Touring With Us

"Travel Guide" for Bloggers

2009-03-12T22:30:00.004-04:00

I like blogging - telling you about where we travel, what we're doing, and finding out about your lives as well. But I'm not always sure how to do it well, so I decided to look at some of the blog trainings available online.

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.

I think it's a bit like a travel guide. I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

It can't hurt. We'll learn something new together.

Panama Cruisin'

2009-03-04T22:17:00.001-05:00

I haven’t seen cruise prices like this in … forever! Maybe since I was a travel agent in the 70’s. An email arrived in my inbox from Princess Cruises offering – and I quote - a "10-day Panama Canal cruises from $599*". Brochure rates start at over $1,000.

Of course, that’s plus tips, taxes, surcharges and airfare to Ft. Lauderdale/ Acapulco. (air add-ons are available from $399.) And it’s an inside cabin. But bargain hunter/cruisers should check this out quick! Departures are Mar. 23 and April 2.

Cruise 51 miles from Atlantic to Pacific through the jungles of Central America. The Canal celebrates it’s 95th birthday this August. Ports of call include Puntarenas, Costa Rica (visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve); Fuerte Amador (Panama City’s port) on the Pacific side of the canal; Ocho Rios, Jamaica (and famous Dunn’s River Falls); and Puerto Quetzal, Guatamala (tour the capital or Lake Azitlan’s volcanoes).

Bon voyage!

My Two Favorite Little Words: Let's Go!

2009-03-02T10:41:00.003-05:00

To get away from one's work environment is, in a sense, to get away from one's self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.

~ Charles Horton Cooley

Wow! Ed just turned a normal week into an exciting one. He said, “Let’s go!” So, we’ve decided to take off after Thursday’s business meeting for a long weekend. The anticipation bubbled up in the middle of cleaning and laundry this weekend like fizz in my favorite cola. Mini-vacations do that … add an element of excitement, anticipation, and joy before we leave. Then there’s the relaxation and joy of the trip. We’ll see family and friends, plus we’re going to get our one-year-old Japanese Chin a brother: Bojo’s birthday Buddy. And when we get back, we’ll have photos, memories and be recharged for next week.

Where are you going next? Why not plan a mini-vacation as a surprise for your spouse, kids or significant other? Maybe get a group of friends together for a weekend away. And if you’d like some planning tips and destination ideas, go to www.magicalminivacations.com It’s a great resource and dream-builder. Go ahead! Short trips save you time and money. And there are some great bargains out there. Most travel venues are discounting prices right now to stimulate their economies.

Let us know where you decide to go. We’d love to hear about your travels! And as always – remember, LIFE is a journey, travel first class!

Lovin' Atlanta

2009-02-16T22:42:00.003-05:00

Those that say you can't take it with you
never saw a car packed for a vacation trip.
~ Author Unknown

We're baaacck from our 'relative vacation'.
Atlanta is one of our favorite cities, and
we have several favorite places to visit
-- in addition to our relatives!

Stone Mountain is the largest
exposed granite monolith in the world.
A massive Confederate Monument
is carved into the granite face, like Mt. Rushmore.
Ride a Swiss cable car to the top of the mountain.
In season, enjoy a paddlewheel steamer ride.
Visit an antebellum plantation, the auto museum
and the Stone Mountain museum. Great day!

The new Georgia Aquarium is a tribute to ingenuity.
Stroll through an acrylic tunnel as tropical fish swim
beside and above you. Explore the world's varied
water habitats within the themed "aqua-areas".

ZooAtlanta started with an abandoned carnival
in the mid-1800's. It's located in Grant Park,
next to the Civil War Museum and Cyclorama.
Cyclorama – a 360º painting of the Battle of Atlanta,
is one of only two in the nation.
The museum also houses the "Texas",
the famed engine from "The Great Train Race".

Next time you're in the area, spend a day or two
exploring the history and attractions of Atlanta.
It's a great place to visit …

In the meantime, remember ...
Life is a journey, travel first class!

