So, it's the morning after the event and I'm feeling pretty good. Amazingly, I've been able to sleep pretty well on this old hotel room bed. This good feeling was interrupted however briefly, by the hotel fire alarm going off, so we all had to evacuate for a short time. I think it must have been a false alarm. Geez, that was loud...
Anyway, got back to my room, got dressed and headed for Provo for some sight-seeing; not before stopping at Starbucks first.
Once I got back to Orem, I readied myself for my scheduled horseback ride in Sundance. It was a beautiful day for horseback riding. My horse was a brown male name Gnut. The ride was the Stewart Falls Trail. Of course we stopped near the waterfall for a photo opportunity. This was just what I needed. Good for the soul.
After my beautiful ride, I went back to my hotel to get cleaned up for my dinner at the Foundry Grill at the Sundance Resort. It was a great dinner, but a little pricey for me.
When I was done with dinner, I left the restaurant and just happened to look up...
Stars, stars and more stars...
I could never see this many stars in the city. Absolutely gorgeous! This put me in the mood for a glass of wine, so I headed for the Owl Bar, which is right next to the restaurant. I struck up a nice conversation with a young man who was attending Brigham Young University. It was a very relaxing evening.
25th Sept. 7:37am
Today is the day I go home. Right now the only thing I'm looking forward to is seeing my son. I really miss him. I'm definitely not looking forward to figuring out how I'm going to pay all my bills...AARGH!
Since my flight back wasn't until 5:38pm I decided to take a nice walk through one of the many nature trails around here. I certainly need the exercise; especially after the ride yesterday...just a bit sore.
I was able to make it back the Sundance General Store, where I bought some postcards and 2 souvenir bracelets; one for me and one for my son. I also went over to their deli and bought a sandwich to eat while I took my walk. All the while, I tried to take pictures whenever I had the chance.
After all was said and done at Sundance I made my way to Salt Lake City to catch my flight home. It was an uneventful flight. Anyway, we landed, I got my bags, caught a taxi and made my way home.
So it's back to real life for me now. Back to juggling money to pay the bills, attempting to be a good mom and raise a healthy, happy, intelligent and respectful son, and making my massage therapy career into something worthwhile. I still think about my Sundance trip and despite the loneliness, it was a great experience. I'd love the chance to go back some day, but right now I'm just going to settle for...
Smiling, Laughing and just being happy in any way possible!
The End...
19 January 2009
12 January 2009
My Adventure in Sundance, Utah 2006 Part 3
24 Sept. 11:34am
Oh, tonight's the big event!
So I'm just trying to find someplace to have a late breakfast, drove down to Provo and found a Denny's. One thing I've noticed while driving around is the absence of Mexican eateries. I mean, they do have some, but very few.
This coffee is really good...
Saw a church for sale in Provo-interesting. Actually, there's a lot of real estate for sale out here. I wonder what the average cost is. Now, this all happened before our current economic and housing problems. Must have been the beginnings of it.
Skip to...7:50pm
Hmm, let me think back a minute. I should've started writing again sooner. Let's see, I finished my breakfast, went driving to take some pictures of these majestic settings, went to Nunn's Park, back to the Sundance area, then went back to my hotel room to get ready of the "Big Night"!
I got myself all "gussied up" and made my way to: The Share the Beat Benefit
I got there at about 5:30pm. Things were already swingin. They ended having the BBQ outside after all (on the Sundance website they were going to move the party completely indoors due to initial weather concerns, but the weather turned out to be beautiful, albeit cold). I started off with a beer and just became the complete observer, a trait I have mastered over the years. During this observation time I got to meet Robert Redford, his son Jamie Redford (founder of this benefit), Jamie Denton (actor on Desperate Housewives) and Nathaniel Parker (Brit actor).
After walking around for a bit, I finally got my food and sat at one of the many tables. Joining me were Barb from Flagstaff, Donna from Indianapolis, Emily and her Mom from Orange Co. and another couple from Indianapolis. The food was wonderful...
