Wednesday Hodgepodge

Woohoo!! Finally, I am posting on the actual day of this link up!!! Please visit the amazing host and all the other link ups for this fun topic!! From This Side of the Pond

Without further ado...

1. April 22nd is Earth Day...what's the most 'out of this world' place on earth you've ever visited? Tell us something about it. 

This is super super difficult for me. I love exploring and traveling. I have been to Solomon Islands for missionary work which is close to Australia but do not have those pictures digital so I can't share those, but it was breathtaking. 

I cannot simply choose one place!!

A private beach in Bahamas took my breath away. It was so beautiful. It only allows a certain number of visitors on this specific beach. 

The Queen's Staircase is like nothing I have seen. In person, it was so amazing. (Nassau, Bahamas)

This special beautiful place that had my heart as I rounded the corner of a trail is called Noccalula Falls in Alabama. Pictures cannot do it justice. Can you see me??? I spent hours sitting and enjoying this area of the falls. 

A magical place called Dismal Canyons in Alabama was like stepping back into the land before time. This was a highlight place for me when I think of hiking. While may be in Alabama this place took my breath away with over 7 waterfalls and the many canyons to explore. 

One of the prettiest and most amazing beach and island I have visited is in Mexico. Tropical fish were so visible, and it was like swimming in a fish tank. It was a lifetime experience for me. 

Rocky Mountains National Park is one of the most wondrous places I have been to yet. This is actually a picture I took at the highest peak of the park. I cannot tell you how standing and looking at this made me feel. I literally cried. It was so magnificent. I was so thankful for being there in person to see such beauty and wonderful creation. It was at that moment that I realized how BIG and MAGNIFICENT our Creator is! 

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs was like nothing I have experienced. From sandstone and desert  feeling to mountains and snow all in the same view!!!

How in the world could I pick one for EARTH DAY?! Just wasn't possible. 

I have also been to Niagara Falls in Canada, and it was so beautiful. That was pre cell phone days, so I do not have digital photos to access to post.

2. A favorite quote, verse, or song lyric with the word earth in it? 

3. What's the most trivial thing about which you have a strong opinion? 

Truly over the last few years I have learned not to fret over trivial things. I do not always do great at this but I often ask myself this question... "Is this Eternal?" "Will this matter in Eternity?" If the answer is now then I move on. I may to have to ask myself this a lot but it has helped me to stop, breath and really think about letting trivial things steal space in my heart and my mind.

I do at times get vocal about bad driving. :) I do not worry with grammar because as a mom who has a daughter with dyslexia you learn to have grace and be proud that people can even write and read today. Both of these things are NOT eternal so MOVING ON it is. 

4. What's your most commonly used kitchen utensil or tool? What's the last thing you made using that tool? 

I have two things...

My Pampered Chef Cutting Boards and My Pampered Chef Stainless steel skillet. 

I use these basically any single time I cook. 

Chicken Fajitas

5. Marilyn (Memphis Bridges) gave me a great book of 3000 questions, and I'm going to try to use one in our Hodgepodge every week. Here is today's - What is your greatest extravagance? 

Regularly would have to be a massage. I do get them monthly if I can because it helps with my stress and body pain.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am so glad to have actually posted on Wednesday. :) 

Have a blessed rest of your week!

Chrissy T

Taco and Testimony Event ~ Ladies Night

 

Well, hello all! I wanted to share a fun event we had at our church Sunday evening!

It was all about yummy tacos and sharing our testimonies or a story of how we have been beyond blessed!

It was a wonderful event. I will say I did not pull this event off. Usually, I help but I did have a vision, and a wonderful team of sweet ladies pulled this vision off. I was not able to help much due to a few personal reasons. I am so thankful for the team and the Ladies Ministry Leader of our local church for hosting this inspiring time of connection. 

Here are some pictures I wanted to share.  The church provided the cooked taco meat and each lady (unless they were guests) brought things to make a wonderful taco bar. We had such a wonderful variety of toppings, chips, dips and desserts. It was a great evening with a fun game, inspiring personal stories of how ladies have overcome so much with the Lord's help. 

Without further ado...

 

This was a centerpiece. Each table had one. It was a taco kit, mini flowerpot, taco shell holder, and taco sauce. We had drawings for door prizes, and the centerpieces were a part of some of the door prizes. I love this idea that the leader had!! 

These fried plantains were amazing!!!!! Some were air fried and some were traditional skillet fried. Both were so delicious. 

These little churros!!! YUMMY!

 Yours truly!!! 😇

The Mexican sodas were a hit!! The young youth girls loved these. 

This small group of women are so encouraging. All of these women are different ages, cultures, and have had such different experiences of life! I love this! It speaks so much to my heart!!! We have people from all walks of life and at all different levels of Christianity. Some still searching and learning, some living for the Lord for 80 years. 80 YEARS!!!! I love this group of women. 

I hope you enjoyed this post! Maybe it will spark an idea for your next event or encourage you to be hospitable and invite women into your life to encourage and inspire each other! 

