The vast majesty of Lake Tahoe brought tears to my eyes. While in Nevada visiting my sister on several occasions, hikes in the mountains put life and the awesomeness of nature in perspective. I often reflect on the tremendous sense of peace and relaxation that overcame me during an invigorating trudge up Donner's Pass in the Sierra Nevada ridge. I loved the heart-pounding exertion of huffing and sweating, higher and higher up the trail of rocks and pine trees and streams dotted with purple flowers and butterflies. It only got more beautiful near the peak, where my brother-in-law and I relaxed on enormous rocks overlooking a placid lake.

On days when I’m stressed out under deadline pressure, I think of this: care-free braids, emerald and turquoise water as warm as a bath, the hot sun on my skin, the sweet taste of fresh pineapple, the scent of coconut oil, and the salty breeze rustling palm trees along a white sand beach. Aaahhh..