Voting

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

My favorite Place

I recently took a little trip to Moab... One of my most favorite places to visit...

The flowers seem to thrive on the rays of the sun although they had bloomed below a shade-giving patch of sage. Vibrant and rich; the colors may be seen from a distance but the delicacy is only recognized when you are up close. A perfect example of adaptation; they change to survive in the environment which they live.

The random flowers and constant change in foliage is not the only beautiful thing about Arches. The formations, the never-ending views of canyon lands and the freedom of space that is overwhelming only begin to explain the depth of beauty at Arches National Park. It is an occurrence that can only be experienced at specific places. Arches must be one of the most incredible places in the world. A place that can easily be taken for granted.

I was reminded of how lucky I am to be only four hours away from this beautiful place as I shared a hiking trail with a couple from Berlin. They expressed complete astonishment for the landscape, the colors, the lines and the weather. They were convinced that this is where they must relocate, because in Berlin they must travel 12 hours to experience any type of elevation change, and even after 12 hours it was only a rolling hill.

The landscape is strange, mind blowing and incredibly fascinating. The structure of Delicate Arch is so incredibly impressive, and the dessert terrain that surrounds it is strikingly beautiful. The foundation of this arch is small and the fact that it still stands is mind blowing. I love to sit and watch and listen, it is silent, but loud with noises that make you feel alone and in the same moment full and content. Birds and breeze and hallow echo’s. Seeing forever, things that make you smile. The abstraction of colors- white snow covered La Sals painting a perfect backdrop for the red rock, which I sat on below the warm sun.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Graduation... YEAH!

I am grateful for this….
Five years ago I never thought I would be graduating- going to China and feeling as accomplished as I do.

I look back over the years, and cannot help but be filled with gratitude, love and admiration. It has been hard- not only school, but the many other things that I juggled while I was a full time student. At times I thought I was inhuman. I didn’t know how it was possible to be working 60 hours a week, going to school, being married, going through a divorce and still finding time to sleep. The joke among my friends is that I actually plug in at night.

I don’t plug in, and there were many days that I didn’t think I could do it anymore, I did it though. I found motivation through people around me that I admire. I found inspiration through people that love me, and I found relief in people who would listen. (Thanks mom and dad and Erin for letting me call and cry even if I was irrational)

I am here because of my family. They are my strength. They have given me everything that I need to keep going. I am so inspired by my sisters. They are examples to me everyday.
I am grateful for my parents. I truly, without a doubt would not be where I am today if it weren’t for their courage and strength. They have loved me unconditionally and shown me complete compassion for as long as I can remember. They are my biggest role models and my biggest supporters. Last but not least my little brothers- they are one of my biggest motivations. On days that I wanted to give up- I thought of them. I want them to be proud of me and to remember me as this Micah and not the Micah that I was when they were little. Although they are my little brothers, I look up to them and admire their strength.
Although Lyle and I have had our struggles, I must thank him too for teaching me perseverance and about my own inner strength.

I feel blessed to be a part of something so beautiful, and I am full of gratitude.