Out with the Old

Posted on December 31, 2013December 31, 2013 by Dusty Roads

What changes do you plan to make in 2014?

I have to be careful when it comes to the “Out with the Old” adage as I could be included in the “Old” category and I have no intention of going out yet!

But I’ve been giving 2014 quite a lot of thought. 2013 turned out to be a year of changes and in some ways I haven’t fully adapted to all of them so I think 2014 will be a year in which to get my routines established again. That would include everything from work to finances to personal challenges.

Have you noticed …I haven’t said the dreaded “R” word yet? That’s because it is my humble opinion that calling challenges set on New Years “RESOLUTIONS” is asking for failure. A resolution is a pledge of sort..I resolve to do this and this. So what happens when you screw it up, like we all seem to do. Most of the time that’s it. Done! Made a resolution and broke it , end of story.

But what if I/we think of them as goals or challenges. A goal is something that you work toward until it’s achieved. You expect there might be a few set backs but that’s where the challenge comes in.

Sports examples come to mind. The New England Patriots start the season with the ultimate goal to win the Superbowl but each week the goal is to just win that game. Sometimes they fall short but the next week they are right out there again trying to “kick butt” for that Superbowl spot…one game at a time.

They didn’t “resolve” to win the Superbowl and then give up as soon as they lost a game. That’s why whatever I/we want to accomplish in 2014 should be a goal and a challenge not a resolution. And if I don’t meet that goal, well I’ll be a better person for trying.

An example….weight loss (ugh). Lets say I resolve to lose 50 lbs in 2014. The first time I “pig out” at the local Pizza Joint I’ll just give up. I blew it. Look at that, resolution broken. But if I say I have a goal to lose 50 lbs, that’s only 1 lb. per week. That’s like the 1 game a week for the Pats. Suddenly it’s not so overwhelming. And if I only lose 30 lbs? Well, I may not have hit the goal but I’m still 30 lbs thinner than when I started.

So that’s my approach to resolutions. Goals and Challenges. Tomorrow I’ll share some specifics. Maybe we can encourage one another to meet the goals we set for a fresh new year.

News of the Week

Posted on December 21, 2013December 21, 2013 by Dusty Roads

While I was out Partying in the best Holiday Tradition, ugly sweater and all, the world kept turning and strange news kept happening. Here’s a few of this week’s headlines. 🙂

Peabody ducks retire to Jack Daniel’s distillery

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (AP) — A group of ducks retiring from service at Memphis’ Peabody Hotel has moved to Lynchburg.

According to a news release from Jack Daniel’s, Peabody ducks generally retire to the farm where they were raised. But in a Wednesday ceremony, one group walked down red and black carpets following Peabody Duckmaster Anthony Petrina and Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett to a new home in a pond just below the distillery’s cave spring. There, the ducks will eat the same grain and drink the same iron-free water used to make Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

Legend has it that the 80-year-old tradition of letting ducks swim in the Peabody fountain is linked to Jack Daniel’s, in a roundabout way. Supposedly, the Peabody general manager left his live duck decoys in the hotel fountain after enjoying a little of the whiskey on a hunting trip.

Jack Daniel’s is owned by Louisville, Ky.-based Brown-Forman Corp.

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Dog that survived gassing headed to Rose Parade

Samantha Henry, AP

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Things are coming up roses for a scrappy New Jersey beagle who survived a dog pound gas chamber.

Daniel will be among eight shelter dogs riding on a float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, Calif.

The 2-year-old beagle mix was 6 months old on Oct. 3, 2011, when he was scheduled to be put down at the animal control facility in Florence, Ala. He was placed with 17 other dogs in a stainless-steel box roughly the size of a pickup truck bed that was filled with carbon monoxide.

Workers at the facility were surprised when he emerged, scared but unscathed, from the chamber. They named him Daniel after the biblical figure who survived the lion’s den.

He was adopted by Joe Dwyer of Nutley, N.J., and has been living happily with Dwyer’s family and other rescue dogs at their home about 10 miles west of New York City.

Dwyer, a motivational speaker, said Daniel’s story of surviving and thriving has prompted laws in 31 states that protect shelter animals against inhumane forms of euthanasia.

Daniel will perform his “high five to keep pets alive” trick and perform with other animal shelter survivors on a parade float sponsored by the Lucy Pet Foundation, which runs mobile spay, neuter and adoption clinics across the country. Daniel has been chosen as the “spokesdog” for the California-based organization, Dwyer added.

“He’s definitely one of the most joyous, happy dogs I’ve ever met in my life,” Dwyer said. “I think his positive attitude is why he’s survived.”

The Rose Parade takes place on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, Calif.

And Last but not least, this Florida man must have had a real bad thirst!

“Florida man cited for trying to trade four-foot alligator for 12-pack of beer”

I don’t think that needs any explanation. 🙂

Have an outstanding day everyone!

A Little Bit of This and That

Posted on December 15, 2013December 15, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Happy Snowday everyone. 🙂 (Yes for those of you in warm climates…New England is getting snowed on right now)

Wow, that was quite the honor yesterday, to be nominated for a blogger award. I truly appreciate it but the required post went way over my daily limit. 🙂 1500+ words instead of my usual limit of 400-500. I hope I haven’t used up all of my brain cells.

