Travel

Currently

I haven’t done a “currently” survey since April 2015, so I think I’m due to fill one out again! I always enjoy looking back on what books I was reading, what I was feeling blessed about, which TV shows I was into, etc. in the past. Here’s a link to one from 2015 and one from 2013.

All pictures in the post are from a recent photography walk I took around Pittsburgh!

All pictures in the post are from a recent photography walk I took around Pittsburgh!

Current book(s) – Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (thanks for the recommendation, Amy!), Leaving by Karen Kingsbury, The Bible, and I just finished Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner.

Current music – I pretty much listen to audio books, but if I have the radio on in my truck, I enjoy listening to K-Love because it’s so encouraging and positive.

Current guilty pleasure – Long, hot showers. As I mentioned in my last post, winter has arrived in Pittsburgh. Taking a burning-hot shower has never felt so good!

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Current nail color – Just a clear coat! I’d love to get a manicure sometime, though.

Current drink – Eight O’Clock coffee.

Current food – Runny egg sandwiches on an English muffin. I’m totally hooked.

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Current television show(s) – Alaskan Bush People and Gold Rush. I guess I’m a big Discovery Channel fan?! Alaskan Bush People is just so interesting to me because the way the Brown family lives is very different from typical American life. Gold Rush has been a favorite show of mine for years now as well. I never expected to be enamored by gold mining, but it’s pretty neat!

Current wish list – Hmmm. I don’t think I have anything I’m wishing for or wanting. I have more than I could dream of or ask for in life. I am so grateful.

Current needs – Yarn! My mother-in-law and sister-in-law are going to teach me how to crochet this week and I need to get some yarn. Can’t wait :).

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Current indulgence – Daydreaming. About places I’d like to visit, things I want to do, books I want to read, and on and on. Just letting my mind wander to fun places is an indulgence while I’m working or doing household chores. Sometimes my mind gets stuck on the work-work-work track, and taking time to slow down and be creative is wonderful.

Current blessing – My husband and church family. Jimmy is so solid. Sometimes I feel like my emotions are all over the place, and knowing I can talk to him about anything and have his care, calmness, attention, and understanding means the world to me. My church family is a blessing because it’s incredible to live life surrounded by people who have the same beliefs and goals in life and are supportive and loving. One of the best things about being a part of a church is the deep connection and love I get to experience. There’s nothing like it!

Current excitement – I was asked to give a devotional during a ladies’ event at my church this spring. I said yes, and now I’m in the planning stages. So pumped! If you have any topic ideas, feel free to send them my way!

That’s all I have for today. I hope everyone is having a great week so far!

Tell me your current excitement, blessing, etc.!

My Top 5 Dream U.S. Travel Destinations

Traveling is something I think about a lot. I want to visit so many places to explore and experience new things. I thoroughly enjoy pinning pictures of my dream travel destinations on Pinterest. It’s slightly addicting! I was looking at my Pinterest travel board and it made me want to write a post on my top five dream travel destinations in the United States. So, in descending order, here are my top five!

1. Seattle, Washington

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The Space Needle, Mount Rainier, Pike Place Market, Lake Union, house boats, Puget Sound, underground tours, and all the coffee. Everything about Seattle is captivating to me and I want to visit so badly! I’ve read a few books that have brought Seattle alive for me, including Morning Glory by Sarah Jio and pretty much anything by Debbie Macomber. I recently posted in a survey about how I’m afraid of flying, and Kylie commented that I’d have to fly somewhere that’s really worth it to get over my fear. I definitely think Seattle it that place for me.

2. Savannah, Georgia

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Once again, a book made a city come alive for me. I read Paula Deen’s book a few years back and instantly wanted to visit Savannah. It seems like such a quaint, old-fashioned city. The historic districts, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, and Forsyth Park are especially interesting to me. Of course I want to visit The Lady and Sons for some good Southern cooking, too.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

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To me, New Orleans seems vibrant and alive. The culture there is so strong. The first time I wanted to visit NOLA was when I saw The Princess and the Frog. Yes, an animated Disney movie sparked my interest. My dream visit to New Orleans would include walking around the French Quarter, eating Beignets and drinking coffee at Cafe Du Monde, walking inside a shotgun house, hearing someone speak the local dialect, and listening to some live jazz music on the streets.

4. Phoenix, Arizona

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The landscape and weather in Phoenix is so incredibly different from where I live that I’m just dying to experience it. I hear the sunsets are stunning, and that the intense heat is a dry heat. That’s an interesting concept for this Pittsburgh gal, who knows high humidity all too well. I want to try authentic Mexican food, go hiking on Camelback Mountain, and stare at all of the gorgeous flora and fauna.

5. Sanibel, Florida

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Sanibel is a city on an Island. How cool is that? I’ve read it is one of the best seashell beaches in the world. Sanibel is appealing to me because it has a secluded air about it, abundant natural beauty, and plenty of interesting wildlife. I’d love to go shelling, visit the local wildlife refuge, and check out the unique-looking lighthouse.

Honorable mentions include anywhere in Hawaii, Maine, and Alaska. Also, Charleston, South Carolina and Key West, Florida. Places I’ve been to and want to visit again include Dallas, Washington D.C., Niagara Falls, and Marco Island, Florida.

What are your top five dream travel destinations?