Vacation

I am a vacationer! Mostly because Mr. D (my husband) has been bitten by the travel bug and can't seem to stop. Therefore, I go... usually. 

We have a world map and have a colored pin at every place visited and every place planned to visit. I have my own colored pin and Mr. D has his own. He has traveled much more than me and I'm totally ok with that! 

In fact, he plans the vacation itinerary, down to the last detail. And it includes running from place to place... from sun-up to sun-down. Our days are so packed that sometimes there is no time to eat. I'm usually exhausted at the end of each day. Sometimes our vacations are anything but relaxing! 

Mr. D has an abundance of energy. I don't know where he gets it from! He is afraid he is not going to get to see something. Vacation to him is packing it all in! On a trip to France we went to 3 large Museums in one day. I didn't get much out of it. 

Me, on the other hand, prefers something entirely different. The slow... take your time to enjoy the wonders of it all. Vacationing is...

Walking the beaches of Normandy, reflecting on the meaning of freedom.

Omaha Beach, Normandy

Climbing a lighthouse and imagining myself in a ship at sea... ever searching for that beacon of light in the still of night.

Ireland

Climbing to the top of a windmill and looking out at the vast rows of tulip fields stretching in every direction.

Holland

Sitting close, but keeping my distance, to the edge of large majestic cliffs, listening to the ocean waves beat against the rocks.

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Getting lost in a mystical garden of ferns, flowers, streams, hidden paths, and waterfalls.

Blarney Gardens, Ireland

Climbing a Castle and imagining myself as a princess in Medieval Times.

Blarney Castle, Ireland

Traveling back in history as I revisit places where my pioneer ancestors once lived.

Jonathan Browning Gunsmith Shop, Nauvoo, Ill

My 5 x great grandfather, Benjamin Freeman Bird, built the original house (on the right) and cabin in the back and traded it with Jonathan Browning, famous gunsmith, for land outside the city limits of Nauvoo.

Finding a fallen log hidden deep in the forest, and sit, soaking in nature's beauty and creatures all around.

Holland

Doc's Flat, Mantua - a few miles from my home. Isn't it beautiful!

Meeting people from other cultures and learning something new and interesting from them. Making new friends and leaving with a better understanding and appreciation for both the similarities and differences between us.

Residents of the Floating Islands, Peru

Even in those busy, hectic days of vacationing, one thing is for certain... I've learned the world is filled with beautiful cultures, beautiful wonders, and beautiful people. 

When vacation ends with Mr. D, that's when my vacation begins! 

At Home. Relaxing in my garden.

When I get rested up...  we're sure to be off on another adventure. Vacationing in a distant land, cruising the sea, or... if I ever get to do the planning we'll be exploring our own back yard!

         Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop