My new favorite summer song, Wild Child, by Kenny Chesney. It’s perfect… Enjoy!
What’s not love about this song, video, beach, jeep, horses, and the ocean… Need I say more? Do you have a favorite?
Happy trails
Donna George
lifestyle
25 Reminders: The Best Things In Life Are… Free?
Do you believe the best things in life are free? Up for a few reminders??
Contrary to what you might think, the happiest people in the world are not the millionaires, billionaires and Trumps of the world. It’s the ordinary, average people, like you and I, who are the happiest. Finding joy in the small things life has to offer, and finding happiness in the day-to-day simple living. A concept that is becoming non-existent in our culture as the stress of distracting noise becomes louder and louder inside our heads, and the quest to be entertained by the newest tech gadgets grows. I was there, totally caught up in all, for a long time. The thought of being stuck on a flight with a dead battery on my iPad was next to tragic. I craved the constant stimulus from devices never realizing it, until one day, my life became simpler. With simplicity comes clarity, and I learned a few things about myself that I had forgotten long ago.
There is no denying the relevance of money and the influence it has on our lives. It’s an important part of our survival, and brings many comforts. After all we need things, we want things and we want them now, for heaven’s sake! Only in retrospect, can I personally judge, this pleasure dependence on money, with the unnecessary things it can buy. How many red leather pairs of pumps can make a closet complete? How many purses in shades of pink was enough? There was always one more I thought I had to have…
Well, enough of my confessions, let’s get to the free stuff, the best stuff… And here are 25 reminders on my list:
1. The people in your life you love, and love you back.
2. Friends, especially close ones.
3. Laughter, belly laughs.
4. Animals that bring joy into your life.
5. Hugs, all kinds and sizes.
6. Prayers
7. Kind people.
8. Beach days
9. Snow Days
10. Every new day is a gift.
11. A hot shower.
12. Clean Sheets on the bed.
13. A good night’s sleep.
14. Reading!!!
15. Listening to Music
16. Star gazing and enjoying the great outdoors.
17. Teaching yourself something new.
18. A clean house.
19. Smiling :)).
20. Honesty.
21. Having people in your life who encourages you.
22. Believing in yourself.
23. Wildflowers.
24. The 5 Senses, touch, smell, sound, sight, and taste
25. Hope (Hebrew 11:1) the hope of assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
I would enjoy reading your list. How do you describe the best of times?
Happy trails
Donna George
For The Love Of Country, Happy Birthday USA
For The Love Of Country, Happy Birthday USA… We love you!
American Flag
July 4th, 1776, the official birthday, and founding day of the United States Of America. A day of celebration!
Fireworks, Happy 4th Of July
A day that marching bands parade through main street and fireworks light up the night sky. Friends gather on the beaches, and families gather in backyards to grill hotdogs and burgers.
Patriotic Beach
American Flag, from sea to shining sea
But the day represents more than fun celebrations, it’s really about the commemoration of the great risks the Founders took to free the colonies. It’s about the signing of The Declaration Of Independence, the separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain. Who composed the Declaration? You guessed it right, I know, Thomas Jefferson. Where did the signing happen? Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A city that hosts so much rich culture, the Liberty Bell, The first Post Office, Independence Hall, The Presidents House, Franklin Square and on and on the list go. I worked in Philly over 10 years, I enjoyed the culture, The Museum Of History, The Bridges, especially the Ben Franklin and naturally my favorite spot was the Edgar Allan Poe House. Can you imagine how excited I was to see the house where Poe wrote “Raven”??
George Washington statement
America the beautiful
She is so beautiful, grandeur in appearance as she towers over the land and sea. The flag always makes me feel proud of the brave soldiers and families who sacrificed everything for the love of country. How precious are the military, they are Heros, America’s Grand Jewels. I wish we could dethrone Hollywood A-listers and give their fame and glory to our military. They are honorable, giving, and devoted to protecting our Country. Thank you….
