Category Archives: Feeling Grateful

Monks Walking for Peace: A Journey of Mindfulness

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I have been struggling with so many unsettling things occurring in my country and around the world. I worry and feel anger. I feel sad. I don’t understand the anger and negativity that has become so prevalent. My heart feels broken. There needs to be a kinder, gentler and more humane way of working with people. No one deserves to be treated as less than human.

In late October, I began to follow the Monks Walking for Peace and Mindfulness. It was a 120-day, 2300-mile journey by 19 Buddhist monks.They were accompanied by their loyal dog, Aloka, walking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington D. C. to raise awareness of inner peace and mindfulness across America and the world.

I began to walk with them in my heart, mind and spirit. I have learned, I have grown and my heart has begun to open again. The anger is softer now. Being in the present moment is an experience I treasure and not one that I experience enough.

The Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center is the home temple. They started the Walk in Texas and returned here today. I am blessed to be there in spirit with all the people and monks.

When they started walking the roads were mostly empty except for nineteen walking monks and their support team. As it progressed east and north, people started showing up. They came to the roadsides to watch these monks walk for us and for all beings of the world. A few moments, a few kind word, prayers, blessings and lives are changed forever.

This walk was not without difficulty. Early on in the trip two of the monks were injured in a freak accident with a truck. One lost his leg. And still they kept walking. It snowed, it was cold. And still they kept on walking. Aloka, had to have veterinary surgery and left the walk for a short time. And still they kept walking.

They walked barefoot, in socks, in sneakers and sandals. They walked for me. They walked for you. They walked for the world.

And Still They Walked.

As I watched them walk, I felt like people who came to watch were waking up. They were remembering what is good in the world and what is good in themselves.They were remembering what is good in other people. Just a moment in time can change so much. And the numbers grew. And I remembered.

People started walking with them. They showed up for dharma talks, for meditation, for presence. By the time they reached Washington DC. thousands were walking with them. Thousands were listening, truly listening to their words. They woke up a presence in themselves.

Each day of the Walk, would start in my home with me checking their official Facebook page. I followed along. I attended some of the talks. I certainly attended the meditations. And Today just as it started I attended the returning ceremonies until everyone retired for lunch.

How does this experience make me feel. I feel a softness in my heart, the softness of letting my guard down and letting universal love in. I feel a measure of relief that there is good to be had out there in the world. I have cried with others and I have cried alone. It is not a cry of despair. It feels more like relief and love filtering in. My world and the world shines a bit brighter because nineteen monks walked for Peace and Love and Awareness.

Now I must remember and carry all these messages forward into my world, your world and the world of all sentient beings.

Today is Our Peaceful Day. Today is My Peaceful Day.

Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.

Learning to Navigate My World One Foot at a Time

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One week ago I had surgery on my left heel. I am non-weight bearing for three more weeks. I have a good friends and a knee scooter to aid me in moving around on one leg.

I am learning that as I age events like surgery, are more difficult than when I was younger. What the heck, my good leg is complaining about the increased usage. My right hip is asking me what is going on. And my right foot is developing plantar fasciitis. Arrrgh!!!

Then my shoulders speak up and complain that they are sore. I am trying to use good body mechanics. It is not always easy to do when I are temporarily minus a leg.

What are the good parts of this healing journey?

  • I am staying with a friend, Drew in his beautiful home on a canyon. It is a very healing environment. It has a pool in the backyard and a gazebo that overlooks a canyon.
  • I have met some of the local Song Sparrows. Yes, those Birdy Boys keep showing up. I have also seen Crows, hawks, and Humming Birds
  • Drew has been kind giving me access to his home. When he is home he cooks for me. Usually we enjoy a meal a day together. Boy that is something I am not used to.
  • I have discovered more about my Health Care Plan. Did you know that Kaiser offers free ride service to doctors appointments? Well I sure did not know that. I do now.
  • My sisters have been good about calling and checking in. It helps me not feel too alone.
  • I am being forced to sit still. Something else I am not used to.
  • I love my audio-books from the library. I can sit in the back of the house and enjoy the beauty of nature and listen to great stories.
  • And…there are birds in the canyon. I now move around the house with my binoculars and camera. Yesterday I saw a hawk with a giant snake it it’s talons.
  • It is OK to take a nap.
  • When my friend, Phyllis drives me to my appointments I take her out to lunch. We are finding some unique places to eat. Today they even sat us in the private dining room as there was limited access to the restaurant. We were treated royally.
  • During this Healing Holiday i am planning a trip to Turkey and Croatia. It is good to have dreams.

