Hidden Lakes and (No Longer) Hidden Thoughts

I can't remember if I threw my tantrum before or after I took the photo of Hidden Lake that you now see in my blog's banner. [Editor's note: The photo referenced here has been changed since this article first appeared on A Peace Carol blog.]

I have an extreme case of insecurity and overwhelming feelings of inadequacy regarding my photographic abilities. On the other hand, I see Mr. Carol For Peace as a very talented photographer.

And I'm not alone in my assessments. Mr. Carol For Peace gets all kinds of accolades for his photos. People specifically ask him for copies. He was asked to donate framed photos for the fundraiser auction at work. I was not.

I live mostly in the right side of my brain. Mr. Carol For Peace is a left-brainer. He understands all of the technical things about a camera. I rely on luck - and once in awhile, it comes through for me.

In Glacier National Park, the Hidden Lake trail begins in a gradual uphill trek for 1 1/2 miles. Because it originates at the popular Logan Pass Visitors Center, the trail is VERY well populated with two-leggeds. Well, it's busy up until the 1 1/2 mile point. After taking photos of the lake from a lookout point there, probably 95% of the crowd turns back.

A four-legged along the way.

It was fortunate for me that we were the only hikers going down to the lake, because somewhere along the way down, I threw my fit of inadequacy. It was also somewhere on that descent that I took the photo that you see above. I think that's a pretty nice photo (mostly thanks to scenery that can't be beat), so obviously what I believe about myself is not necessarily always true.

I have been working on questioning the preposterous thoughts that this mind can make up, but it can still sneak right in with some strange thing that I'll believe - even in the face of conflicting facts! As I struggled with those crappy feelings in my body and rude thoughts in my head that day, Mr. CFP asked me a question - I don't remember exactly what it was right now - but it incited a flood of tears to well up. Tears of sadness that I can be so hard on myself. Realization about the story that I tell myself - a story that I am not good enough. Then for a moment, I found some compassion for myself.

Soon after that little drama, Mr CFP and I found ourselves alone along the edge of Hidden Lake. Truly, in many ways, the journey was as wonderful as the destination.



(This was written in response to Dancing's request regarding my banner photo. I don't know if this is what she was asking for, but this is what came out.)

Dancing With Dancing

Sandie of Dancing on a Blade of Grass recently stopped by to say "Hi!" as she passed through Denver on her way back to the U.K. She, her hubby, and her sister-in-law had been in the States for a month and, even though they were tired from all of the traveling, they took the time to come over for dinner a couple of days ago.

What wonderful people!!!

I was going to post a photo of Sandie and me, but I have not overcome my well-honed ability to critique how I look in photos. I'm working on that...That work seems to be an ongoing project.

I guess I could have cut myself out of the photo and just shown you Sandie in all of her beauty!

It's so amazing how connecting through bloggerland and other internet methods creates such familiarity. I swear that, after getting to know Sandie via her blog, I would have recognized her anywhere - like a long lost friend.

Oh, okay. Here we are in black and white, just to prove that I really did get to meet her in real life.

Sandie, it was wonderful to spend some time with you and to meet your husband and sister-in-law. It was also fun to learn about some British terms and to hear about some of your views of the American way of life. Thank you for taking the time to visit! Come back any time!