[img]541|left|Carter Dewberry||no_popup[/img]I encourage the utmost silliness at the top of a mountain.
In the land where an ordinary banana and peanut crunch bar are the new gourmet, where lines of bodies yearning to sweat out the seriousness of the week wait for a parking spot, this is the best seat in the house to watch the sun rise in the eastern sky and laugh at how small everything looks from such a height… including perceived problems.
Perhaps I was still in shock at waking before 5 a.m. to get to the mountain before the 90-degree Phoenix sunrise.
Or maybe it was the 1200 foot elevation climb made in just over a mile.
Either way, when two women arrived speaking loudly of tax liens, sinking markets and bad deals, my blood chilled. I noticed I was not alone. They had also quieted the other hikers who had been laughing together and enjoying the scenic beauty.
A Different Perspective
To all those who take the time to climb to the top of a mountain carrying their woes on their lips, I ask why. The economic crisis already dominates social consciousness on the ground level. Taking a break from such thoughts, seeing the world from a different perspective, and even going so far as to laugh about the wonder of it all is healthy, necessary.
I spent 10 minutes journaling while trying to wait them out.
When the one woman continued a rant for so long I thought they might spend all day on these rocks, I gathered up my pack.
As I began the descent, I gave thanks to the mountain for reminding me that all life experiences are transient – both the beautiful and the painful. And, I renewed my commitment to appreciate the good ones.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Ms. Dewberry is celebrating the release of her new album, “Origins.”
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
