A New Day

Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes every day. Rich people can't buy more hours. Scientists can't invent new minutes. And you can't save time to spend it on another day. Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow.
~Denis Waitely~

We both ended up getting sick, boo :(
As a result, we cut the trip short by one day.
We craved the comforts of home that the Hostel in the Forest couldn't provide.
Laying around while whinning and watching movies was better than a day of driving, too.
The weather has been dark, damp, and dreary today.
There's one thing I miss about Florida already!
Photos coming soon....

Santa Maria Sunset

After a few more stops this afternoon, we will be heading back to Jacksonville.
Our time in Saint Augustine has been magnificent. We really lucked out with the weather.
Although, the day we got here I began to feel a tickle or scratchiness in my throat, we
immediately went to Walgreens for a remedy - I didn't want a repeat of Big Sur.
I hate that I am prone to getting sick while on vacation! Thankfully, it didn't get too bad.
The coughing did keep me up some last night, but for the most part, I feel okay.

I have done my best not adhere to a specific itinerary while here is Saint Augustine,
instead, I just let the day proceed where it may. I've been to St. Augustine many times, but
I haven't seen it in the way I have this time around. The camera always sharpens my senses
when I am in a "new" place. It's not new, but it's new - know what I mean!?!?

Anyhow, we have a big day ahead of us......
I better get downstairs to the breakfast part of the Bed and Breakfast!!

FYI:

• Today is the last day to enter the giveaway for the magazine subscription to Popular Photography (10 people have entered so far).
• Click here for details. PROJECT INSPIRATION
• The photo is of a restaurant near our B&B, we were warned that the food wasn't very good, but it was pretty :o)
• Posted in Wordful Wednesday

Vision of Home

The trip back home has been going very well.

So far, its been a wonderful mix of relaxing with my family and meeting up with friends that I haven't seen in a while. It hasn't been rushed and crazy like trips back home usually are so I'm staying sane. Cody and I are in the process of packing up and will be making our way to stay in Saint Augustine at a B&B for a couple of days. I'm really looking forward to taking some photos and walking around the historic town. Saint Augustine is an amazing place.

My Mom has dial-up so internet time has been limited.

It took nearly 45 minutes to upload this photo I took yesterday!?!?

DON'T FORGET!!

• There is a giveaway going on right now until Wednesday.
• If you would like to enter, see the rules: HERE (Only 3 people have entered so far)
• Posted in Today's Flowers

Share the Love : Project Inspiration

With the shorter days and frigid nights upon us, I have been feeling a bit uninspired as of late. I recognize what's happening but have done little to remedy the issue at hand. It seems like its been too long since my soul has been stirred by an image I have come in direct contact with - I miss being up close. I seek comfort in images that others capture with hopes that it will stir an inspirational response with me. Perhaps it would snap me out of this funk? Maybe you all know what I'm talking about? Yeah, you do. Now, you don't have to be in a funk like me to appreciate and/or be inspired by someone else's work. I see proclamations of such in comments around the blogosphere almost daily. We inspire one another, from getting organized to being a little more green, it happens. I really think that you guys keep me afloat sometimes. For that, I thank you.

For the sake of inspiration, I would like to announce the next "Share the Love Giveaway".


TWO READERS have the chance to win a one year subscription to Popular Photography magazine. Popular Photography is also a wonderful source of inspiration with beautiful images and great tips. I can already hear it: So, what crazy things do you want us to do now, WW?!?! Well, I'm not going to ask much.....just a few simple rules.

GIVEAWAY RULES

1. Create a blog post featuring a photographer that inspires you.
   
2. The photographer can be a fellow blogger or a famous photographer.....you decide.
3. In the post, offer a brief explanation as to why you chose that particular photographer.
4. Once you have created the post, if it is a fellow blogger, let them know via email or comment.
5. Also, don't forget to add your blog posts permalink to the Mr. Linky widget below.
   
6. You will receive one entry for doing so, as will the photographer you showcase (if they have a blog).
7. The giveaway will close Wednesday, November 26th @ Midnight.
8. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Okay, I'm supposed to be packing! I better get on that pronto!!
I will be heading to Jacksonville - my hometown - tomorrow after work.

