Bluebird

Good morning!

In the last several weeks my life has been spinning....do you ever feel this way?
The old saying "your burning your candle at both ends". I never really knew what that meant but I think I'm starting too. I have always been a busy person but.......

The one thing that calms my heart an spirit is "His" amazing creation!! Did I forget to mention, I like to hike😊 a friend many years ago said its the best psychiatrist in the world, I have to agree! It changes my attitude immediately!
I was on the trail Thursday and just stepping out of my car the smells were incredible! The excitement was building to reach my destination! Yes I knew I had 6 of 7 miles to reach it but it was the excitement of just Being there!
All of my stresses began to fade....the sounds of wilderness all around, water, wind in the trees, animals, and of course my breathing!
Made it to my destination and it was incredible! I talk about gifts alot,well this is a "gift" to be unwrapped. Blue sky, gorgeous lake, rocks, critters, and just being in His presence!
It made me realize as my candle burns closer to the center that I need to enjoy the journey!
This message is so constant for me😊

I am preparing for another journey....
Leaving the country Friday. I can't wait to see what He has in store!

 

of course I had to have my fun food😊

My journey continues one step at a time From the top!

Marcy

Go as far as you can see......

Good Morning...it's Monday!

Looking so forward to unwrapping today! So much to be Thankful for! I'm reading "The Magic of Thinking Big" just finished chapter 2 "cure yourself of excusitis". My excuse list has always been not smart, strong, attractive enough .....but I'm realizing it WAS my excuse!
I am a winner, there is no reason for not moving ahead each day with excitement!

A year ago I set some pretty amazing goals, I KNEW in my mind I would achieve them! Of course there are days that challenge you and you even want to say...should I continue? If I hadn't pushed forward I wouldn't have the story to tell. What's your story today? What are You dreaming of?
The answer is YES! Don't let excuses get in your way! Go as far as you can see.....and you can see farther😊

I am preparing for another adventure so stay tuned to "marcy's page" my journey just keeps getting better, and better!
I so appreciate all of the love and encouragement I get on a regular basis from all of you!

Thank you with a grateful heart!

 

The story continues From the Top!

Marcy

As the sun rises!

Good Morning!

As the sun rises this morning my thought are racing with all that needs to be done...But wait I did'nt start the day with Gratitude! It's time to stop, and listen and get excited for what is ahead!
Just over 3 months ago I climbed a mountain that changed my life. I don't wake up the same anymore, and if I do it only takes a minute to bring me back to, "Thankful an Grateful"!The sunrise this morning was amazing, the new day has begun,AND I get to live it!! Are you excited to LIVE your life today?!
Speak out loud your Thankful an Grateful list, and no matter how you woke up, I promise this will make you smile!

One Step at a time From the Top!!

Love, Marcy

Spring!

Good Morning!

I have been behind on communication here....I just spent the most amazing weekend with my Mom, and family in San Francisico! I got to enjoy family, Site Seeing, Wedding, and of course Food!
What a "Gift" it was to unwrap the days! Yes I still start my days excited for the 'UNWRAPPING" of the gift that is before me! How about you, do you look Forward to your days?
I continue to work towards speaking, and growing the opportunity, I am scheduled for Az, Wyoming, and Colorado.

"Go as far as you can, and you can SEE farther when you get there!"

Have a Joy Filled Friday!!

My Journey one step at a time From the Top!
Marcy

Just a Little More!

Good Morning!

It is an amazing experience living in the Rocky Mountains!  Happy May Day...and 14+ inches of snow!
No school, town offices closed, and we are all posting photos of the morning!

It's my choice to BE happy! Yes my days activities and schedule have been altered but the Smile on my face is beaming!

Happy May Day!!

Marcy

Whats Is!

Good Morning!

I have had the opportunity to speak 3 times in the last two weeks....The energy is incredible!!
"Whatever your mind can concieve and believe, YOU can achieve! It's so true!
I can't encourage you enough to go for your "Dream"!
I certainly am not a polished speaker yet...but looking to changes lives...Mine first.

