Locks of Love

My husband and I recently traveled to Germany and Austria and we arranged our itinerary so that we would be in Salzburg for the last two nights of our vacation to celebrate our anniversary.  It was the perfect place to be at the perfect time.

As we stood on the balcony of our room at the Sacher Hotel overlooking the Salzach River, we could see glistening colors in the sun light.    The walking bridge that connected Salzburg seemed to be lined with confetti that created a blaze of colors reflecting the light.  With our curiosity peaked (and our thirst quenched at the Sacher Bar) we headed toward  the bridge to discover thousands and thousands of pad locks.  All colors, all sizes, dangling in the sun.

All the locks were securely fastened to the chain link fence that lined the bridge. A few had writing on them, as if adding a name would add permanence or maybe more presence.  Some of the locks were old and beginning to rust, but many were brand new.  The colors, sizes and shapes were all different with no pattern to their placement.  Just anonymous Locks of Love left behind to symbolize a time of love.

Travelista!

Today as I sat on "hold" with one of our travel partners, a kind voice came on the phone about every 90 seconds to remind me that I am important and that a "Travelista" would be right with me.  As far as I know I had never spoken to a Travelista so I was excited for this new experience.

It turns out "my Travelista" was Doc and everything on his itinerary was full. The experience was not quite what I expected. (I was picturing one of those Fashionista's from the TJ Max commercial) Somehow I couldn't picture Doc with high heels, wearing a beautiful dress and loaded with shopping bags from Max and Marshall's walking arm in arm with 3 other friends.  It just didn't sync for me.

However, being the lover of words that I am, I Googled Travelista to find out if it really is a word, and if it really has a definition.  Turns out it is! And it does!  And quite a few people are using it.  Who knew?

The definition, according to the Urban Dictionary, is: A travelista is like a fashionista--but for travel. The fashionista is always up on the latest fashion trends and always looks top-notch.The travelista is always traveling to some new and exotic locale and is not dissuaded by any world turmoil.  I am beginning to like this!


But surely a Travelista isn't always traveling to an exotic locale.  Doesn't he -or she have to "travel" to the grocery store?  Wouldn't a "real" Travelista have to do all the mundane things that everybody else does in-between the exotic travels?  And Really, couldn't we all be referred to as a Travelista???!!  

I am always traveling to some locale! I am a Travelista!

A Story Teller

One of my favorite childhood vacations was the year that Mom and Dad loaded Me, my three brothers and our luggage into the family station wagon and hit the road to go west.  We drove from Indiana to The Grand Canyon, and on to Albuquerque New Mexico followed by a day trip into Mexico City.  Of course this was long before you needed passports to drive out of Texas, and a time when the Arizona highways housed rattle snake pits at road side gas stations for the enjoyment and/or terror of children and adults.

We still tell the story of Kenneth, my youngest brother, being left at a gas station at the age of 5 somewhere in Missouri.  We recall the little boy from the Indian Reservation who let us take his picture with some old camera the family owned, and then charged us $1.00 for the privilege.  We quit taking pictures of the locals then.

We tell the story of the hot days with snow at night.  Stories of stopping at By-Ways to make sandwiches for the family with purchases from the grocery store in the last town.  We remember stopping at gas stations for bathroom breaks, and never again leaving anyone behind.

We tell of the time we stood by the Canyon on that hot summer day and knew that we were seeing something special.  We knew we were the lucky ones and time stood still as we looked at the amazing creation of Mother Nature.

A famous quote by Ibn Battuta, who traveled the world in the 1300's clarifies how travel affects us. In his words -   "Traveling - It will leave you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller"

I hope I always have a road to travel and a story to tell!  

This Journey

I began my Journey of Joy Blog almost six years ago as a way to consciously look for Joy. I wrote to remind myself that Life Is Good,  that there is Beauty everywhere if I look for it, and to remind myself that I can make of my day what I want.

So for the past year I have opened my blog page each day - and each day decided I wasn't quite ready to continue. I have often scrolled through the stories, and read again with delight the expression of Joy I wanted to convey.  All the while feeling great anticipation for the writing of this next chapter.

