Actually, "Go take a hike!" is a very rude thing to say!

Except in our case, that's exactly what we're about to do: go and take a big hike. My husband and I are heading backto the Grand Canyon, where we hope to hike from the south rim down to the bottom of the canyon and back up again. (We did it in March and our plan is to try and do it in every season!!)

My cousin has come to stay while we are away, and even though she'll be here, there is a lot to organize before we go.

I think I've packed more books than clothing! I hope to finish reading Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian on the plane tomorrow.  Last night, while I was reading this wonderful book, I underlined another line just for you, dear blog reader. It is something a teacher named Mr. P tells the protagonist: "The only thing you kids are taught is how to give up." And I was thinking that if there is only one thing we can teach young people it's HOW NOT TO GIVE UP. EVER

I'll be away from a computer for a few days, but I am planning to bring my manuscript down to the bottom of the canyon and of course, my trusty journal. You be good and be careful wherever you are. "Talk" to you soon!