"All of the great achievers of the past have been visionary figures; they were men and women who projected into the future. They thought of what could be, rather than what already was, and then they moved themselves into action, to bring these things into fruition." ~ Bob Procto

My Summit of Kilimanjaro has been achieved, and the next Summit is waiting!
The journey continues....One Step at a time From the Top!!

Marcy

What are your Dreams!

Good Morning!!

What ever your mind can conceive and believe....YOU can achieve!!
I have just come back from a conference to "grow" me! The subject of the conference was...FOCUS!
Have a dream and a Burning desire to achieve it!!

After the Mountain, I have been using many tools to figure out my next steps....I had ask for help with speaking engagements. So far I have presented 3 times, and tonight, and Saturday are two more opportunities! I am so excited to SEE my dream unfolding!
Have you started on your dreams...go for it today. What do you want....once you focus on your Dream, the rest will fall into place! Take time for you, and time to really dream!

Reach for the Stars...you are a Shinning star you know!!

One step at a time From the top!
Marcy

Predictions

Good Morning!
Well we were SUPPOSE to get a snow storm over night....I went to bed excited for this morning!
Only to wake up to maybe 3 inches?? It's kind of like life...We predict our course, and maybe even plan it, and then it seems to slip through our fingers, or as the weather man says "it's very unpredictable":)

Now it's time to enjoy unpredictable, each day is a "gift" no matter how it turns out, right? I know there are lots of circunstances that it would appear are not a gift but it's all in how you live it.
I have been working on "how" I want to predict my life...

I am encouraging you to write your plan (dreams, goals) down...look at them daily, and believe you have already achieved them!
I ask just a few days ago for help in becoming a presenter or speaker...I have already been ask to speak!
I have also added this to my "Dream Board". So Dream big today...Can I help you with your Dream?
I'm here to encourage and become your cheerleader too! You cheered me to the top, and now it's my turn to cheer for you!

Go for your dream!!http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Dream-Board

The journey one day at a time From the Top!
Marcy

Getting back into the Groove?

Good morning!
My journey continues even from Colorado:)

Have any of you ever had a goal (vacation, school, sports, job, etc...) You planned for it for a long time, and anticipated it for months?? It's finally here...remember the excitement you felt?! Just the anticipation of unwrapping it!
Well thats where I am...I planned for Kilimanjaro for a year, researched, trained, talked with people who had done it, looked at pictures, and read about it.
I just can't seem to get back in the Groove of life? I'm SO thankful and Grateful for my life and what I have but....

Since I have been home, I have been reforming my "Dream" board...do you have one?
I have also been reading...One of the books I have open at the moment is "The Greatest Manifestation Principle in the World"
It's time for me to create new goals;
"When you live your life from the standpoint of being of benefit or service to others or mankind ( instead of self interests), or operate from the premise of supporting life and all creation, the universe will respond with ways to benefit and support you."
I'm realizing I'm HERE to help others achieve their goals and desires too!

You have all been here supporting and encouraging me...to write, speak, and share a Dream! Thank You!!
I could not have done Kilimanjaro without your Love and prayers! It was a Joy to have you all Summit with me! I want to help you achieve your Summit too! How can I help? I want to hear your Dreams!

The Journey continues one step at a time From the Top!

Marcy

Colorado..Home!

Good Morning!
After being away from home for over 15 days, airports, country's, bathrooms:),Life experiences...I'm home!
As I have shared my "Dreams" are coming true One step at a Time! I'm encouraging you all to DREAM!
One of the down falls of Big goals is the coming off the high (literaly for me). I have shared with several friends over the last few weeks...I can't seem to find my groove? I feel like it was the most exciting "Gift" 'I have gotten to unwrap and now it's over. Now what do I do?
So I went back to my Dream board and began to restructure...Life is a Journey right, ever changing! I put another mountain on my board and many other "things", but something keeps coming to the fore front...helping other people realize their dreams! It's not a thing...
Sooo I am going to ask for your help...
After my blog, and articles, I have gotten SO much encouragement and feedback to continue to write and speak! Thanks to you all!!
So my next goal is to encourage others to get outside their comfort level and go for life! I want to begin to speak to groups, so if you know of anyone that needs presentators, motivational speaker I'm your girl.
My "story" is not that different but I feel lead to share how to make your Dreams come alive! As I stepped onto that Mountain I knew HE was preparing me for another "comfort change"...I want to help others realize their dreams. There is a passion I cannot explain, but again you all keep encouraging me to share my story.
I definetly never thought of myself as a writer, but I know I have a story to tell. If I can climb a "mountain" anyone can!
I have been home for 6 weeks, yes hard to believe but I have SO much more to share! There is a saying..."When you have a goal go as far as you can see, once you get there you can SEE a little bit further!"

