Because this sketch was written in 2006, I added a few other unbelievable travels. Reminiscing does one good when traveling slows to almost a complete stop.

Whether it be on a California coast or on several Hawaiian beaches, the ever-reaching span of glistening, billowing waves slap coastal craigs, spraying me as I scream, laugh, and run. I had dreamed of these moments, thinking I’d be totally immersed in the beauty. Yet, I didn’t feel different, not being washed anew, really. I tried not to think about home—the familiar. How long does it take for me to totally escape the present and become a part of a new scene, oblivious to anything or anybody but myself? Some ah-h-h-h moments like standing on Pike’s Peak, viewing the Grand Canyon, and at the edge of the Haleakala volcano (before its recent eruption) at eve, in which I felt so-o-o-o tiny scanning the horizon for miles, and miles, and miles. And then as I remember sitting at a Parisian outdoor café, desiring to feel like the essence the pictures in travel magazines reflect, as if I’m a part of it, belonging there. I sit and observe as people pass by, obviously recognizing me: TOURIST!

I fly with three honor students to an honor society convention in Boise, ad-libbing hilariously on the plane. We were freely being ourselves at an elegant hotel—after taking care of obligations—then allowing us to scope out the historic city. Only one of these girls had ever been out of the state or ever flown, so the fundraiser we had gave them this opportunity.

Serving on a national honor society board, I flew to Corpus Christi, Daytona Beach, and St Louis, walking the streets and beaches, seeing the sights, marveling at the view from 18 stories in Corpus, sitting at the edge on the balcony, wrapped only in a huge, plushy bedspread. My German jaunt revealed another world, another time whose castles and immaculate grounds seemed surreal. I was reawakened to blooming, gorgeously vibrant floral landscapes, inviting me to linger. Centuries ago, they were inspirations of fairy tales.

Thanks to my son, Clay, the more current Caribbean cruise took me far enough out into the deep blue sea (you see, I never would dream of going since I failed to learn to swim, besides I watched the movie The Titanic. Then I listened to myself when I’d tell no matter where you are or what you’re doing, when your number comes up, you’ll ‘go.’ That’s biblical.) Our room had a balcony where we could see the waters a few feet below. I kept ‘forgetting’ there were 18-floors to that liner. I did my thing by helping at the bookstore as I enjoyed meeting and talking with people from several continents.

The last trip my husband, James, took with the family was to see Niagara Falls. When I realized where we would walk down to go to get on a boat, I decided they could go without me, this time. There were too many against my decision, so before I knew it, after being dressed in rain gear, we were being sprayed as we neared this tourist attraction. James really enjoyed it, so I’m glad he felt like going.

It’s not such a bad thing to be an obvious tourist. If I weren’t, it would usually mean I’ve taken the unforgettable sites for granted. I never want to do that. Not even the fabulous blue skies, multiple lakes, and beautiful parks Oklahoma offers. God is such an awesome Creator! Share your blessings this week.