4th-of-july military
Soldiers tags
Our freedom was a big cost. A price not to be taken for granted. Fly your flags, dress patriotic and sing your favorite Patriotic song. I sent you one, now you find one you like. Be safe and have a great 4th! Oh, and look for a soldier to thank.
Here are a few examples of Patriotic Famiies ideas:
Patriotic homeowners
Flag colored barn
Pledge
Fireworks and American flag
America, home of the brave, we love you. How do you spend the 4th of July? Make it memorable…
Happy trails
Donna George
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7 Shark Attacks This Summer On The North Carolina Coast
7 Shark Attacks This Summer On The North Carolina Coast, what the heck is happening??
It’s the 4th of July, the beaches are packed and the sharks are acting crazy. Another victim attacked and airlifted to the hospital today at Ocracoke Island, in the Outer Banks of N.C.
Last week I posted about the recent shark attacks and included what the experts believe are causing the frenzy and I included safety tips for swimming in the ocean. You can find it by clicking here and victim updates here. The scientists and marine biologists are now adding to the list of probable causes of shark attacks to include warmer than usual temperatures causing the ocean water temperature to rise. The hot temps and the lack of fresh rain water has made the ocean water unusually warm, and non-diluted with high levels of salinity that sharks enjoy.
Added to the list of probable causes is the abundance of available shark food. Turtles and bait fish are motivating the sharks to come closer to shore to feed, which explains all the shark activity in the shallow water.
If you’re headed to the beach for vacation, enjoy the ocean, swim smart, stay alert and have a great time! Enjoy the 4th of July! If you’re not joining the masses at the beaches, how will you spend the holiday?
Happy trails
Donna George
Why Torture Yourself on Social Media Debating Race, Gender, And Religion?
Why torture yourself on social media debating race, gender and religion? Within these social hot beds where grenades are flying and people are lurking from every nook and cranny on the web, be warned. If you hit the send button, you will become a target, likely, get attacked and left with scars.
Why? Everyone‘s declaring war, insisting their opinion is right and demanding to be heard. Social platforms are raging with haters trolling for lone rebels to verbally devour by spewing words of hatred. Why are people so inflamed, divided?
Race, Gender, and Religion carry many labels, beliefs, and opinions that run deep with each of us. It’s okay, we’re human, imperfect, a work in progress trying to be a better version of ourselves than we were yesterday.
Controversial topics on social media are trigger points, dark alleyways for angry, frustrated, disappointed individuals to vent and release strong emotions. I read comments on FB last week that made me happy, sad, mad and concerned. Even checking a few times to verify If I was actually friends with such persons who were capable of writing such horrible, mean things, especially about Christians or if they were a random visitor from my FB page. Yes, seriously, this is true. I, too, like many of you, have strong opinions about the sensitive subjects of race, gender and religion. In particular concerning Christians, who seemed to be under attack by the whole world. But with self-control in hand, I moved on and realized only elections can speak louder than the most popular FB post on the web.
As far as I can tell, the only power to affect change, (besides God) comes from the officials elected by the people. I finally came to this conclusion after making peace with the fact, that I can’t change anything except myself. So why let it steal my peace? No point in blowing up your blood pressure and torturing yourself over small stuff that won’t matter tomorrow.
What can you do when you feel helpless or lose hope??
- Try visiting platforms on the web where your words can make a difference or convert your thoughts into action as a lobbyist. Here’s a thought – start a blog about your cause.
- Submit letters to state legislatures or the powers at be.
- Write articles to magazines interested in your feedback.
- Take a deep breath, and be grateful for the freedom to make your own choices.
Other than getting to the polls to vote for the candidates who support your views – stay positive:) and keep looking for happy spots to visit online.
Happy trails
Donna George
Facebook Page To Help Oak Island, N.C. Shark Attack Victim Kiersten Yow
Like her page, send a note or donate!
Meet Kiersten Yow, the courageous NC girl who survived the shark attack I posted earlier this week – great news, she is sharing a big smile on news clip, what a trooper!
