RVSue and her canine crew are camped at Midland LTVA, Blythe, California.
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One of the best times to walk the desert is early in the morning.
Right about the time Reg and Rog finish their breakfast, the sun’s rays clear the hills east of our camp.
The morning chill is still in the air, and, if conditions are right, the world around us blushes with a pink glow.
“How gorgeous is this morning, eh, guys?”
By the time we return to the Best Little Trailer, the sun’s warmth, added to the heat of our exercise, sets us up for another good day.
My favorite time to walk with the crew, however, is around sunset.
Reggie and Roger anticipate the sunset walks. They pressure me to get going, long before it’s time to start.
Usually around 4 p.m. they begin The Stare.
Reggie lies on his belly, resting his chin between his front paws while emitting intense, yet silent, laser-beam pleas from his eyes. Roger, my vocal boy, whines while pacing, when he’s not staring, that is.
Repeatedly I remind them . . .
“No, we have to wait. It’s too hot now.”
We set out about ten minutes before sunset. Already the heat of the day is dissipating. The coolness is delightful after an afternoon with temperatures rising to the mid to high 80s.
Stops are made to check messages.
An RVer is parked on a fork of the same “road” we use to cross the desert and he has five dogs. Twice daily there’s a lively exchange of messages between them and the crew, via the bushes along our way.
If I may go off on a tangent . . . .
I’m not a very disciplined person. I don’t like life regulated. Maybe that’s why I enjoy the whimsy of my lifestyle, moving whenever I feel like it, going hither and yon without a set plan, letting daily life unfold, just rolling along.
Add to that the freedom that retirement allows, sleeping, waking, eating, doing everything when it suits me. I’m loving my life, being consistently inconsistent.
Along that vein . . .
When it comes to prayer, I’m not very disciplined. I wasn’t brought up that way.
For instance, it wasn’t my family’s habit to say grace at meals. For a period of time in adulthood, I tried my best to thank God before every meal. After a stint of this, I realized my heart just wasn’t in it. I was performing a ritual without sincere feeling. Any gratitude expressed was cerebral, rather than heartfelt.
I admit, my mind (and stomach) was on the food!
Conversations with God are most natural and heartfelt during the after-sunrise and before-sunset walks with the crew. After all, He helps me by giving inspiration in pink, yellow, and gold.
And if I’m being obtuse — hey, it happens! — He gently taps me on the shoulder with a gazillion-bagillion watts of solar rays and splashes of color across the sky!
“Hey, let’s talk!”
What’s neat is out here in the desert I can talk out loud and there’s no one but Him to hear me! Well, there’s the crew but they ignore most of what I say anyway. (See above paragraph on waiting for walk time.)
When God and I share a really good chat, I find the crew and I have walked all the way to the main road and it’s like I didn’t use one bit of my own power to get there.
rvsue
NOTE: One of the “rules” of this blog is no politics and no religion.
With this post I broke out of that restriction. (After all, it’s my blog and I can do that.) This is a personal journal of my life and to keep it honest and to make it complete, I felt the urge to include my spiritual side. Don’t worry. I won’t make a habit of it. Like I described in this post, I’m consistent in my inconsistency.
If you feel moved to comment on what I wrote and/or to share your spiritual side, please keep it light. Thank you.
As always, I hope for a variety of topics, questions, and updates in comments. Do you have plans for Christmas and Hannukah? — Sue
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
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Am I first?
YES, YOU ARE, LINDA ROSE! CONGRATULATIONS!
I like the “consistently inconsistent”. It’s inconsistency is quite consistent. What are you night time temps there? What a lovely place to walk morning and nights.
Hi, Kristi,
Are you able to see the weather widget in the sidebar? As I type this it shows the highs in Blythe in the 70s for the next few days, lows in the high 40s/low 50s.
This post is written about walking the desert recently — Before today our highs have been in the 80s.
I totally forgot about the widget. I’ll keep an eye on it from now on. 🙂
It’s such a clever little widget. It changes color along with the temperature. Oh my!
My only plan for Christmas is to find a chili pepper wreath for my condo door that will last beyond the holidays.
Beautiful photos!
Hi, Robin,
What happens to the chili peppers? Are they stolen or do you eat ’em up?
Sue, since Robin is in AZ, do you think if she went down to Ajo that she might find the perfect chili wreath there? Besides the fact that it is such a charming town!
I saw these wreaths made with red dried chili peppers and I was thinking it would nice to have it hanging on our AZ condo door. AND unless I ate them, it would last longer than a traditional evergreen or holly wreath plus not look so “Christmas-y” after the first of the year. 🙂
I saw some at the farmer’s market close to where are are and may wander over there Wednesday to pick up one.
My girls do the stare twice a day; around 4 leading up to dinner at about 5 and then again a few hours later for the evening treat. Molly is especially cute when the stare doesn’t work she crawls up and if I’m sitting in my recliner she curls up under my chin and nuzzles me. Love the pictures today and was glad to hear about your conversations with God. Lovely way to live! I’m happy for you!
