Monday, January 18, 2010

My Profile Picture--My World?

In the spirit of full disclosure, I think it is time to be honest about my profile photo. Yes, it is me and I did rappel down that cliff, but I'm not really a mountain climber, I'm a hiker.

So what was I doing on that cliff?

Well, after Grandson Michael was born and DIL Mimi came to learn about the world of the disabled and therapists, she decided to become a speech therapist. She already had an interest in language and a BA in speech communication, she is multi-lingual. It seemed a good fit but it's a difficult program, especially if you are also co-ordinating the care of a special needs child. Both Grandmas helped (we lived nearby at the time) but it was still a tough grind.
When she finished her course work and externship and became licensed, I decided she had earned some pampering. I found a spa in Utah that also offered a hiking program. So off we went, leaving Michael in his father's capable hands, we flew from our separate cities and met at the airport in Las Vegas for the drive to St. George, Utah.
It was a beautiful place and offered delicious, low calorie meals in addition to hikes, work out classes and spa treatments.
The daily hikes were in spectacular red rock country near St. George.
Mimi accompanied me on one of the hikes. The next day the hike included an optional chance to rappel. Mimi had decided to stay and have an extra spa treatment, I decided to give rappelling a try.
On another day there had been an opportunity to try a zip line. I enjoyed the rappelling so much that I was sorry I had passed on the previous days adventure. If the opportunity presents itself in the future I will be sure to take advantage of it. Your never to old to try something new.

See other worlds at My World Tuesday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia.

38 comments:

Tania said...

How great shot! I really like the spectacular red rock:-) And you have right about that you are never to old to try something new. Your photos make me yearn even more for summer and climbing..:-)
Ps: Thanks for your comment on my blog..I also think the situation in Israel is sad .. I love the country and I pray for peace there..
Wish you a great monday!

Noelle Johnson said...

I am very impressed. I do love the beauty of southern Utah as well. As a mother of two special needs children, I can only imagine how grateful your daughter was for the trip.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

That looks like fun! You are a very generous MIL to provide such an outing.

eileeninmd said...

That is really cool, that you tried the rappelling. Wonderful photos and thanks for sharing your trip.

Carolyn Ford said...

Hey! If you've done it once then I say you can claim it as your profile picture! What a great story of strength and a lot of hard work. How nice of you to treat your daughter in law to such a nice trip...that's what memories are made of!

Jenn Jilks said...

Wonderful shot! Today we walked a dog (with little training) in the freezing rain in My Muskoka . Rather like going down the side of a cliff!

Johnny Nutcase said...

Fun! I love that area and have been climbing around there once, such fun! Looks like you enjoyed yourself. Nice post and photos!

Marie said...

Lovely shots. Thanks for sharing your trip with us :-)

Sylvia K said...

I love your spirit of adventure and willingness to challenge yourself! And what a lovely and generous gift to DIL. I'm so glad you were both able to enjoy the beauty and the fun! Your photos are marvelous, as always! Have a lovely week, Martha!

Sylvia

Ebie said...

Bravo! It looks so easy, but hmmmm, I have yet to try. I love your adventurous spirit and courage for this kind of activity. The view is gorgeous!

P.S. I reposted the Kreativ Blog award you gave me and answered the seven things about me.

Awards.

Barb said...

Hi Martha, I loved this "full disclosure" post - it made me smile! Here I thought you were out there rappelling every weekend! You have the right spirit - try new things so we don't become stuck in our ways. I like the pic of you, too. PS Your words of encouragement to me are so appreciated. Do you have an E-mail you're willing to share? Mine is on the upper right of my blog.

Anonymous said...

You go girl! I would love to try that one too. Although honestly if the choice was between rappeling and spa treatment, I would have chosen the latter hands down :)

Nice to finally get to see the face behind this wonderful blog.

Carver said...

What a great vacation for you and your daughter in law. I love the photograph of the two of you as well as the others of that beautiful place. Great that you were adventurous and learned you enjoyed rappeling.

VioletSky said...

What a generous and adventurous spirit you have!

Ginnymo said...

You are so lucky to be able to do that stuff Martha!! And you are one tough cookie too! Ha! Ha! Great post!

SandyCarlson said...

You are an adventurous woman, and I admire your courage. Great photos. God bless.

Anonymous said...

This kept me awake at about ten after four in the morning. Thank you.

Please have you all a wonderful Tuesday.

Janie said...

This looks like a grand adventure for you and your DIL. You're obviously a lady who never turns down a challenge!

Lindy said...

What a fantastic time the two of you had. You make rappelling look so easy!

Linda Reeder said...

You are truly an adventurer. And I enjoyed learning more about you.

Gaelyn said...

Great story and fun adventure. I rapelled in my youth and thought it was a gas. Zipline sounds like fun also. Thanks for sharing.

Rajesh said...

That is very impressive and great shots.

BLOGitse said...

wow, what a lady you are!
Rapelling is not for me...but looks great when you dot it! :)

Oman said...

wow. i love this adventure. had done some rapelling and will never get tired of it.

maryt/theteach said...

Well, Martha, I used to hike but I never have rappeled? rapelled? You look so expert up there - Good for you! :)

ninja said...

Mighty cool! Thanks for the back story on that intriguing picture.

The Good Life in Virginia said...

totally agree about never being too old to try something new...life is an adventure and we MUST live it as if there is no tomorrow...i should talk as i have not done a couple of things i should have by now.
enjoyed your post, as always, it is one i love to stop by and read.
have a fab week.

Diane AZ said...

Interesting post with marvelous pictures! Your profile photo portrays your spirit of adventure well. :D

Anonymous said...

Most impressive! Kudos to you for being willing to go for it. I love all the photos you share and enjoy learning the 'back story' for your profile picture.
Hugs and blessings,

Sharkbytes (TM) said...

I love rappeling- got to try it a few times over the years. Great cliff.

DeniseinVA said...

I am impressed with your bravery Martha. I don't have a head for heights though I love walking. What a great opportunity to do some bonding with your daughter-in-law also. Sounds like a great trip.

Loran said...

Way to go, Grandma!!!

Amanda Moore said...

What a great story, I love Utah and St George is an awesome place it has something for everyone. The next time you go visit Zion you won't regret it!

Regina said...

I like to try that to Martha.
Awesome adventure.

dianasfaria.com said...

WOW! how cool is that! So glad you shared your story. I hope I find myself sharing something so adventurous & fun with my DIL one day!

Martha said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Martha said...

Sorry about the deleted comment, I erred in the link I included!

Bravo. You are braver than I! Beautiful photos. Looks like a wonderful place to refocus on life!

My Photo Blog

Celeste said...

I am always very impressed with anyone who tries something new and challenging at any stage of life - GO MARTHA!