I'm dreaming of a White Christmas

White Christmas

Our Fort Mill SC yard 2007

I must drop by to say hello and Merry Christmas to my bloggy buddy friends!
This is a busy time of year decking the halls with boughes of holly!
I decorated early this year to get a head start on the
Christmas season.

I just finished writing a magazine article for the summer so
 I had to pretend I was sweating while writing.
Actually, I have my fireplace going in my office.

What are you planning for Christmas? New Years?

Thanks to the China/Corona Virus, we're still practicing 'social distancing.' 

So, will you be hanging with family and friends?
If you're alone, what do you do ... go to a movie? (I think they're still closed),
eat out alone? (are local restaurants even open?)

Invite friends over? (will they have to wear masks?)

2020 brought us into a very challenging era, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

When we lived abroad for several Christmases
I firmly decided that I would not get homesick for my family
back home in California.
It worked for an hour or two.
Then I would cry.
That always seemed to help.

Now I'm blessed to have part of my family nearby.

but this will be our first Christmas without our beloved Popcorn.

She was part of our life for twelve joy-filled years

and we miss her every day.

Thankfully at the ripe old age of 15 she has no more pain and is 

playing with her furry friends somewhere in the heavenlies.

Let's not take our family and friends for granted.

Instead, take this time of year to express
our love to those near to us.

Now it's time to go outside for a cold evening walk.

Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season ...

You are never alone because He is with you wherever you travel.

... and remember, whether near or far,

keep reading and keep that body movin'!

www.amazon.com/author/www.sharonleaf.com

retirementandgoodliving.com

A New Decade. A New Season

A New Decade.  A New Season

At every crossroad, follow your dream.
It is courageous to let your heart lead the way.

The holidays are coming to a close.

A thankful Thanksgiving.

A joyful Christmas.

The ringing in of a new year.

A new decade.

2020.

Like most of you,

I've been pondering on several things that I plan to change.

(I do not call them New Year Resolutions).

I recently received a rejection of my manuscript

Lady on the Run.

(due to a wonderful editor having to retire for personal reasons)
Disappointment. Questioning my writing gift
(even though the editor loves my story and my writing).
Lots of emotions involved that all writers experience.

So I came to a crossroad and had to make a decision.

Do I continue on until my book is published,
 Or,

do I put it on the shelf and forget about it,
like I did forty years ago?

For this moment in time ... neither.

However, I have decided to lay down my writing for a season.

Writing takes hours upon hours of time spent in front of the beloved computer.

At my golden age of 74 next month,

I'm choosing to cherish my last days, months (years!) on earth

by focusing on

Spending more time with family, friends, and neighbors.

Volunteering locally.

Researching subjects that are near to me, such as Israel.

Reading.  Taking longer walks.

And lots more.

I'll be spending less time on social media and more time 

reading and studying my Bible.

And talkin' to Jesus.

I know, I know!  I can hear all of you dedicated writers saying,
"You can do it all! Just be more organized ... be more .... "
I am organized.  Well, somewhat. Now that I'm a
RED* (Retired-Extremely-Daring)
I often get distracted ... it's the elusive butterfly syndrome.

But whatever else I'm doing (even washing the dishes), I have this little voice whispering in my ear,
"You should be in your office, pounding on your iMac, writing, writing, writing!"
And that little voice is what I want live without for ... maybe a month, or two ... we'll see.

Sunset from our back patio 2019

I recently read about a friend/writer who did this, and she found a new sense of inner peace.

Relaxing instead of stressing about her next blog.

This was another confirmation of what I need to do.

Ahh, yes ... the right thing for me to do ... for a season.

Until Lady on the Run* is published,
you can enjoy my adventures on the high seas in my book
Lady and the Sea
(available on Amazon.com)

As you ponder and pray for God's direction for your next season in the coming year,

I wish all of you, my dear friends, 

oceans of happy and prosperous New Year's blessings!

My aim is to raise hope by pointing the way to life without end.