Local news (WECT) catches up with Kiersten Yow –
12-year-old shark bite victim keeps positive
CHAPEL HILL, NC (WECT) – Kiersten Yow’s life was forever changed after being bitten by a shark in waist deep water in Oak Island on June 14, but that hasn’t kept the 12-year-old down.
Days after the terrifying ordeal, Kiersten’s family created a support page on Facebook, and people from around the country have been showing their support and admiration for this brave young girl.
Kiersten’s parents have been updating the page with her latest condition and progress. On Sunday, exactly one week after the incident, Kiersten walked the halls of the hospital for the first time!
The family updated the support facebook page Tuesday night to say Kiersten will be having surgery Wednesday on both her arm and leg.
When Kiersten isn’t going through therapy, she’s still able to enjoy things any preteen would – like playing the Wii, challenging others in board games, watching TV and playing on her iPod.
Kiersten’s parents say she is keeping a positive attitude, isn’t questioning why this happened to her, and thinking about accomplishing the next task. They are amazed with her progress, which she usually follows with the famous words, “Hey mom, look at me!”
Mobile users can view photos of Kiersten’s recovery here.
If you would like to send Kiersten a card or package, she can receive items at:
Kiersten Yow Support
PO Box 4555
Chapel Hill, NC 27515-4555
Copyright 2015 WECT. All rights reserved.
Get well wishes and prayers going your way Kiersten!
Happy trails
Donna George
Will The Fear Of Recent Shark Attacks At Oak Island, N.C., Keep You On The Shore?
Will The Fear Of Recent Shark Attacks At Oak Island, N.C., Keep You On The Shore…
Why did a shark attack 2 swimmers at my hometown beach, Oak Island, N.C.? Unless someone has been living under a rock or living outside of the US, you’ve most likely heard snippets of the tragic events that occurred Sunday. How does an otherwise normal, ordinary fun, sunny day at the beach turn to sheer terror in water?
Like something straight from the movies, surreal, but very real. Two separate shark attacks on the same beach, two miles apart in waist deep water! How does this happen?
Thank God, Charlotte paramedic, Marie Hildreth, was at the right place, at the right time to save a life. She saw the attack and wasted no time making a tourniquet, even using the strings from a boogie board until EMS arrived on the scene.
UPDATE
Charlotte Paramedic, Marie Hildreth, photo courtesy Fox News
The courageous victims were airlifted to New Hanover Regional Medical Center Hospital in Wilmington in critical condition. The first victim attacked was thirteen year old North Carolina girl, Kiersten Yow. On Monday she was transferred to N.C. Children’s Hospital at UNC where, she remains in stable condition. Her arm was amputated at the elbow, and she has suffered significant tissue damage to her leg, but with surgeries and rehabilitations, her doctors expect her to keep her leg.
Around 90 minutes later, the second shark attack happens in close proximity, about 2 miles up the beach from the first attack. Sixteen year old Hunter Treschel, from Colorado Springs was released from the hospital Wednesday to return to his home in Colorado. Although Hunter lost his arm below the shoulder, he is positive and in good spirits posting five Facebook videos about the attack from his hospital room
I am grateful Hunter and Kiersten are both recovering.
Shark experts’ studies point to the rise of shark sightings off the The Atlantic Coast due to a growing population of sharks. In 1997 a conservative law measure became effective that tempers and prevents great white shark hunting. In my humble unscientific opinion, maybe it’s time to reform or update that law.
Other shark authorities claim increased fishing activity off the piers attract the beasts. The Oak Island officials have now banned all shark fishing from the pier. Call me crazy, but why was shark fishing ever allowed, considering surfers and swimmers are always in the ocean near the piers. My favorite spot to swim was always near this pier – at this very same pier. Yes, this is my hometown beach, where I learned to surf a little, swim a lot, work a waterslide park and lifeguard. Never have I felt fear at this familiar beach.
Oak Island Beach, NC
Will you return to the sea as normal or retreat to the hot, balmy shoreline? The ocean is a treasure that we share with the sea life. They have their place and we have ours. We can co-exist together, sharing the same sea.
