After a very rough start to the day yesterday, I decided to seek out some professional help.   I was at standstill in the learning process.  I knew I had to do something differently, I just didn’t know how.  After an hour or so with the instructor, I wanted to try my luck at a green run again.  My instructor was reluctant, but it was my dime and I wanted to go- plus, I wanted to be able to go with the kids.  Right after we got off the lift, I saw my little tribe.  I had grand illusions of gliding down the mountain together.  Instead it was something like this:   “ OH HEY YOU GUYS ! Great timing! We just got off the . . .“  Good!   Oh. . . .wait . . .Let’s . . .oh….o.k. then! We’ll catch up later! “

Yes, and that’s how the rest of the day went.  So, this morning, I was a little reluctant to pay hard earned cash to beat myself up again, falling down the mountain by myself.  So I treated my bruised aching body to the Spa.  But, before indulging in luxury,  I thought a good hike  in winter wonderland was in order.  It was snowing and I just wanted to  enjoy being in this place that God smiled upon so I chose the Fairview Look Out Trail.  I like lookouts. . .they  usually ‘ look out’ on great places.  It was quiet , hearing only the snow crunch under my boots.  Peaceful and beautiful and flat. . . for about 300 meters.  Then the next  kilometer was straight uphill.  I got to a place that was a good stopping point, and I thought about turning around- I mean who would know? But the promise of a grand “lookout” was lurking just ahead, so on I went.  Then a slight wave of panic started .  There were warning signs about bears and I was all alone.  No one knew I was there and there were TRACKS! As in animals tracks.  Bears?  No, no those would look like paws right? No these were more like hooves.  Elk?  Whatever.  Maybe I should go back. No, then I would have to live with myself not going snowboarding and wimping out on  my hike. No, I am going to the “look out “ even if it takes me all morning.  I’m sweating now and it’s a white out.  I get to the look out and I can’t even see across the Lake. It’s beautiful no doubt and I am grateful to be in such beauty, which got me to thinking how my little hike this morning was very reminiscent  of life. Flat for awhile, going along, enjoying the process and then boom! All uphill for what seems like a very long time.  Unlike other hikes I have been on of this nature, the  destination point or the ‘lookout spot’ wasn’t as rewarding, but it was unique and beautiful  none the less.  Then there was the downhill which seemed like a breeze after trenching uphill and in the end, I was glad I took on the challenge. And there you have it.  Life in a nutshell. 
I spent the remainder of my afternoon in the “ quiet place” of the spa reading my book. Ahhhh..  I thought of the hectic, frenzied pace of the long lift lines and crowded ski slopes. Not today.  Nope. Screw the Slopes, give me the Spa.