Thank you, Linda Rose,
Molly is so cute! With the nuzzles she lets you know how much she loves you which reminds you that hey she deserves a reward…. now!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS POST & PICS!! Yes, I’m shouting, because I’m so happy. It was the pick-me-up I needed after a week of disasters getting ready for this trip.
I was able to get my RV repaired this morning, sooo I’m still going on that “1st” RV trip tomorrow, to the same destination, just half the time. But, hey, that’s alright. I’m looking forward to it. 😀
YOU MAKE ME HAPPY, TOO, VIRGINIA!
I was sorry to hear about the damage to your RV because I hoped your trip would be perfect. This comment makes me smile for you. I’m glad the repair will be done and off you go tomorrow. Yay!
Thanks!! I have a 5th wheel and used the wrong term. I was hooking up the truck to 5th wheel hitch and …. now she’s fixed. I’m so excited. 😀
Congratulations! Glad to hear your RV is fixed and you’re ready to go! We had to get some much needed upgrades and maintenance done before our first trip, and I remember how stressful and anxious I was. Have a wonderful trip!!
Good luck to you Virginia and safe travels. Take it slow and easy and all will be good:)
Honest thanksgiving when you’re in the midst of the blessings is the best. As are SOS prayers, the ones you say on the fly when you need help right NOW. So glad you are enjoying your lifestyle and appreciating the beauty all around.
Hi, Reine,
SOS prayers — oh yeah, I know about those! 🙂 Always get a lift out of seeing you appear here. . . .
The sunset pictures are gorgeous, but I have an attachment to sunrises that goes back to when I delivered morning newspapers a few decades ago.
I don’t think you crossed the line of religion, and I’m typically the touchiest person in a given room about that. You stayed with spirituality. Your spirituality and mine are not about discipline and ritual. (I don’t “do” religion, but my spirituality matters a great deal to me.) You gave an excellent example of how that works.
Hi, Calvin,
Our childhood experiences can add richness to our entire lives. Who would’ve thought delivering papers would enrich your sunrises now! 🙂
Thanks for the feedback on this post. I hear what you’re saying. For some folks, ritual aids them in their spiritual life. For others, not so much. I do appreciate the rituals — perhaps I should say, traditions — of the Christmas holiday.
“my spirituality matters a great deal to me” ….. Yes!
I so agree. I am a church-goer, but it’s just a building. I experience spirituality a lot out of the building, and in nature. Probably more.
I so identified with your comment, “Conversations with God are most natural and heartfelt during the after-sunrise and before-sunset walks with the crew.” I love the early and late walks in the desert for the quiet time that allows me to reflect on the blessings in my life.
Hi, John!
Great to hear from you again! I hope all is well with you and yours. Do you still have your dog? A King Charles Spaniel, right?
Thank you for this special and timely message Sue. You and the crew are in my heart.
Jool in N. Texas
You’re welcome, Jool. I appreciate your message to me.
It may seem outrageous, but I feel like my readers — especially the blogorinos — are in my heart also. I worry when I don’t hear from y’all, feel sad when you’re sad, ache when trouble comes your way, miss you when you’re gone, and rejoice when you return to this place.
Smiling at this comment. I often wonder how I can love a blogger and commenters I’ve never met in person.
Wow! Amazing photos!
Stop to check the messages…….cute.
Enjoy your day! Enjoying life your way is the key!
For Christmas, AO’s favorite Uncle Fran will drive down from his winter place in Pahrump to decorate the tree and spend time with her. Mind you for the time that he is here AO pays absolutely NO attention to us. We will have garlic herb prime rib from Kansas City Steak Company.
Good ol’ Uncle Fran…. It wouldn’t be Christmas for AO without him. 🙂
Gosh, “garlic herb prime rib” almost has me wanting to eat beef again. You and Jules do eat well! Which is “enjoying life your way”….
I need to branch out. One can only eat so many rotisserie chickens. Ha!
Growing up..my mom always told us kids …never to “skimp” on food…my dad would give her 75 dollars a month for food. She would add to that…and we would have meals. She did her shopping in Chinatown, fresh meat, fish and veggies.
Fast forward…once we all moved out…they would go grocery shopping, making him pay for the bill…needless to say he was shocked at the cost for just the two of them!
I miss the Asian markets in CA….where you can STILL get fresh fish, live crab, lobster, fruit and veggies at a huge savings. So if you see a Ranch99 or Asian market…ya might want to stop in and browse. PS Bring your own bag! 😉
Hi Sue,
Your sunrise & sunset pictures are one of the things that keep bringing me back. Since reading your blog & all the comments, espically weather’s, now I go outside and stand in that pink glow and savor every second. The day has a better feel to it after that.
If I miss it, I check for yours. It’s usually better. I have houses, trees and light poles in the way.
Hi, Another Barb,
I think the comments section of my blog is the best part! To tell the truth, I’ve never had conversations at parties that are as interesting and fun as the ones right here with folks like you.
I like the image of you reading here and then going outside to savor your world. I also like the idea of this blog and its photos being “back up.” 🙂
🙂
Totally agree. Thanksgiving is about as close as I get to a party. Went to my Sisters this year who was recently widowed. Her husband didn’t have a serious bone in his body so it was a lot different this year.
At a HS slumber party I couldn’t stay awake so my “friends” put eggs in my shoes and woke me up to go for a walk in the middle of the night. Too bad for them their little trick didn’t work because I put on different shoes in spite of their instance I put on the egg-filled ones. The party here is so much more interesting even if I am quiet as I always have been at parties.
I’m heading back to MI on Dec 9 to relieve my sister and take care of my mom. I’ll be there through Christmas. The most exciting thing though is all my kids are heading to MI for Christmas, and along with my brother and his family, and my sister and hers, we will all be together for Christmas for the first time since 2003. That will make my mom so happy, especially since we feel this is likely her last one.
How exciting for all of you, Sarvi! And such a loving and happy Christmas you will give your mother! She is blessed to have children who take care of her.
Thanks for sharing.
Truly nice post. I seem to have my best conversations with God those nights when I wake up around three and cannot go back to sleep right away. Maybe he’s the one that wakes me up, I just always thought it was Old Woman Syndrom. I love the look of the desert where you are. It is very pretty in its own way. Sorry, they closed the K Mart there. I think they are closing a lot of them around the country. We haven’t had a K Mart in at least 10 years or more. My dogs come and get me where ever I am in the house at 9 every evening. They use the stare too. Sometimes I wish they could talk. Sometimes I’m glad they can’t.
Love this comment, Jean. You move from one topic to the next “with the greatest of ease.” I got a chuckle out of “Is it God or is it Old Woman Syndrome?” Haha!
I love the way you say I move from one topic to another with the greatest of ease. That is just a nice way of saying that I jump around a lot. But that is ok, I comment as I remember things in your post. So keep up, ok?
I love this blog, I like to say my prayers my way when I want he sometimes hears me better when I just talk with him. The pictures are just amazing. You are blessed.
Helen
Hi, Helen,
A word was missing so I added “like” … I hope that’s okay.
There’s a lot of power in your statement that “he sometimes hears me better when I just talk with him.” Very wise!
Thank you for the compliment on my photos. Keep loving my blog! That’s a blessing for which I’m very grateful.
Thank you for this post, Sue. Having a bit of a blue period, and … thank you.
You’re welcome, Pat. I’m sorry you’re feeling down. Whatever is the cause, may it resolve soon.
Time for a BIG HUG. 🙂
GROUP HUG Pat! 💜. Hope that brought a smile!
I agree with the group hug!
I’m in on the group hug!
A little late but I’m in the group hug too.
I am not one bit religious … rather think of myself as spiritual. Regardless … it comes to mind that we all, at one time or another, experience what can be called “moments of grace”…. When our minds still, our thoughts have a chance to calm, and perhaps we are lucky enough to just BE. It is perhaps like the verse, “Be Still … and know that I AM.” That sort of feeling transcends any label of religion or dogma, in my mind.
Hi, Carol,
“moments of grace” — precious gifts for us to enjoy being. When I read your words I thought of times I felt practically breathless with awe and buoyed with well-being. I wish I could be in a moment of grace all the time, but I’m nowhere near that!
Thank you for sharing your personal view, Carol.
He is delighted whenever we reach out to Him. He knows our hearts. Formal prayer is a time honored and loved tradition, but certainly not the only way to talk to our Father.
Love those pictures. Often the early evening light, when the sun slants just a certain way and illuminates things just so, it reminds me of a Maxfield Parrish painting. I’ve always considered him a master of light. We usually only get those conditions up here in the summer, but it looks like a year round treat in the desert.
Our family gathers on Christmas Eve at my sister’s for a traditional Italian Fish dinner, and then everyone comes to our house on Christmas day. We mix the menu up every year. It’s getting fun now that there are little ones joining us again – yup, we’re becoming the “grand” generation – how did that happen?
Can you explain what a traditional Italian Fish dinner is…..like ciopinno?
The traditional Italian holiday dinner is called the feast of 7 fishes. When I was growing up we would have schmelt, a white fish course, a seafood stew (chioppino or zuppa de pesce – soup of the sea), some type of meatless pasta – usually with ricotta cheese, along with whatever my aunts, mother and grandmother could cram into that meal. I don’t remember actually ever having 7 fishes, but that was what they called it. Now-a-days, we’re doing a shrimp cocktail, zuppa de pesce, along with some pasta and salads. It’s become a bit Americanized throughout the year. Yummy, any way you cut it.
We would all cram around that dining room table, and eat and laugh and build memories. So much fun. I love the holidays. Love to see them come, and then love to see them go, if you know what I mean.
I was thinking of you and your tamales on Thanksgiving. I love tamales, and I’m sure I’ve never had any as good as the ones you can get.
Sounds absolutely marvelous!
If I can figure out how to send them..(Deena in PHX a little help please)…they are frozen…I will gladly send some.
Well, that would be fabulous. Does she have a web page?
No she sends them to TX and ?? The Tamale Store does…but they don’t ship as of yet.
I will use the styrofoam cooler the roast comes in. Once Deena tells me how she sends them…I’ll do the same…AFTER a Christmas so won’t be so crazy. In the meantime look up their website and see what choices you may want.
