Traveling and going on family vacations makes people happy. Being happy makes everyone want to remember. Most people like to buy souvenirs, something to remind them of the fun they had while on vacation....something to remind them of a particularly fun vacation spot. Yes, we hit t-shirt shops, but...that's not the best way I think to spend vacation dollars. I like to buy things I'll wear, and really use; not just a t-shirt advertising a location that will wear out soon. Here is an artistic craft item my Darling Daughter picked up. How cute is this! Firstly, it's purple...her signature color which assures it will go with almost everything in her wardrobe, it's handmade which supports a local artist. I'm always a fan of that. We were shopping in a fun, funky little shop in Park City, Utah called Olive & Tweed. I'm a crafter (knitting and crocheting), and so like to support fellow artists/crafters as does my DD.
I like to buy Christmas Tree ornaments, so each year when I decorate the tree I'm reminded of fun times on vacation. These don't say Park City, Utah; but I'll remember that's where I got them. For those who know me, they know I LOVE wine...so, naturally I couldn't resists. Picked up for a friend too. The golf bag...that's for hubby, he loves to play golf and in fact played 3 times there in Park City. Golf is very reasonably priced there for any of my readers who might consider going there. (I'll cover more about golfing there in another post, so please check back)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE shopping anytime there's an art festival while we travel. And, we were lucky enough to be in Park City when The Kimball Arts Festival was going on. In fact it was right outside our hotel. I purchased this hand made necklace from Deana Albers who traveled in from Bozeman, Montana for this popular art festival. This stone (please click to enlarge) is called Poppy Jasper Stone. Depending on what you where it can look reddish and black/ reddish and green. It's wonderful. I've already worn it twice and received compliments both times. I love the the claps, it slides and is one I can put on myself! Hubby's happy about that too. She had a wonderful display in her booth, all very high quality workmanship. Please look her up either HERE on her Esty page, or HERE on Facebook.
I also purchased Turquoise. The necklace and bracelet are made by a local artist, and went nicely with the scarf. I needed accessories for an up coming wedding. Why shop at the mall, or some store found anywhere USA? Buy local, buy from artist and crafters when you can. They make wonderful, long lasting pieces to cherish; as well as fabulous memories of your vacation. These items were purchased at Olive & Tweed, same fun and funky shop DD found her cute purple headband.
The Scarlet Pimpernel, A MidSummer Night's Dream, and Oedipus Rex are the 3 plays being performed this summer in Schiller Park in German Village in Columbus Ohio by Actors Theatre. For 30 years Shakespeare's been performed in the is park. Through out the years we've enjoyed this wonderful free summer time entertainment. I've blogged several times about this marvelous park in German Village. I've discussed the history of the park, the wonderful flowers, the quotes, the statues. Truly it has something for everyone.
While we carried our cooler and lounge chairs to the stage area, we passed kids on bikes, kids on roller skates, people walking their dogs, people running for exercise, others just strolling. We saw people fishing in the pond, and guys playing basketball.
Summer travels don't have to require miles on your cars, heavy duty packing, or expensive airline tickets in order to have a good time. Have you taken advantage of the special summer time entertainment in your area? If not, why not?
What's more enjoyable then sitting in your lounge chair on a nice summer night, sipping wine, eating a picnic and then being entertained............for free! They do ask for donations during intermission, but still.......you really can't beat it. We missed seeing the performance of The Scarlet Pimpernel, really enjoyed A MidSummer Night's Dream, and are looking forward to Oedipus Rex.
Looking through Rose of Sharon Bushes enjoying nature can be almost anywhere you travel. Rose of Sharon's are an old time flower, that attract birds and bees. Some are white as above, some lavendar and some are a rosey pink. A large deep red Mallow, in the same family as the above Rose of Sharon's. They get so large sometimes a foot in diameter, they almost don't look real. Maybe you'll see Lilly's in your travels. They are hundreds of colors, hundreds of varieties, all pretty. An attempt to be artsy here, shooting through the bush as the wind was blowing. Some Lilly's hang almost upside down. I'm carefully lifting it up to get the photo for you.
Sometimes travel isn't just about the destination, it's about the travel and what you see, smell along the way. Take time and enjoy it.
Isn't this a nice view? Wouldn't you like to be there right now? You could. If not here, perhaps in a similar spot in your own neck of the woods. This is Whetstone Park, which is 90 acre metro park in Columbus on the north side just off High Street (Route 23). There is much to see and do here. Plenty of places to run, to walk, to build a fire, to have a picnic, to fish...to just enjoy. Lots of big trees that provide plenty of shade. Take a book, on yarn and sit and enjoy. Listen to the sounds of birds chirping, children playing, people having fun. Every city or town, no matter how large or small has such a place. Green public places. Do you take time to enjoy them? I bet most people are saying no. As much as I like to outdoors, and as close as I am to this lovely park; have to say it's been years since we've gone. What a shame. It's lovely. There are places in the sun if you want to sun yourself, places in the shade, open areas to run with the kids and the pets, paths to walk or run with a stroller perhaps. There picnic tables both in and outside of the shelter houses. 90 acres............it's large, plenty of space. The Park of Roses is also here for those who want to stroll through beautiful gardens.