After dinner, we were told to head to the Rehearsal Hall for the concert. I was able to snag a seat towards the center rear, which I liked (easy access to the bathrooms if needed). I'm glad nobody really tall sat in front of me (aah, the curse of being short). The couple sitting to my right seemed a bit snooty (never did talk to them), but sitting to my left was Patricia, a psychotherapist from Ca.
The concert was very good. Robert Redford got up and spoke; as did the Jamie's and Nathaniel. I don't really listen to country all that much anymore, but there's nothing like a live concert, no matter what type of music. The intimate setting certainly added to the atmosphere. There were maybe 100 people. It felt great to be a part of this event.
About the performers:
I hadn't heard of any of them:
-Alexa, accompanied by Ben (2 guitars). She's apparently from Park City.
-Alana, she had a song in the movie "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"
-Bobby Joyner, a country/blues artist. He was really good! Really brought the house down!
-Rivers Rutherford, another country artist/songwriter. He's apparently written some well-known songs, but I hadn't heard of him.
In between the acts, Jamie Redford, Jamie Denton and Nathaniel Parker all got up and spoke a little about why they were there, to support this effort. After the concert, everyone hung out, the guests, the artists, the guest speakers and the Redford's. It was a wonderful time. I was able to thank Jamie Redford for creating this benefit (he himself has had a liver transplant). The benefit/party started breaking up around 11pm and the folks from my table decided to go have a few drinks at the Owl Bar. I joined them. What a great time! Afterwards, I went back to my hotel room, put on the shirt I purchased at the event and promptly went to sleep.
To be continued...
Oh, tonight's the big event!
So I'm just trying to find someplace to have a late breakfast, drove down to Provo and found a Denny's. One thing I've noticed while driving around is the absence of Mexican eateries. I mean, they do have some, but very few.
This coffee is really good...
Saw a church for sale in Provo-interesting. Actually, there's a lot of real estate for sale out here. I wonder what the average cost is. Now, this all happened before our current economic and housing problems. Must have been the beginnings of it.
Skip to...7:50pm
Hmm, let me think back a minute. I should've started writing again sooner. Let's see, I finished my breakfast, went driving to take some pictures of these majestic settings, went to Nunn's Park, back to the Sundance area, then went back to my hotel room to get ready of the "Big Night"!
I got myself all "gussied up" and made my way to: The Share the Beat Benefit
I got there at about 5:30pm. Things were already swingin. They ended having the BBQ outside after all (on the Sundance website they were going to move the party completely indoors due to initial weather concerns, but the weather turned out to be beautiful, albeit cold). I started off with a beer and just became the complete observer, a trait I have mastered over the years. During this observation time I got to meet Robert Redford, his son Jamie Redford (founder of this benefit), Jamie Denton (actor on Desperate Housewives) and Nathaniel Parker (Brit actor).
After walking around for a bit, I finally got my food and sat at one of the many tables. Joining me were Barb from Flagstaff, Donna from Indianapolis, Emily and her Mom from Orange Co. and another couple from Indianapolis. The food was wonderful...
After dinner, we were told to head to the Rehearsal Hall for the concert. I was able to snag a seat towards the center rear, which I liked (easy access to the bathrooms if needed). I'm glad nobody really tall sat in front of me (aah, the curse of being short). The couple sitting to my right seemed a bit snooty (never did talk to them), but sitting to my left was Patricia, a psychotherapist from Ca.
The concert was very good. Robert Redford got up and spoke; as did the Jamie's and Nathaniel. I don't really listen to country all that much anymore, but there's nothing like a live concert, no matter what type of music. The intimate setting certainly added to the atmosphere. There were maybe 100 people. It felt great to be a part of this event.
About the performers:
I hadn't heard of any of them:
-Alexa, accompanied by Ben (2 guitars). She's apparently from Park City.
-Alana, she had a song in the movie "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"
-Bobby Joyner, a country/blues artist. He was really good! Really brought the house down!
-Rivers Rutherford, another country artist/songwriter. He's apparently written some well-known songs, but I hadn't heard of him.