Hi CinandJules. I think we’re out of reply space. Is it on North Cave Creek Road?
Yep.
Brantinghamgirls@twcny.rr.com
OMG. I just went to that web page. Looks so good. You don’t see that here in the Albany area.
Oh they are!
Email me
LOL, sorry been under the weather and just now saw your request Ciandjules.
Tamales going to ID: go by car, one of the nieces or nephews drives there once a month so – a cooler of dry ice is used. Usually send 100.
Tamales going to TX, NY, AL and MA: usually send fifty at a time, are packed in a cooler with dry ice; take to The UPS Store for packing and shipping with delivery next day. bit pricey but when relatives want they usually get.
Oh yeah, they all place their own orders via web site and pay for shipping; I am just the local picker upper and taker to the UPS Store…all orders for the Holiday Seasons have all be completed by Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Now to get mine, I only need 10. LOL.
Hope this helps.
The coolers get shipped back to me usually containing something I like: lobster or scallops from MA, apple butter from NY, shrimp from AL and yarn skeins from TX.
Sorry you were under the weather.
Thanks for the info….helps tons!
No kidding….Deena the Tamale runner!
The payback sounds pretty good too!
LOL
Deena, I’ll be in touch after the holidays to grab some of those tamales. I didn’t realize it was you. That’s fabulous.
Deena is the Tamale runner for her folks. I’m your Tamale runner.
My son married an Italian and I will be at their house this Christmas. We will be having lobster, crab, calamari, scallops, mussels, and two other fish which I can’t remember. It is quite a feast!!
Enjoy! Family traditions are great when passed from one Generation to the next.
Great Blog today! By the way Sue reading your Blogs helped me take the plunge and get myself a Truck and a Travel Trailer. At 68 and a Widow its been a lot to learn but I took it on a three week trip and now its getting easier except for the Backing up, takes me forever to get it in storage but on the trip I just stayed at Pull thru spots. Getting ready for my second trip soon. Thank you for being such an example to all us solo females out here learning to Camp!
You go Gail!
yeah!!!! Good for you 🙂
Wow Gail! I am so impressed. Stay out of storage and on the road and you’ll never have to deal with that pesky backing up!!
Wow, sounds like so much fun.
Beautiful pics Sue and the picture you painted in words of what spirituality is to you brought a lump to my throat. I no longer enjoy the intensity of the holidays. With my immediate family over the rainbow bridge so to speak, it just isn’t the same. Someone wrote the other day they dreaded (my word/my feeling) their arrival. I get it. They are very hard for some of us. On a lighter note, my boy has a stare that is so awesome. And effective. Little farmer uses it to his advantage. I thank God everyday for the blessing of my dog. I’m also going to try the talking to God when I’m walking, that is if I can stay upright! I’ll let you know if I break my other arm!
Stephanie, I’m so sorry you are dreading the holidays. I wish I could bottle up some of the “intensity” at our house and send it to you. There is a season for everything and perhaps this is your season for peace and quiet and just enjoying the company of your pup.
That’s so sweet. Thank you for the thoughts.
This post reminds me of a couple of verses – ” they heard the sound of the Lord walking in the garden in the cool of the day” , ” the Lord took Abram outside and said to him- look up at the sky” . Interesting that after a really good chat it’s like you hadn’t used your own power to get there, on a day without those chats I feel less energetic. I rarely say what I consider a formal prayer, one written by someone else, instead it’s more what one would say in ordinary conversation. That’s most often prompted by having received some beautiful gift I see, feel or hear while enjoying nature.
My family did say grace before meals, and they attended very frequent church services . I really didn’t learn that much by being part of all that, though I’m grateful it did implement making Him part of daily life. Ordinarily after supper my mother and I would walk through a field along a dirt road in the country where our home was. She’d point out something lovely and remind me that our Creator had put it there for us, those were the times I most appreciated her way of teaching.
At the Thanksgiving gathering with my friends I was asked to say the prayer before our dinner, I usually am expected to do that when I’m with other folks. As I normally do, I just said whatever was on my heart at the moment. This year we were not just celebrating the holiday, it had been exactly six months before that when my friend had cardiac arrest, died, and was resuscitated several times. He was seated next to me and we held hands as I spoke, he’s healthier now than he was before all that happened… So I do find occasions when it’s appropriate to pray on purpose, because it is heartfelt by those near me and myself.
The day after that, Friday, I stepped outside around sunrise and there were over two hundred trumpeter swans in the part of the lake my yard reaches. They are quieter than what one might expect given their name. They talk to each other in various tones as they slowly drift and politely share meals. I spent much of that day and early evening being still and silent beside them, my talking with God then was done in my thoughts so the swans would feel safe to stay here. They left just before sunrise on Sunday.
It’s hard for me to tell if what I’ve written is light enough for you to be comfortable having on here, Sue. It honestly won’t hurt my feelings if you delete my comment.
Thanks for sharing yourself, Weather…I appreciated reading it!
weather, you are a gift that Sue has given to us as well…thank you for your conversations.
Take Care
Thank you Weather! I love your post and I agree. The verses you quote are perfect for Sue’s post.
