The art of nature...

Tonight my son and I attended a Covered Dish supper and Game Night held by my local chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. Our dinner discussion turned to visiting Alaska, and the best way to see all that this vast land of frontiers has to offer. I think you do Alaska a disservice if you only visit by sea, or by land. The ideal way to appreciate Alaska calls for a combination of the two, what’s referred to by cruise lines, as a cruise-tour. If you only have time to do one or the other, go anyway…you won’t be sorry!

To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.”
John Muir

Nome, Alaska however might not be a high priority to visit right now. They’re running out of fuel and a Russian tanker and a U. S. Coast Guard icebreaker are trying to deliver more than a million gallons of diesel and gasoline to this iced-in town. It’s an amazing story that promises to have a happy ending. (See http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-14/fuel-tanker-nome/52551596/1 for more detail). I hope they have some extra blankets!!!

Purple, green and gold is always a good choice for decorating at this time of year.

Being born in New Orleans, has given me my zest for life and my desire to experience all the world has to offer. I grew up with Mardi Gras, teething on a pair of carnival beads…and then came an appreciation for the musical legacy of New Orleans.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival began in 1970. This year the dates are April 27 – May 6, 2012. Beach Boys Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks will come together for a new studio album and a 50-date international tour to begin in April with a headlining performance at Jazz Fest. Visit http://www.nojazzfest.com for the line-up of musicians scheduled to perform, and anything else related to the event.

“The true heart and soul of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, as with New Orleans itself, is music. It’s the force that drives and defines us. It’s not just for entertainment, but it feeds our soul.”
Quint Davis

I would recommend New Orleans to anyone looking for good food, good friends, and good times. We celebrate life every chance we get, and are happy to share our love of music and food with the rest of the world.

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

The mountains of western North Carolina, Transylvania County specifically, are the starting and ending point of my travels. This area nourishes the body and soul, and the people are warm and welcoming.

But…I love to travel! Because I love to travel I opened La Petite Travel, a home-based travel agency, 2 years ago. It allows me to share my passion for travel with others, whether it’s an annual vacation, or the fulfillment of a lifelong dream …either way, it’s about memories.

I’ll share some of my adventures, remark on some of life’s quirky moments, laugh at myself (and family and friends), note some destinations or trips of interest…whatever comes to mind. I hope you enjoy the journey!