Storm

This morning a storm came in right before I went to work. The clouds were especially interesting. I grabbed the camera and got some great photos and video.

Here's another video:

Half Century of Progress?

Well, this is it. Today, September 12, 2007 marks the beginning of the second half of my life. The last half of my life. At least, I hope it's the last half. And not the last quarter. Or less.

I'm not sure how I feel about turning 50. Friends say it's no big deal. It's just a number. What matters is how I feel inside. But it is a big deal. Birthdays are a time to look back at where I've been and to look forward at where I'm going. And looking forward is kind of scary. Up till now looking forward was exciting, with lots of options and a lot of unknown. Now I feel it's just a lot of unknown, and not as many options.

But, life is good right now. After the turmoil of the past year I am beginning to enjoying life again. I'm not sure what lies ahead, but I will try to enjoy every day and savor every blessing that comes my way, letting the Lord lead me.

Thinking about today also reminds me of past birthdays. My 6th, when my mom gave me a surprise party, and I was so surprised I stood there stunned and shy for the entire party. My 10th, when I got my flute. My 20th when college classes were cancelled due to the tornado that had come through the night before. My 30th, when I had whiplash due to a minor car accident a couple of days earlier and wondered if this was what it meant to be old. My 44th, when no one felt like celebrating because of what had happened the day before.

One of the best memories was my 5th, pictured above. I'm on the left with my sisters looking at my brand new dollhouse. My mom brought a cake to school, and later that day my sister Mari and I were on Kid's Korner, a local kids TV show hosted by Kanyon Kid. The highlight of the show was when Kanyon Kid interviewed the kids, asking their name, age and what they wanted to be when they grew up. I wanted to be a movie star, and informed Kanyon Kid that my favorite movie star was Loretta Young.

When we moved my husband almost threw out the dollhouse. He saved our marriage by making sure it made the cross-country trip to our new home.

Oh, and I still want to be a movie star.