Minnesota State Parks, Wow!
An adventurous excitement that my heart and soul craves several return visits to enjoy thoroughly.
An adventurous excitement that my heart and soul craves several return visits to enjoy thoroughly.
I enjoyed the company of several dogs who satisfied my dog-fix.
Experiencing a unique beauty during a different season.
The fourth question sent many would-be dates scurrying away.
www.behance.net/gallery/85351653/Santa-Cruz-Wharf-Wild-life
Glacier National Park is a natural amusement park, with hiking, and backpacking trails providing a soul calming meditative experience costing less than the entrance to Disney World, or Six Flags.…
It has been three months of writing, editing, re-writing, editing, and a repeat of all with an occasional blog post. I recently took time for some mountain biking in Florida,…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fpR07wwpS4 I recently viewed the movie trailer "Green Book" scheduled for November 21, 2018, release in the US, and it triggered my thoughts about my travels across the US during…
On many occasions, my family and friends have voiced their concerns about me backpacking or hiking into the forests and deserts. They fear for my safety of everything and anything…
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…
For the past several months, I have struggled with a writing routine as I traveled but, summer has eased into autumn, and I draw inspiration from quotes, by Gustave Flaubert.…
Two weeks before Thanksgiving, I entered the local library for a book, and I saw the most incredibly beautiful king size quilt hanging on display behind glass. I stood for…
It was a day after the American Labor Day holiday and the unofficial end of summer. But more importantly for me, it is the demographic transition of the US National…
Recently while I was touring and photographing the West Rim Drive of Crater Lake in Oregon, I met a New Zealander in his late twenties, and a 66-year-old couple all…
The Pacific Crest Trail Celebrated 50 Years as A National Scenic Trail of 2,650 miles from the California Mexican border to the Washington State, Canadian Boarder. It normally takes…
I was taking a short day hike around the campground in Collier Memorial Park in Oregon when I met another camper/traveler and our conversation turned to current events. It was…
Monarch Pass, on route 50, in Colorado, at over 12000 feet above sea level. It has been a little over a month since I last posted a blog simply…
There are many unique museums and places I want to visit, learn and further understand American history. Many tourists and travelers see and reveal in video and blog postings the…
The town of Creighton New Hampshire was to celebrate the 1948 class reunion of the small towns only high school with 43 of the original 97 class members still alive. On…
At the beach, or in the park, the morning blend of sites and sounds coupled with the warm sunrise temperatures to sooth the skin adds to the beauty of the day ahead,. Sparrows,…
Finally, with the end of 2017, the entire world is looking forward to 2018 with incredible optimism. Many people around the world will begin new healthy and personal habits in…
Wanderer, your footsteps are the road, and nothing more; wanderer, there is no road, the road is made by walking. Antonio Machado A wannabe traveler's miraculous discovery is the day…
Fifteen years have passed since international Dodgeball star Lucas Leonard Lopez was seen on the court. However, his eldest son Lewis Leonard Lopez has followed in his father's footsteps playing…
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,…
There was a time in the 60's, and 70's when the mystery of keeping your home secure during the Halloween season was something you passed on to new neighbors. I…
I have never really liked Halloween since the horrible calamity of 1975, for which my father tells the story with the smiling gleefulness of a teenager like it was yesterday.…
With their annual Halloween party two days away, Erica stood in the mirror admiring her Cleopatra costume. She adjusted the black wig with a gold beaded headpiece while marveling at…
The identifying trademarks were visible when the border officer lifted the tarp to reveal the cylindrical barrel. This story began after my best friend Charles and I attended the San…
My next door neighbors, Clifford and Joyce Ingram's raised 6-children, who were born two and three years apart. When their eldest child Cynthia began playing the drums in the local…
Enlightening moments in time brings life into focus. (M. J. Leake) After thirty-nine years of marriage, three adult children, one hysterectomy, and a husband I share a love with that…
Do you love to dance, sing, write, sculpt, paint, or debate? What’s your favorite way to express yourself, creatively? I use words creatively in sentences, paragraphs, short stories and soon…
