Rambling Friday: Getting Away

We didn't get to take our usual vacation at the beach this year. Hubby was too busy, and we had
(me: reluctantly) to agree that it just wasn't possible this year. For the first time in several years. 

But we did sneak in a short weekend away with some interesting and fun things to do. And we did decide to take a week off for a trip to one of our favorite places to visit: Tennessee. And our family with us made it just that much more enjoyable. 

Besides taking in some fun things to do, we love walking by the streams, driving slowly up the mountains to enjoy the scenery, and trying to catch sight of bears, deer and other various animals. We also have special stores that we enjoy visiting and occasionally buying an item for a gift or that just catches our eyes. 

One good thing about going to Tennessee is that it's not a bad drive. Plenty of places to stop, eat and even visit. We've gone to so many sites through the years that it's usually a re-visit for us. Still, after so long a time, it's nice to re-visit. 

Sometimes we stay in hotels, other times we rent a cabin. Either way has its advantage, depending on the length of stay, reason, and desire.  One great reason to choose a cabin is the freedom to eat there if you want. Another is: cabins, many times, have "built-in" activities to do. Especially as cabin rental businesses want YOUR business so anything they can do to attract you to rent from them is a plus. That means you have games and other entertaining things that keep children, teens, and adults alike busy if it's raining or you want to stay in an evening, etc. 

Whether far away or close by, I highly recommend taking a few days to relax and enjoy yourself. It's totally worth it.

Next, on the list of being with family and friends? Thanksgiving. We'll talk about that later...

Rambling Friday: The Good Ole Summertime!

"Summertime is always the best of what might be."

I love this fun quote! 

For me, summertime is

a wonderful time of:

warmth, sunsets and bicycles

The fourth of July and what all it stands for!

Lying in clover and studying the stars

Long country walks and spotting something unexpected 

Watching the birds (and rabbits) playing from our porch swing

Sitting by the pond and listening to the frogs croak

And more...much more!

HAPPY SUMMER!

Rambling Friday: Games with the Children

What did I do this past week?

Played with a child!

Read a book,
Played make-believe FBI agents
Took a walk and discussed picking wild raspberries
Painted some pictures
Had a contest--and he won two times!
Built a volcano
Shared a potato skin
Ate supper together
Talked about dogs

Had a full day of fun and laughter
and made some memories.

Love your family!

Rambling Friday: Hobbies

Through the years, I've had several hobbies, some I still enjoy, others, I've discarded or lost interest, while still finding new creative ways to enjoy life.

Some that I've enjoyed through the past few years include:

• quotes. Love to collect them, and this is still a keen hobby of mine. I have several journals filled with quotes.
• photography. Can't get away from this one. If I'd chosen a different vocation, it'd be photography.
• angels. Although I still quite a few, I've slowed down on gaining anymore. I'm borderline on this one, wondering if I should sell out. Smile.
• coloring books for adults. This one is a new one for me, and I still enjoy it when I have time.
• scrapbooking. I enjoy this one quite a bit, but seldom find the time to work on it regularly.

Why should you have a hobby? Here's a few thoughts:

• Creativity: hobbies create creativity which also benefits one in their daily work habits. It also gives insight into what kind of person you are.
• Confidence. When you enjoy doing something, such as a hobby, you usually are fairly good at it. We learn, grow in different ways and gain from challenges.
• Hobbies help to reduce stress. Focusing on a hobby gives the body and mind something besides the stress in your life to focus on, thus a time of rest. 
• Socialize. When you find something you enjoy doing, it's always great to find others who enjoy the same hobby, share techniques, and experiences. 

So give it a chance. If you don't already enjoy a hobby, search for one. What do you love to do? Walking? Try new paths, take pictures, draw a picture, write down your thoughts in a journal. Traveling? Make sure to record your journey. Cooking? Quilting? Gardening? Woodworking? Whatever you choose, relax and allow the time you spend on your hobby to help build strength in your body, mind, and soul.


Happy Hobby Day!

Sunday Sunshine: Strength

I will strengthen them in the Lord,

and they shall walk up and down in his name.

--Zechariah 10:12

Sunday Morning Peace: April

The Day Before April

May Carolyn Davis

The day before April,

Alone, alone,

I walked in the woods

and sat on a stone.

I sat on a broad stone

and sang to the birds.

The tune was God's making,

But I made the words.

Quote:
I don't believe the muse visits you. I believe that you visit the muse. --Michael Lewis


Blessings

HINTS TO: Lose That Weight?


Besides choosing the best weight plan for yourself:





I suggest walking! You'll not only tone your body and help your body lose fat, but it has other advantages.

• It can calm the spirit.
• Meditate and pray for yourself.
• Special time to pray for others.
• Time to think about your world in general, what you can do to improve it, and how thankful you are for your blessings.
• Time to listen to God's words to you.
• Time to make plans for the day ahead.
• Special time to plot out your next book, next chaper, or next scene.

Quote: Destiny is not a matter of chance; it's a matter of choice. It's not a thing to be waited for; it's a thiing to be achieved. --Wm Jennings Bryon

Blessings

The Day Before April

May Carolyn Davis

The day before April,

Alone, alone,

I walked in the woods

and sat on a stone.

I sat on a broad stone

and sang to the birds.

The tune was God's making,

But I made the words.

Quote:
I don't believe the muse visits you. I believe that you visit the muse. --Michael Lewis


Blessings