This is the life God promised long ago--

and He doesn't break promises.

Titus 1:1 (the Message)

*Lady on the Run now available!

www.amazon.com/author/sharonleaf.com

Lady TraveleR is back on the island.

Lady TraveleR is back on the island

On the Road again ... foR the last time?

I no sooneR Returned fRom my wRiteRs confeRence

than Rob planned a Road tRip foR us.

Yes, I was getting Restless,

but a road trip so soon after I returned home?

"We're only driving up the road," he said.

"We're going to Dreher Island?" I asked.

"Why not? It's one of our favorite hangouts.

Besides, this might be the last trip before we sell her."

That did it.  I almost forgot that we're planning to sell
Moon River, our beautiful home-on-wheels.

"Yes, we shall go to Dreher Island," I replied with a note of sadness. 

I'm glad Rob had the bright idea to spend some days at Dreher Island State Park.

Pure serenity and peace to be surrounded by the
tall pine trees, the chirping birds, not to mention all the friendly campers.

So here we are, camping on Lake Murray in our motor home, 

just an hour north of our cozy condo on ...

Lake Murray.

I'm glad that God put the bright idea in Rob's heart to come here.

where there are less distrRactions.

Today I'm typing aways at our little table in Moon River,

sipping on FolgeRs, glancing out the window

at the same lake I admire every day from our patio.

We've enjoyed many sunny days at Dreher Island on Lake Murray
Prosperity, SC

But at this moment I'm looking at the lake from a different angle.

This might be the last time I'll be glancing out the window of our

home-on-wheels.

Wheels that has safely taken us thousands of miles to over 

25 states in the past three years.

Sadness and thankfulness fill my soul.

Campsite at Dreher Island State Park, one of our favorite getaways.

I continue typing, trying to fill my mind with thoughts of what to write

in my next blog for the Retired and Good Living website.

Then I stop and say a little pRayeR.

Sometimes that's what we have to do with our present situations.

Instead of looking with our narrow minds,

we need to pray and ask God to show us our
circumstances from His angle.

For you it might be your relationship with your mate, a friend, a neighbor, or a recent loss,

a change in lifestyle ....

Now, I can turn my thoughts to an unwritten blog,

chapters that needs to be revised ....

Yes, I'm really enjoying my days here at Dreher Island,

just an hour north of our home on the same lake,

in my home-on-wheels,
perhaps for the last time (tear).

I shall Rejoice in the LoRd foR all that He has done for me,

and foR what He has foR me in the days to come.

www.sharonleaf.com

www.retirementandgoodliving.com

Lady Traveler is now welcoming fam and friends to Leaf's Lake House

There is no place like home.

Author unknown?

Thanksgiving Sunset 2018 (untouched)

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the skies announce what His hands have made.
Psalm 19:1

3 1/2 weeks of packing, tossing, and donating.

Two weeks of unpacking, tossing, and donating.

Then came Thanksgiving.

Our day of relaxation and eating.

and eating. and eating.

Friends dropping by Leaf's Lake House

Sunset from our veranda with Popcorn and friends

Ahh ... the first day in weeks that I've sat down in my new office.
I've really missed writing.

I turned on my iMac and decided to write a quick blog.

Nothing deep.  Just a simple message of

THANKFULNESS.

The recent months have been filled with

hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires.

Our hearts and prayers must continue to

reach those in need, both near and far.

My thankfulness sounds like yours.

Thankful to God for

Family.  Most anyway.

Extended Families: community, church, interest groups (my writing buddies).

Friends.  True friends.  Near and far.

Our homes.  Big and small.

Our country.  Freedom!

The list goes on.

Thank you for listening to this old Lady Traveler who loves

to travel, loves to write ... (who hates to move!) 

but who loves life! 

What do you love to do?

What are you thankful for?

Take a moment to thank God for ...

I wish you oceans of Christmas blessings!

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler is on the move!

Lady Traveler is Moving!

