Memories

I copied this from my friends blog.

Please post a memory you have about me.

1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Taurus

My Homemade Zodiac

(I took out all the "you are" statements and replaced them with "I am" statements)

I am a bull, I am calm and gentle when everything is going good, however when provoked, I can easily become angry, and even difficult to please. Generally I like to take it easy and take my time. I am very patient. I am constructive, but not original. I follow the paths that others have made. I like things that are reliable and safe. I am stubborn. My sensitivity gives me the desire to comfort and ease others. My self-reliance and persistence gives me the ability to patiently wait for my goals to come together. I am possessive, affectionate, and sensual.

I am a pet and nature lover.

I am hard working. I am my own person--very independent. I am intelligent and friendly, but I do have a strong streak of selfishness and cunning. I am mentally alert and good with words. I have no qualms with running in the opposite direction if I consider my role 'unimportant'.

I have great compassion and I seek to be of service to others. I have concern for the weak and the downtrodden. I am a healer and love to assist others. I am capable of giving comfort to those in need, and I frequently offer a shoulder for others to cry on.

My task in life is to develop the tools necessary to truly assist others, rather than to simply be a sympathetic ear. I find the balance between help and interference. In the same way, I learn the delicate art of the counselor who knows when to leave the struggle to others and when to avoid taking away the necessary experiences and lessons of life. I am naturally balanced.

I tend to take responsibility, I often fill the void left by others, and I do not turn away from personal sacrifice. At times, I feel overburdened by the travails of others. However, the love others bestow upon me is my well-deserved reward.

I maintain harmony within my family or group balancing and fusing divergent forces. I seek a stable marriage and I will be a wonderful parent, offering warmth, protection and understanding to children.

I am are generous, kind and attractive. I am often admired, even adored, which baffles me. I am humble, and carry DEEP gratitude. I move well and gracefully, but I will have to work hard to stay in shape.

Alexander Supertramp

Christopher Johnson McCandless

I watched the movie, "Into The Wild" yesterday. WOW...WOW...WOW!!! I've got to be honest, I'm letting this movie mess with me a little. Is it human nature or spiritual nature to believe in such freedom? Is it truth or terror to be the one and only for yourself? Does happiness only exist in being shared (as it is portrayed in the movie)? How much does the HUMAN body actually hinder the spirit?

It's hard to not be envious of such ambition and genuine creation. I know many times in myself (and others) freedom seems to be a way of running away from what/who we are or are becoming. I get that...but I also get the newness and adventure of it! How refreshing that must have felt at times. You can look a million directions and find opinions about this storty. I will tell you mine. This man's life is authentic and raises questions and fire within my own being. This one will be a hard one for me to forget!!!! God bless you and keep you Christopher!!!

P to the A to the Tee RICE

Happy Birthday patty cakes! I love you! I am stunned by your beauty, amazed by your kindness and I continue to marvel at the compassion and love you freely give! A life touched by your heart is saved, honored and gently soothed. I absolutely adore you! My soul is forever changed by the print of your tenderness as I clutch to the support you so willingly breathe upon me. You are familiar and comfortable and will always be the one I call home.

You are beautiful and courageous!

I am eternally your baby, your friend and your number one fan!!!!

This is my favorite picture of my mom!

This is cuttie pants in Jamaica...whistle whistle!!!

My girls, my love!

Wierd, but I remember this robe! Silky soft...

At Mount Vernon on our Mommy Daughter Vacation...best trip EVER!- Daddy's little girl -

