So I finally felt it. I am finally understanding what others mean! I finally love the mountains. It has taken me such a long time to fully see them...to not feel trapped by them...and to realize their beauty. When Nick and I were driving we saw the sun rise...and not just in a "driving-glance-too-busy" look, but I really saw them. As I looked at the pinks, oranges, yellows and blues swirling and bursting against clouds and...silhouetted by these mountains...huge and magnificent plate created land forms that were wondrous and making me wish I had these as a view from my condo. I fell in love this morning. It was that simple and that fast. We are surrounded by them...and for the first time I feel lucky about it. Sure it traps in pollution that will affect me in some way in the future...but they are mountains-ROCKY MOUNTAINS! I can't wait to go camping in them this weekend-I feel like hiking and singing! In any case, I love the mountains and count them as a blessing. I still miss my beautiful Midwestern up-bring-but this desert mountain terrain I can get use to.