The gazebo just outside our back patio
overlooking Lake Murray.
A perfect place to write...and dream

This is Lady Traveler's continued story.

A close of one chapter.

The beginning of a new chapter.

I've been wanting to downsize--again--for the past few years.

Robinski and I love our home here on Golden Hills Golf Course.

I've written blogs about the deer roaming on this former dairy farm.

Three years ago we found a little villa (condo) on Lake Murray.

But we couldn't decide if we wanted to leave our cozy home.

We hesitated, and the condo sold.

I knocked on the new owner's door and handed her my business card.

"If you ever consider selling, please call us."

Over the past three years, I would often drive through the small community,

but no FOR SALE sign.

Rob and I would pull in and admire the lovely lake,

and look for a FOR SALE sign.

None to be found.

Until ...

This past September 29th, the Saturday before we flew to So-Cal

Rob said, "Let's pull in and take a quick look."

"I was thinking the same thing," I answered.

"If anything's for sale, lets buy it!"

I quickly answered, "Only if its on the lake side."

No FOR SALE signs.

"What are you doing?" Rob asked.

"Pull over. I'm going to give that lady another business card."

I knocked on the door and the pretty lady greeted me with a surprised look.

I greeted her as I held up my business card, "I don't know if you remember me..."

She invited me in and replied, "I was getting ready to call you.

I'm putting my condo on the market in two weeks and I was planning to call you first!"

Well, needless to say, we shared a moment of shock.

Rob and I returned the next day, took a good look at the 'turn-key' villa.

I took our daughter Jacquie over and she loved it.

The morning before we left for So-Cal we had to make a decision.

"If we hesitate, she'll put that darling villa on the market and it'll be sold

within a week," I reminded my Robinski.

But wait!

There's more!

An hour later, as Rob was pulling out of our driveway our neighbor was walking across the street.

Rob asked if he knew anyone who wanted to buy our house.

By noon our neighbor's friend walked through our home,

and by the time she drove down the street she called and made us an offer on our house!

SO, we sold our house and bought a villa/condo on the lake all in ONE DAY!

October has been a whirlwind for us 70+ year-olds,

but we're taking it all a 'day at a time.' with lots of 'time-outs' to rest.

I tell you this story to encourage you that God knows your heart's desires.

Hold on to those dreams and keep the faith!

Seek the Lord, trust Him, and He shall direct your path.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life ...

Psalm 23:6

I'll be off social media until I get settled in.

Then I invite y'all to come over and enjoy the tranquil view of
Lake Murray from our veranda.

I wish you oceans of dreamy blessings for this Thanksgiving season!

www.sharonleaf.com

My Mother, the Traveler

My Mother, a true southern belle

Mommy's warm brown eyes showed me love every day

My sweet southern belle Mama, Katherine Sue (Sue Dee)

left a legacy of faith, love, and laughter.  

She was born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, 

content to never leave her hometown.  

Her family was poor, and her mom and dad died 

when she was a young girl. 

Her first husband was murdered right before her eyes.  

A few years later, she met my Daddy when he was stationed at 

Shaw Air Force Base. 

They soon married, had a darling baby girl (me!), 
and five months later
they were on a train heading for California.  

Mom's first trip across country.  Mine too.  

Before flying was in, traveling cross country 

via trains, buses and automobiles was the norm.

My Mommy, the beauty queen,
in the backyard of our 2-bedroom house in the 50's
Downey, California

When I was fifteen, Mom got up enough nerve to 

climb aboard a Greyhound bus in Los Angeles, 

along with me and my fourteen-year-old brother, 

and set out east to Surfside, South Carolina for the summer.

To most of you, that's not a big deal.  

But as I look back, I know that those two journeys for Mom 

was a very big deal.  

She was shy, fearful, a worrier, and a home-body.  

She was happy staying home, taking care of John and me, 

cleaning, ironing, cooking, 

taking us to church every Sunday ... 
all the things that were important to her.

