The Year 2011

2011 is already a month deep. I returned home last night from my what I will venture to say the best weekend since I moved to Portland, OR on September 25th, 2009. I embarked to Sunriver, OR with eight other good friends for my buddy Nate's 30th Birthday Bash. We rented a home and celebrated life together! I rode down to Sunriver with my friends AB and V! It is difficult attributing words to them as people. I am blessed to call them friends! From the moment we left Thursday evening, to the time I arrived back at my studio apartment in the city Sunday night, time didn't exist within any of our conscience's. We ate and drank whenever we wanted to celebrate one another, life itself, a positive thought and the abundant energy's that abounded within the peaceful yet powerful Eastern Oregon countryside. We didn't know the time when we went to sleep, nor the time when we arose to tackle the day. Agenda's were thrown away and openness to life, one another, emotions, and snowboarding:) were taken in as they came! We snowboarded at Mt. Bachelor on Friday and Saturday. It was therapeutic to my soul to become one with the mountain for two days in a row. There is something powerful about picking your line down the hill and carving it into existence! I truly felt as if I became part of the mountain as I squatted low, kicked my right foot behind to turn toeside and caress the snow with my fingertips and I boarded down the slope. Mt. Bachelor has vast terrain. Despite boarding it two days in a row, I only covered half of its terrain. I never reached the summit due to icy conditions, and eagerly await the next opportunity to experience her again in new ways I probably can't imagine! It was also refreshing to board with great friends whom shared the same energy as you. We all glided down the hill together, as if we were creating a force-field of energy, excitement, and power together! We ebbed and flowed beautifully. One would lead the pack as others caught up and passed. Mt. Bachelor's Lodge is accommodating to all. Both the rider and spectator. We met a couple friends after they days ride who passed on boarding for some great food, drinks, stories, and laughs. The outdoor patio was perfect for the occasion. Heated lamps allowed you to soak in the beauty and grandeur of the mountain. There is something special and calming about seeing such a large structure covered in a pure white coat of snow! I made the comment of how much I loved to board and couldn't believe it had been over a year since my last time when Aaron said this, "and you know the great thing about a mountain is that it is always here, it will never go anywhere." For those who know AB, you understand the love and appreciation I had for this comment. For those that don't, my friend AB is the most optimistic and hopeful person I've ever known. He turns life's commonalities into beautiful images. I learn much from him every time we spend time together. The trip was filled with many more adventures and excitements. Things from steak sandwiches at 3am in the hot tub, half court shots being drained like lay-ups, football, dancing, experiencing Bend's best breweries and bars, meeting Bend locals at 10 Barrel Brewery named Valerie and Erica, inspiring conversation, and yes even a driving range session at Tetherow Golf Club en route back to Portland. Despite the multitude of fun events and joyful memories, this weekend spoke to me in regards of what life is truly about and who I, Seth Cotter, truly am. I am a man who loves sharing thoughts and conversation in nature. Snowboarding and golf are my favorite activities. I love sports. I love being in nature, listening to the voices that echo from it and becoming part of the ever-present energy's that abound in their purest forms! More-so, this weekend reminded me of home. It reminded me of Lake Tahoe and Truckee specifically. It created a new goal and passion within me. It inspired thoughts to become a Head Golf Professional in a smaller country town where I can create a life with others whom share the same energy's and passions as I. It inspired me to continue to grow in this life, believing in who I am, pursuing what I enjoy, sharing those attributes with others and trusting that all will transpire as so. Thus, Thank you to Nate, Cym, AB, V, Sarah, Mike, Brandon and Shane who made this weekend one of the best ever! Much love to you all!

-SC