Aspire to An Awe Filled Life - by Bette Lee

It is with much regret that we volunteers and naturalists for the Laguna Canyon Foundation say goodbye to our trusted, generous and so dearly loved Volunteer Manager, Bette Lee.

Bette's dedication, professionalism, honesty and passion for both the canyon and her volunteer corps will be forever remembered by all who worked beside her. While we are eagerly awaiting the announcement of a future Volunteer Manager, and are looking forward to collaborating with him/her as much as possible, one thing is certain: there is no replacing Bette Lee.

As an involved member of our canyon's growing community of volunteers and visitors, I take the liberty tonight to publish the above words. With 2010 on its way, a new chapter for us volunteers and naturalists is about to begin. It is my hope that a renewed sense of excitement and appreciation for all on the trails, be it rock, plant or person, will come to define the upcoming year.

Tonight's post features a heart-felt message from Bette, destined to all of you who read this blog. It is entitled, "Aspire to An Awe Filled Life," and it shall be the final posting of this blog this year.

See you on the trails next year!
Jennifer Wood

Aspire to An Awe Filled Life - by Bette Lee

Awake each morning, potentially inspired, centered, with a sense that many options and opportunities stretch before you. Awe is a power unto itself, and by its very nature transforms us. The best part is it is free, natural, and continually available.


When you get out of bed in the morning and put your feet on the floor, give thanks that you are part of a great adventure, an ever-expanding journey.


Each moment is a gift. Savor it. Be in it. Even in the tough times, take a moment to breathe, ground yourself and become present in the moment.


Take time to consider bigger questions, such as how you are willing to use the space and time left to you.


Realize that you are MORE than petty or narrow judgments.


Stay open to the possibilities and surprises of life; they may be around the corner. When you’re in conversation or working, or just simply being, realize that change—often positive change—can spontaneously occur.


Pain is our teacher. As difficult as it is, pain can be an opening—as well as closure—to a new way of life. For example, if you are sad, perhaps you can view the sadness as a long neglected chance to slow down, appreciate subtleties, and consider life anew.


Try for balance. We all experience fragility and resiliency. To cope best with this life, acknowledge both your limits and your possibilities. Recognize that limits and possibilities play off one another and that to live fully one must be open to tearfulness as well exhilaration.


Accept change. Life is ever revolving. An ability to stay present to, and accept, the evolving nature of life is a powerful skill. As painful as conflict can be, realize that, like everything else, it too shall pass, and something new will emerge.


You are so much more than what you think you are. So take the leap if you dare, follow your grandest visions and dreams, and partake of the greatest investigation ever known—your own awe-filled life. Breathe in the awesomeness of life!


SO -

• Open to the mystery of Life and Being
• Surrender and Trust in the Unknowable
• Take a Leap of Faith into Your Future

New observations at the Park

Our good friend and fellow naturalist Len Gardner shares his observations of late:

Nov 29

In the stretch of upper Laurel between the waterfall and signpost 10, there are a few shoots of new growth. Maidenhair fern and Polypody fern are both putting out bright green new foliage. This is a hopeful sign in an otherwise continuing drought. Also, sagebrush has its flower buds out and Fuschia-flowered Gooseberry is sporting new leaves. Otherwise, things still look pretty bleak.

Dec 4

I stopped by the Nix this morning [...] While there, I checked for Jepsonia.

I could only find five plants, all near the picnic table on the knoll and all fading fast. Laura said that at Thanksgiving she found them doing well at the Conservancy. She pointed out it's more sheltered there and it was earlier. They're at their best in November.

In good news, there's rain in the forecast for next week. At this point, they're predicting serious rain (1" or more).

More Poetry Contributions!

Check out Volunteer Voices' "Poetry Corner" for more Poetry Contributions from Chuck Wright: http://www.lagunacoastwilderness.com/volunteer-voices/poetry