So here I am, July 19, 2015 and I know to the very core of my being that the next chapter is here.  It has begun and I am ready to set out on this wonderful Journey.  It is a Journey I will tell with words and photographs.  A Journey I will tell with laughter and love.  A Journey that I hope many will share with me.  It is a Journey that could only come about at this time and at this place.

I have imagined this story for a year now.  I've thrilled at how all the pieces have fallen into place.  And I smile as I realize that my Journey of Joy has lead to my career as a Travel Agent.

I sit at my computer now a days with a large world map pinned to my wall that I can reach out and touch any time I want.  Australia is right in my line of vision as I look at my monitor.  As I raise my eyes I take in China, Mongolia, and that big yellow chunk that says Russia.  To the right I see Alaska almost touching Russia, then on to Canada and falling south to the US and on to the beautiful Caribbean.  South America is stunning with its countries outlined in a rainbow of colors. My eyes continue right moving on to Africa and I think of that wonderful safari that I am planning for clients. I raise my eyes again and land on that rather small area we casually call Europe - yet it includes so many beautiful countries.  I find I have circled the world right here in my office as I catch sight of the other half of Asia.  And I sit here amazed!  Thrilled!  And filled with Joy!

I have landed on the best career!  I have the delightful privilege of helping  people plan the most amazing vacations - and I am traveling more that ever before!

My next chapter will be filled with stories of Life's Travels  as This Journey leads to new places, new people and new Joy.  I hope you will join me as I weave my stories and capture for all of us a little more joy in this amazing world!

Sunrise in the Smoky Mountains!

Life is Good!

I Trust Myself

Learning to trust is one of life's lessons that can only come when I am ready.   I keep a piece of paper taped to my computer at home that says "Trust that all is well!  Because it is!"  And even though I read it every day, and I might say that I believe it, putting that trust into action is harder than I want it to be sometimes.

Trusting that all is well means trusting that the decisions and choices I make are the right ones for me.   Always!

Trusting that all is well means that there is nothing to worry about - because all is well.  Always!

Trusting means knowing a peace and calm that may not always be evident.

Trusting carries the responsibility of letting go - which can be hard to do.

But when I trust myself, I feel the power that is me.  I feel the peace and calm that is real, and I feel the free flow as life guides me where I am suppose to go.

With arms wide open and face to the sun I affirm - All is Well -  I Trust Myself.

Life is Good!

Still Counting The Ways

This past week Jim and I celebrated our 40th anniversary.  I think we were both surprised at the calmness surrounding such a "big" number.  We spent the day hiking then pulled into a camp site to grill steaks and potatoes and open a bottle of champagne.  Later we shared a piece of chocolate mouse cake accompanied by a second bottle of champagne and talked about our life together.

The years and effort that go into a relationship of this length are more than we can comprehend standing at this end.  We both agree that we love each other more now than we even knew was possible back then.  And we understand now that we will love each other more tomorrow, more next week, more next month and next year.

We realize now that as we create memories together, as we cultivate this relationship with time spent together, we grow our love for each other.  And growing love is just another way of counting all the ways we love.  And counting the ways we love just gets better and better!

Life Is Good Here!

21 Breaths

Last year I was privileged to attend a talk by His Holiness, The Dali Lama.  During the lunch break, I was honored to be personally introduced to him and shake his hand and pose with Jenn, Liz and Rudy for a picture.  I have this picture framed in my home, but am often surprised when I notice it again.  It was such an amazing day!  But often our amazing days slip away into weeks, months, years, and eventually a life time, and the amazing part becomes hazy, forgettable, or buried somewhere in the crevices of our lives.

Before his public talk began on that Monday morning, I had purchased a wooden bead bracelet hand made and sold by the Tibetan Monks.  I was intrigued with the simple beauty of it, but primarily purchased it as a reminder so that this day would not become too forgettable.

During the Dali Lama's talk he recommended that we use beads to count our breaths as we meditate.  The goal:  21 breaths without the mind wondering.   And when/if it wonders, come back gently and begin with one again.

I wear this bracelet often as a gentle reminder and I always count my breaths each day as I meditate.  And even though I have not made it to 21 without other thoughts coming to mind, I now look forward to the thoughts that do come.

