Stop and stare

Every so often you need to stop and stare at your destination on the life path you’re on. Stop and stock take all the infiltrating influences, all the outgoing expectations. I figure its a more effective way of living, a lesson sport has taught me. And when you do, I hope you will come to the peace and excitement I experienced this week. When all the small insecurities are set aside momentarily, I am left with such a grateful soul looking back, and such a big dreaming heart looking forward.

Sitting on the waters edge at Lake Tahoe

So onward to the quarter century marches the steady hand of time. What will I write then? How much of the story do I get to dictate anyhow? But for now its 24. And a moment on its own, one I should tempt living in more, getting lost in more, appreciating more and puffing up more to consume my energy of now. Little one lessons. Little ones such as the pretty princess, who play all out entirely drenched in the joy of something small, until she cracks to tears and goes to bed.

I have so much freedom.

This morning I woke and dreaded the planned Donner expedition. But having initiated, and organised Allison to meet me, I rolled out and made my way over there. There always is that tipping point. Input turning to reward. Which was not till after a few strokes and underwater screams… The swim was remarkable. Glassy, blue skies, sun behind, freshest cool water, and the magical Donner Pass to scout towards. Allison and I are well matched, never more than a stroke cycle ahead of the other. Neither of us had a watch on, but must have been 1h10m of extraordinary swim time.

It’s been a week just full of such beautiful craziness though. My birthday morning had Gary and I ride out from Truckee to Tahoe City and along Lake Tahoe to the DL Bliss State park. Dipped in; there is something to be said for diving into crisp water like that. Would have been more liberating naked, but the rich folk on the beach may have raved in protest. But it reminded me of lunch time swims while working the vineyards in New Zealand. I could stand on the side in my birthday suit, and dive into the clearest coolest revitalisation. Its the third year out this way, and did the Rubicon trail for the third time, becoming some annaul memoir. It ends round the fabulous Emerald Bay. Gia and myself ran there and back for a 1h40 long run. Fine way to spend the day.

Evening was celebrated with a Californian blend, I forget which, but smooth and full of character. Some salmon, quinoa, and Gary’s impromptu Asian fusion salad. Gia had threatened a sneak peak of the box, so I had no idea of the carrot cake that made for finest desert. I love carrot cake.

A few calls home, and that was that – a magic day. Must have got more than a hundred messages on Wednesday. Thanks for taking the time – it may take me ages (if ever) to reply, but know that I was animated at every note.

I am grateful to my Father in Heaven, for talent and opportunity. Am grateful to parents and sisters that have formed such a supportive foundation, have moulded a curious mind that’s drawn to challenge and travel and instilled a spirit that loves people. Am grateful to friends at home, here in Truckee, and dots across the globe – for support and laughs and grounding of sorts. Grateful to a stable of DreamGivers who make this voyage possible, who fill boxes with my address on asif it my birthday numrous times a year. And grateful for the experiences, good and bad, high and low, pleasure filled and painful, especially this past year, that have made me who I am – when stading at the waters edge in a foreign land, having lived 24 years.