Skiing ~ To The Mountains We Go

We live in the heart of the mountains, and I cannot imagine living anywhere else. I used to visit relatives in Kansas and wonder how they could tell which direction they were heading. I drove across the plains and felt like I must be going uphill all the time. But although I love the mountains, hiking in the desert is the real thing for me. It is inspiring, challenging and wonderful.

Renee, I love how you said that mountains inspire you to greatness. That statement made me stop and think. I also like how you make no mistake about giving up a lot for this proximity to the mountains. That is something many people would not be willing to do. You are keeping it real here and I appreciate that.

PS My daughter came to stay last weekend and I asked her to try your shampoo bar. She was skeptical as she has long, thick, wavy hair and buys expensive products. After she used it she said," I like it so far but I usually use conditioner because my hair gets frizzy so when it is dry, I'll tell you then." After it was dry she was equally impressed and asked when you will have it for sale. So that is 3/3 good ratings from this house.

Oh I so get this! Growing up surrounded by trees and mountains I would live nowhere else!

I am loving all these breathtaking pictures (especially since we are having such an unusually warm winter in my part of the world). I love your blog. Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts with so many people.
ps. our family started our own outdoor adventure day after being inspired by your family. we spend a lot of our time outdoors already, but having a weekly sacred time set aside for "adventure" is so much FUN! Thanks, Renee.

Renee,

If I may ask, what is it that you feel you are giving up to be close to the mountains? I have been following your journey back to Canada all this time, and it doesn't feel like you've given up much of anything that you truly love (at least from a distance).

I recently graduated with my degree in May of last year and have been struggling to figure out where I want to be. For the longest time, I have wanted to travel, see places, meet people, and feel more inspired to greatness (and attempt to become some kind of international medical worker-- whatever that means)! Part of my hesitation is monetary, but I also know that there are many ways to go abroad without having a ton of my money. So, in reality I know that I am holding myself back. As much as I want to jump on a plane almost everyday, I have also created a life here that I have enjoyed over the years. I recently started a full-time job as a nanny, which is hard to leave when it promises an ability to save money and get those braces I've needed for all these years. I just can't seem to separate myself from a place where my family and friends seem to need me or from a life that has created other passions that I'm scared to loose. I also don't have a distinct plan about where I want to go, which makes this a tad more complicated. I could go to Italy or Spain or Australia to be an Au Pair. I could try to apply for the Peace Corps and see where they place me. I could try to get a job in this international camping organization or go stay on organic farms around the world. I'm also thinking about volunteering in Africa or India somehow, Naturopathic Medical School, Bikram yoga teacher training, Master in Public Health school..... I want to do it all, but I can't even decide where to start. You and your family know that mountains inspire you. Mountains inspire me too, but I am also so in love with many other things.

All this to ask how you gave up what you did, because I know I only get part of the story ;) Sorry this is so long, but I do look forward to your response.

I hear you on the mountains. I feel more alive when I live near them. Having spent the first 18 years of my life surrounded by cornfields, I didn't realize the desire to be near the mountains. We've moved a lot - VA, NC, VT, MN, MI and now OR. My favorite places to live have been the places with mountains in sight.

I think I'd rather be dead than go skiing in the mountains in that snow!! I am not a cold weather person AT ALL! But glad you all enjoy it! :)

hi! I found you here via Unplugged Sunday. Oh yes, I know what you mean. I've lived in the same place ALL of my life in the Hudson River valley in New York surrounded by small mountains of the Catskills, Shawangunks(great rock climbing), Hudson Highlands, Taconic and the foothills of the Berkshires. As a teen I wanted nothing more than to escape this area, now years later, I never want to leave. It is just something beautiful looking out over the majestic river with the sun setting and rising over the mountains. Awe-inspiring!

It looks lovely where you are with the snow capped mountains. I'm not familiar with that area of Canada. Is there snow there year round?

Have a peaceful and fabulous day!

Beautiful pictures, Renee! I love the mountains (lived near enough to Banff and Jasper to go often for awhile) but it's the sea that does it for me - inspires greatness, fills me with joy and refills my soul-well. So thankful to be living on Cape Breton where we have access to great hills (not actual mountains but close enough) and the ocean, too! Loving your blog, thanks so much for sharing your journey. Bless you and yours!

I love this : "During our years in Maine we learned that mountains are a part of our family identity." So important, I think, to develop a "family identity" - hopefully a healthy one - and embrace it.

I am so loving these winter mountain photos as we are in the middle of a fantastic summer. I am so blessed to live in the South Island of New Zealand where we are in close proximity to the sea, lakes, rivers and mountains. While still being close to a university city (although shaken with earthquakes) for the kids. Love your blog and photos Renee, Thanks!