Souvenirs

Hello Hatters,

I’ve had the recent pleasure of traveling with my sister to five different states.  Along the way, we made time for gift shops.  It’s tradition!  Shopping while on vacation goes together like peanut butter and jelly.  If I don’t pack enough sacks, no problem; buy two and get one at half price.

It’s fun to think of family when I shop on a trip.  Who would like this item or that doo-dad?   Some products jump out and grab my attention and I know the right person for that thing.  You know what I mean, right?

My problem is that I intend to wait for a birthday to give the new present, but I get so excited, I want to give it straight away.

It’s okay; I don’t have to decide today.

I packed well for the trip and came back with lots of fun stuff.  I’ll have fun unpacking.

While material items made the shopping exciting, my best souvenirs are the intangibles.

Let me explain.  It’s been decades since my sister and I traveled, just the two of us.  We know each other so well that it didn’t take much to send us into full belly laughs.  You know the ones… where you laugh so hard, tears roll down the face.  I kept my instant inhaler on hand to keep me breathing.  Seriously!

So many little details from this trip will stay with me.  For instance, there was a sign indicating a 360 degree turn was needed to  exit the freeway to a town called Hope.  I didn’t get a picture of that sign, but it was ironic that you had to drive in a circle to get to Hope.  Life, too, can keep us driving in circles.  Hope is essential!

We visited many sights to inspire us and connect us to our country and our faith.  Along the way, we met other tourists who like us, were seeking a greater understanding of these places.  We had to be still to soak in the beauty and the marvel.  I may not have all the details, but I know how the sights made me feel.  I was moved to tears several times.

I’m grateful for the many people who guided us with their knowledge and served us with their expertise.  I told many of them that I would include them in my next blog.  My thanks go to Rachel, Danny, Scott, Todd, Patty, Cooper, Theresa, Maddie, Robin, Destiny, Jim, Jessie, Trish, and Megan.  Also noteworthy, were Glen and his loyal dog, Penny. 

I’m partial to that name!

It was a rich experience, spending time with my sister and the other people we met.  If I could, I’d wrap up the memories with a bow as the best souvenirs ever!

Where are you doing this summer?

MT Penny