Naomi's Peak

It just so happens that the hubby has spent the last week in a faraway land...trust me...he's definitely in a foreign country. Before he left, just the two of us (plus the pooch) set off to hike Naomi Peak.

I always miss him when he travels, but there is something about this trip that makes him feel so much farther away...

 and I miss him even more.

The trail to Naomi Peak winds through spectacular meadows of wildflowers

that have normally peaked by this time of year.

But these little buddies are still trying very hard to reach for the sun and bloom through the patches of remaining snow.

The route passes through a variety of terrain, including forest, meadows, glacial moraine, and rocky cliffs before you arrive at the summit.

There is still a ton of snow from the late El Nino storms that plastered the West this Spring...which makes for fantastic snow vistas. I love this shot...looks like Dean and Izzy are at the North Pole.

Naomi Peak summit sits at 9980 feet and is the highest point in the Bear River Range.The views in every direction are commanding albeit magestic...to the west-Cache Valley and Cherry Peak; to the south-Mt. Elmer, Logan Peak and the Uinta Mountains; to the east-the Salt River Range and on a clear day... the Grand Tetons.

Just the two of us (and a self-timer on the camera) sit at the top and snack on some fresh cherries and homemade granola. Chatting about the usual stuff that a couple who have known each other for many years do...we breathe in the amazing view that lies all around us. 

 Izzy is the best trail dog who loves hiking along with us whenever we go.

Before we make our descent, I snapped this shot for one of our ski buddies. This is Cherry Peak and makes for some gnarly back country skiing.

 And speaking of skiing...here's one way to get down.

 Woops...a shot of Izzy doing her business...who took that picture?

Somehow I missed this perfectly formed rocky outcropping while hiking up to Naomi Peak, so I was surprised to see it there as we hiked out.

Memories of a great day with the hubby have sustained me during the lonely moments this week. 

 And don't worry... Izzy always keeps Dean's pillow warm while he is gone.

Tonight as I look out my window...there is an enormous full moon. I wonder what Dean sees out his window halfway round the world? And is he missing home as much as home is missing him!

Niece Baby & Nephew Baby

Lawyer girl calls the wee ones...niece baby and nephew baby. Given that these babes are the children of her big sister; of course she will adore them...but most likely she will spoil them completely.

Last week Lawyer Girl left sunny California to come fill her arms with babies. 

I imagine Olivia will soon learn of her Auntie's immense love of music, especially the piano.

I imagine Lawyer girl will encourage Olivia to learn a concerto or two.

I imagine she and Henry will discuss great literature, movies, and politics some day. "Yo Auntie Didi...did you see that new episode of Yo Gabba Gabba?"

I imagine Henry will even pick up some of that sharp wit and sarcasm that every member of The Garlick Press seems to possess.

I imagine Olivia will seek out her hip Auntie when choosing between a Kate Spade or a Juicy Couture bag.

And I imagine that Lawyer Girl will learn a thing or two from niece baby and nephew baby as well.

If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean, in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.
                                                                                                                  ~Vincent Van Gogh

Adorable July

Family photos...we all love them and yet at the same time dread having them taken. But no family agonizes over this quintessential life event more than a family who has lost a beloved member.  The thought of recording this moment in time without them is absolutely unimaginable; as if accepting their absence and smiling about it.

The heartbreaking reality of The Garlick Press family photos continuing without The Red One was inconceivable...until last week.  It has taken us over three years to muster the courage...and I knew my very talented friend Michelle was the one I could trust with this exceptionally tender task.

Hands down...no question about it...the most adorable thing to happen in the month of July was this moment.

How I wish with all my heart and soul that our beautiful red-head Jocie was in this shot...that life had not snatched her out of our family photo. But do you see that bouquet of roses I'm holding...those are for Jocie. Fifteen roses...one for each year of her life with us. Red of course, for her signature gorgeous red hair.

This is the family of The Garlick Press.  I adore each and every single one of them. Our faces twinkle with joy and smiles and laughs...overshadowing the dark pain and sorrow from the past few years.  My family is my life, my joy, and my hope for tomorrow! May yours be also...

A Huckleberry Hike for Parker

Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.

       ~Emily Dickinson

Sundance ski resort shimmers with immortality as the morning sun climbs its way up the rugged mountain walls.
 

Their stories are as varied as the homelands they hail from, but the astounding loss is the same and pulsates through each of our hearts.

A daughter, a sister,

a brother, a friend,

all gone too soon.

We assemble in honor of Parker

and we hike for every other immortalized loved one.

Sweet new friendships have blossomed from this annual gathering.

Familiar faces...thrilled to be together again.

And there is fun and joy...

in every...

single...

step...

taken



on this day.

It's difficult to explain the bond we all feel

as we hike at high altitude through intense rays of sun.

Boys stepping into manhood feel the same bond.

The journey is steep,

but the view from the top is incredible.

and worth every single stride.

My mind and camera capture moments of bliss, like this amazing big brother carrying his baby sister up the very steepest part of the hike.

And giggles,

and antics,

and the face of a refreshing lollipop licker fill my reservoir with happiness.

Parker's family continues to heal amidst unspeakable tragedy; not only surviving but thriving for each other and for Parker's legacy.

A special Jiggy Stick production was made in honor of the day for each of us... to keep our lips smooth and hydrated while hiking. Dean named this flavor "Huckleberry Hike". And I think it's my new favorite!

It was impossible to keep pace with these teenage boys as we wound our way through the trail

through a swift water crossing of still melting snow...

to this waterfall.

And if I've learned anything about this group...where there is water, there are shenanigans.

Yes, it's my friend Michelle running through the waterfall with all the rest of the kids. 

I absolutely adore her passion for life and commitment to family.

Ninja boys pose following their running of the falls.

And as usual...we place a little token of Jocie hanging in a tree.

Tired and yet invigorated we hike our descent from a glorious mountain day spent with the most amazing people. A quick look behind us reveals where we've been

and provides hope and inspiration for the road ahead.