Vancouver

View of Vancouver from Queen Elizabeth Park

When planning a trip to a brand new locale, you have to admit that at times you may feel a slight bit of apprehension.  What’s the place truly like?  Where shall I stay? What shall I eat?  How will I get around?  The questions that begin running through one’s mind can almost be endless when it comes to trip preparation and planning.  And, I’ll admit, that when my friend, Tiffany and I began pondering our trek to the Pacific Northwest that some of those same questions began pouring through my mind.  We knew we wanted to see Seattle, Portland, the Pacific Ocean, but ultimately, we also wanted to see more of Canada.  So, naturally, that would lead us to begin our trek in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and trek south to our final destination of Portland.

I had always heard of Vancouver, and ultimately knew it more so from their being a host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics, as well as being one of the main filming locations for The X-Files.  But, even with my love and affinity for Canada, the prospect of travelling over 3,000 miles from home was somewhat of a daunting reality.  Nonetheless, as I boarded my flight at 6:00am heading west, I was excited with anticipation of what lay ahead.

First glimpse of YVR after coming off the
jet bridge from the plane

If any of you have ever travelled to Vancouver, you will understand where I am coming from with this next comment.  When I stepped off the jet bridge, I think I was in complete bewilderment at the sight before me within the terminal at the airport. The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has to be one of the most amazing airports that I have ever been in.  I immediately thought I had stepped into some type of natural habitat or an aquarium, as running water and miniature docks were built into the terminal over pools of water stocked with fish and other critters providing a very relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for greeting you after your journey in the air. All throughout YVR, the motif was a mixture of Native American and all things Canadian with waterfalls scattered here and there.  In late 2016, CAPA Centre for Aviation named YVR as the Best Airport in the World, and I would concur with that recognition, as it was a wonderful experience! (YVR Press Release)

When you’re in Vancouver, in some aspects, you still feel as if you are in the United States of America.  It is such a modernized city, that it is very reminiscent to some American cities – large skyscrapers, apartment complexes, shopping stores and restaurants dotting every street as far as one can possibly see.  Even with the utilization of the Canada Line and buses, Vancouver is a very accessible city.  In some ways, it is almost better to walk as much as you can so that you are better equipped to take in all the sights and sounds of a relatively large city.  In addition to the subway and bus systems, there is an abundance of seaplanes and water taxis that also assist in your navigation of the city and its fingering suburbs.  One of my favorite transportation methods there was the Seabus, which is very similar to a ferry that shuttles passengers over to North Vancouver, which offers one of the greatest views of the city of Vancouver.

The infamous Nanaimo Bar!

Within Vancouver, there are plenty of things to see and do.  A multitude of parks encompass the city and its outer lying areas.  Queen Elizabeth Park offers an impressive view of the city from above, but the hike up there is anything but a ‘walk in the park’.  You can also relax in one of the Chinese gardens in the Chinatown section.  Make sure to take a stroll through Gastown and see the historic steam clock, which will blow its whistle if you are patient enough to wait.  Granville Island is another unique area just outside of the city, where you can wander through a variety of shops and markets.  Please, please, please make sure to purchase a sampling of the native Nanaimo bar.  It is one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten!!

Vancouver Harbour with a seaplane
and tanker among a few things
scattered within the waters.

While strolling down the Canada Trail along the waterfront, you’ll likely to catch a glimpse of tankers floating in the waterways or possibly see a cruise ship or two docked at the terminal.  Seaplanes will buzz overhead and then splash down before you.  You can also go over and visit the actual Olympic Cauldron.  The waterfront was one of my favorite spots to observe all the surroundings and ultimately glance across the pristine Vancouver Harbour at many of the snow-peaked mountains that dot the horizon.  It is one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen, and the air is so crisp and clear.

So, while, I was initially apprehensive when we departed for our trip, I quickly adapted and realized that Vancouver is one of the most remarkable cities that I have ever visited.  I only wish I had been able to spend a little more time there to see some additional tourist and non-tourist spots, but our train had to depart for Seattle to carry us to our next destination stop.  But, should you ever plan a trip to the Pacific Northwest, be sure to add Vancouver to your destination list.  You’ll be glad you did, eh!

