HIKING

I look at this and sometimes ask the same question. Y do I want to hike every canyon and hill in Utah Valley when halfway through I remember I hate hiking?

I just can't get enough of the views.

Loving my Utah!

TEMPLE SQUARED

I was in SLC so I decided to take a walk around Temple Square with my mom. 

I love to see this:

WELCOME HOME

Tank top, shorts, sandals, 90 degree weather, and Provo Canyon...can't think of a better way to be welcomed home— at Bridal Veil Falls

OPEN CONTAINER LAW

I've heard of open container laws in the US before, but it appears Canada has a law about open soup cans...

You will be hit with a gavel and charged a minimum of $500. 

Maybe I'm a bit ridiculous, but this sign makes me giggle every time I see it.

MOTHER'S LESSONS

I'm thankful for my mother for teaching me to say please, thank you, excuse me, and I'm sorry

...because apparently a whole bunch of other moms skipped that lesson. Happy Mother's Day!

THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND

Last night, I had the opportunity of attending a memorial service of someone whose family was very kind to me last year during my stay in Fort Mac. I was warmly welcomed into their home to join them for Easter dinner and other activities without us really even knowing each other yet. This got me thinking and made me so grateful that each time I go to a new place, there is that special person(s) who makes the effort to be my friend.

I can't express enough how much these kind gestures mean to me, whether it be a simple hello, offer to give a ride, or showing me around town and introducing me to others. Thank you (I wish I could post a photo of everyone here).

I'm striving to be able to extend my hand so that one day, if needed (and probably also if not needed knowing me), I might be that person who reached out to others with expressions of friendship, appreciation, and love.

DEEP THOUGHTS BY DEANNA

I don't write many serious posts because I remember sharing this journal entry below (written Nov 27, 2005) and I was told maybe my expectations were too high. But I don't think so. Come what may and love it...and I'm loving it EVERY day! I still believe this. Here's the post:

"Maybe I'm thinkin myself in a hole, wondering who I am when I oughtta know...Straighten up now, it's time to go." -Ben Folds

From this sea of discontent, I've wrestled with many feelings and learned a lot this past year. I've learned that I want and deserve many things in life. I want to love and to be loved. I want to talk, to listen, and to be heard. I want to learn and grow and develop new skills. I want to work hard and dare to achieve those things that others think to be impossible. 

I long to share all that I have with someone who desires the same....along that same line, I want to feel like I am the number 1 choice, not the choice after every other girl says no. 
I do believe in fairytales and know there can be a happy ending. I want to lead a life that will lead me to happiness; a life that will make me proud; a life that I love to live and can't wait for a new day/challenge/goal to come. 

I want to smell the flowers, hear the birds sing, feel the sun on my face, dance to each song, and taste the rain as it falls. I want to laugh, to cry (not too much), to love, and feel. 
Of course, I want to win, but I also don't want to be scared to lose. 

I pray I can forgive and be forgiven-to accept others faults because I know I have plenty of my own.
I desire to dare to take the path less traveled to places many don't know about. 

If I make a committment, then I want others to know I will keep it and I want to trust that others will do the same. I want to learn from the past and look to the future with hope. I want to meet each day with confidence. I will have courage to do what I know is right and will not let my values drop or faith be shaken. I want to live each day to the fullest because I've learned that life is precious and there sometimes won't be a "tomorrow" or "next time." 

I want to love...to love with everything I have and share that love with everyone I meet. You have to listen to be heard. You have to give to get. You have to step up to the plate and swing away. The best lessons might come from the most pain, but sometimes hearts are meant to be broken and wounds WILL heal. 

And finally, the best words of advice come from a familiar voice "You've got to know when to hold 'em; know when to fold 'em; know when to walk away; know when to run." WOW...SERIOUS FACE 

MAY DAY

On May 1, baskets are often made by little children, filled with candy or flowers and then placed on people's doorsteps or tied to the door handle, as they ring the doorbell and dash away before they are caught. If the receiver catches the person, the are supposed to exchange a kiss.

Alexandra is too young for kissing, but she sure did enjoy being sneaky and running away. I may have created a future door bell ditch monster!