On a rainy day if you're standing in a long line at the pharmacy, an opportunity awaits as you move along slowly.
It could be the colorful candy display. No, you don't open the lids and sneak a gummy out of the plastic container.
Instead, you pull out your phone and take pictures.
Well, at least if you're nutty Marianne, you do that.
I had to go through that same line twice the other day, so I also took advantage of the floral department where some of the prettiest orchids I've ever seen made me want to fill a shopping cart with the whole collection.
I ate no candy and bought no flowers, but my wait in line went so much faster, thanks to some indoor eye candy.
Ongoing rain that day also produced a few very clean and interesting outdoor scenes.
Life is what you make it when you have to wait in line or endure a rainy day.
When I read the post below on Facebook the other day, I immediately wrote a note to Dick and asked if I could post it on my blog.
He said yes cuz he wants to send a message to others.
Dick is 82, the same age as my brother Mike. I don't think I've ever met him, but ever since I first saw his posts, sharing his life of travel, I have followed his writings ever since.
I think this most recent one is as inspirational as they comes.
It doesn't matter if you are 20 or 82, there's a world out there for you to experience, and it can make all the difference in your life as it has for Dick who thought he might settle down for good in Albania.
Happy "Slow Travel," Dick!
by Dick Ragland
Sandpoint High School Class of 1962
THE WORLD IS STILL CALLING ME — AND I'M READY TO ANSWER!I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about my life, my future, and what truly makes me happy. And I've come to a wonderful realization.
I'm not ready to settle down!
For years, I've had the incredible privilege of traveling the world, exploring different countries, discovering new cultures, meeting fascinating people, and experiencing ways of life completely different from my own.
And I miss it. I really, really miss it!
I thought perhaps it was time to settle down, find a comfortable place to call home, and simply enjoy a quieter life.
But something inside me keeps saying, "There's still so much of this beautiful world you haven't seen!"
And that adventurous spirit is calling me again.
So I've come up with a new idea: Slow Travel!
During my travels through South America, I often stayed just ten days, two weeks, or perhaps three weeks in one place before moving on. It was exciting, but constantly packing, moving, and starting over eventually became exhausting.
This time, I want to do things differently.
Three months in one country.
Then three months in another.
And another.
Imagine spending three wonderful months in Norway, then moving on to Georgia, followed by Estonia or Finland. Perhaps returning to Albania for a while before setting off again.
And then there's Central Asia! Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Imagine exploring the ancient Silk Road, experiencing fascinating cultures, and discovering places most people never get to see.
The possibilities are almost endless!
No rushing. No frantic sightseeing schedules. Just finding a comfortable apartment, settling in, walking the streets, meeting local people, enjoying the food, learning about the culture, and experiencing what everyday life is really like in another country.
Not just visiting countries. Actually living in them!
I passed by this new RV venue (in link below) south of Sandpoint the other day and chuckled out loud.
Clever owners, indeed!
Appropriately named and looking like a great park.
Thursday Throwbacks: Images from the photo library featuring people, places, events or moments from the past. Enjoy. And, do play the music while scrolling.
AI enhanced for color.
