I didn't plan it this way. But Covid, car troubles and selling my house delayed me leaving my hometown for TWO years. At the end of July and beginning of August, I finally got the heck out Dodge. Four days at a writer's retreat in Idaho and then a road trip with my sisters. My oldest sister lives in a beautiful part of the southern Washington. Lots of little beach towns and two lane roads surrounded by lush green forests. The picture on the left is of Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach. The place felt familiar to me, then I realized that Jim Rubart's book Rooms takes place in this area.
I found myself wanting to stay longer. There was no way we could see everything in the few days we were there. It was so good to visit a new part of the world, but what amazed me is what it did for my mind and attitude. This last year has been so stressful on a personal level and so fear filled and oppressive on a national level. I didn't realize how not only my body was confined but so was my mind. Going away helped me return with a fresh perspective on my life and I had renewed energy to deal with all that I have to face every day.
I can't wait to get out town again. How about you? Was there ever a trip that gave you new perspective out your life beyond just doing tourist things or visiting family? Maybe you have a trip planned for the future that you are hoping will do that.
Until a few years ago, I don't think we had ever taken a "real" vacation. It has always been to go visit friends or relatives or taking my parents on a trip after they couldn't drive any more, going to a gathering of fellow collectors or something similar.
ReplyDeleteAfter retiring, we decided we wanted to travel and see as much of the United States as we could before we ourselves weren't able to drive since we have no one to drive for us. We planned for a year to make a trip to the New England states during the fall to see all the gorgeous colors as well as new sites. We were gone 34 days. Folks ask why 34 days. Well, at the time that was as long as the post office would hold our mail. We traveled to Maine and went up the entire coastline (hubby's first site of an ocean) before going to the interior part of the state. Then we went to all the other states making our way back to Niagara Falls. Lastly we went down to Shipshewana, IN (Amish area) before coming home. It was a slice of pure heaven to see new places, sites and experience life and food from some place else.
Couple years later, we took a similar trip to see the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. Another fabulous trip which excited us and had us looking forward to the next trip.
We had planned on going to the five national parks in Utah last year. Well, after planning for a year, we had to call and cancel it all. Now, my medical issues list has continued to grow, but we are determined to make more trips in the future.
As for this year, with things still sort of up in the air, we didn't make any "big" plans. However, hoping to take a trip up to one of the Amish areas for a few days at least. Hopefully we won't have to cancel that trip as well. We love going to the Amish communities because they remind us of what's important and to take time to slow down and enjoy each day. They get enjoyment our of the simple things and have taught us to do the same. Plus the food is AWESOME!
Thank you for the fabulous chance to win a copy of "Undercover Mission". Fabulous cover! Can't get better than a pooch in the foreground and mountains in the background. Shared and hoping to be the fortunate one selected.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
kay sorry to hear about your health problems. Glad you got to travel some .
DeleteWe haven’t had a real vacation in years. It is long overdue!! Love your pictures. We are in Florida and are thinking of St. Augustine for a few days, perhaps in October. Thanks for the giveaway - bettimace at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI, too, have not traveled in the last couple of years except that in early July this summer, my husband and I flew to Michigan to attend the memorial service for an uncle of mine. The service was lovely, but the refreshing part was spending time with relatives on my mother's side of the family. Since I live in Texas, my trips to Michigan are few and far between. What a meaningful trip it was!
ReplyDeleteHi, I am very glad you got to go somewhere, it is always nice to get away. I love staying in the mountains in a cabin, Godwilling one day we will get to do that again with my whole family. For now, I think I am much safer in my home. Have a Great weekend and stay safe. aliciabhaney(at)sbcglobal(dot)net I love your book cover!
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ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
I haven't been to a lot of new places during my life. I would say that trying new things that sre different gives me appreciation for what I've been given and for what others are used to. racheltirzah(at)gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon, Hi from Deer Lodge, MT, where my husband is a minister. So glad you finally got to "get out of town", on your much-needed vacation. Yes, we also are looking forward to going on a ministry trip out of town to Coeur d'Alene, ID, where my husband is to preach at a Baptist church, mid Sept., which we are looking forward to, especially after Covid, plus we've had about two months of none-stop forest fire smoke. Yesterday and today we finally had strong thunderstorms which cleared the air, so we are enjoying that! Praise the Lord! As always, I enjoy your stories, and would very much like to win a print copy of your book! Have a wonderful day. Praying for you. In Christ, Lual Krautter Email: krautter62520AToutlookDOTcom
ReplyDeleteI know the smoke has been pretty bad here too. Coeur D'alene was where my writer's retreat was. Always good to hear from you Lual
DeleteMost of my trips are research trips, but I love them anyway. I have most of your books, including Undercover Mission which I loved!! So don't enter me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteI feel that way when I go to the Smokey Mountains. Don't enter me for the book as I just finished reading it and it was great. Will try to post a review in the morning. sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com Shelia Hall
ReplyDeleteI would love to take a vacation with my hubby. We have never been able to do that.
ReplyDeleteOh Cannon Beach is right in my neck of the woods! My husband works at a resort hotel there and we live in Seaside. I think Haystack Rock is my favorite thing to see.
ReplyDeleteAs far as vacations, hubby and I were able to take a short trip at the end of June to visit my sister-in-law. It was only four days, but still it was nice to get away. We hadn't seen her for over a year due to travel restrictions with Covid. Family time was extra special!
No other trips until Thanksgiving (crossing my fingers) to spend with her. I hope Covid doesn't ruin those plans like it did last year!
Anyway, it so nice to see your pictures Sharon. I love lighthouses and Cannon Beach :-)
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
it is such a neat part of the U.S. I want to go back. so much to explore and see
DeleteThis summer we went to Spain to visit my brother and his family who live there after Spain opened up to vaccinated Americans. We had been planning to go last summer but had to cancel the tickets when the pandemic started.
ReplyDeleteE-mail: dianah7272@gmail.com
DeleteVisiting a scenic area in the Hill Country of Texas a few years ago was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteVisiting a scenic area in the Hill Country of Texas a few years ago was wonderful! livinginjoytogether@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWe were going to go through Wyoming/Oregon this fall, but decided to wait another year with this blasted COVID variant going around...bummer...but safer! chendryx (at) nctv (dot) com
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was gifted the opportunity to climb a mountain with good friends last April, and they asked me to come along! I've always wanted to do this, but I never had the chance - and the timing was perfect! My daughter has knee issues and I'm dealing with worsening arthritis - but now, every time we face something hard, we find ourselves saying, "If we could climb the mountain, then we can do this." It was an amazing time.
ReplyDeleteamybradsher at gmail dot com
love that story. so glad you got to do that with your daughter
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