I have pictures in my album of the cabin and the scenery from it. If it looks like 2 cabins, it's because a tornado took the roof and porch off of their old one last year so they are building a new one.

I also put pictures up last week of my walk. You can see Pikes Peak with snow on it. It's beautiful. We walked half way up it years ago but couldn't make it the rest. That was before RSD though.

Come to Colorado and you can stay here and see the mountains. I am kind of afraid of heights myself. When I drove up to the kids' cabin the first time, OMG, the cliff on the side of the road scared me. Coming down it worse. One thing though, it doesn't hold a candle to some of our other roads here.

I believe that's why I like it here so much is that when I take my walks I can see the mountains and it brings back good memories.

I can't stand loud noise either. It would have been noisy at the shower for sure. I have always been a people person but since getting sick, it's hard to be around them.

ks, don't worry about hurting people's feelings. I think it's something we just can't get around at times. I don't do it very often but I have long ago took the attitude, they'll get over it. If not, oh well. Sometimes we have to be ourselves. When we are in pain, it's hard to keep our stress down so as not to be cross.

Ada

You area sounds so beautiful....What is it about mountains, Ada???? They seem to hold those unexplored... private times...take me there, Calgon!

I dream about being at the gym and doing such things as running on a treadmill, swimming in the pool, and taking a yoga class; all stuff I used to do pre-RSD. If I can fantasize where I'm going to be, I'm also gonna fantasize about having a non-RSD body to enjoy with it

okay Vanna.... get this, I use to fantasize about going for a long, long walk... Now, that is something I can't do at least comfortably anymore as my Rt. leg is my worsely affected side... but it is the one thing I really wanted to do!!!!! How crazy is that??? Now thats deep!!!!! AND whenever I dream about my mountain..I am never painfree...sadly, it follows me... but still so worth the "down" time, I guess...

Nice to dream eh'?...

What I like about the mountains is getting away from people and the peace that comes with it. You won't find anyone there unless it's hunting season.

The nights are wierd. Sitting around the campfire even with people around seems like the loneliest a person can be.

The deer, the elk, the bear, the birds, coyote's, and so much more to
see.When you're in them, you thank God for the beauty and awe of it all.

When I take my walks, I do imagine being in them. It's a calming affect.

Ada

Ada...

Hello my friend..I am so glad you have those walks and they are so beneficial to you... do me a favor... dream a bit for me and toss one up in recognition..as I will continue to dream and sit on my mountain... one day..I will be up there... light, warm breeze... noone missing me and freeze my love ones as not to miss me or look for me.. just RSD and me....

Bless you my friend....KS

My favorite place on earth, that will always be so, is my grandparents' cabin in the hills above Ojai. It's kind of a little compound- maybe eight little houses in the woods, most of which are owned by my aunts or uncles. I grew up going there, having family gatherings there, and sitting on the porch with my grandpa. It is one of the most beautiful places- what we California people call a 'river' and acres of brush and oak trees. But it's the smell - mossy and dirty and earthy and sage- that I think of whenever I am sad. My grandpa had a studio with a kiln and a wheel and he would also paint. I loved to watch him. I remember my cousins and I having moss fights at the creek when it was filled with slimy algae. Big parties with a live band where we would dance the night away with assorted inebriated adult figures.

My family is kind of strained now, with assorted weirdnesses having happened in the last six years, but I think that this place holds some of my best memories and happiness in it. Whenever I meditate, that's where I am- sitting at the creek with the summer sun on my face, and I can see my grandpa in the distance.

Lynn

Lynn...

So nice to hear from you... and waht a wonerful place to go and if only in your mind now... Take yourself there, as often a you need to.... Seems we all need our solitude now why our present and future endeavors when it comes to RSD... My wish is that we all go to our "spots" and spend much time there before they toss us the rope up....we deserve it and others can't understand but in these cases they don't have to they just have to give us our space to fulfill our hearts wishes....

Soft hug, KS

I dream of retreating to 9 years ago... Before my dad died, before I got RSD before I moved. I would make sure my Dad didnt die so if I still ended up getting RSD he would be there to help me, instead of trying to go at this alone. I feel lost all the time. I feel sad and empty all the time, knowing that I have something that will never go away, knowing that my dad isnt here to see me struggle through this and be proud of me for making it. I would go back to the park across the street from my old house and imagine myself playing with my dad there... RUNNING as if I'll never run again. I have only had RSD for 4 years but everyday I sit and ask what would this all be like if my dad was here to help...

Snowboarder 13......

Don't look now but your Dad is with you... and he is proud of you.. I am sure of it....just do your best and let him care you when you feel sad and alone because I am sure he is putting you on top of his priority list!!