The above words are used to describe acts done by a person that if given a moment of thought many people would not perform for any reason. A person is…
Life is like ascending a mountain one foot after another to accomplish what is desired. Standing atop of an accomplishment is a personal goal and time to reflect upon the journey…
Succumbing to life's temptations keeps you from being your best. Succumbing to the bitterness of life closes your mind to reconciliation. Succumbing to the fear of learning leaves you…
A 5-year-old girl in a playground stops to look at the flight of a butterfly. She runs around mimicking its movements to understand the butterfly's flying motions. Malka Michaela Barshishathttp://malkamichaela.blogspot.com/2011/02/illustration-friday-swarm.html…
The elastic balloons cover the grounds as far as the eye can see. Ground crews hold lines as the balloons are inflated reaching heights towering towards the sky. Thousands of…
For baby boomers, it is believed that upon a certain age exciting, interesting outdoor and athletics activities are limited, curtailed, or not done based on age. However, for the active…
Mighty is the sound of instruments to create the music of our desires from within our soul. Without the sound of instruments to create the music from our hearts,…
Social media produces journalling crumbs of our past. Crumbs for those you chose to see the highs and lows of your life. Wisdom can be gained from the crumbs of…
Recreating a time from the past can be an adventure. Malcolm & Ethel Marshall, lived thirty-three wonderful years in a beautifully appointed retirement transitional housing community. They both retired at…
I was traveling south along Nevada route 95 when I wandered into Las Vegas to visit family and to check out Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area. When I told my uncle…
As a child growing up, I always had Labrador Retrievers as pets, and one of my chores was picking up after the dog. When I became an adult, I swore…
I learned very early in my childhood before I started school that acting bad or being bad brought about a spanking or a scolding at the least. When I began…
The word "Overcome" is over used, because everyone's daily life is filled with moments, hours, days, months, and years of challenges. Without challenges, life will become boring and lackadaisical, and…
My last posting "Enamored with nature," apparently was my 1000th blog post on Wordpress. :-) My priceless blog life began 2013 when I signed up for a Wordpress site, but…
After viewing and capturing photos of the natural beauty in Yellowstone National Park, I found the Flagg Ranch Campgrounds located along the John D Rockafeller Parkway in between Yellowstone National…
Children who become teenagers and eventually adults are a wonderment of untold measurement. (M.J.Leake) As the days, months, years, and decades pass, with mothers day, fathers day, birthdays, and holidays gatherings…
Some retirees try to recall memories and thoughts of their adolescent and childhood years. If they are able, they spend the second chapter of their lives fulfilling those dreams of…
Depending on where you live planning a trip from your home to travel across town can easily be accomplished depending on where you live. In the major metropolitan cities…
Traveling through Cody Wyoming I was able to satisfy the Wordpress photo challenge which asks for corners and intersections. This old red barn projects exceptional corners intersecting and surrounded by Sunflower circles.…
There was a united symbolism as the band members walked from both sides of the stage to their seats for their premiere spring symphonic performance. Everyone in the audience eagerly…
Within some people is a gate closing off a lustful desire they refuse to open called travel. Lights of curiosity shine along the creases tempting your wishes, but fear and…
It was a sunny Sunday morning as I waited in traffic for the light to change when the sounds of tires screeching interrupted my music. I instinctively peered into my…
Many years ago during my childhood, I was always my mother's accompanier. If she went to a funeral, of a friend, I went. Evening events at the church, I went,…
Many people feel adrift in a mass marketing capitalistic world we all live within. However, some people or catapulted with a desire to wander nomadically. Wanderlust has been described by…
Mother, I'm so upset and angry with Wilbur, this is the third time this month he has been naughty. What did he do? Well, when I returned home from work…
The Wordpress prompts can inspire and initiate thoughts of the past, present, and future. For me, the words lifestyle, panicked and none are associated with my current lifestyle when I…
As a child, I spent most of my life outside and unbeknownst to my parents, on nights above 32-dergrees I would sneak out of my suburban Minneapplolis MN bedroom window…
Hello, my name is Johnathan and tonight we have gathered to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of my parents. My parents have a foundation of friendship and a passionate love…
Usually, a journey takes someone from one location to another, so what is a personal journey? Within the mind, a personal journey begins with imagination, a dream or idea, driven…
We all have gathered her for our annual sports awards banquet to honor and celebrate the mighty, mighty, Bulldogs who are champions again. I want to recognize and applaud all…
Katherine Humphrey's is a mother of two, a three-month-old son and Shelby her 4-year-old daughter. After placing both in their bedrooms for afternoon naps, she settled in at her kitchen…
Several hours ago we were seated at our dining room table Loretta, and I sat next to one another holding hands, sharing kisses as our excitement mounted about our retirement…
The photos of the roads I have taken vary widely from Aligator Alley near the Florida Everglades to the Alaska Highway, interstate 70 in Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska and the…
It was a chilly spring evening as Floyd, and Pegg Harkins' sat rocking in their chairs watching the sun set behind the dark green mountains of the Beaverden, West Virgina.…
Doubt is an emotion resting on the foundation of fear slowing the momentum to move forward on your initial decision. Doubt and hesitation are similar allowing fear to enter any…
Hesitate, and the moment passes. Hesitate, and you miss the opportunity. Hesitate, and you will become regretful. Hesitate, and your dreams will not become a reality. Hesitation is a consideration…
My desire to write and blog is usually divided equally, but as of late, only one has taken the forefront of my life. Desired priorities to develop, create, organize and…
With my grandmother crafting Easter Baskets we use glitter sprinkled on the gifts, candy, and toys. As a child multi-colored glitter sparkles light everywhere. When I find the glitter bottle,…
It was a hot July the 4th holiday, and several of my neighborhoods were gathered at my home as I hosted a Bar-B-Que. One of my, neighbors a young couple…
Many years ago I participated in a stress management class where I gathered the knowledge of learning to de-stress to live a more peaceful life. When the teacher who taught…
The human imagination of expectations usually increases the stress of many people. To achieve successful imagined expectations, it takes discipline and dedication. Initiating a detailed written schedule, any imagined…
Timothy and Susan Crawford were married thirty-nine years when on Valentine’s Day, their oldest son Jason asked his college sweetheart Meredith to marry him. Meredith said yes, and they planned…
With the first month of 2017 in the review mirror, many New Years resolutions have fallen prey to various forms of temptations. For those who want to sustain their resolutions,…
I attended two weddings accompanied by my special someone who excited my mother with the possibilities of our marriage one day. When my mom attended the second wedding, she discovered…
The idea to participate in the marathon was initiated during an employees meeting when I quickly volunteered to support the team. A total of 14 employees rounded out the team…
My name is Sylvester Williewood, and the Mercantile Finance Corporation has employed me for thirty-seven years. I began my career in the mail room, and I have risen to become…
I close my eyes to behold our wedding with the beauty we shared I close my eyes to observe our honeymoon, and I smile I close my eyes to see…
Growing up in Miami, during my college year's I easily maintained a 4,0-grade point average whenever. To pass tests, I imagined calmly strolling along South Beach in Miami Fl with…
Someday, I'm going to gain the opportunity I seek. Someday, I'm going to repair the air conditioner. Someday, I'm going to paint the house. Someday, I'm going to install the…
I'm a wife to a wonderful husband of 12-years, a mother of beautiful twin girls age 4, and a 6-year old boy. By 5:00 am, I'm enjoying my first cup…
During my four years of college, I maintained twelve college credit hours per semester, six during the summer including twelve hours of lab work per month the two semesters before…
Every one of our 137 talented performing art graduates are uniquely special. They are blessed with talents & skills that shine from within in for us all to see in…
The infinity sign indicates continuous possibilities. it is limitless or endless in space. It is impossible to measure or calculate. It is never ending like the love everyone seeks. It…