My view is better now! I will continue to share One Step at a Time form the Top, hope to have all of you join me!  Please feel free to share my blog.

Sharing Dreams together, One Step at a Time to the Top!
Marcy

Flight Home...

I started this journey by sharing my love for flying....Not!
So I'll finish the joureney by sharing our experience. First of all we have all been to airports, flown and experienced all travel has to offer! We can't get from there to here without it:)

We arrive at Kilimanjaro airport at 6:00 p.m not knowing if the flight has been canceled...we make it to the ticket counter, I try to be friendly but there is also some anxiety because no one is smiling, and we can't communicate that well...what a feeling:)
I plane is to leave Kili at 10 p.m and fly to Dar Eslam and then on to Amsterdam.
When you fly out of a small African airport it's not like DIA or any other airport in the states. Even thought you wait patiently and are first in line, thats not necessarily the order of things. We board outside and walk up the stairs of the plane.
Our first leg is about and hour, ok I can handle that...at least we are on the way home! The we take off for Amsterdam, about 7 plus hours, time to TRY and sleep... we will arrive in Amsterdam about 7:30 in the morning...here goes! I did pretty good, about 4 to 5 hours of some kind of sleep:)
We arrive in Amsterdam and it's valentines day...It's known for it's chocolate and tulips, so there is chocolate everywhere! I wore my Kilimanjaro shirt, and I was amazed at the acknowledgment we got...people really want to know did you climb the mountain, and did you make it?
We find a coffee shop, it said Starbucks but didn't taste like it so, I'm glad I travel with my own "healthy coffee"!
After a 2 hour layover we navigate the the security line....another 8 hour flight ahead of us. We haven't talked  about the fun part the airplane food:) You don't eat on a plane because it looks good, you eat because you need to pass the time! We get a choice of vegetarian or meat...after African food I choose vegetarian!
Ok...we each have our own T.V's so this should be fun to get free movies all the way home, I love movies!
Let me tell you 4 hours into this flight I was SO tired of reading and watching movies from a TINY little space 35k feet in the air...I was like a 2 year old, I could NOT sit still, poor Kristi:)!
Finally approch Minnesota, and another 2 hour layover.
We navigate customs here...now we are in the US, they speak our language, I think it will be a friendly place and welcome us back to the states...NOT so much!
Final leg of the trip is too Denver we are to arrive at 6:00 p.m....ok on this plane I have some leg room but again can't seem to sit still for 2 more hours!
I'm sure you've had eneough of my story today, so more of my journey to come...One step at a time From the Top!!

Last day...Moshi town

Our time in Africa is almost over..our last day here.