The BIGGEST HIGHILIGHT was a young lady sharing how the Lord had turned around such a traumatic event in her life into something amazing. The teen girls were so impacted and afterwards came up to me and said that her story really opened their eyes about how God is always there writing stories and how encouraging it was to see someone run to the Lord during adversity rather run away from Him. 

I hope you all have such a wonderful day! 

With Love,

Chrissy T

Car Camping

Hello all! I know this will be controversial for some. I read all kinds of thoughts on it. I have people in real life say I am crazy. I am thankful my mother is supportive, believe it or not! LOL! She is a camper though! She is also a solo adventurer on the most part like me. I guess I just got it honestly.  

If you have been on my blog long enough... you know I like to explore. I also love adventure (to a degree 😏) and outdoors is my language! 

I have always wanted to car camp! Yes, you are reading that right. Car Camp. I can't explain the desire I have or why but I do. Last year, it was on my 2025 bucket list to do but it was the ONE thing I did not do on my list. Time, money, and little fear got in the way. 

(Image from Pinterest for inspiration)

It really is like "tent camping" or a very small TINY version of a basic camper "camping" if you think about it. 😉

I am planning my first car camping trip for one night once I feel better. I am still not feeling very good but one day hopefully. Researching and making plans has been a lifter of my spirit. :) 

I am not sure when I will try it. It may be this spring or maybe in the fall. I will not do it in the summer. It is too hot for me to do that in my area.  Who knows... it could be in a week or in five months. 

(Image from Pinterest for inspiration)

A few questions I have had people ask me when I mention this is a dream of mine. 

Do you really think you will like it? ~ I have no idea. I will not know until I try. I may hate it and I may love it. 

Why???? ~ I get this one A LOT. So, my answer is that I want to be able to travel for hiking and to explore more areas unfortunately I cannot always afford hotels, cabins, or even air bnb's. I also love exploring outdoors and love to sit by a fire, look at stars, drink a hot cocoa and cook "camp" food. I love the thought of being out in nature and waking up to beautiful scenery. You can see and explore a lot more by camping.

Wait! A car! Why not a tent?? ~ Well, I have tent camped a few times as a young girl. I did like it a lot. But it has been ages and I feel I am building up that bravery a little at a time. I also RV camped last spring with my mom. 

 I started traveling and staying alone in remote areas about three years ago once or twice a year to get comfortable to being alone in the woods. I have stayed in tree houses, cabins, and my last adventure was a tiny home in the woods on a goat farm.

I want to eventually tent camp. BUT I feel like I would have more security car camping until I get comfortable learning how to set up camp by myself. Since, I have felt very comfortable traveling alone now I want to car camp, then tent camp and then backpack on a hike in the woods overnight. YES! I know I am insane. I will say I do not want to backpack camp alone. That is negative. I will take either our daughter or our youngest son as both of them have experience with backpacking and long overnight hiking trips. Hannah was an intern for Rocky Mountains National Park, and she has had to backpack for long periods in the backcountry for up to 10 days. 

Why is your husband not going? ~ Because simply put, IT IS NOT HIS THING. LOL! He has no desire to sleep in a tent ever, camp in the woods during a hike, or nothing like this. He is the type of person that will only stay in a cabin or very luxurious rv type person. :) Nothing wrong with that at all. I am down for that too. I just want to experience of roughing it. LOL!

Are you not scared?? What if this or that? ~ Yes, I have fears. Yes, I will need to be smart, prepared and have a safety plan. Yes, I could ask myself all the what if's or that's and worry all the time. But what good does all that do? Any single time you leave your home there is a risk. :) 

What are you most scared of when you think about doing this? ~ 

The first thing is animals. Yes, I know. I am scared of that the most. Mainly snakes or bears or even a poisonous spider or bug. You know the one you will never know slithering in your tent or getting in your car somehow. 😕😁

I am a little afraid of weirdos! Enough said.

I am also tad afraid of the aloneness, quiet and darkness I will experience. 

So, with all that being said. I showed an image this past Monday's post of camping. I am pondering and researching car camping and tent camping. I am creating a plan to try it soon. I have full support from my family. I am looking forward to the day I get to have the experience. Who knows... I may go and freak out and drive right back home. That is why my first time will be at a local state park close to our home with 24/7 security and a park I am very familiar with because I hike and kayak there a lot. 

I can't wait to share more about this topic. The ups, the downs, if I like it or hate it. :) 

Right now, I am researching camp gear on a budget. I do not want to spend a lot on my first time in case I end up not liking it. 

Here is a great resource I have found. The Trek is a website with great tips and knowledge. 

More helpful resources....

I hope you enjoyed today's post. It really is a post of me sharing a little of my dreams. :) 

With Love, 

Chrissy

Okay... So, I did a thing....

Hello! So, from the title of this post I guess you may be thinking... "What did you do??"

Well, my friends.... 

