The Runaway

The Runaway

Our days are identical suitcases ~ all the same size ~
but some people can pack more into them than others.

When wRiter's Block hits ... close the laptop and run away!

A little over a month ago I had been writing my heart out
until my eyes crossed and my tummy growled, begging for food.
I only had time to indulge in another cup of coffee.

I love when God gives me the words that flow from my heart,
to my brain, to my fingers, and on to my computer.
If you're an artist, you know what I mean ...
... the juices start flowing.
You're fearless!

But when that mean ol' writer's block comes a knockin',
what do you do?
Hide?  Stay in bed?  Go shopping?  Not me.
 This Lady Traveler shuts down the laptop, backs away from her desk and ...
hits the road!

This happened recently,
so I dropped this suggestion on Robinski over morning coffee.
"Lets go to Texas!"
"Uh, sure, okay.  When?"
"Next week, before we sell Moon River."
Our motor home had been for sale for over a month.
A few bites, but no sale.

Memories of our last chapter.  Ready to turn the page for the next chapter. 

We had no longer hung our clothes, stored some food in the pantry and frig,
and locked the door of our beloved RV,
ready to leave the next morning for the lone star state, when, out of nowhere,
a gentleman vacationing from Idaho took one look at her, and wham!
Our beloved RV was sold.
So, what did we do?
We unloaded clothes and food,
re-loaded clothes in our car,
and hit the road for Texas the next morning as planned.
Good-bye writer's block!

I love our road trips, but this trip was definitely different than most.
We were usually in our motor home towing our Ford Escape.
This trip we were driving our red car.
Confession: I began having RV withdrawals.
Rob wasn't asking me to check my "RV Parky" app for rest stops or fuel stops.
I missed 'sitting up high' over the traffic on I-20 west with
Popcorn sitting on my lap.
(she stayed home in a kennel that spoils her rotten).
No more fixing BLT sandwiches at rest stops.
But I kept these emotions to myself.  Why?
I glanced over at Robinski.
He was really having a relaxing time cruising down the interstate in our red Escape.
"Why do you look so happy?" I finally asked.
"No stress," he quickly answered.

I then realized that with all the fun and adventure we'd experienced,
the responsibility that had been on his shoulders
these past 4 1/2 years had been heavy.
"Hey, lets pull over and have lunch at that Mexican restaurant," he added joyfully.
He didn't have to worry about finding a parking space large enough for our home-on-wheels.
Can all you RV owners agree to all of the above?
Note: Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade a minute of our hours on the road,
but lets face it, there are moments when you ask,
Why did I buy this monster?

Cruising down one of many interstates across the USA ~ 2015-2019

We had a wonderful two-week-Texas-vaca' on the road
visiting family and friends,
stopping by Magnolia Table in Waco, Texas ...
and staying in hotels,
unloading overnight bags, and
eating lots of complimentary breakfasts of
bacon, eggs, OJ and coffee.
Note: when looking for hotels online, read the reviews.
For me, I always make sure a hotel is rated high for clean and safe.
The Hampton Inn is good for one-night stays, or longer.

Home sweet home on Lake Murray

I returned home refreshed, but tired.
Then came the head cold.
Pray. Rest. Don't spread germs. Stay home. Rest.
Now, a week later, I'm getting back to normal,
and the writing bug has returned.
Yesterday I finished my June blog for the website
Retirement and Good Living (soon to be published)
This morning I'm writing my Lady Traveler blog.
Now my eyes are starting to cross, and my tummy is crying out for food.
More coffee and rest, then I'll continue adding a few thousand more words for
Lady on the Run.

So, if you're getting any kind of block,
back away for awhile.
If you can't take trip, then take a walk.
Outdoors does wonders for your body, soul, and spirit.

Until next time,
I wish you oceans of safe summer blessings!
And remember ... keep that body movin'!

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

www.sharonleaf.com

www.retirementandgoodliving.com

To Wimberley, Texas with Love, Part 2

June 2015: Flood waters in Wimberley, Texas destroyed bridge

Inasmuch, as you did it not to one of the least of these brothers and sisters, 

you did for Me.
Matthew 25:45

Where do I begin to tell you of both the heartbreak and restoration of the people
that Christ In Action (CIA) was able to touch 

physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
It's all about restoration.

A hard days work, but so rewarding

Rob and I spent seven days working with our CIA team at various locations.
Rob at Camp Hope, doing what he does best:
fixing what is not working.

Me?
I was out in the field, 8:30am to 5pm.

Scraping mud and mold, top to bottom, in order to save someone's beloved home.

After CIA's large machinery moved trees and rubble to the edge of streets for eventual pick-up.

our ground team began shoveling, sweeping, picking up tree limbs and debris, then 

wheelbarrowing to large piles near streets for pickup.

Over and over.  Hour after hour.

My daily 'work pack'
This says it all; my green spray bottle of water was refreshing in 98+ degree weather

How did this almost-70-year-old lady do it?
I told the Lord,
"If you have called me to do this,
then you will have to give me the strength."
And He did!
Several of the young, sweet gals whispered to me,
"Sharon, can you slow down just a little?
You are running circles around us!"
That was music to this old gal's ears.
Honestly, with my left knee waiting for a knee-replacement,
I know it was Jesus who gave me the strength
for those seven long, hot days.
As the Apostle Paul says in Galatians 6:14:

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Then there was the tearing down of those houses that were condemned.
That was the hardest task.

The sadness of it all.

It makes you stop and take notice.

One moment your sleeping comfortable in your home.

Then in the next minute,
your world changes forever as 

flood waters come crashing into your haven of peace.

One story:  An 82-year-old man was chest-deep in water before he knew what was happening.

He climbed in his truck and drove to the highest hill he could find.

After assessing, he was told that his little house would have to be torn down.

But smiling, he pointed to the seat of his old truck and said, 

"At least I saved my favorite hat."  

After he repeated that several times, our CIA team leader told him,

 "We can help you with the process, free of charge...tomorrow"  

His face lit up, and hope was born in his heart.

This cabin, like so many, had to be torn down

So many heartbreaking stories.

The family that lost their lives when their summer home was swept away by the overflowing river.

The town of Wimberley still mourns.

There is no looting because this town stands together as they rebuild.

They are humbled and thankful at the hope that Christ In Action,

and other organizations, have brought to their small town.

CIA will be in Wimberley until July 14.

If any of you have the time, you can volunteer for a 3-day minimum.

You will be fed three hot meals and you will have a place to sleep (AND showers!).

And you will meet the most fantastic, loving people as you work side by side.

Or you can give a donation.

And you can pray.
For more stories, go to

http://Christinaction.com

In my next blog, Part 2, I will share our 21-day challenging and fun road trek to and from
Wimberley, Texas.

Until then ... I wish you oceans of summer blessings!

http://www.sharonleaf.com