We are both very apprehensive about going into town on our own, We are safe and secure inside the gates at Bristol. When you don't have a guide, and you don't know the language, and your blonde in a black culture it just did't feel safe:) As we left Mweka rangers station we were inundated with young men trying to sell us things...A man named King James said "no worries I will find you in Moshi town" I didn't really want to be found!
Even though we had the courage to go up a mountain with 10 guys we don't even know?:)
We also have befriended our waiters at the cottage, Jeff, and Dumal. They again were very kind and took very good care.
Our last meal was again Margerhita pizza,,,we tried one more meal of indian food, and it was just so hard to swallow...
We did'nt venture just outside the gate to shop and get a few things to bring home.
We weren't being picked up until 6 p.m.
They have a beautiful courtyard, so we found a nice porch area and settled in...Little did we know our last day would be some what stressful?! We were flying Delta, and I had an app on my phone, that worked at times:) It said our flight was canceled?? So I spent at least an hour on the phone with Delta trying to figure out IF we are going home today...I'm wandering in the back of my mind what are all these international call going to cost??
We talk to at least 3 different people 2 say yes we are going, 1 says not sure...once you have made the decision to get home you are just Ready! So another lesson in TRUST!!
After many walks, cokes, and more food our van arrives! Bryson the owner of the tour company is our driver. One last drive thru Africa...you guessed it we clinched the armrests the whole way!
I took a last video of Kilimanjaro thru the window...thinking will I ever see it again...will I ever see any of the guys again. My heart was torn.
We make it to Kilmanjaro International airport...still not knowing are we flying home?? Remember at the beginning of this trip I shared how much I don't like to fly, well that anticipation had kicked in also:)
Ok...I just have to releax and enjoy the "Gift" right.... It's part of the journey!

My journey continues one step at a time From the top!!

Marcy

Tarangire

Happy Easter!!

Our last safari day...Tarangerie reminded me of driving in rocky mtn natl park looking for elk, but here we are looking for elephants, lions, and giraffes:)
We left Haven Nature, after a breakfast of toast, honey and tea...just can'y seem to swallow much else:)
The drive to Tarangerie is a bit barren, and hot...
We see Lots of elephants, giraffe's, and Impala, the one thing we did'nt see is a Semba(male lion).
After driving for hours, we come to an over look and have our boxed lunch...As Kristi and I find a shaded spot we notice several monkeys, they look so cute until...The race out of the tree and grab Kristi's sandwich wrapper and all...as we were stunned and laughing, he comes again and takes her pancakes:) Time to move!
The day is hot but the adventure is fun...now the long drive back to Moshi town. We are on the road for about an hour and a terriible rain storm is upon us....I have been nervous about driving in Africa from the beginning, but this was so scary, the wipers hardly keep up! Just prayed quietly and Had to trust Frank's driving:-)
We make it back to Moshi, unpack, everything I own is SO dirty, so a little hand washing in order...We put out underwear discreetly over the back of a chair on our porch...head over to the dining room for some pizza and a Tusker beer. As we return the maid that cleans our room gives us a big smile...she had put our underwear in the sun all over the lawn:) Just had to smile at her and say Ashanti Sana!!(thank you very much)
A quiet evening of reading and reflection....
I continue to review in my mind the word 'Freedom"...What is freedom?? I was blessed into a generation of really not needing much, but Having so much!

My journey one step at a time From the top!!

Marcy

The Crater!

As we approach the miracle of Easter it reminds me of my 2nd safari day!
Nogoro Nogoro crater was a mountain taller than Mtn Kilimanjaro, and then imploded and is now a beautiful self contained paradise for the animals and the Maasi tribe that has lived there for hundreds of years. They do not need to leave the crater because all that is needed is right there....what a miracle from such a huge disaster! We serve an amazing God!
As we stood on the rim it was a gorgeous site. This is my favortite safari day. The breeze is cool, and the birds started my day with beautiful songs!
I was up before the sun, and what a sight to see it rise...I know I always talk about the "Gift" but each day is so exciting to open!!
I'm feeling really goos today, still not eating much, breakfast was eggs, hot dogs, fruit, toast and pancakes...the toast with homemade honey was all that would go down:)

We make the drive to the park entrance and descend into the crater, so green and lush, animals every where! A life expeirence i won't forget...
I'm going to share some words from my journal that I wrote on this morning...

My eyes are wet, and my heart is full, I'll never forget the color, the feeling of sunrise! Uhuru was my "Freedom" the barrier has been broken! What is Freedom...Alive, Life, Love, Change,Unordinary. The birds singing this morning are free to create a new melody each and every day and so am I! The sunrise begins the gift to be opened today! What will it reveal...it's like christmas morning anticipating the tearing open, and "whats inside" remember the excitement you felt!

Enjoy your day, and open your "Gift" with anticipipation and excitement!!

The story continues one step at a time From the top!

Marcy

Paradise in the middle of Africa!