Collecting Light

One by One

We can make a difference.
I am eternally grateful and touched by your willingness to participate in the "Green" Giveaway challenge. There weren't as many to participate as I would have liked, but it's about quality, not quantity. Speaking of quality, you guys offered up some wonderful suggestions that I am sure sparked a few light bulbs in the minds of others. I know that this challenge has sparked a few light bulbs in my mind, too. I have even found that I am scrutinizing my greenness with a fine tooth comb as a result. I feel that I need to be as mindful as humanly possible, and incorporate those additional changes that fit with my personal lifestyle.



One thing that seemed to be unanimous amongst the bloggers who participated were things like recycling, using reusable shopping bags, and switching out our light bulbs with CFL's, while these are all great strides to take in the direction of being more 'green', we can make a continued commitment to mix other sustainable projects and ideas in with what we currently do. Being green isn't always about what you can afford. Some advantageous additions will even SAVE you money if you can believe that! So, don't be hesitant when it comes to cultivating a greener way of life because you think it requires money, in most cases, that is just not true. Being greener may simply mean cutting back on items that produce less or no plastic waste (individual snacks are the worst!),or not buying that shiny new item to replace something that is still in good condition. I have learned to look at it by not thinking in terms of a sacrifice, but as benefit to my wallet and the environment. It also helps that I am passionate about putting money into my savings account, I know, I'm a dork.



Do you enjoy seeing the natural wonder of the world around you? I know I do!!
My deep and most primal instinct is to do as much as I can to protect its awe-inspiring beauty. It pains me to think of the many people who give little to no consideration for what is taking place in and around our homes. I am aware, and I hope that being so will influence others to take part in doing what they can to support and guide those who have yet to see the light. I truly hope that I don't come off to you as preachy, but I just want to offer encouragement to those who are wondering what they can do or for those thinking about how to do more. Whether you believe so or not, every little bit helps.


With all that being said, here are the winners.
Thank you again to those who participated!


Elk @ Red or Gray
Kristina @ Meadowlark Days
J.H. @ A Gift from Heaven

Miscellaneous Links

1. Article : Where does all the stuff go?
2. The sleekest hydration vessel you can buy, & it's eco-friendly! KOR
3. Here is a reusable bottle that is not as slick but less expensive. Aladdin BPA Free bottle
4. The Alternative Consumer - for your eco news and product reviews. I love this blog!
5. I seriously want this pair of Ninja Boots by TOMS - so not snow friendly :(
6. Posted in Wordful Wednesday
   

Chimney Rock State Park

Posted in: MyWorld Tuesday
Chimney Rock State Park
North Carolina

A couple of weekends ago,
Cody and I embarked upon a pursuit to find fall.
It was that whim which led us to Chimney Rock State Park in Chimney Rock, NC.

Chimney Rock has been on my local(ish) list of places to go for quite some time now.
Two years to be exact. Last year during Christmas we were supposed
to go with my Mom and her boyfriend, but things didn't go
according to plan on account of the torrential down pour.
Thankfully, we waited for the perfect time to finally
make the trip back for our day at the rock.



There are a few trails that take you through the forest,
but we decided to save those for the way down!
We took the shuttle bus to the top instead.

Chimney Rock was fairly busy, although I still think
we picked a day that was far less crowded than most.



Along with the spectacular views of the Hickory Nut Gorge,



you will find a plethora of steps that lead you to the various alcoves



and overlooks.



Those require a little more work to get to,
but it's well worth the extra effort to get that unique perspective.


(Opera Box - look closely)

The highlight, of course,
was the giant granite monolith that towered above the gorge.



An interesting tidbit:
A couple scenes from the movie The Last of the Mohicans was filmed in this state park.
One was the fighting sequence that took place at the top of Hickory Nut Falls.



I would have loved to catch this waterfall after a rain,
as you can see in this photo the watershed was pretty sparse.
I had a tough time photographing it.