Next Monday I have my first follow-up with my surgeon. The leg will be unwrapped and hopefully I will progress to a boot. Still no weight bearing for 2 more weeks. Sigh. January and February are going by slooooowwwwwly.

As a whole everything is going well. I have not sat this still in a long time. It is good to know it is doable. I am learning how to entertain myself in a whole new way.

Today I am thankful for my Healing World. I have quite the support team, friends, doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturist, myofascial release therapists.

Today I am Thankful.

Meet Woody and Rocky: A Cat and Dog’s Tale

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Meow, Meow. Woof, Woof. Janet is here!!!!

Hi we live in Salinas with our owner and friend Mandy. Who are we? Woody the Cat, Meow. Rocky the Dog. Woof.

Rocky the Dog here. A few weeks ago Janet showed up at our door. I was so excited to see her. She has been here before. I like Janet and it is fun to see her. She takes me for walks. We walk near and far. I get a chance to sniff and check all the many dog mailboxes in the neighborhood and beyond. It is fun to have her here.

I don’t know why Janet shows up. This time she showed up and Mandy disappeared. She said words like vacation and Australia. Mandy talked about Melbin (Melbourne). A few days after Janet arrived, Mandy left. Now, here we are, Woody, me, and Janet. I miss Mandy but Janet is fun and she is a good substitute for my person.

Janet plays with me. I get the “zoomies” and run around the dining room table and leap on and off the couch. It is so much fun. It ends with hugs and pets. I really like ripping around the house. I also like my treats, a lot. And food, I like food too.

A few days ago another person showed up. Janet calls her Zee or Mary. She was here for a few days. I liked having a second person here. I got more attention and love. And, now today, just like that she is gone. I don’t know where everyone goes. Mary said she wanted to take me with her. I have a new fan. That is what happens when one is cute and spunky. That’s me.

Janet is still here though. Hopefully, Mandy will come through the front door at some point in time. I will be so excited to see her. She is my person.

Oh, and tomorrow Janet says she is going to give me a shower. Well that is going to be fun. I am up for just about anything. I will end up smelling pretty and all my beautiful fur will be fluffy and clean. Yay.

Meow. Woody the Cat here. I know you have met me before. I am the cat with the grand tail. I live with Mandy and Rocky. I am an older kitty now. I spend a lot of my life under Mandy’s bed. It is quiet and safe and I can stay away from Rocky when he gets too rambunctious. He is just a young spunky thing.

I may spend a lot of time in my safe place. But, I do like to come out. I enjoy getting pets and treats. Usually I show up in the evenings when the sun has gone down. I like it when the humans are comfortable in their easy chairs. I can hang out with them. I get a lot of attention and pets.

Check Out My Grand Tail.

I am allowed to be on the dining room table. Why? Rocky chases me and likes to jump on top of me. I can only handle his play for so long. Then I need a safe spot to view the living room world. So the living room table is my spot.

I have found my way to Janet’s bedroom. I like sleeping with humans at night. I share the bed with Rocky and Janet. We all like to hang out together at night. It is fun to have sleep buddies. I am always nearby for pets and hugs.

So here we are. Janet, Woody and Rocky. Janet is pet-sitter extraordinaire. She also does a good job with the house and yard. She keeps all things running. When Mandy returns, everything is in order. Mandy can pick up on her life with Rocky and Woody.

Today we are thankful for Janet coming to take care of us. Today we are thankful for food, fun, loves, pets and “zoomies”.

Today we are Thankful.
Meow, Meow. Woof, Woof.

Exploring the Hidden Gems of California’s Central Coast

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A woman who I worked with posts photos on Facebook. She occasionally asks readers to guess where her office is that day. Maybe I should do something similar and ask my followers where I am today.

A little over a week ago I left San Diego and drove north. I camped along the way. I enjoyed a night at Lake Cachuma, near Santa Barbara. My husband, Jim, liked to say God Bless You any time I said the lake’s name.

