2 months on the road | badlands & mt. rushmore !

As I sit here typing under a veil of whispering ponderosa, with the crisp smell of Autumn enveloping the air, I consider myself one the luckiest people in the world. 

 

I rolled into South Dakota this past weekend, just in time to celebrate my two month "on the road" anniversary. I've dreamed of visiting South Dakota and Mt. Rushmore all my life and it's hard to believe I'm actually here. I feel an overwhelming sense of purpose and pride. Perhaps it's the circuitous path I took to get here, paved with hope, faith, determination and a lot of left turns that has made this moment so spiritually gratifying. I just want to wrap my arms around the mountain and give it a big hug. MUAH!

 

I've learned to slow down, and surrender. Just BE. We are only limited by our imagination. We all have hopes and dreams, wants and desires. While some are unattainable (like being backup tambourine girl for Neil Diamond), others are within our reach. Maybe you want to learn French, knit a blanket, or sail around the world. It doesn't matter how big or how small, it's your dream, go after it! I encourage you to leap. Dare to fly. Don't be afraid to start a new chapter. Make a plan. Take baby steps. Broaden your thinking. It's never too late! And this is proven by Ron, my new 69 yr old friend heading out on a 6 month adventure across the country in a tear drop camper in April – finally living his dreams. 

 

Sometimes your story will write itself, but you need to be open and wiling to take risk. I never anticipated my journey would include a camper?! Say what?! I'm traveling across the country in tin can teardrop trailer with my camera, yoga mat, bean bag chair, computer and a Chihuahua – among a few other less important things. How did this happen? I have no idea, but I wouldn't change a day or second of my new life. I couldn't imagine seeing the country any other way. In some crazy cosmic way, I feel like the universe has guided me here, to this place, this moment in time. 

 

Winter months will be creeping in soon, so I'll be making my way to Montana in the next few days before it gets too cold. I've dreamed of meeting Montana all my life, even more than Mt. Rushmore. Hopefully I can wipe my happy tears away long enough to actually see it!

 

Live the life you've imagined. ~ Henry David Thoreau 

 

 

MT. RUSHMORE:

My heart raced, and my grin permenant, as I stood in awe of our founding fathers. Carved in 400' thick granite, preserved in time, their story of strength, courage and fortitude is a powerful reminder that anything is possible. I can't believe I'm here. 

(The picture below of me picking Abe's nose is pretty funny! - sorry Abe!)

SEE MORE RUSHMORE PICS HERE!

Hello Mr. Presidents! So nice to finally meet you!