Favorite Vacation Spots

2009-01-26T19:30:00.002-05:00

You can fall in love at first sight with a place as well as a person.
-- Alec Waugh

Hello, dear reader, and welcome.

Someone asked recently where our 'favorite' place is. That's a hard question to answer.

Home comes first, filled with memories and favorite things. It's the refuge we come back to after we've been away.

Our favorite seashore is Virginia Beach for sentimental reasons. We started going there when our daughter was small. We've been dozens of times, and keep going back. Another favorite is Ft. Meyers in Florida, again for sentimental reasons. It was my dad's favorite – the place he took us for Christmases long ago. After that, it's anywhere with sun and sand …

For mountains, Aspen CO tops the list. It's not at chic as some other resorts in the Rockies, but it's filled with historic flavor in a beautiful setting. Of course, the Great Smokies are also magnificent. We see them more often since we live east of the great Mississippi.

For fun, it's Oatman AZ, a real 'ghost' town, turned tourist mecca and artist colony on old Route 66. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned there. We also enjoyed Williams AZ, a former pony express stop and rail depot, also on Route 66. It's now home to the Grand Canyon Railway – an experience in itself, and a great way to see the Grand Canyon.

We'll tell you more about each of them in future posts. You can also join our mailing list at www.touringwithus.com to get our monthly travelzine. It's loaded with travel trivia, vacation ideas, tour and cruise information, and some fun. We hope you'll join our TWU family – whether you're an armchair traveller or a vagabond. Happy travels!

Family Vacations

2009-01-22T15:13:00.002-05:00

The only way to live is to accept each minute as an unrepeatable miracle, which is exactly what it is - a miracle and unrepeatable. ~ Margaret Storm Jameson

Well, we're off again on the family vacation circuit: 15 relatives, 2700 miles, eight states, 14 days. South from PA to friends in WV, a recently widowed uncle in Charlotte, Ed's parents in GA; back through VA. Scattered along the route are various siblings, nieces & nephews. Maryland is just a blip on the route, but I still count it! It's quite a trip, but a wonderful way to hug everyone and tell them how much we love them.

The elders are in their mid-80s so we travel this route more often than we used to. Now it's three times a year or more. Sad to say, when they are gone, this trip won't be such a priority. Somehow, once parents are gone, traditions change and many families lose touch. It's part of our scattered lifestyle.

Sometimes, though, the loss of a parent brings siblings closer. That's true for my brother and me. Now we make an effort to get together on a regular basis (he lives in NY), something we never did while mom was still alive. Our sister is on the 'relative vacation' route, so we don't see her as often.

It's interesting to compare stories of our childhood. They are younger than I so the memories are different. I remember vividly our Christmas trips to Florida; he recalls only snippets. My sister remembers almost nothing. I was in college when the 'family' toured New England – no memories for me there. But we love to share stories.

I hope that 2009 is your year for family ties. With cell phones, email and gas prices lower, there's no reason not to keep in touch. No matter what has happened in your past, it's the only family you've got. We lost a much loved younger brother last May – to cancer at 52. There will be no more reunions with him. Forgive, forget, remember the good. And stay in touch. God bless you and your family. ~ Ruth & Ed

One Trip,Two Unique Small Town Museums

2009-01-19T20:02:00.003-05:00

I told you a few posts ago that I'd tell you about some of the places we've been visiting recently. We plan a quick day or weekend mini-vacation at least once a month … just to get away. Hope you do the same. Here's one favorite trip we made a few months ago.

Nestled in the hills of northwestern Pennsylvania are two unique museums. Both house an extensive collection of militaria and memorabilia that honor those who fight for freedom around the world. One tells the intimate story of WWII from a small town perspective; the second displays the vehicles and armor of the military since WWI.

We visited them one day last fall with friends. It was a wonderful 'day-cation' – sunshine, fall colors, good company, nice drive, and great lunch! The museums also turned out to be much more than we expected.