I got a job! LOL! 😏

This season of my life has opened a door for me to get a part time Spring~Summer job. Yes, you read that correctly. After 23 years I am working outside the home. I worked once for a Christian school for a few months as a substitute preschool teacher. It wasn't for long, so I do not count it really. :) 

I am working at a Specialty Sno' Cone Cafe. Oh, yes, very professional. :) LOL! But... I love creative cooking and baking and while this isn't that it is so fun to create special neat drinks and sno' cones. :) 

It is only part time and I started today. I have to say... my feet hurt so bad. HAAHA!😆

This is just for a SEASON! The owner is a pastor friend of ours and they have this on their church grounds as an outreach of sorts. So, I love being able to help out this church. My daughter was the manager for 6 years, but she can no longer run it because of her full-time job as an x-ray tech and ortho assistant. 

So, here is to a new adventure and season!

 As ALWAYS FROM ONE SEASON TO THE NEXT!

With Love,

Chrissy T

Hodgepodge Wednesday (Thursday Edition)

I know! I know! I can't stick to Wednesday when it comes to Wednesday Hodgepodge. But I do love participating. I am linking up over at From This Side of the Pond and others. Joyce is a lovely host! Please go visit her. 

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately? 

My husband does our taxes. 

Something I have found taxing lately is deeply personal. I will say I have been almost TAXED out lately! :) 

2. When it comes to travel are you a last-minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you. 

I do not pack a week in advance. I am sort of a last-minute packer, but I am organized about it. I have lists and a system. I tend to know where things are and what to take. I also pack one or two staple bottoms and then pair different tops and etc to keep from being overwhelmed with choices and packing too much. BUT even with that I always pack too much. :) I am not a light packer. 

I do not really have a packing tip. :) I travel a good bit, and I just go with it. I think the key is kind of having a system, being organized a little in nature and it helps go smoother. If that makes sense.  Having an organized environment daily helps me know exactly where things are so it is easier to pack and go. I always wash and keep my car clean weekly, so this helps prevent the sudden rush to clean our vehicle to keep it travel ready. I always have my oil changed so my car is maintained. 

I do keep a basket of travel supplies on hands for items we use for hiking, travel, cruise and beach trips. 

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level? 

I really like grilled cheeses. I had no idea it had its own month. That is cool!

I usually just do your basic grilled cheese, but I have added a variety of different cheeses and ham before.

4. There's a well-known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

Oh man tough question. I think my answer would be that there has to be an intentional balance of both. I think a healthy desire to grow regularly is important and helps us as humans expand our horizons and learning new things keeps us thriving. With that said, there has to be a balance to have contentment and stability that brings peace. I think both can be achieved.  Regular healthy growth can keep you stable and full of peace. If it begins to do the opposite, then it is time evaluate and sit still for a moment.

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

• daffodils or tulips ~ Tulips
• lemonade or iced tea ~ Lemonade
• gardening or hiking ~ hiking
• ladybugs or butterflies~ butterflies
• umbrella or raincoat~ raincoat
• floral patterns or polka dots ~ Floral

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I do not have much to add here this time. I am just thinking of accomplishing some things on my Spring Bucket List. :) 

The ones with check marks I have done already. :) 

With Love, 

Chrissy T

Cakes and Flowers... a Whimsy Collide

Hello everyone! I am sorry for my lack of daily posts. I need a little break from daily posting so I am posting as I can. I posted Monday several images and asked if you would guess what I was researching and pondering. You all had some great guesses! Here is that post!

Today, I thought I would share these beautiful images!!! NONE OF THESE ARE MY IMAGES! ALL SAVED FROM PINTEREST FOR INSPIRATION.

I can't handle all this CREATIVE WHIMSY!!!!  Here are some more magical cake and flower love!

I came across these lovely ideas where cakes and flowers collide! What wonderful creativity.  I love cake and I love flowers. I always do a fun birthday cake for myself. LOL! My daughter does them for me. Hannah likes to know a few months in advance what I want. She worked and managed a bakery for years. I also love to have ideas for the tea times I do for church and friends. 

Here is my cake from last year! She couldn't have done a better job. It was a surprise party at church for me. 

Hannah did a wonderful job! I wanted a nature type cake. She did it perfectly!!!! I was so proud of her. But the BEST thing it was DELISH!!!

I want to try one of these flower cakes! Have you ever eaten edible flowers? I have had a few. I can say some are okay. Some taste exactly the way you imagine.... grassy. 😜

I have tried a hibiscus, lavender, pea flower, and pansy. I can say I am not a fan of them all but did I like the hibiscus and pea flower. I like pea flower the most. 

How fun and whimsical these cakes are!!! 

Have you ever had a cake like this?? 

Until Next Time,

Chrissy T

What Am I Pondering?!

 Hello everyone. Thanks for being patient with me as I took a break for a few days. The first one I have had since Mid-January. I have posted almost daily since then. I may also be a little more sporadic in the next few weeks or I may not. Who knows. No expectations. LOL!!! 😆

I thought I would do something different. I am going to show some images (NOT MY OWN) and I would love for you to take a guess what I have been pondering during my break and researching!! 

I will come back each day this week and share on each image what I am thinking!!

😀 Just a fun little twist...

So, what do you think I am pondering or researching based on these images....

Alright..... I would love to read your comments on what you think I am pondering or researching!!!

With Love, 

Chrissy T