Imagine the Possibilities

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

There is a chill in the air this morning, but warmer temps are just down the road. Well, a few hours down the road, anyway. This morning we say goodbye to Charleston as we make our way to Florida. Yesterday we toured the city, learned some history, shopped, ate barbeque, and of course had pie (for pi day). Here is my attempt to sum up our day in six words:

Historical mansions and Charleston charm. Merci!

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

Greetings from Charleston, SC!

You know you’ve left Pennsylvania and are in the south when…

• Grits replace scrapple as a breakfast menu item
• The price of gas drops significantly (at least 30 cents a gallon)
• Most females, regardless of age or circumstance, are referred to as ma’am
• Pine trees start to resemble large stalks of broccoli
• You are offered boiled peanuts and/or hush puppies with most meals
• You feel just a little bit closer to the sun

Last night we ate at a seafood restaurant. I love fresh seafood so I ordered the yellow snapper, the catch of the day. I think someone went out and snagged this guy while we were waiting!

It was delicious!

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

Good morning from Rocky Mount, NC!

Are you a heavy packer or a light packer? A roller? A just-throw-it-in, or a more organized packer? Do you use tissue paper? Depending on the size of the suitcase, where I’m going, and the mode of transportation, I have been all of those types of packers.

Several years ago when Allan and I were planning a trip to Italy, I knew I would have to learn the art of packing. That’s when I learned to roll. If you don’t know what I mean, just go to You Tube where you’ll find lots of help. I managed to fit everything I needed for a ten day trip to Italy in a carry-on size bag. I even had room to bring back some souvenirs! I also learned how to consolidate outfits – mix and matching tops and bottoms so it looks like you have more clothes with you. I was able to manage the same task last year when we traveled to Ireland (although experiencing the wind on the Cliffs of Moher made me wish I had rolled a few warmer pieces.)

Since we are driving on this trip, we have a little more room and can plan for the fluctuation in weather. In addition to two suitcases we have golf clubs, a dog bed, a bag of dog supplies, a bag of snacks (with supplies for martinis), a bag with my computer and writing materials, and a few loose jackets and wraps thrown in just in case. But with all that, as we made our way to the diner across the street last night in the snow and sleet and slush, I wished I had thrown in some boots!

Next stop, Charleston, SC!

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

All our bags are packed…we’re ready to go…

but not on a jet plane. In a little while we will be setting off on a road trip that will take us to North Carolina, Charleston, and eventually Clearwater and Dunedin. With Cyrus (our Bernese Mountain/Rottweiler furry companion) along, there are bound to be adventures.

Looking for the sun

Making discoveries on a

Travel adventure

I am hoping to keep up with my slices, but there may be a few missed days here and there.

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Thanks to the co-authors of              Two Writing Teachers for creating this  supportive community.

Showers are a great place for thinking. I’ve solved world problems, family crises, planned meals, and discovered an idea for a story all while taking a shower. So it stands to reason that this morning, while in the shower and trying to come up with an idea for today’s slice, I decided to pay tribute to showering.

When I was growing up I always took baths, but during college that was not a possibility, so I learned to take a shower. I guess it was at that time that I also learned how convenient it is to wash your hair in the shower. In all the places I lived in before I was married, there was only one that didn’t have a shower. There was an old claw-foot tub that was great for taking a bath, but not for washing my hair. For that, I had to hook up a special hose and lean over the edge of the tub. I was glad I only lived there for about a year.

Then there are the many types of showers you can take – quick showers, long showers, outside showers at the beach, steamy showers, cold showers, even showers with a friend (hopefully a very good friend) or a pet. To get a shower when my kids were babies I would often bring them into the bathroom and sit them on the floor while I stepped inside the stall. Those were definitely quick showers.

But my favorite kind of shower is long and hot. Maybe it’s the way the hot water cascades gently down my back. Maybe it’s the scent of the lavender soap as I lather it on my arms and legs. Maybe it’s that unbeatable feeling of warmth and cleanliness. Maybe it’s all of those things, and more. But whatever it is, a wonderfully wonderful hot shower is luxurious, and certainly something not to be taken for granted.

Enjoy your shower today!