I’ve noticed my most popular posts are travel related or pet related, mostly the antics of my 3 cats, unfortunately I don’t think I’m original enough to post regularly with just those two subjects. It’s not that there isn’t enough material but rather my story telling has limitations. So I’ll just keep muddling along and hope you bear with me.

How’s the Christmas season turning out for all of you? I am so far behind I can’t even begin to describe it. I haven’t gotten my Christmas cards created much less addressed. I mean really, I sell cards. I can’t go to the store for them.

I have to use my own products. I have one more client photo session that has to be done fast so I can get their cards to them and then I can work on mine. Not sure I’ll make the deadlines but maybe they’ll be New Years cards instead. Whats’ the story about the shoemaker’s children..something about them being shoe-less?

How about resolutions? Anyone started thinking about making any yet? I have 2-3 in mind and that’s probably the most I can handle. Not going to share yet. It’s too soon 🙂

My 2014 Interval Catalog came yesterday. Yippee! That’s the book of time share exchanges outside the ones that are free exchanges. These have a fee to swap but usually lower points. Maybe I should write a post on how that works. In the meantime I’ll be able to dig in and see what places I can consider for my 2014 vacation. Williamsburgh VA has been high on the list of possibles but I noticed more places near Jackson Hole listed so maybe I can go back to my original plan and go to Wyoming.

Well Rocky just came over and sat on my keyboard. That’s a pretty good sign that I need to wrap this up before he deletes it.

A Blogging Award

Posted on December 14, 2013December 14, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Nothing beats the feeling you get when a peer offers you praise. The blogging community as a whole is a great community. There are bloggers that I count as friends even though I have never met them in person. They are the ones that show up everyday in my “Likes” on my blog, even when I know a post wasn’t up to standard.

Now one has included me as one of her nominees for a Blogger Award and I feel grateful and not sure if I’m really worthy. 🙂 But I won’t let a little self doubt stop me. I have been very lucky in the world of blogging. I have been Freshly Pressed twice, and awarded Versatile Blogger once. Now I am honored to add The Liebster Award. Thank you to my Blogger Friend, Patty Ross of http://learnmoreeveryday.wordpress.com/

But to accept the nomination I have to answer a few questions for you so HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS I WAS ASKED TO ANSWER:

1. What’s in a name? Tell me about the name of your blog and what/who inspired it?

The name Dusty Roads came from the dirt roads that surrounded the ” homestead” where I grew up. Whenever the family piled into the car for a road trip a plume of dust would billow behind the car. I added the “around” to imply that I travel around. Sadly progress has reached my old family home and most of the roads are now paved so no more dust plumes.

2. How do you quickly describe your blog to others? You know, the elevator talk for your blog.

Hi, I’m just an everyday person, northing special and I write a blog about my experiences. It’s not heavy reading so if you have time, I hope you’ll check it out.

3. Do you have any tricks or tips that help keep you writing every day/week/whenever? If so, please share some advice.

I worked up to posting daily (or trying to anyway) slowly. I started out trying to post weekly, then built up to 3 times a week, then 5 times and now I try for daily. When I’m planning a trip or just returned I have lots to post and can usually get 30 or more posts out of a trip by keeping the posts short. Little bite sized pieces. Between trips it gets a little harder. I look for inspiration from the news, especially animal news, mini adventures, and the antics of my cats who are forever entertaining.

When I am really at a loss for words I fall back on photos…Wordless Wednesday and Mystery Monday are two themes I sometimes employ.

4. When not blogging, what do you do?

I keep busy, that’s for sure. I search for attractions in my area that I can experience and write about. I love photography and try to get out for photo shoots a couple of times a week (goal for 2014 is a daily “mini-shoot”). I love reading novels and magazines and I have a few blogs I try to keep up with… oh and did I mention that I work full time for a real estate company?

5. One way I try to find balance in my life is to keep a gratitude journal. It keeps me focused on the good around me. How do you maintain balance/sanity in life? Share some advice for the rest of us!

I confess that since my job change in May, I haven’t had a good balance. I’m still adjusting to a 5 day work week instead of 4 days. It’s still 40 hours but somehow it just seems longer when spread out over 5 days. Time in the field with my camera always relaxes and settles me which is why I have a goal for daily mini-shoots starting in 2014. I also keep a journal where I jot down ideas and thoughts good and bad. Once I put something in that journal I can move on. It gives me a clean slate. 🙂

6. What is your favorite or least favorite book, and why?

My favorite book to this day is a child’s book. Although I always liked to read, a book called The Snow Filly, was the book that changed books from something to do to something to experience. I can close my eyes now and see the illustrations and remember the way that book made me feel. I love fiction and now for me to like a book, it has to let me step into it, not just read as an observer. I forget the name of my least favorite book but I can tell you it was about ghosts and legends in Massachusetts. The writing was poor and disjointed and the stories poorly researched. It was work to get through it.