Vintage Hawaii

I just want your extra time and your . . . . . kiss

Casey, Great Grandma Ogden (I know, she IS SO CUTE), Mom, Me, Stacey

The Burning Question

Welcome to the 2008 edition of getting to know your Friends.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:30 AM
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? It's been a while...probably something like Back to the Future
4. What is your favorite TV show? hahaha...Rescue Me
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? If I make time for it...a protein shake
6. What is your middle name? Pat RICE
7. What food do you dislike? BEANS
8. What is your favorite song at the moment? "Soulmate" by Natasha Bedingfield
9. What kind of car do you drive? Jeep
10. Favorite sandwich? chicken salad
11. What characteristic do you despise? dominance
12. Favorite item of clothing? t shirt
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? ITALY
14. Favorite brand of clothing? anything that fits
15. Where would you retire to? Cruise Ships
16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? This year...hit Wendover with my pops!!!
17. Most memorable time? recently...my impact training
18. Furthest place you are sending this? Virginia (what up sweets?)
19. Person you expect to send it back first? anyone that wants ONE MILLION dollars
20. Who are you Missing? RJ-a-doo and Gigi
21. When is your birthday? May 2
22. Are you a morning person or a night person? night person transitioning to a morning person
23. What is your shoe size? ten
24. Pets? Yep! Do you really know me???? C'MON
25. Any exciting news you would like to share with us? I am a compassionate, healing, acception, powerful woman of light!!!
26. What did you want to be when you were little? A Teacher or a Nurse
27. How are you today? FAB
29. What is your favorite flower? Gerber Daisies
30. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? The day the Yankees are born
32. What is your full name? Chelsea Jello Tree Rump Roast Oatzie Chelky Babydoll PatRICE Erickson Smith
33. What are you listening to right now? michael buble
34. What was the last thing you ate? salad
35. Do you wish on stars? you bet cha
36. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? ocean blue
37. How is the weather right now? Beautifully HOT
38. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Teresa
39. Favorite soft drink? coke
40. Favorite restaurant? Benihanna
41. Hair color? Brown
42. What was your favorite toy as a child? my baby monsters
43. Summer or winter? BOTH
45. Chocolate or Vanilla? Umm...is gummy bear a flavor?
46. Coffee or tea? tea
47. Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes I do!
48. When was the last time you cried? today
49. What is under your bed? probably Ginger's toy pig
50. WHAT did you do last night? hmmm...
51. What are you afraid of? not being accepted
52. Salty or sweet? Sweet
53. How many keys on your key ring? 4
54. How many years at your current job? 3 months
55. Favorite day of the week? Today
56. How many towns have you lived in? 2
57. Do you make friends easily? no, but I pretend too
58. How many people will you send this to? everyone and anyone
59. How many will respond? 2.8 people
60. Do you like finding out all this stuff about your friends? Yes!!!!!!!

The Coolest Dad In The Universe

I am willing to argue one fact with anyone...I HAVE THE COOLEST DAD IN THE UNIVERSE!!! Some of my earliest memories with my dad are of him playing his guitar and singing my sisters and I to sleep at night. I'm not talking about a soothing, calming lullaby either. I mean The Doors, The Beatles, The Who, Simon and Garfunkel, Led Zepplin, Neil Young, Crosby Stills and Nash...you know the basic life blood of music.

I remember going to the 49th street galleria and recording "Proud Mary" in their sound booth with my sisters and my dad on a weekend outing. I remember practicing the words to "Where Have All The Flowers Gone," with my sisters so we could perform a concert for my parents.

I can also sing every song on the "Cats" broadway soundtrack and I always listen to Tom Petty's Full Moon Fever album each time I take a nature drive to the Hunstville Monastery.

I love my "little daddy!"

On July 4th my dad and his band, The Revised Edition, played at the Cottonwood Club. These are a few of the pictures and videos from that night. Some of them I posted for the sound only...OHHH, the sound!!! If you ever get the opportunity to watch your parents do something they absolutley love...CHERISH IT and never forget!!!!

Rockin' out!

"Can I have your autograph?" This was seriously SOOOO cute!!!

The Baby Boys were dancin'...Amy and I were loving it!

100 Years Of Cleve Erickson

Grandpa Cleve Erickson

Born: July 8, 1908

Died: November 29, 1973

Picture Taken: January 26, 1938

(My Grandparents Wedding Day)

This picture has much meaning to me. My grandpa is nearly 30 years old in this picture...my same age as I type these words. I only know my grandpa through the spiritual experiences I have with him and through the memories of those who know him from his life here.

