I made new friends! C already knew them, but they're new to me so it counts. They're lovely and different and I can't wait to get to know them better.

But that's not what this post is about. It's about how I had them over for dinner and what I made.

One of my favorite people is getting in just over a month, so yesterday we threw a semi-impromptu bridal shower.

The reason the lovely bride to be looks like a pirate in the photo above is thanks to a Brazilian game wherein the bride has to guess what the gift is, and if she guesses wrong the person who gave it to her puts makeup on her. If she gets it right, the giver gets painted.

I made a Vine video of how everyone looked, it's in the tweet below.

Mel's bridal shower!!! vine.co/v/bDrDMU0puAz
— JoPickle (@jospikol) March 23, 2013

Oh and that tiny pup is Piper, Jolyn's dog, who I fully intend for Midas to fall in love with. We've already planned their wedding.

I won't go into details, but circumstances last week led me on a solo trip to Grand Junction, Colorado. (interesting note: on the east coast, we say Colorahhhdo, but not with that much emphasis. Out west, they say Colorado, with the a like in apple.)

Most people probably wouldn't take a mini vacation alone, but being by myself doesn't bother me, and in fact is sort of refreshing. My amateur phone pictures don't do it justice, but this area of Colorado is absolutely breathtaking.

On my first night I went to a painting class, which was sort of terrifying because I'm not artistic in that respect. But I'm pretty pleased with the results.

The next morning I hiked in the Colorado National Monument. The views were amazing. I wish it was in my backyard, I could see myself doing a lot of hiking if it were this accessible.

That afternoon I visited the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens.

And walked around adorable downtown Grand Junction.

On my last day I was pretty lazy and did a lot of reading and watching 30 Rock. But I did manage to make it to Palisade (just east of GJ) to wander around some vineyards and orchards.

Solo traveling isn't for everyone, but I loved it. Because I used to travel for work I'm not bothered by eating alone or even going to a movie alone. If you aren't comfortable sitting alone at a restaurant, get takeout! Go to a movie on a weeknight (I saw Five Year Engagement, so funny!) if you're worried about what people will think. But really, don't worry, because you aren't in your hometown, so you don't know anyone. 

I do want to mention that I was very safe about this trip. At least one person knew where I was at all times, when to expect me back, etc. I meant to get pepper spray (D has been bugging me about it forever), but couldn't find any close by before I left SLC. 

On a sappier note, being on this trip made me realize in a very real way one of the reasons people get into relationships. As much fun as I had doing whatever I wanted by myself, there were times (a lot of times) when I just wanted D there so he could see what I was seeing, or so I could tell him something. I think we all have a desire to share our lives with someone, or as Sarah says, to have someone witness our life. This hit me when I was alone on this trip. But it's true what they say...distance makes the heart grow fonder, and we had a great reunion when I got back.

As part of an effort to take back my life, I decided to start with taking back Ensign Peak.

It's one of my favorite places in Utah, and there are few things I enjoy more than going up on a Sunday afternoon, or any afternoon, really, and sitting for a while on a rock overlooking the valley. It's peaceful, and it reminds me how very big the world is, and how very small I am.

But the last time I went up, I got some bad news. Have you ever gotten bad news while standing on a cliff? No? Count yourself lucky.


This past Sunday I layered up (forgot the earmuffs though, for the wind) and started the trek up a very muddy trail.


There were times when I told myself it was stupid to be wading through mud, uphill. But I kept going. And sometimes I stopped, to take pictures. (All taken with my phone, b/c I left my camera in the car.)





Mostly, though, I just looked at the scenery and kept trudging. I was determined to reclaim this peak for me. To make new memories and erase the old ones. To take back my place.


My shoes are still caked in dirt. And my ears were cold for half an hour after I left. But friends, it was totally worth it.

in Midway

The weird cabinet that we think used to be a fridge.

In Chick's

Driving back from the cabin.

On the way up to Ensign Peak

Ensign Peak

At a tree planting along the Jordan River

Today is the first day of fall!

Prepare for gorgeousness.

Source: google.com via Joanna on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Joanna on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Joanna on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Joanna on Pinterest

Source: whatsupmynerdizzles.tumblr.com via Joanna on Pinterest

My mission this Fall is to find some really pretty places that remind me of being on the East Coast. Anyone want to help?

I can't promise much, but I can guarantee there will be stops for pumpkin and apple goodness along the way.

PS- Did you notice the colors here are a little more fall-like? This is what happens when I don't plan out my mornings off. I waste time.