Category Archives: Magic Moments

Remembering Jim: Love, Loss, and Lifelong Adventures

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“I talk about him because I’m proud.
I talk about him, because he deserves to be remembered.
I talk about him, because even though he’s not physically with me, he’s never far from my mind.
I talk about him because he’s part of me, a part that I could never ignore or disown.
I talk about him because I love him still, and I always will. Forever. Nothing will ever change that.”
I Talk About Him/Scribbles & Crumbs

On October 9, 2012, Jim, my husband entered the hospital for the last time. Neither of us knew that he would not leave and come home. Neither of us thought that the end of his life was around the corner. Neither of us knew.

Thirteen years ago on October seventeenth my husband of 21 years died. He entered the hospital the day before his birthday. Almost two weeks later, he died the day after my birthday. Yes October is a emotionally mixed month for me.

Oh, and wait a minute. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I know that some people who have had breast cancer are dedicated to this month. I thank them for that. I, though from the beginning of having breast cancer in 2010 have wanted nothing to do with this month. I don’t want pink anything. I want to move forward without the celebration and thinking of myself as a survivor. I want to live.

Welcome to October
Always an action packed emotional month.

It seems strange to think it has been thirteen years since Jim’s death. Sometimes it seems like it has been that long. Other days, it feels like it was yesterday. Sigh.

I spent most of my younger adult life thinking that I was going to be single my whole adult life. I made it to 38 and then Jim showed up and my life changed forever.

Each year I take time to remember Jim in writing, in thought and in love.

Jim & me dancing Contra Dance

Many relationships were made and dismantled on the dance floor of the New England Contra Dance community. If you have never tried this form of folk dance I suggest you try it. It is so much fun and it is certainly a way to meet people and make friends. And, oh the music! One night, this tall blue-eyed man showed up. That ended the idea of being single for the rest of my life.

Scottish Country Dance Ball

Jim followed me to other dance communities. He became a fine Scottish Country Dancer. We ballroom danced and chose to try several other forms of dance in communities around San Diego. It was fun. He did a mean waltz and polka. It was so much fun to have a dance partner.

The connection was strong and within a year we were a couple. I moved from San Diego in the fall of that year. I became a traveling nurse with Albuquerque as my destination. He didn’t want a long distance relationship. I said “How do you know if you don’t try it?”

Four months passed. Jim and I made several trips between Albuquerque, NM and San Diego, CA. I returned to the west coast and Jim. We moved in together and became a life couple. Was he my soul mate? I don’t know. I do know that even if it wasn’t perfect it was pretty darn close. From the moment we started to date we were close.

Everything was shared. Each month I would hike into the mountains to contemplate whether this was still a relationship I wanted. He would roll his eyes and waved me off. I would come back for another month. When I asked him if he had any doubts. He looked me in the eyes and said no. Eventually the monthly journeys move to every six months and then every year. I continued to hike and contemplate this wonderful relationship once a year until his death.

I have always been an explorer and adventure traveler. He joined me.

We took the train to Oregon. We climbed old growth Douglas Firs. and camped in the top of the trees. Did you know that there are no mosquitoes 25 feet above the ground? Since we were camped over 100 feet off the ground we were never bothered by those pesky little creatures.

Tree Climbing & Tree Sleeping

One year we kayaked the Nā Pali  Coast off the coast of Kauai. The only way to see this coast is by helicopter or boat. On one of the short kayaks, we sailed through the air on the backside of a wave. Other travelers kept saying, “this doesn’t look good.” It wasn’t but oh the fun. We survived. When we finally kayaked the 15 miles down the Nā Pali coast, we went into caves. We greeted sea turtles swimming by. We got to see firsthand this amazing and remote coast.

Another Hawaii trip found us inner tubing through the sugar cane fields and kayaking the rivers on Kauai. This and the Big Island were our favorites places to visit in the 50th state.

On Tour of the Galapagos Islands

Other adventures included Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We Winter Camped and snowshoe hiked in Yellowstone National Park. We camped and explored Canyon de Chelly in Arizona by horseback. Jim had never been on a horse in his life. When a friend invited us to join her for a long weekend in Alaska. We enjoyed a long weekend of cross country skiing, yoga, and contra dancing. Always dancing. We explored our country, the outback and the cities.