Street level view of Downtown Vancouver just across the street
from where we stayed.  Please note, Tim Horton's is across the street
from our hotel, which was a deadly temptation!

 

Catch a water taxi in Granville Island back over to Vancouver.

 

Sitting on a park bench in North Vancouver glancing back across the Vancouver Harbour at the glorious
city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Umbrella

It never fails when I’m sitting in my office and getting ready to leave for lunch or for the end of the day that the bottom falls out and it starts raining a monsoon outside.  I frantically search my area for my umbrella, and as always, it dawns on me that I’ve left it in my car.  How many times has that happened to you, too?

Have you ever been curious and wondered just who invented the umbrella?  I mean seriously!  Why couldn’t I have come up with that million dollar idea?  I could have totally been retired and living the good life right now.  But have you ever curiously wondered where the notion came from? 

To be honest, I hadn’t either until I just started typing up this blog.  I always thought the umbrella was a neat contraption with a weird name.  According to some basic research (thanks, Wikipedia), there are traces of some type of umbrella being used way back in 21 AD, when a similar contraption was first installed on a carriage.  In reading the basic history and overview of the umbrella, I often love the varying ways that an umbrella is often referred to as including: folding canopy, gamps, brolly, bumbershoot and more commonly parasol (which sounds so much more appealing than umbrella, in my opinion).

Nonetheless, aside from its origins and uses throughout history and aside from what you want to refer to it as, aren’t we all grateful for its concept?   An umbrella provides us a small shelter in the time of a rainstorm.  It provides a little protection to at least attempt to keep our heads and upper body mostly dry (unless of course, a gust of wind comes along and flips your umbrella inside out). Umbrellas, however, are not useful for flying as Mary Poppins so often led us to believe.  (Trust me on this, I tried it as a child, jumping off our deck with umbrella in hand.  I flew through the air straight down and collided with the ground, but hey! I tried it, right!?)

While umbrellas can provide us a little protection during a storm, they won’t always last – they can rust, they can break, they can flip inside out.  There’s ultimately only one true shelter in the time of a storm (whether a physical thunderstorm or a personal battle storm that we face ourselves), God is the only shelter that can sustain us and last forever.  He never fails, He never breaks, and He never flips inside out (though, I’m sure sometimes some of us probably drive Him close to doing so), and I bet even He can fly! 

So, next time you utilize your umbrella, instead of humming along to Rihanna’s hit song Umbrella (ella, ella, eh, eh!), take a few moments out of your day to be thankful for your temporary protection during the rainstorm of what you are holding in your hand, but also take time to be thankful for your eternal protection in the One who will never fail you during any type of storm that you may face along life’s journey!

Travel

Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love to travel.  When I was a little tike, my parents would toss me in the car and just drive me around town or down to the coast or anywhere.  I absolutely loved riding in the car, and now ultimately, I love driving a car.  My home state of North Carolina has spoiled me because I am within driving distance of some of the most glorious beaches dotting the Atlantic Ocean and then on the flipside, we are just hours away from the Appalachian, Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.  Living practically in the middle of both of those environments not only spoils me but blesses me with the opportunity to hop in the car and drive to either location or some of the quaint small towns in the midst of it all. 

While it is often thrilling to travel via the great road, which allows more flexibility and possibilities of seeing new sights, driving in a car is not always the most conducive means for travelling. To be honest, it has always been my dream to either drive down to Wilmington, North Carolina, or else fly out to Barstow, California, and drive the entire length of Interstate 40 across the country!  But the miles and time would be super lengthy. But oh!, the sights one would be able to witness. 

I have been fortunate to have visited twenty-four of our glorious United States and two other countries utilizing a variety of transportation methods.  Each location that I have visited has impacted me in a variety of ways – some leaving a long impression of wanting to move there or return immediately, and other locations leaving the impression of ‘been there, done that’.  