But there were moments when she had to 

lose sight of her safe shore and dive into a new ocean. 

Yay, Mom!

When she died at the young age of sixty-six,
(heart issues and Multiple Sclerosis) 

a big piece of my life was taken from me.  

I was going through a divorce,

so I took refuge in God and 
raising my two wonderful children.

Mom isn't far from me; 

she just moved to heaven where I will one day join her.  

I know she is dancing and singing with Jesus, 

talking her head off, as usual, 

and making everyone laugh without even trying.  

That's my sweet southern Mama in a nutshell.
There's much more, but I'll leave the rest in my
Memory Box.

My message today: 

Wherever your mother may be, near or far, 

take some time to reminisce of times gone by.  

If she's still with you, ask her some questions, 

because when she's gone, it will be too late.  

I have so many questions I wish I had asked about her childhood, her younger years, her thoughts on topics-of-the-hour.  

I knew she loved Tom Jones and The Beatles.  

She sang Morning Has Broken and 

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross 

when she ironed and prepared dinner. 

Her first love was Jesus.

To all of you mothers--and YOUR mothers--

I wish you oceans of Mother's Day blessings!

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler, walking, biking, & swimming in Surfside ~ Part 3

One doesn't realizes how beautiful it is to travel until 

one comes home and

rests one's head on one's old,  familiar pillow.

Happy to be back in Surfside, SC May 2017

What a wonderful, whimsical week I had at

Ocean Lakes in Surfside, South Carolina.

Morning, afternoon, and evening swims.

Likewise, morning, afternoon, and evening walks along the beach.

Ditto bikerides.

Meeting new friends.
And of course, lots of writing.

My beach walks were my favorite times.
Each day as I gazed out at the magnificent Atlantic,
memories returned of the weeks spent crossing the Pond
on the WWII ship, MS Restoration.

Surrounded by miles of water, I was always reminded of how small I was,
and how great our God is.

Enjoying the surf with a dear friend.
Thank you, Betty and Reg, for driving down from Florence,
not once, but twice!
(they will follow us anywhere!)

I'm writing this blog from the comfort--and spaciousness--of my home-on-land.

(I consider Moon River to be our home-on-wheels).

Two homes.  Two worlds.

All the comforts of home.  It's called 'glamping'!

Popcorn loves glamping too!

Upon arriving home after our long drive home from the beach on Sunday,

(the traffic was bad)

my body needed to move around, so Rob and I spent several hours

emptying the RV of food, clothes, dirty laundry, etc.

Finally, after a long-awaited shower, I fell into bed and slept for 10 hours!

I never sleep that long, so I guess my body was telling me something:

Take a break.

Now, enough about me.

Many of you tell me that you are living vicariously through my travels,

thus, the title of my blog, Lady Traveler.

Some of you, due to circumstances beyond your control

--health issues, family responsibilities, work obligations--

cannot take off and travel for long periods of time.

(By the way, we couldn't either until Rob retired in 2015.

Also, we were care givers for Rob's Mother until she went to heaven in 2015).

A few of you just do not have the desire to travel.

You're content with staying at home, which is wonderful.

Travel isn't for everyone.

I just happen to love the combination of staying at home and traveling.

My encouragement to you is small, yet wise:

Wherever you are, at home or on the road,

Make each day count.

Smile, and thank God that He has allowed you to live another day.

Be aware of your surroundings.

There is someone outside your door that needs your smile,

that needs a word of encouragement from YOU.

Lady Traveler's view from Moon River
Surfside, South Carolina 2017

June will find Lady Traveler heading west to Shawnee, Oklahoma to an ACA Rally,

then north to Missouri to visit our son and d-in-love,

Shawn and Frances (yay!)

God only knows where we'll end up in July ...

Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina ... 

Time will tell.

For now, this lady is going to spend the month of May 

enjoying every minute at home,

resting, writing, and 

inviting family and friends over for food,

coffee, sweet tea, a glass of wine,

and good ol' southern hospitality.