After spending the afternoon and evening I continued north to Pismo Beach. This is such a lovely little town on the Pacific Coast. Pismo Beach is a classic beach town and is located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is known for its wide white sand beaches, the boardwalk, a monarch butterfly grove and cinnamon rolls.

I set up camp at the State Beach. Then, I walked out to the ocean to watch the birds, people, and sunset. I like this little town. It is often on my radar when I am moving north or south along the Pacific Coast.

For the next month I am in Salinas, California. I know you have met Woody the cat in earlier blogs. I am house sitting for him and his companion, Rocky the dog. I am getting my animal fix. I will be here for the next month while their owner travels “Down Under.”

Woody
Rocky

I always look forward to coming here. Why? The Elkhorn Slough is about 20 minutes from the house. My kayak is excited to put in to one of my favorite places. Migration season is here and that means I will see all kinds of shore birds, ducks, pelicans and more. Sea Otters are plentiful. I adore those creatures that look so gentle but can be quite aggressive. And who knows what else will show up on my explorations of the slough.

Monterey and Carmel are close to Salinas as well. There are great cycling trails. I can bike from Monterey to Pacific Grove and beyond. There is the 17-Mile Drive to explore too. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row are also near by. I like taking advantage of what is close by when I stay somewhere.

I have one friend coming to visit. I am not sure if she is coming to visit me. She might be visiting because she also wants to get out on the Slough. It will be good to have someone to paddle with and share Wow experiences.

Otter in the Elkhorn Slough

If you can time it right, you are more than welcome to visit. I know my friends Pat and Sandy have been here to kayak the Slough with me and they are always welcome to return for another visit.

After a month in Monterey County I will be heading south once again to have another type of adventure. Stay Tuned.

Today I am thankful for so many things. I am so thankful that I discovered the RV lifestyle. Buying an RV opened up a whole new world to me. I am so thankful for all the friends I have made. I am thankful that these friends trust me with their homes and their animals. I am thankful that they want to come and visit and explore with me wherever I am.

Today I am Thankful.

Finding Closure: A Return to Santee Lakes

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Miss Elsie the Cat

Yesterday afternoon, I arrived at Santee Lakes for a three-night stay. I need to stay in the San Diego area until the end of the month (dental stuff), and then I will be venturing north for the spring and summer.

This is the first time I have returned to this campground since my sweet Elsie the Cat disappeared here five years ago. One of the hard things about being sensitive to so much in my life is that I grieve for my losses deeply. And, to top it all off, I still have not forgiven myself for not noticing the side door to my rig was just a little open that evening. Maybe it had nothing to do with being a good pet owner, but I keep seeing myself as just that, not a good pet owner.

Here are links to the previous posts about Miss El when she went “on walkabout.” Clicking on the title will take you to the post on my blog.
Elsie Has Gone On Walkabout-Elsie is Missing
An Elsie Update
Learning to be Alone

Santee Lakes

I finally decided to buck up and return to this lovely campground. Since I only needed somewhere for three nights, I figured I could endure the stay.

I sniffled my way to the registration office and reminded myself why I like camping here. Santee Lakes is the oldest water reclamation project in California. The 190‐acre Park has seven beautiful recycled lakes. It is stocked with fish and is also a wildlife preserve. It is home to all kinds of birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and other types of wildlife. Years ago, I walked through this park and found a golden eagle feasting on a not-so-lucky duck.

When I arrived at the registration desk, I was reminded why I like camping here. The staff remembered me and Elsie the Cat. The woman who checked me in came around the counter and hugged me. It made me feel loved and honored. I knew they had been looking for that little kitty, too. It felt like being welcomed home.

I am camped next to one of the lakes. I woke to find all kinds of ducks hanging out behind my rig: Shovelers, Cinnamon Teals (one of my favorite birds), Coots, Ruddy Ducks, and Wood Ducks, to name a few. A pair of Western Bluebirds arrived as I ate breakfast outside. And now I hear a Kingfisher.

