come home and stay there

For those who toil every day in a job you love (or hate), you probably dream of 10 days on a sun-bathed cruise ship, or a stroll on the narrow streets of that far-away place that lures your senses. Everything in the dream becomes interesting.

With a born sense of wonder, I made it a part of my life to travel the world in search of interesting. But, I will have to say, having been to cities that have more tourists than locals and more pigeons than people, it is hard to imagine anymore, leaving the place that soothes my soul. Home.

Even so, the need for new adventure has not escaped me. I have simply discovered interesting is not so far away. We are fortunate. Few places are as stunningly beautiful as our Pacific Northwest. Nature that happens completely on its very own surrounds us and becomes a marvel of interesting. Our diverse landscape coupled with over 300 days of sunshine makes for a vacation destination without going anywhere far away. (And face it…not everyone likes being hurled through the atmosphere at 500 miles per hour to get somewhere, right?)

Short mini-vacations, close to home (lots of them) is my answer, meant to refresh and renew mentally, physically, and spiritually, without cleaning out the bank account. You can do more with less, always a motto of mine. With record gas prices and soaring airfares, a hometown vacation is perfect. You’ll never know you didn’t go anywhere!

Here’s an idea: Take the guide book right in your hands, right now. Go thru the Venue pages and make a note of everything that could even possibly be interesting to you. Arts, events, new businesses you have not been to,…..list them all. Then, pick a weekend and do something on your list.

Idea: Make reservations at a local motel, right in your own hometown. Pack light for a week-end get-a-way. If you are taking the kids with you, select one with an indoor swimming pool, (the kids will love you), for an early evening of invigorating activity, long forgotten in this cold weather. Then, order dinner to pick up close by or have it delivered, spread it out on a tablecloth from home on the bed, and dig in. Bring cozy blankets from home and watch a good movie together as a family. Spend the whole next day at the park, play ball with the kids, move muscles that need motion, breathe some fresh air and stretch your boundaries.

Idea: Buy tickets to attend a performing arts production with your best friend. Begin the evening with a culinary experience at one of our local restaurants, and perhaps early enough in the evening that you have time to visit an art exhibit or a winery with tastings anew, or find an ambiance where you may sit relaxed and simply…talk. Remember, it’s OK to get a babysitter every once in awhile.

Idea: An itinerary for Valentine’s Day is a biggie. (You are on your own with this one, Romeo.)

The mini-vacation ideas are endless, and the more creative you and your family become in your planning, the more you will encompass all you already have, close to home, or even “at” home.

We can all set our sights on making every day special, because it is just that. A new day to begin….again…with enjoyment of what it brings. This morning I sat outside with a hot cup of coffee viewing a sunrise that was so magnificent I could taste it!

Ah, yes, I am on vacation!