Walk across the bridge and see the casting ponds on both sides. Stop and enjoy the view.
Check with the community building for a schedule of events like lessons or little competitions for children at the casting ponds. Great entertainment. In the winter these same casting ponds freeze and make a wonderful, and safe place to iceskate. The shelter house has a fireplace to get warm during that season as well.
Look around your fair city, there's something almost in your backyard to explore. Take advantage of it and enjoy. If you're in my neck of the wood............come stroll Whetstone Park with me.
This isn't a current flag, it's hoisted and proudly flown at Fort McHenry in Maryland. I took this photo a few years ago, while hubby and I were touring. Look at the size of this flag. I wanted to share it with you today, July 4th as we celebrate our Nations Birthday. It's a day to be proud, a day to remember how we got here, who's sacrificed for us.
Sadly, many of those who did serve and protect us, who fought for our freedoms probably aren't celebrating today, not with a family picnic and fireworks. Why? Because they are homeless! They live hand to mouth, out in the elements, in unsafe conditions, wondering in some cases if they'll make it through the night. Wondering if they'll ever be dry and warm again. Yes, it's summer across the country and they currently are going to freeze at night; but the warmer months pass all too quickly. Soon, they'll be huddled against the wind, the rain, the snow and sleet.
Accordingly to The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 1/3 of all adult homeless people are Veterans. Half those homeless Veterans served during the difficult Vietnam Years. While the bulk of homeless Veterans are male, about 5% are female, and that number is rising with more females in the service of our country. Most homeless Veterans are single, and live in an urban area. Many have health issues, be they mental illnesses, alcoholism and or drugs; or a combination thereof.
As you celebrate with a good meal and fun times with your loved ones today, make a commitment. A commitment to make something for the homeless. Making one thing can be HUGE. Knit or crochet and make a difference. Make a hat, a scarf, a pair of slippers, a pair of mittens, a cotton washcloth, or a square. They've given so much, let's say Thank You and serve others through our yarn.
**This is repost from my charity blog, Bridge and Beyond. Please let me know if you can help. Doing so, is one way to show your patriotism**
All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated, and all donations keep someone warm. We help, one stitch at a time. YOU truly DO make a difference. THANK YOU!
Traveling and going on family vacations makes people happy. Being happy makes everyone want to remember. Most people like to buy souvenirs, something to remind them of the fun they had while on vacation....something to remind them of a particularly fun vacation spot. Yes, we hit t-shirt shops, but...that's not the best way I think to spend vacation dollars. I like to buy things I'll wear, and really use; not just a t-shirt advertising a location that will wear out soon. Here is an artistic craft item my Darling Daughter picked up. How cute is this! Firstly, it's purple...her signature color which assures it will go with almost everything in her wardrobe, it's handmade which supports a local artist. I'm always a fan of that. We were shopping in a fun, funky little shop in Park City, Utah called Olive & Tweed. I'm a crafter (knitting and crocheting), and so like to support fellow artists/crafters as does my DD.
I like to buy Christmas Tree ornaments, so each year when I decorate the tree I'm reminded of fun times on vacation. These don't say Park City, Utah; but I'll remember that's where I got them. For those who know me, they know I LOVE wine...so, naturally I couldn't resists. Picked up for a friend too. The golf bag...that's for hubby, he loves to play golf and in fact played 3 times there in Park City. Golf is very reasonably priced there for any of my readers who might consider going there. (I'll cover more about golfing there in another post, so please check back)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE shopping anytime there's an art festival while we travel. And, we were lucky enough to be in Park City when The Kimball Arts Festival was going on. In fact it was right outside our hotel. I purchased this hand made necklace from Deana Albers who traveled in from Bozeman, Montana for this popular art festival. This stone (please click to enlarge) is called Poppy Jasper Stone. Depending on what you where it can look reddish and black/ reddish and green. It's wonderful. I've already worn it twice and received compliments both times. I love the the claps, it slides and is one I can put on myself! Hubby's happy about that too. She had a wonderful display in her booth, all very high quality workmanship. Please look her up either HERE on her Esty page, or HERE on Facebook.
I also purchased Turquoise. The necklace and bracelet are made by a local artist, and went nicely with the scarf. I needed accessories for an up coming wedding. Why shop at the mall, or some store found anywhere USA? Buy local, buy from artist and crafters when you can. They make wonderful, long lasting pieces to cherish; as well as fabulous memories of your vacation. These items were purchased at Olive & Tweed, same fun and funky shop DD found her cute purple headband.
