Goblin Valley State Park

When people visit Utah, the magnificent canyons of Bryce and Zion spring to mind. On a recent visit, however, I discovered the many hidden treasures of mid-south Utah, one of them called Goblin Valley State Park. Located in Emery County, between Green River and Hanksville, this is a secluded hideaway for some of the more unusual rock formations in Utah. It was designated a state park in 1964, and for only $7, it is well worth the look.

The first thing you'll notice upon entry is the signs that say "No Bicycling in the Goblins". This gave my husband and I quite a chuckle. Yet, I can see how it would present a danger to tourists. There are hundreds of these rock formations, and Goblin Valley

is the perfect place to play hide-and-seek, with or without children. Although they dissuade people from climbing the goblins, I don't think I viewed a single person not on a goblin at some point in time. Whether trying to get a better view, taking a moment to meditate, or posing, this is a place that inspires you to clamber on top of these ancient rocks.

This is a place that lets you find your inner child.

Changing Education's Paradigms

Most of us who are reading this blog right now have been molded from the "traditional" method of education. You are sent to school with those children your own age, taught the same things, all while sitting at a desk, and hoping not to fall asleep when you are (un)lucky enough to have a teacher whose monotonous voice drones on like the teacher from the Charlie Brown cartoons.

Sir Ken Robinson, a public speaker, is passionate about changing that paradigm.

Arguing that this type of educational system came out of the age of industry, he argues that we are categorizing people into smart and stupid - those who are able to stand the rigors of our current education system, and those who are not. Not only is this video fascinating to listen to, but it is expertly illustrated by an artist with a dry erase marker as Robinson gives his lecture. The one thing that Robinson's talks are missing is exactly how we should change our system. Perhaps that is a topic he feels should be taken up by others, or perhaps at a later date.

However, whether or not you have an idea of your own, give the video a watch. When you find yourself nodding your head in agreement, perhaps you will find the spark of passion inside yourself to pursue a long-buried dream.