Going on a Vision Quest

We recently got back from a roadtrip to Oregon, where we spent (not enough) time at Crater Lake National Park.

If Crater Lake isn’t on your “we really ought to go there” list, I urge you to write it in. I’m a sucker for National Parks. I like being out in nature, but I like the we’re absolutely and perfectly safe feel the National Parks provide with their paved roads, clearly marked signs, trimmed vegetation, readily available flush toilets, and stocked soap dispensers.

I was startled by the  blueness of this lake— it was as if someone had dumped in a vat of crayola paint— the blue didn’t look natural, and yet it was. After watching the video in the visitor’s center, I learned that for many many years Americans didn’t believe this lake existed— they thought it was a myth. I also learned that Native Americans would have annual pilgrimages to the lake for Vision Quests. They believed that they would discover the answer to all of life’s questions by looking deep into the blue water.

I did not have a epiphany while staring into the water. Instead, I was busy keeping the baby from climbing the safety walls and the big kids from trying to touch the ground squirrels (oh my. they were just too cute).

but I felt different. I was acutely aware that I was in a naturally made location that had been this way for hundreds and hundreds of years. I loved that I was able to see the lake with fresh eyes the way the Native Americans or the original pioneers must have (which is difficult in this day and age, since we have Google Earth!).

I loved being in the moment, pausing, and realizing that my two older kids will remember this trip. They’ll remember driving the 30-mile perimeter, and rolling their eyes every time Daddy pulled over to take “just one more picture.” They’ll remember how their mean old mom banned the Nintendo DS for the day. They’ll remember sitting in the squeaky chairs while watching the long and boring movie, and I’ll remember marveling at how well-behaved they were during the long and boring movie.

They’ll definitely remember the ice cream bar. Ice cream is always remembered.

Everyone’s Vision Quest, or life’s purpose is different, and I’d venture to guess it changes pretty often– depending on your age, your choices, and probably the seasons. The revelation comes when you have this startling deep down feeling that you are doing exactly what it is you are *supposed* to be doing.

and again, this is different for every person. It could be being the best darn teacher, or bank teller, or caregiver, or amusement park ride operator ever. It could be any  number of things—- IT is relative.  But when you’ve found the IT, you’ll know it.

and it will take your breath away.

it’s the 200th day of the year!

200

Monday!

We’re back from a weekend get-away, and I really, really like being on vacation more than being back in the “real world.” I love watching the big kids jump on hotel beds, squeal at 3-year old reruns of Dora, and find all the “free” soap and pens. The kids are ecstatic to eat chips in bed and leave wet towels on the floor.

I like how in only two nights, the hotel is the new home, and that a routine quickly sets in.

it trips me out.

Today I’ll catch up on laundry, and fold the beach towels. I’d like to say I’ll vacuum the sand out of the van, but I’d be lying. It’ll probably stay there until it’s so ground into the carpet you can no longer see it.

The kids will fight today. They’ll be over-tired, and the morning will be filled with meltdowns.

I’ll lose my cool around mid-afternoon and promise myself to never ever leave the house ever again.

My goal is to keep this inevitable freakout internal, and only show my frustration to the coffee pot.

I may need a reminder at 3pm.

Today:

daily 7

weekend recovery

laugh hard and often

the weekend, days 198 & 199

198 & 199

Happy Weekend!

I hope you’ve got fun planned. We’re celebrating our 11th anniversary this weekend by attending a wedding! I’m thinking that’s got to be some sort of good luck.

I love weddings.

This weekend:

play outdoors

stay patient

daily 7

any yard work need to be done? are the cars in good shape?

day 188

188

Good morning! I’m so glad that these emails are coming in the morning now! Amy rocks.

Are you somewhat caught up? I’m pretty good— the suitcases are empty, but are still in the front entry, and the laundry is done, but we don’t have any fresh food in the house.

Today:

run errands

daily 7

turn off the tv and play some board games or do a puzzle

Tuesday. welcome back to the real world

187

I’ve spent the past three days doing nothing. It was wonderful. We’ve swam, hiked, eaten out, sat in the car for what seemed like forever, played countless games of Uno and Connect Four, watched fireworks, only have a few mosquito bites each (I have the most), and only one very mild sunburn.

It was a good Fourth of July.

I did do all the laundry when we got home last night, but still have to fold and put away a bit more. I could have easily done it last night, but instead read The Help. I’m practically finished, and really should be rationing the pages because I don’t want it to end.

anyhow.

Today:

weekend recovery some more

daily 7

it’s a new month on the calendar. Is it full? Do you need a few more fun days thrown in so the kids don’t sigh, “nothing” when their new teacher asks what they did over the summer?

Tuesday, June 1. day 152

152.

It’s June. It really, really is. If you aren’t where you’d like to be according to your list of personal goals, it’s okay. Tweak and refocus as necessary. The important thing is to keep working towards something, instead of just letting the days pass by.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and that it was just as exciting, relaxing, or productive as you imagined. We laid low, and really enjoyed ourselves. It was good to take some time off, and hopefully the next 9 days of school will run smoothly—but I really wish our school district didn’t have school past Memorial Day. We’re all (mostly me) mentally exhausted.

Today:

Weekend Recovery. Usually the day after a holiday is nutty in our house. I think it’ll be a two cup of (extra-strong) coffee kind of morning!

daily 7

unpack anything that needs unpacking: the car, cooler, stroller basket, diaper bag, kid sports’ bags, school backpacks, etc.

enjoy your day!

People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy. — Anton Pavlovich Chekhov

Memorial Day weekend, days 149, 150, and 151

149, 150 & 151

Happy Memorial Day weekend! I’m not going to post on Monday, and will be turning the laptop off and putting it away until Tuesday morning. How about you? Any way you can unplug for a few days?

We’re in total gearing-up-for-summer mode around here, even though yesterday it stormed terribly and I needed to run the heater. Totally weird. The sun is supposed to be out in full force from now on, and I’m looking forward to packing away the winter sweaters.

Have a wonderful few days off. Enjoy your family, and hug your little ones tight.

try your hardest to keep up with the Daily 7 if you’re home. It stinks to have to catch up on laundry after a long weekend.(but don’t be obsessive. it’s still vacation time.)

If you’re leaving town, load everything into the dishwasher and run it, and do a super quick run through the house while everyone else is buckled safely in the car.  Straighten the pillows on the couch, pull up the bedding, and pick up strewed toys and items left in disaray after packing. It’s much nicer to come home after a long weekend to a somewhat-tidy house, and you can actually get an awful lot done in 2 minutes when you’re all alone!

remember the sunscreen!

xoxo

For travel to be delightful, one must have a good place to leave and return to.
– Frederick B. Wilcox

day 127–Friday Fun Day

127

Happy Friday! I’m writing from Anaheim, at the Disney California Food and Wine Festival. The ride down was uneventful—and as I type the kids are pool-hopping. The weather is gorgeous, and I’m happy and thankful to be here.

Today:

remember that patience is a virtue

daily 7 (I’m on vacation, so for me that means really just means the last 1: tidy up after yourself, and help others do the same.)

While I do let the kids throw wet towels on the floor while we’re away, I am a stickler for putting clothes back into suit cases, and I don’t let the kids leave toys all over the place.

But we do jump on the beds, A LOT.

They also quickly help me to wipe down the phone, door handles, and tv remote with clorox wipes. yes, I travel with clorox wipes.

Have a happy day!

xoxo