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I was reading The Book of Awakening today and I liked what it said...

At the Pace of What is Real

Stop talking, stop thinking, and there is nothing you will not understand. -SENG TS'AN

Like most people, I know, I struggle with taking too much on, with doing too many things, with moving too fast, with overcommitting, with overplanning. I've learned that I must move, quite simply at the pace of what is real. While this pace may vary, life always seems vacant and diminished when I accelerate beyond my capacity to feel what is before me.

It seems we run our lives like trains, speeding along a track laid down by others, going so fast that what we pass blurs on by. Then we say we've been there, done that. The truth is that blurring by something is not the same as experiencing it.

So, no matter how many wonderful opportunities come my way, no matter the importance placed on these things by others who have my best interests at heart, I must somehow find a way to slow down the train that is me until what I pass by is again seeable, touchable, feel-able. Otherwise, I will pass by everything....but will have experienced and lived through nothing.

* Consider three things you must do today.
* Carefully put two down.
* Immerse yourself in the one thing that is left.

lumpy

Today was a fantastic day at Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park. It was snowing in the mountains and the wind was blowing some light flakes our way for a better part of the day. The temps remained warm however, and I was just happy to be outside. Andre made quick work of Left Angry man, V7, and an even quicker ascent of Right Angry Man, V10. Although he couldn't do a single move on Sap, V9 (V12 according to Andre) he still had a good day. I also had a good day and finally did Left Angry Man. I think I was my 3rd or 4th day on it over the past two years. It is really just one learned move, and after I did it once I could do it again and again. Funny how that works.

I guess Brian smiles sometimes when he is climbing. Who would have thought!?Andre sending Left Angry Man

Andre trying the move on Sap

Young Dre sending Right Angry Man

There was a competition at my gym on Friday. The theme was Rockin' 80's as you can tell by my classy outfit.

Heidi rockin' the 80's spandex and side pony tail
This is the sleeping dog portion of my blog. I do not understand why anyone or thing would fall asleep with their head dangling below the rest of their body. Who ever said border collies were smart?
This is a somewhat new addition to our family. His name is Tuck.

ABS Nationals

Last night I attended the ABS Nationals at the Spot in Boulder. Man was it crowded. Danielle and I fought our way through the crowd and found ourselves standing on the second floor on top of the counter where they serve the beer. After a brief spat with a Spot employee we decided that we were going to hold our ground on that counter because we could see at least 3 of the problems. We were far less hazardous than the people standing on railings. As a result, most of my photos have peoples heads in them...which adds a nice "artistic" feel. Alex Johnson representing for wonderful Wisconsin was the only female to complete Women's #4.

Women
1. Alex Puccio
2. Alex Johnson
3. Paige Claasen

Men
1. Paul Robinson
2. Chris Sharma
3. Sean McColl

Lisa on problem 1

Women's #2

#3

Paul Robinson

Chris SharmaAlex Johnson crushing Women's problem 2

Alex Puccio flashing #1

Sean McColl

Today we went to the mouth of the Poudre and tried this problem that we think Corey French put up. We dubbed it the French Arete . Conditions were chilly.

Gypsies, Iceland, and Dirt Bags

Today was an exciting day for Andre's new problem in the Poudre Canyon. To the left of Twilight a line was spotted, cleaned and a week later climbed by Andre who named it Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves, V11. Today it saw a second ascent by Sean Drolet, a third by Brian Camp, and fourth by Ian Dorey all in an hour. Below is a photo of Corey French sending Twilight.

The two photos below are Jay Shambo working the moves on Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves

It is awesome to have new stuff in the Poudre including an area dubbed Iceland because it is only climbable when the river is frozen over. At Iceland Andre put up a first ascent called Ice Nine, V10. Sean also got the second ascent of this one today as well as sending Twilight SDS. He is the MVP climber of the day.
In the little hole where Twilight lives, 13 dirt-bag climbers crammed themselves in there today. There was not a lack of crash pads.
Last Sunday I helped install a new foamy floor at my gym. It was great fun. There is nothing like dumpster diving into foam.

Those are some feet!

Jessi and I with Kona and Abby