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by Kate Kriynovich
There is just something freeing and exciting about packing your suitcase for
a summer vacation. I think that the child in us is still very much alive, and
jumps for joy when we head for the beach, mountains, or destination outside of
our normal “digs.” It conjures up exploration, fun, and a chance to get away.
My mom called me a “vagabond” when I was a kid. Whenever relatives from out of
town would come to visit in the summer, I would be the first one to raise my
hand if they offered to take one or more of the kids back home with them for a
vacation. I could have my bag packed in minutes, and it didn’t even occur to me
to think about the where or what it would be like. It was an adventure, and that
was good enough for me.
Some of the highlights of my childhood were the family vacations we took out
west. Now, there’s some scenery! Those trips opened my eyes to the beauty of the
national parks, as well as the history, wildlife, flora, and hiking. By now,
many of you have probably caught at least parts of the programming being run on
pubic television, Ken Burns’ history of the national parks. I am mesmerized by
the stories of the visionaries and hard working folk who took it upon themselves
to protect and treasure those lands for the rest of us. There is nothing like
taking in the Grand Canyon, the Sequoia National Forest, Yosemite, Spearfish
Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Tetons, Yellowstone,
Glacier, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, the Petrified Forest, or the Cliff
Dwellings. I could go on, but I hope that I’ve at least whetted your appetite
for a national park trip.
Much of my excitement came from the anticipation and planning of our trips. And
even now, I can get going just thinking about the places I want to revisit and
the new places I want to venture. The giant Redwoods are on my list, and I’d
like to get back to Canada to see Banff.
The joy of the trip was always relived in the pictures and souvenirs. My dad
liked to take pictures and he would have slides made. Then he would gather the
family around when cousins were over, and we’d have slide shows. He was a good
narrator, and did a great job of capturing the beauty and activity of each trip
on film. He had slides of trips he’d taken as a young man, and some from his
honeymoon. We loved seeing those old pictures and he always seemed to enjoy
remembering those very good times.
As your summer winds on, consider the magic of “getting out of Dodge” if only
for a long weekend. We all deserve a change of pace and surroundings, perhaps a
chance to spread our wings, breathe deeply, and let go. Later you’ll have the
added blessings of good memories, cherished pictures, or dear souvenirs. I
believe it’s one of the very deepest gifts we can give to ourselves.
On one of our trips up to Lagrangeville, New York, for a visit with my sister
and brother-in-law, I came across a yummy desert recipe I’ll share with you this
week. It’s perfect for this time of year, since so many different berries are in
season. Jane got the recipe from her good friend, Donnie, and we enjoyed it with
ice cream, as we sat around their table sharing some stories and laughs.
Berry Crunch (Or Apple Crunch, if you prefer apples)
Crumble together:
1 cup sugar (can cut down this amount)
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 egg
Some chopped nuts would be good!
Grease 8” by 8” pan. Dump fruit in bottom, enough to amply cover the bottom.
Red raspberries are great. If you use apples, peel and slice 3 medium
apples. Cover fruit with crumb mixture. Drizzle 1 stick of melted butter (or
a little less) over the top. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake for 30 minutes at
375 degrees.
Coaching Inquiries: What were some of your favorite vacations? Is there a
special place you would like to either visit or revisit? If you haven’t
“unplugged” for awhile, what would it take for you to start planning some time
away? Is there someone who could also use a break or an adventure, whom you
could invite along?
If you have a recipe you want to share,
please use our online Feedback Form. To learn more about our
Wellness Coaching programs and to arrange for a complimentary wellness coaching
session, use our Contact Form or
Email Bob.
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Kate Kriynovich (Kate@LifeTrekCoaching.com)
LifeTrek Coaching International
Columbus, OH
U.S.A.
Telephone: 614-488-4659
Fax: 240-465-5848
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