“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” — Dalai Lama At 17 years old, Trevor, who was born with cerebral palsy, was diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness. “It's very difficult to describe the effect that kind of event has on your life,” explains … [Read more...]
Wasatch 100: How Far and Fast Can We Go?
For Jesse Rich, distance running started with the proverbial first step. This year he won the Wasatch 100, a 100-mile footrace traversing Utah’s rugged Wasatch mountains. But it all started in 2012 when his brother invited him out for a casual run. For the two brothers, enjoying each other’s company quickly became much more. For Jesse, running became a vehicle for … [Read more...]
Paizlee’s Grass-Fed Beef
I can remember the moment that I first tasted a real hamburger. I was staying with family in rural Utah. Dinner featured homemade hamburgers prepared with beef from a locally raised, grass-fed cow. I remember the complexity of flavor being so unique that I had asked how the meat had been seasoned. “It wasn’t,” was the answer. “It’s just the beef.” I was amazed. Until that … [Read more...]
My Personal Renaissance at the Utah Renaissance Faire
I vividly remember the day I realized that people in costume make me uncomfortable. It was Halloween in High School and a friend of mine had dressed up so thoroughly, that he had obscured his identity. Even though I knew it was him, I couldn't visually recognize him underneath the costume. It disturbed me, deeply. As irony would have it, I have spent the last three summers … [Read more...]
John Young: Luthier
"A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit, and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy." -Albert Einstein I spent a recent morning in a violin maker’s shop, being given a tour by its luthier, John Young. John picks up a future violin, a pair of wooden boards, and we look at the flaming of the grain. He shows me a scattering of violin pieces, ribs, … [Read more...]
Lava Flows and Hot Springs: Volcanic Activity in Utah
Years ago, I saw a photo on Facebook of a little girl snorkeling among tropical fish in a rocky pool with clear turquoise water. The photo was tagged at Meadow, Utah. I had never heard of Meadow, but I soon discovered that just outside this quaint town in Millard County, lies a collection of thermal springs. Two years ago my sister and I made the road trip to see the springs … [Read more...]
Donkey Basketball
On just a bit more than a whim, I picked up my two teen-aged sons after school. We drove 130 miles to a rural Utah high school auditorium where student body officers straddled the backs of rubber bootie-wearing donkeys while also playing a game of basketball. A week before, I had seen a poster advertising ‘Annual Donkey Basketball’ as a school fundraiser and, I thought, “now … [Read more...]
Helper, Utah: a Diverse and Artistic Community
In 1881, the historic town of Helper, Utah, was born as a result of the arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The town got its name from the fleet of ‘helper’ engines that were stationed at the mouth of Price Canyon, ready and waiting to assist the trains on their way to Soldier Summit. With the steep grade of the canyon, the steam engines were unable to climb … [Read more...]
A New Leash on Life: A Nurse Practitioner Finds Happiness As A Dog Walker
“Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.” - Franklin P. Jones, humorist. Missy Berkel has a new leash on life. This January, Missy started All Good Dogs dog-walking service. After spending 17 years working in the medical field, Missy has reinvented her professional life and now spends her days in the company of canines. “Working as a nurse practitioner is a hard … [Read more...]
Wooden Bow Ties from W.K. Wilson
“A bow tie guy is not like every guy. He is not afraid of being noticed.” -Shawn Wilson A buzzing hum comes from the corner of a well-used workshop. My eyes track over to the sound and I see a small bright light reflected off the surface of golden wood. The light is gently jutting about, leaving behind a toasted line on the wood’s surface. My brain starts to connect the dots. … [Read more...]