Tomorrow is National Letting Go of Stuff Day

Hello Folks,

Would you believe after all this time I have no picnic outings to report from Florida? I'm still waiting for some consistent 70-plus degree weather without the strong winds that have become norm this winter. So, in lieu of picnicking, I have been spending more time working on my 2nd book, Cruising Cross-Country than I might have otherwise, and I guess this is a good thing.

So, putting the subject of day tripping, picnicking and writing aside for today, I would like to share the following from Chase's Calendar of Events. I believe the message can benefit everyone. These days we take stuff into our sub-conscious at an alarming rate and forget that every once and a while we need to clear out the negative, that which we no longer want or need in our lives.

Mission Statement: National Letting Go of Stuff Day ~ April 25th
To provide a day of acknowledgment for freeing up sub-conscious space so people all over the United States can begin to experience freedom - from the inside-out.

1. A day to claim your personal power.
2. A day to begin measuring your personal success from one year to the next.
3. A day to begin cleaning out your heart - getting rid of all the emotional pain.
4. A day to claim RENEWAL of your spirit.
5. A day to BEGIN LETTING GO of your past situations that are holding you back from your future success.
6. A day to claim your future dreams - as your own.
7. A day to accept and acknowledge what you can and cannot control in your life - and live accordingly.

http://www.nationallettinggoofstuffday.org/

THIS WEATHER IS NO PICNIC !

I've been in Florida for six weeks and have only been on one picnic. Although there has been isolated days when at least part of the day is pleasant, the weather changes so quickly, from wind to rain to cold, it's a bit risky to chance a picnic.

But, the last week in January was an exceptional week with good weather every day. My grandson happened to be visiting that week, helping me with painting and other chores, but I made sure we still have plenty of time to play. One of the places I took him to is Myakka River State Park, in Sarasota. www.myakkariver.org.

First, we took the Canopy Walkway & Tower, a walkway "through the treetops" on a swing bridge, then meandered down a path to the dam to see the alligators sunning themselves on the far bank. Later, along the 7-mile scenic drive we spotted a group of impatient-looking vultures hovering in treetops and in two different areas, armadillos digging furiously in the soil by the roadway. It was the closest either of us has ever been to this strange looking mammal.

Eventually, we drove through the park toward the North gate until we came to the Clay Gully picnic area, where picnic tables sit comfortably next to the river, amidst trees and other foliage. Our picnic fare was simple: sandwiches of fresh roasted white chicken, Swiss cheese, cranberry sauce, spinach leaves and mayo on oatmeal grain break, with chips and drinks.

On the way home we stopped at Nokomis Groves for homemade ice cream. Their citrus fruit business has been in operation for over sixty years, but we were there for their soft serve ice cream. They swirl the most unusual favors together, like pineapple and orange, chocolate and lime. Yum! www.nokomisgroves.com.

Although I haven't been picnicking nearly as often as I would like (yet!) I am so happy to be in Florida, where the sun at least peaks out most days, and I can still bundle up and get outside to walk ~ in sneakers rather than snow boots. Yes, life is good!

I hope wherever you live, picnics will soon be in your future.

Calendar of Events

2010 Chase's Calendar of Events has the most interesting information. For my family and friends back in Connecticut, this one is for you:

Hula in the Coola Day ~ February 1st is "A day for those longing to escape the winter doldrums to laugh at the cold with a luau party. Put away your winter coats, get out your shorts and flip-flops, play limbo and say 'Aloha.' "

If you are lucky enough to have already escaped the cold, to say, Florida, for the next 28 days (and longer I'm sure!) you can enjoy Florida Strawberry Month. Yum!

And, no matter where you live you can celebrate Bake for Family Fun Month. The Home Baking Association dedicates the entire month to "the great taste, good nutrition, economy and family fun of traditional home baking." http://www.homebaking.org/.

Wouldn't it be great if everyone working in a service industry put this into practice ~ National Laugh-Friendly Month. The sponsors of this one encourages businesses and individuals to promote exceptional customer service with smiles, humor and laughter.

Speaking of laughter, February 8th is Laugh and Get Rich Day. The promoter of this day believes that people who laugh are more effective, tend to remember things better, and that laughter helps to lower the turnover rate.

Joel Goodman: Seven days without laughter makes one weak.

Well, it looks like this month is all about eating and laughing. Sounds good to me!

