2. I went up to Winter Park today with a friend, and I count it as a successful day because: 1) I got to spend the day in the mountains, and Lordy were they (the mountains) showing off God's glory today, let me tell you! (And then as we were heading home tonight, around 8ish, it was starting to snow lightly up there. Apparently it snowed pretty good yesterday, which is funny because down in this part of CO - approximately an hour away - it got up near 70. I love this state.) 2) There were fire pits where we were at one point, and we sat by one for a while, and now my hair smells like campfire and that makes me happy. 3) I got to get to know her (the friend I went with) a lot better, which I've been wanting to do, and it just worked out well today!
3. My hair smelling like campfire makes me happy, but also makes me really want to go camping, so I really want summer to get here. I didn't go camping last summer, and who the heck knows if I'll actually go this summer, but I really really want to and I love camping and I love campfires. And the stars. I dislike light pollution. And technology sometimes. Camping frees us from both! Depending on where you go, I guess. Oh, I just love the smells of camping. Smells are one of my strongest memory triggers (I think that's true for most people), and sometimes it's annoying when it's a memory I don't want or one that makes me sad or something, but smelling my campfire-y hair is triggering phantom smells of tent canvas, sleeping bags, early morning breakfasts, and that crisp, clear scent of mountain pine trees. Especially in the morning. Ohhhhh gosh. I wish it were summer right now.
4. At the same time, I can't help but get a little bit cautiously gleeful when I check the weather forecast and see a possible 4-8 inches of snow and a high of 24 on Tuesday. (And the forecasted high just keeps getting lower every day we get closer to Tuesday.) The forecast of Tuesday even has a little helpful note that says "Potential for significant snow accumulations possible." Even though it's April, and I'm finally getting to the point of being excited about warm weather (and reluctantly putting away the boots and sweater tights), I'm still that girl who really really loves snow. And I'd really really love another good snowstorm. So would the plants and such! We need the moisture! But seeing as how it's still a few days away and this is Colorado, I'm not going to be holding my breath.
5. I need to explore more of Colorado. I've barely been anywhere in the mountains, really. I want to go to Leadville, and Ouray (soooo much), and see the Maroon Bells. I need to make that happen. I've lived here for 25 years for goodness sake! Time I take full advantage of living in the best state in the States. If only it didn't cost money to stay places, and drive places...
6. Adoration. I'm still in love with it (and Jesus, obvs.) (I'm sorry that I've started saying "obvs." And writing it. It makes me laugh sometimes, so I continue to do it). It's quickly become my favorite thing. I had a job interview on Tuesday night that didn't really go very well, by my estimation (won't hear until next week whether I'll be going for an in-person interview, but...not very hopeful about it), which I then proceeded to be bummed about most of Wednesday because it's a job I think I'd really love and I think I could do well and is a place I could tolerate (ie, it's not in Colorado, but it's not Florida, either). But. After work Wednesday, I went to visit Jesus, and he made me feel a lot better. It's amazing the difference I can feel just being in his presence, almost immediately. I might not get this job. And that's ok. He's in charge, and he's got something lined up for me. It might not happen as quickly as I want it to, or as quickly as I think I need it, but he's got a plan and as long as I keep myself open to his will, it'll happen. What matters more, much more, than what I do is my relationship with him. He's all that really matters. This life is fleeting, and if we spend the whole time trying to be worthy in the eyes of the world, we might find ourselves mighty disappointed once we're done here and getting started with our eternity.
7. It's April. April in my mind is just a pretty month. It evokes feelings of calm, warmth, and beauty. And sunshine. And oh, I'm excited for summer. But right now it's time for April, and April will be what it is. (PS - my favorite months are apparently of the 30-day variety. April and June create these oddly happy images for me, September is just objectively awesome and includes at least one great person's birthday and also one of the best feast days, and hey-o, wouldn't you know it, they're on the same day! And November...well, I guess I don't have any strong feelings one way or the other about November. Though I do love Thanksgiving. December is ok as far as 31-day months are concerned, but mostly because Christmas. But the other 31-day months? January - much dislike. May - I guess it's ok, but...meh. July - hot. August - hot. Though both do have the redeeming factor of being good months in which to climb 14ers. October - it's ok, and sometimes is pretty with autumn. February and March are just there. And that's my rundown on how I view the months in our calendar, because what an exciting topic, eh? The end.)
Here. Have a picture taken during Easter weekend almost exactly seven years ago (aka, April!) (which I refuse to believe was actually seven years ago, but there it is), in what will probably always stick out in my mind as one of the most beautiful Easter weekends of my life. (Also, interestingly, the first Triduum/Easter that I spent at Notre Dame. They hooked me in with blooming spring and beautiful weather. And thank God for that!)
Also, daffodils, because I love daffodils.
And I'd be remiss to leave out a picture of the Basilica.
Gosh, I miss that place.