With 21 breaths I find the thoughts that affirm again and again that life is good.  I find thoughts of love, of inspiration and of creativity.  I find thoughts of beauty in nature, in family and in laughter.  I find thoughts of peace and calm, even when the outside doesn't look that way.  I find thoughts of health and vitality and I feel eager to move, to walk and to hike.  And always, I find thoughts of great expectations for all the good that is mine.

Although my mind continues to conjure these thoughts, and doesn't care to stay focused on breathing for the duration, I will enjoy each day as I count, over and over,  21 Breaths.

Life is Always Good!

Home

I returned home last Wednesday from my stay with my mother-in-law ready for the comforts of Home!  I was so surprised when I opened the door and saw my house.  Although I had only been gone for a few weeks, I had "forgotten" how beautiful my house is and how beautiful it feels to my soul.

I don't think that I had really forgotten, however, coming home really caught me by surprise this time and I have savored this feeling for the past week.

I savored walking room to room - remembering.  I savored the beauty and smell of roses Jim brought to me. I savored an afternoon of coffee with my neighbor.  I savored an evening spent with my youngest grandson and a morning spent with my daughter Liz and her husband Thad.  I savored a glass of delicious red wine my first evening home and cooking in my own kitchen.  I savored  quiet mornings of meditation in my favorite chair and evenings cuddled next to Jim on the sofa.  I savored unpacking my clothes and arranging them in my house, my space.  I savored a trip to my Starbucks for a favorite morning coffee and a shopping trip to Louisville for fun.    

Here I am a week later, feeling completely at home, but hoping to keep alive that wonderful feeling of at last being Home!

Life is Good At Home!

Old Spice

I have spent the past few weeks living with my mother in law, Sarah, as she gathers her strength to live independently.  Sarah recently turned 90 and is determined to live on her own.

One day she asked me to check the "other" medicine cabinet for an item she was looking for.  The "other" medicine cabinet is in the "other" bathroom which has always been identified as my father in law, Roy's bathroom.   Roy passed almost 12 years ago after celebrating 60 years of marriage together.  I have rarely been in that room and certainly not looked in the medicine cabinet.

As I slowly pushed the mirrored door to one side I was surprised and touched to see a bottle of Old Spice after shave, a small green bottle of Brut, his old tooth brush and more.  As I looked at these items stacked neatly on the double shelves my heart ached for the love that these two people shared.
Knowing that there is always so much tenderness, so many conversations, so much loving  that goes on in the privacy of marriage that is never shared with outsiders.

As I looked at the items kept in this cabinet for all these years I could only imagine the tenderness that Sarah must feel when she sees them.  I wonder if she opens the bottle occasionally just to be reminded of the smell and the closeness of the man she loved.  The man she shared her life with while raising four children.  The man she hoped to grow old with, but who left us all too soon.

I imagined that on those long lonely nights that maybe she puts a drop of old spice on the pillow next to hers, just to imagine once again the company of her husband.  Or maybe she looks at these bottles as proof that he did exist, he was here, he did love her.

I know that Sarah and Roy loved each other, but as I opened that medicine cabinet, I saw a tenderness I had missed previously.  I saw a bond that has not been broken by death.  I saw a love that will last for eternity.  I saw all of this in a bottle of Old Spice!

Life is Good!  Love is Good!

Good Night My Love

I am closing the day gently with thoughts of you.  Good night my love!

Life is Good With Anticipation!

So Much More

Valentines Day is always a fun time of year - cold February warmed by love.  However, I did not get to spend this love day with Jim so I was delighted when I received this card in the mail.  

To me Valentines has always been a reminder to express what is in our hearts.   I look at the card, signed with love, and know that it is so much more than a Hallmark poem.  It is so much more than the $3.99 price tag.  And it is so much more than a passing thought.

This card was sent to me for all the love, for all the beauty, and all the life we have shared. It was sent to assure me that there is more ahead of us.  More love, more beauty and more life to come.  So much more!

Life is Good With My Forever Valentine!

This One Is For Me

Sometimes I forget that "helping" someone is really an avenue for my continued growth.  When I think that I am going to teach, or show, or improve their space, I find that, fortunately,  it is I who is being taught.  Lights are going off so that I am shown something new, and it is my space, my life that improves.

Today I learned that Joy is not "fixing" anything or anyone else, but allowing myself to expand and appreciate all the gifts I am being given.  The gifts are abundant if I will accept them and realize again, - Yes, this one is for me!