The first is in a town of less than 1,000 people. The Eldred WWII Museum is a tribute to the dedicated museum board that labored to bring an exceptional museum to the area. The Allegheny Arms & Armor Museum boasts an extensive collection of retired military … arms and armor. Both were fascinating and well worth the trip.

To read more about these destinations, visit here:
Touring Military Museums in Northwestern PA - Two Unique Collections, Plus a Quaint Dining Spot

They're about an hour from either Buffalo NY or Erie PA. For those who enjoy militaria, museums, and history, this is a great mini-vacation get-away.

Backward A-B-C's are the answer ...

2009-01-15T21:55:00.003-05:00

What the mind of man can conceive and believe,

the mind of man can achieve. ~ Napoleon Hill

This backward ABC – conceive, believe, achieve – has been running through my mind a lot lately. It's the conception that always starts a thing … whether it's the worlds greatest invention, a new project or your next vacation.

First, we have to think a thing. Then we meditate on it until it becomes believable. Finally, we act on what we now believe … and whatever it is you thought of becomes physical reality. How awesome!

Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? What would you like to accomplish? In life, for your family, on your next trip?

Dream it.

Think it until it becomes real … until you can 'see' it in your mind.

Then go do it. The world is waiting for you …

Share your dreams with a comment below.

And remember: Life is a journey, travel first class!

Mini-Vacations not "Nay-cations"

2009-01-12T21:25:00.001-05:00

Just read an article telling the reader that 2009 will be the year of "nay-cations". He listed nine reasons why Americans will say NO to travel, among them: the economy, the hassle, and the added costs/fees/surcharges.

I'd like to disagree. Giving up vacations is like giving up chocolate! No matter how tough life gets, we still need to reward ourselves with things to look forward to ... things to enjoy. Travel is important to personal well-being.

Here are some tips to make your vacation planning more cost-effective.

Mini-Vacations Not "Nay-cations" - Seven Money-saving Travel Tips

Don't give up the things that keep us sane. Knowing there's a trip in your future gives you something to look forward to. Happy Traveling!

Stuff Happens …

2009-01-08T09:40:00.002-05:00

We were near Chicago recently to visit our daughter. A five-day mini-vacation. (That's me with Bojangles & Mr. Mojo at her condo. One's ours, one's hers.) She wanted us to see the view of Lake Michigan from Hancock Tower. We made plans. Drove to the city. Up the elevator – 30 seconds for 95 floors! Or was it 96? Awesome! But the view was non-existent.

The tower was so fogged in we couldn't see the building across the street, let alone Lake Michigan. It was like being in a room with dull white walls. The drinks were good, if pricey, compared to the small town establishments we're used to. And we had a good laugh over all of our efforts gone to naught. It was still a wonderful day and we counted our blessings.

Stuff happens. We've had lost reservations. Hotel fire alarms in the middle of the night (same trip!). Car accidents, and breakdowns (in the passing lane of I-95 during rush hour!). I've had luggage lost (left ashore on a four-day cruise – never did find out if it was the airline or the cruise line), and damaged (liquids all through my clothes).

But we still love to travel and wouldn't exchange any of those experiences if we could. They add character to our stories, depth and laugher to our memories, and remind us of how blessed we really are to be able to experience so much in our lives.

May you have some wonderfully quirky experiences during your travels, as well. Share them with our readers by posting a comment below.

Touring Rural Museums

2009-01-05T09:23:00.000-05:00

We had the opportunity recently to visit several small-town museums. In each case, we've been pleasantly surprised at the depth and variety on display. They evolve from the loving care of dedicated volunteers, committed fund-raisers, and usually a handful of paid staff.

Actually, the opportunity has always been there. They each opened a decade or more ago. We paid little attention because 'touring' is supposed to be further than the next town. How much we miss by not really seeing the blessings around us!