I recently just returned from a trip to Las Vegas, and while there, we decided to take a day trip over to Grand Canyon West.  While Las Vegas was a sight to behold (in reality, it was much, much better than I anticipated and I quite thoroughly enjoyed myself and maybe fell slightly in love with someone better known as Chakotay, ha!), but while Las Vegas was full of color and unique architecture, there are little to no words to describe my thoughts and opinions when our small plane touched down at Grand Canyon West.  Soon after landing in our plane, we boarded a helicopter and flew down into the Grand Canyon before the pilot set us down on the floor of the Grand Canyon, where we later boarded a pontoon boat and sailed down the Colorado River.

Looking at the landscape that surrounded you, it was completely awe inspiring.  I have never seen anything quite like it, and very likely won’t see anything that comes close to comparing ever again.  As we were talking with one of our guides, he informed us that no day is every the same because the way the sun casts it’s shadows and the reflections of colors coming off the canyon walls is ever changing.  The several hours we spent on our tour were some of the best that I’ve ever spent.  We initially were going to go to a few shows in Vegas, but changed our minds and decided to go see the Grand Canyon.  I am thoroughly glad that we did.

If you ever get the opportunity, I would highly recommend going to visit the Grand Canyon.  Sure, the weather may be hot (at times), but the sights that you will see, will be ones that remain with you for a long, long time.  Take a few moments and ponder some places to travel.  Whether it’s local adventures, as there is something new in ever locale, or if it’s a far away adventure, plan it and go!  We only live once, and go explore all that this Earth has to offer while you can, and then when you go, be sure to tell me some of your most favorite adventures.

And, PS to Chakotay, I’m coming back to Las Vegas, so feel free to come visit if you’d like. 

 

Sunrise Sunset

Isn’t there something so magical about seeing the sun as it begins its descent down in to the horizon?  Or waking up to see a brightly colorful sky shortly before the sun begins its crescendo up in to the heavens above?  Some days it almost seems as if the sun is quite literally sinking directly in to the ground, while other days it does not even look remotely similar to what we’ve seen previously.

Growing up, my Dad was always riveted with capturing various sunrise and sunset photos (I used to rarely be awake in time to see the actual sun rise, so I always had to rely upon his photographs for visual confirmation!)  But as a youngster sitting there staring through countless sunrise or sunset photos, I thought to myself that it was the same exact thing over and over.  But in reality, it is not. 

Just as a day is never the same in Grand Canyon because of how the sun makes the colors appear or change colors, so goes the same with any sunrise or sunset, as they are never identical.  The overall location of where you see the sun rise or sun set can be cause a drastically different and unique perspective.  Naturally, the weather can even play an impact.  Some days the sky may be a multitude of colors and other days, it may just be a solid color.  Each and every sunrise or sunset is quite different and how each person sees it is entirely different, as well.

But no matter what, it is a magical experience that we are blessed to see on a daily (or typically daily) basis.  Take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy a sunrise or a sunset.  Here are a few of my favorite photos that I have been blessed to capture, even though I still think my Dad’s photos are much better than my own!

Sunset along the Bogue Sound in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina (April 2017)

Sunset while on approach to land in Austin, Texas (January 2012)

Sunset along The Mall in Washington, D.C. (July 2009)

Sunset at (appropriately named) Sunset Beach, North Carolina (August 2009)

Sunrise in Wake County, North Carolina (February 2017)

Sunset in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee (August 2008)

Sunset along Barefoot Marina in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (August 2010)

Sunset along the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut (August 2008)

 Sunrise in Wake County, North Carolina (September 2016)

Sunrise in the sky shortly after take-off from Raleigh Durham International Airport (April 2016)

Reba

Throughout my life, I have always loved music. Whether listening to it, singing it or playing it, I have always found that music can totally affect me in many, many ways.  Ever since I was a wee little one, one of my all-time favorite artists has always been Reba McEntire.  Her music can not only be uplifting, but it can also be inspiring and emotional, as so many of her songs cover many varying topics.  To try to get me to list my favorite Reba song would be nearly impossible, though I might list a few near the close of this blog.

