It’s been a while since my hubby and I went on a “bona fide” vacation, so we splurged and took two within a month………. We went to Yellowstone National Park for a few days, came home, did laundry, mowed the lawn then went to Maine. If it weren’t for the packing, unpacking, organizing mail pick up and a someone to look after Tucker (my sweet little cocker spaniel), etc, we’d definitely think about making this a habit.
My hubby loves the mountains, but, like most Brits, I love the ocean and the beach. Bob spent his time looking up at the mountains and I spent my time looking down at the sand for sea glass, shells and anything else that might catch my eye. I’ve collected shells for years and literally have a cupboard full of boxes of sea treasures from everywhere I’ve been where there’s been a beach. I’ve written a lot of craft books over the past 15 years, but one of my favourites is Seaside Treasures. I wrote this in 1994 and, up until a few months ago, it has been continually on the shelves at Michaels. Another book, (I forget the name) also published by Design Originals, has taken its place, but I’m pleased to see that most of the projects are the same ones I created for Seaside Treasures. It’s amazing how timeless shell crafting can be. My favourite shell projects, however are Sailors Valentines. These are wonderful works of art. I’ve created a few myself over the past 20+ years and am still entranced by the intricacy, colours and beauty of shells. I think my next trip will have to be to Shell Island (Sanibel, right?); I am, without a doubt, a prime candidate for Shell Seekers Anonymous. I’ll let you know when I go.
Yellowstone was very picturesque, but I think I liked the Grand Teton/Lake Jackson area a little better. Jenny Lake reminded me of the Swiss Alps and Bavaria. Places that, like Yorkshire, will always have a special place in my heart. I took a small digital camera with me and returned with photos of buffalo, elk, a mommy moose and her calf and majestic mountain views. There are also lots of photos of old geysers, of course and the effects, 20 years later, of the wildfires that swept thru the park in 1988. As well as being relaxing, the trips reinforced my love of photography; all I have to do now is to decide which of the 500 photos I should print. The advantage of digital photography – being able to take lots of photos – is also its disadvantage, especially when you see beauty around every corner. Have you any idea how long it will take to crop, enhance and otherwise “play” with 500 photos! You may not hear from me for quite a while. Ha!
Yours truly, Julie 