We make it thru the first safari day! It was fun but again, not the mountain...
We arrive at Haven's Nature safari camp...we come to a gate. We enter into a paradise in the middle of A frica, the flowers, foliage, and most of all the people are amazingly kind and welcoming! Their names are Israel, and Ismael.
They have hand washing water waiting for us, snacks(more popcorn), with hot tea, or cocoa.
Then they let us know out "tent" is about ready...had no idea what to expect?! Wow was I ever surprised and SO thankful!
It is absoluteyl beautiful, and romantic:) We take the tour of the tent, it is so clean, and the bathroom is even more than in the town of Moshi! I know I'm obsessed with bathrooms...:)
The view is outstanding and almost brings tears to my eyes. We find out we are staying for 2 nights!
They ley us know we have time for a rest, and then dinner...we'll see if my stomach is ready?
It's not...so Kristi enjoys dinner and I enjoy a quiet evening in the tent! The birds, and animals are fun and soothing to listen too!
I get to also enjoy a "hot" shower first one in africa!

The journey continues one step at a time From the top!!

Marcy

Safari new experience!

Good Morning!!

I have been SO encouraged by all of your comments to my blog and trip...you don't realize the connection we all have!
Kristi and I rested, did laundry and read for the rest of the day....Up Saturday morn early and our Safari guide Frank picked us up at 8:30.( by laundry I mean we hand washed, and put our clothes in the sun)
I did great the whole time on the mountain, but I think the water has finally gotten to me...:( I try some taost and tea, we'll see?
We head out for some shopping in Arusha, a larger city about 40 miles away. The ride was again scarier than I can discribe...but we make it! We get to a large grocery store so we can get some snacks, for me the only thing that sounded good was Coke:)
We also had to look for batteries for Kristi's camera, it was a job in it's self..
Went to a hiking store to get Andrew a new backback, we thought it would be easier than tryin to mail from home...we were right!
Finally on the road to Lake Maynara. We stop at a tourist attraction, I always have to buy my grad daughter Callae some jewelery from every country..so she got a silver elephant bracelet!
Still not feelin good so no lunch for me:( it is nothing like the mountain, very hot and humid down here...
As soon as we reach Maynara, our first animal is a baboon, and family:) Basically on a safari you just ride around in an open top jeep and look for animals.
More animals and some beautiful scenery. We saw giraffe, Zebra,Elepants, Impala, again fun to experience but a bit anticlimatic:-)
Boxed lunches are served, still not eating so we give what we don't eat to the local children, loved that part!

After a full day driving we head to a safari tent lodge where we will stay for two nights...
The story continues one step at a time From the Top!!
Marcy

Shower day!!

Good Morning!

We make it to the cottage! I remember my forst thought of this romm 7 days ago...NOW I love it.
Can hardly wait to fel the water pour oer me! We even get to sit down in there:)!

The shower is not the best, and hot water goes quickly,but it has never felt better than to shave my legs! Sorry for ALL the detail but it was so true:)
Haven't had make up on in over a week, still can't do our hair but I at least can put on mascara!! Exciting!
Andrew comes to pick us up at 12:00, he actually stares at both of us....We can clean up!
We head to the Bryson office...I'm so excited I can hardly type...It feels so good to know my family and friends will get an update in a few minutes, we can't get anything back but just the connection feels great.
I actually get teary writing, I have said this before, and I thought of everyone, but I really needed to hear from Michael! He is and always will be my baby boy, and I missed him SO much! I want him to be proud of his Mom! We were limited on time, so I emailed a few and asked them to spread the word...I SUMMITED!! You all must be getting tired of hearing that, but it was, and IS so amazing to me, that I accomplished it!
Andrew takes us back to Bristol...I think what is so fascinating about life is you have people walk into your life that really impact you, and they walk out, and that is it? How can 10 African men change my life....
First I SEE my life, I am SO very Blessed. Yes there are wants, but really I have an abundance!!
Accomplishing a long awaited goal is...you actually go thru a kind of withdrawal?? More on that later.

We go enjoy a Margherita Pizza, and my Kilimanjaro beer...!!

