Wandering Wildflower

Careless contemplation occurs when in awe of something beautiful, such as a sunset, with so many thoughts there are none left for writing later. One would think by now I would actually remember to bring my laptop with me when in this kind of awe and contemplative moment. I don't though. Yesterday, another kind of awe occurred and careless contemplation followed...I have no idea what I wanted to say about the giants along the road as I drove. What I can remember is the giants seemed to reach beyond the sky, as I could not see their tops and they blocked the sunlight to the floor of this old forest. The Redwoods remind me of Paul Bunyon and his blue ox Babe; only a lumberjack so legendary could pull a tree from these woods. Winding 34 ... read more

The trip from Florence to Newport is a measly 34 miles. Anywhere else in the world this would mean about a half hour drive; Oregon is like no other place. Between the long and winding road, bridges, tunnels, and waysides the trek was about two hours there and two hours back. Oregon does not get the same miles per hour other places get. The fog had already rolled out by the time I started north to Newport; the sunshine lit my way along the Pacific Ocean. Stopping to take pictures the sea gulls let me get within a couple of feet of them before hopping to lengthen the distance. The crows sat with gulls watching over the shore. Winter or not the greenery never ceases here, making for a beautiful late winter or early spring day. ... read more

Traveling through the mountains in the summertime is completely different than travel in the winter. Going over Ochoco pass was old hat; I have made that trek several times over the last decade and half. Going over Santiam Pass is not something I have ever done in the winter time. You forget your are so high up in the mountains when there is no snow level marking the way. The lava beds, usually dry and shades of red and brown, were covered with snow and barely recognizable. I wanted to stop and take some photos of the stunning scenery but was afraid to lose my place in line up to the summit. Last night's snowfall left two inches of powder sitting atop branches of trees normally green with leaves and moss. Once over the pass and ... read more

This is my first travel blog, though this is most certainly not my first traveling experience. I grew up in Michigan, and have visited Ohio, West Virginia, North and South Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, California, and Key West. Key West was my last mom-cation destination. Maybe I should explain the term mom-cation. Of course, if you are a single mother....or single parent period, you may already have a pretty good idea what this is. For those who are not, it is a period of time dedicated to the self in order to regroup, relax, and reaffirm that we are doing our best. Stress is a killer, and it is my firm belief as a stress management specialist each and everyone of us need to put as much emphasis on ... read more