Due to Jim’s love of astronomy we finally saw the total solar eclipse over Angkor Wat in Cambodia. During the summer months, the California desert becomes too hot. He would load all his astronomy equipment in the car and we headed to the desert. We camped in the remote areas of Anza Borrego State Park. There, we would stare at the heavens and talk into the early hours of the morning. The key to summer visits is to arrive after 5 pm. Be ready to leave by nine in the morning. Even in the summer the evenings are cool and pleasant. And…there is no one else out there.

Then there was the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Jim and I hiked it a couple of times. The real life changer happened when we decided to take a river raft adventure. It lasted 15 days with friends from Lee’s Ferry to Diamond Creek.

Looking out at the Mighty Colorado

At first Jim wasn’t sure he wanted to go. It was too long. What would he do if he got bored? I made one phone call to a long time friend, Sharon, who had rafted the canyon several times. After his conversation with her, he hung up and we made reservations. After that trip we always talked about “Before Grand Canyon” and “After Grand Canyon”.

This is a description of some of our travels. There were so many more adventures than listed here. We were always looking for the next new adventure. It was such a great experience to have someone to share the unique and normal with.

Now I carry on alone but not really. I carry remembrance of him and our life with me. I move forward toward the next adventure. And I carry the joy of those 21 years with me as I grow and change and remember. Some people have said that I should let him go and move on. I am not sure what letting him go means. How can I do that? Those 21 years changed my life. They made me grow into the person I am today. I carry my growth with me always.

I continue to adventure by myself. My friend in our soft adventures is gone. I wonder sometimes how different my life would have been if he was still here today. Yes, I have no doubt I would still be with him. I would still be taking the hike into the mountains every year. I would watch as he waved me off. And then another year would unfold.

Today I am thankful for Jim, for our positive and wonderful relationship. I am thankful to move forward and be so much more than before I met him. Today I am thankful for Jim and all those years of adventure and wonder.

Hmmm…Where to next?

Discover the Hidden Gem of Point Roberts, WA

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Just south of Vancouver BC is a point of land known as Point Roberts. Point Roberts is surrounded on three sides by water. It is bordered by Canada to the north. It is part of Washington state and the United States. The only way to get there is by car crossing the International Border or by private plane or boat.

On a sunny early summer morning I decided to visit Point Roberts. I drove from Richmond (south of Vancouver). I crossed the International Border and spent a late morning and afternoon touring this unique area of the United States.

Point Roberts was created in the mid-19th century. At that time, the United Kingdom and the United States settled the Pacific Northwest American-Canadian border dispute. They resolved the issue with the Oregon Treaty. The two parties agreed that the 49th parallel would define The boundary between their respective territories. The small area that incorporates Point Roberts is south of the 49th parallel.

During the 1858 Fraser gold rush, prospectors from Victoria, BC attempted to avoid tax collection. They briefly settled Point Roberts. Their settlement was called Robert’s Town. It consisted of six wooden buildings, including a store and saloon. It lasted less than a year.

In 1949, there was talk about Point Roberts seceding from the U.S. and joining Canada. In 1973, a drought that caused the wells to run dry created tensions between Point Roberts’s U.S. and Canadian residents. The Americans threatened to cut off the Canadian residents’ water supply. They also hung up signs saying “Canadians Go Home.” This was unless the Canadian municipality of Delta agreed to supply water. An agreement was signed on August 28, 1987. It requires the Point Roberts Water District to buy raw water each year.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Point Roberts was acclaimed as the “safest place” for avoiding coronavirus. This was due to its isolation from the mainland United States and Canada. The very low case numbers also contributed to this reputation. Limited access to the rest of the United States and Canada was a factor. Additionally, border closures into Canada kept the case numbers very low.

As the pandemic worsened in both countries. In 2020, a study found that Point Roberts had lost 80 percent of its business. It also lost hundreds of seasonal residents. This was a result of the pandemic and border shutdown. The area was described as a “ghost town” by the local chamber of commerce director. It had no confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of September 2020.

