"From Challenge to Change to Courage...God's Master Plan" for your Life! Introduction

"From Challenge to Change to Courage ... God's Master Plan" for your Life!

Introduction

A Swedish chandelier that I wanted to bring home in my carry-on!

I've accumulated various titles along my journey ...

Lady Traveler ... Gypsy Mama ... Road Runner ... Wild (power) Walker ...

... Amazing Author (I just made that one up)

... The Almost-Famous Author ... that's me!

For my next season of writing I'm going to take a shift.

Fourteen years ago (2006) when we moved from Southern California to Fort Mill, South Carolina,

I landed a great job working in the H.R. office at Books-A-Million (traveling included!) 

I soon began attending weekly meetings for working Christian women.

One evening after an energized session I was asked by the founder of the non-profit organization  

if I would write her blog.  "I just don't have time!" Jane blurted.

"And I love your blogs," she added.

She did?  Jane actually had time to read my silly ol' blogs that sometimes 

ramble and drift down bunny trails?

I was new at this whole blog experience, but what could I say?  

As I gazed into her tired, blood-shot eyes, I accepted her offer.

Yes, success oftentimes leads to frustration.

Jane's red eyes teared up, she smiled, then threw pages of notes on the table.

"Here. Take my notes and make the blog your own," Jane said.

One of my favorite places ... Florence, Italy ... Tuscany!  I shall return!

 So now, my eclectic ladies, near and far,  I'll be sharing my 

"From Challenge to Change to Courage" blog with you!

Whether you're a working mom, a stay-at-home mom,

a single gal, a retired lady (like me!)

there's something for everyone.

Here's a small sample:

Today's women are facing many Challenges.  Challenges that call for Change.  Speaking from experience, I can tell you that Change can be scary, but as we trust in the Lord we realize that God allows Change for our benefit.  However, when we're going through these Challenges and Changes we sometimes 

cannot see the forest for the trees.  

But when we allow God to direct our path, 

Courage comes on the scene ...

then anything can happen!

Next time we're going to talk about God's perfect timing, 

Until then,

Keep reading, and

keep that body movin'!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

http:/www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

Remember Lady Traveler's First RV Road Trip?

What were we thinking?

We weren't.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by,

and that has made all the difference.

Our first little motor home at the Wimberley Texas Flood 2015

For those of you who are new to my Lady Traveler blog

here's Part 2 of a little story about our very first

RV Road Trip in 2015.

We didn't plan to buy the 1987 Mallard Sprinter motor home,

but for $5,000, how could we go wrong?

Part 1 and Part 2 blogs are posted on the website:

www.retirementandgoodliving

Part 1, my previous blog on this website, tells how we stumbled across

this little darling.

Read and enjoy!

Relaxing after a long day volunteering with first-response team
Christ In Action (CIA)

Now, after reading my story, perhaps you might want to hit the road

in some sort of RV ... motor home, 5th wheel, trailer ... lots to choose from.

The choice is yours.

Whether you're retired and/or looking for some way to help others,

or you just want to go travelin',

an RV can take you just about anywhere your

little heart desires.

All in a day's work to help bring hope to America's families
Volunteering with Christ In Action 2015 at the Wimberley Texas flood

We traveled in our Mallard Sprint for six months

until we met our beautiful 2004 American Tradition 40-foot home-on-wheels,

Moon River.

That's when we really took off for places unknown.

25+ (I've lost count) states and have loved every minute.

After watching hours of the Travel Channel,

we began experiencing God's beautiful country first-hand ...

... east, west, north south.

We've met wonderful friends of whom I still

communicate via Facebook, blogs, e-mails, and Instagram, 

and even meet again on life's highways!

It is a small world after all.

Lots of states on Route 66, including Missouri to visit son Shawn (4 times).

I love expanding my boundaries.

Rob and I have lived in Sweden and traveled to over 25+ countries,

including living on a World War II ship for 14 months.

(I have my favorites and perhaps I'll return one day to

Israel and/or Italy).

Tuscany, I love you!

Wherever you are, make this a good day ... your best day!
It's your choice.

And ... keep that body movin'!

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

You can order my book, Lady and the Sea at:

www.sharonleaf.com

or

www.amazon.com

www.retirementandgoodliving.com

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

Lady Traveler tips on preparing you for your next journey

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.

Then take half the clothes and twice the money

Overnight bag purchased in Istanbul  2008 

Robinski and I are on the road in our motor home, Moon River.

We'll be gone for two months.

Popcorn ready to hit the road in Moon River,
our 40-foot American Tradition motor home

Traveling is fun!

Preparing for the journey is not so much fun.

However, preparation is necessary to entail a successful and fun trip.

Whether we travel near or far,

whether for two months, two weeks, or two days,

we need to throw something in a suitcase, a backpack, or a bag.

 Two week trip to Costa Rica  June 2014
Rob's backpack.  My backpack.
And a large purse (already in our rented little SUV)

Most of you know the necessities ... don't you?

Toothbrush, toothpaste, make-up, and oh, yeah,

underwear.
At one time or another, I've forgotten all of the above.

Actually, wherever we travel, 

we can buy almost anything we need 

at a nearby store.

Except, perhaps, in some third-world countries.

I remember Siberia quite well
where I had to carry my own toilet paper.

Two week trip to Paris  September 2014
My carry-on and a large purse.
Rob: one carry-on and small backpack

I can give more packing details upon request,

(leave a comment and I'll be happy to answer)

but I feel the most important aspect of any trip is to

prepare emotionally and spiritually.

Many surprises can occur along our journey.

If I haven't spent time in prayer and reading my Bible,

I can easily come undone.

Just ask Robinski.  On second thought, please don't.

Now, don't fret ... I'm not talking about spending hours on your knees

(although I'm sure you'd come away lighter and happier),

And I'm not saying you must read your Bible for hours at a time

(although you'd most likely come away stronger and mightier).

Begin right where you are.

Believe me, a little is better than nothing.

I usually read a variety of one-page devotionals in a sitting,

then I say a prayer similar to The Lord's Prayer.*

My bags are packed, now I'm ready to go.  Are you ready to go ...

... to another country ... to a different state ... to the next town?

It's not that difficult at all, so ...

Here's wishing you oceans of travel packing!

Please feel free to add any suggestions that you may have
in the comment box below.

(To remember the words, I'll sing the following scripture as I write 

... so glad I'm alone, except for Popcorn, and she's hiding under the bed)

*THE LORD'S PRAYER

*Our Father, who art in Heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread,

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the Kingdom,

and the Power, and the Glory,

FOREVER.

Amen

Matthew 6:6-13

www.sharonleaf.com

My Hobo Travels to South Carolina for ...

Celebrating an 'early 70th birthday' with my two great kids
August 2015

To know someone here or there with 

whom you feel there is an understanding in spite of 

distances or thoughts  unexpressed -- 
that can make of this earth a garden.

~Goethe~

I recently experienced one of the most favorite weeks of my life.

I began months ago thinking...

 how do I want to celebrate my BIG 70th birthday?

Without a doubt, I knew what I wanted, 

and I shared my special birthday wish with Jesus.

"I want to spend some special time with my two kids...together."

Well, Jesus must have whispered my birthday wish in Rob's ear 

because before I knew it,

Rob was making plans to fly Shawn 

from Springfield, MO to our home in South Carolina.

An overdue reunion was in the making.

The timing was perfect.

  For me.  For Jacquie.  For Shawn.  

And for the sultry southern weather.

Six years since we've been together, 

so our week was filled with laughing, singing, and reminiscing.

We sang.

We pontooned on Lake Murray.
Shawn: "Who are those crazy girls?
Oh, yeah, my sis and niece."

We went to church together.  

We toured South Carolina's capital, Columbia.

A morning tour of Columbia, South Carolina

Then we toured Charleston.

Simply, we had a wild and wonderful week that I will cherish forever.

Thank you, Jesus.  Thank you, Rob.  

And thank you, my sweet Shawn and Jacquie.

All sunshine and sovereign is God,

generous in gifts and glory.

Psalm 84:10

www.sharonleaf.com

www.lifewellnesscenter.com

Aunt Eunice the Traveler

Sharon's Aunt Eunice

Hi Y'all!  If your wonderin' where my niece, Shaaren is, 

I'd be happy to tell you, but I don't know myself.  

It's summer, so she takes this time to wander around here and there.  

That's why I decided to post this short blog for her.  I'm sure she won't mind.  I hope.

I'm thrilled beyond recognition that Shaaren and that husband of hers ... 

... whats his name ... 

Jesse, Robinski ... oh yeah!  Robin, er Rob.  

Anyway, I'm thrilled that they finally broke down and purchased one of those 

homes on wheels ... 

... what do they call em?  Engine houses?  

Oh yeah, motor homes.

I thought since they weren't going to use it for the next few weeks that

 I would borrow it and 

take my longtime friend, Betty White, on a trip across America, 

like Oprah and her best friend Gail did a few years ago.  

Well, when I mentioned it to them, they looked at each other 

with a look of fear that I hadn't seen since 

that skunk ran across their backyard last year.

Resti2 in background; 'Rent-A-Ride-Across-America' in foreground

"Honey, I don't think you can drive that big thing," Sharon said gently.  

Rob added loudly, "You will not drive that big thing!"  

And that was that.  

I learned a long time ago that you can't argue with these youngins, 

so I quietly made my exit,

 took a taxi down the road to "Rent a Ride Across America" and rented one!

  

Me and Betty will be headin' out next week.  

If I have time I'll write you a post card, or a letter, or what do they call that new technology?  

Oh yes ... or a tweeter!

Bye for now y'all and Happy Summertime!

www.sharonleaf.com