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Tag: Blogging
Glacier National Park
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
“Some fun Mountain biking time.”
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
“Their love is with me forever.”
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
“Hiking and Backpacking Fears.”
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
“Hiking and backpacking fears.”
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
Regular routine?
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
“A patched quilt of life.”
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
“A National Parks Geek.”
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
Traveling soothes the soul.”
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,
“Pacific Crest Trail Days.”
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,
“Chipmunks Everywhere!”
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
“Travel dreams crossing the U.S.”
It has been a little over a month since I last posted a blog simply because I’m enjoying the time of my life fulfilling
“Womens Rights Museum.”
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
“Table talk.” (short Story)
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
Astral Congregation
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
“Finally 2017 ending, now 2018!”
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
A traveler’s miraculous discovery
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
“Legendary Inheritance.”
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
“Procrastinating Pressure.”
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
“Halloween Neighborhood-Lessons.”
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
“Ghoulish.”
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
“Mirrored Gratitude.”
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
“Identifying Trademarks.”
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
“Cacophony: A band parents story.”g
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
“Enlighten.”
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
“Express.”
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,
“Brave, heroic, courageous, and daring.”
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
“Ascending.”
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
“Succumb.”
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
“Cloaked in darkness.”
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
“Inflated elastic beauty.”
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
“Popular outdoor activities interest continues.”
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
“Mighty is the music of our lives.”
Mighty is the sound of instruments to create the music of our desires from within our soul. Without the sound of instruments to create
“Social media crumbs”
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
“A tentative short story.”
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
“An iconic American road.”
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.
“”Penchant for poo.”
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
“Disobey.”
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
“Overcome.”
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
“I am Pricelessly, Critical, to Continue.”
My last posting “Enamored with nature,” apparently was my 1000th blog post on WordPress. 🙂 My priceless blog life began 2013 when I signed up
“Enamored with Nature.”
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
“Rhyme or Reason?”
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
“Travel reflections in a Cody Wy Walmart lot.”
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
“Unfurl and Synchronized Traffic.”
Depending on where you live planning a trip from your home to travel across town can easily be accomplished depending on where you live.
“Corners and Sunflowers.”
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
“Spring Symphony!”
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.
” Opening your gate of lustful desires to travel.”
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
“Serendipity.”
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.
“Radiating calm and coolness.”
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
“Survived to wander.”
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.
“Bitterly exposed, where is Edgar?”
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
“Lifestyle, Panicked and None.”
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
“Avid.”
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
“The 50th Wedding Anniversary.”
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
“Journey Unravel.”
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,
“Prudent kids on the cusp of being champions.”
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
“Ordinary Parent.”
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
“A Journey’s expectation.”
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
“The Roads Taken.”
The photos of the roads I have taken vary widely from Aligator Alley near the Florida Everglades to the Alaska Highway, interstate 70 in
Ruminating and Swarm
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
‘Doubt.”
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
“Hesitate.”
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
“Desire.”
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
“Glitter Child.”
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
“Embarrassing squat.”
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
“Sounds of Silence.”
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.
“Expectations, Stress & Achievement.”
The human imagination of expectations usually increases the stress of many people. To achieve successful imagined expectations, it takes discipline and dedication. Initiating a
“Cleaning.”
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
“Resist.”
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
“Wedding Invitations,”
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
“Marathon,”
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
Exquisite
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
“Unseen.”
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
“Capable.”
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
“Someday,”
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,
Cling
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,
“Uneven.”
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
“Shine.”
Every one of our 137 talented performing art graduates are uniquely special. They are blessed with talents & skills that shine from within in for
“Infinite
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
“Love Specific.”
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
“Float. A short story”
Kevin and Katelyn Crawford ages 48 and 49 are a couple with four children ages 6, 8, 10, & 12. They are a very active
“Crossing.”
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
“Tempted.”
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
Gone
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
“Ovation, A short story”
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
Year by Year
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
“Renewal.”
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
“Toys from Christmas Past; Short Story #5”
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
“Retreat!”
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
Human communication has evolved but not vanity.
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
“Path.”