Hi, Pauline, I almost missed seeing your note this morning, I’m glad I didn’t! I hope you and the rest of Sue’s family enjoy getting ready to celebrate the upcoming holidays.
Finding such sweet notes here from you, Elizabeth and Deena, gave me a nice warm feeling inside, I hope something wonderful surprises each of you soon, too 🙂
Thank you very much, Weather…a wonderful surprise would be most welcome these days!!
I know Sue is the final arbiter of what is ok and not here, Weather. But as for me, I always find your words and thoughts to be beautiful, heartfelt, and comforting.
May comfort ever be yours when it’s needed, Cynthia, I appreciate your kind note.
Trumpeter swans! You fortunate person to have spent time among their energies!
It truly is amazing being with them, Diann. They move with a grace seldom seen in such large and strong creatures… their shape and appearance is beautiful, yet they show no prideful traits, are gentle with each other… smaller ducks and geese swimming near them aren’t intimidated because the swans open a path for them to pass through or let them share the food growing in the water with them. They exude peace, I felt that and it mingled with awe…
Thank you Sue for sharing a very personal side of your life. I too am moved spiritually when I take my walks and see the wonders of nature.
I am not religious but since I was a boy my favorite hymn has been and is “In the Garden”. “He walks with me and he talks with me…”. Sounds kinda like you Missy on your walks. I am kinda like my Dad was. He always said “My church is here (pointing to his heart). All we can do is plow through this life trying to not hurt others and hoping for the best. Love your words Missy…*Hug*
That is my husband’s favorite hymn also.
Hi Sue and Crew,
My name is Karen and I have enjoyed your blog for a couple of years now. I check daily to see if you have posted any new entries.
I don’t think you are violating your restrictions. You are not talking politics or religion, you are writing about your spiritual experiences and feelings.
Anyway, thank you for all your posts that I enjoy so much!
Oh, I guess I “was” a lurker and now am a “blogorino”??
Yes you are! Welcome!
Welcome Karen! You are now officially a Blogorino!
Welcome fellow blogorino!
Welcome Karen!!
Hi Karen, nice to hear from you!
Beautiful post, Sue, and visuals to go with it. God knows what’s in your heart. No need to verbalize it, but if it makes you feel better, than so be it.
That last photo was stunning and for me spiritual in its own special way.
Hi Sue. There is something so beautiful in Creation that draws our thoughts toward our Creator. I had a really nice Thanksgiving. Why is it that any time spent away from work just flies by? I am happy for you that you are on retirement time! I love to hear about how you spend it.
What a wonderful sharing of thoughts! Chuck and I are not church goers. I agree with Jim’s Father, God is in your heart! I never pray as such, but it seems that I have a constant conversation with God running through my head. I love the saying that I am a spiritual being having a human experience! It seems to keep me in balance!
Loved all your sunrise and sunset photographs Sue. If I could take a picture right now you would see a lovely halo of pink balanced on the tree tops and floating above the horizon of Apalachicola Bay!
Belly rubs to the boys! Thank you Sue for being Sue!
Your description of walking in the evening drew my mind back to Gen 3:8…though in my mind, walking in a dessert is a far cry from a garden…heh…but yes, it does make sense that you feel the presence of GOD when you walk then…total sense, Sue. I am glad to be old now. Because I realize if GOD kept track of my attendance at any organized group/church or whatever, I would be left wanting anyway. Hubby and I sing/chant prayers together when we can…and we try to pray a short prayer EVERY time we leave in our car someplace…believe me, driving in these parts makes a person open to praying! I have felt GOD’s presence myself in various ways and places and times. I do talk out loud to HIM anywhere I happen to be when I want to…I think it is important to express gratitude (these days anyone nearby would only think you were on your cell phone anyway!) Not just always holler for help…but there are times to do that too!! I see no reason for anyone to take offense at what you wrote, by the way…I read blogs of people who are a very different faith from me. No one has to read what they do not have interest in!! But if we never read things from others we loose opportunity to learn. Learning is good!! May your walks be a blessed time!!
I like what you said. God hears you wherever you are….silent or out loud prayers. It is important to be grateful and to acknowledge where our blessing come from. Gratitude and respect are very much lacking in our society today
Oh dear me…I had better quit now or my sister will shut me down 🙂 I have been a Sunday School Teacher for my age group for 35 years. I tend to “go on” a bit.
Thank you Pauline…I appreciate your remarks too!! And I agree!!
God knows your heart.
Sue, We bought an RV and almost immediately set out in search of the perfect sunrise and a mission to toast every sunset. We haven’t found perfection yet, but that gives us a reason to continue the search. I don’t suppose you’ll quit looking either. I think that anyone who had the opportunity to view sunsets like the ones you shared with us would have to feel extremely blessed. We’re blessed that you posted them for us to see.
Nice post, Sue! I really enjoy your blog, safe travels 🙂
I am glad to see you break this rule! I too, enjoy those special conversations with the good Lord. 🙂
Hey you! Hoping Charles Macha and you are well!
Hi Sue, This post spoke to me and how I feel when I am out in nature. I usually have some quiet time to myself and many times besides just having that conversation with Him, I will take my ipod and I have a Christian music playlist of close to 100 songs now. I just sing to my hearts content and reflect!
