My article

Here's my article that was on the front page of our local newspaper. They said I could put them on my blog, I just cant give them the same title, etc... So no title! LOL

 Do you remember the feeling of sleeping in a tent with your family in the mountains? Remember the dew on the tent roof in the morning, the rushing of a nearby river? Can you smell the acrid odor of a campfire in you mind?

I loved being in the mountains as a child, listening to my parents tell us stories as we fell asleep in our sleeping bags. I miss being a kid—the freedom of it. It's not the same once you're grown.

Now when we go on camp-outs I'm in charge. That's not always fun. My husband and I prepare the meals, cook the food, and do most of the clean up. It's okay, just not the same as escaping to the stream to get wet one more time before bed.

As a child, the hills beckoned and I came running. I remember my homemade fishing pole that caught more fish than the store-bought one my brother had. I remember trying to get lost with my cousins on the stinging nettle-lined paths of the campground. I remember being sticky with marshmallows, and miserable from sunburns. I loved every minute of it.

Ah . . . to be a child again.

I can't go back, but I can make it magical for my own kids. Now days, we take our camper. I hate sleeping on the ground. If I do, my back aches. I want an indoor toilet and hot water. I'm spoiled and obstinate in my old age.

My main goal now is to make memories with my kids. I want them to feel the rush of the wind, feel the freedom of the mountains, hear the cry of an eagle, like I did at their age. I want them to take these memories with them so they can tell stories to their own children about the wonderful camp-outs they went on as kids.

Never get too old to appreciate nature. Never get to the point where it's too hard or takes too much time. Even if your kids are grown, take the time to get out there, to smell the fresh air, to fish in a river.

The world is our oyster. Never tire of seeing and experiencing something new on this beautiful earth we live on. There are so many places to go. Make it a goal to get out there at least once this summer.

Happy traveling!