My entire life I have always wanted to see her in concert, but varying things often arose that kept me from making it to one of her local shows.  I remember as a young girl that she was performing at one of our local amphitheaters, and because I was too young to attend, my parents drove me around the surrounding roads to see if we could hear some of her music from the distance.  Unfortunately, while I heard the drum introduction to one of her songs, I wasn’t able to actually hear her sing.  But, come December, Lord willing, I will be able to achieve a life-long dream by seeing Reba in concert.

My friend Sarah and I are both celebrating milestone birthdays later this year (October and November), so we decided to plan us a brief cross-country trip to Las Vegas (via Los Angeles) to celebrate hitting a new milestone.  Initially, when perusing the various shows in Vegas, we saw that Reba and Brooks & Dunn had a show at Caesar’s Palace. But as our luck would have it, their last performance was the evening before we arrived.  I was a little bummed, but brushed it aside as I knew there was plenty else to see and do in Vegas, which is a remarkably exciting place to visit (I just returned from there in early August!).

As I was sitting in my office late one afternoon, Sarah messaged me and said for me to come upstairs to her office, as magically, Reba and Brooks & Dunn had added one more performance to their Vegas show and it happened to be the day we arrived.  I don’t think I’ve ever made it across our building and up the flight of stairs so quickly!  Our luck had turned, and quickly and shockingly!  So, come December 10^th, provided all goes well, I will finally be able to see Reba perform live!

Now, if you are curious as to some of my favorite songs that I think you should all go listen to once you finish reading this blog, here they are in NO particular order:

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia

One Honest Heart

The Heart Won’t Lie (Duet with Vince Gill)

Fancy

Myself Without You

Take it Back

Somebody

Quotes

Words can be hurtful and spiteful, yet they can also be powerful and meaningful.  Each and every day we may come across some idea, phrase or saying that touches our life or impacts us in a certain way.  I have a Word Document that I often keep saved on a computer or flash drive that when I hear something said, I’ll add it to that list of quotes or things that I found particularly meaningful. 

Initially for this blog, I was going to choose one quote and write an entire blog on that – the feelings that I felt, the message it conveyed and how I interpreted it and so forth.  But, as I sat here and pondered just which quote to choose, I realized it was going to be a rather daunting task.  So instead of following my initial plan, I am going divert from the initial agenda and post a variety of some of my favorite quotes – some may be in picture form and others just written out.   Rather than I describe how that saying impacted me personally or what I believe the message is that’s trying to be relayed, I challenge you to take a few moments and read through each quote, absorb it and see how it may or may not affect you. You come to your own conclusions surrounding these particular quotes or sayings. But, always remember words have powerful meanings – sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden.  So choose your words carefully and leave your mark!

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"We are capable of so much more than we think we are." ~ Kate Mulgrew

"Once in a while it really hits people that they don't have to experience the world in the way they have been told to." ~ Alan Keightley

"Remember for every rough event, the good that you do, while unnoticed by some, is appreciated by others." ~ Connie Shay

"When life kicks you, let it kick you forward." ~ Kay Yow

Pullen Park

For anyone who has ever been to my hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, you have likely either seen a sign for, heard it mentioned or have possibly even visited the historic Pullen Park.  Situated just outside of downtown Raleigh and within close proximity to the campus of North Carolina State University, Pullen Park is not just a miniature amusement park for children, but one where adults can go to relax or even reminisce about their childhood excursions there.

Here are some random historical facts on Pullen Park courtesy of the City of Raleigh’s webpage:

• It was founded in 1887.
• It is the state of North Carolina's oldest public park.
• It is the fifth oldest operating amusement park in the United States.
• It is the sixteenth oldest operating amusement park in the World.
• It spreads across 66.4 acres.