I'll tell you more about each of them in future posts. In the meantime, take a closer look at the wonderful experiences available near you. Tour your local historical center; try a new restaurant. Visit a nearby museum. Re-explore a state or national park in your area.
Be open to new opportunities and experiences. 2009 can be your year of multiple mini-vacations! They're joy for your soul. Good travels!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T22:19:00.000-05:00

We've been neglectful for several months. Sometimes life just throws more at us than we can handle. Two surgeries, ailing parents, two family deaths, crises at our 'regular' jobs … last year was a roller coaster, and we're glad to see it go. We have great hope that 2009 will be easier, happier, more peaceful. We also have more travel plans for the coming months and are looking forward to sharing our explorations with you, our dear reader and friend. In the meantime, start this new year with anticipation. Meditate on the good things that you want to draw into your life. Stay focused on the goodness around and always be thankful! May this year be your best ever …

Derailed ...

2008-07-22T10:33:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had 'life' toss one thing after another at you …
on and on and on. It seems like too much,
but if you can get on the other side, you find your stronger.
You survived – and even found some blessings along the way.

Less than two months ago,
in the middle of the usual chaos of our lives,
my beloved aunt died.
My uncle was devastated.

We were in the car less than three hours after his call –
an eleven-hour trip for a 'mini-vacation' we didn't want to face.
Three days later, while we were at my uncle's,
I got a voice mail that my 52-year-old brother had died
seven states away.

I tell you this not as an excuse,
but to explain why you haven't heard from us in a while.
Sometimes, trips aren't vacations.
Even business trips can provide relaxation and fun.
But that fateful call to learn that a loved one is gone
puts every plan on hold while you sort
through the emotions and details
and paperwork and changes in your life.

I wouldn't wish my aunt back –
she had Alzheimers and cancer at 87.
I don't wish my brother back;
he had lung cancer from a lifetime of cigarettes.
... But I miss them both.
And I know I'll see them again
when I take the ultimate trip to heaven.

In the meantime, travel well.
Make every day an adventure.
Hug your family and friends.
And count your blessings, whatever they are.
Remember, life is a journey ~ travel first class!

Mini-vacations: once, twice, three times a blessing!

2008-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

I love trips!
Any trips … long, short, business, pleasure.
If the car's leaving, I want to be in it!

We had a conference at the state capital
not long ago.
I knew it was coming …
and I kept thinking about
how much fun it was going to be
to get away from the office for a day.
I thought about stopping
for breakfast on the way down …
and where we wanted to eat dinner
on the way back.
Anticipation …

After the conference, we spent an hour or so
touring the capitol building
and the nearby historic district.
I read all the historic plaques!
We stopped for a drink at a sidewalk café.
We forgot the camera,
so I took pictures with our camera/phone.
Ridiculous but effective!
Experience …

When we got back, I downloaded the pics
and relived the day.
Warm late-spring sunshine,
an icy-cold diet Coke at an outdoor cafe.
The historic church where the government
met for a time in the 1800's.
The majesty of the capitol building,
and pride in being a citizen of our state.
Dinner in a quiet restaurant together.
Remembrance …

The best thing about mini vacations
– or longer ones! –
is they add once, twice,
three times the enjoyment in your life.
Anticipation … Experience … Remembrance.
With mini vacations, you get all three - more often!
Happy travels!

Mini-vacations: easy, economical and everywhere!

2008-05-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Have you made plans yet
for your annual vacation?
Are you thinking about
the fun and relaxation,
Or are you bumming
about the airfare or fuel expense?
The cost of a hotel for a week or more?

Here's a suggestion …
plan shorter trips
more often,
closer to home.

Mini-vacations are a great way to add
more playtime to your life without a lot of expense.

Explore your own hometown like a tourist.
Then explore the next town!
Pick a destination that's only a few hours away
for a quick three-day getaway.

Then let us know how much fun you had!
We'd love to hear your vacation stories.
Happy travels!

Happy Mother's Day from Us!

2008-05-10T07:22:00.004-04:00

Good morning! At least it is here…
Just wanted to say HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
to all the moms out there.

This year is special because my daughter
was born on Mothers Day, May 11th, 1980.
She shared that birthday with her great aunt,
who was born in 1908.

