Jump at the Sun and Reach for the (Pie in the) Sky

| Coleen Patrick

jump at the sun quote_opt

 

For the most part, I am a feet-on-the-ground and Thanksgiving-at-home kind of girl, but I have to admit that opportunities can arise that call for some “jumping at the sun” time.

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 This is a little too close to the sun if you ask me.

That’s some of my family at the Grand Canyon.  We broke from our routines and typical Thanksgiving traditions and flew with my husband’s family to Las Vegas.

From there we took a day trip to the canyon.

grand canyon jump_opt

 Jumping at the sun.

 

We all had a fun, and very uplifting time.

 

Expanding comfort zones on the Las Vegas zip line.

 

Yeah, that’s me up there.  Totally exhilarating.

Okay, so I have to admit that as I stepped on that platform, I considered the expertise of the kids trussing me up like a turkey and hooking me to that line, but I put that fear aside.  And I’d do it again.

Comfort zone . . . what’s that?  Waistbands weren’t the only things stretched this Thanksgiving holiday.

Although there was plenty of that too.

Finding pie in the sky is a tasty bonus.

 

Okay so I missed my usual Thanksgiving festivities like the parade and my mom’s turnip mashed potatoes.  And leaping from a platform that’s almost 7o feet in the air?  Well, that was a stretch for me (if you don’t believe me, check out my post on flying).

But, new experiences offer growth, confidence and in the case of a writer, research!  Plus, new stuff can offer a deeper appreciation for your regular routine and traditions.

Of course, some new things aren’t difficult at all . . .

That’s a TV and a bath tub.  Together.  What?

I hope you get the chance to try something new and awesome this week!

 

 

What new opportunities are within your reach?  Do you struggle with stretching your comfort zone?  Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon, or on a zip line?  

Tell me, I love it when you comment!

Have a great week!

70 thoughts on “Jump at the Sun and Reach for the (Pie in the) Sky”

  1. Cool bananas! I went on a smaller zip line at a park does that count? 😉 It’s great to do stuff like that. I need to find something fun for our trip to Toronto. I’ll google zip lines 🙂

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    1. It’s so fun! Next time I will remember to pull my hair back though because my hair kept blocking my view. If I’m going to fly, then I want to see 🙂 Have fun planning your trip to Toronto!

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  2. Sounds like you had a fantastic time! I have never ziplined but I’d be game to try! Love that quote at the end. And as for reaching… right now I’m reaching to try to figure out how to write an actual novel that works! 🙂 All help welcomed 🙂

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  3. This post made me smile … everything from jumping at the sun to ziplining (I do want to do this) to a bubble bath with a TV nearby.
    Fun, fun stuff!
    Do I like stretching out of my comfort zone?
    Not always … and then sometimes, yes.
    Because the fun is usually outside my comfort zone. And I like having fun.

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  4. What fun! I love the pics at the Grand Canyon and that food… oh my! Where did you stay? I need that tub/tv combo stat. Last year I took my son to Vegas for a convention and we did that zip line. It was thrilling indeed and completely terrifying.

    You stepped out of your comfort zone, but look what you gained (besides a few pounds from all that food, yum!). You’re such a rock star.

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  5. In that first photograph…with me being but a few short steps away from what wouldn’t be a graceful “trip” to the bottom of the canyon, was definitely stretching my comfort zone. It was an exhilarating experience and was fortunate to have been there. 🙂

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  6. Fun stuff, Coleen! That zip line ride looks crazy fun, and that food—wowzers!

    I’m planning to perform (singing and guitar) early next year after a lengthy hiatus, which is out of my comfort zone. I may have to close my eyes and picture you zipping through the sky before I begin. 😉

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  7. Loved your family photos and knowing you did something different for Thanksgiving. Sounds like fun! And, you stepped out of you comfort zone with your family — great message for kids.

    Think much of my life has been stepping outside of my comfort zone — otherwise there wouldn’t be any inner growth. Great post today.

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  8. We had thanksgiving in Vegas 6 years ago and enjoyed a great turkey dinner at Hofbrauhaus. Lederhosen are super comfy when gorging on stuffing.

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    1. This year NaNo has been a major push for me. I think because I spent so much time this year editing two other stories, I have to keep reminding myself it’s ok for the first draft to stink.
      Good luck Jennette!

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  11. Oh My!! You are much braver and more adventurous than I. Good for you, Coleen. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. And you always share pictures too. Yay!

    I have never been to the Grand Canyon. I have not zip lined either. Since I am afraid of heights, neither of these is on my to do list. While I don’t plan on stepping out of my comfort zone in these ways, I am pushing myself in other areas. Mainly my writing, daring myself to try new things and actually letting myself expect success 😉

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  12. When I first started reading I thought you were going to tell me your boys skydived into the Grand Canyon. Now that had my heart beating a little fast with both fear and excitement. 🙂 I have been to the Grand Canyon and below the zip line. I wanted to go, but at the time didn’t have someone to stay with the kids, it was late and they were tired. Another time perhaps.

    This Thanksgiving I found spending all day at a public pool is very overwhelming for me. But I did it. Couldn’t wait to get back to a quiet, private place at the end of the day. I practically ran to the room.

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  16. I love the Grand Canyon! I’ve been there several times and it always takes my breath away.

    I’m all for ziplining. Was lined up twice to go but found out that my husband was too heavy to do it so we decided to do something else instead. My husband is about 6’4″ and weighs about 210 pounds. Lots of the zip line adventures have a weight limit so unless I go without him (which I would so totally do) I don’t get to try the experience. We’re usually on vacation when these types of adventures are encountered and I don’t feel right trying something cool without him. Some day though, I’m gonna do it!

