Water Sand and Flip-FLops

I have had a lot of requests for this one, and hope that it will be a pleasant journey today. It is a rather refreshing place to be. So get a big towel and beach umbrella, slip on the flip-flops, shorts and let's go spend the day at the beaches of my childhood and more recent adventures near the water.

My first experience near an ocean was in Long Beach, California. We had gone to this very pleasant place to visit my Aunt Sonie and Uncle Chester. You can read about my famous auntie the China Painter on my weekly article Differences Encouraged at www.takerootandwrite.com One day they took us to the beach. The seals were sunning themselves on the rocks in the harbor and it was really fun to see the huge naval ships. I had never been that close to any of this before. My eldest brother had a very strange sense of humor. While my other brother and I walked and played in the surf, my eldest brother yelled that he had lost his pen from his pocket. Like a kid had no common sense to say "so what, do you think we can find it?" We started to up and down the surf looking for his pen. Then I turned around to see him laughing hilariously at our frantic efforts. We were absolutely soaked from head to toe. All-in-all, it was a fun time. I still remember it with fondness, now having lost both of them. It was about the only time that the three of us had a time of lightness and laughter together. Of course, we were also on our way to have dinner, and that was not fun in dripping wet clothes, even if it was an outside restaurant!

We lived near a large lake and as a teenager one particular cousin and I loved to race cars on the beach and on the straight roads leading to the lake. In that era, it was not fashionable for girls to have their heads under the hood of a car, let alone race them. But then, perhaps I was a "maverick" before it became popular. In the winter, when I was younger my dad would take me down to the lake and sit on the beach building a bonfire while I went ice-skating. We were both freezing, but it didn't matter--we were outside enjoying life. My love of speed let me daydream about being in the olympics as a speed skater, my mom and dad desired me to be a lady and do figure 8s and skate to beautiful music. We couldn't come to a compromise, so I hung up the skates.

People have invited me to come visit the islands in the Caribbean, which I would love to do. But the closest I have gotten is spending hot sunny days on Manhattan Beach in New York City. Now that's a place for awesome crabs and lobster, any shellfish, and big tubs of butter. Sitting outside watching passenger ships out on the horizon moving towards some exotic place. Or cross-Atlantic voyages. That is something you will not ever hear of me doing. The thought of getting on a cruise ship and going out onto the ocean is not even a blip on the travel map. Any of you ever feel that way? Or have you had great trips?

Anyhoo, the sand is hot, the water refreshing and in spring and fall wonderful to experience. Coney Island is around the corner from the beach, but that's another story. Oh, I wish I was closer, my flip-flops, paper and pen would be sitting right on the beach soaking it all in...ahhhhh

An interesting experience on a beach actually happened in Kenya, East Africa. Lake Victoria has made international headlines since it has been drying up and the "weeds" that have taken over. Introduction of exotic fish, over fishing, and pollution have all helped to deplete oxygen in the lake, causing a disaster to certain areas of the lake. The particular beach we started at was in Kissumu. As we walked down a main street towards the lake, on the left was blue water and very inviting; in front was a green carpet of weeds.

Sitting on a hill which was once a boat ramp you looked down at huts and people that had made their homes and businesses on the lake bed. We prayed for God to change the texture of the lake to its original status. When I told that to a couple of the minsters from the area they were very mad. I asked them why they would not want the water to be returned and the fish healthy again? The local people had learned to use the weeds to make purses and sell them. It was a much better industry, they thought, than fishing.

Going to the other side of Kissumu the beaches and water were delightful and worth the trip! Three countries use the lake: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The water draines eventually into the Nile River of Egypt. Talipia and Nile Perch keep the fishermen busy. But rain is so badly needed. If you make it to east Africa, you must get to Mombasa and the beautiful resorts on the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean. I didn't make it there because of the riots but during peaceful times--cheap air fares, tourist packages that are out of site easy! Tell them I sent you.

There are a lot of other beaches to travel, but maybe this has got you wanting to explore some beaches close to home. There are all kinds of places to explore close to home. I have lived near caves, beaches, mountains, and the hot desert. Hey maybe tomorrow we'll explore the "hot" spots. Below are some tourist links to Kenya. Thanks for visiting with me and check out what's hot tomorrow.