It has been thirty-seven years of marriage, yet when I graduated college with a degree in English Literature with a fellowship to attend the Iowa University creative writing program for…
Kevin and Katelyn Crawford ages 48 and 49 are a couple with four children ages 6, 8, 10, & 12. They are a very active family with all their children…
I imagine the incredible permutations of the root word, "cross," and the various meaning and uses in the English language are incredible. Of course, immediately the root word implied religion…
As the new year begins many people will commit themselves to something. Whether it is a healthy lifestyle in the form of eating better, working out, or exercise of some…
On December 7th, 2016 Wilber, and Joyce Borstanski will have completed Sixty-seven years of marriage. They are an active senior couple in their Southwest Florida community. Their daily 2-mile morning…
The yearly winter carnival held on Lake George, in upstate New York, has produced many fish and sledding tales that have become legendary folklore. But during the 1967 winter carnival,…
Birthdays occur. Anniversaries occur. Holidays occur. Vacations occur. Working occurs until retirement. But death can end your year. So, feel blessed on this first day of the year as you…
Hey, honey, your car registration is due in January, have you mailed in the renewal paperwork? No, not yet, I forgot all about it during the holidays. I will take…
The night before Christmas and all through the house all was quiet as the Lehman family was attending Christmas Eve Services where Jason was participating in the children's Christmas play…
It has been six months of nomadic adventurous travels, and I have enjoyed every moment and mile. Yet, after three days of high humidity, extremely dense fog, and only seeing…
Recently I overheard a baby-boomer speak of never wanting to use the facetime feature of their mobile phone when taking with their grandchildren or family members. Hearing this conversation, I…
The paths of life eventually cross bridges either by foot or bicycle. Wordpress weekly photo challenge.
For two months my travel conundrum has been cool to cold daytime temperatures in Tucson Arizona and now Galveston TX. I had also come to appreciate the months of research…
Is flee your decision during a conflict? Flee is your option to avoid discussion. Flee is your response, but fear is your motivator. Wordpress daily word prompt
It's has been two days since Jeffery and Jacqueline consumed three bottles of Advent wine and ate four boxes of Advent calendar chocolate candies. But, with the Christmas tree decorated,…
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…
Closing your eyes brings to light the vision of what can be imagined to be constructed. Construct, build, develop, are the foundation of dreams and possibilities the imagination conjures. To…
Some things in life can become mythical within my thoughts. My hiking experiences encompass several decades as a Boy Scout, hiking trails in middle and southern Missouri. To becoming a…
Hello, fellow blog post followers. In the coming weeks, some of WordPress's daily word prompts responses will revolve around Jeffery and Jaqueline Lehman and their five-year-old son Jason over the…
It is a daily, occurrence when all have second thoughts on everything from what to wear, what to eat, which way to go to work or going to work. Dale…
Lorraine Archer was standing before a full-length mirror contemplating the incredible turn of events that have unfolded in her life.  The mirror reflected the white wedding dress, covering a…
Give me a first base squeeze honey Oh yes, now that's a first base squeeze. Can I kiss your neck, and shoulders? Umm, yes, I think you stole second…
When the suspect took the stand in his defense to explain his side of the assault and battery. The first question the prosecuting attorney asked the defendant was to describe…
Over the past eleven days, my desire to creatively produce content for this blog, while engrossed with my NaNoWriMo 50,000 word challenge has become an either or episode in my…
Good, afternoon I'm the eldest brother who is six years older than my sister Erin, aka "Baby Princess." I gave her that name since our father spoiled her immensely. I…
Life is bridged with decisions and choices to last a lifetime. All bridge crossing is fraught with insecurities and doubts that remain consistent throughout life. Over time crossing bridges…
For thirty-five years, Oscar and Eunice's marriage has faced various obstacles testing their enduring love for one another. Oscar has learned and developed the wisdom to rearrange his perception of women…
