Lovin' Atlanta

Those that say you can't take it with you
never saw a car packed for a vacation trip.
~ Author Unknown

We're baaacck from our 'relative vacation'.
Atlanta is one of our favorite cities, and
we have several favorite places to visit
-- in addition to our relatives!

Stone Mountain is the largest
exposed granite monolith in the world.
A massive Confederate Monument
is carved into the granite face, like Mt. Rushmore.
Ride a Swiss cable car to the top of the mountain.
In season, enjoy a paddlewheel steamer ride.
Visit an antebellum plantation, the auto museum
and the Stone Mountain museum. Great day!

The new Georgia Aquarium is a tribute to ingenuity.
Stroll through an acrylic tunnel as tropical fish swim
beside and above you. Explore the world's varied
water habitats within the themed "aqua-areas".

ZooAtlanta started with an abandoned carnival
in the mid-1800's. It's located in Grant Park,
next to the Civil War Museum and Cyclorama.
Cyclorama – a 360º painting of the Battle of Atlanta,
is one of only two in the nation.
The museum also houses the "Texas",
the famed engine from "The Great Train Race".

Next time you're in the area, spend a day or two
exploring the history and attractions of Atlanta.
It's a great place to visit …

In the meantime, remember ...
Life is a journey, travel first class!

Mini-Vacations not "Nay-cations"

Just read an article telling the reader that 2009 will be the year of "nay-cations". He listed nine reasons why Americans will say NO to travel, among them: the economy, the hassle, and the added costs/fees/surcharges.

I'd like to disagree. Giving up vacations is like giving up chocolate! No matter how tough life gets, we still need to reward ourselves with things to look forward to ... things to enjoy. Travel is important to personal well-being.

Here are some tips to make your vacation planning more cost-effective.

Mini-Vacations Not "Nay-cations" - Seven Money-saving Travel Tips

Don't give up the things that keep us sane. Knowing there's a trip in your future gives you something to look forward to. Happy Traveling!

Mini-vacations don't have to be travel …

That sounds kinda weird, but let me explain.

Mini simply means 'small'.
And Webster defines 'vacation' as a respite,
a time away from something …
an intermission.
The concept of travel –
of being away from home and work –
is the third meaning … not the first.

So … anytime you take a break from something,
you're creating a mini vacation
for your mind and body.

Of course, vacations away from home
are wonderful!
If I could, I'd be gone every weekend.
But in the meantime,
I've decided to add more 'mini vacations' to each day.

A cup of tea out on the deck before work …
A ten-minute walk at lunch …
A quick game of 'Spider'
before I start the next project.
A Saturday afternoon hike.

The older I get,
the more I realize that life is short.
And it's meant to be enjoyed.
So, I'm headed outside with that cup of tea.
Why not join me?

Don't forget our book give-away.
There's a new book out called
"The Secret To True Happiness".
It's by Joyce Meyer, and she tells us
how to create more joy in our lives … every day.
I'd like to give away a few copies to some of you.

Use the comment box below to tell us how
you've found more joy in your own life.
We'll celebrate your joy with you