PLAY IN THE DIRT: spring break '13

spring break this year was fabulous. i don't know how adults with jobs in a field other than education slog through without breaks to cut up the monotony. props you all of you...

spring break '13 started with an over-night rock climbing trip in austin with friends. it was a much needed escape from suburbia and gave me the opportunity to reconnect with nature a bit. side note: in thinking more about things i value, being outside is definitely pivotal in my happiness. my soul is much less tumultuous with the proper dosages of the great outdoors. anyway, we drove down Friday morning, climbed for a solid 4 or 5 hours that afternoon, camped at a travis county park, climbed some more saturday morning and into the afternoon, then drove home. i love sleeping in my little tent.

as farewells were exchanged at the end of the trip, i was reminded how grateful i am to find wonderful people with shared interests who are also willing to put forth effort to make trips like this happen. many thanks.

after a few days of sleeping in, spending way too much money at the REI used gear sale, and general relaxation (including first real pedicure!), a couple of friends and i hopped in my car (elaine) and headed east to tennessee. those of you that know me know i've had this "thing" for tennessee for years. in fact, making it to tennessee has been on my new years resolutions list for 3 years running. my soul has been drawn to it-- the music, the scenery, dollywood (unfortunately closed during out trip)... and it was everything i thought it would be. from the country music hall of fame, the live music, vanderbilt, the show at the grand ole opry, broadway, and the ryman, to the gorgeous hills, the great smokies, and the loveless cafe, tennessee is fantastic. here's some of the photographical proof: