District School Houses
Braving all forms of inclement weather along dirt roads.
Braving all forms of inclement weather along dirt roads.
African American families stayed in the area, settling on farms in the surrounding township.
Passing the Rest Stop many times over the years, to finally visit at my leisure
Six other RV'ers arrived and we closed down the tasting room.
I have returned with more of my desert hiking experiences forthcoming.
I wish everyone's dreams, desires, and expectations to become a reality in 2023 and beyond.
I wake in awe of what I have accomplished.
Nature's trees have watched humans come and go.
Mountain Goat Coffee & Bakery During my travels east across Washington State from the coast, I stopped at my friendly neighborhood campground, the Cascades near Packwood, Washington, where large bull…
An ocean becomes visually mesmerizing with never-ending waves of water breaking upon a shoreline, is nature's melodic, soothing sounds.
I'm not in a hurry and I love certain weighted comforts
Meeting travel friends reveals the fate of my travels.
International Falls MN becoming one of the best outdoor actives destinations in the U. S.
The museum became a wealth of information for my research
One aspect I thought of was my self-diagnosis of having a hyperactive personality with a dose of attention deficit disorder. :-)
Before I created this blog post, I took time organizing my thoughts to shape the narrative for the photos I captured during the 2018 Key West Fantasy Festival. I was…
I recommend you visit Key West during the Fantasy festival with a daily schedule of events, there is something for everyone.
On many occasions, my family and friends have voiced they're concerned about me backpacking or hiking into the forests and deserts. They fear for my safety of everything and…
During the last couple of years, I have traveled mostly in the western US and back home to my much beloved Florida beaches and the Florida Keys, I have seen…
My freedom is traveling nomadically, one destination to another, exploring, discovering and learning. (MJL) In April I attended the 2018 Continental Divide Trail Days held on the Campus of…
A man and woman conceived a child. Some people debate when the circle of life begins, but for this poem, the ring of a lifetime starts when a mother is…
Again, as usual, I am seated watching the archaic traditions leaving no assumptions for what is to happen at this ceremony that has been held every year since 1877. I glance…
Everyone who visits Arizona always recommends the Grand Canyon and their next recommendation is usually the city of Sedona AZ to see the picturesque red mountains surrounding the town. Many…
Oh yes, the Petrified Forest National Park has been on my must-visit list for years, and my recent scenic drive tour has only conjured up plans for a re-visit to…
We do not celebrate wisdom, because it comes with age. Many fear age while never gaining its wisdom. Youth spends money, wisdom would never consider. Youth is fertile ground for…
There are many places in the world, but none compare to traveling to witness vistas, landscapes, and wildlife. My current place on this planet is the above photos inside…
My travel aura was projecting as I sat reading about my next destination inside my vehicle at an eastbound I-10 rest-stop in East Texas. Actually, it was my Florida tags…
Ms, Charlotte Wetzler, was seated on the main stage, looking out upon well over 500-hundred guests who are her former students and the recipients of her 42- years of teaching…
With each swing of the mallet, I pound the spike deeper into the ground. Anger, jealousy, envy, and hate fuels my swings but, I cannot stop pounding the spike more…
Capturing sunrise photos while stopped at the "Sols Cliff scenic overlook with views of Bar Harbor Maine from inside Acadia National Park. The crisps winds of an early September cold…
On a cold rainy spring day, I toured several critical locations in the city of Mongomery Alabama which is ground zero of the Civil Rights Era in America. In 1877…
Our family, our children, forty years we made. The mind-numbing daily routine we made. Our separate sleeping bedrooms we agreed. Because of commitments, our love has become veiled from one…
The daily WordPress word prompt inspires thoughtful, creative writing ideas based on the WordPress user's past experiences with the word which can hold various meanings and definitions. The word churn, cause me…
Attending a funeral, a retirement gathering, a college or high school graduation, of a family member or friend allows for personal self-reflection. Your thoughts peel away layers of life's reality igniting and stirring…
Since Feb I have enjoyed and settled into the Florida warmth, and because of cold temperatures, I used my backpacking pants' less than a week. As March winds to an…
The weekly photo challenge asks the question where would you rather be. The following photos reveal where I would rather be as photography allows for the repeated return to moments…
Every day since forever, I have seen you, and we are identical twins. I look into your eyes, and I see the mirror image of me. I have seen pictures…
See my elegance? My jet black hair was cooked and processed with waves galore, against platinum silver and neon green, circumferencing from temple to temple rising to the cowlick above the…
Casandra entered the room, and I could not make eye contact, She walks past my table, and I look down at my paper, I sensed a connection, but I'm too…
During my lifetime of travel along the back roads, my reason to stop is best described as "distracted." by what my eyes witness and I want to learn and discover…