The paths of life eventually cross bridges either by foot or bicycle. WordPress weekly photo challenge.
“Travel Conundrum the weather.”
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
“Flee.”
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
“Treasured Christmas Gifts, Short Story #3.”
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,
“Two, Gulf of Mexico morning horizons.”
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.
“Construct.”
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
“Mythical.”
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
“Irksome, Short Story #1.”
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
“Second Thoughts,”
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
“Love is Patient.”
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
“Bases.”
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,
“Bludgeon.”
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
NaNoWriMo OR Blogging
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
Copycat
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
“Bridges.”
Life is bridged with decisions and choices to last a lifetime. All bridge crossing is fraught with insecurities and doubts that remain consistent throughout
“Rearrange.”
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
“Cigarette pack, stare down.”
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 National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
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
“Banned.”
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
“The Tiny Non-Profit Philanthropist.”
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
“Transformation.”
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
“Artificial Vs Natural.”
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
“Trust.”
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
“Boy Scout, Spelunking.”
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
National Novel Writing Month Volunteer “(NaNoWriMO)”
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
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
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
“Subdued worry.”
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,
“Subdued.”
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
“Candle.”
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
“Clumsy.”
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
“Promises.”
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
“Original.”
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.
“Careful.”
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.
“The Argument”
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
“Borders & Birds.”
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
Tree: A short story.
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
“Daring.”
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
“Animals.”
This week, look to the bond between human and animal for inspiration. I draw my inspiration of animals in the form of respect. I
“Breakthrough.”
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
Value & Loss
Everyone on this planet places a value on land, i.e., property along with inanimate items like homes, cars, furniture, electronics, food, and money. Are all
“Graceful.”
Graceful is the word I use to describe Hot air balloons lifting off the ground into the early morning blue sky at the 45th International
What I do and how I travel
It is an amazing how little has changed in my life since leaving Southwest Florida. I still wake up most times before 5:00 and 6;00
Migrating Settlers & Rv’ers
Just like the early settlers who migrated west walking 20oo-miles, there is a current migration of travelers in recreational vehicles who criss-cross
“Slog.”
The thought of my daily trudge from home to works drudgery depresses me knowing the slog of yesterday is fresh in my mind.
“Recharge.”
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
“Pleasurable Reality”
Many pleasures can be seen watching people and pets. People’s faces reveal their pleasure during conversations producing laughter, smiles, and giggles. People show their
“Everybody dies, but not everybody lives.”
Time is motion, always moving never stopping, moments pass into minutes, into hours, into days, weeks, months, and years. Seeing children grow into adults, we
“Fork”
Forks in the road take place every moment, hour, and day throughout life Decisions can be simple or life-changing like, do you order pancakes or
“Sing”
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
“Bricks”
The building foundation of dreams begins with individual cobblestones and bricks with curves leading to smooth pavers of a loving life. WordPress Daily word prompt
“The South”
Many locations in the US south like the above morning sunrise photo taken in Tavares Fl with morning temperatures in the mid 70’s are
“Hope and the Westward Expansion Memorial”
The city of St. Louis is home to the 19-Acre Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, it is home to the Gateway Arch, the site of The Dred
“Beach”
The sight of seabirds above Listening to the waves Smelling the ocean mist The beach is an essence I desire. WordPress daily word prompt.
“My First photo competition and A New Beginning”
Last fall I entered the above photo in The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel photo contest, and my submission won! 🙂 On April 30th,
Purging for a New Journey
Viewing a sunrise can reveal how significant purging and decluttering provides the clarity to appreciate the importance of memories. It has been three weeks since
“Handwriting”
My response to the daily word prompt “Handwriting,” is a revised and edited version I posted less than a month ago. Enjoy 🙂 My handwriting
“Object”
WordPress daily word prompt response to “Object.” My recent attendance at a sea shell show peaked my interest in these objects covering the shoreline during
“Contrast”
Response to the WordPress word prompt “Contrast” The world commercial market is focused on the youthful between the age of 0 to thirty-five. The majority
“Connection”
The one word daily prompt “Connection” response. A connection to life. A connection to love. A connection to a friend. A connection with nature. A