A view of Lady Traveler's backyard. Home sweet home.

Lady Traveler wishes you oceans of Mother's Day blessings,

and lots of rest in Him.

Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads,

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Follow me on:
www.facebook.com/sharonleafwriter

www.sharonleaf.com

Lady Traveler taking a long, beachy walk to the Surfside Pier - Part 2

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

Broken Pier.  Broken Promises
Surfside Pier after Hurricane Matthew 2016

Returning to Surfside is always nostalgic for me.

Loving the present, and remembering the past.

After we set up camp at Ocean Lakes on Sunday,

I took the long walk to the Surfside Pier.

How wonderful it is to walk without pain, thanks to my new bionic knee.

As I approached the familiar pier, I noticed her damages.

Boards were torn off, her sidings down, and the end of the pier was literally demolished.

The pier was closed.

I later found out that her injuries were caused from Hurricane Matthew

that fiercely blew through the area last September.

Her injuries reminded me of my own knee injury.
Thank the good Lord that mine was repaired and better than new.
This is what I wish for the old Surfside Pier.

I stood for a long time, thinking of the memories that old pier represented.

It was the summer of 1961.

Flashbacks of ...
My Uncle Jimmy Bobo fishing off the end of the pier,

My young brother's first kiss at the end of the pier.

My hand-in-hand stroll with a 15-year-old tall Texan to the end of that pier.
(sorry, I'm not giving any further details).

And my cousin who eventually married a young man who worked at The Pavilion.

So many memories of fun in the sun with my family and new friends.

Two years later, my parents gave me a graduation gift:

a trip on a Greyhound bus to Surfside, South Carolina.

Much fun! More memories. And a few broken promises.

I smiled as I took the long walk back to Ocean Lakes,

thankful for my life, my husband, my family, my friends.

So much to be thankful for.

Even my memories.  

Eating breakfast at Surf Diner on the Surfside Pier, SC
Remembering.
And oh yes, delicious food and beachy atmosphere!

Until next time,
I wish you oceans of wonderful present memories.

To those who use well what they are given, 

even more will be given,

and they will have an abundance.

Matthew 25:29

www.facebook.com/sharonleafwriter
www.sharonleaf.com

Home again for Lady Traveler

My autumns in Zion with Daddy and brother John
2008-2012

Autumn has blown in

And I'm back home after our 

Deployment to Kingstree, South Carolina,

A town still reeling from the

Destruction of the 1,000-year flood.

I was blessed to be a small part of the Christ In Action (CIA) team who

Traveled from near and far to 

Bring hope to America's families in South Carolina.

Ready for action

Now, back in my comfortable surroundings,

It all seems like a bad dream.

But the people who we left behind

Are still struggling with the

Reality of the horrendous waters

That raged through their homes.

When I know there are so many hurting people,

Sometimes I find it hard...

but I have to take a deep breath,

call a friend,

and laugh a little.

Friends are a wonderful gift.

Never take them for granted.

One of many piles...from molded walls to precious memories...

This is my second deployment and

Hopefully not my last.

The memories and my feelings are difficult to put into words 

So I will simply ask you,

My readers, my friends,

To continue to pray for the families who are in need.

Thank you.

My favorite pastime ... laughing!

For pictures of the Kingstree, South Carolina flood, go to

www.christinaction.com

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and through the rivers,

they shall not overflow you...

Isaiah 43:2

I wish you oceans of blessings for the

Thanksgiving Season

www.sharonleaf.com

South Carolina's "Thousand-year Flood"...Lady traveler on the road again

My new Pedego E-bike from
Pedego Bike Shop in Myrtle Beach

Too busy + plus having too much fun =
No recent blogs.  

A week at Ocean Lakes Campground in Myrtle Beach +
a week in Dreher Island State Park with our new Pedego bikes =

Biking.  Relaxing.  Writing.

