Wonderful Woman's Wednesday

As a spin-off of one of my fellow bloggers (but as not to copy her), I am going to incorporate a play-on words into my weekly blogging.

In my life, my girlfriends have always played a significant role in my life. They have been there in times of doubt, fear, and sadness. They have been there in times of happiness, joy, and accomplishment. Like fine wine, with age comes appreciation and understanding in how to support and assist one another in growth.

We, women, are a brave tribe who find comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our quirks, mannuerisms, apprehensions, and self-doubt. So as a way to show how wonderful the women in my life can be, I am going to take the time to highlight a beautiful woman each Wednesday (no promises on how consistent this will be folks).

First up...

Rachel Watts Webb

Rachie and I met in 2001 when we were both rushing sorority life at UK. We became pledge sisters by chance, but we became life-long friends by choice. She is an amazing woman, on the inside and outside. Her Christian values are reflected in her daily life, and it is impossible to not feel spiritually moved in her presence. She has a smile that can light up the room. Scratch that, she can light up an entire neighborhood. Her ears are always open to listen, and her advice has a way of putting you at ease. Whenever I need an angel on Earth, I just pick up the phone and call her!

Currently, Rachie is the proud mommy of Walker and the loving wife of Lee (aka Leedle). I had the honor of playing a part in her wedding day (can you say stunning), and I strive to practice the love that she gives forth in her marriage. I have only had the pleasure of watching her parenting skills once, but dang this momma knows how to get it done.

Most recently, while blog stalking her, I discovered that Leedle hi-jacked her blog to shine the spotlight on his boo. Rachie is hard at work promoting the great assets of our alma mater in the video below. So proud of you girl!

KOL Rocks the Bowl

Hollywood Bowl: a hidden gem; an ampitheatre that sits off of Hollywood Blvd in the heart of the city where the maps of the stars line the streets but couldn't make you feel further from Los Angeles; an area where 10,000+ can enjoy the star-lit sky (yes you can actually see stars here) while sipping cocktails and treating your ears to fantastic acoustics; a place that just for a moment makes you forget all of your worries as you soak in the experience

Kings of Leon: a musical phenomenon comprised of 4 adult males born and bred in the southern state of Tennessee; a talented group of hard-working, dedicated musicians who toured for 5 years chasing a dream; a band capable of mixing melody, harmony, rhythm, soul, and blues to create heaven for the ears

KOL + Bowl: a pleasant surprise Monday night date; an amazing experience as "our first concert"; a musical act that represents "us" as a couple; a setting that allowed us to open our hearts, minds, and words to the love that we feel

Our Kind of Love

Camping 101

If you know me, you know that camping is not my thing. Mainly because I do not care for dirt, and I am a bit too OCD for the likes of wilderness living. However, I shared the most amazing experience and vacation with the love of my life this past weekend.

We spent 4 days roughing it in the wild. We saw 3 National Parks. We emerged ourselves in dirt, water, sun, and sweat. We spent time listening to the sounds of birds, waterfalls, children playing, and roaring rapids. We enjoyed the silence and stillness of the abandoned land. We read. We laughed. We ate like kings & queens (nothing like charcoal grilled chicken and steak). We roasted marshmellows and munched on s'mores by the campfire. We slept in a tent and brushed our teeth with bottled water. But mostly, we grew to know one another a little more and to love each other in a stronger light.

Enjoy the pictures below!

Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park

Meet Half Dome

A granite dome that sits 8,000 feet in the air. From Yosemite Valley, it is a 16.4 mile trail of strenuous uphill climbing, stair stepping, waterfall spraying, cable mounting activity. The views from the top include snow-topped mountains, lush green pastures, and emerald colored waters. The experience is nothing like I have ever experienced before in my life.

There are no words that do Yosemite justice. I am not even sure pictures capture the true essence of its beauty. To spend 4 days in pure nature with God's gifts surrounding us was an incredibly spiritual journey. Combined with the extreme physical activity of mounting Half Dome made for the most memorable 4th of July yet.

Months of planning and training went into this weekend. All well worth it in the end. Because to face and conquer a challenge together is to strengthen the love between us.

Rising at 4:15am, we suited up, loaded our backpacks, packed the car, and headed to the trailhead. After a black bear sighting, we locked our food in the bear lockers and hit the trail at 5:30am.

Taking the Mist Trail, we started up the steep paved road. After a very deceiving moment of downhill, we crossed a bridge flooded by rough rapids. Making a turn to the left, we began ascending the stairway leading to Vernal Falls. The stairs were slick with water and puddles lay between crevices. The falls sprayed water against our bodies as we climbed to the top. Reaching the emerald pools, we encountered another set of steep stairs winding around to the top of Nevada Falls.

For about a mile, we ventured through a vast green meadow during the wee morning hours. Just past Little Yosemite Valley, we began another dirt and stone path upward, zig-zagging back and forth.

We rounded a left corner to find a large climb to the top of the mount. Granite man-made stair steps cut ever so precisely. One by one, we stepped and stepped and stepped. Alas, we reached the metal cables. In our packs, we grabbed our gloves and set out to complete the last daunting steep uphill torture (I mean climb). Using our upper body strength and what was left in our legs, we pulled our way to the top.

Breathtaking.

We could see for miles and miles and miles...a range of terrains and landscapes. We truly were on top of the world.