Olivia and the Henderson's

I must say, holding my hours old niece for the first time was nothing short of a spiritual experience. It was a profound realization that our power to create - and the responsibility that comes with it - is something quite miraculous. Seeing her tiny little arms and hands, her smooth flawless skin and even just her wholesome smell. So clean, so pure, so perfect. An amazingly innocent being without the trappings of the world – Olivia personified everything that is good, true and right – a needed reminder of our humanity. In that moment, she made me want to be a better person. So that I just might help improve the world that she will inevitably inherit.


The Stats: Olivia Grace Henderson was born at 3:01 a.m. on Sunday, February 22. She was 6 lbs. 14 oz and 20 inches long.


Jesse was glowing. I have seen my sister in a lot of situations, under various lights – but seeing her, with Olivia in her arms - she radiated a happiness and energy that was rejuvenating to be around. The room stood still for a moment as she peered in to her daughter's eyes.


Nate, the proud new father watching over them both from the corner of the room, smiled from ear to ear. He seemed to be quietly taking it all in, as if each new moment was somehow better than the last. To say that he was beaming would be an understatement.

I am so proud, happy and excited for the journey Jess and Nate are starting…and I must say, I can’t wait to hear Olive (my nickname for Olivia) utter the words “Uncle Mikey,” for the first time.

Congrats!

What's in a moment

A flash of colors and air whizzed past my face as I hit the ground. I rolled over and stood up, taking a second to collect myself. The fall itself didn’t scare me; it was the look on their faces. “Are you okay man?” Said asked. I was fine. I could see how it looked bad. The landing zone was riddled with jagged rocks protruding from the earth. Taking a deep breath and wiping sweat from my brow I wondered, ”Why do I do this?”

It’s an interesting question. I climb rocks for thrills. Not only that, the bigger the better. Am I crazy? I willingly put myself at risk. But when I really think about it, it is so much more than that.

There is something to be said about functioning within a moment. Seeing the world through a pinhole. My sole focus the movement. In these fleeting moments, I find freedom. A sense of peace and solace. Although the consequences are very real, the dream-like state of fluidity, of movement, seems to wash away the stresses of modern life. Sure, I sit at a desk for 40 hours a week – but on the weekends I become a different person. I like that my finger tips hurt against the familiar keystrokes. Maybe this brush with danger serves as a reminder that I am still quite alive. Despite the monotony of Monday through Friday.

Fall in the Flatirons

On a brisk fall morning, the foothills that surround Boulder seem to glow with a sublime feel. With the work-day hustle buzzing below, the simple freedom of a blue sky and the open expanse calls.



(Dean Ronzoni on an unnamed V5 on the cube boulder)

A much need dose of solace...
making the next day at the office that much easier.

A little history...

As the country ushers in the first African American President, it seems to create an interesting introspective climate. Whether you agree or disagree with the incumbent president - one is certainly forced to think about what this means historically and culturally

In this country, we like to label. My label is a Mexican American. Barak is an African American. Oddly enough some folks are just Americans. In America, the intersection of race, culture and our apparent differences have brought us to this tense, school-yard staring contest. One that has been swept under the rug of our "great" country for some time. So, these labels help us deal with our differences, by making generalizations. Making "cultural" or "racial" understanding easier on ourselves - or so we function, anyway.

But wait. In America, seriously - like a few days ago - a "black" man was elected to the highest office in the free world.

As I watched a sea of people rejoice, come together, cry - filled with a renewed hope, conviction and inspiration - something changed. Sure, the labels may still be there. But this step, this cultural leap is nothing short of amazing. We saw this man for his ideals, looking within and not focusing on the outward. We were able to come together. We are progressing. It's about time.