The Port of Bellingham set up a temporary ferry in August 2020. It connected Point Roberts to the mainland. The Canadian government waived its mandatory COVID testing requirements for Point Roberts residents in 2021. The decision followed negotiations with Washington state. The border was fully reopened for non-essential travel in August 2021 and the ferry service ceased the same month.

The City of Delta installed a chain-link fence at the end of English Bluff Road in 2025. This was done to deter accidental crossings. An elderly man accidentally walked into Point Roberts. The fence was poorly received by local residents and at least one Delta council member demanded its removal.

The Marina

Approximately 1300 people live in the 5 square mile area of Point Roberts. The big attraction is the nature and the wildlife. Point Roberts has it all. The community has a golf course, a marina and two restaurants.There are four parks and coastal beaches to explore.

Lighthouse Marine Park is a 21-acre park on the Salish Sea and my first stop. Park amenities include a boardwalk, picnic areas,playground, trails, boat launch, and 30 campsites for weekend of camping. I chose to walk the beach trail to gaze out on the water. I hoped for whales but a seal was all I saw.

Mt Baker from Lighthouse Park

On a beautiful day I saw Mt Baker on the mainland, in Washington State. The beaches are like the beaches in Washington, Plenty of drift wood was scattered along the beach. The beaches are rocky and wild.

Monumet Park

This park is known for “Border Marker Number One”. It is the western most border marker between the U.S. and Canada. The park is a canopied forest of cedar and fir trees.

Lily Point Marine Reserve Park

Lily Point Marine Reserve spans 275 acres of forested upland and beaches. It is known for its towering sandstone bluffs. When beach-side, pilings can be seen running out into Boundary Bay. These pilings are remains from the Alaska Packers Association cannery. This cannery once operated here in the late 1800s.

Maple Beach

This beach is a popular spot for beach combing and swimming. It sits on the northeastern corner of Point Roberts. It is known for its sandy beaches and tidelands. At low-tide the tidelands stretch for a mile or more.

After a morning and early afternoon exploring I stopped for lunch at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern. The food was good and the view from outdoor seating was exceptional as I looked out over the Salish Sea.

Somewhere along my travels I read about Ollie-Otter’s Baker Box. I decided I needed to go find this interesting local landmark. There is a cottage bakery there Ollie-Otter’s Bakery is in a cottage behind the bakers box on the curb side. There were wonderful goodies waiting to be bought.

The Hungry Hound Barkary had a small box next to the street side bake box. This business is owned by Ollie Friedman. Ollie may have some growing to do but he has big dreams.

This is what is written on the sign in the photo.

“Hi I am Ollie. I own the Hungry Hound Barkary. Yep I’m 11 but I have BIG dreams. Someday I want to be an astronaut and work for NASA. To make that happen I need coding classes. So to raise money I’m taking over the dog treat business. Thanks for stopping and supporting my dream. I hope your pup enjoys the retreats.”

If you would like to support Ollie’s Dreams here is the link to his Go Fund Me Page. Ollie’s Path to NASA. I believe, much like my husband did, that it is important to support these young people no matter their dreams.

After a lovely morning and afternoon, I approached the International Border. I crossed back into Canada for a few more nights. Before I made my way back to the United States.

I enjoy exploring the unknown. I definitely would return to Point Roberts again. I could easily see camping there and taking a leisurely tour of the area.

I am grateful for my friends. They guide me to unusual places. This year I can add Point Roberts to places that are unique.

Today, as every Day I am Thankful.

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Capturing Magic Moments in Nature

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I have earlier written about magic moments in time, small and large. Some moments are so small and wee, they get overlooked. Then, there are other moments that are moments to pay attention to, to sit up, to notice and share.

Years ago, I went on one of my first trips abroad. I traveled with a friend, Kat for three months to southeast Asia. There were moments on that trip that reminded me of National Geographic , The Smithsonian and other magazines. I started to call them my National Geographic moments.