Christmas, not sure yet this year. Honestly, we are still struggling and barely back to work. Rick is still wearing his defibrillator vest and I am still healing internally from my bad fall in early Nov. where I had a deep laceration. The outside has healed up well over my eyelid, eyebrow and forehead. Since it was so deep, down to my skull, I have other issues I am dealing with while it is healing. Half of my head is numb and tingling, I still have pain at the laceration site and I feel lop sided if that makes sense. It throws off my equilibrium at times. I am getting better with some of the dizziness I was having but I still don’t feel safe driving. I am told that this can take a long time to heal and I may or may not get back the feeling in my head. It was from nerves being severed. If I move my eyes too much or move my head much it hurts quite a bit. They did the CT scan and it was normal so I am just dealing with trauma. I was stunned when I actually saw a picture of it after I was stitched up. It was quite a gapping wound.
So I just keep plugging away and try to keep upbeat but this has been a tough year. I am hoping things start to turn around soon. As far as I am concerned for Christmas, I hope we keep it simple!
Love the pictures! You sure captured the beauty of the area and the and the artwork of our Father!
Oh my, Jolene! I remember that you suffered a bad fall, but I had no idea of the extent of your injuries. You have such a positive attitude in such challenging circumstances. May your Christmas be extra sweet this year! 💓
So sorry to hear how difficult life has been for you and hubby too….sure hope to hear you both feel back to normal soon!! Some years, we were just grateful to be together and have a nice meal of some “comfort food”. Norman Rockwell holidays, one way or another, have never been ours really…no matter the effort. Even just having a day to fully relax and watch some videos or whatever together has been something to be thankful for. I hope you will feel blessed as you go through the coming days!!
Jolene, I hope you have the best care out there. And, I hope you are blessed with family and friends who will support you during this difficult time. You are correct in that your Christmas must be simple this year. God speed. God bless you.
God’s presence is evident abundantly in nature and is there for all religions,none of which are superior to another.
HAH! My first thought was: ‘oh Lord, Sue’s done brung up religion!!’ LOL
I learned a long time ago that every one of us is at a different place in our journey, and it’s up to Him to guide others through their path. It ain’t up to me. And that’s all I got to say about that. 😉
I loved this post, Sue you always get it right. The power of sunrise and sunset. I am grateful to the insight you give us. Growing up my Mom sent us to Sunday School to learn about the bible. I learned just enough to get by, but I really learned you don’t have to go to Sunday School to be a good person. I embrace spirituality more than organized religion. The dog stare is the best way of communicating for a dog. If people learned to “just stare” they may get what they want too.
I am a long time reader, but seldom commenter on your blog. But I had to tell you, I loved this post, especially about your spiritual side! I, too, am usually inconsistent in my ways. And I always have trouble sitting and quietly talking to God … and that is what prayer is … a nice talk with God! I find a nice, long walk on a deserted, or almost deserted beach to be my best place to have a nice chat with Him. But also, while sitting beside a stream or lake, or even while gardening in my yard are times and places that my communications with God are most open and clear. Once again, I enjoy your blog so much, and following your travels. God Bless You!
Hi RVSue
My plans for Christmas is my first vist to Antarctica after a week of hiking in Patagonia. Then is time for my annual visit to the desert of California.
Happy Holidays
Wow..be sure to tell us about it. Sounds like a trip of a lifetime.
Reading through the comments, I am struck by the peaceful, respectful discussion of what is often a divisive subject. Kudos to you for creating such an atmosphere.
Nice post with beautiful sunrise and sunsets. I was brought up in a different culture so I tend to be more thankful throughout the day. Yes we each are spiritual in charge of our own universe good or bad. We are affected by what is around us good or bad is what I was taught. So I was told to be kind to people & animals, don’t be destructive, be helpful, and always be thankful.
Sue, ya done it again…beautiful sunrises and sunsets…spirituality given softly allowing further conversations with respect and more knowledge.
Take Care
Penny from Utah (and Baja)
My plans for Christmas are to be camping on the beach in Baja. We hope to leave by the middle of December. We spend most of the time on the Sea of Cortez side.
So we have wonderful sunrises and can watch the sun rise up out of the water.
The sunsets are magnificent, also. The sun sinks behind the mountains and colors everything. I have way too many photos of sunrises and sunsets. Your photos remind me of great mornings and evenings in Baja and the red rock country in southern Utah.
Just so you know I just ordered 8 children’s books should ship tomorrows. Enjoy those beautiful sites.
Thank you, Helen. They haven’t shown up in reports yet.
The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament declares his handiwork. Always thought you were in the family. We camped two trailers down at Davis Lake in Oregon. Observed your no drop in rule.
I love the sunset photos best as the light play on the hills is spectacular. I do enjoy my morning walks with Angel, though, as the sun has just come up and starting to warm up. It is so peaceful and quiet in our neighborhood, even with a few of the folks going to work.
I say prayers and talk with God at night about life, our health my dreams of RVing etc. as I am lying in bed before sleep takes over.