After a horribly stressful shift as a firefighter captain. Donald Treshman decided to stop at a local convenience store and purchase a pack cigarettes for the first time in 17…
There are museums all over the US, but The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History focuses on the history of nuclear science to describing the people instrumental in the testing,…
Gerald McClain and Cody Whitten both age 89, have been life-long friends growing up on farms in Iowa near the small town of Hampton. After retirement and many cold winters…
Every sorority on campus worked hard to recruit Twins Joan and Jenny Armstrong who stand 4'9" tall. They are in the second semester of their third year of college maintaining…
Halloween is a perfect time to transform your persona into who you want to become with the use of makeup and costumes. Most thoughtful transformations take place deep within the…
The evolution and development of artificial instead of naturally occurring is unique for everyone, but is artificial necessary? When it comes to food, many people want to end the use…
Jacob and Hellen, have been married for twenty years when Hellen arrived home from work a couple of hours earlier than usual. As Hellen turned into the driveway, she was…
When I was a Boy Scout, I loved camping, hiking and everything associated with being a Boy Scout and I was exposed to the word "spelunking," which is the exploration…
For the past two months, most of my writing time has been dedicated to plotting a story line and developing characters. All of this in preparation as I approach November…
I was fortunate to visit The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque NM. in the photo below. The center is opened 7-days a week with varying prices seniors, adults, students, military,…
It's been twelve hours, and usually, they are home by now. Something is wrong, I feel it, and I sense it. The neighbor's German shepherd, Felix is barking happy barks,…
It's been ten hours since I have seen my best friends and usually, they are home. I can tell something is wrong since the neighbor's German shepherd, Felix is barking…
The word candle conjures up many thoughts of how the candle for hundreds of years was used to light the night. The gas lantern threatened the candle industry until Edison…
As a Boy Scout Leader, it brought joy to my heart to watch the transformation of a prepubescent teen as they progressed through their teenage years to become a respectful…
After moving to New York City Judith Carmine at 28 years of age has learned valuable lessons from her father's wisdom filled comments about promises and loyalty. Judith's boyfriend Erick…
During my teenage years around the mid to late 70's I was told to feather my hair since it was the style of the time. However as time passed into…
Carefully, and not in a hurry Jonathan walked slowly around the corner into the hallway with each step his nerves anxiously awaited the TV room. He could hear the football…
On a cold December morning, two weeks before Christmas, at 4:00 am the clock radio compact disc alarm activated softly playing The Beatles song, "Here comes the sun." Tom Hartfield, rolls…
Welcome to WBN, your only destination for bird news worldwide. The year was 2011 when the World Bird Federation met for the first time since the 1966 DDT scare. Ever…
When I arrived home from work and pulled into the garage, I heard my daughter voice saying "Dad" as I exited the car. I looked around the garage as I…
I dare you. I dare you. I double dog dare you. I triple dog dare you. These are the words and statements used by little boys that caused one of…
This week, look to the bond between human and animal for inspiration. I draw my inspiration of animals in the form of respect. I capture my photos from a…
Sometimes life's greatest achievements occur, with a breakthrough moments before giving up. One example of a breakthrough moment takes place when parents construct toys the night before Christmas only to complete…
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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 thought of my daily trudge from home to works drudgery depresses me knowing the slog of yesterday is fresh in my mind.
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…
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The voice is an incredible musical instrument when used correctly soothes the soul of many listeners. So, sing a song of love, sing a song of praise, sing a song…
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The sight of seabirds above Listening to the waves Smelling the ocean mist The beach is an essence I desire. Wordpress daily word prompt.
Last fall I entered the above photo in The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel photo contest, and my submission won! :-) On April 30th, 2016, I started my traveling…