First, I want to apologize for the delayed response to so many kind messages and comments that I have received both online and personally. Your kindness has meant so much to me and to mom. In full transparency last week was one of the most challenging of my life due to a situation behind the scenes, our heat going out at the house before we left for NYC, and then I came down with a terrible Flu and everything left me a bit battered I admit. My sole focus and limited energy was simply on mom this past week as I know y'all can understand.
Second, the meal train donations for helping to cover costs and meals have been more of a gift then I could ever express or say!!!! I literally have tears. THANK YOU to those who did give and continue to give as mom heals (and so do I) from these past weeks- especially this past week. You can find the link HERE!
Third, I am overwhelmed with gratitude that we are rejoicing that the surgeon was extremely pleased with the way that the surgery went, that everything went very well, and mom felt well enough that we arrived home late on Friday evening and she has been resting and recovering. She is healing well and the pain has been minimal which is a miracle and a true answer to prayer.
We have a follow up appointment on the 11th and we are expecting great reports at that time- thank you for your continued prayers for this and for complete healing for mom.
We are still accepting donations and help for this week and for the upcoming appointment so if you are interested you can click on the Meal Train link HERE. THANK YOU for all of your support during this difficult season!!
Road tripping is about packing yourself into a vehicle and then letting the endlessness of the open road ahead show you how expansive the world really is.
Or at least, that’s how they work in theory. In reality, road tripping is like every other kind of vacation you could go on. You need to be able to relax, enjoy yourself, and take a bit of space when you need it.
Otherwise you’re just going to come home from your road trip feeling more stressed than you did when you went off on it! Being packed into a car shouldn’t mean sacrificing your own little bubble for days on end.
And it’s this space issue, in particular, that we feel needs touching on here. In fact, we’d say it’s one of the most important things to be mindful of before you set off - here’s why.
You Don’t Want to Feel Like Sardines
Being packed in like sardines in a can is not fun. It gets hot and sweaty after a while, you all start to get on each other’s nerves, and let’s face it, no one can actually agree on a playlist choice!
And when you notice people starting to get reactive like this, it’s a sign you’ve been ‘sardined’ for too long! So you need to stop, get away from each other, and have some space to yourselves for a bit.
If possible, pull into an RV camp to do this. Once you’re on site, you can all take some space away from each other without going too far. Plus, there’ll be plenty of showers and private toilet stalls to use, so you can wash off that heat and sweat somewhere comfortable as well.
You Need to Be Able to Move
It’s good for you! No one is supposed to sit stock still for hours on end. At the very least, you need to be able to bend and stretch your legs to keep the blood flowing.
And this is best done by taking frequent breaks to get out of the vehicle. But you can stop any build up occurring by having a bit more leg room in the car to begin with!
You’re Supposed to Be on Vacation!
That’s what a road trip is! A chance to travel and enjoy yourself! It’s not a test of strength or patience. You’ve accepted the fact that you’re going to be on the road for days, stopping to sleep, eat, and explore.
But that doesn’t mean you should give up all rights to your own space. Imagine if flying to a destination meant you had to share the same 6 feet of aisle space with strangers for the whole time!
You need to be able to relax to enjoy yourself, and you can’t do that if the lack of space makes it feel like your road trip buddies are just breathing louder and louder!
Space is crucial to a successful, enjoyable road trip. Always make some for yourself!
*contributed post*
There are plenty of RV parks to choose from, but if you’re not familiar with the use of RV parks and this is perhaps not your typical vacation destination or for a weekend getaway, it’s worth knowing which one to choose.
Choosing between a quick stopover and a long-term home base is the difference between needing a place to hit the hay and looking for a lifestyle that fits your needs.
This guide will explore what to look for when you need an overnight stop and what to look for when you need something for longer. We’ll also discuss the perks of RV park vacations for everyone, no matter who you are.
The overnight stop for speed and simplicity
When you’re just passing through somewhere, efficiency is likely your top priority. You want somewhere that you’re easily able to enter at dusk and exit at dawn without a complex setup that creates more of a hindrance than a help.
With that being said, look for proximity to a major highway, as that can help to avoid long detours. You should also look to prioritize pull-through sites so that you have to unhook
Basic hookups that offer both power and water will often be enough, as you’ll likely use your own on-board facilities for shorter durations.
