My Two Favorite Little Words: Let's Go!

To get away from one's work environment is, in a sense, to get away from one's self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.

~ Charles Horton Cooley

Wow! Ed just turned a normal week into an exciting one. He said, “Let’s go!” So, we’ve decided to take off after Thursday’s business meeting for a long weekend. The anticipation bubbled up in the middle of cleaning and laundry this weekend like fizz in my favorite cola. Mini-vacations do that … add an element of excitement, anticipation, and joy before we leave. Then there’s the relaxation and joy of the trip. We’ll see family and friends, plus we’re going to get our one-year-old Japanese Chin a brother: Bojo’s birthday Buddy. And when we get back, we’ll have photos, memories and be recharged for next week.

Where are you going next? Why not plan a mini-vacation as a surprise for your spouse, kids or significant other? Maybe get a group of friends together for a weekend away. And if you’d like some planning tips and destination ideas, go to www.magicalminivacations.com It’s a great resource and dream-builder. Go ahead! Short trips save you time and money. And there are some great bargains out there. Most travel venues are discounting prices right now to stimulate their economies.

Let us know where you decide to go. We’d love to hear about your travels! And as always – remember, LIFE is a journey, travel first class!

Mini-vacations: easy, economical and everywhere!

Have you made plans yet
for your annual vacation?
Are you thinking about
the fun and relaxation,
Or are you bumming
about the airfare or fuel expense?
The cost of a hotel for a week or more?

Here's a suggestion …
plan shorter trips
more often,
closer to home.

Mini-vacations are a great way to add
more playtime to your life without a lot of expense.

Explore your own hometown like a tourist.
Then explore the next town!
Pick a destination that's only a few hours away
for a quick three-day getaway.

Then let us know how much fun you had!
We'd love to hear your vacation stories.
Happy travels!

Mini-vacations … Exploring local history

Experience...travel –
these are an education
in themselves.
~ Euripides

We had an assignment to write an article
about local bed & breakfasts.
It sounded kind of fun since
most B&B's have historic roots.
Another mini vacation for us!

We live near Chautauqua NY, world famous
as a destination for learning and outdoor enjoyment.
This part of New York was settled in the early 1800's.

The oldest building in the county, Landmark Acres,
dates from 1802, and is now an upscale antiques mart.

The William Seward Inn was once the home
of the former governor and Secretary of State
who pursued the purchase of Alaska -
Seward's Folly.

There are Victorian mansions, historic hotels
and a B&B that stables guests' horses.
Trailer in and ride the local trails.

Walk the grounds of Chautauqua Institute,
the beginning of adult public education in the US.
The Institute started as an adult church camp in 1871.
It's the original … and one of only three
permanent chautauqua's in the country.

If you'd like to read the whole story,
visit the 'Articles' section of our website.
And don't forget to come touring with us next time!

The Good Life: Add Joy; Mix with Gratitude

Don't minimize the power of
small things to add joy to your life.
~ Joyce Meyer

I had a lady in my office today
(yes, I have an office and a 'real' job)
who was complaining about her job.
She says she hates it,
but doesn't want to give up
the benefits or her hourly rate.

So often, when we're not happy,
we complain, making ourselves miserable
with our own thoughts, words and attitudes.

How much better off we all would be
if we focused on the positive things in our lives.
Let's be grateful instead of complaining.

Find things that you enjoy;
and plan ativities you look forward to.
Make time for small 'vacations'.

Webster says a vacation is a respite,
a rest, a time of recreation,
or freedom from any activity.

So … give your mind and emotions a break –
a mini-vacation.
Relax, and rejuvenate.
Often, the anticipation is as valuable –
and full of joy – as the actual activity.

Give yourself something to look forward to,
something to anticipate and get excited about.

Take control of your attitude with gratitude.
And plan 'small things' that add joy to your life.
What's your next 'mini-vacation' going to be?

Add a comment and tell us about
your favorite stress-reducing,
joy-bringing, happiness-sharing
thankful-heart activities.
We’re all looking for new ideas!

And remember, life is a journey …
travel first class!

Be a Tourist At Home

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?

Be a tourist in your own hometown.

Remember that while you're headed away for vacation,
other folks are traveling to your area
for something new, different and exciting.

Visit all the places you haven't seen …

or haven't been for a while.
Your local Historical Society has new displays
and exhibits, usually seasonally.

Is there an art gallery nearby?

A dude ranch?

A national park?

What have you thought about doing –
but never made time for?

Go exploring this weekend.
Do something new!