Hosting some Traveling Stones

Okay, so I was reading this awesome bloggers page: http://www.notjustanothermotherblogger.com/search?updated-max=2013-02-27T03:30:00-06:00&max-results=3&start=42&by-date=false
about her receiving a traveling stone.

Traveling what you ask? Let me explain...the journey started in Canada in late 2012 when Traveling Stone founder, Darlene received two stones-one round pink pearl and a rectangular purple rock-at a function.

Well, to make a wonderful story short-these two stones have since been split where the pink pearl has traveled from Scotland, to Australia to Texas and now, me!

The pink pearl is in near the top left corner of the box.

Now, on to the juicy journey part!

After receiving the stones, they first met my children
(they just wanted to touch and play with them of course) :)

Don't you just love the one blue-eyed and the one brown-eyed mix?

Then, I took them to visit my  awesome friend, Andrea as we both met up in Glenwood Springs, Colorado- a beautiful mountain town surrounded with forests, but I didn't see any bears!  The Stones insisted that they take all the photos so you won't see them on this trip, but they were there...trust me.

   We decided to take the stones to see the infamous, and historical cemetery where Doc Holliday was buried. Below are some pictures of the town and cemetery.

Is it just me or does this bench right next to the edge of a steep cliff feel a bit sadistic...wrong?

The Pink pearl really loved this tombstone and remarked that she felt a kinship ( I get it).

My friend, Andrea (right) and I on the path to the cemetery.

 Back at home, when I thought Spring was here...The pearl (whom wanted to relax by our mini-pond) and I got a nice surprise of snow! I know, welcome to Colorado stones! See below:

Hard to believe I am wearing a sweater in the middle of April!

So to prove the traveling stones made it to Colorado...I am including a snippet from a postcard and a decal sticker. I think the stones were happy to be here and have enjoyed seeing mountains, and a semi-arid part of west Colorado!

WAIT! Don't go...

I NEED YOUR HELP! 

The stones need a new host! If you would like to host the traveling stones, please put your email in the comments box and I will send them to you.

I'm linking to Traveling Stones ! Go here as well for more information and to keep track of the stones journeys.

My First Vlog (video)

Today, I am attempting my first Vlog or video on my blog. I am nervous. Please be kind!

Well, more "ums" that I wanted, but hey I can always improve, right?

Don't lurk...leave a message of your own struggles, or new things you are trying, a prayer request or a kind comment! Thank you for stopping by. 

My Brief brush with Jury Duty

I have been summoned three times in my life. Once, I was disqualified. The second time, it was cancelled. Third time? Yep, you guessed it...I had to haul my curious self to the justice center yesterday in the current town I live in: a mix of rural and suburb surrounded by an outdoor playground. See picture below.

 This is what I found in the mail a couple of weeks ago...

Anyone else think it is odd that hubby and I BOTH got summoned a few days a part for different trials? Hubby's was canceled.

A part of me was nervous because serving means commitment, finding someone to watch my children, and experiencing something that some people never do in their lifetime.

So here's how it went...

     After stopping off at a local, drive-thru only coffee shop called, Divine Coffee and ordering my Hazelnut Latte (full of caffeine), I placed my belongings in a container similar to airport security. The security guards were all business until one said, "Enjoy your time." I replied, "I'll try." Huh? Enjoy jury duty? No one I know has ever seemed to speak of it with joy.

So into the jury assembly, I join the sea of other potential victims jurors. I turn in a paper and am rewarded with a plain white sticker reading Juror in bold, black and white letters that must be stuck and seen on my shoulder. One lady explains that this is a five day trial because it is a criminal case. Yikes! 5 days? 

Then, all of us are forced to watch a video about what being a juror will look like and what to expect. It is well organized and reminds me of training videos from my teaching days. My curiosity is peaking. Really, how much do I know about our justice system since I am not in law enforcement,  I'm not a judge or lawyer, and no, I have never been to trial for ANY reason. (Thank goodness, right)?

So this kind lady, she calls out 25 random names and those people get to line up and be the first jury pool to be tested and weeded out. We all go inside the courtroom. I am in the audience. This is the first time I have ever seen a courtroom. It is terribly fascinating to me. I don't think the older woman next to me agrees. She shifts and I understand because EVERYONE but the audience get comfy, plush chairs. We sit our bums on wooden benches for a total of five hours all together. 