Aunt Gladys was a career woman
before it was the norm.
She drove a tiny foreign car that she called
'a teacup with rubber bands for wheels'.
She loved her travels -mini vacations close to home.
I don't think she ever flew anywhere.
But if she could go by car ... she went!
Happy Birthday, Aunt Gladys … and Jen.

If you're looking for a last minute Mother's Day gift
for your favorite lady, here's an idea.
Give her a mini vacation at a bed-and-breakfast.
Check out http://www.iloveinns.com/
for special romance or spa weekend packages.
They also have a B&B directory with a coupon
for a free night's stay. Just print off the page
and put it in her [beautiful] card. Quick and easy!
Happy Mom's Day from us.

Watch for our NEW TouringWithUs Travelzine.
We've been working on a new format with lots
more information for all our readers. If you haven't
signed up yet, just go to http://www.touringwithus.com/
and put your first name and email address in the box.
It's that easy!

We are also ready to release a wonderful new
multi-media mini-vacation guide,
Magical Mini-Vacations!
It will also be available on our website.
The book is filled with ideas and information
for planning your own special weekend trips.
Heck –take some time off in the middle of the week as well!

And to Garrett's Mom (you know who you are), thank you.
An email you sent some time ago included your list of places
to visit … someday. It's been an inspiration to us
in writing the book … and we included your list
to inspire our readers. We called it 'Laura's List'.
Happy Mother's Day and good travels!

A Mini-vacation in Chocolate Town!

2008-05-10T06:00:00.001-04:00

We're off on another mini-vacation!
This one's in Hershey PA. Ed has
a conference. I came along for the ride.
(I told you I'd go anywhere, anytime!)

Hershey is always fun.
Even though the amusement park isn't open,
there is still plenty to do.

My favorite spot is Hershey Gardens.
It's too early for the roses to be in bloom,
but strolling the grounds is enjoyable any time.
Hershey Gardens sits atop a hill overlooking the town.
It's 23 acres with more than a dozen themed areas,
including a new Children's Garden and Butterfly House.

No one should visit Hershey PA
without seeing the original Hershey Hotel.
The lobby, circular dining room and grounds
remind visitors of the mansions in Newport –
an era of refined comfort and elegance,
recaptured for the guests of the Hotel.
I particularly like the Spanish-style lobby
with its ornate tilework. Even if you're not staying there …
go see it! Have a drink in the lounge;
stroll through the formal gardens at the rear of the hotel.

Next stop – Chocolate World, a simulated tour
through a chocolate factory –
complete with a free sample at the end of the ride.

Hershey is the town where street lights
look like Hershey kisses,
and everything smells like chocolate,
especially when it rains!

For more information, visit
www.touringwithus.com/articles.

We'll visit with you again soon.
Happy travels!

Mini-vacations don't have to be travel …

2008-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

That sounds kinda weird, but let me explain.

Mini simply means 'small'.
And Webster defines 'vacation' as a respite,
a time away from something …
an intermission.
The concept of travel –
of being away from home and work –
is the third meaning … not the first.

So … anytime you take a break from something,
you're creating a mini vacation
for your mind and body.

Of course, vacations away from home
are wonderful!
If I could, I'd be gone every weekend.
But in the meantime,
I've decided to add more 'mini vacations' to each day.

A cup of tea out on the deck before work …
A ten-minute walk at lunch …
A quick game of 'Spider'
before I start the next project.
A Saturday afternoon hike.

The older I get,
the more I realize that life is short.
And it's meant to be enjoyed.
So, I'm headed outside with that cup of tea.
Why not join me?

Don't forget our book give-away.
There's a new book out called
"The Secret To True Happiness".
It's by Joyce Meyer, and she tells us
how to create more joy in our lives … every day.
I'd like to give away a few copies to some of you.