Cinnamon Teals
Dove
Female C. Teal
Shoveler
Wood Duck
Ruddy Duck

I have to work on self-forgiveness. For five years, I blamed the loss of Elsie on the fact that I was not a good pet owner. Deep inside, I know I am not a bad pet owner. These things sometimes happen. Will I be more attentive to checking the doors at night? Yes! Can I begin to think of inviting another kitty into my life again? Yes, well maybe. Not yet. First, I have to work on self-forgiveness.

Aren’t we always the hardest on ourselves? I have recognized that with so much throughout my whole life. Why I do that to myself is beyond me, most of the time. Part of the issue with Elsie is that she was Jim’s cat. Losing anything that was part of our life together has so many issues wrapped around it. I am still working through all this over twelve years later and probably for the rest of my life.

Am I finally glad I returned here? Yes. The welcome at the desk was enough. Waking up on the water and seeing all the birds helped my soul, and the camera came out. Will I return again? Maybe. It is kind of warm here today. I have gotten used to the constant ocean breezes. I am not sure I am willing to give that up.

Today, I am thankful I have returned. I am grateful for recognizing the importance of returning to the Lakes and allowing myself forgiveness and growth. I would like to think I can let this go so I can grow and become more human, forgiving, and whole.

Today, I am thankful.

Kauai and Oahu: A Traveler’s Paradise

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It is incredible how quickly a month can go by. I left Oahu for Kauai on February 1. Where did the time go?

I have seen big waves and surfers. Beach walking was a favorite activity for me. I frequently walked to the beach and then the half mile to Banzai Pipeline. It is interesting to think that it is smooth and glassy where the swells are now during the summer months. What? How can that be?

I really enjoyed my month on Oahu. I had a lovely apartment to stay in. I liked sitting on the porch and feeling the warm Hawaiian trade winds blow through. The rains went from soft, gentle female rains to raging, windy, male downpours. I saw the results of the flooding of the falls of the Waimea River that tore through the sandy beach, creating small, perfect swells that the surfers enjoyed.

And then there were the perfect sunny, blue-sky days with the soft Hawaiian trade winds keeping the temperatures cool. It was as close to perfect as was possible.

I have snorkeled, hiked, and even taken a boat tour to swim with dolphins. And oh, has that camera been busy.

The waves were twenty to twenty-five feet high the first weekend I was on Oahu. Only the bravest of surfers will tackle these waves. By the time the surfer reaches the foot of the wave face, they may be going upwards of 35 mph. Whoa! It is hard to imagine going that fast on a small board. How do you keep your balance? How do you breathe? How does it feel to have that body of water racing behind you? What happens when the wave wins? I will never know. Yet I will seek those waves out because they fascinate me.

Backdoor Shootout Surf Competition

I arrived as the Backdoor Shootout Surf competition was going on. I left the North Shore as the Lexus Pipe-Pro championships were beginning. I enjoyed the spectator part of this sport. I had no idea many people like me enjoyed watching the surfers and cheering them on.

Spending a month in one place has allowed me to relax my pace and not feel like I have to do everything all at once. If it was a rainy day, I could stay home. If I got tired, I could nap. Well, heck, I can do that any time, but I don’t when I am out traveling in Emmylou. I am a girl on the go.

Walking the Beach to the Point, Oahu.

My friend Tina joined me at the end of my time on Oahu. After a month on my own, it was good to have company. Since I had spent a month there, I got to show her some of my favorite spots and explore other places she knew of. I still believe that adventuring on my own is fun. Adventuring with someone else is even better.

Kauai the Magic Isle

Tina continued on to Kauai with me. After five days she left yesterday, and my friend Mary arrives late today. I still have a friend to adventure with and explore. In the meantime, I am snorkeling, enjoying sunsets, and relaxing on the beaches of Kauai. This is a magical isle.

Sometimes the choices I make are OK. Sometimes the choices I make are listed under “The Best Things I Ever Did”. Traveling for a winter to Hawaii is in the later catagory. And I am not even done yet. I still have the Big Island to explore.

Adventure On.

Finding Joy in Small Successes

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There are moments in my life when I take great pride in my accomplishments and moments when I find joy in this continuing journey. I like feeling proud and accomplished for a job well done. It is good to stretch my knowledge and experience and know I can do more and be more. Feeling accomplished leads to feeling joyful. I attempt to look for those moments, large or small, that offer me the feeling of joy.