Suddenly there is no sound of the trail, but I feel and hear my heart pounding after my climb to summit the small peak of 2500 feet. My breathing slows…
For over forty years I have traveled around the US for which my family and friends were astonished by the journey and marveled at the destinations completed on a motorcycle.…
Well, it has come around again the commercially celebrated Valentines Day of love. It is the erotic, exotic, enticing, inspirational day for the expression and confession of love for one…
Within the imaginations of everyone who's creative ideas and thoughts are inspired or influenced by anything seen on television, read in a book or magazine, can become a reality. MJL I…
At 4:45 pm, their father, Jefferson Wheeler, was a third-generation farmer, who stood six-foot, seven-inches tall, with muscular arms, and a matching barrel chest. He was a hardworking, strict disciplinarian,…
It was 4:30 pm on a western Nebraska farm, in the summer of 1969 with the humid July winds blowing as usual while the Wheeler twins Jason and Jacob who…
I was scared almost out of my seat when Sister Abigale screamed at the top of her lungs forcing all of the fifth-grade students to stared forward, but it was…
I was born and raised in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York, and the first time I saw photos of a beach, I dreamed of living on an island. As…
I am a part of what some people call the greatest generation. When I consider how my parents who lived with nothing close to the conveniences I enjoyed as a…
Fortunately, during my lifetime I have recorded hundreds of hours of video with accompanied thousands of photos of my now adult children. My recorded library reveals decades of family and…
Be candid with me, I can take it. Honesty is the best policy when the truth is the foundation for any relationship. However, many lies are spoken in considerations of…
As the college semester comes to an end, the mood of the students on the entire campus becomes stressfully solemn. Every nook and cranny is occupied as students seek silent locations…
The desert is a great place to experience the beauty of nature when the approaching rains transform the landscape scenery. A weather system pushed through the Quartzsite AZ desert providing…
For twenty years' or more, the theater's dancers have taken a ten-minute break every hour during any rehearsal no matter how long they rehearsed. Three months into the theater season…
My thoughts often drift to the Arizona desert horizon at sunrise during our two week Christmas break. My face brightens with a smile, and yet my heart aches for endless…
If you are lucky, your life will treat you to various forms and types of reservations. I have had room and dinner reservations and I have toured nature reserves and…
The first daily word prompt "conversation" is appropriate to begin 2018 since a blog post initiates a conversation between bloggers around the world. Four years ago when I began blogging…
My thirty plus years of travel destinations are filled with photos and encountering people who are the inspirations for some of my creative writings ideas. In the beginning, I traveled…
The images do not reflect the cold temperatures, of the Rio Grande Gorge near Taos New Mexico of the magnificent engineering marvel of the bridge, draped in the beauty of…
The significance of procrastinating pressure to complete goals is sometimes a necessary emotion when you find snippets of excuses to forgo what should be done. With thirty days to write 50,000 words,…
The fraud you do. The fraud to deceive. The fraud to trick and cheat. The fraud for your personal gain. The fraud committed in darkness will one day see light.…
Mistakes are a part of life because life comes with morals but not application instructions. Mistakes of the heart usually provide a second chance. Mistakes are failures to learn from…
Ever since I viewed photos of slot canyons in Utah's Zion National Park, I have dreamed of hiking within the vertical rock walls reaching towards the sky allowing glimpses of…
The term "laser focused" is associated with academics and athletics. To reach this level of concentration takes months, years and decades of mental and physical training. Some people believe multi-tasking…
The peculiarities of life and death manifest itself before, during, and after stressful painfilled tragic events. Personal reflections and contemplation about life, its meaning, and understanding its purpose are our…
As a traveler, I have encountered many others who's mentality like mine is filled with the anticipated experiences of the journey and destination. The journey has numerous crescendos of discovery around…
My travel mission was set to photograph the Bonneville Salt Flats with a refuel top off in the town called West Wendover, NV en-route to Reno NV. However, it's been my custom…
The structure of nature can sometimes have no structure at all. The Bonneville Salt Flats white sands are a living sight to witness. The white sands distinguish no structure, only…
The word educate is applied to every travel destination I encounter. There is something to learn no matter how many times I have visited any location. In the US just…
I love history and consider myself an amateur historian of American History, so when I entered the Cody Wy visitors center to see what the area had to offer,…
A retiree who accepts their status will become a happier person going forward into the second chapter of their lives. While many retirees remain in their past, never reflecting on…
Photos of the impressive Buffalo Bill Dam.
