we were born in the valley

I have been listening to "The Oh Hellos" pretty much non stop all day. The parts of the day at home. It is the sound track of my life. Or just this chapter. In years to come, when I hear this music, I will think of the first few days in Salt Lake City.  I especially relate to the song "I have made mistakes". It is an amazing song for someone who consistently struggles with doubts, difficulties, fears, regrets and so on. I am so glad God is bigger than me. Check them out HERE . If you want of course :)

Today I did a little exploring. Also, got a parking ticket. They are serious about getting your city parking permit just to park on the street in front of your house. Too bad I was still in my pajamas, space boots, and without proper attire in general to go outside and fight the bad parking lady. I know I need to go get those permits but people, give me a minute (please). We literally just got here. I intend on trying to appeal it. You have to go in person to appeal it... Or I'll just pay the fine because I am very non-confrontational.

We have some spring here. 

Snow dumped itself on Fort Collins. We just missed it. Instead it has been mostly spring-like here with some random rain/snow showers and very chilly winds. By all appearances, spring has arrived in Utah. So, Ingrid and I went on a little adventure. I'm still learning where things are and in general I am finding we are super close to nearly everything. So, today we walked a few blocks (with a massive hill in it) to the Gilgal Sculpture Gardens.

Not sure if this one was finished...

So, this guy named Thomas Child, made the surreal-like work in his garden. He created about a dozen sculptures and over 70 engraved stones in his later years for a retreat from the world  as well as an expression of his personal/religious beliefs. It is pretty wild. It makes you think, which is what he wanted apparently. I didn't linger too long (it was kinda creepy by oneself) and didn't see the informational pamphlet until I was on my way out. I later learned, Gilgal is from from where Joshua had the Israelites place stones in memory. Also, it's a place in the book of Mormon.

Sphinx with Joseph Smith's head.

I did not realize it was Smith's head until later as well. I had no idea what he looked like and the sphinx portion is an interesting touch. Nearly all of the flat stones were covered with quotes/thoughts/verses of his Mormon beliefs. Quite interesting although I don't share their beliefs.

Depiction of Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel

Ingrid and some pointy art objects..

I like books too.

Brick pants are the best pants.

Anyways, it was a pretty interesting adventure. The garden is tucked behind houses, fairly unnoticeable except for Googlemaps labeling it for me. I can't help but wondering what Mr. Child's was thinking... His final days and finances were spent on this project.

Her face says it all. (???)

I am not really sure Ingrid enjoyed the sculpture gardens. She did enjoy walking and sniffing. We had two different sets of males holler out the window at us. I am assuming it was for Ingrid because she is quite adorable. But boys, do not call to ladies out your car windows. Aint nothing classy about that. Goodness.

After exploring, I ran a few errands. I am trying to navigate without GPS, even if it gets me a little lost. I believe I have a pretty good handle on my immediate surroundings. The grid system with all those numbers were fairly simple once it was explained to me and I drove it a few times. After errands, I made primal granola and dinner for us. Davis came home and talks about his new job. He likes to discuss all the medical terminology and equipment he is learning about because I understand it. He fixes problems on equipment I use(d) on a daily basis as a RN. I am so so so thankful he is enjoying his new job.

I am getting increasingly anxious about interviews and new jobs. Davis remains the most relaxed person I know while I am constantly a ball of nerves. Oh my poor nerves.... Makes me sound like the mom from Pride and Prejudice. Praying the doors will be very tightly locked if the job is not meant to be.

"we were born in the valley of the dead and the wicked
where our father's father fell to the crimes he'd committed
we were young when we heard you call our names in the silence
still you lead me, never leave me
never leave me"

-the oh hellos

good night dearies.