[blockquote source=”Haruki Murakami”]Mountains, according to the angle of view, the season, the time of day, the beholder’s frame of mind, or any one thing, can effectively change their appearance. Thus, it is essential to recognize that we can never know more than one side…one small aspect of a mountain.[/blockquote]

My dears, no matter how great the challenge or seemingly insurmountable the odds…know, that there is always another side to that mountain.

I think we all need to be reminded of this on the odd occasion – and particularly, when we find ourselves ‘wincing’ over the climb.

If only we might always consider, that we really are getting somewhere after all…and even as we are standing here looking upwards at what appears to be a simply impossible height.

One step at a time, my dears…will bring you always closer, still.

And hope is never really lost, at all – just a little bit quiet, at times…

Long enough to find, that belief that was resting inside…waiting for that one perfect, breathless gasp of wonder to make itself known, once again.

So, what’s it gonna be, my friends?

To wallow in the pity of having seen just one side…

or,

Maybe, take a little chance to see what a few extra feet might do for your ‘view’…

You know, I hear the peak is actually quite lovely this time of year.

And, there’s always an extra mug waiting for those who’ll visit me there.