The home base for comfort and community
For those occasions where you need a home base for longer, you want a place that offers both comfort and community.
A home base where you’re spending 30+ days at will require more residential amenities and financial stability.
A lot of parks offer significant discount monthly rates if you’re staying for a long period of time. Many of which will also include utilities like water and sewage.
There are also some non-negotiable amenities that you’re going to need, like on-site laundry facilities and high-speed WiFi if you don’t want to go completely off-grid.
Benefits of RV park vacations for everyone
There are benefits for everyone who might be considering RV park vacations this year. If that could be you, then here are some of those benefits to sway you in the direction of trying it out.
Flexibility and freedom - RV travel allows you to set your own pace and an itinerary that works best for you. You can also change your destination on a whim.
Comforts of home - The benefit of RVs is that they’re essentially homes on wheels and equipped with private bathrooms, real beds, and kitchens. All needed for consistent and comfortable living.
Cost-effectiveness - There aren’t any upfront costs with RV vacations, but for the most part, they can be more affordable in the long run.
Connection to nature - RV parks are often located near scenic routes, national parks, beaches, and forests, offering direct access to the outdoors.
Social opportunities - With RV parks, you get a sense of community among campers. Common areas, as well as planned activities, and the shared experience of such a lifestyle are great for meeting new people and forging friendships.
So, whether it’s an overnight stop to home base, hopefully, this guide helps you choose the right RV park when you need it.
*contributed post*
If you want to travel in an RV but you are unsure as to how to go about it, or if you want to buy an RV but at the same time, you want to avoid the mistakes most people make, then this is the guide for you.
Choosing the Wrong Rig
The biggest mistake that people make is that they simply choose the wrong rig. First-time RVers tend to prioritize what they like about an RV, rather than what they can actually use the RV for. This is the last thing you should be doing, as you need to make sure that your rig can be suited to towing or driving. You should also make sure that you account for the remote site stops or even full hook-up campgrounds you will need to stay at. At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all rig out there, and thinking that bigger is always better isn’t necessarily good either. If you go for a big rig, then you may find it impossible to make tight turns, and you may also find that fuel consumption is a bit of an issue as well. If you have limited campground access, then this is another major mistake that you don’t want to make, as if your RV is too big, then you may not be able to park in it.
Not Assessing Campgrounds
Assessing RV campgrounds is so important. You need to make sure that you are taking the time to make sure that you are looking at what’s out there, so you can make sure that there are actually some places you can go with your RV. If you can do this, then you should be able to make some good decisions regarding your trip, and you may also find that you can find out what you actually want out of your RV. If you can do this, then you can imagine where you would like to go, how you plan on getting there, how long you want to stay, and more. Things like this can help you to determine what your core needs are, so you can begin to envision your family being on the go.
Buying without an Inspection
Another big mistake you need to be mindful of is buying your RV without any kind of inspection. You need to make sure that you take the time to reduce and recycle if you can, which you can do by buying your rig. With that said, if you end up with a pile of junk, then this will result in more waste and more expense down the line. If you want to help yourself, then make sure that you hire a certified RV tech so you can make sure that you get a pre-purchase inspection done. They can then check the RV to make sure that everything is in good condition, and to make sure that you are not wasting your money. If you can do this, you will notice a big difference.
*contributed post*
Camping trips have enjoyed a huge rise in popularity over the past few years. In fact, an estimated 18% of the population will enjoy at least one adventure each year.
If you’re currently planning your first road trip, or the first in many years, there are many pitfalls to avoid. Pay attention to the five below and your trip should be far more enjoyable as a result.
Overlooking The Journey
When thinking about travel adventures, the journey is often seen as a necessary evil. In reality, though, it plays a central role in the adventure. Hiring an RV could be a useful step, especially if traveling long distances and making multiple stops. Crucially, you must also prepare for off-road travel. Otherwise, comfort will take a huge downturn. Worse still, you will spend the entire adventure worrying about the return journey.
And if you were to break down due to poor preparations, it would sour your memories.
Picking The Wrong Location
Finding the right spot for your outdoors adventures is key, influencing every activity and experience. A dedicated RV park situated in a spot surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of things to do will serve you well. It ensures that each day of the trip is blessed with the chance to create magical memories. Yet, you also get to retain the comforts of a bed and warm RV rather than sleeping under the stars.