7. What is your favorite or least favorite movie or television show, and why?

I seldom go to the movies. I think the last one I saw in a theater was one of the Star Wars movies. It would be easier for me to give you genres rather than specific movies. I do not like war or horror movies or shows. I love children’s movies, like Disney or Pixar. I also like animal shows. I watch PBS and Animal Planet, Discovery and the Learning Channel. I am sick of reality TV like “Keeping up with the Kardasians” or “Here comes Honey Boo Boo” although I like “Alaska State Troopers” and “Wild Justice” oh and “Swamp Wars” about South Florida.

8. What was your favorite or least favorite birthday present, and why?

Another hard question as I don’t get many birthday presents but I can tell you that one of my most moving birthdays was my 60th. My co-workers celebrated with me for a month! They really embraced that milestone and made me feel very special.

9. What is your favorite or least favorite food, and why?

My food choices change. I love lobster tails…not Maine Lobsters but the tails like you get in Florida. I also love scallops and shrimp. My least favorite would be a toss up between liver and raw oysters.

10. What is your favorite or least favorite animal, and why?

How can an animal lover chose just one? The least favorite is without a doubt, a spider. I have heard that tarantulas make great pets but they are my worse nightmare. As for favorites, I’m kind of known as a cat lady and I do love my kitties, but I also like dogs, big ones, little ones and hamsters and ferrets are cute and funny. I love horses but can’t really have one in a 1 bedroom apartment. I thought about a bird too. I had a parakeet when I was growing up. I’ve had fish tanks and turtles so picking just one is hard.

11. What is your favorite or least favorite anything, and why? You know, keep this mini-series going.

My favorite thing is photography. I love taking photos and trying to improve my skills. I even enjoy the editing process, a big part of digital photography.

My least favorite thing has to be housework. It interferes with everything else I’m trying to get done. If I ever win the lottery the first thing I’ll do is hire a housekeeper! the 2nd thing is to move to a bigger house. I need a separate room for an office instead of the corner of my living room!

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS MY NOMINEES ARE BEING ASKED TO ANSWER:

What’s in a name? Tell me about the name of your blog and what/who inspired it?
How do you quickly describe your blog to others? You know, the elevator talk for your blog.
Do you have any tricks or tips that help keep you writing every day/week/whenever? If so, please share some advice.
When not blogging, what do you do?
Do you tell everyone about your blog or keep it quiet?
How do you build you audience, you know get the word out about your blog?
What is your favorite or least favorite book, and why?
What is your favorite or least favorite movie or television show, and why?
What was your favorite or least favorite birthday present, and why?
What is your favorite or least favorite food, and why?
What is your favorite or least favorite animal, and why?

AND MY NOMINEES ARE: (envelope please) In no special order

http://homesteadramblings.wordpress.com/ For her gentle stories and lovely pictures and for beating me to Alaska 🙂
http://www.jrstjeanphotography.com/ Because he’s a really good friend even outside the blogging community and he takes really NICE PICTURES.
http://phillanoue.com/ Wonderful wildlife photography described with stories and humor.
http://jacksongalaxy.com/ Home of Cat Daddy, the host of “My Cat from Hell” on Animal Planet. Great for cat tips and insights.
http://placesunknown.com/ Great travel photography. He’s been to more states than I have plus overseas
http://toddpack.com/ I love his humor especially when he writes about his children who he has dubbed Thing 1 and Thing 2 from “A Cat in the Hat”. He has really good recipes too.
http://nigelborrington.com/ Yes another photographer, but so inspiring

There are others that I drop in on from time to time but am not currently following. Several that I did follow seem to be gone now 🙁 At least the links aren’t opening. So I’m afraid I don’t have 11 nominees.

PLEASE, VISIT THESE BLOGS TO EXPAND YOUR BLOGGING COMMUNITY.

WE ARE PART OF GREAT COMMUNITY! WE ARE SO LUCKY!

Special thanks again to Pattie Ross of http://learnmoreeveryday.wordpress.com/

A Ben Stein Commentary

Posted on December 12, 2013December 12, 2013 by Dusty Roads

Apparently the White House referred to Christmas Trees as Holiday Trees for the first time this year, which prompted CBS presenter, Ben Stein, to present this piece which I would like to share with you.

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejewelled trees, Christmas trees. I don’t feel threatened. I don’t feel discriminated against. That’s what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn’t bother me a bit when people say, ‘Merry Christmas’ to me. I don’t think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn’t bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a nativity scene, it’s just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don’t like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don’t think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can’t find it in the Constitution and I don’t like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren’t allowed to worship God? I guess that’s a sign that I’m getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it’s not funny, it’s intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham’s daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her ‘How could God let something like this happen?’ (regarding Hurricane Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, ‘I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?’

In light of recent events… terrorist attacks, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O’Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn’t want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn’t spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock’s son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he’s talking about. And we said okay.

Now we’re asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don’t know right from wrong, and why it doesn’t bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with ‘WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.’

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world’s going to hell.
Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how you can send ‘jokes’ through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you’re not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit.

If not, then just discard it…. no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don’t sit back and complain about what a bad shape the world is in.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein