You may or may not recognize that photo.... it was the one I took when I reached the peak of Cyprus Island with the rest of the Lady crew. Now, just a little background info, Captain JB kicked us off the ship and -- since it was for our own good -- told us that we could come back when we reached the top of the mountain. And, since it was nearing sunset, we ran up the mountainside for a good hour or so before reaching the top. But, we made it in time to watch the sunset, and I tell ya, it was one of the most beautiful things you'll ever see. Especially being up there with my newly made family.....

So anyway. It was difficult for me, 'cause I'd blown out my knee almost right away on the climb/run. So, I limped all the way up. For most of the way up, I couldn't feel anything but bloody pain in my leg. But, I refused to fall behind. My dear sister Kyrstin carried most of my stuff the way up, bless 'er, and when I made it to the top, I shoved my knife in the mountaintop and took a picture of the sunset behind it. A "sword in the stone" kind of thing. Impossible task completed.

Now, I changed the photo to be red & black hued (aye, to symbolize blood. why else would it be red?), and added one of my favorite quotes to it.

So no matter how painful the test, no matter how tough the journey, keep pressing on. After all, the harder the struggle, the more glorious the victory.




edit-- this could go under multiple themes for the 100 Challenge... like seeing red or pain, for instance... but I'm going with fortitude. it seems to most closely fit. ^^