#15 Hot Air Balloon

Some may say I am full of hot air, however, I have ridden in something with hot air--the balloon ride, # 17 on the list--and I assure you that even I do not have that much hot air to blow. As I peered over the top of the basket listening to the balloon man give us the history, geology, and gossip of the area, I imagined being a hawk looking for prey to pounce and devour. Sounds a tad graphic, but that's how nature works--at least that's what the balloon man said. Speaking of him, he looked about fifteen and had the enthusiasm of a six year old which made the ride quite entertaining. My life was entrusted in this man's/boy's hands and I still climbed into the basket. I will have to say, it was an uneventful ride--which is what they strive to do for their clients. He managed a soft rocky landing that left us all smiling while he received a congratulatory hug for a job well done. Whew! Not that I doubted there would be a problem, but as I first surveyed the group, it occurred to me that a couple of people looked like their number might be up today and I was in the position of either braving the basket or not. Was this paranoia part of my sixtieth year? I have had similar feelings whenever I board an airplane and I say to myself, "Okay, who looks like today might be their last?" If no one fits that criteria, I find my seat. Lucky day for me--and for that couple--that it was a successful and memorable flight into the blue skies.

One highlight on the journey was spotting a herd of javelinas in the brush below. They were startled as we whooshed nearby and they quickly fled from their hiding place to an open area. Another nature moment for me, but thank goodness, no bloody scenario from a predator--just tails running in the opposite direction of our balloon shadow.

It was a surprisingly gentle float gliding over the treetops and past the stunning red rocks of Sedona. The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me and left me speechless; hence, no hot air coming out me today.

Eating out in restaurants has not been a challenge (# 55)--so many restaurants, so little time. Our lunch today was at the Barking Frog with two of our favorite Grand Canyon guides, Tracy (and her mom) and Marieke. Why wasn't this added to my list--sixty lunch dates with them over the next sixty years? I loved hearing their stories, laughing at their jokes, and admiring their downright quirkiness. Being friends for another sixty years--now that would be an even better addition to the list.

It is now approaching the end of the third month of 2011 and, reflecting on my goals, I am happy, no, not happy, ecstatic with how my sixtieth year has begun and continues on a daily basis. I am pushing myself towards unknown territory and realize that step by step, one goal at a time, I can do this. Could this be my slogan for the year--just do this? Eh, that one has already been done, plus it is not quite as clever as Nike's original one. No, I don't need to add creating sixty new slogans to my already jam packed list. Let me think of just one that truly represents my year. Groooooaaaan, nothing yet on my radar. I do believe that I will need at least sixty more days to be inspired for a slogan that embraces this sixtieth year.