Wat Suwan Kuha

We traveled off the west coast of Thailand by boat to see the largest reclining Buddha in the country. It was in a cave out in the water. As we walked into the cave I noticed a large white sheet. It extended from high into the cave to the floor. Near it was a rope ladder that disappeared into the upper reaches of the cave. We saw people high in the cave. I said to Kat, jokingly, National Geographic is up there filming.

When I was back home I saw a copy of the latest addition of National Geographic. There was an article about the Thai men climbing high into the cave to collect nests for Birds Nest Soup. It was a National Geographic Moment. And I was there.

There were so many other moments like the above one on that three month journey.

Over my lifetime I have experienced many more moments that bring back instant memories.

Helliwell Provincial Park

Two days ago I was visiting Hornby Island in Vancouver BC. I took a hike in Helliwell Provincial Park. This was a wonderful hike, through forest to the ocean and a hike along the cliffs.

At one point I decided to stop and enjoy the view out across the water. Far out in the water, I noticed something. I thought it was a seal making its way to a spit of land. Did I have my binoculars with me? No. Did I have my long lens with me? No. The small spot disappeared and then became visible again.

A Borrowed Photo from the Internet. This is what I saw from a distance. Thank you Julia Tanncer (photographer)

As it approached the spit of land it became clear to me that it was no seal or sea lion. An eagle appeared out of the water dragging what I can only guess was a fish in its talons. It dragged the fish up on land and slowly dragged its catch higher onto the spit. I imagine it had to dry off before it would even try to fly. Somewhere nearby was another eagle. They were calling to each other.

Reaching Dry Land
A Pic of the Fish
Finally Airborn

Even without binoculars I felt for that moment in time, magic had come alive. It definitely was a National Geographic Moment. I never expected to see an event like this, even from a distance. It was an honor to be there to watch nature up close (kind of) and personal.

Moments like this make me wish that someone had been with me. We would have discussed what we were seeing. We would have been amazed together. It would have been fun to have shared this with another person. And maybe between the two of us we would have had a long lens or binoculars. Sigh.

Alone or with someone else these moments are so magical. It takes me out of thinking and acting and puts me in the here and now. For a moment everything else stops. It allows me to absorb fully what I am seeing. It can easily take my breath away. And just for a moment I am there.

Have you ever had one of these moments? Please feel free to share. I would enjoy hearing the magic of small or big moments in time.

Today I am thankful for the majesty of nature. I am grateful for stopping to se amazing things happen before my eyes. Today I am thankful for magic in my life.

Today I am thankful.

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.

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.

Everyday Small & Powerful Magical Moments

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Small magical moments occur every day of our lives. Big moments are ones we remember often, for the rest of our lives. The birth of a child, getting married, buying your first house, falling in love…well you get the idea.

Small magic moments happen at any time, sometimes several times daily. We experience an aha moment and then go back to our day. Maybe we remember them and well, maybe not. No matter what, those moments are stored in our memory bank and help us to grow and become more.

Magic is part of travel. Travel is magic. And so it was on the Amazon trip. There were two moments that will move ahead with me, hopefully for the rest of my life.

People on the Amazon River live above the water. The houses are often built on stilts and stairs go down to the river. There are no cars. Everyone owns a boat. We visited a village later in the trip, by boat. There was a store and private homes. It was a last-minute decision to take our group in the tenders to visit the village. We were given fifteen minutes to get ready and climb aboard the tenders.

After collecting my camera I came down to the tenders and two full tenders were already gone. No one else was planning to go except for me. Moments like these don’t always bring out the best in me. My inner child surfaced and I felt forgotten and left out. Oh, the poor young girl. Two of the guides offered to take me in the third boat. At first, I refused but they insisted.

And then the magic happened. The guides were kind. Knowing that I loved birds, they took me off the beaten path to see birds. We explored the village by boat our way. As the other two boats were having their experience, I was having my own experience.

As we drifted downriver past the homes, a Festive Parrot landed on my tender. Wait, what? I had been trying to photograph these parrots for most of the trip without success. Well wasn’t this a special moment? And then, a second parrot landed. They rode with us (the guides and me) for quite some time. One walked towards the front of the tender where I was sitting. It was a very personal moment and a special moment. Finally, they lifted off. They flew a wide circle right over my head. Then they headed back towards the village. Breathtaking.