After visiting the Chimney, and hiking to the waterfall
we decided to make our descent to the parking lot via the Four Seasons Trail.
It was down hill most of the way, tough on the knees, but not too bad.
I enjoyed being away from the crowds, plus I was able to soak up a little more fall.



It was a terrific way to spend the day.
So happy that we FINALLY had the chance to go.

• History of Chimney Rock State Park
• Other Film Locations, here.
• To see more MyWorld Posts, click here.

I found some sunshine...

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.
You have to catch it yourself.
~Benjamin Franklin~


After a lazy day on Saturday, Cody and I redeemed our weekend
by going to a Renaissance Festival today, we had soooo much fun!
I hope to have some photos from todays excursion by the end of this week.
I also have a field trip to Chimney Rock in the works - that was last weekends outing.
Between getting all these photos together, I have other preparations that need to be made
for a trip back to my hometown for Thanksgiving. I am really looking forward to seeing my
family and friends......its been a year since I've been back home!!!
It's going to be a busy week!

In other news:
The giveaway will be closed as of midnight tonight.
I will most likely announce the winners on Tuesday.

Also, take the Ecological Footprint Quiz.
I did - click to see my results!

Article: 7 Misconceptions about plastic & plastic recycling.

Interested in learning about various green alternatives available to you?
Here is a list of projects that offer recommendations based
on a particular area of your home or simply explore.
Low Impact Living : Green Projects


I hope you all found your own bit of sunshine this weekend,
I know I did :o)

Where do you stack up?

Based on a suggestion from Liss, I decided to visit
myfootprint.org to check the impact my choices have on the environment.
Throughout the quiz I noticed many areas in which we could improve,
although some of which are beyond our control at this point in time.

The house we live in is old and as a result poorly insulated.
Being a renter, I am not inclined to put money into someone else's house,
but I can look into insulated blinds or window quilts to help with the drafty windows.

If you click the graph you will see how I stack up against the national average.
It shows that if everyone on the planet lived the same lifestyle as us,
we would need 3.15 earths!?!? Take a look.


My food and housing footprints are by far the worst.

Lowering my food footprint may be as easy as:

• going meatless 2x's a week instead of just one.
• We could plant a garden next season with the new soil produced by the composter Cody constructed.
  
• I also need to make a commitment to purchase in-season produce and veggies.
• And think about the local options we have here in town, maybe even join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).
  

I could go on and on about the things that I need to do, but I'll spare you.
There will be more opportunity to share down the road.

I am excited that seven more people signed
up to participate in the "Green" Giveaway.
You can still enter, details can be found by clicking the above link.

Below is a picture of the prizes you could win.


Don't forget to take your Ecological Footprint Quiz!
Feel free to share your results.

It's a WonderFall Life: A Tribute

{The soothing and serene scenes of Hebron Rock colony}



The woods were made for the hunters of dreams,



The brooks for the fishers of song;



To the hunters who hunt for the gunless game



The streams and the woods belong.



~Sam Walter Foss~



Don't know when I will
be ready to say farewell
Bittersweet goodbye.

Hebron Rock Colony is a very interesting place.
Rock hopping the boulder strewn ravine is fun, but it can be tricky.
Although, the hard work really pays off with its many great features.
It's one of my most favorite not-so-secret places to go around Boone.
This particular day was my first time venturing there during fall.
It was especially beautiful with the warm tones reflecting off the calm pools.
I so awfully miss those long, golden, breezy days....I need a little sunshine.
Aside from a few yellow-leaved trees, our colors have faded here in the high country.
Thank goodness I saved some fall photos for this fall withdraw I'm having.

Posted in Haiku Friday, One Single Impression, & Photostory Friday

Recycle those Pill Bottles

I've collected these for some time now, but have yet to do anything with them.
I decided to find info on possible uses since they can't be recycled.

