possibilities

My mom, Amelie and I took a trip up to Estes Park yesterday and on the way up I told her that one of my new goals is to climb Longs Peak, sometime in the next couple of years. That particular hike makes my mom nervous. She’s never been but she’s heard stories about treacherous areas and falling climbers. 

Long Peak, East Face

Before my mom was paralyzed, she hiked many of the mountains in Colorado. Hiking was a passion that she and my dad shared, and they conquered many mountains together, dragging along four children with varying degrees of willingness. We lived in Kansas but spent nearly every summer vacation in Colorado, mostly in Rocky Mountain National Park. I know that it hurts my mom terribly that she is no longer able to do certain things that she always loved, but sometimes it hits me like a punch to the stomach how painful this must be. So we got to talking about alternatives. There are some things she won’t be able to do but there are still so many possibilities. 

The three of us at wheelchair-friendly Lily Lake near Allenspark, CO

I’ve been reading a guidebook on Longs Peak and found out that you can ride all the way to the Boulderfield of Longs Peak on horseback. In fact, there are a ton of trails in Colorado that are accessible on a horse. We went back and forth on the logistics of a paraplegic riding horseback. A special saddle would be necessary. Some assistance getting on and off the horse. A second horse to “pack” her wheelchair.

We both knew we needed to do some research. Here’s some cool stuff we’ve found since our discussion: Accessible custom saddles. Therapeutic Equine Centers where paraplegics can learn to ride horses again. Most amazing: an exoskeleton that allows paraplegics to walk. Possibilities.

I'm inspired by the tenacity of people with incredible challenges. My mom wants to get on those trails and I think she's going to make it happen. I'm looking forward to seeing that empty place in her heart heart filled again.

thirty wonderful things

 

Thirty. It really feels like one of those milestone birthdays. This last year has been an incredible journey. When I turned 29 I was a new mom, stumbling my way to the next chapter of my life. As the pages keep turning, I find myself humbled by all that has happened and all the people who have lent a hand, some empathy and good company.

Here are 30 wonderful things I am grateful for as I complete my 29^th year.

 

- My sweet little growing daughter, Amelie, who has turned my world upside down and gave me a new start in life.

- My funny and loving hubby, Jeremiah. 

Celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary

- Our menagerie. Furry, feathered and finned.

- Yummy cakes made with love.

-The good fortune to work not only with an incredible group of young people but amazing, talented and caring colleagues.

- A trip to see the Dalys in Virginia, where everything slows down and the past is present.

- A hot cup of coffee with just the right amount of cream.

 - Donuts.

 - Having the luxury to witness birds in flight and other masterpieces each day.

- Our amazing, generous and giant family.

 - Girlfriends.

 - A good book. I’ve read many since Amelie was born: The Help by Kathryn Stockett, The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Momma Zen by Karen Maezen Miller, The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett, At the Gates of the Animal Kingdom by Amy Hempel, The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood and so many more.

 - French fries.

 - My daughter gets to grow up with views like this:

- Amazing works of art created by family and friends.

- Warm sunlight on my back.

- Any stretch of sleep that lasts longer than two hours.

- Our van that goes and goes, is comfy, fits almost anything into it and keeps our daughter safe.

- The library. My favorite use of tax dollars. 

- Loud, passionate female musicians. 

- Soft grass under our feet.

- My Mama.

- My Dad.

- Finding the time and giving myself the space to create, and the opening of my little shop.

- A trip to Kansas to see Amelie’s great grandparents and great-great grandparents. 

- Late nights with friends in the front yard.

- The big, open Colorado skies.

-  Long walks with fun companions to important destinations like McDonalds breakfast, garage sales and grazing cows. 

- All the family and friends who have traveled from far away to visit with us. 

- Discoveries.

 

suburban escape: great trail in Broomfield for mama, baby & dog

Earlier this week, my neighbor told me about a paved walking path that is perfect for strollers with a fantastic view of the front range. This morning Amelie and I loaded up the van with the stroller and the dog to check it out. This trail is so much fun!

Breathtaking  views.

 

The pavement is wide enough for two mamas to walk side by side with strollers.

Plenty of cute little creatures along the way. Amelie enjoyed spotting the soaring birds and quick bunnies.

 It was hilly and the trail winds, so be prepared to get a real workout!

There are detours that are not paved that you can take as well (they are finished with gravel, so if you have a jogging stroller they are easily passable).

Our dog, Tekka, enjoyed scouting out a new trail.

You can access the trail through many of the side streets within the Country Estates and Outlook subdivisions. I took 136th to Columbine, followed it to the dead end and took a left on Himilaya Avenue, which ends at a cul-de-sac where you can access the trail. There are warnings that this is coyote country that contain information for handling encounters with coyotes when you enter the trail.

I really enjoyed this walk. It was a perfect escape from traffic and the usual hustle bustle, all just a few minutes away from my house. If you live in or near Broomfield, I highly recommend it.