Overcoming Fears

Little by little, I am overcoming a fear that can literally make me sick.  On most days, I never have to face my fears.  Then, all of a sudden, I am in a new place, new surroundings, where I encounter my fear in a new place ...  ugh... 

Everything was fine until we reached a  certain point in  Mt Rainer National Park. Looking outside the car window, I glance straight down. Then, that old ugly fear returns to me. Talking to trusted friends is helping.  I actually suggest, "We have seen enough... it is time to go home."   They laugh... Larry continues to drive.
Over the next several hours, I experience some amazing views. Later in the afternoon, I actually relax on a stone ledge overlooking a portion of the park.

The views ...
Larry and Bobbie

Looking down, ( Yes!) I take a picture here.... there is a stream at the bottom.  Can you see it?

Fear Not, I am with you
Isaiah 41:1 - 13

Saturday, July 31 in Puyallup, WA

Farmer's Market ~  Secret Garden in Sumner, WA ~ Shopping

Walking in Oregon and in Washington.... I need new knees!

My days have been full.

Shopping @ Puyallup's Farmer's Market

A small view of the Farmer's Market...

Rescue Greyhounds available for adoption

The Secret Garden Tea Room in Sumner, WA

Lavender loving ladies Bobbie and Fran. We spent the afternoon shopping the stores in Sumner.

How do you describe your perfect vacation?

Traveling across the country on an Amtrak train has been one part of my dream vacation.  Add to train travel, I include time to visit with dear friends, time to relax, reading, quiet time, then... add sight seeing...
But, train travel is not for everyone. Train travel is more than the mode of transportation, for me it is part of the vacation.

...waiting for the public transportation in Portland

What is Ninja Plate Lunch?  I don't know ...

Part of China town in Portland

A relaxing afternoon, Jan stitches a baby play blanket

Larry and Bobbie... dear friends from Puyallup

Multnomah Falls in Oregon

Ahh...

Last Wednesday, I arrived in Portland, Oregon.  The long train trip to visit with friends....from the train station to the hotel.... from check in to check out the experience @ the hotel was near perfect...the visit with friends.... perfect

Cemmemorating 100 years of Glacier National Park

This year marks the 100 anniversary of Glacier National Park. On May 11, 1910, the park was designated as a National Park . I was able to see part of the Glacier Mountains, valleys, and clear waters. As the train was  slowly winding around the mountains, the views were simply majestic

In one of the train cars, one group of Mennonite women were singing, "How Great Thou Art".  In another car, passengers are playing cards and drinking wine. It was an eclectic group of passengers, young, old, white, black, Asian, and Hispanic.  I was trying to take picture after picture and soak up every part of the experience. I was struck by the beauty of God's creation. While vacations are sweet, do I miss the every day beauty in my life?.  Am I distracted by the other things?  Every day look for beauty in God's creation.

Young @ Heart

What is your favorite part of traveling?  Planning the trip? Sight seeing...shopping...relaxing...spas...visiting family...for me...

I love to hear stories.

On the journey to Portland, I met this charming couple. Last weekend, they attended the wedding of their grandchild in Chicago.  Now, they were traveling back to California.  Married for over 60 years, they both were born in California...it was a delight to visit....one interesting tidbit of information...Mrs. Young's great grandmother traveled to California in a covered wagon... Wow! What a family history.   I discovered some sweet nuggets along the way. Take time to listen to the stories that are in your family.

 Early Wednesday morning, I saw Mrs. Young with her Bible open on her tray.  What a sweet way to begin the day.

" I will extol the Lord at all times,

his praise will always be on my lips.

My soul will boast in the Lord

let the afflicted hear and rejoice

Glorify the Lord with me;

let us exalt his name together

Psalm 34 1-3