I have had a slow leak in the rear tire of my road bike. To deal with it, I pumped it up at the beginning of a ride and hoped it would still be OK after fifteen miles. I have been doing this for a while, and it has worked. Two days ago, I was out riding the Bay, and the tire was too soft after ten miles. Finally, I had to address this situation.

My Bike Feeling Picturesque

Before Jim died, I would have gone to him, and he would fix anything with my bike or car. If I had a flat while cycling, all it took was one phone call, and Jim would arrive to rescue me. Now, I have to think about calling Lyft or fixing that tire on the fly. That sounds easy, but changing a tire, especially a rear one, requires time, patience, and muscle.

Yesterday, I decided to change the tube on that tire. I did not have all the necessary tools; where did that bike tool set go? With the help of one tire tool and a few kitchen tools (the mother of invention), I successfully changed the inner tube and was up for a 15-mile ride around the bay.

Pride, oh yes, I feel proud. Whenever I tackle something independently and succeed, I feel proud of myself. I also know that the correct tools will be present next time, making it easier for me to accomplish this task. This is good pride. This is joy.

Joy has been on my mind often lately. I have been considering what gives me joy every day. What are the little things that make me smile each day? Yesterday, successfully changing that tire was a moment of joy at a well-done task. Pride and Joy.

Yesterday, I was at Starbucks, and one of the baristas came by to give me a free sample of Christmas coffee and bread. It made me smile and feel special. Joy at work.

What has brought me joy as I traveled over the past spring and summer? Friends, oh yes, Friends. My life would be so lonely without the love and support of new and long-time friends. I met people on Vancouver Island this summer who have invited me back to visit and live with them. How cool is that? I have people who have embraced me and made me feel treasured and valued. They have invited me into their homes and driveways, making me feel unique and loved. That is definitely Joy.

Unlimited joy, large and small, has come in the form of a little brown bird, Birdie Boy. When I think of my time in the Northwest, I immediately think of Whidbey Island, Jim and Sandy, Robyn and Tom. They think I am wonderful, and the feeling is mutual.

Mostly, I think of Birdie Boy.

How can a little brown song sparrow infuse me with such joy? How can Birdie Boy still remember me two years later? How can he express such joy at seeing me again? He leads his own life, yet I show up, and his and my world stop. We met on the deck in the spring of this year. He sat atop my computer screen and chitted at me non-stop. We had a lot to catch up on. My heart expands with great and small joy when I think of all my encounters with him. Who knew this little brown bird would be so crucial in my healing from the loss of Jim twelve years ago

I love my camera. I love being out in the wild, taking photos of birds, animals, and just about anything. Nature always cheers me up. My photos can bring me such joy. I love looking through my pictures and picking out my favorite of the day.

Socks…New socks! A few days ago I bought 3 pair of new socks. I love putting them on. I love their colors. Their softness is delightful. New soft cushy socks equals joy.

I must note those moments of accomplishment and joy in my life. When things look a little dark or sad, I find that if I can recall one moment of pleasure in the day I am in or from the past, my mood lightens, and things don’t look as bad. Finding joy, no matter how small, reminds me of life’s magic. It helps me take another step forward and often reminds me that I am not alone.

What are your small or significant moments of joy?

What have you accomplished that has made you feel joyful and proud? Please share in the comments. I would enjoy seeing them in print.

Today, I am Thankful. I am grateful for my friends. I am thankful for the little and big moments of success in a job well done. I am thankful for any wee moments of joy in my life.

Today, I am Thankful.

Personal Growth and Gratitude: Reflecting on My Volunteer Experience

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I am beginning my third week of volunteering at Washington State Parks, and my last day is Monday.

It has been an interesting two-plus weeks. I have met many people, Americans, Canadians, Belgians, and others from all over the Americas, Europe, and the Asian Continent. I have enjoyed these moments in time and have had many delightful conversations about their visit to the park, their homes, jobs and joy of being out doors.

I am also exhausted physically and maybe a bit emotionally. I feel like I am peopled out. I work about four hours a day, and by the end of the four hours, I return to my rig, stare at the computer screen, and do nothing.