A Few Tips I Learned In Life Guard Training – Safety Tips
- Don’t wear shiny jewelry in the ocean (big no-no) and opt for dark color swimwear and (avoid yellow). Sharks see in shades of black and white not color, but use contrast to distinguish objects of interest.
- Swim in locations where authorities are watching and patrolling for life safety and emergencies.
- Stay in waters with groups of other people, high activity usually defers attacks. There is more safety in numbers.
- Stay out of the ocean after a heavy rainfall or storm. Bait fish get stirred up and sharks go after them to feed.
- Don’t swim near drop-offs points to deeper waters, like a river mouth. Sharks inhabit these kinds of areas.
- The basic rule of thumb (I always follow) – don’t swim at dawn, dusk or night.
- Leave the water quickly, but calmly if you start to see large schools, jump out of the water or start to behave erratically or strange. It is usually because they sense a predatory shark.
- When swimming in deep water (which I love), try to swim with smooth moves. Don’t splash a lot and bring attention to yourself in the water.
- The danger heightens when you swim in deep waters, where we enjoy skiing, swimming and many other water activities, however the chances increase for a shark encounter.
- If a shark should begin to approach you, (if you don’t have a heart attack first), be ready to defend yourself! If contact occurs, keep your sight on the shark, and try gouging his eyes out with your fingers and bang on its nose. Fight!
Fear is a strong emotion, but Love is even stronger. The lifestyle of ocean lovers centers around the beach and the water. I hope you will continue to embrace what you love while exercising a little wisdom. There are risks in everything in life. What will you do, stay on the shore or jump back in the water? Love it or leave it?
Tomorrow is the first official day of summer, Enjoy the Summer!
And Happy Father’s Day 🙂
Happy trails,
Donna George
Girl, Put Your Record On, Tell Me Your Favorite Song
Jukebox music of yesteryears
Heard this tune before? Girl, put your record on, tell me your favorite song.
Three little birds, sat on my window.
And they told me I don’t need to worry.
Summer came like cinnamon
So sweet,
Little girls double-dutch on the concrete.
Maybe sometimes, we’ve got it wrong, but it’s alright
The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same
Oh, don’t you hesitate.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
You’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.
Blue as the sky, sunburnt and lonely,
Sipping tea in the bar by the roadside,
(Just relax, just relax)
Don’t you let those other boys fool you,
Got to love that afro hair do.
Maybe sometimes, we feel afraid, but it’s alright
The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change.
Don’t you think it’s strange?
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
You’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow.
‘Twas more than I could take, pity for pity’s sake
Some nights kept me awake, I thought that I was stronger
When you gonna realize, that you don’t even have to try any longer?
Do what you want to.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams,
Just go ahead, let your hair down.
Some days are made for songs like these. What record do you play to let your hair down?
Happy Trails
Donna
photo credit, purple clover
Can You Pick A Favorite From The 1000 Piece Puzzle Gallery?
Can you pick a favorite from the 1000 piece puzzle gallery? My puzzle friends have requested a puzzle gallery, and finally here it is. If you missed the post, How To Turn A 1000 Piece Puzzle Into A Masterpiece, take a peek.
Old Junkers, 1000 Piece Puzzle
99 Places In The World To See, 1000 Piece Puzzle
Crazy Balls, 1000 Piece Puzzle
All About The Dogs, 1000 Piece Puzzle
Vintage Old Store
America, 1000 Piece Puzzle
Walt Disney World, 1000 Piece Puzzle
The Cross, 1000 Piece Puzzle
Old Baldy Lighthouse, 1000 Piece Puzzle – Bald Head Island, NC
It’s always the small pieces that make the big picture
Puzzling is what I call, making order out of chaos. Whether you consider puzzling a time-waster or a sanity saver, it’s a hobby with devoted fans. No matter what category you enjoy building, the options are endless. Remember, you will be looking at the pieces time and time again so it’s important to choose something you like.
Did you see a puzzle you liked? Can you pick a favorite from the 1000 Piece Puzzle Gallery? If not, find one you like and get busy. Don’t forget to send me a photo.
Happy trails
Donna George
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