*Before reusing any empty prescription bottles you should remove the labels.
This will safegaurd your personal information and allow you to throughly santitize the bottles. *


Here's what I came up with:

Storage

• Store seeds inside the bottles and label them according to the type of seed kept inside.
• Store buttons, beads and other small craft items.
• Anything loose that never seems to have a place - Store thumb tacks, paperclips, toothpicks, small nails, screws, nuts and bolts.
• Perhaps you need a coin holder to place in your purse or car, if so, store your loose change in the prescription bottles. This may come in very handy if you have to pay tolls.
• Use them to neatly store plastic bags in your purse in case you frequently forget your reusable shopping bags.

Emergency

• A mini-homemade sewing kit would come in handy. Some prescription bottles are big enough to store needles and thread, if not more.
• A tiny emergency kit to clean a cut or scrape will fit in a prescription bottle: band-aids, cotton balls, q-tips and alcohol wipes.

Donation

• Donate your empty prescription bottles to your local vet or animal shelters. Some places will take prescription bottles and reuse them to fill prescriptions for the animals. Most pharmacies will not take the bottles, but you could call to double check.
• If you live in Canada you can contact PHARM-ECOLOGICAL online. They work with pharmacies to recycle plastics including prescription bottles. (I haven't read all of the details.)

Those few suggestions only scratch the surface of what they could be used for.
I bet you've got some great ideas for uses that aren't listed here, care to share?!

Speaking of sharing ideas.....
I've got a "GREEN" giveaway going on right now that you may be interested in.
Details about how to enter can be found, HERE.

I would also like to add that, the conditions of the giveaway aren't to torture you for a seemingly measly prize. My intention is to create an opportunity for us to share and maybe learn something new from others in the process. I've already gotten some great ideas from the green gals currently participating. Although it's more than just trying to raise awareness about our environment, I'm also trying to raise awareness about one another. I'm certain that we can work as a unit on issues that affect us all, not just to win "stuff", but to show others how we commit to make the world a better place. The "stuff" is just a small incentive to do that. And because I just like to send packages!

I know that this giveaway isn't for everyone, but if you are interested in meeting like-minded bloggers or learning tips on being green from others who care about the environment, then I urge you to participate in the "Green Giveaway"!

Reduce.Reuse.Recycle.

Like it? Share it!
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35th Annual BalloonFest : Statesville, NC

I made an idol comment about a hot air balloon ride one day,
which initiated a search to find places near us that offered balloon rides.



What I stumbled upon in the process was far better than what I initially expected.
I came across the 35th annual BalloonFest taking place here in North Carolina!



Imagine my excitement once I realized that it was only an 1 hr and 45 min away from Boone.



We didn't get there until after noon, but we made it with enough
time to settle in before the mass ascension took place.
It was more like a sporadic ascension, although still exciting.



I never did make arrangements to go for a private balloon ride,
mostly due to the $200 per head charge - maybe another day?!
For now, I will settle for walking amongst the behemoth balloons.



At a whopping 5' 3", it's not hard to dwarf me,
but I felt so minuscule standing next to those grand mammoths.



I watched as pilots and passengers were man-handled while trying to take off.
Not everyone made it in the air that day. But when they did, cheers & applause followed.
I loved being a part of these little celebrations, it was quite exhilarating.



Another thrilling part of the festivities were the food vendors.
We had so many options in front of us, it was hard to choose what to go with.
What do you do when that happens eh?!?! Sample everything!


~Cheesecake dipped in Chocolate~
~Deep Fried Snicker~


~Meat on a Stick~

As wonderful as all that yummy food was,
the truly magical didn't really take place until the sun went down.



By then, the balloons were returning to the valley to put on a special twilight show.



The roaring flames were as loud as the oohs and aahs as the valley began to glow....
you could hear the "ALL BURN" announcement followed
by everyone lighting up the night in unison.



It was a wondrous sight.



And like that the fire fizzled, it was time to go back home.
We had a great time.....

Posted in Wordful Wednesday

Share the Love : A "Green" Giveaway

I have found myself in a more sustainable state of mind lately,
and it was that new train of thought which lead me to the theme of this giveaway.
I've been contemplating the different ways I can seamlessly incorporate better choices into
my daily life, which is where I thought you guys would come in handy - more ideas!
Not all changes have to be life altering to have an impact, every little bit helps, and I bet that
you all are just chock full of ideas that I have yet to fathom.

