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Hi! My name is Lillian Payne (maiden name: Lillian Hogan), and I spent years at the Ranch as a camper and three years working as a CMR staff member during college. I wanted to share an excerpt I found from a journal entry during my time at the Ranch:
July 15, 2005
Living at the Ranch makes me so happy. I've been bursting into song spontaneously. I feel more confident. One thing I have always come away with from my summers at camp is "take yourself less seriously." I've been trying to slow down and appreciate each passing second and each passing day, as opposed to eyeing the next phase. I'm having so much fun during this period in my life, why rush it? With each conversation I have with my fellow staff and campers, I feel a deep kindred connection. This is one of the many gifts the Ranch has given me patience and a centered body and mind. The ability to fully inhabit a moment. Thanks to my time here, I am beginning to observe without reacting; I am beginning to see the world more fully and clearly and with a whole lotta love.
There is a bluebird singing at my window against an impossibly gorgeous mountainous backdrop. A chipmunk then hops and scurries down the beaten path to the Columbine South cabin. I am so cozy and content in this sweet blanket of nature. Sometimes you just have to look at yourself in the mirror and smile.
This is me in 2005 with camper (now staff!) Rachel. Loved the burnt orange staff shirt color that year. Shout out to the 2005 CMR crew!