As a first-time camper wishing to avoid the full ‘rough and ready’ experience, this is ideal.
Not Packing The Essential Equipment
A lot of new campers and road-trippers underestimate the challenges. Carrying simple accessories like a flashlight and a pen knife makes a huge difference. First aid kits, alongside food and water, must be packed on any hikes or adventures you take. Most importantly, you need warm and waterproof clothing as well as suitable footwear. Without those items, the whole experience becomes unnecessarily hard.
Specialist equipment like fishing poles can usually be rented at your destination.
Not Planning Your Adventures
One of the great things about outdoor adventures is that it puts you in control. This is a great way to break free from the stresses of modern life and hectic schedules. Still, you should plot your hiking or cycling trails in advance. Likewise, if you are planning to enjoy a day out at a local attraction, you will want to book this in advance. Advanced tickets are often cheaper while they also save valuable lining up time.
The stress of not planning on the day or potentially missing out is the last thing you need.
Traveling With The Wrong People
If you’ve ever been on vacation with friends, you know that it does test friendships. However, the 24/7 proximity of camping, along with the loss of some general comforts, the strain is even greater. With this in mind, you must take care when sending invites. The colleague you love at work’s slightly needy personality could be a huge drain. The sibling who never compromises or won’t chip in with camping tasks is another to avoid.
When surrounded by the right people, though, it’ll be your greatest adventure ever.
*contributed post*
The best trips are the ones that breathe. They expand when you linger and contract when you feel like moving on. Lately, more travellers are choosing journeys that bend to their mood rather than the other way around, and that shift is reshaping how people think about holidays altogether. The open road is no longer a means to an end. It is the experience.
Via Unsplash
Travel That Moves at Your Pace
Traditional travel plans are rigid by design. Flights lock you into time. Hotels tether you to locations. Miss one link in the chain and the whole itinerary wobbles. Road-based travel flips that script. You wake up, check the weather, and follow your curiosity. If a lakeside sunset pulls you in, you stay. If a town feels flat, you roll on.
That freedom is not just convenient. It is calming. Travellers report lower stress levels when they are not racing clocks or navigating constant check-ins. Flexibility turns a trip into a series of choices rather than obligations.
Comfort Has Quietly Leveled Up
There is an outdated picture of road travel that involves cramped beds and cold showers. That image no longer holds. Modern vehicles offer thoughtful layouts, reliable heating and cooling, real kitchens, and proper bathrooms. Many are designed for remote work, with stable power systems and dedicated desk space.
This matters because travel no longer lives in a neat box called “holiday.” People blend work, rest, and exploration. When your accommodation moves with you and supports daily life, longer trips become realistic rather than indulgent.
Cost Control Without Sacrificing Quality
One of the strongest arguments for mobile travel is financial clarity. Accommodation, transport, and dining merge into a single, predictable expense. You choose when to eat out and when to cook. You decide how far to drive and where to stop. There are no surprise resort fees or seasonal price spikes.
Over time, this adds up. Families and long-haul travellers often find that RV camping delivers better value precisely because it removes layers of middle costs. The money goes into fuel, food, and experiences, not constant bookings.
A Lighter Environmental Footprint
Flexibility also enables more responsible travel. Staying longer in one area reduces repetitive driving. Cooking your own meals cuts packaging waste. Many newer rigs integrate solar panels and efficient water systems, lowering reliance on external resources.
Slow travel encourages respect for place. When you are not rushing through highlights, you notice the small things. Local markets. Quiet trails. Community-owned campsites. Travel becomes participatory rather than extractive.
Community Without Crowds
Mobile travellers tend to share a particular mindset. Conversations spark easily. Advice is exchanged freely. Campsites and overnight stops create temporary communities built on mutual respect and shared curiosity.
This social layer is subtle but powerful. You are rarely alone, yet never forced into noise or spectacle. It is a connection on your own terms.
The Road Ahead
Flexible travel is not a trend-chasing novelty. It is a response to how people want to live now: with autonomy, balance, and room to adapt. Choosing a journey that can change with you shifts your relationship with time and place.