Life is Good Now!

Counting The Ways

I began a notebook a few years ago called My Book of Positive Aspects.  I have written about this book before, but as I packed it today for my trip north, I began to think of the things I have written over the years.  Even though I do not write in it every day, I never leave home without it.

Listed in this notebook are the things I love about the people in my life, especially my husband. I began this book as an experiment to look for the positive aspects, thereby focusing on the good.  I have been amazed at what a list will do for your attitude.

When I list all the things I love about Jim, I feel so much joy in our relationship.  As I appreciate even the smallest detail in writing, I naturally express that appreciation in my words and actions.  I have become move loving, and our marriage has become a haven for both of us.

I love the poem that begins "How do I love thee, let me count the ways."  I have counted for years and I have pages and pages of lists.  Today, I still find myself counting more things to love about this man who loves me back with all his heart"  

Life is Always Good With Love!

Simple Pleasure

I purchased a Cuisinart Ice Cream maker about 3 years ago but I have only made chocolate ice cream two times. It has mostly sat boxed on a shelf in storage.  I often look at my recipe booklet dreaming of home made ice cream but not committing to making it happen.

Recently I have been considering strawberry ice cream, which is one of my favorites.  So when my grandson, Tucker, came to spend the night yesterday I decided (finally) that it was time to do it!

He helped me measure sugar, cream, vanilla and more.  We chopped fresh strawberries in the food processor and then set the mixture in the fridge to chill.  As we poured the pink liquid into the ice cream mixer later that evening we all were grinning with anticipation.  However, we agreed to put the ice cream in the freezer for 5 minutes before we served it.

As expected, it was delicious!  I was reminded again that some of the most important things in my life are really so simple.  Chopping strawberries and sharing a dessert with people I love.  Creating something that makes everyone smile.  And Tucker telling me that this ice cream really is good enough to buy at a store.   Truly the simple pleasures of Life!

Life is Always Good!

Transformer Forever

Last Saturday I finally had the opportunity to paint my office.  It was the last room in the house to paint and I had deliberately put it off knowing that it would/could wait.

Actually, I purchased the paint months ago intending it for my family room and kitchen.  As I painted that room back in September, I could just "feel" that it was not the right color.  This doesn't happen very often, but occasionally I have to re-paint. I ended up painting the family room and kitchen a beautiful light green - and it FEELS so right!

However, I still had one and a half gallons of "Strawberry Malt" left over and only one little room to paint.  I added a gallon of white to the Malt and wah lah!  I created a beautiful concoction  that seemed perfect for my office.  I spent Friday prepping the walls and painting the ceiling and by Saturday morning I was ready with my new color.

I was unprepared for the feeling that came over me as I painted these walls.  I was flooded with a feeling of newness, an excitement for the change I was creating, and an eager anticipation of good. Long after I finished painting, I kept coming back into my office to turn on the light and marvel at the transformation.

That really is is what painting is all about, transforming something into beauty, even if the beauty is only in my eyes.  Which made me think of my own transformation.

My own transformation has not been as easy as a coat of paint, but my changes are none the less real.   Learning to Think differently because I choose to.  Learning to React differently because I can.  Learning to be more Loving because it feels better.  Learning to Allow, to Flow, and to Accept.  Learning to Meditate because it is important to me.  Voraciously Reading to absorb new concepts and letting go of old habits because it's time.

I hope my own transformation has brought to the surface a beauty that can be seen and heard,  but especially felt by those who know me.  And I hope that I will continue as a transformer forever!

Life is Forever Good!

What Matters Most

It is almost the end of another year -2013 will soon be memories.  I like to spend the end of the year organizing and re-arranging, which starts as I begin to pack away all of our christmas decorations.  As I carefully packed each ornament away, I am reminded of so many years of rituals, traditions and old friends that have contributed to the specialness of the holidays.

In 1985 I began a tradition of inviting friends over for a tree decorating party and although it was not planned, I have many decorations contributed to our tree from dear friends over the years.  Recently our grandsons have been the primary decorators and they love to hear the stories as I give them the special ornaments to hang. And in my mind, the stories and the parties live on.