Turning the Page

I rather enjoyed turning the calendar page from December to January this year. Along with so many, I'm mustering up the hope that 2010 will be better for everyone, but also on a personal note, I am optimistic about both short and long-term goals.

Maybe I am splitting hairs, but I prefer the more serious image that the word "goal" evokes rather than the word "resolution" traditionally used at this time of year. Maybe it's because the latter is usually preceded by "New Year's..." and so often broken in the same time it takes the ball to drop in Times Square.

Anyway, my short-term goal will be realized as fast as I sprout my snowbird wings and fly to warmer weather. Being in a new place both mentally and physically, I will eagerly begin writing my new book about a retired woman (that's me!) traveling x-country to visit 10 National Parks, both solo and on-the-cheap. The fact that it is a travel book will be the only resemblance to my first book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket. Because I spent only a brief time in each location (compared to dozens of visits to each of my destinations in Cruising Connecticut), the key components of day tripping, picnicking and recipes will be abandoned.

So, what will be the focus of my new book? Perhaps part memoir, with a sprinkling of inspiration, and a few how-to's sprinkled here and there, like how-to travel alone without being lonely." What do the readers of this blog like, or dislike, about traveling solo? And, how do you keep from being lonely? I'd love to hear from you.

I love how travel author David Yeadon describes traveling alone in The Way of the Wanderer, "We have to be alone to touch our inner selves. And, if we cannot touch ourselves, how can we truly touch anyone else?"

Happy New Year! Whether you have resolutions or goals for 2010, may they be achieved easily and happily.

Happy Birthday to Everyone Celebrating a Christmas Birthday

I'm breaking my tradition this year. I figure there are enough holiday greetings to go around, so this message is for everyone with a Christmas birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I kinda know what it's like to have a Christmas birthday because one of my daughters was born on December 24th, and although every year we tried hard to separate her birthday from Christmas, I never got the feeling that we quite pulled it off.

Amidst all the shopping, baking, decorating, sending and receiving Christmas cards, and everywhere we go, carols are playing and lights are twinkling, it's no wonder most Christmas "babies" feel like their birthday takes second stage.

Interesting though, I recently heard about a woman who was determined to make it up to the children who had summer birthdays, feeling that they missed out by not being in school to pass out cupcakes and have all their friends wish them a happy birthday. So, she had special school days where all the summer kids could celebrate their birthdays. It makes me wonder how many people really like their birth-day.

I like the way a friend is celebrating her birthday this year, which is to throw herself a birthday party on her birthday, December 25th. She phoned all her friends back in June with the initial invitation and this month mailed out printed invitations to an open house from 3:00-6:00. She went to the party store and bought herself the traditional kid's cone paper birthday hat and a huge badge that says "Birthday Girl" and for decorations, a "Happy Birthday" banner will hang inside the door of her apartment. Refreshments will be the traditional birthday cake and drinks.

I'm all for the idea of adults taking charge and planning the kind of celebration that makes them happy. I've planned many of my own birthdays through the years, and family and friends are always willing to accommodate. I remember one year when I waited for my family to ask the usual question, "What would you like to do for your birthday?" I was ready. "Take a hike" I replied. This was when I was doing research for day trips for Cruising Connecticut and the trail I had read about was not well-traveled so I needed some company. Although they weren't enthusiastic about the idea, they helped me pack up the birthday cake, candles, drinks and paper goods and off we went.

The destination didn't turn out to be suitable for my book, but nonetheless, it was a nice hike and we found a clearing to have my birthday cake, complete with candles, singing and all. The only onlookers were a man and a dog. This was a rather low-key birthday, but I've planned some doozies, like renting out the Bushnell Park Carousel for a joint party with a dear friend who shares a birthday on the same day. And, wait until my family hear the plans for the next one!

A very Happy Birthday to my Christmas Eve daughter, my fun loving birthday-planning friend, my young cousin in Hyannis, other friends and acquaintances, and everyone who has a birthday on or near Christmas. Whenever or however you choose to celebrate, have fun and enjoy your special day!

Historic Homes in Connecticut Ready for the Holidays

Yikes! The Thanksgiving Holiday has passed and that can only mean one thing: Christmas is less than 4 weeks away. Along with the holiday shopping, there will be parties, plays, concerts and other events are all vying for our attention. Even historic homes are dressed up for the holidays. A visit to any one of the following will put you in the holiday spirit with renewed enthusiasm and energy.

