What's Your Mountain?

I'll tell you what. Every one of us has our own mountains to climb.  I for one, climb these literal and figurative molehills and peaks daily.

One thing I've learned is that the best way to overcome all challenges, obstacles and tasks is by preparation in all aspects of life.

The only way I can endure the day is by fueling up.  I get this 'fuel' many ways but in order to accomplish any goal or have the stamina to make it through, I have learned I have to eat a good breakfast.  I won't last through two hours of occupation, decision making, list accomplishing, errand running, work outs, child raising, or any other duty or responsibility without fueling my body.  I also know, through trial and error, the difference between a sustaining, good breakfast and not-so-good choices. This morning ritual of preparation for the day, can quite literally make-it-or-break-it in my ability to climb my mountains.

I participated in a challenge with Post Grape-nuts Fit cereal in climbing to the summit of a mountain using this cereal to demonstrate the point of the importance of having proper 'fuel' to make it through our daily climbs.

So yesterday, I along with my hiking pal, Melanie Kenney, tackled the red Navajo Sandstone cliffs of Zion National Park from Weeping Rock to Cable Mountain, a peak over 2,000 feet tall.  This strenuous climb took place in toasty warm temps, up and back 15.25 miles. With the way the rim of this mountain is located, we would actually hike up almost 3,000 feet before making a slight decline to the edge.

I started out with my good fuel at 5:30 in the morning.  I will admit, I ate two servings. What I've noticed right off about this cereal is how satisfying it is.  One serving is plenty, and I was full.  But I knew I'd be burning 3,000 calories soon and needed the extra fuel.  I love my GNF with almond milk, it really brings out the cranberry and vanilla flavor of the cereal.

We arrived at the park shortly after 7:00 am where we road the shuttle in to the trailhead.  As we began, we started off by giving some free samples of Grape-nuts Fit to fellow travelers.  As you can tell, they were pretty excited.  Actually, they were.  They promised to use their cereal as fuel that day.

We headed out fast and furiously up the first 2 miles to the first junction, where the full sun hit us and the temps began to soar.

The trail is very steep and rugged in some spots.

I was feeling pretty grateful for the extra serving of cereal when I finally reached the summit over 7 1/2 miles later.  But amazingly, it sustained me well.

 (The red parking lot directly above the box of cereal is where we began our hike)

I'm pleased, that when put to the test, Grape-nuts Fit is the fuel I need to help me climb my mountains.  If I apply this good and healthy habit to my morning breakfast ritual, I know I'll have the strength and stamina to accomplish and tackle my day.  

What's your mountain?  Is it your job? Raising children?  Crazy schedules and time restraints?  Budgets, stress, illness? Whatever that might be for you, start your day right with good fuel and you will overcome!  If I can do it, so can you.  

What a Wonderful World

A lot of times while I'm hiking I hum or whistle.  One of the songs that comes to my mind when hiking Yant Flat is, "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, minus the part about hearing babies cry...

This hike could be called, "What a Colorful World", or "What a Wonky, Freakish Sandstone World".

I'd been wanting to find this little gem of land for some months now and so Melanie, Leanne and I ventured out on an exploration.  No trails, just vague directions like; aim for that yellowish mountain over there, turn right at the cliff, scooch down the chute toward the dead tree, head out the northeast facing wash and so forth. Watch for snakes and disintegrating sandstone and repeat for 6.5 miles.

There was a rumor going around the hiking circles that someone had abandoned a horse out where we were.  It had survived the winter and no one had claimed it.  Research, phone calls and queries have gone out by several and yet the owners are a mystery.

We did find him.  He was very sweet and approached us. We packed snacks just in case we found him, so we're all besties now.  Everyone is scheming how they can get him home.  I have the feeling if you were to throw a rope or halter over his neck he'd be gone faster than you could blink.  I am a bit skittish around horses and if you knew my history with equine species, you'd understand why.  He came toward me, presumably looking for more snacks.  I kept my distance.  I'm okay with looking and not touching.

It is a wonderful world out there.  I know just how wonderful it is when I get to spend time out in it.

On the 5th of May

Whilst millions were eating "Mexican" food yesterday day, I ate these:

Soft Chocolate Sugar Cookies.

I'd like to think they are, "Not your Momma's Sugar Cookies".

Either way, they were good.

I have enjoyed trying new cookie recipes on Sundays.  Generally the only requirement is that an ingredient must be chocolate.

I'm still having so much fun with taking pictures and editing them on my phone.  The top photo is the original version of my stack of cookies. The bottom, is the 'fun' version.