Links to Lake Victoria
http://www.ilec.or.jp/database/afr/afr-05.html
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/location/africa/kenya/ke_lkvic.htm

Where Eagles and Hawks Fly Free

I remember the first time I was in Idaho headed towards Yellowstone National Park, all I knew was we were going to go where the bears and other wild animals could come right up to the car. I had never seen pictures or told anything else about this very strange place. Of course, this was back in about 1959 and my dad had just bought a new Ford. This was the long distance test. So it was really neat in a lot of ways.

My brothers were not joining us and my mother just "knew" I needed a little friend to come with me. Oh joy, it was going to be a cousin who had never been away from home, a year older than me, and she didn't want to come. Unfortunately, between her mother and mine, she was literally packed up and forced into the car for her "fun" vacation away from home. Has anybody else had to go on a trip with relatives and you just didn't want to go?

It only took us one day to get into Yellowstone from Utah. It was beautiful on the west gate, tall pines and flat land. We drove in to the area around Old Faithful where my parents had rented us a cabin close to the main visitors plaza. I don't like to camp, so this was going to be an real event.

My cousin and I slept in the same bed and she cried every night. She stopped when my mom promised her we would only stay three days and then take her home. So we made the most of seeing the paint pots, Old Faithful, bears and more bears on the road. What I really like though were the wood paths that you could walk on over the hot pots. Boiling water and the only thing keeping you from being boiled were the planks and a rope you held on to with both hands. I liked it even better because neither my parents nor cousin would venture out on the planks. I felt like a survivor on a fiery island. Yes, my imagination was alive and well even at that tender age.

So the one trip that was just totally cool as a child abruptly ended and we took my cousin home. When she got there she was all smiles and her mom couldn't believe she had such a bad time of it. After that, my mom realized I didn't need a companion to keep me company. So we made a return trip a couple of years later.

But this time we went in through the east gate. The most majestic views one could imagine of colorful mountains, huge acres of grasses, wild flowers and some of the best fishing a fisherman could hope for--Cold water trout fishing. Paradise.

The Grand Teton Mountain Range has three peaks called "The Three Graces". Indian legend has it that there are dinosaurs in the lake, much like Nessie in Scotland, and of course, there are a thousand other myths that go with that one. Once you get to know the locals you understand it was a way to keep people out of their land and keep it in the preserved state it is now.

We drove up through Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Now this is a place you can take your shoes off, sit back in a chair and just relax! This is God's country pure and simple. In the summer there is the symphony that plays. Imagine, in the middle of the quiet darkness of a mountain pass, the most beautiful music like angels rocketing through the heavens, illuminating the heart like stars against the velvet sky.

The best trout fishing in the land by day, hiking the mountains, walking through wonderful trails, and soaring on the currents of air with music at night. If you haven't been to Jackson Hole, Wyoming it is one of those ya gotta go experiences.

http://www.jacksonhole.com/mtn.gallery.asp This is a link to more information on Jackson Hole and pictures of the various areas
http://www.nps.gov/yell/ Information on Yellowstone National Park

Well that was a brief visit. I especially like the memories of mountains, crisp air, the quiet solitude under the expanse of sky uninterrupted except by hawks and eagles, and the animals grazing ... all the world at peace with each other, and I get to be part of it for a day or a week.

Come back tomorrow and I have a special treat for you.

Met A Piece of History That Continues To Live

Around August or September 1994 an elderly woman we all called Big Mama ask me if I would be her traveling companion to go check on her son. Big Mama was 93 and used a cane and her son was about 72. I thought it strange but said sure. I found she used the cane for walking, but also as a lethal weapon if needed. She was a delightful travel companion and a great story teller. The history that woman could remember was better than any history class I had ever sat through.

You guessed, it we got on a Greyhound Bus headed from Buffalo, New York to Washington State, up around Puget Sound. Too bad Greyhound doesn't give frequent miles, I could have rode for years. Well, we got loaded one fine day, excited for the journey ahead of us. Big Mama was from the old school of travel clubs. You know the type, bring the cold chicken, drinks, fruit, and some wipes to keep yourself clean. Life was good. I found she didn't really need a travel companion to help her, she just wanted some company and didn't want to take her grand kids that was my age.

I must admit that the trip from Buffalo to Portland, Oregon was long and unimaginative. The route was like expecting sausage gravy over home made biscuits, but having grits without butter instead. Just plain boring. So I got back to my bus routine, and we rotated people around to tell stories and have some fun. Then we got to Portland, Oregon!