Flag flying high in South Carolina
Photo by Shawn Watson Photography

Then in October the maddening floods flowed throughout

my sweet state of South Carolina.

They call it the 1,000-year Flood.

Thousands of homes were destroyed.
Dams burst and overflowed.

Our raging 12-mile Creek rushed up to our backyard deck.

Hundreds of bridges out.

Roads closed indefinitely.

First the devastation.

Now the restoration...

People helping people,

Strangers no more.

I'm thankful for my church home,

NewSpring.

We sprang into action across the state

to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Rob and I are also volunteers with
Christ In Action (CIA)

to help bring HOPE to America's families.

Rob was part of the CIA team who drove to 

Virginia to the CIA base camp,

to help drive the convoy down to 

Williamsburg County.

My traveling cowboy is home now, but in the next few days
Rob and I will be driving our motor home, RESTi2,

to Williamsburg County where we'll stay indefinitely.

There are 50-100 homes underwater

There is much work to be done.

But that is all in a day's work.

(for some reason I'm not able to publish flood photos from my iPhone at this time)

Christ In Action has posted pictures on their website,
when CIA deployed to Wimberley, Texas in June.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we

endeavor to bring HOPE

to American families.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and 
with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:37

www.christinaction.com

www.newspringchurch.org

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

Travelin' Across Town To A Birthday Party

Destinee at an orphanage in Mexico

My quick, unedited blog (gotta get ready for a birthday bash):

Twenty-three years ago the sweetest little baby girl was born.

I drove her Mama (my daughter, Jacquie) to the hospital

(I think Tom thought it was another 'false labor').  

It was the typical So-Cal morning traffic, way too slow, 

bumper to bumper.  Jacquie was in labor.  

I was praying while driving (not the same as texting).  

Over the past weeks she had had several 'false labors' 

so I was familiar with the freeway to 

Kaiser Hospital in Anaheim Hills.  

We made it to the hospital just in time for little 

Destinee Taylor Blake to pop out 

(yes, Tom made it to the hospital in time) 

and our lives have been on a fast-track ever since. 

Destinee is my only granddaughter 

(I have three grandsons, thanks to Rob's daughter), 

so you can imagine the dilemma I had when we 

had to leave for Bible school in Sweden 

when she was only six weeks old.  

Whew. Tears. Doubts (am I doing the right thing?)  

But God honored our faithfulness to His calling by 

bringing Tom, Jacquie, AND baby Destinee to 

Sweden for New Year's.  

Two weeks with my sweet lil' darling was my shot in the arm to 

get me through the snowy Swedish winter.  

Then six months later, after touring Israel and 

trekking through Siberia for a month, 

Jacquie and Destinee flew to Sweden for two weeks, 

then we all flew home together.  Double blessing.

Okay, as you can see, this is MY story, so it's all about 

me, Destinee, and God's faithfulness.

LIFE LESSON:

Trust God, obey Him, 

and He will give you the desires of your heart.  

God knew I was longing to see my granddaughter, and Voila!  Thank you, Lord.

A few summers ago
eating at Mellow Mushroom with family

FAST FORWARD:  

Rob and I moved to South Carolina eight years ago, 

and after many plane trips back and forth, 

Tom, Jacquie, and Destinee moved here three years ago

and live fifteen minutes away.  We didn't plan it.  

We still laugh about it.  God did it.  Life can't get much better.  Well, yes it could.  

Son Shawn and wife Frances could end up here.  

How cool would that be?  

But when I pray, I always pray for God's will for my family, 

not my will.  

Destinee loves her mud runs

The 3 GLITS Gals*
*(Girls-Living-In-The-South)

Whether on a mud run, on the mission field, or 

working as a make-up artist for MAC Cosmetics, 

Destinee is a gifted, talented, God-loving young woman.  

She loves her family and friends, but most of all, 

she loves God.

I love Destinee more than words can say.  

Now that I think about it, she has followed me wherever I go ... Sweden, Seattle (when we lived on a WWII ship)

and now South Carolina.  

