I can't believe a year has gone by since my last birthday. I feel like I can remember each day of the past year vividly because every day was so good. I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say that this past year has been the best one yet in these 19 years.

I went on 2 great backpack trips this week with some really incredible kids. I went rock climbing with the coolest 6th grade girls ever and drank some Martinellis at a beautiful lake looking at the mountains. Then I climbed to the top of a mountain and ate a tasty pineapple with some of the quirkiest 8th grade boys ever. I can't ignore the beauty of this place. The wildflowers are out now. The meadows that are tucked away in the trees are breathtaking sights of color and light.

After dinner tonight, my friend and I drove into town about an hour away. At Borders, I found a HUGE Dinosaur book for only 20 bucks. Huge--like a coffee table book bigger than a coffee table. It is so cool. And tomorrow, I am going to wake up when I feel like it, drink a cup of tea, then go to a meadow filled with wildflowers and read my book about St. Francis of Assisi, pick some flowers and put them in my house, then I am going to run to some water and swim around for a bit, nap on the rocks, and run back to camp.

I wish everyone I love could come join me on my small birthday adventure tomorrow. But, all those I love are part of me, I guess...and essentially will be part of every birthday of mine.
How 'bout we make a deal? If you see a meadow, will you stop what you are doing and run around in it and spin in circles for a bit for me? So...you'll be five minutes late for work. or you'll get your shoes wet. good. smile and enjoy some little things in life.