Wow, what a beautiful city to fall in love with. Clean city, clean air, friendly people, and just an exciting and yet calm place to be. I will never forget the route leaving Portland as we started to climb the mountain passes into Washington State. Forests like I had frequented in Utah--I was back home. A light rain began to fall, and the fog was rolling in. But it was beautiful, like traveling through a wonderland. Then after many hours, the bus slowed and e looked out at the majestic Mt. Rainer. All you could see is this massive white mountain. We were allowed to get off the bus and get the full view. Breathtaking! I could understand how mountaineers would be challenged to climb it, photographers not getting all the angles, and tourists just gasping at God's artistry.

We finally got to to Tacoma, Washington. A wonderful man and his wife met us and took us to our hotel to make sure we got settled in. Then we went in search of Big Mama's son. He was a trip! Fred was a 72-year old retired military officer, who after years of abuse and surgeries was a bit senile. It was now my "job" to be his companion and make sure we all got back to Buffalo, New York in one piece, and for me not to loose Fred.

During our week in the Tacoma--Olympia, Washington area was relaxing and peaceful. During the mornings, I took a swim and walked through the area. Afternoons we all went sight-seeing and tasting the fresh fish, visiting the naval yard. That was a trip down memory lane to be sure. It hadn't changed a bit since World War II, and was still serving the veterans and active military of the area. They were the most friendly folks one could imagine. More stories and first hand tales of the first black soldiers at Normandy, the war efforts and the mis-treatment.

These men were fighting a war not only for the freedom of their land, but a war amongst the people they were fighting with. Now how insane is that? Some of the stories still make me have teary eyes and I remember the faces as they told the stories. What a special place in my heart they have! They have died over the years, but their memories continue to live within me.

I realize even as I share this memory with you that God has allowed me the privledge to watch and be part of history in the most interesting of ways; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he was marching in the south, my father disowned me as a teenager for being sympathetic to a bunch of (you fill in the space) and I was no longer allowed to eat with him at the same table. He was a red neck all the days of his life; I had the joy of listenening to vets who had served America for 20-30 years without regret; and I have now watched an African-American man come front and center with the possibility of being the President of the same America all of the others have fought to defend. It is my prayer that we do not lose sight of the battles of all Americans. And that we can retain our freedoms and Constitutional values in these trying times--no matter who we say Mr. President to in January.

I for one believe in the right to freedom and the pursuit of happiness that our Constitutional fathers wrote about. Washington State has been a place I will never forget, it was a rededication to the vaues of what America has always stood for--that we should never forget. Freedom has a price.

I appreciated Big Mama more than ever after that trip. And yes, we got Fred back to Buffalo in one piece, it was after he got back in Big Mama's house that he became loss. To this day I don't know what happened to him. I will assume by now he has gone on to whatever he chose to do in his next life--heaven or hell, never quite sure what he chose.

Tomorrow I want to take you to a place where you can kick off your shoes, relax, and become one with the world. Can you guess where it could be?

Darkness Around Me--Lights Ahead

It was mid-September 1999, I was driving from New Mexico to Buffalo, New York. I had just completed a church assignment for an organization and headed to what I considered "home". Looking back it was actually closer to go back to Utah, but I felt led to go back to New York. It has been an exhauting day, both in physical and emotional drain. Some of the folks from the church had come over to see me off, cry a bit, and help me with the last bit of packing of the car.

As usual some things were being left. This time I was only taking what I could fit in my car. First the books, then my music and CD/Radio/Tape player, clothes, and a few mementos. Everything else was left for the folks to pick over and use. My plan had been to leave the church around 9 AM and get into Tulsa, Oklahoma by dinner. Unfortunately, I didn't leave the church until late morning, early afternoon. The road was going to be long and I was already tired.

Tapes playing, the windows down and I was flying down the highway. Okay, Tulsa and Oral Roberts University here I come. As long as I was headed that way, I was going to stop and take a look around. My first job out of high school, Louie made me listen to Oral Roberts every day for his "Hour of Healing". I didn't like to listen to him--he was too different from the way I was raised. However, now, I couldn't wait to go see this prayer tower that I had heard him asking money for back in the late 60s.

The sun behind me, fewer and fewer cars but more and more tractor-trailers were on the road. Yes sir, get behind a big rig and cut the driving time and gas down. I always appreciate the truckers who allowed me to get in the tailwind. As day turned into dusk, then pitch black. No lights except headlights and tail lights, and very few of them. The road became hypnotic and I was not just tired I was hungry. Nothing! The road was just that--one long road.