Here's the quirky recipe for those who want to try a rich, chocolate version of an old favorite:

1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
14 Tbsp butter
1 3/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg, plus 1 egg yolk

(See, wonky measurements and amounts in these ingredients)

1.  Preheat oven to 350º.  Line cookie sheets with Silpat liners or parchment paper and set aside.

2.  Pour granulated sugar in a shallow dish like a pie plate and set aside.  In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and baking powder.

3.  In a large bowl, melt 10 Tbsp of the butter in a microwave, until just melted.  Stir in the remaining 4 Tbsp of butter until melted.  Allow the butter to cool for 5-10 minutes (it should be about 90-95 degrees on an instant thermometer).  After the butter has cooled, whisk in the brown sugar, vanilla and salt until completely smooth.  Whisk in the egg and egg yolk and stir until smooth.  Stir in the flour mixture until just combined.  (I added more flour at this point.)

4.  Roll the dough into balls, about 2 Tbsp for each cookie.  Roll the balls in the granulated sugar and place on prepared baking pans.  Using the bottom of a glass, flatten the cookies to about 1/4 inch (I did about 1/2 inch), but not too thin.  Sprinkle tops of cookies with a bit more granulated sugar.

5.  Bake cookies until they have puffed and have cracks running through the top, about 11-14 minutes. Don't overbake or the cookies will be dry and hard.  Transfer the cookies to a baking rack to cool completely.  Enjoy!

Yep...this recipe is a bit unusual.  But worth it.

Happy 5th of May!

M.I.A.

Missing In Action:  A great way to describe life right now.

I'd almost given up the blog forever.  But my oldest checks in.  So, I blog for her.

Instead of focusing on the negative that has seemed to plague us, I'll just sum up life as we are living it this way... Life is Hard.

Nothing much to photograph.  Nothing much to say on the subject.

I've had a few really great diversions lately though.

Chloe brought her boyfriend Ryan down for a visit.  We went on a hike.

I ate strips of steak cooked on an open fire...literally on the fire. I think I know a little how those pieces of meat feel roasting on the hot coals.  

A Hildale/Colorado City tour guide taught me about quick sand and compassion for a unique culture and people.

The Blazer broke down on me.  On a freeway.  AAA is a lifesaver.  And I continue to marvel at the protection I receive every day.  I'm alive for a reason, there is no doubt about it.

12 more days of school left.  Tomorrow is Prom.  Last week was West Side Story.  Next week is state choir.  Bridger has two jobs.  And in 12 days my baby will be a senior in high school.  Tears will be shed for the next 12 months. I'm still running a YW's tribe of girls.  I'm still constantly getting that job wrong.  But at least the girls camp fundraiser is out of the way.  I know many people are concerned for Hunter and want to know how she is.  My blog is probably not the place to talk about it.  But know, that we feel your prayers on her behalf.  Just keep them up.  I know there are angels working 'round the clock for her.

I'm still getting out of bed every day and even though I am wishing the days and weeks to go by quickly, I am deeply saddened by how fast the time is going.  It's May 2013, people.  I would give anything for a crystal ball.

While I may be 'missing', I am in action.  Just getting through each day requires all the action I can muster.  But I have my health and I love my family and where I live.  I get to see my parents whenever I want.  I get to talk on the phone to my Chloe every day.  I get to cuddle Bridger every night.  And I get to live in a wonderful place with my hubby and have him shoulder the burdens we are facing.

I am living in the moment.  I am addicted to Zevia Ginger Ale and Doterra Lavender essential oil. They keep my heart and tummy anxietyto a manageable minimum.  I am mindful of the prayers on my behalf and while I have felt real moments of despair these last couple of months, I have also felt great peace and compensation.  Thank you to those who pray.  It works.  I have also found great solace and protection from frequent temple visits.  I have felt the power of keeping covenants.  The promises are assured.

I continue to post on Instagram.  It's my hobby.  It's free.  And it's a fun outlet and challenge for me to come up with pictures for themes each day.

Now I'm going to take some action on my laundry.

Happy Easter

"Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:  I Know that My Redeemer Lives!"

Running My Metaphor

I ran a 1/2 Marathon this morning.

Before I post my time, I have to reiterate.  I am not a runner.  In 2004 after running my 2nd 1/2 marathon, I was told by my orthopedic surgeon and physical therapists that I should never run again.  My IT bands were shot and my knees in general were a mess.  I could elect for surgery or leave them alone and not run any more.  My super awesome therapists worked with me for weeks getting me back to normal walking.

