The Uncharted Path is Filled with Great Adventure and Many Blessings

"Life is meant for good friends and great adventures." 

About 18 months ago, I looked in the mirror and decided that I did not like the reflection. Some of it this, of course, can be chalked up to vanity. Almost every middle-aged woman sees the increasing number of gray hairs, crow's feet, and the dreaded muffin top. Sigh!! Why did I not take better care of my skin when I was 20? Would it really kill me to eat more salad and less french fries? But, I also saw a person in a comfort zone. Comfort zones are just that, comfortable, but not a good place to grow.

This is a work in progress. I'm surrounded by a variety of friends that are encouraging, inspiring and loving. I also have friends that hold me to the flame, keeping me accountable every step of the way. I have a loving husband and wonderful kids that support every whacky path I want to trod. My list is long, but it has given me so much joy. Life begins outside of your comfort zone. My goal is to be comfortable being uncomfortable.

Thank you to those with me on this journey. May our eyes be open and our hearts free. Here is my short list!

1. Get in shape!! In 2015, I figured the only way I would be accountable for myself would be to sign up for races. If you are a good friend of mine...you need to roll your eyes and say OK Sara. Thanks, Kristi and Karen for being such great sports.

Medieval Run 2015 - Thank you, Craig Maley, for photographing the day.

2. Read more. I've made it a mission to read at least 75 books per year, half of them non-fiction. With the help of a two-hour commute and audiobooks, I plan on reaching my goal in 2016. 

Mark Lewisohn - World renowned Beatles author and scholar

3. Explore North Dakota. There is so much beauty in our state. I want to see it from every vantage point, whether on top of a butte or a great sidewalk cafe. Thank you, Prairie, Shelly, Ellen, Joy and Clay for helping me fulfill this dream. Pretty Butte is next on the list.

On top of Black Butte -- Bowman, ND

4. Make memories with my children while making them citizens of the world. One of my biggest goals for my children is to give them the gift of travel. I want them to see that the world is bigger than Wing, ND. Children should have roots and wings...I want them to know both are equally important. And, I hope they will always feel small when they stand next to the ocean.

Callie's first glimpse at the Atlantic Ocean

5. Teach my children the importance of what we do and what that stands for. Without agriculture, there is no food. Long hours and hard work are the backbone of the Great Plains. The other day Haley put in a 12-hour day helping Troy freeze brand the heifers. She came in and told her dad, "I'm exhausted, how do you do this every day?"  Troy is truly the hardest working man I know. No matter if my children come back to the ranch or not, I never want them to forget where they came from. 

Vollmer Angus Ranch - Summer 2015

6. Take time to enjoy the small things in life. How often do we take for granted the gifts given to us each and every day? I am raising my family in a place that half this world can only dream of. Thousands of little girls dream of owning a pony, we are blessed to have eight. 

Doc - Callie's main mount

7. A friend of mine told me I had to start writing my stories down. So here I am writing this silly blog! If we want to talk about comfort zones, I've jumped into the fire with this one. Thank you to everyone who has sent me words of encouragement. It's been an interesting journey. Stay tuned. I'm assuming, there is no place to go but up. 

8.  Become a citizen of the world. That means jumping the pond! Kristi, are you ready? T-minus 37 days!