Use the comment box below to tell us how
you've found more joy in your own life.
We'll celebrate your joy with you

Mini-vacations – Rethink your life

2008-05-05T08:00:00.005-04:00

Most folks are about as happy
As they make up their minds to be.
Abraham Lincoln

I've got a suggestion for you:
re-think how you plan your life.

Stop making BIG plans that don't work out
the way you want them to.
Stop thinking in terms of days,
and weeks and months;
As in "next month, I'm going to …"
or "Today, I need to …"
Stop putting pressure on yourself
all the time to do more, to be more.

I read recently that we work best
in short, focused spurts.
So instead of saying to yourself,
"I need to do ___ today",
tell yourself
"I need to do ___ in the next 30 minutes".

Make smaller plans in shorter increments.
Then congratulate yourself when it's done!
Enjoy the feeling of contentment.

Break big projects down into smaller pieces.
Work for an hour, then do something else.
Go back to it after you've given your mind
a 'mini-vacation'.
You'll be fresher, more productive.

How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time!

No matter what's going on in your life,
think smaller.
You can handle ANYTHING …
an hour or 20 minutes
or even a minute at a time.

Now, I've got a surprise for you.
There's a new book out called
"The Secret to True Happiness".
It's by Joyce Meyer, and
she tells us how to create more
joy in our lives … every day.
I'd like to give away a few copies to some of you.

Use the comment box below to tell us how
you've made more time for joy in your own life.
We'll celebrate your joy with you
and award a winner on a future blog.

Mini-vacations … Exploring local history

2008-05-03T15:14:00.007-04:00

Experience...travel –
these are an education
in themselves.
~ Euripides

We had an assignment to write an article
about local bed & breakfasts.
It sounded kind of fun since
most B&B's have historic roots.
Another mini vacation for us!

We live near Chautauqua NY, world famous
as a destination for learning and outdoor enjoyment.
This part of New York was settled in the early 1800's.

The oldest building in the county, Landmark Acres,
dates from 1802, and is now an upscale antiques mart.

The William Seward Inn was once the home
of the former governor and Secretary of State
who pursued the purchase of Alaska -
Seward's Folly.

There are Victorian mansions, historic hotels
and a B&B that stables guests' horses.
Trailer in and ride the local trails.

Walk the grounds of Chautauqua Institute,
the beginning of adult public education in the US.
The Institute started as an adult church camp in 1871.
It's the original … and one of only three
permanent chautauqua's in the country.

If you'd like to read the whole story,
visit the 'Articles' section of our website.
And don't forget to come touring with us next time!

Mini-Vacations are Good for You!

2008-04-21T09:31:00.000-04:00

From the beginning, God designated
the seventh day as a day of rest.
He set aside one day each week
to give joy to your soul
and refreshing to your body.
Your brain –
the computer system that runs
your physical and mental life –
needs 'down time' to avoid overload.

Many of the physical problems
we experience are caused by stress.
You are pressured by work,
family needs, over-full schedules.
Vegging in front of the television –
absorbing more negative input
from the shows you watch –
only adds to your mental and emotional strain.
That's especially true if your mind
keeps running its own commercials of
'what am I going to do about …?'

Wisdom tells you to get moving,
eat healthy, rest and create peace in your life.
Say no to some of the demands
that others try to place on you.
Say yes one day each week (or more!)
to step outside your routine and do something fun.
Explore your world.
Take mini-breaks throughout your day,
and a mini-vacation each week.

Go do something fun for yourself.
Try something new.
Change the patterns of your life
to include more 'down-time'.
You'll be healthier and happier.
And you'll be more productive!

Remember ... life is a journey.
Make the time to travel first class.

Mini-vacations in top US cities: New York, Las Vegas or San Francisco

2008-03-30T15:40:00.000-04:00

I travel a lot;
I hate having my life
disrupted by routine.
~Caskie Stinnett

I saw a list the other day
of the ten most popular
tourist destinations in the world.
Interestingly, three are right here in the US:
New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

Now, we don't gamble much,
but we do like the shows (and the weather!)
in Las Vegas.
Even the 'cheap' ones are pretty good!
When we go, we try to do one or two
'big ticket' events, like Cirque Du Soleil,
then we stretch our travel budget farther
by hitting the smaller productions.