I woke up one morning last fall from a very vivid dream of me running...far.  I got straight up from bed, threw on some sweats and a t-shirt and from my front door, ran 3 miles without stopping, no problem. When the Zion Half Marathon came across my Facebook feed shortly after that, I decided I needed to run this because we hike so much in Zion, it's my park, my back yard and my stomping ground. I needed to see it differently. I deserved to see it differently.  I signed up, because the slogan said, "Run where you play."  I still felt motivated by my dream of running that I thought I could actually do this.

Also during this time, I participated with Leanne in the Ragnar Trail Experiment, which ended with the two of us coming home early due to weather but haven given it our best shot.  I ran enough to be reminded, I'm still not a runner, but maybe with some training, I could do this.

I never ran again until early January.  I ran 5 miles a couple of times. Not fast, but not stopping.  And then, I never ran again.  One of the gals I hike with, Melanie, signed up for the run with her daughter.  I knew she was running and she was getting ready for the big day.  This added to my anxiety about participating because I just knew I wouldn't be able to finish or would come in after the cut off time of 3 hours due to my lack of training.

This week, with the race looming in my mind, I decided to withdraw.  I even attempted to give away my bib to someone else. Yesterday I drove to Zion to pick up my packet...I mean, I might as well...in it was the t-shirt that I'd paid for.  While driving I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the beauty that I see every day here.  I decided to leave myself open to the possibility of running today.  I texted Melanie with my doubts and concerns and all she said was, "see you tomorrow morning!" She was having nothing of my fears and insecurities. And so, at midnight, I laid out a few clothes and set my alarm clock assuming I would end up going.  I was wide awake at 3:15 am, so nervous that I nearly made myself sick.

The thought kept coming to me, "You'll regret NOT doing this more than you'll regret doing it."

Sometime before bed, Mom texted me to let me know that she was planning on me running and that she would meet me out at the finish line.  Text her if I slept in to let her know I wasn't going, but she knew I would.

I got dressed and left.  No preparation.  No special meal or meal plans. No weeks of training.  No tapering.  No special shoes, other than my 2 year old cheapie Nikes. Nothing.  Only a prayer that I would enjoy the day.

I headed out to Virgin, UT in pitch blackness with my car nearly veering off the highway several times due to the winds.  When I pulled into the field at the start line, I got out briefly and my breath was literally taken from me with the freezing wind.  I ducked right back into the car and turned it back on for heat.  And I waited for an hour for the race to begin.

(Break in the story.)  I have been typing this post for 3 days now.  I think it about it all the time but just can't seem to translate those thoughts to my fingers to type.

(Back to the story.)

Long story short...the gun went off...I took off running with the wind taking my breath from me until the sun rose 10 minutes later.

I will say this:
I ran with a permanent grin on my face the entire time.  I think every person I came in contact with, I tapped them and smiled and every single one of them looked at me like I was crazy.  I WAS crazy.  It was so much fun.  Honestly, I felt so much better than I expected to feel.  I had a plan, jog on the flat stretches, run downhill and walk uphill.  That worked very well for me until I hit a major hill at mile-marker 11 coming in to Springdale and once I crested the top, my body said, "no way".  I downed a package of sports jelly belly's and in about 20 minutes...just in time for the last mile, my energy came back up.  I crossed the finish line at:

2:48:23

The cutoff for this run was 3 hours.  I made it with 12 minutes to spare.  I averaged 12 1/2 minute miles, which I know would have been better if I hadn't walked almost the entire 12th mile.

And even in spite of my left foot hurting a bit, I still had that cheesy grin on my face the entire time.

The best part was seeing my Mom waiting for me at the finish line.  I went straight over to her hugged her and starting crying.  I honestly saw the day as a metaphor for my life on earth.  The road is rough with twists and turns and hills..with challenges and obstacles... so is life.  There is beauty everywhere in everything, so it is with life.  And running 13.1 miles is hard.  It's harder for some than others and what is challenging for some, might not be for others.  Life is hard.  And in the end, it doesn't matter who gets there first as much as matters finishing...enduring to the end. And then, when you cross that finish line, in spite of being exhausted and in pain, you are greeted by your loved ones who are your biggest cheerleaders.  And the pain, is gone. And it's all good.  Life is good, even though it's really painful, it's good.  And all pains...mental, physical and spiritual will all be swept away when we cross our last finish line and collapse into the arms of those who love us and are waiting for us.