That being said, here's what you could win:

• Reusable (Earthfare) Shopping Tote bag
• Tree Free Photo Frame
• Living Green a Practical Guide to Simple Sustainability
  

{THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED}

How do I get in on this giveaway?

1. Create a blog post with 5 things you do right now that can be considered eco-friendly.
2. In that same post come up with 5 things that you don't do, but could easily start doing.
3. And in the spirit of 'sharing the love', nominate one of your environmentally conscious comrades to be entered for their chance to win one of the giveaway items, too!
4. Any person participating by blogging about their '10 things' will receive 3 entries.
5. Anyone who is nomined will receive 1 entry in the giveaway.
   
6. Three winners will be chosen by drawing names. One prize will be awarded per person.
   
7. The giveaway will close SUNDAY 12am.
8. Add your name & link to Mr. Linky once you've blogged about your '10 things'.
   

5 Things I do that I consider to be ec0-friendly:
- I filter my own water and refill a reusable bottle to eliminate my water bottle waste.
-We have replaced all of our bulbs with CFL's (compact florescent bulbs).
-Reduce water usage by taking no more than 3 showers a week (it's not really a sacrifice for me).
-Of course we recycle paper, plastic (#1 & 2), and glass.
-I hang dry the majority of my clothes to cut back on energy used by the dryer. It also keeps them intact longer.

5 Things I don't do, but could easily start doing:

-Composting. The bulk of our trash (which consists of very little - 1 bag every two weeks) comes from organic waste, which could be reduced even further by composting.
-Take one of our own containers to restaurants for left overs instead of their disposable option.
-Get our toilet leak fixed.
-Find better alternatives to household cleaning chemicals.
-Reduce plastic waste even further, by buying less items that come in containers.

See, that wasn't so hard......

Weekend Snippet

Today we were a little less ambitious, however, we did manage to have a fun-filled weekend.
Friday, our taste buds led us to the local Thai restaurant for a yummy dinner.
Saturday, we found ourselves on a pursuit to find fall. And that whim led us
approximately 2 hours away to the Chimney Rock State Park.
I will share photos of that excursion soon.

This coming week is going to be an exciting one here at WW.
I plan to post about the new giveaway tomorrow evening so stay tuned.
I'm also looking forward to taking you all on a "field trip" or two, which should be fun.
I hope you had a terrific weekend!

Posted in Today's Flowers

Where beauty resides.

hidden from the naked eye
beauty lies deep inside
pay attention


Okay, so it's not a 'traditional' haiku,
but I didn't want to try and conform it into something it wasn't.
Those were my initial thoughts, and I like it just the way it is!!
I'm not very agreeable right now, am I? haha.
Good thing tomorrow is F-R-I-D-A-Y!
It's been a rough week.....

I didn't get to the BalloonFest photos this week,
hopefully, I will get the opportunity to go through them this weekend.
I have, however, made many updates over at the {366} Photographic Journal blog -
and even though I am still far behind.....I'm not stressing it.

Wanna see more black & white photos?
Read about "November in b&w" hosted by Springtree Road.
It's a fun theme, and although I can't go an entire month without color,
I have been inspired to participate when I get the urge.
If you want to participate, too, visit the above links.

Posted in
Haiku Friday & One Single Impression & Today's Flowers

In Dreams......

The vision must be followed by the venture.
It is not enough to stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs.
~Vance Havner~


Too exhausted for anything else.

Share the Love Giveaway Winners

Posted in
Wordful Wednesday

I think next time I'll wise up and we'll use mister linky! What do you think?

However, it really gave me an excuse to visit each and every one of your blogs myself.
And I thoroughly enjoyed the little journey I embarked upon
while skipping from page to page.
As if I didn't already know, but
you are a talented bunch.

It was so heartwarming to read all of the friendly declarations you
left in the comment section of the initial post.
I tried to let the nominees know that they
were nominated, but time didn't allow
for me to leave a comment with everybody.