That says a lot about our love for each other. 

Today, this Grama prays for God's will 

to be accomplished in her granddaughter's life.  

And Destinee, if you read this, 

I wish you smooth sailing on life's journey, 

and oceans of blessings,

Love, Grams Leaf  

www.sharonleaf.com

Put a LITTLE GRAVEL in Your TRAVEL...Lady Travels on Highway 378 to Myrtle Beach

Home of Josh Turner, one of my favorite country singers
Highway 378

Makes me wanna take a back road

Makes me wanna take the long way home...

(a Tim McGraw song)

Last week, my cousin, Vernon Roy, and I took a road trip to Myrtle Beach.  Highway 378 is a road that has been around years before the interstates were built.  I drive 378 from Lexington to Sumter because I prefer roads and highways to the faster interstates.  Why?  Because you get the feel of the countryside and the little towns along the way.  And at my young age of 67, I'm in no hurry to get to the next town.  I enjoy the moment.  Try it.  You'll like it.

FYI:  Highway 378 will take you all the way to Myrtle Beach.

My last trip to MB was three months ago with my cousin, Ronnie; we were meeting our cousins, Judy and Bettie, for lunch.  This time the trip with Vernon was more somber.  We were meeting Bettie at the hospital to visit Judy who recently had a major stroke and was paralyzed.  We were greeted by Judy's smile and her funny stories about her stay in the hospital.  Then we laughed about the time ...

...  I was in sixth grade and my family drove from California to South Carolina for a three-week Christmas vacation.  I stayed a few days in Sumter with Judy, and when her mother announced we were having fried chicken for dinner, I followed her outside, thinking we were going to walk down the road to the local Piggly Wiggly to buy a chicken.   Suddenly she grabbed an ax and I watched in horror as she proceeded to chop off a chicken's head (needless to say, that evening I had a difficult time eating one of their pets)... 

... The laughter we shared gave us strength to get through the heartache of seeing our cousin lying helpless in a hospital bed.  Before we said our good-byes, I asked Judy, "May we pray for you?"  As I prayed, peace filled the room, and our tears felt like tears of hope.  We are believing for Judy's miracle from God.

Travel TiP:  Laughter AND Prayer is good for the soul.  Remember that the next time you visit someone in the hospital.

The two hour drive back to Sumter gave Vernon and I some 'cousin time' to walk down memory lane.    As we drove along, something felt familiar.   Then suddenly out of nowhere,  a big sign on the right side of the highway caught my attention. "Josh Turner!"** I exclaimed.  Vernon quickly asked, "Do you want me to pull over so you can take a picture?"  Vernon has gotten to know me quite well since I moved to South Carolina seven years ago.  Although we only get together a few times a year, he has learned to read my body language, especially when I pull out my iPhone to take a picture...a dead give-away.

Travel TiP:  Take time to smell the roses and read the signs--and take pictures!  It's the little things that mean a lot, and I thank Vernon for having the patience to pull over for me to click about ten shots of this sign.  Yes, rich and famous people are born in small southern towns.  And I feel that this sign was a smile from God, letting us know that the whole world is in His hands, especially our sweet cousin, Judy.

By faith

we understand that the entire universe

was formed by God's command,

that what we now see

 did not come from anything that can be seen.

Hebrews 11:8-10 NLT

You may apply all above Travel TiPs to any state or country you visit.

I wish you oceans of blessings and smooth sailing for your Autumn days

www.sharonleaf.com

** BTW: Quick story:  The first time Jacquie came to visit me seven years ago (before she moved to Lexington),  I accidentally took Highway 378 to Myrtle Beach, which takes twice as long as driving on I-20east...but hey, it was my first time driving to MB!  Jacquie and I did see the Josh Turner sign, but that was before I had a smart phone, and I never thought I'd be traveling down that road again.  But here's the proof!  *smile*

Put a little gravel in YOUR travel