Millions of people gathered in the major location around the continental United States to witness a solar eclipse at varying degrees. I was fortunate to see two sunset and sunrises…
On a rainy Saturday, I was seated in the library reading Jane Eyre enjoying my afternoon tea, and biscuits when thunder, roared over the house with a streak of lightning…
I'm no hero. I acted upon instinct pulling Mrs. Harris from her car after she collided with the fence. Everyone says I'm a hero, but I don't fell like one.…
January in Maine: The interior of a warm home is essential. On a snowy January morning, the layered interior of your coat is outstanding. But, when the January sun rises…
It is 5:55 am, the day after Christmas, and four unassuming women sit comfortably in a rented full-size cargo van near the entrance of the Sherwood Mall waiting to begin…
The bounty of the holiday season is not in the number of gifts received, presents given, or the number of family members gathered. The bounty of the holidays is the personal…
Wordpress daily word prompt
It is our eldest son's debut as the featured lead conductor of the famed symphonic orchestra's Christmas concert that started at 6:00 pm. It was now 6:19 pm as I…
With 72-hours before their employees, Christmas parties. Jeffery and Jaqueline have yet to map out one of their most important decision of the Christmas season, what to regift for their…
Eighty-seven-year-old Wilbur Wainwright, the owner of a window installation company, based in Ottumwa Iowa, began the business sixty-three years ago. He married once, divorced within a year, and never had…
Maddening, is the list of errands I have to complete. Maddening, are the kids will be awake soon. Maddening, are the gifts I need to wrapped and mail. Maddening, is…
Robert Avenell; During Thanksgiving dinner, the Avenell brothers were enamored with an old 1950's Sears & Robuck catalog their Uncle Rosco brought to the holiday dinner. The catalog was a…
The Gulf of Mexico has two horizons for me as seen from Galveston Texas sunrise December 2016, windy cold. Fort Myer Florida November 2015 sunset, lazily warm. Sunrise or sunset each has…
A relaxing hike in the Sonoran Desert will bring you peace, and tranquility while viewing the beauty of nature's landscapes. Below, I have listed facts about the Saguaro Cactus in found…
Eunice Hedge-Clapper died at age 62 when her car was struck by falling debris from an overpass as she sat in traffic on Interstate 95 north of Washington DC. The…
It is often said, "Flattery will get you nowhere." However, I believe a little or a lot of honest and sincere flattery will go a long way to please a…
I realize it has been 9-days of daily balloons sightings as they rose into the morning sky. Ok, not every day, because some morning were too cold for me, and…
Just like the early settlers who migrated west walking 20oo-miles, there is a current migration of travelers in recreational vehicles who criss-cross the US, Canada, and Mexico.…
The church elders had a horrible dilemma as hundreds of parishioners gathered for the viewing and funeral of 66-year-old Francine "Fanny" Fitzgerald, a member of the church for 66…
Panic is an extream emotional state of fear, anxiety, causing wildly unthinking behavior. Panic is what I felt. Panic is what I saw in my daughter's eyes. Panic's uncontrollable fear…
The ACME Ladder Corporation recognized their oldest employee Oscar Stephenson's 43 years of service and his retirement to become official at the close of business with a retirement party. After…
The sounds of silence typically heard during a hike, are footsteps impacting the earth, the rustling of leaves in the trees, along with the birds singing. However, my recent visit…
As a young Boy Scout, I hiked and camped a lot which is my outdoors foundation that lives on within me to this day. I now intermix photography, some video and…
Passion and love are intertwined around the roots of commitment. Commitment is the prehistoric Red Wood Tree with roots mixed with love and passion. So, when your passionate desires are…
Writing is an important aspect of my life, yet it is only a part of who I am. Reading has been a stalwart for my writing but as of…
Capturing photographs of reflections on a lake is what sprung my amateur photographers imagination. Since the early morning bicycle rides into Lakes Regional Park in Lee, Co, Fl. I…
The tone of words are interpreted by those listening. Dreams, hopes, and beliefs are broken with words. The egos of humans are broken with words. Words can divide to harm…
The thought of my daily trudge from home to works drudgery depresses me knowing the slog of yesterday is fresh in my mind.