In between the acts, Jamie Redford, Jamie Denton and Nathaniel Parker all got up and spoke a little about why they were there, to support this effort. After the concert, everyone hung out, the guests, the artists, the guest speakers and the Redford's. It was a wonderful time. I was able to thank Jamie Redford for creating this benefit (he himself has had a liver transplant). The benefit/party started breaking up around 11pm and the folks from my table decided to go have a few drinks at the Owl Bar. I joined them. What a great time! Afterwards, I went back to my hotel room, put on the shirt I purchased at the event and promptly went to sleep.
To be continued...
04 January 2009
My Adventure in Sundance, Utah 2006 Part 2
So, we've landed in Grande Junction. The Captain told us to remain calm & unalarmed, even though there are fire trucks and ambulances waiting for us (just a precautionary measure)...AARGH!!!
At this point, we have no idea how we're going to get to Salt Lake City (SLC), since Delta doesn't fly out of Grande Junction. This is not the adventure I was hoping for.
Ok--they've told us that a plane is coming in from SLC to take us back to SLC--this will take approximately 3 hrs.
A little about Grande Junction, CO. Airport: cold, foggy and rainy--oh how glorious. I was able to see a little bit of mountains until the fog rolled in.
1:00pm
We finally made it on board the new plane. Let's hope this one gets us to SLC without any glitches.
Introspection...
I'm beginning to have doubts about this trip. I have to say that I feel even more alone than usual. This type of adventure is something new for me, so I'm not sure how to handle it. I know, welcome to my "pity party"...blah, blah, blah
As we're flying over the Grande Junction area, I'm noticing the snow already accumulating on the mountaintops; so beautiful...
Ok, I have to admit something: this time I did partake of the delectable plastic-wrapped goodies and a Diet Coke. I'm so hungry I could eat a cow!
More Introspection...
The one person I wish was here with me is my son. It seems that lately, he's the one person who keeps me grounded.
4:12pm
After getting my Hundai Sonata rental car and getting a bit confused, but regaining myself on the road, I arrived at the La Quinta Inn in Orem, UT, just outside of Sundance. I couldn't afford to stay at the Sundance Resort; maybe next time. So, my room; #301 on the corner--very old smoky, very noisy. The only reason I chose this place is because it seemed to be the closest to Sundance, without being able to stay at Sundance.
Note to self: must buy Febreeze. I think I'll take a drive up to Sundance this evening so I can get an idea of the place. But first I'm going to relax for a little bit.
23 Sept. 10:24am
Good morning to me! Yesterday I did take that drive to Sundance...
SPECTACULAR!!!
I don't think I've seen beauty like this in a long time. You know that feeling you get when your chest gets heavy and you just want to cry? That's how beautiful it is. It's funny to watch the locals just wiz on by in their cars and trucks, not even noticing the majestic mountains anymore. I don't think I could ever grow tired of this scenery. I haven't taken many pictures yet, but now that I have a memory card for my camera, I'll be snappin' away; although I know my little digital camera won't do the scenery justice.
Next day
Once 8pm rolled around last night, I decided it was time to finally eat (I hadn't eaten since 6:30am...oops). I was able to find a local grocery store and picked up some sandwich makings, chips and water.
Be back later...
At this point, we have no idea how we're going to get to Salt Lake City (SLC), since Delta doesn't fly out of Grande Junction. This is not the adventure I was hoping for.
Ok--they've told us that a plane is coming in from SLC to take us back to SLC--this will take approximately 3 hrs.
A little about Grande Junction, CO. Airport: cold, foggy and rainy--oh how glorious. I was able to see a little bit of mountains until the fog rolled in.
1:00pm
We finally made it on board the new plane. Let's hope this one gets us to SLC without any glitches.
Introspection...
I'm beginning to have doubts about this trip. I have to say that I feel even more alone than usual. This type of adventure is something new for me, so I'm not sure how to handle it. I know, welcome to my "pity party"...blah, blah, blah
As we're flying over the Grande Junction area, I'm noticing the snow already accumulating on the mountaintops; so beautiful...
