Accountability

It's potty-training time at our house. It's been a while since I've been involved in a project like this.

On Sunday during church, when Dez was busy teaching her Primary Class, Evylee's nursery leader found me instead. Evylee exclaimed, "I need to go potty!" She practically skipped down the hall and with a light in her eyes and a smile on her face stated emphatically, 

"My mommy will be SO HAPPY with me!"

It's funny... That often goes through my mind too. My sweet mother passed away over twelve years ago. I think about her often. When I'm on stage with the Symphony or the Orchestra at Temple square, when I'm baking her famous Sour Dough French Bread to give away to a neighbor, when I'm knitting a pair of booties for a new little spirit, I think to myself, 

"My mother will be SO HAPPY with me!"

She taught me these things.

And then there are other times... Times when I give in to frustration, disappointment, pessimism, aggravation, doubt, self-centeredness.

She did not teach me these things.

It's good to be accountable.

The Road Less Traveled

I was asked to perform with the Utah Symphony on their tour to

Logan

and 

Cedar City

And Randy was asked to help with the Intermountain Photographers Quarterly in Moab two days later...

So we did the Collier Thing and made a mini vacation out of it all! WE know how to vacation on a budget!

When we arrived at the hotel in Cedar City, we found a giant candy bar on the desk

(Notice this Symphony Bar's weight)

With my name on it

Literally! 

Ahhh - one of the perks of playing with the Utah Symphony :o)

and a nice after-concert treat for the two of us.

We had an entire day to make our way from Cedar City across the state to Moab, so we got this hare-brained idea to take some back roads.

Maybe I should add some back DIRT roads!

We weren't the ONLY ones on that dusty path

If you count the livestock.

What an amazing backdrop for General Conference. We listened intently to President Uchtdorf's address as we bounced along the rocky road:

"It’s remarkable how much we can learn about life, by studying nature."

"When growing conditions are not ideal, trees slow down their growth and devote their energy to the basic elements that are necessary for survival."

"Amidst the multitude of voices and choices, the humble man of Galilee stands with hands outstretched, waiting..

His is a simple message, 'Come, follow me.' "

"We would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most."

"Our relationship with God is most sacred and vital... we need some meaningful time alone with Him."

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

"May I suggest that you reduce the rush and take a little extra time to get to know yourself better. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy God’s creations, ponder the truths of the restored gospel, and find out what they mean for you personally. Learn to see yourself as Heavenly Father sees you—as His precious daughter or son with divine potential.”

"Perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most."

"Let us simplify our lives a little."

"Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble  path of Christian discipleship. The path that leads always to a life of gladness, meaning, and peace."

We took the road less traveled by

And that made all the difference.