It is early in the morning a half hour before the sunrises as I walk along a hiking trail to capture photos of mother nature, starting her day. This September morning,…
The daily word prompts ignite my imagination of times in my life. The word "stump" has me reflecting on the stump-grinder, I rented to remove two tree stumps from my…
What would be the radical experiences to capture morning photos of the sunrise at a place called Silver Lake at Brighton Utah, 8000 feet above sea level? I never thought…
During the funeral of my great uncle, Joshua, the brother of my great grandfather, I began thinking about all my blessings. I also thought of the past forty-eight hours starting…
Since the 18th century the invention of the sandwich, named after English Aristocrat John Montauge the 4th Earl of Sandwich, humanity has made every type or variation of the sandwich.…
Over the past 100-hundred years, clothing styles for male & females have changed with each generation. The word elegant has been used to describe clothing of our past and some…
In college, there were weekends when many in my dorm would venture out to the lake near the university for a keg party. I reluctantly attended hoping to leave after…
Commercial advertising is a powerful medium with jingles that can synch into the mental psyche forever. For me, the word "plop," has always been associated with the Alka-Seltzer commercials dating…
Working in an office environment is essentially a cake environment. Cake for birthdays, Cake for returning to work, Cake for leaving or taking a new position, Cake for the…
Once upon a time in a far away city, I attended an NBA basketball game. Seated with a beer in my right hand and peanuts between my legs I was…
Sidewalks are the essential life blood of neighborhoods, and big cities. They suffer daily abuse from dirty feet, soiled shoes, muddy boots, canes, and wheels of every sort. Tree roots…
Everyone may not be able to sing with the voice of their favorite or greatest singers, but everyone can hum the melodies. You know the melodies of your favorite…
During the winter month's my mother always dressed me warmly with a thick heavy coat, gloves, knit cap and a pair of rubber boots for snow. On a cold winter…
I was fortunate to tour and learn about the Agate Fossil Beds National Monument & Museum that was established on June 14, 1997. It's, location in Western Nebraska's Panhandle is…
Fierce is the adjective used to identify the individual or group entering battle, attacking insurmountable odds or challenges. Wars have produced fierce, violent attackers eager to fight or kill. When…
My evolution of the word "VICE." As a child growing up, my father had a garage with a workbench with a vice similar to the one in the photo above.…
A forensic psychologist, a forensic accountant, and forensic fingerprint expert, were summoned to court as witnesses for the prosecution. Because of the rule on witnesses, they were all forbidden to…
In the Spring of 1963, Malcolm Milton University's spring mid-term testing was in its final hours. Tenured History Professor, Wilbur Wilshire was shocked and astonished when he recognized an honors…
Early in life, my eyes witnessed hobbies I love today. My Books, My Kayak, My bicycle, My hiking gear, My motorcycle, My fishing poles, My camping gear, My soul has…
Many mini years ago, a co-worker maintained miniature flowering plants on her desk. When the morning sun shined through the window, it was delightful to see the mini Prickly Cactus,…
Today the US National Parks celebrate their 100th centennial. Yes, being 100 is cool when you have the gorgeous historic beauty surrounding you when you are a Park Ranger. The…
Learning is a desire within many people or is it? For some learning is completed upon high school graduation yet college graduates become annoyed or discouraged when asked to learn…
Fifty is the other half. Fifty is the middle if you expect to live to 100. Fifty is the half century of every decade. Fifty is an age some revere others loathe…
Police Chief Charles Chapman: Yesterday evening’s automobile accident was horrifying, and the heroic work of police, firefighters & bystanders who jeopardize their lives represent the highest standards of emergency services…
