Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Temecula
Thank you Brian for showing me around Temecula. Brian not only showed me around, but he did it in style. In a convertible sports car with the top down, we drove around the vineyards as the sun was setting. It was gorgeous! We then went out to dinner and toured the downtown area. Temecula's downtown area is full of quaint old-west themed buildings complete with sidewalks made of railroad ties. I couldn't help but wish my mom and dad were there with me. They would love this little area.
Day 4: Dana Point and nearby beaches
Jim Monroe and I never met while attending the same high school. Having planned our reunions, I knew his name and knew his pictures, but never had a class with him. When he learned I would be taking this trip, he emailed me and we began a month-long conversation about the purpose of my trip and what I hoped to accomplish while traveling. I was blessed to have met Jim. What a great man! Every second of the day was filled with deep, philosophical conversations, and shared stories of our life journies. He took me to his favorite places to share his love of nature, and we sat on the beach and talked for hours. Sharing dinner on the pier was another blessing, as was the drive back to Temecula. This is a great man and I was glad to have met him. My time with him will never be forgotten. (click on photos to enlarge)
My new friend and beach guide - Jim Monroe
My new friend and beach guide - Jim Monroe
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 3: Balboa Park- San Diego
Thank you to my brand new friend Mary Lynn Orem for being my guide and taking me to such a beautiful and relaxing location. What a glorious day filled with great conversation, tasty food, and numerous visual treats!!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Day 2: From Church to Prison in Yuma
My Yuma guides and great friends Mary Sue Kuban Crye and Ronda Wood.
After church and a delicious lunch at Texas Roadhouse, we went to the Yuma Territorial Prison.
On July 1876, the first seven inmates entered the prison and were locked into cells they had to build themselves. A total of 3,069 prisoners, including 39 women and numerous children, lived within the walls during the prison's 33 years of operation. Punishments for prisoners who broke regulations included the 'ball and chain," the dark cell, and the hot cell which was an open, stand-alone cell without walls or a ceiling in which the prisoner stood in the sun and heat of Yuma.
After church and a delicious lunch at Texas Roadhouse, we went to the Yuma Territorial Prison.
On July 1876, the first seven inmates entered the prison and were locked into cells they had to build themselves. A total of 3,069 prisoners, including 39 women and numerous children, lived within the walls during the prison's 33 years of operation. Punishments for prisoners who broke regulations included the 'ball and chain," the dark cell, and the hot cell which was an open, stand-alone cell without walls or a ceiling in which the prisoner stood in the sun and heat of Yuma.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Day 1: The Beauty Around Us
When I began my journey, I fluctuated between extreme excitement and a fear of not knowing what was ahead. But the excitement took over and with friends and family calling every few minutes, I loaded the last box of camera equipment, my bags, and audio books that would keep me company along the long stretches of road away from the ocean.
On the road, I realized everything looked different. Maybe it was my spirit that had never been quite like this. Who knew what was ahead, but I expected it would be amazing if Gila Bend looked good.
Gila Bend
Colorado River in Yuma
Train crossing Colorado River in Yuma
Sunday, April 11, 2010
From Sacagawea to me
Many 8th grade students never read an entire book, something I found appalling as their English teacher. I tried to find books to capture their interest and make avid readers out of them. I discovered that often, it was my passion for the subject matter that hooked them.
One of my favorites was the Scott O’Dell novel, Streams to the River, River to the Sea, where he brings to life the mysterious Shoshone girl Sacagawea, interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark. Sacagawea's journey to the great sea is not only physical. It is a spiritual journey as well - and the lessons she learned while on this journey changed her path in life forever.
Each time I read this book to my students, I would promise my students that someday I would stand where Sacagewea stood when she first saw the Pacific Ocean. I often said I was not as strong as she was, and would not have survived that trip. I wondered if she was aware of how her journey changed the future.
Thus, I set out on my own journey, and within days, I will stand where Sacagawea stood, having gone through my own adventures, struggles, and spiritual journey along the way - though much different from hers. I am grateful to be going in my car instead of the keel boat in which she traveled.
I wonder how this trip will change a future.
Each time I read this book to my students, I would promise my students that someday I would stand where Sacagewea stood when she first saw the Pacific Ocean. I often said I was not as strong as she was, and would not have survived that trip. I wondered if she was aware of how her journey changed the future.
Thus, I set out on my own journey, and within days, I will stand where Sacagawea stood, having gone through my own adventures, struggles, and spiritual journey along the way - though much different from hers. I am grateful to be going in my car instead of the keel boat in which she traveled.
I wonder how this trip will change a future.
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