Ok, I have to admit something: this time I did partake of the delectable plastic-wrapped goodies and a Diet Coke. I'm so hungry I could eat a cow!
More Introspection...
The one person I wish was here with me is my son. It seems that lately, he's the one person who keeps me grounded.
4:12pm
After getting my Hundai Sonata rental car and getting a bit confused, but regaining myself on the road, I arrived at the La Quinta Inn in Orem, UT, just outside of Sundance. I couldn't afford to stay at the Sundance Resort; maybe next time. So, my room; #301 on the corner--very old smoky, very noisy. The only reason I chose this place is because it seemed to be the closest to Sundance, without being able to stay at Sundance.
Note to self: must buy Febreeze. I think I'll take a drive up to Sundance this evening so I can get an idea of the place. But first I'm going to relax for a little bit.
23 Sept. 10:24am
Good morning to me! Yesterday I did take that drive to Sundance...
SPECTACULAR!!!
I don't think I've seen beauty like this in a long time. You know that feeling you get when your chest gets heavy and you just want to cry? That's how beautiful it is. It's funny to watch the locals just wiz on by in their cars and trucks, not even noticing the majestic mountains anymore. I don't think I could ever grow tired of this scenery. I haven't taken many pictures yet, but now that I have a memory card for my camera, I'll be snappin' away; although I know my little digital camera won't do the scenery justice.
Next day
Once 8pm rolled around last night, I decided it was time to finally eat (I hadn't eaten since 6:30am...oops). I was able to find a local grocery store and picked up some sandwich makings, chips and water.
Be back later...
30 December 2008
My Adventure in Sundance, Utah 2006 Part 1
This actually happened a couple of years ago, but I thought I'd use it for my first blog. It's a bit long, but here goes...
My adventure in Sundance, Utah for the Share the Beat Benefit, created by the Jamie Redford Institute for Organ Transplantation and Donation Awareness
Sept. 22 - Sept. 25, 2006
22 Sept. 4:45am
Let me start off by saying that I AM NOT a morning person...So
It's not that it was difficult to get up, seeing as how I barely gave myself time to sleep the night before, it's just that I don't like doing it. But, when the situation calls for it...
Anyway, I got up, finished packing, got cleaned up, caught my taxi and was off to the airport, Delta flight #4246 to Salt Lake City, Utah. What's in Salt Lake City you might ask? I don't know anyone there; at least, not yet, but this adventure will take me further than SLC. I'll get to that a little later.
So, my taxi got me to the airport in no time flat. My driver was very courteous (likes classical music; it was on the radio). And despite all the hulabaloo about check-in and security, it went quite smoothly; so smoothly in fact, that now it's shortly after 6am and my flight isn't until 8am. So I get to wait for 2 hours...think I'm going to get some breakfast and coffee!
22 Sept. 7am
Ok, they really gouge you in the price of food at the airport. Starbucks coffee I'm always expecting to be pricey (got my triple grande white chocolate mocha), but the price for an egg, ham and cheese croissant - $6.26...ouch!
Gave my son a call at about 7am. Fully expecting to leave a message, since it's a school day and he's probably in the tub. As I was leaving him a message, my phone started to beep. I had an incoming call...from my son. He said I woke him up. We told each other 'I love you' and wished each other a great day. I hope he calls me later so I can tell him about Utah.
Note to self: Need to buy another regular suitcase for thick clothing; if I ever go somewhere cold again. This "coat" bag I decided to "carry on" is heavy and awkward. My shoulders are killing me...
I need a massage...sigh...
On The Plane
"I'm a little sardine, packed and squished..."
Wow, this is a very cramped, claustrophobic, small, tight plane. I'm in seat 19A, the window all the way in the back row. I really feel for the average/tall and overweight people. There's NO WAY they could possibly get comfortable on this plane. Also, right above my head is a sort of rattling vibration, which is not doing anything for my tension headache.
