Figs

Today at lunch, I pondered the beautiful fig. As I ate my Fig Newtons, I thought of the rounded fruit and its luscious center--sweet and sticky. I searched the Internet and found that this lovely fruit was brought to California by the Spanish missionaries. There are many many varieties of the fruit, some with elegant stripes of varigation. It is no wonder the fig has been the subject of paintings. I think figs are a fruit that makes one think of rich, lavish living. It belongs on a plate accompanied by the finest cheese and wine. I don't know how well they grow in Arizona, but I am thinking that perhaps I will find out. I would love to have a fig tree. It is time to stop by ponderance and get back to work.

If you would like to learn more about figs, visit online at www.californiafigs.com.

A Post Script

Current Readings...
The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Both are excellent books. I would recommend them to anyone.

Another recommendation...
Visit Sunset Crater Volcano National Park near Flagstaff, Arizona. We went to this park over Fourth of July and I was awe at the power and force of nature, as well as its beauty. We hiked around Sunset Crater Park and Wupatki Park for the day. Wupatki contains ruins from native americans that lived in the region in 1026 A.D. Just astounding.

Music I had discovered...
Michael Buble. Velvety smooth crooner that can make anyone's heart melt.

Just Touching Base

I hadn't realized how long it has been since I wrote in my blog. Life after school has been busy and so fulfilling. The wedding plans are going along swimmingly. It has been a wonderful experience with family and friends helping out. It is so nice to have so many around you that care about you and are excited about celebrating the love you have for one another. We are two lucky people surrounded by caring people. I am having a hard time understanding why so many people consider wedding planning stressful. It has been nothing but fun and anticipation. Of course, I am most looking forward to our honeymoon...Australia and Tahiti are going to be fabulous! I have been reading books about both places in order to get the full experience. One such book is Mutiny on the Bounty--if you have never read it, you must! It is a great adventure book.

Amongst the excitement and fun, real life pokes its head in once in a while. The company I am working for is merging with another of its kind. The stress at work has been enormous, but with the love and support I have from my family and friends, it has been easy to swallow. I feel blessed everyday, especially on those days when naysayers and judgmentalists find it their place to "rain on the parade."

In the past few months, I have learned there are two kinds of people: people who fear change, and those who like to face it head on and accept what it has to offer. Those who fear change take it upon themselves to be negative even when those in front of them are overcoming the adversity with dignity and an unspoiled heart. Those who welcome change, ride the sea of change with anticipation and an open heart. I am glad to know that my love and I are surrounded by those who welcome change...we all ride in the boat together.

As I write this I think about that movie, Parenthood. In the end of the film, life is compared to a rollercoaster. Do you just buckle up and enjoy the ups and downs life throws your way? Or, do you resist and leave your head dangling over the side of the car? I would much prefer putting my hands up in the air...one free and flowing, the other holding onto my love's...enjoying the ride together without losing who we are.

Life is wonderful. It holds so many new and inspiring things for us to discover. Finding these things on my own is an experience I enjoy, but searching and uncovering these things with my soulmate is an experience I cherish. No two people could know more what love is about and the power it has to overcome all of those unknowns. I thank God every day for the life I have and the people I can share it with.