Upward Spiral

In the past I’ve been all to familiar with the Downward Spiral. You know it as well I'm sure, one thing after another drags you down into a deep dark pit. No good. Let’s be honest, she’s a dirty little bitch.

Recently discovered it’s counterpart, I’ll call it the Upward Spiral. Had theorized in the past of it’s existence, but always thought it was a mirage or fairy tale. Turns out to be real. It seems that success builds on success just as failure builds on failure. Pretty amazing actually. So, if and when I fell caught in the Downward Spiral again, will have to remember that it is in fact possible to turn around and start climbing back out. Hope you can know this to be true in your life as well.

Europe

“Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up.”

When I left for Europe I was most looking forward to the sights and sounds and foods of a foreign land. While these were all really great, my favorite memories are the people I met along the way. It was so fun to get to know new people and hear their stories (and get to see my old friend Rachel). The girls I traveled with were so nice to welcome me into their group. I was also so blessed by the hospitality and welcome from the families we stayed with. Opening their homes, preparing meals, washing our clothes, providing taxi services. All for a stranger who couldn’t even speak their language. And all with a genuine smile.

Right now it’s nice to sit back and ruminate on all the good memories of new places and belly-aching laughter with new friends.

Twirling in Austria.

You may recognize this pathway from The Sound of Music

where the kids and Maria ran through too. I'm so glad I was

with people who like to twirl.