Both of our daughters were home for Christmas, Jenn from New York, and Liz here with her husband and 3 sons.  The holidays are always made brighter with family and I am thankful again for mine.  We shared meals together, made cookies and worked on our christmas puzzle.  (A family tradition that pulls us quietly together as we reassemble the picture as shown on the box.)  We spent Christmas morning at Liz's house savoring the excitement of young boys enjoying another Christmas.

And now, Jenn is back in New York, Liz is celebrating with her husband's family, and I am organizing and re-arranging in anticipation of the new year.  My library of books is beckoning me to look at what I have yet to read, my writings are patiently waiting my return.  I have wonderful things ahead of me in 2014, but I wrap up this year,  knowing that I have lived the year loving and loved.  And that is what matters most.

Life is Always Good!

Good Memories

Jim and I took Sunday off from working on our house to drive to Brown County, Indiana.  We have wonderful memories of going to Nashville and wanted to check it out again after all these years. We walked through shops and made some small purchases, but our goal was to go to the Brown County Inn for a bowl of French Onion Soup.  We were not disappointed.  The Corncrib bar looked the same as we remembered, our favorite beer was on tap and the soup was beyond delicious.

After we left the Inn, we drove through the state park and ended up at Ogle Lake.  We walked to a shelter where someone had left a fire in the fireplace.  Jim and I quickly gathered up some wood and soon had the fire blazing and we sat and talked and enjoyed the beautiful day with the wonderful fire.

A lot of our conversation started with "remember when…." and we both would recall something that we shared from our past.  It is so fun to have this sharing of our lives together - sharing Good Memories from a Good Life!

Life is Always Good! 

A Cold Day

I have been waiting for a cold day because I promised Fynneus a trip to Starbucks for a hot chocolate.  He has decided that he should have an adult size drink and was anxious to order a Tall from their menu.  He had 2 old gift cards that I had given him a couple of years ago and wanted to do his school work while we hung out at Starbucks.

The temperature today barely made it to the mid 40's so I picked Fynn up after school and we headed for Starbucks.  He got his tall hot cocoa and a donut and a nice booth to work on writing and math.  I wrote math problems on our food bag and he wrote words on a blank sheet of paper from his book bag.    We did speed writing, and regular writing.  He counted by 10's to 370 and added numbers in his head when I gave him problems to solve.  He thought of 3 words that rhyme with ice (dice, mice and rice) and told me stories about his class room, his brothers and his mom and dad.

As I write this, Jim is in the other room reading Fynn a story about a baseball player, the fire place is blazing and I am thankful again for A Cold Day!

Life is Always Good!

A Beautiful Sunday

Our plan was to slip away for a couple of hours today to drive through the country and soak up the beauty of fall.  For some reason we could not tear ourselves away from our renovation projects so we spent most of the day working on the kitchen and new plumbing.

But lucky for us, the trees in the neighborhood and in our own yard are so breathtakingly beautiful that all we have to do is step out our own back door to be surrounded by the beauty and the bounty of fall.

A beautiful Sunday, and all I have to do is breathe it in.

Life is Always Good!

Seeing Potential

Just a few short months ago we bought a house in southern Indiana and have been busy redesigning the interior.  It was built in the late 70's or early 80's and desperately in need of some TLC.  Jim and I are very good at imagining improvements and so we bought this house knowing that some work was ahead of us, but that it would be so satisfying/fun to make this home fit us!

So walls have come down, the kitchen disassembled, and floors ripped up.  Everything that would fit in the basement has been hauled down and we are keeping only the bare necessities around us.  Walls are being painted, sometimes more than once when the color just doesn't "feel" right.  The ceiling is getting a new life as we remove beams and add a coat of fresh white through out.

Although the house needs a complete make over, it has some good points too.  It is only 7.8 miles from our daughter Liz and our grandsons.  It has a fenced in yard so that John Wayne can romp to his heart's desire, and we have wonderful neighbors on all sides.  We are close to shopping, home improvements stores and The Pie Kitchen.  Starbucks is only 2 miles away and on the way to Liz's house!  But most importantly, it feels GOOD to be here!

For a while longer we will be "roughing it" but in just a few more weeks, we will be sitting by the fireplace, reading the Sunday paper, drinking fresh brewed coffee and congratulating ourselves for seeing what could be!  Seeing the potential of this little house making up feel Home Again!

Life Is Always Good!