Middle of August 2011

Here we are in the middle of August and the summer here in Kalispell is starting to diminish, hints of fall are beginning to appear. It seems very odd that the leaves are beginning to show hints of red & yellow and yet the crabapples have not matured yet. We had a very late and wet spring this year so it looks like many things won't ripen before the cold of winter sneaks in. The color of the sky is also changing daily, closer to the bright blue of September.

I really don't mind because I know for certain that God has a plan for everything and that HE is in full control of how and when those things occur. HE has shown great mercy on us this summer and we were NOT part of that intense "Heat Dome" that so many others have suffered through this summer. Our weather here in Kalispell has been fantastic.

As Fall does approach, the kids are returning to school... Teach your children to be kind to each other, smile and say hello to ALL the other kids no matter what they may look like on the outside, they may be scared or very lonely on the inside. Maybe they aren't the prettiest, most fashionable or from the "better side of the tracks" ~ They still have feelings and can still be a great friend if given a chance. Help STOP the bullying by teaching our kids that it's okay to be different ~ Remember that "Jesus loves ALL the children in the world" (Sunday school song). If I offended any non-christian's I apologize for the offense to you, but I AM CHRISTIAN and will never apologize for that fact, get over it.

My summer has been one heck of an emotional rollercoaster but like the amusement park ride, it will eventually come to an end and everything will resume to "normalcy" again. Life is good, full of many blessings every single day - look for them, embrace them and be thankful for each moment of life. We must all learn to quit whining about what we don't have and be grateful for all that we do have: Family, Friends & Love from many different directions...

I have been doing a lot of photography which can be found on my FaceBook page where I also have a "Fan Page" for many of my photo albums - drop by and have a peek! All my photo's are available for sale as prints: to grace your home or give as a gift. I'm also making a 2012 Calendar and am taking reservations now for however many copies you want. The theme will be "Water & Stone" and are only $25 each. They will be available in early November. All Calanders will be on a "pre-paid" basis because of the very high cost of printing each one.

Until next week friends... Keep looking up, that's where all the answers come from.

Two old ladies & a tent...

Today I sit in deep contemplation of planning and preparing for an ambitious journey, a new challenge to say the least. Are you ready --- My sister and I are going to "Hit the Road" this spring for a long and exciting tour of the U.S. of A. We will be putting most of our belongings into storage, packing only the absolute essentials along with our tent and camping gear for a one year camping trip across the country!

Yes, you read that right, ONE YEAR! We intend to live our dream of travel and adventure, document everything complete with photographs and then compile it all together for an exciting new book called "Tenting Across America." We intend to visit many of the wonderful little towns that the tourists seldom ever see. We want to write about the fabulous little places that enrich America, the REAL America and show the hard-working, wonderful people who make her great! We will be posting our progress via our blogs.

We are serious and very excited about this adventure. Now, in order for it to become a reality we must find buyers for our two properties. One is in Muskogee, OK and the other is in Pie Town, NM. Both properties are listed well below their appraised value - We're done with the responsibility of owning real estate - it's for the younger folks! If all works out, this grand plan of a one year tour will begin in April 2011.

We will be doing photo essays of places along the way for submission to lots of media locations and I will be putting photos onto a couple of Stock Photo sites for sale. We also intend to visit many friends and family along the way. It will be challenging, invigorating, exciting and quite educational for us. Many people never get the chance to follow their dream - don't let yourself fall into that catagory! Always keep reaching for the stars...