When I was in the 6th and 7th grade we lived on a military post way in the middle of nowhere Utah. It was a small post, living quarters divided in to two sides, the West side, and the East side. One could easily walk from one side to the other, and back when ever one wanted. My best friends were Melissa Moore and Erin Merrit, they lived on the west side, we lived on the east. I was usually the one who had to travel to their side when ever we wanted to get together, I won't say play, because we were much to old to "play". Anyway, although it really was a quick trip to and from their houses, I soon got tired of walking. Now I am not sure were they came from or how long they were in the family, but one day a pair of skates found their way to me and my walking days were over. I would fly down the sidewalks making my way to better places. Melissa and Erin must have thought it was a cool idea, they broke out with their skates and we skated everywhere. I remember skating up and down streets, back and forth between the east side and the west side. A freedom unknown to me until that time. The wind, the speed, I loved it.

Yesterday was Montana's 10th birthday (one of Ashley's friends). She had a birthday party at Mingos Party Place, just outside Silver City NM. At Mingos you can play skeet ball, or pool, or some other silly game I didn't understand, but most people just skate! Yes, real skates with four wheels and a rubber stopper. You can try your luck with roller blades as well, not something I wanted to do. I skated. For the first time in many, many years, I got to feel the wind blowing my hair as I sped round and round in circles. Unable to control exactly when I would stop. Still the memory of being 12 could not be contained and for the short time I felt 12 again. I couldn't help but smile. But I am no 12 year old girl, and this morning my shins feel the years of not skating. I love it!