The story continues one step at a time From the Top!!

Marcy

Last day on the Mountain!

Good Morning everyone!

Up at 5:45 Headed to Mweka gate to sign out today! 5.6 miles to go...
Our last breakfast, porage, pancakes, omlets....I really can not eat one bite:( I'm ready for a piece of toast!
The crew sings to us, I loved this part. After 7 days we have a connection...I will miss them!
On the trail by 8:30, very muddy and slippery trail this morning.
Both of us feeling pretty good.
We gather up what we don'y want to take home, get tips for crew together...I WISH I had more to give!
Care packages will be on there way to Africa:)
We head out, I FINALLY get to break away and hike at my pace...Ilove it! Faustin hikes with me, and it is a Joy getting to know him!
It's a beautiful day, and again mixed emotions. That Hot showers is going to feel good, though!
Arrive at Mweka gate at 10:45, we all sign out at the ranger station...Andrew gets my certicicate!
We are bombarded by African men selling all kinds of trinkets...It's so hard to say NO to them.
We go for another "van" ride with 11 men:) Remember 12 of us have not showered in 7 days, sorry for the graphics!
Make it to Bristol cottages at 11:28...Time for Good Byes...My heart is breaking. I make them get out of the van for hugs! God brings people into and out of your lives for a reason!

We are so anxious to communicate with our families...so Andrew gives us an hour to clean up and will be back to take us to the office to email...

The story continues on step at a time From the top!!
Marcy

Mweka camp

We make it to Upper Mweka camp, and I think I'm there....But we just keep going. I hate to be that person who says when are we going to get!! But at this point I'm beyond tired!
I know Kristi is not well either so we are a pair:)
I try to enjoy whats around me, and think about the Summit. Just to pass the time....Andrew keeps wanting to stop and take a rest, but I just want to GO, and get to camp!
We encounter some german hikers that are very rude towards our guys, It really set me off, so thats probably what got me the last mile or so:)

We FINALLY make Mweka camp, it's rainy and muddy, I'm so glad we have had dry great weather our whole trip. We sign in to the ranger station...guess who is right in front of us, yes the german men....I held my tongue:)
We find our camp, and I finally get to do some cleaan up. I don't think I have ever been so dirty, and sweaty! We are almost out of wet wipes....
It felt amazing to take my boots off! We head for the Out house, oh my I keep saying each is bad, but again this one is aweful!! We decide to find tree's again:)

The guys want us to to stay up and visit....we weren't very sociable. Our dinner was soup, panckes, and rice with a  stew....I just can't bring myself to eat it at all! I'm not sure I'll ever be able to eat one of their pancakes again??

Our health check is good, but both of us are empty, so off to our homesweet tent!


The story continues one step at a time From the top!!
Marcy

Heade to Mweka Camp

Good Morning!

After a LITTLE time resting in the tent, packing and just cleaning up...I was so sweaty, and dirty by now, remember it's been 6 days of no shower! I'm thinking of a HOT shower tomorrow about this time!!
It's still so surreal that I have summited!
The sun is out and wind is down a bit but we get our last looks at Barafu camp. As we leave camp we see a skydiver leave the summit...I did a little research and apparently there were about 70 gliding pilots on the summit...only one made a flight and most of the rest had to be recued they stayed on top to long...thats why the resuers were so busy!
Justo got a photo, again disappointed in myself for not getting the camera out, but a bit empty right now;)
We have about 5 to 6 hours of hiking...
The clouds roll off the mountain and now it really cold again, so we bundle up for the decsent... it;s dry, rubble, and we are not so sure footed, so it is a slow go...POLE-POLE!
Faustin had tried to feed me before we left camp but just coul'nt bring myself to eat the food...He was so excited he made a pasta dish.....with several day old mayo, heated it up and put shredded carrots on it....oh my stomach can hardly write about it now. I smiled big and took about 2 bites, my throat just closed up!!
I didn't want to be rude, just could'nt do it!

Several hours in...we have lost the cool mountain air, starting to get hot and humid...
The story contiues one step at a time From the top!!
Marcy