    I’m glad you had a lovely vacation and tried something a little different for Thanksgiving. It’s a memory you’ll never forget.

    Patricia Rickrode
    w/a Jansen Schmidt

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  19. Hi Coleen – I’m always pretty cosy in my comfort zone. But I did sky-dive once. Pretty much as thrilling as you can get…no need to go there again though! This sounds like a great departure from the traditional routine – and, might I say, those deserts look absolutely divine! 🙂

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    1. I will have to take your word for skydiving being thrilling. I’ve never wanted to jump out of a plane. I’ve wanted to get off one really bad before, but not by jumping. 🙂 I do want to do those wind tunnels that simulate the experience though. That sounds like my kind of thrilling. Thanks Alarna!!

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  20. I don’t feel like I have to push every boundary and face every fear, but I do like to stretch myself. I’m terrified of heights, but I’ve done a high ropes course, climbed rock walls, when splunking, walked the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia…clearly my fear of heights is a tough nut to crack since I have to keep trying 🙂

    Sounds like your Thanksgiving was amazing. Wherever you got that food, I want to go!

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      1. It is another name for caving. To celebrate our engagement, my husband and I hired a guide to take us underground, and it involved repelling over some high ledges. Who knew my fear of heights would rear its head when I wasn’t even in the air technically speaking 🙂

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  22. Oh my gosh, the edge of the Canyon?!! Be still my heart. I could probably do the zip line – if I had enough tranquilizers in me. Wonderful pictures. It sounds like a fantastic trip.

    I’ve been pushing the limits of my comfort zone with my writing – does that count?

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    1. Yeah I wasn’t so happy with them being that close to the edge–they said there was another ledge below it. Not that I got close enough to notice! 🙂
      And writing counts a gazillion–i think it takes great courage.

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  25. Yikes! That first photo on the edge of the cliff made my tummy flip. I’d like to see the Grand Canyon, but would have to stand so far back it might not make the trip worth it. Heights are a fear of mine. Great photos!

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  26. I have to wipe that first photo from my memory bank, Coleen, because your loved ones are too close to the edge for (my) comfort. That zip-lining adventure looks like fun, and your food photos are terrific. Craft is one of Tom Colicchio’s restaurants. You mean you didn’t critique every morsel? C’mon, tell me you did.

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    1. I did know it was his restaurant–I just didn’t know how to spell his name. Ha ha.:) Padma’s name did come up at one of the dinners, because for some reason the way she critiques food makes me want to laugh. I think it’s the seriousness that comes across as a Saturday Night Live sketch or something.
      And I am so with you on that first photo. I didn’t take that one, because I wasn’t there at that moment. Believe me if I was, it probably wouldn’t have happened! In fact, I’m betting that’s why they waited until I wasn’t there!

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  28. Oh my gosh! HOW FUN! I want to take my family to the Grand Canyon SO BAD, but I know I have to wait til they’re older. I don’t trust them yet. And that zip line looks like a BLAST! Although, I do admit, I’m worse about expanding my comfort zone the older I get. However, I once learned in a stress management class that we need to do it as much as possible! Cool, right? So I keep trying, but it’s not always easy! LOVE YOUR PICS!

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  29. Great photos! What a unique Thanksgiving! I’ve been to the Grand Canyon–it was cool. My favorite place out west is Death Valley though. I’ve never zip lined in Vegas but I’ve got a bad back so I’m never adventurous with that. 🙂

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  31. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is to reconnect with my body. I’m amazed how out of touch I became with my health and wellness. For the time being, I’ve had to put my physical health ahead of pretty much everything else, and I’m still trying to figure out how to juggle my writing and blogging experience with the physical healing process. I’m a very cerebral person, so it’s been tricky, but like you said, we have to push ourselves out of our comfort zones to grow. I love that you tried out zip-lining. I was roped into that once by my husband and his family. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but I’m glad I tried it. Who knows? Maybe it will end up in one of my books! 🙂

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    1. Thanks Denise. It’s not easy to match up what the brain wants vs. what we are physically capable of doing. I’m thankful that I was able to do what I wanted on this trip! And you’re right, our health has to come first.
      Oh and I do have a zip line in one of my stories–so now I’ll be able to sprinkle in a little experience! 🙂 All the best!

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  32. What? You were in town and didn’t bother to call? Well, it seems like you enjoyed yourselves and stayed away from the strip- or at least didn’t post photos of it. There’s so much more to see and do around here and there really are some normal people. I’ve never done the zip line at Fremont Street and don’t know if I will. I think I’d rather experience that in the wilds of nature somewhere. Glad you got to visit the Grand Canyon. My first time was when I was in my twenties and it was awe inspiring! Still is, come to think of it.You were within an hour’s drive or so of one of my favorite places in the U.S, Sedona, AZ. Did you get there?

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    1. Ok. Well NOW you are on my mental map. Sometimes when I hear (in this case, read) where someone is from it gets relegated to some foggy location, like say “out west.” 🙂 We did not get to Sedona. I’d love to go there one day. Just the photos I’ve seen from there are amazing. The Canyon really was great. I loved the quiet and stillness. Even with so many people milling around, it managed to be so quiet!

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  33. I’ve done zip lines in the Santa Cruz mountains but I never considered the possibility of doing one on the street in Vegas. To me, that sounds kind of like zip lining down the street in Times Square. But hey, people probably do that too! I’ll have to look for it when I’m back East in a few weeks.

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  34. What beautiful photos. Looks like you had a blast during Thanksgiving. I love the Karen Ravn quote.

    Visiting Grand Canyon is on my bucketlist. But I’ll stay in safe distance from the edges, thank you 😉 The zip line would be an awesome experience too.

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