... on a more serious note...

I have always enjoyed the opportunity to behold the gentle nature and the equally astounding grandeur found when clear, crisp skies of blue fall atop the smooth yet chiseled snow-blanketed mountains.

There is a deep sense of calm and lightness that seems to permeate the soul, welcoming and inviting feelings of peace, relaxation, and harmony. It entices the mind to examine and ponder upon this majestic creation, this masterpiece and symphonic union between the harsh bitterness of winter snow, the unforgiving and merciless terrain of the rocky slopes and the life giving light and warmth, shimmering down unimpeded from the heavens above.

There aren't many scenes such as this one in my mundanely busy life which require and even demand my loyal attention the way this blissful setting does. But I am glad that it does and that it has. For in this moment, where a smile enters my heart and overwhelming emotions of gratitude manifest as gleams in the corners of my eyes, I am experiencing a new understanding of the meaning of His words, "Be still, and know that I am God".

After sitting here for the last several months looking at the broadside of the Novell building, I have just come up with what might be soon known as the coolest daddy-o idea to ever hit happy valley! The following is my thought chain and the evolution of my glorious idea...

"Hmm, that building is right smack dab in the middle of my view and it's not that exciting. It's not even that big either. It's what, 6 maybe 7 stories tall? Psssh! I am currently located higher than that!

It needs to be more entertaining in someway. Ooh! Perhaps a big ol' blazing fire would be fun to watch! Uh, nah. That's probably too dangerous for those within the actual building, and not very fun for them. Hmmm.

Ah ha! Scratch your Buddha belly and color my nose hairs mauve, I just got a brilliant idea!

Novell is a "technical" company right?
(the many voices in my head chime in, "Yes")

And they make a good amount of money right?
(again the voices agree, "Yes")

Well, they have a long, plain, boring building that needs a little "umph" right?
(this time only the leader of the 'voices union' answers, "Perhaps, but only if our desires are met")

(here's the totally fabulo-so idea)

Well, why don't they just turn that whole side of the building into a giant TV screen and play movies all day for everyone (specifically me) to watch?!!
(at this point the leader of the union declares their desires met and all the voices once again start merrily shouting things such as, "Great idea!", "I knew I chose the right head", "That's smarts", "I'm a Scorpio", "That's the best idea ever", "Everyone loves a big fat TV", "Give this cowboy a raise", " I find NCIS to be a very enjoyable program", "Yummy, pickles", "Do you really want to hurt me..." and other such things)

Then it's settled, I officially have a good idea."
(end thought chain now)


Now to implement my stupendous idea....

Maybe I can get James to contact his boss or someone else there to get it started. I'll have to ask him the next time I see him.

Well whatdaya know!!! There is now white smoke coming from what looks to be Payson. Take that Spanish Fork!!! Looks like you can learn a thing or two about pope picking from Payson ... because they apparently just picked a new one. Ah, that is an inspiration for a new riddle... "How many popes could Payson pick if Payson could pick popes?"... classic!

Congrats Payson, I always knew you could do it! (even though I am still not sure why you did it, nor where you got the permission to do so.)

Ya know, to me Payson has always seemed like a far off land... a "foreign" land of sorts. It's almost like Manti, but not as popular. Manti is that magical, mystical place far away with the big temple on the hill and all the fantasy creatures also known as turkeys. Everyone knows and likes Manti... not so much Payson.

Also, Payson is like Provo's younger, less talented, less popular, nerdier brother... with the big coke-bottle glasses, pocket protector and suspenders. In high school Provo was voted, "Most likely to succeed", "Best smile" and "Most athletic", whereas Payson was voted, "Most likely to be forgotten".

FYI - Manti was voted "Best eyes" and "Most likely to hold an ongoing pageant that would attract all sorts or protesters that don't really have a point to their protest other than the fact they disagree with everyone about everything". Manti was also part of the "Cutest couple", but broke up with Sandy shortly after graduation.

So again I say, congrats to Payson! Way to prove everyone from high school wrong! You and your new pope will surely be noticed now... "forgotten", my eye!!!

A new dawn has... um... dawned(?)... yeah, uh, anyway... there's a new cool dude in town, and his name is Pope-a-licious Payson. Word!

There is black smoke arising into the air from somewhere in the Spanish Fork area. I have never seen smoke there before, so I doubt it's from a smoke stack or anything of the sort.

At first I thought that maybe the people of Spanish Fork were choosing a new pope, and since they were yet unable to decide, they were letting the rest of us know that the process continues still by giving smoke signals. But then I realized that the people in Spanish Fork don't choose new popes, so it's obviously from something else.

I'll have to watch the news tonight and see if they mention it.

Whoa.. it's gone now! Hmmm.... very interesting. They might not choose new popes... but apparently they DO do black magic.

Thanks to the recent storms, the haze has mostly cleared and I can now see the whirly-twirly guardians of the Spanish Fork canyon... kinda... despite being in plain sight they have learned to camouflage themselves against the snow-laced mountains. They never were the types to draw attention to themselves. Even back in school they sat quietly in the back.

Welcome back my dear friends of the south... Long time no spin!

So earlier today I saw a crow-like bird flying by the window. It appeared to be clasping something within it's razor sharp, flesh-ripping, super sonic, pan-handling talons, but I couldn't quite make out what the object was. It appeared to be a glove or some sort of winter-ish accessory. It was quite a unique thing to witness... sadly, it still wasn't enough for me. I would like to have also witnessed the random person now running around with one really cold hand. Maybe someday...maybe.

On your mark! Get set...

Let the out-sights begin! (Get it? "out-sights" is a play-on word stemming from "insights", but reversed since I am looking outside)