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Inspired Words ~ Retreating to Orcas Island to Write
Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, which are located north of Seattle. It is a charming mix of nature and villages, arts and outdoors.
I love escaping to Orcas Island for a time-out. I’m able to rest, relax, enjoy nature and nurture my creativity. My words are always inspired when written on Orcas Island.
One of my favorite places to visit is Doe Bay Winery.
This is the wonderful view from the island.
Every day on my morning hike there was a new message found in the woods.
Add this to the top of your 'What to Pack' list
Today’s blog might seem a bit off topic, but I wanted to share a suggestion with my friends and readers. Consider this a Public Service Announcement for anyone who loves to travel.
GET A PASSPORT.
I’ve had a passport for years, and I often assume most people have this pocket-sized blue booklet. A casual conversation with a friend of mine revealed that isn’t necessarily the case.
My friend mentioned that she unexpectedly had an opportunity to travel to Europe but was now in a mad scramble to get a passport. The process seemed straightforward enough…until she ran into problems with her birth certificate. She had to order a new one online since she no longer lives in the state where she was born. No problem, right? Wrong. That process was supposed to take two weeks and now four weeks later, she’s getting nervous.
So why do you need a passport…especially if you aren’t planning to travel abroad?
The most obvious reason is never say never. Like my friend, an unexpected opportunity to travel may present itself and you’ll be glad you’re prepared.
International travel will increase by 35% over the next 10 years, according to a 2016 study conducted by VISA. While work, finances and family obligations may preclude international travel right now, your situation may change in the not-too-distant future.
Any international travel, even venturing into Canada and Mexico from the U.S., requires a valid passport (or passport card). Dreaming of a Caribbean cruise? You’ll need a passport. Invited to a destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas? You’ll need a passport. And what happens if you win an all-expense paid Mexican vacation from LIVE! with Kelly & Ryan? You’ll need a passport!
Be prepared for any eventuality. In the event a close friend or family member experiences an emergency situation while traveling outside the U.S. and needs help, you’ll be ready to help out if you already have a passport.
Get it now to save money. The average cost of a passport is $140. There are additional costs for expedited services and the application fee could increase in the future.
A passport serves as a secondary form of photo ID. If you lose your driver’s license or other important documentation, having a passport on hand can minimize the inconvenience.
Don’t have the extra cash to get your passport? Put it on your wish list. The next time someone asks what you want for your birthday or special occasion, tell them you want a passport. Just be sure to send them a postcard from your first international destination to say thanks. (A check for $140 along with a passport application makes a terrific graduation gift also!)
If you’re ready to get started or want more information, visit the U.S. Passports & International Travel site.
Win an audiobook for your next road trip
A friend of mine was moving from Virginia to Florida – a 13-hour trip in the minivan with two toddlers, a cat and a dog. She had originally planned to make the trip in two days, but ended up driving straight through. Why? Because she couldn’t turn off the Harry Potter audiobook she was listening to.
Audiobooks are a great way to make the most of long hours in the car. You can listen on your own device or plug into the car’s sound system so everyone can enjoy the story. Add audiobooks to your next road trip with these easy tips:
- Download the Audible or iTunes app to your cell phone or tablet before your trip and make sure it’s active.
- Test drive your audiobook app and device in the car. Make sure you have necessary cords and connectors.
- Select a few titles before you head out. Download them so you don’t need Wi-Fi to stream them.
- Listen to the audio sample before selecting a new audiobook. Make sure you’ll enjoy the narrator’s performance to avoid being disappointed.
- Take a group vote to decide on audiobooks everyone in the family will enjoy.
- Choose books that are funny, entertaining and engaging.
- Ask friends to recommend that favorite audiobook narrators and audiobooks.
For a chance to win one of my audiobooks, comment with your favorite audiobook or narrator.
Summer Safety Tips for Pets
Keep your Fourth festive (and your summer sunny) by implementing these strategies to keep pets safe and healthy. It is especially important to consider the welfare of your pets during Fourth of July celebrations because many are terrified of fireworks and loud noises.
- Keep pets indoors.
- Use only pet-specific products such as bug repellant and sunscreen.
- Prevent pets from drinking alcohol, which can poison them.
- Outfit pets with ID tags and/or microchip. Keep a clear, current picture of your pet in case they get lost.
- Do not use fireworks around pets.
- Keep harmful chemicals such as lighter fluid and citronella products away from pets.
- Don’t give pets table food. Many human foods are hazardous to animals.
- Supervise children around pets who may be agitated or frightened by loud noises. Additionally, make sure children do not inadvertently leave behind toys, such as glow sticks, which dogs may chew and ingest.
- Secure your pet in a safe, quiet, comfortable area at home while you enjoy fireworks and celebrations.
- If traveling with your pet, bring health/vaccination certificates. Check any requirements if you are traveling internationally or flying.
- Plan ahead to find pet-friendly hotels.
- Install pet restraints, pet barriers or use a travel crate in your vehicle to avoid your pet being injured in an accident or distracting the driver.
- Pack pet gear for your road trip: water bowl, toys, dog food, leash, grooming supplies and pet first-aid kit.
- Never leave pets alone in an unattended vehicle, especially in hot weather.
- Learn water safety tips to keep dogs safe around pools and at the beach.
- Know the signs of heat stroke (rapid panting, bright red tongue, thick sticky saliva, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea) and proper treatment.
Share your pet safety tip!
How to start a summer book club
Welcome summer! The warm weather season is officially underway. For many people, summertime is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy life. If personal obligations like school, family, or work keep you too busy to participate with a book club during the rest of the year, consider setting up a summer book club. Not sure where to start? Here are some tips and suggestions.
Identify potential book club members. This can include friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, etc. Consider the tone and theme of the club to help determine the best fit of members. Do you want a casual girls’ night out or something for a range of ages?
Determine when your book club will meet. This will depend on members’ availability. Are most people available during the day or in the evening? How about weekends? Where will the group meet? Decide on frequency and how long meetings will be. Don’t be intimidated by logistical details. Book clubs don’t have to be hours and hours long. How about an hour meet-up at the local coffee shop? The goal is to merge your love of reading and time with special folks.
Decide what book(s) members will read. Your book club can be any format you choose. Instead of everyone reading the same book, maybe members share recommendations and brief critiques of books they are reading independently. If you prefer a more traditional approach, where everyone reads the same book and shares a discussion, check a best-seller list or accept suggestions from members. Put the list of titles to a vote and go from there. Here is an article with the year’s most anticipated book club reads.
Recruit volunteers. Invite members of the group to help organize the book club:
- Someone to send out meeting reminders
- Discussion moderators
- Refreshments (if appropriate)
- Research, such as author bio, book club discussion notes/questions
Decide on ground rules/meeting format. Will the conversation be casual or is each person expected to contribute to the dialogue? How will the moderator/group handle interruptions, keep the conversation on topic and make sure every person has a chance to be heard? Develop a list of questions to facilitate the discussion.
Read, relax and enjoy!
Do you have tips for setting up a book club or book recommendations? Post your comments here!