Excuses, Excuses!

So, why would I, a wife and mother of four, fly to a place I have never been, where I know absolutely no-one, have no connections, and spend my time driving the countryside just to take pictures?! This has been asked by several people over the last few weeks; along with "Help me to understand why!".

I have been considering how I could answer this question and wishing a simple "Because..." would suffice. And truly, the easiest way to explain it is because I was supposed to go with Bart to Chicago, then cancelled at the last minute and had a plane ticket that needed to be used. But, this doesn't explain going to "The Boonies" alone. Hmmm... I'm still trying to understand it myself. So, let's take a walk down this country lane and try to figure this out.

I live in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. We have an incredible view into the valley and are privileged to witness the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets every day. (They rival Montana Big Sky sunrise/sunsets) Our little neighborhood was built with the requirement that each home lot size be at least 1 acre - in order to accomodate horses. (There are many horses in Yucaipa) We have the friendliest, most down-to-earth people in our community. I would be welcome on anybody's land to take pictures of their gardens or horses. (I could easily manipulate & pose gardening & equestrian equipment, near their barns, to make it look like it was from Montana) So far, it sounds like Yucaipa has everything that Montana has. Still the question remains, "Why go so far, alone?".

Let's continue our walk.

If I ever have decisions to make, points to ponder or a need to feel close to my Heavenly Father, then I go to the temple. I am blessed to have the Redlands temple just a hop, skip and jump away from my house. I have often come away from temple worship feeling closer to my Heavenly Father with a renewed commitment to act as His daughter and live up to the covenants I have made with him. I have been able to make decisions and come to a greater understanding of principles I have been studying. However, because we have lived in the San Bernardino area for many years, I inevitably run in to someone I know each time I go to the temple. As much as I love this, and look forward to it, for the decisions I needed to make and the need to know my status with God at this time in my life, I felt I needed to be in the midst of his beautiful creations - the "wilderness" - where there was no chance of running into anyone I know. While in Montana, I was never interrupted and was able to keep one line of thought the entire time.

I ask you, what Mom is able to say that they had 4 days of uninterrupted thought?!

I came home with a renewed spirit, ready to take on the new school year and all its commitments, and some beautiful pictures that I can look to for continued inspiration. It was truly a blessing to be able to have the freedom to care for myself spiritually and creatively, all at once, for an extended period of time.

So, there you have my reason. Did you enjoy your walk with me down a country lane? I did. Do you understand any better? I hope so. Will I do it again? Certainly. When and Where? Well, Ely, Nevada is on my list, but I'm not sure that taking pictures of brothels will bring me closer to God. I can't promise when or where I'll go next time; who knows, I may just end up wandering around in your neighborhood!