The judge is a women and she is HILARIOUS. She actually makes light of what she knows is a tense situation. I think we all appreciated it. We are introduced to the lawyers and the defendant. I think,Whoa, this is for real. This man's verdict could be in my hands. It hits me, hard.  I have mixed emotions because this is a great right I have to be a part of democracy in action, yet, this case is a tough one. 

The questions asked of the jurors relate to knowing witnesses, the lawyers, some state qualifications or disqualifications, hardships and if the jurors have ever been in trial. Some jurors are excused.  We are given almost two hours for lunch/break. At this point, I still can't speak about the case.

     Later, after reconvening, the lawyers get 45 minutes each to ask specific questions to the jurors. The air is a bit more uncomfortable at this point. More of the case in a round about way is revealed. You get a sense of where the lawyers are headed. One more juror is dismissed. At this point, each lawyer gets to excuse 6 jurors each until there are 13 jurors for this case. 

I am never picked. A big part of me is relieved. This was a sexual assault case. The man was being charged with five different counts relating to the victim. The prosecution was filled with the burden of creating a reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury so the verdict would be guilty. The defense attorney didn't have to bring any evidence or give testimony. 

The whole time I left all of it in God's hands. Trusting that He would know if I could be unbiased. If I should be a part of this trial or not. I am thinking He knew best. Now, I will pray for this man and all involved. For justice to prevail whether this man is guilty or not.

How lucky we all are to live in a country where a fair trial is given.

 

What's Safari got to do with Jeeps?

It happens every year. During Easter weekend, the population of Moab, roughly 5,000, seems to double in its' size to accommodate those willing to risk their Jeeps or other similar vehicles all in the name of experiencing a thrill.
It's called Jeep Safari. It's very popular and starts the whole week before.

So, with my in-laws, hubby and two boys in tow, we got up early enough to get to the trail before the procession of Jeeps appeared.

This year was my first time to experience this event even though I have been visiting in-laws in Moab for about 13 years. It truly is a sight to see. So here is my amateur video of one of the more difficult trails, Moab Rim  (rated at a 7) to off road in (the hardest trail is rated a "9" Pritchet Canyon trail):

And...she went to a casting call...

Yesterday, I did something that reminded me of my twenties. Risky and headed to a possible rejection, I drove an hour and a half to Moab, Utah for a casting call for the Lone Ranger movie starring, Johnny Depp as Tonto. I have always wanted to be an extra in a film.

Check out the awesome make-up job on Johnny Depp who says he is part Cherokee. Armie Hammer will be the Lone Ranger.

Yes, yesterday was April Fool's, but I know one of the employees of the Moab to Monument Film Commission and I promise it was ALL legit.

So I arrived at 9:20 am, stopped off at the local City Market to get gum for my breath since the coffee I had earlier to keep me awake on the drive was not going to help me get a part, and went to the Moab Valley Inn (I did spit the gum out in a tissue). I admit I was nervous...it isn't like I knew what to expect. The first call was at 10 and I arrived before 9:35 and the place was already packed (not surprising). 

I am handed a yellow card asking the usual of name, address, phone #, but of course they need my hip, bust, waist info. etc. and my special abilities...does crossing one eyeball at a time count? I did put down my artistic talents, that I am a former school teacher, that I have drama/skit experience...well, you get the point. But, the very kind lady in charge asked people to come up and show off their talent at the drop of a hat. I admired the brave souls. It was fun and the people that sang were amazing. So while finishing filling out my card, I watched a talent show. Nice of them to provide entertainment.

   I forgot to mention that you have to hand in a nonprofessional 3x5 photo of yourself with NO make-up. Of course, I wasn't thrilled about that because I like my mascara and lip gloss, but they probably want to see what they have to work with. See you as you are...really are. Ha, ha! 

They called each row one at a time so as to make sure that everyone had the correctly sized and clear picture, measurements, etc. I did a crossword and chatted with the lads near me as we were in the last row.  

 When it was our rows turn, again I was nervous, but Sande Alessi and her casting crew were some of the kindest people I have ever met. They were so organized and helpful too. She, Sande that is was happy with my photo and asked about my children. I appreciated the opportunity.

I am noticing something about myself...I am becoming quite bold as I age and since I decided to say yes to God more and yes to well, life. Who cares about being rejected? What if they have enough mid-30's women for the movie and I don't get a part?

At least I did it! No more sitting on the sidelines thinking opportunities will fall in my lap (although this one kind of did). 

I will keep you posted if I get to be an extra. Tell me...have you've ever been in a movie?