Category Archives: On The Road

Traveling in our Coach

~Art by Isabella

Every now and then moments of unexpected joy arrives at your doorstep…

In a world, upside down, with worries of our culture being destroyed, with sadness and defeat blasting over the airways, it was heartwarming to observe a family enjoying their holidays here in Lake Louisa State Park.
Howard and I were pleased to have met this lovely family – Dad, Mom, two sons and a daughter who were camped across from us.
Aidan and Isabella enjoyed petting Skye and Kloud, and that of course is how we met. Animals always seem to help people make a connection don’t they.
Yesterday, eleven year old Isabella presented us with a piece of art that she created using melted crayons. Her Dad stated, “This is a new thing kids are doing.” It warmed my heart! I know she was busy, biking, kayaking and sightseeing, which made her gift even more special.
They left this morning heading back to their daily routines of work and school. I wish for them, and know they will have, happy and successful lives. Sometimes you just know, based on interactions, this will be so.

 

Update:

I think I need to modify my post just a little; I didn’t know until just now, but should have known, that Aidan helped Isabella with this art piece and I want to give Aidan my thanks as well. Thank you, Aidan!

Art by Isabella

Happy New Year, Art by Isabella!
Happy New Year!

Isn’t it beautiful?

Wishing each of you – wonderful adventures, happiness in whatever you do, with love in your lives always.

 

Please, excuse the quality of the photo, it is taped to our dirty RV windshield.

~Stay within the lines – or not!

 

~

With colored pencils,

and uncolored scenes,

an experience begins.

 Let the kid in you surface,

with a still mind,

escape to a magical place.

 Without intrusion or restriction,

your free to explore,

a creation becomes yours.

~

You might have heard about the new pastime  – Adult Coloring Books. I recently learned about this hobby from two friends. Thanks to them, my interest was piqued. I found myself looking at some coloring books and decided to give it a try. I am glad I did.

I remember, when I was young, sitting down at the kitchen table with a coloring book and the biggest box of Crayola crayons I could get my hands on. It was a favorite inside activity and one enjoyed alone. I haven’t colored since and to be honest, didn’t even give it a thought. Until now.

Sitting here thinking about this post, I did a search on Adult Coloring Books and you wouldn’t believe how many web-sites there are dedicated to this hobby.

Sites speaking about the health benefits, about whats the big deal, how long has it been popular, where did it originate (Europe), why are these books becoming best selling items in places such as Barnes and Noble, or why 8 of the 20 best selling books on Amazon are Adult Coloring Books, and the list going on.

Interesting isn’t it, in an environment where we can’t seem to escape the technology that surrounds us, this simple activity becomes so popular. And peaceful.

Here’s one story published 12/30/2015 explaining its appeal…

Appeal of Adult Coloring

 

The Coloring Book I chose; Birds go figure!

Adult Coloring Book
Adult Coloring Book
Set of Colored Pencils
Set of Colored Pencils
It began
It began
Mandarin Duck
Mandarin Duck – my first colored page

Since purchasing my first Adult Coloring Book last month, I have completed six pages.  I show these pages, so you can see the intricate designs that most of these books offer and maybe to pique your interest.  Its not how or what I remember coloring when I was a kid! Its more fun!

You’re free to choose real or magical.

 

One might say,
coloring is for kids,
I don’t think so,
says the kid in me.
Coloring is for kids,
I don’t think so,
my experience enlightens me,
try it for yourself and see.
So tell me – do you enjoy coloring?

 

 

 

~Pier Walk with Herons & Crawly Things

 

Wishing all a 2016 filled with the love of family and friends!

 

Florida Palm Trees
Florida Palm Trees
Pier in downtown Stuart, Florida
Pier in downtown Stuart, Florida
Pier Jiving
Pier Jiving
Pier Walk
Pier Walk
Great Blue Heron - fishing along the pier
Great Blue Heron – fishing along the pier
Handsome fellow
Handsome fellow
"I think i'll take a walk on the pier."
“Sheila, I hope you catch lots of fish in 2016!”

“Thanks Little Blue, I hope you do too!”

 

`Sharing with Charlotte at Prairie Birder

Click here:

Prairie Birder

 

~Scenes from a morning walk

Lake Louisa State Park, Clermont, Florida

 

IMG_5616
Howard, Skye and Kloud
IMG_5614
Lake Louisa
IMG_5623
Swampy area
IMG_5619
Reflections
IMG_5626
Remember to Look Up!
IMG_5621
Cypress Trees, Moss and a Sandy Shore

Its hot here in Clermont, Florida with temperatures reaching 87 degrees. Walking for any length of time is out of the question. The “girls” get pretty hot, as do their human best friends! Sitting outside is tolerated for short periods of time; bugs can be a nuisance.  However, for me being outside is preferred over sitting in AC.

We have a lovely site with a huge tree that shades the passenger side of the coach for most of the day. Birds visit, which is nice, along with other creepy crawly things, that is not so nice.

My five Orchids are enjoying being outside soaking up the humidity in the air and receiving moisture from the early morning dew. One is sprouting new buds; hopefully I will have a blooming Orchid soon.

Life goes on. Moments of pleasure, such as our walk this morning or sitting outside watching a Northern Cardinal pair hunt for bugs, make up for what we can’t control.

Enjoy each day!

 

 

~Florida Scrub Jay

A visit to Jonathan Dickinson State Park wouldn’t be the same without seeing and photographing the Florida Scrub Jay.

I adore Scrub Jays and this species, threatened and found only in Florida, is simply beautiful.

 

IMG_5262

If you are interested in reading about this bird, just go to the web and do a search on Florida Scrub Jays.

 

Sharing with Charlotte at:

Prairie Birder