Dear Campers,

We finally made it to the Winter Solstice!  To be honest it was starting to get hard watching the days grow shorter and shorter and shorter and SHORTER, but finally; this is as far as the darkness will take us!  I admit, this is the first time in my life that I have TAKEN the time to really experience the four seasons with all their depth & beauty.  One of the greatest gifts of having dogs as companions is the wonderful routine of the daily walk.  No matter the weather, they get your ass out there!  You never know what you might see, discover or realize when you spend a little time in nature.  There is nothing better than losing yourself on a walk (or ski).  Give it a try!

Not having to travel for work for a WHOLE YEAR has really given me a chance to ground myself in this place I call home.   It damn near took the whole year to come to grips with the fact that I don’t have to leave!  I am so very thankful to no longer be constantly uprooting my thoughts, dreams and projects.  As the days grew shorter leading up to the solstice, I decided to rest and reflect on the past year, knowing that this down time would be needed so that the BEAST inside of this individual would be ready to be released!!!  (Are you ready for this!?)

I feel very fortunate to come to THIS time in this life.  I am no longer afraid of anything.   I know who I am and why I am here.   I will share and use the knowledge that I discover in this lifetime to help others.  I will no longer hesitate to use all the gifts granted to this individual.   I acknowledge that I do and will make mistakes.  I know that I am loved and I will always aim to love, even those who I disagree with the most.  I will always speak up and protect the place I call home:  EARTH.

Your Scout,

Michael