Chanel, one of the flight attendants, just offered up some "snacks", consisting of some delectable plastic-wrapped goodies, all of which can be purchased at a vending machine. Needless to say, I wasn't interested. I'm just waiting for the bottled water so I can suck down a couple of pills for my headache. Oh, and to pass the time, I took a few pictures from my plane seat. You know, the "cotton candy clouds"? I hope they turn out. Aah, my bottled water has arrived. Relief is on it's way!
The bad thing about window seats: whenever you have to pee, you have to disturb the half-conscious flyer next to you. Since this is an ordeal I'm not willing to undertake, I'll just have to hold it until SLC...yikes!
Mountains are starting to appear. I'm getting excited about that. That's one reason why I chose to go to Utah - the scenery.
The Captain has just informed us that due to an engine problem, we will be landing in Grande Junction, CO. (so that's what that sound was earlier...hmmm...). We're hoping to get a flight to SLC from there. Hoping!?! I'm trying to stay optimistic...
End of Part 1
My adventure in Sundance, Utah for the Share the Beat Benefit, created by the Jamie Redford Institute for Organ Transplantation and Donation Awareness
Sept. 22 - Sept. 25, 2006
22 Sept. 4:45am
Let me start off by saying that I AM NOT a morning person...So
It's not that it was difficult to get up, seeing as how I barely gave myself time to sleep the night before, it's just that I don't like doing it. But, when the situation calls for it...
Anyway, I got up, finished packing, got cleaned up, caught my taxi and was off to the airport, Delta flight #4246 to Salt Lake City, Utah. What's in Salt Lake City you might ask? I don't know anyone there; at least, not yet, but this adventure will take me further than SLC. I'll get to that a little later.
So, my taxi got me to the airport in no time flat. My driver was very courteous (likes classical music; it was on the radio). And despite all the hulabaloo about check-in and security, it went quite smoothly; so smoothly in fact, that now it's shortly after 6am and my flight isn't until 8am. So I get to wait for 2 hours...think I'm going to get some breakfast and coffee!
22 Sept. 7am
Ok, they really gouge you in the price of food at the airport. Starbucks coffee I'm always expecting to be pricey (got my triple grande white chocolate mocha), but the price for an egg, ham and cheese croissant - $6.26...ouch!
Gave my son a call at about 7am. Fully expecting to leave a message, since it's a school day and he's probably in the tub. As I was leaving him a message, my phone started to beep. I had an incoming call...from my son. He said I woke him up. We told each other 'I love you' and wished each other a great day. I hope he calls me later so I can tell him about Utah.
Note to self: Need to buy another regular suitcase for thick clothing; if I ever go somewhere cold again. This "coat" bag I decided to "carry on" is heavy and awkward. My shoulders are killing me...
I need a massage...sigh...
On The Plane
"I'm a little sardine, packed and squished..."
Wow, this is a very cramped, claustrophobic, small, tight plane. I'm in seat 19A, the window all the way in the back row. I really feel for the average/tall and overweight people. There's NO WAY they could possibly get comfortable on this plane. Also, right above my head is a sort of rattling vibration, which is not doing anything for my tension headache.
Chanel, one of the flight attendants, just offered up some "snacks", consisting of some delectable plastic-wrapped goodies, all of which can be purchased at a vending machine. Needless to say, I wasn't interested. I'm just waiting for the bottled water so I can suck down a couple of pills for my headache. Oh, and to pass the time, I took a few pictures from my plane seat. You know, the "cotton candy clouds"? I hope they turn out. Aah, my bottled water has arrived. Relief is on it's way!
The bad thing about window seats: whenever you have to pee, you have to disturb the half-conscious flyer next to you. Since this is an ordeal I'm not willing to undertake, I'll just have to hold it until SLC...yikes!
Mountains are starting to appear. I'm getting excited about that. That's one reason why I chose to go to Utah - the scenery.
The Captain has just informed us that due to an engine problem, we will be landing in Grande Junction, CO. (so that's what that sound was earlier...hmmm...). We're hoping to get a flight to SLC from there. Hoping!?! I'm trying to stay optimistic...
End of Part 1
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