I know that some of you found it hard to nominate just one blogger,
and that is very understandable, but I'm glad you did.
You'll have an opportunity to nominate someone
new. Promise.

Without further ado, the WINNERS:
Cathy @ The Clothesline
Liss @ A Memory Forever
Honey Mommy

I couldn't have picked a more deserving trio,
these three are definitely amongst my favorites.
I swear I drew names out of a hat!!

Below, you will find links to all of the nominees,
as well as, the people who nominated them.
Some of my most favorite bloggers are sprinkled
throughout that list, and some I have yet to get to know-but hope to.
I encourage you to visit someone new today, you may be pleasantly surprised!?

Toni & Amy nominated Elizabeth @ Retinal Perspectives
Liss nominated Kerri @ Little Kiwi's Photography + one for Liss' blog post.
Jeanine nominated Hel @ Truth Cycles
Amanda nominated Melissa @ Adventures of a (Geek) Mom
Cathy nominated MaryAnn Ashley Bever Photography
MaryAnn & Keri nominated Liss @ A Memory Forever
Maya nominated Jen @ Rolling Through Looneyville
J.H. nominated Julia @ A God-Blessed Box
Carolyn nominated Mary @ Mary's Views
Jamie nominated Stacy @ The Land of K.A.
Elizabeth nominated Amy @ Chips of No Chips
Leslye & Technodoll nominated Elk @ Red or Gray
Kyla nominated Monica @ Without Filters
Pod nominated Jules Stones' Blog
Lemon Dingo nominated Shalet @ Peculiar Momma
Sian nominated Pippa's Arty Life
Elk nominated Shelli Pabis Photography
Shalet nominated Bridge @ Ride the Waves of Life
Lan nominated Michelle @ Greeting Arts
Prin nominated Marissa @ Dawes in New Zealand
Kathleen nominated Cathy @ The Clothesline
Jo nominated Mansuetude @ Tumblewords
Pippa nominated Vix @ Going Nowhere Fast
Shelli nominated Maya @ Springtree Road
Stacy nominated Melody @ Slurping Life
Mel nominated Honey Mommy
Renee nominated Casey @ Green Mamma of Three
Stardust nominated BP @ Back to Basics

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!
The next "Share the Love Giveaway"
will be announced whenever
I feel like it :o)

Stay tuned.....

fyi:
If you are interested in purchasing
a set of these greeting cards I have
a listing up in my etsy 'shop'.
- Set of 6
- Set of 12

Breakfast @ Melanie's

Melanie's is one of my most favorite places to eat breakfast here in Boone.
I've only ever eaten there on a weekend. It's a special Sunday thing normally.

While Cody grabbed a newspaper to read while we waited, I checked out the
visitor magazine. I wanted to see what they suggested to tourists.
Maybe I'd be interested?!

After about 30 minutes we get the choice of outside or inside. I picked inside
because the sun was so bright and I was tired of squinting.



The teeny tiny dining area is charmingly decorated with many items that are reclaimed.
It's a small, but bright space with many tables. As you make your way through you
come close to bumping elbows with everybody.
But we quickly forget about the people around us.
Maybe it's because our noses are down in the crossword puzzle.



You always find the friendliest faces at Melanie's, I think it's something in the water there.
By the time we leave, I'm feeling a little giddy myself, although that may have
something to do with the pumpkin cream cheese topping on the pancakes
that have me in a sugary-la-la-land.



It was way better than it looks if that's what you're thinking.
Normally, we get the Stuffed French Toast, which is equally
as decadent as the pumpkin pancakes - if not more so.
Check out the picture (orange link), I bet you'll be drooling


*those are walnuts and cranberries

So there you have it, Melanie's in snapshot form.
Hope you enjoyed your oatmeal breakfast......haha.....
Okay, so that's what I eat for breakfast......

FYI:
The current giveaway is now closed.

My next post will announce the 3 winners.
Oh, and happy voting to those who are going today.
I already went a couple weeks ago!