Coming In

It is not unusual for these villages to have tame or semi-tame wild birds. We saw one family that had a tame Toucan. I am sure these parrots were semi-tame. This didn’t matter.

This moment in time was special for me. If I had been on the other tenders would this have happened? Maybe. Or was it because there were only three of us on the tender that the parrots felt more comfortable landing. Maybe. I shared a very personal moment with two little parrots. I was accompanied by two kind and wonderful guides. I felt special and happy and glad in my soul.

Late one afternoon as most of us were resting or socializing on the deck something changed with the boat. I told Mary that I was going out to see what the crew was doing. I went up to the bridge to see what the crew was seeing. The ship was facing the side of the river and there in front of me were two Scarlet Macaws. Yes, they were wild and amazingly beautiful. I ran back to the room to let my roommate know to grab her camera and run.

When I returned the birds took flight. As they flew off one of them dropped a feather. The crew was quickly on it and took out a tender to try to find the feather. The feather was found. It was obvious that this feather was no longer needed. The colors were still there. The captain presented it to me, as a gift. It was such a kind gesture and one that touched me. It was definitely a small and wonderful magical moment. And…yes I did safely transport it back to the United States. It now rides above the driver’s seat in EmmyLou, my RV. Each time I look up it reminds me of a magical twelve days in Brazil.

I like to be treated special. I like to feel and experience magic in my life. It makes the ordinary feel extraordinary. Small magic moments brighten my world as I am sure they brighten yours. The important thing is to take the time to notice these magical moments in life.

What are your small magic moments?

Today I am thankful for the magic in my life. Today I am thankful for the magic in your life. Today I am thankful for magic.

Heading East

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I am on the move. Slowly and steadily I am driving across the southern United States, heading due east.

Sunset over the Salton Sea

After spending three days in Carpenteria, near Santa Barbara, my rig and I were ready to head east. On a rainy California day, I headed east into the desert and the sun. I spent two nights at the Fountain of Youth Spa & RV Resort east of the Salton Sea in the California Desert. It was good to have a few nights to visit with friends and regroup for the long journey east.

The desert is pretty happy at the moment. There has been a lot of water all over the western United States. The flowers were abundant along the roadsides as I traveled to Tucson, Arizona. I am a member of Harvest Hosts and am taking advantage of unique or different places to stay as I progress to Florida. In Tucson I stayed at Envision Wellness, a holistic center offering many different services. I chose to have a half-hour Reiki Treatment. It was nice to have this at the end of a long driving day. And all I had to do was walk to the parking lot to spend the night.

The Arizona Desert

It took me more than two days to drive across Texas. The western half of the state consisted of wide open spaces. The scenery was repetitive and not too interesting. I was thankful to arrive in the Texas Hill Country around Austin. Everything turned green and the wildflowers popped along the roadsides. It was a beautiful drive.

Texas Wildflowers

I am asked what I do to occupy my time while I am driving.

  • A good book helps a lot. Currently, I am listening to Anne Hillerman’s books. I get my books from the Library. If I don’t like one I can quickly send it back and try again. A book has to be quite captivating to hold my interest while I am driving.
  • I ponder, I think about life and all its mysteries. What is next in my life? What is next in everyone’s life? I ponder magic often.
  • Oooh, flowers. I have been pulling over often to enjoy the wildflowers that are growing along the highways.
  • I get out of my rig every few hours, take a walk, do some stretches, and then go to the next spot.
  • If I see a sign that might offer a diversion I will venture off onto the side roads to see what unexpected thing I might see.
  • If I am tired I stop and enjoy the afternoon.
  • And if I am really bored, this doesn’t happen often, I ask Siri to tell me a story or a joke.

Tonight I have reached Louisiana and am tucked into another Harvest Host site. The Vermillionville Living History Center is next to the Bayou Vermillion. The river and the center are my view tonight from the parking lot. It is shaded and quiet. There are about a half dozen RVs parked in the large parking area.

