Sunday, May 30, 2010

People Can Change

Our current location: Gunnison, Colorado

Things around us can change, circumstances can change, our dreams can change and our outlook on things can change.  All of those changes have happend to us over the past 11 years.  Some for the better and some not, but changed they are!

We are sitting here in our motorhome this weekend just doing nothing particular.  We've been tearing around the country the past 2 weeks doing a lot of sightseeing and touring and we have finally worn down.  This altitude of 7,700 feet has probably contributed to that as well.  We are enjoying this down time and it has got me reflecting on how Bruce and I have changed our attitudes regarding RV travel since we began doing it in 1988. 

Back in the day we were vacationers.  We still had kids in high school so we were firmly planted in our stix-n-bricks home down there in Orange County, California.  On vacations we'd pick several places to travel to in the RV and they were mostly geared to keeping our daughter happy to be stuck with Mom and Dad in a motorhome of all things!  Our son was old enough to stay home, and he was working part-time at Disneyland during that time.   Then when both the kids were grown up enough to stay home we took off on RV trips alone or we'd take Bruce's Mom along with us.  We had also moved up to Olympia, Washington by this time.

We liked to see most anything.  We were just happy to be able to go.  However, we didn't really enjoy those dry, dusty, look for miles and miles and see nothing places.  We'd hurry through those spots as fast as we could so we could get to someplace more beautiful.  We didn't appreciate places with barren hills and sagebrush scattered around.  Cactus?  Fuhgeddaboutit.  This is where we have probably changed the most over the years, especially these past 11 years.

Since being able to become fulltime RVer's in 2008 we have been very aware of our blessings in that regard.  We take nothing for granted anymore.   These grateful hearts have opened our eyes to the beauty of the entire world around us.  Even those sagebrushy places!   We try to look at our surroundings, no matter what they may be, with our eyes of appreciation..  Here in Gunnison it is dry and warm and the wind blows a bit everyday.  The nearby hills are multi shades of beige, yellow and tan and the sagebrush is plentiful.  Yet, it is so beautiful with the contrast of the blue sky against those hills.  We haven't been in a hurry to quickly "get out of  
Dodge" anymore.  We are soaking in this beautiful landscape and savoring our time here.  Who knows if we'll come back to this area.  There are a whole bunch of places to see.

We look at maps now to find new adventures, and we aren't looking for those beautiful places.  The beautiful places are everywhere we want to be.  The highway of life is just like this road sign....full of turns and curves.  We are appreciating every turn this road is taking us on.  We can't wait to see what is around the bend or in the next town. 


Today happens to be my 59th Birthday.  I could have a bad attitude about seeing the big 6-0 lurking around the next bend in the road, but I choose to appreciate the fact that I have reached this 59th Birthday.  Some don't.  I am also looking forward to being an RV fulltimer through my entire 60's and into my 70's if we're given the opportunity.   Maxine has the right idea when she says, "attitude is everything."  I hope all of you are seeing your opportunities with eyes of appreciation.  Have a great day...I will!


Until next time.....so long for now!

18 comments:

Al Bossence said...

Well said Margie.
Acceptance of where you are, and why can give satisfaction and peace of mind.
Including age ! A very happy birthday to you today.

Thanks for asking about my Dad, he has not been doing that well since the bladder procedure Thurs. He is home but just barely.
Enjoy today....whatever it may be or bring.
Kelly

Cindy said...

Happy Birthday my dear friend Margie!! I wish we were closer in miles..we would try a new restaraunt and taste some yummy desert!! Notice I said TASTE!! lol

Any-hoo..I hope you have a wonderful day!!!!

Hugs Cindy and Walker

Al Bossence said...

Especially liked your post this morning. It is thought provocative & has given me food for thought myself. Always interests me to read how people are thinking & feeling & not just what they are seeing all the time. Very interesting post indeed.

Dinahsoar said...

Happy Birthday Margie! 59 years young--way to go. An attitude of gratitude is a necessity to live a wonderful life. Without it we see the glass half empty. I've already turned the corner on my 5th decade...as well I've survived cancer--it's been 19 years. Life is a gift and I see that each passing year. Older and wiser go hand in hand--hopefully. I think you've got a handle on that concept and as a result you are having a blast--living the good life..in the RV or elsewhere if events dictated you must. Enjoy your birthday. And here's a wish for continued health, joy and manifold blessings.

Kenny And Angela's Adventure said...

We wish you a happy birthday Margie and many many more to come..

Travels with Emma said...

Happy birthday, Margie! Life IS full of change and having a positive attitude certainly helps one with the bumps along the way. Keep on keeping on...

Happytrails said...

Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have a really wonderful birthday! :)

This was a GREAT post....well said.
We are just beginning this great adventure but I can already see a change in what is "beautiful" in our own eyes. There is beauty all around us if we will just open our eyes and take a look. If everything looked the same what a boring world it would be.


Hugs on your birthday!
Mike & Gerri (happytrails)
http://freedom2roll.blogspot.com

The Gypsy G-Mas said...

Happy Birthday Margie! I hope you celebrate by doing exactly what you want to do, whether that is taking some downtime or continuing down the pavement. I appreciate your insights. You are correct, there is beauty everywhere. Most people don't slow down enough to realize that though. We still need some 'learnin' in that department, but we're coming along. Enjoy YOUR day and continue to be safe along your journey.
-Connie & Tracy

Chuck and Anneke's RV travels said...

Happy Birthday! Sounds like you have a great attitude on your travels.

Sue and Doug said...

happy birthday Margie!!..hope you have many more..very good post today and thanks for sharing how you are feeling.take the time to smell the roses or the sagebrush!!

Rick said...

First, Happy Birthday Margie and I know you'll be enjoying many, many more. I really enjoyed reading your post this morning, it was thought provoking and very interesting to read how you feel now about traveling and your experiences. One of the nice things I've found about getting older is the opportunity to 'slow down' and have a look at things I would have sped past when I was younger. I think you expressed those feelings perfectly.

Carol K said...

Happy Birthday, Margie! What a great attitude you have. It's catching!

Mike Mills said...

A terrific insight that makes me anticipate my upcoming retirement even more! Love your writing. Mike and Sandy http://mills-travels.blogspot.com

Karyn-Lee said...

Happy Birthday!!! Great post about living with no pressures, and enjoying life for what it is.
I envy your position and aspire to be in the same position someday.
Alas I think with my situation that travelling with a 9 year old will help open my eyes alot too to things I would not normally see or do, kids are so curious!

Have a great birthday!
Cheers!

Gypsy said...

A big happy birthday hug to ya, girl!

Phyllis said...

Ah - to be a kid of 59 again. How well I remember.

Margie - enjoy today and all birthdays to come.

Phyllis

Jerry and Suzy said...

We're a day behind on this post - but we agree with what you have said about change. But not to fear the Big Six Oh! I just made 72, and Suzy is ## years young. Except for some current (and temporary, dammit!) medical stuff, we're ready to take on the next challenge along... Our Life on Wheels!

KarenInTheWoods said...

I love the way you tell the story of the transition on your way of appreciating all that you see. The desert, the hills, the cities, the museums, all of it. Your blog is one of the first I turn to each day! Thanks for taking the time to write such a great one!!!


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Karen and Steve
(Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/