GILLETTE CASTLE in East Haddam will be "adorned in its holiday finery" for special tours complete with live musical performances. Evening tours are scheduled for the first three Friday evenings in December from 4-8 pm. Daytime tours are scheduled for the first three Saturdays and Sundays as well as December 28-30 from 10-4. A free day of children's programs takes place on December 28 from 10-4. www.ct.gov/dep/site (Click Cal. of Events.)

FLORENCE GRISWOLD HOUSE & MUSEUM in Old Lyme showcases four elaborate "Fantasy Trees plus a 12 foot "Artists Tree" decorated with 100 artists' painted palettes. See how families celebrated Xmas in 1910. Also, check out the family programs on Sundays through January 10, and Christmastime Teas in December. Museum and Home tours are Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5, closed Xmas and New Year's Day. http://www.flogris.org/.

Note the new fun graphic on this website, which is a copy of the well-known painting by Henry R. Moore. "The Fox Chase" depicting artists in unique and amusing poses hangs over the fireplace in the Griswold home. As you "Race into the Past" you can click on 25 different icons to learn about these Lyme Art Colony artists.

ROSELAND COTTAGE in Woodstock presents an annual Christmas program highlighting decorations based on the Bowens 1887 celebration in New York. First floor tours of the house are offered along with holiday music and readings from A Christmas Carol. Date: Sunday, December 6 from 12-4, admission free. www.historicnewengland.org/things/calendar/Events.

THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM in Hartford offers the Connecticut Yankee Holiday Dinner Tour on Saturdays in December in conjunction with The Kitchen at Billings Forge. Also, the 29th Annual Holiday House Tour takes place this year on December 6 and HartBeat Ensemble's "Ebeneeze: A Hartford Holiday Carol" will be performed in the auditorium three times in December with free admission. For information on all events: http://www.marktwainhouse.org/.

NOTE: The above 4 destinations, along with 38 others, are described in detail in Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket. Along with "Historic Homes & Gardens" there are 10 other categories of exciting activities suitable for all ages and interests. In addition, each venue has picnicking facilities and recipes. Special holiday price. http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/

My Life on a Bookshelf

Someone asked me if I read any good books on my recent x-country trip and I chuckled and answered truthfully that I hardly had time to read my maps, that if I hadn't received a gift of a GPS, I would have spent a lot of time being lost. Later, I wondered what kind of book I would have taken with me if I'd actually had an opportunity to read.

My primary reading choice for over 20 years has been non-fiction, on a wide variety of subjects related to what my interest was at the time, such as books on investing when I joined a stock club, books on business and public speaking when a job opportunity came my way, how-to books on decorating and other artistic endeavors, and the like. And, in between, inspirational books of all kinds. For the last few years, the concentration has been on my book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket, so I read books on travel and day tripping, then writing, publishing, marketing and promotion, in that order. A friend once commented, "I can tell a lot about a person by what I see on their bookshelves." The image of the closed books lined up on my own shelves immediately verified her claim. My life, in fact, was an open one.

Vacations were a different story. Part of the excitement of getting away was what I considered the luxury of packing non-fiction in my suitcase. I looked forward to escaping to unknown worlds with plots set in exotic locations and characters who demanded emotional involvement. Like the vacation itself, fiction was an indulgence, a rare treat like a chocolate truffle to satisfy my sweet tooth.

But, now I've abruptly changed my reading routine to focus on good literature, enjoying every moment of this "indulgence" while soaking in the incredible energy, style and tone of the writers. Secretly, I am hoping that a smidgen of their brilliance will somehow reverberate to my keyboard when I'm staring at that menacing blank page of my new book, Cruising X-Country....

Just as I have not yet decided on the final title, I am still thinking about the focus. I am hoping that a couple of author friends are right when they say, "Just start writing and once you get going you may not have a choice, the book will write itself." Now, that's an exciting image!

By the way, as usual, Cruising Connecticut will be at a couple of Holiday Fairs which are right around the corner. Check out the calendar page on my website, http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/. I'd love to meet you, and an autographed book, either alone or tucked into a basket with a bottle of Connecticut wine is a nice gift for any occasion. If you can't get to an event you can still get an autographed book with my online order form. Also, click "What's In Our Picnic Basket" for the latest posted recipe from Cruising Connecticut, a nice addition to your holiday hors d'oeuvre platter.