Wow, my first blog! After g-pa and Linda's FHE, I got a little psyched about writing again. I have a list of 100 things to do before I die. One of them is to write a children's book. I think that maybe this writing will get my creative juices flowing again.

This past weekend was a great "adios" to the summer vacation, and a wonderful "hola" to my 2nd new year, aka, first day of school. I loaded the girls in the 4 x 4, Jeep Liberty rental and headed for the cool air, green forest and wild animals. Being on a mountain, looking down on the clouds, then realizing you are in the clouds. Rain pouring down so hard the car wipers struggle to stay ahead. Humming birds, blue jays, hawks and woodpeckers all joining in the forest orchestra, and feeling somehow that they were showing off for you. Have ever seen a double rainbow touch ground, with colors so vivid you could barely see the trees beyond? The elk, or is it elks, a baker's dozen of them. Mamas, calves and yearlings all staring at you with that, "what-you-lookin'-at" gaze. Standing at the strong base of the big pines, face up to the rain. How it cleanses the soul and refreshes the spirit. It was useless holding back the tears of gratitude as I looked up, saying "well, done Heavenly Father, awesome job, thank you". Yes, a renewal of sorts.

First day of school today. I love first days of school. It feels like my "second-chance new year". A time to close your eyes, take a big deep breath, let it out slowly and feel the time slate wipe clean. Then, one thing at a time, I list the items that have worked for me, like getting to bed by 10:30, cooking at home, and making lists. A must for failing memories. At church, we have all new presidencies in our Young women program. Newness at home, Daniel out of Piyas(grandma Villalobos') old room, in his own rental-room, and in with Sophia. It is another first, Sonya, a senior, finally has her own room since little Sophia made her appearance.
Then there are things that don't change much, like work. "Thank you for calling Southwest Airlines, this is Lenor, how can I help you" an average of 70 times a day. erg! Hey, awfully repetitious, fatter "nadgas", sore hands, but that is the price for the wonderful people I've met and creations of our Heavenly Father that I have seen. The pays not so bad either. Thanks goodness for the constants in life that gives us a familiar line to follow. Hurray for new starts!