That’s what I do when i’m walking. Good for you. Sam
While I don’t share in your belief (I’m atheist), I do however fully ‘get’ where you’re coming from and share in the revelry of communing in and enjoying the gifts of your environment.
Also, it doesn’t bother me one bit that you put your feelings and convictions out there every once in a while. It’s a free world and you are certainly free to follow whatever path you wish! Motor on RVSue!
It is good to be thankful for all the beauty God has given us to enjoy.We have had such a beautiful fall here in Ky. A thankful heart has a continual feast. Thank you Sue for all the beauty you share with us.
I love this post!!! When I first saw the pictures I couldn’t help but think how magnificent God’s creations are. Then you opened up about prayer. I am so glad you shared your feelings.
As children, our parents took us to church. Mother was my Sunday School teacher and believe me….I was to KNOW the answers when she asked!! LOL Then it became a matter of being dropped off at church. Then, oh well, sleep in if you want. As a young adult I took myself to church because my friends were there. At age 27, I accepted Christ as my Savior and my life changed. I have been a Sunday School teacher for 45 years. First with small children but for the last 35 years for women my age. We are growing old together.
I have got to interject a story about Susan. It was dress rehearsal for the Christmas program. I have no remembrance of my part but I sure remember Susan’s! She was a shepherd and part of her costume was a white head covering thingy. As they went to adorn her with her costume she yelled out…I am NOT WEARING THAT on MY head!!!!!! It looks like underwear!!!!!! I have no idea how they were made but the more I look at the other little kids, the more I agreed….it looked like they had sewn up the legs of a pair of panties!! LOL…. Funny what you remember and funny what you forget. I don’t remember if Susan ended up in the program or not. If she wore the “panties” or not. HOWEVER, I will always remember her yelling out!!! LOL
Back to my original thoughts: I believe in the power of prayer!! I have seen the Lord work through prayer in my life too many times not to believe. When I went through my cancer journey, lots of people prayed. I could “feel” them….they uplifted me…kept the smile on my face and I was able to praise Him through it all. And, thank the Lord, I am now 6 years cancer free!
I am so grateful that it is not what I have done but what Jesus did for me. My favorite verses are Ephesians 2: 8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
My favorite hymn ( and the only slow song I want played at my funeral 🙂 ) is “ It Is Well With My Soul”
I had better step away from the podium now or my “preaching” will be longer than the pastor’s Sunday morning sermon. LOL
I love you Susan.
I love you, too, Pauline. Beautiful, powerful message. Thank you. Love your storytelling!
Oh, to fill in the gap in memory . . . . I did wear the underpants on my head. I can’t say it gave me a deeper appreciation for the apostles — that came much later — but it sure was humbling.
P.S. I was supposed to be a shepherd?
Oh yeah, it was the Christmas pageant. Where did I get apostles? All these years I thought we kids were apostles. I’m laughing so hard, I”m dying!!
Now I am laughing!!!!! Apostles?? That is funny. I can just imagine that Dad said, Now Susan, you ARE going to wear that on your head. No use crying over it.
It is funny that I can still hear you shouting that out. You were probably around 5 years old.
Thanks for pointing out my age. I wouldn’t want people thinking I was 14 at the time! hahaha!
I love the story of Susan and the underpants. I can just see a little girl yelling like that. So funny. Do you remember what they bribed you with to get you to wear the headdress RVSue?
Jean, my parents didn’t bribe. LOL… I imagine my Dad spoke very sternly and TOLD Susan she would wear them!!! Or perhaps it was Mother…either one would have let us know who was boss.
Jackie in NC
Hi Sue, it is gorgeous out there. I plan to hit the road in Jan for about 3 months out west.. what happens next depends on what happens those 3 months. I will return home and make more permanent plans at home with my things or I will use it as a stopping place occasionally.. just don’t know yet what I want to do with it. All I know is I want to go travel. And see some of the beautiful sunsets and sunrises without a crazy neighbor or anyone bothering me. Just Pepper and I. He loves to ride and look as much as I.glad to know you are doing fine and the boys.
God bless you, RV Sue, for posting wonderful thoughts and pictures. Bless all the Blogorinos, too!
Sue – I am with you, I feel closet to God when boondocking all alone in the middle of his creation, especially at sunrise and sunset.
GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!
These comments are a joy to read! I stepped away from replying because I was sounding like The Grand Poobah Behind The Curtain, acknowledging your humble gifts. Sheesh.
Anyway . . . Last night we had a minor dust storm here in our little corner of the desert. The wind picked up dramatically right around the time Reg, Rog, and I were about to go for the sunset walk. To the northwest a white blanket obscured the mountains, the trees, well, everything. Knowing the crew will not be denied without serious repercussions befalling me, I hooked them on the ends of the tether and, throwing caution to the wind, literally, we took off at a trot to the southeast.
We didn’t get far when it became obvious the “white blanket” was coming our way and fast! We ran home and met it a few yards from the BLT.
A mad dash, eating windblown sand, the door slamming behind us…. whew! Wind rocked the BLT throughout the night until this morning when, all of a sudden, at sunrise, the wind stopped, silence returned.