When travel stops feeling like something you must manage and starts feeling like something you inhabit, it leaves a mark. Long after the engine cools and the maps are folded away, that sense of freedom stays with you.
*contributed post*
"The tradition of an old fashioned Sunday accomplishes more than just feeding us, it nurtures us."
- Chef John Besh-
Over a decade ago, back when I was working in Washington D.C., I started to find myself in a pattern that I grew to quickly dread. I found myself tired and exhausted from the week and then would give myself an "off day" on Saturday but then found that I was running around like a crazy woman after church and between Sunday night community meetings to get everything done that I needed to for the coming week. When I taught in D.C. I found myself staying up even later to prep and finish grading for early Monday morning. I often would go to bed on Sunday night worn out and tired, thinking to myself, "I need another day in the weekend."
As I kept thinking about my time and my weekends I remembered a story that my mom had told me about my grandfather's childhood days. My grandfather shared that his father insisted that Sunday's after church were to be kept simple and for the family and friendships. The whole day was to be centered on community.
As a girl who loves community and people I was drawn to this idea and theme and kept returning to it as I considered my weekends. So about 15 years ago I started to put into practice the concept that my Sunday's were going to be "old fashioned Sundays" that are simple and centered solely on community. As I fought for my health some of these ideas were tweaked a bit, but the concept of keeping things simply centered on community has only grown more precious.
My "old fashioned Sunday" truly consists of connecting with my community in a deeper way. Starting at 5am I disconnect from social media, email, and things I find distracting. I then connect on the phone with dear friends and have long heart-felt conversations as I sip tea, and spend many hours writing old fashioned letters to loved ones and to the soldiers that I have adopted through Adopt-a-Platoon. I get together with friends (either in-person or virtual face-timing), create artwork, go to church, go for hikes, plan precious moments of adventures and simply enjoy the moments in front of me with my loved ones.
I look ahead to the week, schedule in time that I want to face-time with precious friendships and make phone calls to friends that are far away. I look ahead at what is coming up in the month ahead, spend time planning gifts, creating, and thinking of ways to mark important special days and listen to music softly playing in the background. As my health returned in 2019, I started baking again for loved ones, preparing meals for my tribe, playing music, gathering around the table, and sharing laughter and our lives.
What I started to find was that by taking time to rest and invest in my community was a beautiful gift that started to erase the "worn out and tired" that used to exist. I know some of you are shaking your heads and thinking, well that sounds delightful, but I have so much responsibility that I could never do that. I get it. I really do. Most of my days (due to commitments, writing obligations, teaching, the blog, work, etc.) go 14-18 hours. I am not going to try and compare lives as we all have responsibilities, deadlines, demands, etc, but instead I hope that this will encourage you to carve out sometime for your own old fashioned rest and connection.
It also has made me truly look at what is important in my life and put the time and energy into those things and to say "no" very easily to the things that don't have a long-lasting legacy.
Recently, there have been a few places in my life that have become more full again and I found myself evaluating this time again. One of the ways that I have been recently challenged about this was in watching an old TV show, "Little Men". (It is available free on Amazon Prime- you can find it HERE... it's a bit slow, but adorable.) As I watched this show I was struck by the community and depth and challenged to really put down my phone, stop spending so much time scrolling through social media, and invest in the lives of those around me and who are in my community. It may seem like a strange connection, but watching this show was a gentle and beautiful reminder of the gift of the present. Something that I fought so hard for for the last decade and something I want to continue to treasure.
%20(2).jpg "reset for the week with old fashioned sundays")
Sundays have also become a time of adventure- planning for the week of what my one new thing a day will be for each day... this has sparked a whole new love of looking at the week!
All of these things have brought a richness and depth to my life and I truly look forward to Sundays. This has created a haven living concept in deep ways for me. I think that for every person and family during different seasons this might look unique, but the concept of having an old fashioned Sunday is something that I hope to treasure forever. I shared at the beginning that Chef John Besh once said, "The tradition of an old fashioned Sunday accomplishes more than just feeding us, it nurtures us." I love this. I would love to know what ways you incorporate this idea into your lives! Please share in the comments below!
Here's to a beautiful and nurturing and refreshing day friends and contemplating how to spend wisely the minutes and days before us that we have. I hope that today is the start of an amazingly beautiful day for you!
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