I came over a hill, far off into the horizon I saw lights from something that had to be huge. The lights were bright, like a lighthouse for a lost ship at sea. I picked up speed, I knew I was almost there. People had told me to look for the lights of the tower. My heart was joyful as I raced on to the goal. Closer and closer, the lights got brighter. Thank you Jesus. I'm almost there.

Rounding a couple of bends in the road, I was excited. WHAT! This can't be...no, this is some kind of joke. Right? I passed the lights defeated, I didn't even go drive into the drive thru for dinner. I continued on .. how much further to Tulsa?

A few hours later I finally made it to Tulsa, the first large truck stop with a car that was overheating and a headache that needed sleep. I called Buffalo to let my ministry partner know that I was stuck in Tulsa and start praying. We did. I went and found a hotel, went to sleep and had a restful evening. Then off to Oral Roberts University after the car got checked out.

I stood looking up at the Prayer Tower and walked all around it. That day all the work and prayers that went into it meant something. Back in the 60s it didn't mean a thing. My life had transformed into "Something Good" and I did "believe in miracles". The fact that I was standing there was a miracle.

Heading out on the road after about an hour, the trip back to Buffalo took four days, lots of stops for road construction and a car that was overheating, loosing oil, and so many nice people who helped me along the way. I stopped at dark each night, staying in a motel, and having breakfast and dinner, bottles of Coca-Cola along the way. Life was good. I was making progress.

It was so dark and starting to get foggy in Kentucky I looked at a billboard for a motel, pulled off the road and parked in front of the motel. It was cozy and clean. The man at the desk asked if I was alone and so he put me in a room close to the manager's office. I thought how nice. Next morning I realized I was basically across the street and down the road a wee bit from one a well-known prison in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Shaking my head I got back on the road.

Getting into Buffalo four days after the start of the journey, with many other stories along the way, I had asked God to please just get me back to Buffalo. I pulled into my friend's driveway, the car then lost oil in the driveway and that was it. I had gotten to the destination, but no further.

Now for the math: I left New Mexico with $400 in my pocket. I stayed each night in a motel avg cost $65 per night, gas and oil across the US, ate breakfast and dinner every night. Arrived back in Buffalo with just under $200. You do the math and tell me there isn't a God who performs all kinds of miracles. I remember the first night in Tulsa I counted my money and ask God to make it enough. Each night I counted the money and checked expenses. I thought I might be adding wrong. God is the God of miracles when you're doing what He says do.

There is confirmed story after story of miraculous things that God has done in my life and those around me.

I hope you enjoyed our trip from New Mexico to New York, the rest of the trip experiences are far too many to post here. Perhaps another day I'll revisit some of them. But the importance of this memory--I got to where I needed to go, God supplied all I needed to get there, in a car that should never have made it out of the driveway.

Tomorrow we head to Washington State! Wooeeee Now that was a fun trip!

God Made Country Just For You--Where Is It?

One summer I decided to take Greyhound Bus up an offer you couldn't afford not to do--$88 cross country. The stipulation, you couldn't get off and stay in any city, except for the amount of time for either changing buses, eating or rest stops. I had never done anything like it and certainly never alone. But hey, that's the living on the outer edge writer and adventurer in me. It is also the person my family could never understand. To them everything is programmed and safe, close to home, don't wander and don't investigate. I am just so totally opposite. People who know my family or me will ask, "are you adopted or something". Gleefully, I can answer truthfully, "yes".

Getting on the bus in Buffalo, New York, I headed west, then south, east, south, and then west again. Whew! I learned to take "helmet baths". You of military or missionary experiences know what I mean. [smile] change clothes in stalls almost too small to even stand in--but it was all part of the journey.

Since about the age of 7-8 I have loved to tell stories. First it was to the kids in the neighborhood. With no props except colored construction paper, I learned to use color to express my characters and the environment they were in. The stories were a big hit. I graduated to writting stories and on the bus trip, back to verbal story telling. I laughed when I watched people rotate seats between destinations to hear the stories I would have to tell over and over until everybody had heard them.

Passengers came from all walks of life, some homeless going to warmer climates for the winter, immigrants from Nigeria, Ghana, India, and other parts of the world looking for relatives who had already made it to the free world. I loved listening to their stores as well, and started keeping journals of the trip.