I guess for me, it was just an amazing experience that I will cherish forever.  I felt alive.  I felt so grateful for my earthly tabernacle that allowed me the miracle of movement over miles of incredible landscape, among comrades and fellow travelers, all with the same mission, goal and purpose of finishing the race.

And I have no regrets.  I hope when I cross my final 'finish line', I will be able to say the same thing.  I don't even care that a woman half my age was already crossing the finish line as I was hitting my 7th mile.  That was her experience.  I was involved in my own experience. I am living my own life, not competing to live another's life.

Will I do it again?

I pretty well described on Facebook how running for me is like childbirth.  Eventually, I may forget the bad and decide to do it again.  But right now it's too soon to ask.

One thing is for sure...I'm grateful for friends and family who support me in all that I do.  Thank you Mom and Melanie for encouraging and uplifting me.  We all need each other in this life's race.

I still don't love running, but I love what it's taught me.

And so it goes...

One of our 'regular' clients at Desert Cliffs, is winding up a 6 week stay with us tomorrow.  Jeanette is a pleasure to hike with.  She works hard and is up for any challenge, including off trail exploration.  Put it this way...we can go anywhere and do anything with this gal.  That makes for FUN hikes...sometimes nerve wracking, but fun.

I lost count weeks ago, of sandstone ledges that collapsed, of sliding, falling and scrapes and war wounds we've collected over the last month and a half.  There have even been a few nail biting experiences, but nothing she can't do or get the rest of us through. Jeanette has hiked through every weather condition Dixie has to offer.  She has gone places other clients haven't seen.  And she's even witnessed my pitiful attempt at lifting weights.

Jeanette Visits Desert Cliff's from Cheryl Kanenwisher on Vimeo.

I'll miss her.

And so it goes...another client is gone.

At least I'm the one who gets to stay.

Because the Rain is Coming

I am hiking tomorrow and the next day. 90% chance of rain is forecast. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does rain, it makes for interesting hikes. Sometimes good, sometimes not so good.

So, I'm really glad that I was able to get out on at least one sunny hike this week before the storm rolls in.

This sunny day found us in the Virgin River Gorge in the Arizona Strip between St. George and Mesquite, NV.  Truly a spectacularly harsh, desert experience in there where the temps are a good 10 degrees warmer than in town.  Late winter exploring is the only option.  In another month the ticks, snakes, tarantulas, scorpions and heat will run you right out of there.

So, as I trudge through the greys of the next couple of days, I'll cling to these images...because the rain is coming.

Good Things

It's been a long time.

Every day I come to the blog to post something.

Every day, I can't think of anything to say.

I see this big, blank, white screen and my mind goes blank.

There's a lot going on.

The desert is beginning to bloom, and that's a good thing.

Bridger has a small role in her upcoming musical, West Side Story, and that's a good thing.

Spring Break is coming up next week, and that's a good thing.

I finally mopped the tile floors in this house for the first time in weeks.  That's good.

I filled another hiking journal for a total of 3 now and that has been good.

I had my hair extensions removed so I'm using a lot less shampoo and have no more dread locks, so that's another good thing.

I've been indexing online, here and there, which has turned out to be a good thing.

I read another novel about Lady Emily and her masterful sleuthing abilities...good too.

I completed my leader Personal Progress goals to earn my medallion.  I'd say that's pretty good.

Today is Boyd's birthday.  We're healthy. We are blessed.  We are an eternal family.  And those things are pretty darn good.

Count the good things in your life.

Look What I Found

I asked my Mom and Dad to go explore with me today.  Based on some photos I found on the internet, we went on a hunt...for pictographs.  The Cave Valley Pictographs.

We found them.

These are my favorites, although there were some turquoise men that were pretty fantastic as well.

Notice that sometimes there are layers of pictographs...like the yellow one above overlapping the black on on the top-right.

This dude is famous.  And why wouldn't he be with those two dandy yellow flute players on his shoulder? It's hard to tell from this picture, but they are playing sweet music into his ear.
To give some reference to size, this man was about half my height. I envy his bobbles dangling on his ears.

Yellow man, about a foot tall.  Triangle bodies are a big indicator of the Cave Valley style of pictographs.

What a treasure.

And good thing I had my Mom and Dad along to fend of the mountain lions, should we run into any along the way.  Of course, a tiny pocket knife might not have been the best idea for predator protection. Thank you for being up for the exploration.

I've done some cave exploring in that valley before, but I must say, these are the best thing I've found there.