AnneLyze

Thanksgiving for me has always been a time for travel and seeing family.  This year it was none of those things and while I missed my family, I loved the day. We had decided to climb Mt Greylock in Massachusetts, the highest peak in the state.  Early, for the guys, late for me, we left the house at 8:30 am, arriving at 9:30 to find the gate on the road closed.  The parking lot and trail head was seven miles up the blocked passage.  With my favorite guide Neal in the Middle East and my sister Nancy in Colorado, this was the first mountain hike I had planned without their guidance.  But off to the left was a parking lot with a visitors center and way off to the side, I spotted a trail head.  We were in business, it wasn't the hike I planned, but a beautiful hike it was. Being blessed with gorgeous weather made it perfect. We took the Northrup trail to Round Rocks and back.  A long gradual climb with old stone walls, bogs and creeks to cross, and w...

I turned fifty a week and a half ago.  Half my life is over, admittedly the longer half, but I hope to have fifty more good years.  I had a great birthday.  Sam came home to surprise me (best present ever) and watch Ben play soccer.  My co workers gave me a Gift Card and I got myself an I Phone.  I have never fallen so hard and so fast for a gadget in my life.  Thank you to everyone who sent good wishes my way.  So far, I like being fifty. I climbed Haystack Mountain in Vermont, 4.4 miles round trip and 3400 ft in elevation.  The view from the top was nothing but fog, rain and clouds.  It was fucking amazing. Thanks to Nancy, Don, and Neal for a great day.  Looking forward to my next mountain.  Would sun be too much to ask for next time? The Albany Boys High School Varsity Soccer team made it to Sectionals.  I didn't think it could get better than a first round win against Saratoga on my birthday, but it did. Guilder...

I have admired this poem for many years.  Not only am I imaging myself as this woman, but I'm working on it!  Thought I would share it in celebration of my fiftieth birthday.  Enjoy! Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman. A woman who honors her experience and tells her stories. Who refuses to carry the sins of others within her body and life. Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself. A woman who listens to her needs and desires. Who meets them with tenderness and grace. Imagine a woman who acknowledges the past's influence on the present. A woman who has walked through her past. Who has healed into the present. Imagine a woman who authors her own life. A woman who exerts, initiates, and moves on her own behalf. Who refuses to surrender except to her truest self and wisest voice. Imagine a woman who names her own gods. A woman who imagines the divine in her image and likeness. Who designs a personal spirituality to info...