an old, ignored longing

I'm feeling torn. I love my life right now - seriously, there is so much perfection in it, so many elements that I love. but, hearing about a former neighbor, who is two years younger than me and who has successfully carved a niche for herself in Telluride, CO, suddenly stirred up some discontentment in my soul. So, once again, I feel very compelled to plan an outdoor adventure for myself.

I bounce in between the poles of home and traveling. I have so much family in the area. I have children who are deeply attached to me. I have a great job, excellent professors, trails right behind my house. Lots of friends I love deeply. But part of me wants to have the freedom to roam about. I want to have a new setting. i need more adventure than my recent feelings of being stalked by mountain lions when i hike solo.

and so, i think i will get seroius about planning this trip i've been talking about taking - a grand tour of the North - the grand tetons, zion, the olympic penninsula, and lots in between. sounds ambitious huh? i'm definitely going to have to see about recruiting some friends. june anyone? maybe three weeks? i better get going on it. hmmm. either that or i will do something wild like join toastmasters. very tricky.