt told him. None the less, I paid my dues and turned to the flannel lover asking “you know, I was just here last week and you didn’t let me park. You said that you didn’t take credit cards.” He looked at me bewilderedly and replied with an intelligent “humph”. Noticing his limited vocabulary, I continued “Do you remember me?” I asked. “I’m driving the same car but I might look a little different, I wasn’t working that day.” He wore an honest blank stare on his face and murmured “Nope sorry, don’t remember you. Maybe you were thinking of someone else."
“Hmm…..maybe” I said.
Oink Oink.