While there were many places of interest, and many thatI have revisited since one stop that has stayed on my mind--Nashville, Tennessee I still want to go see the Grand Ole Opry live. As a child my grandfather and I would watch it on television every week--MiniPearl, Buck Owens, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, all the great singers and clean humor. And let us never forget the great Patsy Cline!

The green hills, horses roaming free in pastures, it was wonderful to watch. The sounds of Nashville even during the daytime filled my head with what it would be like at night, especially on a weekend. It's still on my go back and visit list.

Even as I blog this I am listening to the below link. Although I'm about ready to get up and dance, Yeehaaa. "I'm a Ramblin Man" and other awesome tracks of Country/Western music. And yes, I used to love listening to Johnny Cash! So now the cover's off, I'm just a country girl at heart. Downhome cookin' bisquits and sausage gravy, greens, fried chicken, and iced tea. Bring it on! I have been absolutely happy in boots, jeans, and a hat--never did learn to ride a horse but hey, I'm willing to learn.

http://travel-musiccityusa.com/Nashville/fe/Contents/P_PackageListing.cfm?VendorId=5&From=A

Another great place I saw before it became TBN-Trininty Music Center was the property of Conway Twitty, now it is a place of worship to the Lord Jesus Christ. Beautiful and love on the outside and on the inside--don't miss it when you're in the area.

Nashville, Tennessee anytime of year is a fun, exciting, and something for everybody country! As they say, "If you're not country when you come, you will be by the time you leave."

Deborah, if you read this, you will know that when I first met you, your picture is the perfect Nashville queen! Have you noticed that each region of the world has a special "look" and you can almost tell where somebody's from. Wow, what does that say about me--I'm from the world [smile]

Hope you've enjoyed our bus trip and short layover in Tennesee. Really hope you took the time to listen to the different tracks of great music and tapped your feet a bit--its good for the soul. That's why God made country!

Tomorrow, we'll spend some time in another location with a story too good to miss! See ya'll tomorrow

Timpanogos--A Place of Outer and Inner Beauty

November 1st, the first day of the Nablopomo.com blogging frenzy. It reminds me of a beautiful mountain stream, beautiful trees all around, the quietness of mountain grandeur. And then you run across a fish hole, throw in a baited fishing line and wait for the results--dinner. And that reminds me of some wonderful memories of living in such an environment, when the water was clean and the air fresh.

Growing up in the Rocky Mountains, it was awesome to go just outside of the city, see the rivers coursing downstream from the glaciers of Mt. Timpanogos towards Utah Lake. The stream had rather strong deadly rapids in spots, then all of a sudden calm, peaceful flows of pristine water. In the upper streams are tributaries to the Provo River running through quaking aspen, mountain grasses and fields of wild flowers. Camp grounds and cabins for nature lovers.

Every morning I could look out the front room window at the peaks of Mt. Timpanogos. The Native American Indians have a story about the mountain. If you look at the peaks it looks like a woman, Timpanogos, laying down. Deep within the mountain are caves that are part of the National Park Service--US Department of the Interior. The story continues that her love had died and she died of a broken heart. In part of the cave is "Tica's Heart."

http://scenicutah.com/timpanogos/timpanogos0109.php
http://www.nps.gov/tica/

During the spring and summer, tours groups walk up the mountain path all day long. The caves are so interesting and unique. The path is paved for easy access. The view is breathtaking of the glacier that never melts, mountains that create the range and just a unique splendor that makes it worth the vacation or trip if you live close.

On the links above, are many photos of the cave, the area surrounding it, and other information if you're interested in visiting. Central Utah, a place of calm mountain oases, cold water fishing holes and lakes, great rainbow trout and walks through God's handiwork. I haven't been back in years, but the mind and memories are never too far away.

Join me tomorrow as we go into day 2 of the blogafest, and we'll see what other scenic travel idea we find. For today, think about the places that mean something to you. For me, this month is going to be a month of travel through memories--and share some of the highlights with you.

Abundant blessings!

If Today Is A Challenge, Get Refreshed--Watch

Sometimes in the challenges of our daily life we need to take a moment and just give God the praise and Worship. Tell Him thank you today .. He does show us how to make it through. NO evil shall come near my dwelling; and I shall praise the Lord with every breath that I have. Enjoy the videos, sing along, and get your praise and joy on! Hallelujah!! Nothing in our life is too big for the God we serve and call Father and Lord!