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...

I thought perhaps I would share with you some of my recent experiences.... Through the strong encouragement of family & friends, I have now become a "Freelance Photographer" and see the world from a new and fresh perspective. I am so blessed to have the fantastic people in my life that I do. As I develop my skills in photography, I find myself taking lots of "Road-trips", sometimes taking my side-kick Claudette with me. She is a writer and enjoys the time communing with nature. We find lots of inspiration while on these little excursions. We recently returned from a 3.5 day trip over to the Olympic Penninsula in Washington State. We left our home in Kalispell, MT before dawn on Tuesday 9/10 and headed west on I-90 cruising along through the mountains, thru Idaho and into eastern Washington. We started our ride along I-90 with double rainbows just east of Missoula. The weather was wonderful - warm but not too hot or humid, gentle breeze making the growing fields of wheat, corn, peas, potatoes, and hay shimmer in the warm rays of the sunshine. There were produce stands dotting our route, bursting with farm fresh, just picked fruit's & veggies. Ahhh, the wealth of summer goodness. As we continued into Snoqualime pass region, the clouds of fog & rain began to play. The mountains became almost magical, mysterious. We continued on, enjoying the diversity in the geography, mezmerized by the changing scenery at every turn. I have made this drive many, many times yet every time I notice subtle little differences - amazing how the changing of the seasons provides new excitement to my eyes. We continued on through Tacoma turning south to Olympia (the state capital) and then onto the Penninsula Loop 101. I had not been there in many years and the entire trip was so beautiful - everything felt new yet familiar. We stopped at many interesting places mostly "off the beaten path" where I started shooting my nature scenes. We traveled counter-clockwise around the loop, making discovery after discovery. I could have been quite happy to spend at least a month or two photographing that area. I definitely will have to go back again next summer! There were lakes, ponds, mountians, beaches, coves, villiages, parks & campgrounds galore. It was all very exciting and the sea air was intoxicating. I shot everything from trees & flowers to animals to water and everything in between. That is a definite MUST SEE area of our country. I strongly encourage it for an excellent vacation destination. After 3 days of shooting photo's and visiting with the locals, we returned home via the same route. I shot over 400 pictures, covered 1600 miles in all and have new and happy memories to add to my life. I managed another great moment to "Stop and smell the roses". Until next time - Live, Laugh & Love Always!

Challenge

Today is another beautiful day in which to embrace all that the Lord has given us. As I sit at the computer and ponder, it occurs to me that too many people are so self-centered and wrapped-up in personal drama's that they tend to lose track of the important things in life. Things like Love, Laughter, Family, Friends and the really big one: Communication! Do you ever pause for a moment and wonder how someone from your past is doing? How long has it been since you contacted an old friend just to say hello and you're thinking of them today? When was the last time you did something nice for a stranger just because you wanted to commit a random act of kindness? When was the last time you told your best friend just how much they mean to you? The only thing that we are really in control of is our attitudes - how is yours? Happiness draws in happiness, love draws in love - positive attitude is what it is really all about (not the hokey pokey). I challenge each of you to Live, Laugh & Love often and to practice random acts of kindness every single day. Kind words and a big smile when given to others comes back to you in amazing ways!!! Until next time.... Keep dreaming.

Thoughts for today...

Here goes my very first real blog...

I am a single lady who is starting new chapters in my life. I have been spending lots of time exploring my new home state of Montana. I transplanted here from Muskogee Oklahoma in April 2010. The more I experience the more I find to love. I have also recently begun a new and very exciting hobby of "Nature Photography" - they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I guess I am lucky enough to capture volumes then. Being a hopeless romantic I find such pleasure in nature. The Lord has given us so many beautiful sights to enjoy if only we can slow down our busy lives to fully appreciate them and give thanks for His amazing creations. I try to spend time each day to enjoy something new outside. It is so amazing what one can see if they just look around! From the very moment I drove into this valley surrounded by such beauty, I have fallen under the spell of Kalispell. There are not adequate words to describe the emotional waves as I face each direction taking it all in.

I will be posting new blogs with pictures each week for all to enjoy. I look forward to reading your comments. I will see you again soon. God Bless...