Two years ago when I began researching full-time RVing, my idea and belief were associated with retirees or people who have checked out of mainstream society. What I discovered were…
Ok, if you are a follower of this site, you know that I have begun traveling and reporting on my locations with photos. So, this is a very personal blog…
Eyes are the window to the soul, Eyes, project Sadness, Happiness, Excitement, Love, Hate, Disappointment, Fear, Anger, With these emotions, the eyes can talk to another soul to reflect their…
Photographing the western plains with clear, unobstructed views provides spectacular visuals especially the night of a full moon at sunset. As the sun descends into the horizon with the sight…
As a Nomadic Traveler, I often visit local libraries to write because it is a change of location. So, on August 17, 2016, I drove to the Lied Public Library…
Because of my love of music, some word prompts spark my memory of songs from my past. The word "Carry" immediately takes me to the 1970's and the song Carry…
So, life is relatively easy. You are born, you love parents, family friends, and caregivers Follow the basic moral rules of life, don't lie, cheat, steal, or harm another person…
Reach is a movement every human has completed. However, the word reach is used more as a metaphor referring to an object or action in poetry, love letters and everyday…
Obsessed, can be a passion with boundaries. The boundaries can become askew by obsession or passion To be obsessed is to have a passion or to have passion can be…
Over the past one hundred years, generational divides are usually a contentious issue within families. I suspect, during the period between 1920 and 1960, the debate between young adults and…
Maybe is the word parents use with their second or third born child who asks, can they have a tiger or lion. Maybe is the word teenagers use when…
Jokes are used to makes the world seem a little less horrible at the times. When humans witness horrific sights, serious thoughts prevail. However, some people use jokes to break…
Luxury? During my adult life, luxuries are unique slices of life I passed up for whatever reasons or another. Mostly, because of children, you know they are supposed to come…
This time last year I was in Key West Fl where I was exposed to the wonderful world of creative artists. I call it my creative summer of exploring the…
Several days ago, I wrote separate responses for Wordpress daily word prompts for the words "stubborn," "praise," "muse," "crave," "profound," and "apology." As I formulated my thoughts, I recognized the…
For the past two decades, I have traveled in both directions on Interstates 70 in Kansas, 80 in Nebraska, and 90 in South Dakota. Most people know of the area…
This past weekend I attended a family reunion with over 100 people who have gathered every two years for over the last 20 years arriving from every corner of…
To succeed in life, a passionate, driven desire is unstoppable. Discover your passion and your desire will be unstoppable. With sacrifice and patience, your dreams will become reality, to remain unstoppable.…
I have taken many journeys across the US either by car, motorcycle, and tractor trailer. During all of my travel's my family and my mother, in particular, worried about me…
The word crisis expresses the idea or belief of something urgent, and I feel the word is used for dramatic effect to garner people's immediate attentions. I was peddling my…
Seeking the safety of a Sanctuary from family, friends, job, the world, or an enemy can take place in many locations. Sanctuaries within the mind can bring inward peacefulness, essential…
Many people around the world are pressed for time, don't have enough time, and some run out of time. We all have a certain amount of time on this planet,…
Punishment is a form of revenge for victims who suffers directly from an offense. However, others who become aware of the offense, by sight or knowledge usually voice their opinions…
The things we leave behind are the things we collected because they were the must-haves of the moment. After fifteen trips to the local Good-Will store, to drop off the…