An area that was once described as being similar to an old cow pasture with red and rocky soil, now boasts acreage of amusement rides including an antique carousel, a train and kiddie boats.  Additionally, there are plenty of swings, slides, paddle boats, an aquatic center, picnic areas and places to just sit back and soak in the sights and sounds of a historic park that’s filled with many memories.

The history of Pullen Park is quite an interesting read, but I won’t reiterate all of those details. (You can visit the City of Raleigh’s page and view a detailed document on the actual history, or better yet, you can visit the park and learn on your own!)

My Mom, baby me riding the train at Pullen Park, which
was driven by my Grandpa, Charlie W. Baker.

As a child, on many occasions, my parents often took me to Pullen Park, and while it was a fun place to visit, the park held special meaning to my family and me.  After my Grandpa, Charlie W. Baker, retired, in 1982, from his full-time job, he began to work part-time at Pullen Park.  Over the course of his 27 years of part-time employment, which ultimately meant he worked there until he was 91 years old and until the park closed briefly in 2009 for renovations, he performing a variety of duties including being the operator of the train and carousel.  In his later years, he operated the kiddie boats, and if you ever visited Pullen Park during the early to late 2000s, he more than likely would play you a tune on his harmonica as the kids squealed with glee while enjoying their spins on the kiddie boats.  

The Pullen Park Carousel
(or as I called it the Hobby Horses). 

While my Grandpa was absolutely loved his job and he loved visiting with the thousands of people he encountered during his years of employment at Pullen Park, I often wonder how many lives he may have impacted.  So many times, when I would tell people that my Grandpa worked at Pullen Park, they would immediately ask which one he was and as soon as I would describe him, they would instantly know who he was and they all had a story to share about him.  He was such a kind and caring man, and he always wanted to give the kids as long as they wanted to enjoy on their rides. 

Grandpa was somewhat saddened when the park closed from 2009 to 2011 for updating and complete renovations.  When the park re-opened, he was unable to return to work there, which greatly disappointed him. But, thankfully, we have all the wonderful memories of the years that he spent working there, ultimately years that I believed help him to live as long as he did (95 years old!).

So, next time you’re in the capital city of Raleigh, take a few moments out of your busy schedule to make a pit-stop over at Pullen Park.  Even if you’re not interested in riding a ride or swinging in a swing (which I always find utterly relaxing), take a stroll through the park.  If you’ve ever been there before, allow the memories of your childhood to reclaim you for a few moments, and if you’ve never been there before, make new memories and enjoy a little bit of fun that the City of Oaks has to offer. 

I always wanted to be an Astronaut, so a few years ago, I was
able to ride the Space Shuttle -- too bad I didn't fit, ha!  

Kisses for the tiger at the Pullen Park Carousel.

Oreos

We all have food vices, right?  What are some of the foods that you know you shouldn’t eat but you just absolutely can’t live without?  Obviously, I blogged (quite a few letters ago) of my top vice, doughnuts, but if there is another food vice that I have, it would be Oreo's. 

Now, when it comes to Oreo's, I’m pretty picky because I don’t like all the flavored and double-stuffed and reversed Oreo's, and all the varying combinations that Nabisco has come out with.  I enjoy the “regular” Oreo's, but as weird as it may seem, my absolute favorite Oreo's are the Halloween and Christmas ones.  No, they aren’t flavored in any way, but I just think the Orange and Red colored creamed middle, not only is pretty, but just tastes better.  (Yes, I’m sure it is a mental, psychological thing, but don’t try to tell me otherwise, because the Orange and Red are still the best!)

I remember back in high school (waaayyyy back when!), I earned the unofficial title and nickname of “Oreo Queen” because I managed to win an Oreo eating competition during our school lunch session. You know, we all do stupid stuff when we’re in school, and while to me, taking on an Oreo eating competition didn’t seem like a stupid idea at the time, I think later on in the day I started to regret it especially because of what class immediately followed my lunch -- chorus! 