San Francisco is exciting for its history
and for its reputation as an
avant guarde culture and art center.
It's also close to Muir Woods and the giant redwoods.
From Alcatraz to the famed streetcars
(the only moving National Historic Monument!)
'Frisco has something for everyone.
Tour the USS Pampanito, a WWII sub,
anchored on Fisherman's Wharf.

New York City is another 'has-it-all' mecca.
Broadway shows.
Historic neighborhoods.
Shopping!
I've always been fascinated with
Grand Central Station.
And Ellis Island requires a day to soak up the history.
Ed's grandparents came through
that famous immigration center
from Sweden and Denmark.

Any of these exciting cities
would make a great mini-vacation!
So, which would you most like to see?
Or what one do you visit most often?
We'd love to hear your comments …

The Good Life: Add Joy; Mix with Gratitude

2008-03-28T17:14:00.000-04:00

Don't minimize the power of
small things to add joy to your life.
~ Joyce Meyer

I had a lady in my office today
(yes, I have an office and a 'real' job)
who was complaining about her job.
She says she hates it,
but doesn't want to give up
the benefits or her hourly rate.

So often, when we're not happy,
we complain, making ourselves miserable
with our own thoughts, words and attitudes.

How much better off we all would be
if we focused on the positive things in our lives.
Let's be grateful instead of complaining.

Find things that you enjoy;
and plan ativities you look forward to.
Make time for small 'vacations'.

Webster says a vacation is a respite,
a rest, a time of recreation,
or freedom from any activity.

So … give your mind and emotions a break –
a mini-vacation.
Relax, and rejuvenate.
Often, the anticipation is as valuable –
and full of joy – as the actual activity.

Give yourself something to look forward to,
something to anticipate and get excited about.

Take control of your attitude with gratitude.
And plan 'small things' that add joy to your life.
What's your next 'mini-vacation' going to be?

Add a comment and tell us about
your favorite stress-reducing,
joy-bringing, happiness-sharing
thankful-heart activities.
We’re all looking for new ideas!

And remember, life is a journey …
travel first class!

What did YOU do last weekend?

2008-03-24T23:10:00.000-04:00

"All work and no play,
makes Jack a dull boy."
Old English Nursery Rhyme

Hello, dear reader,

What did you do over the weekend?
It's the proverbial question on Mondays …
from your co-workers, friends, store clerks
and folks you meet.

Isn't it time you gave them a great answer?

Quick trips – mini-vacations –
help keep balance in your life.
You need to regularly get away
from yard work, laundry,
and all the myriad demands on your life
and just … get away!

Mini-trips give you three times the fun.
First, there's the anticipation,
expectation and planning,
knowing that you'll be going someplace fun …
next week or next month.

Then there's the actual trip!
How great is it to explore and enjoy new places?
To get away from your usual routine?

Finally, there's the photos to share,
reliving the fun, savoring the memories.

It's enough to make you start planning that next
mini-vacation getaway!

What are you waiting for?

Wishful Thinking - Beaches in my Mind

2008-03-20T21:44:00.000-04:00

Today's our 32nd anniversary.
And it snowed!
Someone asked me last week
what two things I could do without.
My answer – winter and cold weather!

Winter in northwestern Pennsylvania
almost requires a get-away
for sun and relaxation.

One favorite spot – Virginia Beach.
It's a one-day drive,
it's a LOT warmer than home,
and we've gone so many times
that we know just where to shop and eat.

If you'd like to tag along, check out
Virginia Beach - An Off-Season Love Affair

If you're at the beach right now … enjoy.
If you're not, start planning
for some R&R in the sun!
… Or a mini-vacation to anywhere.

Watch for our new ebook on mini-vacations.
It'll be out soon and
it's loaded with ideas and information for
you to use in planning your next weekend away.

Remember,
Life is a journey … travel first class.