I am a member of the Sisterhood of Widows Facebook page. It is a private group that is for women who have lost their partners. When I chose to help my friend Tina through the loss of her husband, I was introduced to this group. Below is a recent post that made me stop in my tracks. It struck a strong chord of truth for me.

“Trauma survivors often get in the habit of spending a lot of time alone because alone is Safe—relatively anyway. Alone is controllable. We understand alone. We don’t have to stress about alone. 

People are unpredictable. When we are alone, there is less risk to manage.”

Since my husband’s death, I have spent most of my time alone. I travel to the wild outback countries of the United States, Canada, and more by myself. Since my cat Elsie disappeared in 2019, I have traveled alone. I spend much of my days and evenings by myself, and I am comfortable.

I enjoy rich conversations with people, friends, and strangers in small and intimate doses, and then I return to being alone again. Sometimes, I meet up with friends and camp for several days. I love the company and conversation. Even in these group situations, I have time alone to recover the silence that has been such a part of my life since Jim’s death.

Over the past few years, I have recognized that for my mental health, it is time to enter the world of people. Part of the reason I took this volunteer position was to be more involved in the world of people. When this position appeared, knowing it was a limited-time position, I decided this was a good way to try out the world of people again.

I am sure I will learn many things from this three-week volunteer position. I have learned that I need to manage my dose of people. Being around people for four or more hours a day consistently, day after day, is a bit too much for me. It has physically and emotionally worn me out. I think I will decrease the dose of people after the following Monday.

Don’t get me wrong—I love socializing and having intimate small-group contact. However, the daily dose of humans is a bit too much. It takes a lot of energy to be “on” so frequently. I knew this when I worked as a tour manager, yet I think I have forgotten it, or it has faded into the background of my life.

I will continue to reach out more often to others as I continue this life journey. Hopefully, I can manage to find a good balance between being together with others and spending time alone.

Today, I am thankful for the continuing opportunities for personal growth and meeting so many delightful people in these beautiful state parks in Washington State. I am grateful for my family and friends, who have supported me through the interesting times since Jim’s death. I am grateful for their unconditional love and support. That alone helps me to reach out from my comfort zone.

Today, I am thankful.

Reunion with Birdy Boy: A Heartwarming Encounter on Whidbey Island

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For those of you who have followed my blog, Journeys of Thankfulness, four years ago, you may remember my interaction with a small brown bird, a Song Sparrow, Birdy Boy.

Birdy Boy and I met in the spring of 2021 while I was house-sitting for friends on Whidbey Island in Washington State. I heard an unknown bird song in the yard, so I investigated. Thanks to the Coronell App, Merlin, I identified the sound as belonging to a song sparrow.

When this young bird heard the sound, he flew onto the deck, sat on a stake, and began to sing. From then on, he would appear and sing away each day I was there. Eventually, he would land on my feet, knees, arms, shoulders, and finally, my head. There was seldom a day that I did not see him at least once. We became friends.

Finally, I left the Northwest. I introduced Birdy Boy to the homeowners, and although not as frequently, he would come and visit with Jim and Sandy. Fast-forward to June of the following year, 2022. I returned to the Northwest and returned to my favorite house-sitting gig. Upon my arrival, Birdy Boy was waiting for me. Our relationship changed that summer as he had a family to raise, yet we remained friends.

It has been two years since I visited Whidbey Island. I returned to the house four days ago to see my friends Jim and Sandy. I was looking forward to this visit.

I did not expect to see Birdy Boy on this visit. It has been two years since our last meeting, and he is a wild bird. I knew that the owners had seen him from time to time. Upon my arrival, the three of us sat on the deck. Guess who was there? Birdy Boy! He flew in and greeted Sandy and Jim, sitting on their feet.

It wasn’t until I was alone on the deck that he came to me, sitting on my feet, knees, hands, shoulder, and arms. He is gradually trying out the head. He sings, chips, and tinks, telling me his stories of the past two years.

I notice more song sparrows in the yard now and wonder if these might be his offspring. There is so much I don’t know about the birdy world.

I do know that Birdy Boy is my friend. As I sit on the deck and type this post, Birdy Boy is perched on the computer screen. Once in a while, he sings a tune and settles in again. He is the most delightful of birds. I am honored that he chose me and my friends to be comfortable enough to become part of our world. I also am glad that he remains a wild and free song sparrow.