I feel like I know him in a way that isn't easily communicated and is frequently not accepted well by others. Yet, I feel him still. Getting to know my grandpa over the last few years...in ways I won't mention...has given me a better understanding of the life he lived, the family he created and the man I call father. This relationship is so special and sacred.

He is still an integral part of my family even as he soars with angels and in most minds...gambles the winnings of heavenly horse races (I know it's ironic) and farms the lands of harvest.

Just look at this man! Look at what he has created! He has created life, happiness, LAUGHTER, work ethic, knowledge, discipline! His legacy still is being created! He has two grandsons growing and thriving right this minute. Grandsons that will bear his name...ERICKSON!!!

I am so blessed to be his granddaughter. I am blessed to be open to his love, his laughter and his talents! I am blessed to be open to his forgiveness and knowledge of his role in many lives. I am blessed to know him!!!! I LOVE YOU GRANDPA!!!

The year 1908…

United States President: Theodore Roosevelt

United States Vice President: Charles W. Fairbanks

United State Population: 88,710,000
Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.02 (1908 dime is pictured)

Petroleum production starts in Middle East.
The University of Alberta is founded in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Mother's Day is observed for the first time
The Chicago Cubs win the World Series defeating Detroit (4-1)
The Montreal Wanderers win the Stanley Cup
The Kentucky Derby Champion is Stone Street

Glenwood and Fishlake Forests combined to form the Fishlake National Forest in Utah
Henry Ford develops the first Model T automobile, which sells for $850

Goddess Divine

~ Pride and Prejudice ~

Mr. Darcey: How are you this evening, my dear?
Elizabeth Bennet: Very well... although I wish you would not call me "my dear."
Mr. Darcy: Why?
Elizabeth Bennet: Because it's what my father always calls my mother when he's cross about something.
Mr. Darcy: What endearments am I allowed?
Elizabeth Bennet: Well let me think...”Lizzie" for every day, "My Pearl" for Sundays, and..."Goddess Divine"...but only on *very* special occasions.

"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."

The title to this post is an actual quote from Emerson. To be honest, it sums up what I feel about alot of people and events in life. I love to hear authentic views, thoughts, feelings, perceptions and experiences. Keeping that in mind I also identify with the fact that quotes were at one time someones own knowledge. The great lesson I continue to learn about knowledge is that it is ever increasing and ever changing. What will happen with what I know today? How will it increase? Will it be false? Will it change my life? These questions float lazily in my mind always but rise to coat the ever active imagination of this thirty year old-five year old. It is with these questions that I continue on...

Today is Independence Day! How grateful I am for my freedom!!!! I am blessed to speak, feel and love what, when and whom I choose. I am blessed with the ability to create life, love and happiness. What a beautiful world I live in! So often I hear varying views on the destruction and chaos around us. Today I CHOOSE to feel the love and to give love! It is this world that I trust to surround my family and encourage my friends. It is this world that I cultivate and prepare for my own children to be sustained by. It is this world that my sweet brothers will enter with the innocent eyes of heaven! And it is THIS world that is MY test! I would not choose it another way. I will no longer speak of the times when I would. This is the place I am in and it is up to me to make each day count. Yes, I am one person, one woman...and how divine that is! I can not speak for you, but I know my ancestors & my forefathers were conscious of my existence and the path I walk. I know they gave and worked for my very survival. I AM GRATEFUL!!! I AM BLESSED!!!

Goodbye Sweet Grandpa

Today is the day of your funeral Grandpa. Today is the day when all the family and friends gather to support one another and celebrate your brilliant and beautiful life. Can I ask just one question? I want to know where you'll be sitting so I can sit next to you like I used to. I remember sitting by you and the calmness you brought to life.

