Tag Archives: hobbies

Relishing those Reenactments

Posted in #family, Life in General by

Reenactments, Going to Events, Living History – whatever you may call it,  I miss it A LOT. A few weekends ago, I had the chance to go a Revolutionary War – Event near my home.  If you’re friends with me on Facebook you might have seen my “Flat Stanley” pictures!

DSC_0190

Flat Stanley takes on the Red Coats

Going to a Reenactment brought back a flood of emotions.  I remember going to my first one as a kid and just being so floored by History being brought to life right in front of my eyes.  It didn’t take me long to realize that I wanted to participate in the hobby.  When I was 13 – I bought some books, talked to some people, did some research and was all ready – until I realized I didn’t have a soul to do it with.  Imagine the woman’s (who I spoke to when I was 13) shock when I called her at 21 asking her if she still participated in Living Histories particularly the Civil War.  My best friend at the time was beyond excited and willing to participate with me! So, we invested hundreds of dollars in clothing, a tent, cooking ware and travel expensive. But truth be told, as expensive as it was,  I spent some of my best moments all done up in 9 layers in the hot Virginia sun.

3

Me – outside a Cape May Bed and Breakfast circa 2005

But alas, time went on – my dad passed away, my job took up my time, I got married and basically fell out of touch with reenacting connections. Over time, there was talk about going back to the hobby, but it cost money that I did have. Plus, to be honest – I most certainly don’t fit in the dresses I bought at 21 years old. Again, the ideas went by the wayside.

It wasn’t until the recent reenactment – that I did begin to consider going back into the hobby all together.  The thought of parking my pup tent under a shady tree and spending my day knitting on a blanket in the shade just seems like heaven.

What may have even been more special though – is watching the boys and their 1st event!

 

Harley, Hiking and Reaching New Heights

Posted in How To, Life in General, Update by

Finding the time to do the things I love can be challenging.  Most certainly during the school year, but even during summer vacation.  And ever I was diagnosed with RA (Arthritis is not just a disease of old age. Two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65, including 300,000 children.) two years ago – it’s been an uphill battle with walking, bending, cooking, sitting, sleeping, eating and pretty much doing any kind of normal function.  It broke my heart to have to give up some of the things I absolutely LOVE to do.  That’s why – on a good day – when I can – I strap my hiking shoes on, queue up my Playlist, lead up Harley and head out into the woods. Last week I was  finally able to get out on a walk with Big H.  He’s been cooped up for the better half of two years – except for the occasional walk around our local development and yard time (of course). Harley has been off leash trained since he was 6 months old and the beagle in him loves a good nature sniff. So, I loaded him into the car and headed off to trek around one of the local hiking trails in my neck of the woods.  If pups can experience pure BLISS – Harley sure was! Mentally – I always feel my best during a hike – but it was even more special to experience my first walk -in a long time -with him. I love how I just never know what we’re going to find. Every turn, bridge and path – leads to a new adventure that’s never the same the next time we trek out. An hour and half later – we had discovered a turkey nest, caught some grasshoppers, spotted a fawn and snapped some cool shots. IMG_0285   Was I sore by the end? ABSOLUTELY.  Did it wet my appetite to get out there a bit more often? You had better believe it! Was it worth it to see Harley smile – EVERY BIT !!!! img_0287i

Are you like me ? Do you feel more at peace in the woods or are you more of a beach/city person?