When I leave today, I will feel a tug on my heart to stay. I have had a wonderful visit with Sandy and Jim. I love being back on Whidbey Island. I have had a wonderful visit with Birdy Boy. When I leave my friends, I always feel a tug on my heart to stay and bask in the warmth of my friendships, human or otherwise.

And…I remain convinced that I will never look at a little brown bird without remembering with love, Birdy Boy. Each little brown bird will remain individual and unique.

Today, I am thankful for friendships, human and otherwise. Today, I am grateful for Sandy and Jim. Today and always, I am thankful for Birdy Boy, the little song sparrow who continues to bless my life.

Today, I am Thankful.

The 2023 Roadtrip-Revisited

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In the winter of 2023, I decided to visit family and friends in my tiny home on wheels, EmmyLou. At the end of March, we packed it up, departed from near Santa Barbara, California, and began to meander east, stopping to visit friends, see places I had never seen before, and visit favorite places from past travels.

Adventure

An undertaking usually involves danger and unknown risks. The encountering of risk. An exciting or remarkable experience.

It began as a trip and became an adventure. I had plans, loose plans, but plans nonetheless. I was visiting my friends in Florida, my sisters and nieces, and other East Coast friends. I knew I was heading to the Canadian Maritimes, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland before pointing the rig due west again.

When did it become an adventure? It became an adventure when the unexpected showed up, and my direction changed. It became an adventure when I left the rig for two weeks and departed to the Amazon with friends for an amazing journey on the rivers of Brazil.

The adventure continued when I changed plans to Nova Scotia when an opportunity presented itself. I went to the north shore of the Gulf of St Lawrence in the Province of Quebec to photograph North Atlantic Puffins in a workshop with Christopher Dodds, a professional wildlife photographer. I did not expect to explore the national parks in New Brunswick on my way north. It was a fantastic adventure finding myself in unknown lands.

Thanks to Christopher’s suggestion, I continued north and east on the TransLabrador Highway into remote lands for a week. Along the way, I saw so much and met nice people, locally and others like me, who were passing through. It was well worth the effort to decide to head into the unknown.

I spent a month on “The Rock” (Newfoundland), exploring all the byways and seeing many exciting things. The locals were always so kind and helpful. The traffic was never in a hurry, and people were courteous. One day, I got stuck in soft rock, and the first truck that came by stopped and helped me dig out of an unpleasant situation. I just never learned.

My favorite part of Newfoundland was all the free and amazing campsites everywhere I went. The beauty was profound. The birds were amazing, and I got to photograph round two of the Puffins in Elliston, NL.

My adventure continued, and I traveled again through the province of Quebec to the United States. I began to head west, meeting with family and more friends. I took time to explore caves in Ohio and Illinois before arriving to spend a week on The Great River Road on the Mississippi River.

As fall arrived, I knew bird migration was starting, and it was time to go in search of the Sandhill Cranes. First, I arrived at the Bosque del Apache in New Mexico. My most noted part of this three-day visit was the women I met, with whom I connected immediately. It is fun to meet independent, like-minded artists and photographers.

Following the Cranes, I moved southwest to the Whitewater Draw in southern Arizona. When I arrived, there were a few cranes, snow geese, and waterbirds. After camping for two nights, I drove north to Wilcox, AZ, and met the cranes. As I took photos of other waterbirds, I heard the familiar cry; the cranes started arriving. I left an hour later, as the abandoned lakes filled with the Sandhill Cranes. It was hard to leave. It is a fantastic experience to sit amid all this nature and become a part of it.

After visiting with friends in Tucson and kayaking with more friends on the Colorado River, I arrived back in southern California, where this all began. I have been editing a slideshow ever since. Today, I finally decided that I was done editing and ready to share some highlights of my wonderful adventure in North America.

The spring, summer, and fall came to an end. I finished where I started. I saw many amazing things, loved my family, and received theirs back. It was good to catch up. Along the way I met wonderful people who took me in or enjoyed nature with me. It was a great adventure.

Now, I invite you to join me in my adventure. If you click on the video link above, you will see an eighteen-minute video that only touches on the wonders I explored on the Great 2023 Road trip. Enjoy.