Mark Your Calendars For National Glamping Weekend

Are You A Happy Glamper

This weekend marks the first celebration of National Glamping Weekend - a coordinated movement for those of us who like to embrace the wilder side of life but wouldn't be caught dead without our hair dryer and 1000 thread-count sheets to hit the road.

National Glamping Weekend is June 2 & 3

Growing up, our family did a lot of camping and most of my memories were happy ones. I loved getting out and exploring, eating by campfire and the quality family-time that camping offered. I wasn't so crazy about the port-a-potties, lack of air conditioning (we camped in the summer) and not-so-comfy cots.

When I started to read about Europe's glamping and the new movement to the U.S., I knew this was for me. In the next few days I will be writing more about my personal experience in converting a motor home into a glamper and the whole new world glamping has opened up for me. If I can do it anyone can! 

Happy Glamping My Friends!

A Tribute to a Modern Day Gypsy

In honor of Mother's Day I am posting a poem I wrote in memory of my beautiful, fabulous momma. Ten years ago she raised the white flag in her vicious battle with breast cancer. She fought the disease with the same passion and energy she lived her life. Today is a day of celebration for a beautiful woman and a beautiful life.  
She was the original Happy Glamper, embracing everyday as another reason to celebrate. 

A Modern Day Gypsy

She took the road less traveled -

Passion floating into the night.

A nomad with her caravan,

A drifting gypsy’s flight.

Called by waves crashing

And the tangy wet breeze,

She curtsied to the “good” life

Then pirouetted for the seas.

A southern gypsy belle,

I emerged from her seed

Floating near the breakers

With a wanderer’s need.

Hovering in the clouds

Her legacy she loaned,

Being blessed with the Son’s light

And a gypsy spirit of my own.

a tribute to my momma

I'm pretty sure that Betty Anne has a blender in heaven for all the fabulous celebrations.
Here's to you momma. Thank you for giving me the world. I love you and miss you like crazy!

Fragrant Memories of Another Time

Oh yes, the magnolias are in bloom in Central Texas. An odd place to see these fabulous flowering trees.

I am more familiar with their velvety bloom as they lazily adorned the magnificent trees that lined our streets in small town Louisiana.  They rose proudly and, as their plate-sized blooms would slowly glide to the ground, they were snatched up quickly to compliment  many a summer supper tables with their fragrant decor. Just the hint of their fragrant aroma carries me back to childhood memories of picking one for my momma's Sunday morning bouquet. A little to garish and gaudy, but my mother never let on that it wasn't the most beautiful gift ever as she wrapped the woody stem in a dampened hanky and glided down the church isle with that sweetness floating all around her.

A fond and fragrant memory.

Mother Nature: The Ultimate Decorator

Last year was a tough one for outdoor lovers in Texas. The drought hit early and hard. Even the wildflower rainbow typically gracing the beautiful Texas Hill Country was too parched to peak.

But this year they are back as bold and beautiful as ever. One of the fabulous treats in my springtime camping adventures has been enjoying the ever-changing palette gracing the campgrounds.

We spotted our first Texas bluebonnet at Inks Lake State Park in February...Soon after this shot Taz ate the flower. I'm not sure but I think that might be illegal in Texas.

By March, Taz had miles of bluebonnets to smell.

On a glamping trip to Guadalupe River State Park in April, the wildflowers were unbelievable. I'm so grateful I started taking the time to enjoy all of the art that our environment has to offer. There is no more beautiful gallery of color and motion.

Guadalupe River State Park springtime hike.

These lovely ladies were captured on a hiking trail in Southwest Austin, Texas

Can't forget to give a a shout out to some other wildflower fans - all from the Guadalupe River State Park.

There are still a lot of fabulous flowers gracing the campgrounds just waiting to be enjoyed. Happy May Day!