Life Lessons from Shirley
Part of my volunteer responsibilities as a Copper Mountain Ambassador is to take visitors who are unfamiliar with the area on a mountain tour. This week I took Shirley Ziebarth touring. She made it clear to me that she only wanted to ski advanced terrain. No beginner or intermediate stuff for her! As we began, I quickly realized I would need to kick it up a notch if I wanted to keep up with her. We zoomed around the mountain covering steep pitches, bumps, and much of the advanced terrain on the mountain. Realizing that she was an adventurous type, I asked her if she would like to ski in the terrain park. This is where all the young dudes hang out and do their “180″s, “360″s and “helicopters” careening off impossibly high ramps created by snow cats. Copper Mountain has a half pipe that is one of the highest in North America – 22 feet! So we zoomed down the sides of both terrain parks and Shirley liked it so much she egged me on to do them both again – and this is at 11,000 feet where most New Englanders are puffing to catch their breath!
At the top of one of the ramps, I turned to the young aerialist beside me and asked him “How old are you, pal?” and he replied, “Twenty-one.” I said, “This lady, who is about to speed down the ramp, is FOUR TIMES your age – she is 81!” His jaw dropped in awe – as it should have.
Shirley told me, “This is not my best sport – I’m much better at waterskiing!”
Shirley is inspired and inspiring – I had one of the best ski days in ages. Her attitude is fun, she has an acutely active mind and a great sense of humor, she is interested in politics, corporate life, people, wellness, being happy and athletics. She is living large, keeping in shape and remaining current. These are the lessons we learn from people – our elders and teachers – more than from data or from tired texts. These are the lessons we must learn in order to be effective and inspiring leaders and humans – and in order to live inspiring and effective lives.
Shirley, You go girl! And thanks for the lesson!
February 17th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Did she mention her tennis game? My friend Shirley
is an incredible athlete. At 74 I can’t keep up with her!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Shirley!
We’ve never met but I know your daughter Liz and her family……You are an amazing, inspiring person and have certainly passed on many of your admirable qualities to Liz. She too has an attitude of fun, a great sense of humor, and is both interested and interesting!
Would really enjoy meeting you one time during on of our Denver visits
February 19th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Hi Lance – I’m still on cloud nine from our skiing together at Copper
and the icing on the cake was your blog. Thanks – now I have to
work at keeping up appearances!
I notice you have a yellow lab. I have a yellow labradoodle that looks mostly lab
mostly lab and has the energy and habits of Marley.A friend asked me
if I had donated Lucy to the Whitehouse (she’s identical to the one
they showed on TV) .I can’t give up Lucy but I wouldn’t mind seeing
how they would cope! Eighty year olds can be nasty!
Lance thanks again for making my day and setting new goals. Shirley
February 19th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Wonderfull.We have been hearing about your wonderfull sports
accomplishments for a long time.I am sure this is one of the better
winters for skiing.
Ann and Dunc are proud of you.
February 19th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Well, that’s our Shirley. She should have told Lance that currently she is the top National NASTAR racer in her age group.
February 25th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Shirley – What a great story! I speak to Carol every once in awhile. I alwyas tell her to give you my best – I hope she does.
You and the Ziebarth girls have always been family to me – It just doesn’t seem that long ago thate we were playing with Banu in the backyard on Sheffield.
I’m glad to hear but not at all surprised to read that you continue to ski during the winter and during the summer. Keep having fun!
Andy Greenberg
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Shirley’s a member of our Silver Streaks Ski Club at Waterville Valley,
New Hampshire…and she’s a delightful inspiration to us all!
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Wow! So what’s my excuse at 45? Thanks Shirley for being so inspiring and thanks Lance for the story.
May 14th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
My husband drives her boat and sometimes I’m called upon to be a spotter. What a treat it is to be up early and see the smile cross Shirley’s face as she glides upon the water. She is truly an inspiration and role model.