I remember sitting together at the Old Farm Pond, feeding the ducks and then sitting back watching nature allow us to glimpse it's authenticity. I remember going swimming at the pool and always wanting there to be enough tags for us all to get into the pool. I remember your encouraging words as I struggled during my teenage years and how often you would want to talk about life. I hold dear the time RJ and I were able to share our patriartical blessings with you and Grandma and the beautiful stories you told us after. I remember being in the temple with you for the first time and I remember seeing your face after the women in the family dressed Grandma's body in preparation for burial.

I have memories of you that will last a lifetime and then I have experiences that will go on forever. You are such a gentle example in my life. You have counseled RJ and I many times on events in our marriage and the most common advice was that the spirit would guide us to the correct path. Thank you for having faith in my ability, even when I, myself lacked it.

I will miss you and I'm sure at times today I will feel selfish. But in the heart of my soul I know how happy I am that you are living your next stage of your spiritual life and that Gramie is at your side as it should be. I love you and will miss you! Thank you for always telling me I'm beautiful (even just after waking up) and for calling me sweetheart and dear. I'm pretty sure RJ picked up on that as he calls me Babydoll all the time. When I hear him speak that I initially think of you and the playful respect you have always shown women. Thank you!!!! May God bless peace and joy in your spirit and love and light in your heart!

Dwain J. Pearson

Dwain J. Pearson

June 24, 1912 ~ June 29, 2008

BOUNTIFUL/RICHFIELD, UTAH- Dwain John Pearson, age 96 of Bountiful, died June 29, 2008 at his home in Bountiful. He was born June 24, 1912, to John Rikard and Elizabeth Dobson in Richfield, Utah. His first four years were spent living in a cabin in Cottonwood Canyon, four miles south of Marysvale, Utah. Dwain attended Utah State Agricultural College and graduated in 1934 with honors and the distinction of being the first student from Marysvale, Utah to graduate from college. He was president of Alpha Zeta, the National Honorary Agricultural Fraternity; a member of the Scholastic Fraternity; Phi Kappa Phi and a Danforth Scholar. He went on to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nine years. Dwain married Olive Ogden on September 5, 1934 in the Salt Lake Temple, sharing 67 years together. He will always be remembered for the sweet and tender love affair he and Olive shared. In 1943 he returned to Richfield and joined his brother, Marden in the establishment of a lumber business that eventually grew to be the largest in the state of Utah. Although he claimed to be only a small businessman from a small town, he became a moving force for over 50 years in Utah and the Intermountain West in a variety of businesses. Dwain was the president of Ideal National Insurance Company. He developed and operated many hotels and restaurants including Travelodge, Hilton and Embassy Suites. Among his many civic duties was his service on the Development Board for LDS Hospital and his position on the Board of Governors for the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. He was a visionary man, a tremendous leader and dedicated his time and energy to countless other business responsibilities without the need for recognition. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding the position of Bishop and was a member of the Stake Presidency. He was active in the Church missionary program and was tirelessly involved in Temple Work in his retirement years. His entire life was dedicated to Church service and his family. Dwain always said, "Family is everything." He was a true example of love and a servant to all in need. Dwain is survived by his six children: Diane (Charles) Mackey of Moab; Rikard (Shanna) Pearson of Salt Lake City; Randy (Linda) Pearson of Bountiful; Mary Kay (Clair) Carling of Bountiful; Clark (Jami) Pearson of Richfield; and Patrice Erickson of Bountiful; and foster daughters Garnet Johnson and Teresa Hernandez, 37 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; a brother, Raynal (Maridell) Pearson of Provo. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Alaiff Pearson and Marden Pearson; his wife, Olive O. Pearson; and daughter Carolin P. Hansen. "Dad, you have blessed our lives with your example and we are grateful you are with your sweetheart again." Funeral services will be held Wed., July 2, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in the Bountiful 28th LDS Ward Chapel located at 2285 S. 200 W., Bountiful, where friends may call for viewing Wed. morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Graveside services and interment will be in the Richfield City Cemetery on Thurs., July 3, 2008 at 11 a.m. under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund.

Online guest books at:

www.legacy.com/saltlaketribune/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=112569571

and

www.webfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=188981&fh_id=10233

Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 7/1/2008.