We’re delaying our after-sunrise walk due to the fact that the two little critters didn’t sleep well last night. They had breakfast at daybreak, then burrowed under the covers and floated off into sweet slumber.
Thank you for the sincerity of your messages. It’s a pleasure to be among people who treat each other with kindness, sensitivity, respect, and maturity. I treasure all of you!
Gosh, it is so calm outside it’s hard to believe what roared through here during the night.
Bye for now,
Sue
When the dust storm comes thru like that does it damage your paint on the van or trailer?
No, it doesn’t do damage. I guess the dust particles are too small for that to happen.
WOW, glad you 3 are ok!! I well remember one night near Death Valley as a kid…we were all crammed into my folks’ airstream trailer…let me tell you we hardly slept a wink…we really felt like the trailer might become airborne!! And all the grit that came in… Another dust-storm we were in…while we visited Jerusalem in 2010…though we closed up the windows so tight as we could…a fine layer of silt was even ON OUR LIPS when we awoke!! I fell ill shortly after that one…fortunately the dear lady we stayed with was happy for me to make some of my super duper homemade chicken and veggie soup!! We ALL 3 ate it. I did NOT feel too swift flying home…but that soup did help me some!! (Lots of garlic and finely chopped broccoli is what packs the powerful part of it).
I think that’s the definition of “throwing caution to the wind.” Never a dull moment for Sue and the crew.
The wind roared thru here also!
Have a great day!
Hi Sue, I wanted to comment about your updating of “About RVSue and the Crew”. Very nice. I noticed that there was no description for Spike and Bridgett and I can only surmise that emotion took over for you. I’m probably wrong, but that’s what would’ve happened to me. Take care.
There’s so much in this post, Sue. Unlike you, I’m not a desert person. I prefer the ocean and the mountains. But when I am in the desert, the sunrises and sunsets are the best. The desert seems a bit like a “plain Jane” to me, not so pretty in the middle of the day, but so “look at me!” when she gets dressed up in her pinks and golds at sunrise and sunset. And your photos show her off so well.
Isn’t it funny? You value an unregulated life, but it seems to me there are many patterns in your life that are repeated on a regular basis: the moving from camp to camp, the sunrise and sunset walks, the rotisserie chickens! Perhaps it’s knowing you can change your routines as you please that gives you that feeling of freedom and contentment.
Prayer. It is a conversation with God, which IMHO, is why He created us in the first place. Like you, I find that structured prayer, whether at church or on my knees at night, is less fellowship and more liturgical. I love to pray when I’m driving. I give thanks for the beautiful scenery, I ask for grace for the idiot next to me who is playing his radio to loud, I seek direction, and I tell Him my best and worst thoughts because there is no one else to hear them. I absolutely love Pauline’s story – what a wonderful word picture!! I can absolutely see and hear you shrieking out your refusal to wear the shepherd’s head dress! Isn’t it funny how siblings remember different things from their childhoods. My brother remembers details I’ve long forgotten, usually those that make me look silly.
And yes, you are right. The comments are often the best and especially so today. I think in an age of political correctness, when we have to be so careful what subjects we discuss in public, people yearn to connect on a deeper level. We just have to learn to do it in a respectful, discerning way. Thankfully, your blogorinos have mastered that art!
Thank you Sue for such an inspiring post. It and all of the comments have really touched my heart. We look out towards Mt. Baker and the Sisters, often the sunrises are so spectacular you can do nothing but be awed by the beauty. I love it when the clouds arrange the sun into beams. I have always thought of them as God’s special light.
Little conversations with God throughout the day lead me though life. Thanks Cynthia for your putting it into words!
Kitt
Hi Sue,
As always wonderful pictures. Looks so peaceful.
Norman
The best time pray or have a conversation with God is when I am totally alone. The best are when I am in his outdoor home. There are no distractions other than the sound of the breeze, chirp of the bird or hum of the hummingbird. My sister is very religious. She loves to quote the bible. We have an understanding that when I start to hear her drone on and on I get to say ENOUGH. Then there is no more discussion about the bible. Thank you for the outlet this time. I know there will be many discussion’s about other topics.
I love that … God’s “outdoor home.”
Thanks for the great pictures . Sun sets always bring peace to my day . Always enjoy your blogs . You and the crew brighten this world .
Wonderful messages from everyone. Very nice. Thanks.
I was inspired and touched by your photos and prose on this post. Finding peace in the rhythm of the sunrise and sunset coupled with the daily comings and goings with dogs and their internal clocks struck a chord. Much nicer than racing to keep up with the demands of making a living!
I’m semi retired but my partner is in full work mode so I constantly struggle with the habit of having to get up and get it done!
The holidays will take me back to the desert of St George barring any major weather events that will make for hazardous driving. I hope to soak in the peacefulness of the winter desert if even for a short time. Your desert photos brought a surge of homesickness for me while I gaze out on snow laden pines and gray skies. Sigh.
So thankful this post is still current. The comments on here have touched my heart as I go back and read them again. So needed. This is not an easy time of year for so many; the perfect scenarios the media presents can be painful. When I talk with God, may I remember always to pray for those who are hurting, in any form. As always, the current pics are awe-inspiring!