Vermillion Living History Center

Tomorrow I continue east. I am in new territory for me. I have spent little to no time in these southern States. My first impression? Where the heck did all this water come from? I have lived in the western United States for close to forty years. With the exception of this year, water in the west is scarce. It is often described as the true gold of the west. Along the Gulf Coast there is water. Water in the rivers, water in the fields, water behind levees. I have seen ponds and lakes and rivers and more. There is so much water.

In a few more days I will be in Florida, visiting with good friends and exploring new territory. I was a little concerned about this long drive. The flowers have created a good diversion. Such beauty brings me joy.

Today I am thankful for moments of joy and finding interesting places to camp.

A Birthday Party

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October sixteenth is my birthday. Since Jim’s death, he died the day after my birthday, this has become an interesting time of year. Sometimes I want to be alone and find peace, other times it feels better to be with other people and friends.

This year, on my birthday, I was visiting with very long-time friends in southern Utah. I have known Sharon since I was a girl. We have remained friends over the years. Friends are marvelous to have. Long-time friends are to be cherished and celebrated.

When Sharon found out that I was celebrating my seventieth birthday while I was visiting, she insisted on making me a cake and a birthday dinner. Not only did she make me a cake but she made my favorite, a Red Velvet Cake with Buttercream Icing. We, her son Michael, Sharon, and I had a wonderful birthday dinner followed by the yummiest cake.

I felt like a kid. I know it was not a birthday party but it felt like it was. Joy bubbled up inside me. I felt young and happy and oh did I feel loved. As I went about my day I giggled to know someone was making me a birthday cake. I kept saying to myself that we were having a party.

It has been many years since someone made me a cake and made me feel important on my birthday. I used to make a chocolate birthday cake for Jim’s birthday each year. He was a Chocoholic. Because his birthday was seven days prior to mine often we were still eating his cake when my day rolled around. He always did special things for me throughout the year and we always acknowledged each other birthdays. Prior to our lives together it had been many years since I had celebrated my birthday.

It takes so little to bring joy into another person’s life. We don’t always know what will trigger that joy. It can be the smallest or grandest of things. Big or small it really doesn’t matter. What does matter, is the recognition by others that you are important enough to be noticed and remembered. Each little thing can make a world of difference in someone’s life. A Birthday Cake made a difference in my life this year.

Today I am thankful for joyfulness. Today I am thankful for Sharon, such a good and dear friend. Today I am thankful for a Red Velvet Birthday Cake.

Where Oh Where is Birdy Boy

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Birdy Boy Visiting in a nearby bush.

When I returned to Whidbey Island, the land of amazing sunsets from my holiday on the Oregon Coast,there was no lovely little brown bird to greet me. Where was my friend of more than a year, the charming and enchanting Song Sparrow, Birdy Boy?

Around this time last year, a lot of the small birds disappeared from the feeders. They were gone, into the bushes and trees to complete their molt. I knew this would happen again, yet I felt sad. I missed my little bird friend.

About twenty-four hours after I returned, there he was. And….he was not alone. He and another sparrow, I am assuming the female, were in the bushes by the feeders and they were feeding other sparrows. OMG, he has a family. There were two or three young ones all pleading to be provided for. He greeted me with a short song and then the whole family disappeared into the shrubbery on the hillside.

I did not see them again for a week. Again, I worried, what if he is not coming back? What if our friendship is over? What if? What if? What if? Oh, the turmoil I put myself through. It is hard to see things leave, that one holds dear.

Birdy Boy
Family Member
Family Member
Family Member
Birdy Boy

Sunday the family arrived at the house early. They fed at the feeders and on the ground. Birdy Boy took some time out to sing and talk to me in a nearby bush. As it was last year, he is now more distant. There is no more sitting on my legs or arms yet he comes close and chats and sings to me. Once again my heart is glad.

I know house sitting is a temporary affair. I am not sure where I will be next summer, but when I am here in Greenbank, WA I hope that my little friend will return and we will once again chat and visit like good friends do and I will feel joy.