Keeping Perspective

So many times in my life I get caught up in the moment. The smell of good BBQ for instance. It over whelms me, it controls my thoughts (like that bacon dog...gimme, gimme, gimme) it gives me tunnel vision!

Hey, that's not a bad thing...most of the time.

And then there are the times when I get really down. Like yesterday. Bad day at work, all the deals I've been working on for almost a year suddenly have huge hurdles. I didn't sleep last night, I sat on the couch and ran the various scenarios around in my head (talking to myself as usual) what if I do this? What if I do that? How can I make this deal work, etc. etc.

At 4 AM I finally gave up and walked around outside. It was just getting light. I am always inspired by Timp Peak. She is so majestic, no matter what comes. Always so solid and dependable, never changing. Then a light caught my eye. An alabaster spire shining in the coming light. A beacon as it were. I knew I needed to make a visit today.

I slept a couple of hours, got dressed and as I drove, I hoped I could gain some peace of mind, regain my perspective. As I pulled up, the parking lot was full! Cars were parked on the street! Whoa, there must have been

alot of folks walking around a 4 AM this morning!

I walked inside and immediately felt the serenity, the peace. As I walked out about an hour and a half later I had regained my perspective. I had solutions to my problems, I knew it would be a better day.

Best of Times, Worst of Times

Sometimes it seems that life just wears you down. No matter how hard you try, or what you do, nothing goes right. Its been said life is a test. A test of your physical, mental and emotional strength. And a test of your faith.

This may come as a surprise but I've learned something during this adventure of moving to a new state. Not knowing anyone, starting from ground zero.

When you are tested to your limits sometimes faith is all that keeps you going. Im not just talking about faith in God, but faith in yourself. What makes people pick themselves up and keep going?  I believe its faith.

If I can leave anything to my posterity it is this:

I have had successes, I have had failures. I have disappointed others, but no more so than I have disappointed myself.  But I can't conceive of quitting, of giving up, of uttering "I can't go on".

I believe in my children. Every one different, every one with a story all their own. And every one loved by me. Some have my laugh, Some my smile, most my contrary personality, but all faith in themselves.

I've seen you all get knocked down. Some by your own doing, some by life. I've cried for you, prayed for you and worried about you. But you have all kept faith in yourself and picked yourselves up and moved on to greater things. Education, marriage, family, career, serving others. No matter what the worst of times may be, as I look at the men and women my children have become... It is the Best of times

Family Traditions

Hopefully, every family creates their own family traditions. Some are annual vacations, charity events, bike rides, fishing trips, reunions etc. They are all good, they foster family ties, create memories and of course promote family tradition.

Growing up our tradition was deer hunting. Ask my sister Susie, recently she told me about her experience with Grandpa Gus deer hunting. It didn't stick with her, I don't think she has been back! But its a memory she hasn't forgotten in 50+ years!

My memories of my Grandfather are about deer hunting. He took me when I was 5. My Dad wounded a deer and went after it and we waited in the jeep. It was the start continuation of a tradition they had. How far back it went I don't know, but I'm glad someone started it.

Deer hunting was my Dad's only regularly scheduled vacation. 3-5 days in Southern Utah every October. The 3rd Sat to be exact. Kenny, Alex, Dallas, Ralph, Kenny David; the usual suspects.  I was always the kid, camp gofer. Everything from firewood to bartender.  Chief hunter too. By the time I was 16 and could hunt, the adults were more interested in playing gin rummy and drinking expensive scotch than hunting so I got to hunt alot!

I've tried to carry on the tradition with my kids. Some more successfully than others! 4 of the 5 have hunted with me, 3 of them have killed deer. I only hope as my grand kids get older, we can keep the tradition. Id like to see the 5th generation create more McClintock memories.

Thanks Gus, whenever I look at "Bessie" I think of that day 53 years ago.

It's really been that long?

I hadn't realized it has been a year since I posted on my blog!

We moved into our condo, got jobs, teach Sunday school, learned to avoid Utah drivers and have yet to find a Mexican restaurant that is as good as Hacalito's!

We have spent more time with our kids and Grandkids than ever before.  If all else fails this was worth it!

Being close to old friends and making some new ones.  Life is pretty good.

If I can only draw that Elk tag this year...