While I was at Jenny Wiley, I had a great surprise. My family and church friends (who are like family) all came to the last Smoke on the Mountain show. It was quite a privilege for me to have so many people come. I was especially excited to see my cousin Jay and Gracie because they had never seen one of my shows. I think Jay liked the bass playing :) Actually, throughout the whole summer, many people I know came to see my shows, and it was a true honor for me. To know that many people spent the money on travel, food, and tickets just to see me was humbling. What a definite validation of feeling loved. I only hope I can repay the act someday.
For a good read filled with long standing life questions blanketed in old-fashioned storytelling and ideals, try Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine. The first 20 or so pages may seem slow, but it runs after that.
One of my favorite quotes from it reads, "No person ever died that had a family." After spending an evening listening to a relative recounting family stories, I realize how true that is.
I was fortunate enough to get to see Maggie when I was home a few weeks ago. It was a short visit, but she always does my heart good. We decided to make a little video with a song that she composed. Her song is much better than my guitar playing so keep all eyes on her. I promised her I would post it so here you go, Maggie. You are a Blogger star!
Another highlight event this summer was my friend David coming in from Saudi Arabia. He has been gone all too long, and I was so glad to see him. We decided that we couldn't just sit around Kentucky but needed to stick with tradition and do an adventure trip. Luckily, he did the research this time because of my lack of internet, and much to my surprise he picked a top "want to see" destination on my list -- Shenandoah State Park in VA. Skyline Drive and the falls there had been a top spot on my list for the past year, and I must say the trip did not disappoint. It was amazing. I only wish we could have had more time and a little less rain.
Here is the view from Skyline Drive. Wow
Now, David and I do trips the way we like which means the general population would hate accompanying us. We go all day, dismissing food, and then chow down at night. After our five hour drive, we headed onto the trails only to find this falls.
I was tempted to jump in but fought the urge. Five miles later we returned to the car and decided to hike to one more falls while there was still light, and we were glad we did.
We made it back to the car just in time -- the sun had almost completely set. Then we headed into Shenandoah for some food. If you are in that town, you must try Mama Mias. The food was delicious, and the portions were huge. The garlic knots are a must and so is the Italian Bean soup. It's a must if you are visiting there.
Also, Skyland Resort on Skyline Drive has a wonderful restaurant with a breakfast that is top notch. From fresh fruit smoothies to homemade granola to the huge breakfast buffet, you will leave 100% satisfied. We liked it so much we had it two mornings in a row.
The next day, after a refreshing breakfast, we started out early to hike Old Rag. It is a pretty high hike with some scrambling involved. I was anxious to see the top views and was in focus mode. The ranger told us it would take us at least six hours. Ah, he didn't know us.
If you look closely, you can see the rocks at the top. I knew we could beat the ranger's prediction, and David was more confident than I!
Here is a view of some of the rocks we had to climb to get to the summit. It wasn't your average trail hike which we completely loved!
Obviously, I was fascinated with the rocks. They were so fun (and a bit challenging) to hike through.
I wouldn't want to be hiking here when it finally does fall. Neat, huh?
Here we are halfway up. No tiredness here.
Honestly, how can you not feel like life is great from this view? There were some difficult challenges in the hike (pictured above), but we made it to the summit -- in less than two hours!!!! Here's a little video footage from the top.
We made it down safely, despite the bears that were lurking around the trail. Many people saw them. Unfortunately, we didn't :( I was hoping and not hoping to see them all at the same time. Four hours later we made it down to our car and were ready for a cool dip in some waterfalls. Hiking to them was not an object, especially after this climb.
Here was our first stop. We had our own waterfall and pool to swim in. I must say I took the first plunge, and it was freezing! We did swim out to the fall and back just to prove to ourselves we could. After that we continued on the trail.....
And boy was it worth it. We found these natural waterslides! So much fun. We ended up racing on them. God is so creative and original. Wet and Wild or Kings Island's Beach couldn't begin to compare with this. Check out the video of us racing.
How fun is that? Nature won out on day three, and we had to cancel our kayaking trip. :( It was a great trip, and I truly hope we get more of them -- maybe overseas next time. Thanks, DJ, for such a fun time, and I'll brush up on the mountain biking so I can keep up on the next trip. :)
This summer flew by! My lack of updating is due to the fact that I stayed insanely busy the whole summer. I barely even got to see the Mays -- my KY family. The shows went well, and the casts were amazingly talented. Here are some highlight pics.
Matt and I before Broadway kids. We are truly kindred souls.
Miss Sandra and Dennis (post marriage)
Anna, Sam, and I. I'll miss these girls!
The Broadway kids made for a lively dressing room. My favorite part of JWT.
Those aren't mine. What more can I say? haha
Ok. The highlight of my summer was my best friend coming to visit -- all the way from Victoria!!! Tara is one of the most wonderful friends I could ever ask for, and she came all the way to Eastern KY to see me. Talk about being blessed! Despite the draining schedule, I had a wonderful time visiting with her. It was good just to be able to chat, eat together, take her to see my family (who loved her, by the way). She got more pics than I (due to my contrary camera :( , but here are some of the two of us.
Tara hanging with Meg's family. They loved her, and I think she was pretty fond of them too.
I think T was about to collapse at this point. She was running on literally about 4 hours of sleep.
Tara and I at Panera with my parents. I was so glad dad got to meet her. My parents said they can see why I like her so much. Thank you so much for coming, T. I am now back in the world of communication and will call you soon. I could not have asked for a better present. Good friends are like gold. If you have one, treasure them with all your heart.
I was tempted to jump in but fought the urge. Five miles later we returned to the car and decided to hike to one more falls while there was still light, and we were glad we did. 
We made it back to the car just in time -- the sun had almost completely set. Then we headed into Shenandoah for some food. If you are in that town, you must try Mama Mias. The food was delicious, and the portions were huge. The garlic knots are a must and so is the Italian Bean soup. It's a must if you are visiting there. 
If you look closely, you can see the rocks at the top. I knew we could beat the ranger's prediction, and David was more confident than I!
There were some difficult challenges in the hike (pictured above), but we made it to the summit -- in less than two hours!!!! Here's a little video footage from the top.
