Gratitudes and Celebrations - Week 75 - Travel

I had quite a few of weeks break from the Gratitudes and Celebrations post, not because there wasn't anything that I could think of for being grateful, but I had spent a few weeks away seeing family and friends in the States.  

The trip away made me realize even more that each and every day is a gift to be treasured and not taken for granted. We got our first taste of bad weather and snow when we landed in New York on route to Richmond, Virginia, the flight was a bit hairy as we had to circle the airport for about an hour waiting for a spot to land and the runway to be cleared of snow.  As fast as they removed the snow more fell, and the skid of the final landing which was felt by many made us appreciate the skill and the composure of the pilot and crew on the plane.

Sometimes being away from your every day routine also shines fresh light on your life, and whether you can take a two week break as we did or if you can only get away for a few hours, it is something you should do on a regular basis.  Going away to a colder than UK environment was strange for us but we were excited to see folks and make use of our snow boots and see if the rest of the world copes better than the UK when it comes to snow, rain and leaves on the train lines.

The trip reminded me of the book that I brought my son when he was little - 'The Relatives Came' it is a lovely book about a family driving to see their relatives for the summer in Virginia, how every one mucks in and makes room for each other, the kids play the adults share memories until it is time to pack up and go back home.  It was something that we would do when we were kids seeing cousins and having adventures.  It was funny that the story had them travelling to Virginia and it was where we were going to visit as well.

Whilst in Virginia the weather picked up and we had some sunny days enabling us to get small doses of vitamin D, and we heard that folks in the UK had some lovely weather as well.  And it's funny that many a time we have gone away seeking the sunshine and the UK has a heat wave!  but you have to see the funny side of things.  The main thing about venturing to new environments is to get a different perspective or understanding, and you only get that by stepping out, doing something new, something different.

While visiting the states we took tours in Washington, Richmond and in our final destination New York with my cousin.  Travelling around we hopped on the metro (which is such value for money!) and we saw much of New York and the surrounding areas, and we have come back to the UK hitting the ground running trying to shake the jet lag and get ourselves organised. 

I am grateful and celebrate being able to travel to see different parts of the world, meeting people from different walks of life and coming back home safely.

I am on a journey and hope you come along and join me. Why not start your own journal, keep it as simple or complex as you wish, but do something!

Greetings from the US of A and Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers around the world!

I have taken some time away from my schedules in the UK to take a trip to Virginia and New York

Snowed in at the Airport

We are thankful that the snow is on the melt, when we flew into New York last week on route to Virginia we were snowed in as flights came to a stand still in New York. Thankfully Virgin put us up in a hotel for the night so we didn't have to stay at the airport waiting for the next flight the following day.

On our way to Virginia at last!

While in Virginia, we drove down to Washington with Alan's Sister Yvonne and Sekani and did a 6 hour tour with Signature Tours (I thoroughly recommend!) which enabled us to get a snapshot taste of the city.  You really have to spend longer in the city, so it is on my list for next time!

Tour stopping outside the White House

We got to see the White House up close and personal, they forgot we were coming so we didn't get an invite in!

Also took in a stroll to the monument on arrival to Washington

Spent some time with Alan's sister Yvonne and later that week her son and daughter joined us, it was great catching up with them.

When we got back to Williamsburg, Virginia I got an opportunity to see my friend and fellow Artist Mika from Motley Soul.  We got so caught up in chatting and looking round her studio and getting to know her beautiful family that we forgot to take a picture together.  I left for New York and arrived yesterday to see my cousin and his family and see some of the sites here in New York -  we are also enjoying the brisk weather.

I will be posting more on my return and have a few things to show you this week that I had been working on, and some of the great supplies that Mika passed on to me on my visit. Here is something that I have been working on with the supplies I managed to buy on my trip to Virginia.

It is the beginning background stages, so when I get a chance will be adding more and hopefully completing it. Also working on a few pen and ink drawings that I will be sharing along with some more photographs when I get the chance to post.....

What have you been up to and in what way are you spending time with family this week.

Stay blessed and be a blessing!