Where Have I Been?

Good question! Here is a sampling of where I've been and what I've been doing for the past few months. The future few months look busier than ever as I teach a few classes on Storytelling for Utah State University.

First, Baby Animal Days is one of the largest events in northern Utah. I'm in charge of it, and it takes a lot of planning and coordination. But it sure is fun! It energizes me for the entire year for work (I work at the American West Heritage Center).

Not long after Baby Animal Days, I took my youngest two kids to Sequoia National Park. We had a great time. Of course, my daughter said, "I thought they'd be bigger." Oh well.

We had our family reunion on my side at Aspen Grove Family Camp. I don't have a lot of photos from that fun experience, but while running one morning, I stopped for this shot.

My wife is the Director of Summerfest, one of northern Utah's other largest events (and bigger than Baby Animal Days). Between us, we direct two of the largest four events in our area!

I went hiking with my son, Owen a few times this summer. The following two photos were taken on our Wind Caves hike.

We have a new program at the American West Heritage Center this year: Wild West Shakespeare. We "Wild-West-ize" a play by Shakespeare into a melodrama with music. I adapted Romeo & Juliet this year. Instead of sword fights and "forsooths", we had gunfights and "dern tootin's"!

My wife composed music for the songs. Here is a sampling of my favorite song: "What is Love?" sung by Mercutio when Romeo divulges that he has just been married to Juliet.

What Is Love?

What is love but the slidin’ of the sun from the sky

What is love but the dwindlin’ of buffalo supply

What is love but the tumble of the weed through the town

What is love? What is love? What is love?

What is love but the fragrance of daisies in the morn

What is love but sweet taste of buttered golden corn

What is love but the rays of the sun through the clouds

That is love, that is love, that is love.

Oh love—is the worlds greatest puzzle.

Oh love—makes the cows want to nuzzle.

Oh love—keeps us living every day

Oh love—love is never cliché.

What is love but the rattle of a snake in the sand

What is love but the hide that has recently been tanned

What is love but the poke of the cactus in yer bum

What is love? What is love? What is love?

What is love but the twitter of the dove in the tree

What is love but the joy of the dancin’ jubilee

What is love but the dew on the berries in the field

That is love, that is love, that is love.

Oh love—is the worlds greatest puzzle.

Oh love—makes the cows want to nuzzle.

Oh love—keeps us living every day

Oh love—love is never cliché.

What is love but the sweet smell of blue of her eyes

What is love but the feel of her hair as it flies

When I’m with her my life is a wonderful surprise

That is love, that is love, that is love.

Oh love—is the worlds greatest puzzle.

Oh love—makes the cows want to nuzzle.

Oh love—keeps us living every day

Oh love—love is never cliché.

It's sure a fun show, and the cast does fabulously. I've pretty much had to build the stage and get things ready in every way for the production. Busy, busy, busy, but fun because it got me out of the office.

Work is always fun. I get to be around fabulous folks in old-fashioned clothes! As Program Director, I manage all the sites and public programs, so it's a very rewarding job.