Inland Empire Woman -- 05/12/07

The heat she left behind faded from her thoughts as the cool western breeze brushed her face. In a place of refuge now, far from the criticisms and failures, this would be a new place to set down roots.

The large city where she originated was no longer home for her. She tried it once, but to no avail. The small midwestern town with its river where she lived before was nice, but never quite felt like home to her either. Her search brought her to this Inland Empire and she would catch her second wind.

The Inland Empire was a location she had dreamed about for a long time. Here she could start fresh, something she had longed for in her heart. The hills and mountains with their trails beckoned to her. The mighty river with its spectacular falls provided a backdrop where plans could be made securely. This would be her life's canvas for a long time to come. She painted with conviction every day.

That new life would be shared with another because she was not a solitary spirit. Her family became her center and her outside activities with them brought fruition to her dreams. She has a long life to lead, more dreams to bring to life.

As an Inland Empire Woman, this is who she was meant to be. In the cool breeze of the hills, she sits atop her horse and looks out over the valley, acknowledging the river, towards home. She remembers when this life was just a dream, a secret yet to be revealed.

Don