Time Experience Thoughts

We were driving from Logan, UT where Sydney just graduated from Utah State University to Roseville, CA where Scott, Carrie, Ryan, and Sean live. Along the way we paused at a rest stop in the midst of the Great Salt Lake's Bonneville salt flats. As soon as we got out of the van, Ryan darted for the salt flats and began running . . . and running, and running. He was leading the way (without looking back to see if we were all following him). I followed him WAY out into the salt flats. He may have run a good half mile of a mile. It looked like he was heading for those mountains in the distance. I caught up and we finally turned around. He knew this wasn't snow, or concrete, but salt (he took us at our word). So when I suggested we lick it, he was all for it. It was kinda 'inviting' . . . licking-wise, that is -- AND in its natural wonder. (May 2006)

Sean wiggle-walking. (Was titled, "Wiggle When You Walk; Giggle When You Talk . . . ") He went on like this for a long time. I thought he might stop; but he kept going. I finally got out my cell phone to take this movie. He went on and on and on -- what a "journey." Kids laugh. Kids skip. Kids smile. Kids love. And ALL so naturally . . . and so full of life! (4 August 2007)

Poems written while on my mission in the mid-70s. ~ ~ ~ Glad From a song, from a friend For the Melody and Harmony Of your soul they fill The wide expanses of within . Scott L. Vanatter, 11 March 1975 ~ ~ ~ Inside Looking Out Too many times I (Deeply) wonder, And often I decide, Pondering and considering The day of this Life. Hidden revelations begin to sink in; Things I had but didn't comprehend. Often come they with softness Of the spirit most sublime. The spirit of man -- to develop; The Holy Spirit -- to confirm. With the knowledge And the Path stretched forever in eternity... You slip. With the Majesty of a Testimony you Ponder, Pray, and Plan. Thanks be to God repentance is real And the Key to the Inner Man . Scott L. Vanatter, 12 March 1975 ~ ~ ~ Revelation You sit and you've been wondering; Thinking of that thing ahead. All creation seems to sit beside you . Crowded. Feelings of uselessness tempt you. And it's all relative. Coming too subtly faith whispers To go ...

Sydney and Carrie, our beautiful daughters, on the return of Sydney from her mission. (2002)