In the last three or four minutes of lunch break, they placed Oreo packages on our lunch table to see how many we could eat WITHOUT any milk, water or anything to drink.  We had to eat them dry and had few minutes to spare until the bell rang.  Somehow, I managed to chew down, and shockingly keep down, 23 Oreo's (at least I think that was the total number; it might have been a few up or down but it was over 20, I know for sure).   Miraculously, I didn’t choke and I managed not to barf.  But once I got in to my chorus class and started doing vocal warm-ups, I think I began to regret my decision in earning the title Oreo Queen. 

Usually they say, we learn from our mistakes or crazy doings, but I'm not so sure I learned from that challenge in high school because if you put a package of Oreo's in front of me (especially Orange or Red!!) even today, they’ll likely be gone in no time.  Ironically, I usually prefer to eat them “dry” but occasionally, I will dip them or soak them in milk, but being that I don’t like to drink milk (nor do I like the smell of milk), I often will avoid that. 

Maybe because of my love for Oreo's is why I often prefer Cookies ‘n Cream ice cream or putting Oreo shavings on my frozen yogurt.  But, is there anything Oreo related that I don’t like, you may ask?  The answer to that is yes!   

Once at our State Fair, I tried the Deep Fried Oreo's, as I had heard everyone rave about how good they were.  I had previously tried Deep Fried Reese’s (loved them!), the Krispy Kreme cheeseburger (actually, it is very good!), and Chocolate Covered Frozen Cheesecake on a Stick (also something to LOVE!), so I thought to be sure I would enjoy the Deep Fried Oreo's.  But, I was absolutely wrong on that account.  I don’t know what it was about the Deep Fried Oreo's, and while I did eat them all, they made me absolutely sick. 

So, next time you are consuming some Oreo's, think about me scarfing down all those Oreo's in lickedy-split record pace to win my unofficial title, but also make sure around Halloween and Christmas to get the Orange and Red Oreo's.  Don’t get the peppermint flavored or red velvet, it’s just regular Oreo's (that have designs on the cookie, too) but the cream is just colored.  I promise you, they’ll be better and they’re worth waiting for those two times of the year to get!  

Nature

Isn’t it amazing to walk outdoors and feel the sun shine upon your skin or inhale some fragrant aroma from a blossoming plant or bush that is nearby?  We’ve been blessed to live on Earth and enjoy so many of the beautiful creations that surround us.  Whether it’s the majestic mountains of the Rockies to the Appalachians that loom high above us or the colorful coastlines of the Atlantic to the Pacific to the gorgeous array of flowers that adorn your yard to someone’s yard across the country, we are beyond blessed and surrounded by nature. 

Sometimes after sitting at my desk all day long being surrounded by man-made products like the computer screens that I’m staring at now, it is nice to take a break, go outside and take a walk down the street.  Sure, you’ll still see plenty of man-made items (of which there is nothing wrong with), but you’ll likely encounter some natural phenomenon while upon your stroll.  I try to take a break a couple times during my hectic work day to take a short stroll down the road that our office is situated on.  Usually I’ll encounter George and Martha the Canadian Geese that usually are perched along the side of the road hissing with delight as we walk past them, or occasionally, I’ll glance up at the clouds billowing in the sky and it just allows a few moments for my mind to be relaxed and be taken away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday monotony.

The next time you are outside or on a trip, I encourage you to take a few moments to capture your surroundings and enjoy the sights that we have been blessed with.  Below here, I’ll include a few photos of varying nature sights that have always amazed me and provided a sense of peace and comfort to me. 

The rolling surf of the Atlantic Ocean
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Sunrise at Home
Raleigh, North Carolina

Fall foliage along the Pigeon River with the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

A peaceful calm along the water
Bath, North Carolina

A Pacific Northwest Sunset
Seattle, Washington

The infamous Haystack Rock within the Pacific Ocean
Cannon Beach, Oregon

Pelly up on his perch
Kure Beach, North Carolina

A true haven in the woods
Babcock State Park, West Virginia

A Smoky Mountain sunset
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

A mystical sunset along the river
Mystic, Connecticut

A true 'natural bridge'
Natural Bridge, Virginia