My Personal Escapes

This is actually a list of things that involves nature, the little things that cant be explained and just about living life in general. I think its all interlinked so I decided to categorize it into life’s simple pleasures and its basically things I would love to do someday and capture it in a separate journal called ‘Life’s Simple Pleasures’ under the tile of ‘My Personal Escapes’ and its all about the little things that gives me peace, smiles, make me feel alive , a free spirit and takes me away from it all …..

The following list was also part of the 43things that I wanted to do, seeing that they are all inter related I decided to put them all together under one goal under my personal escapes..

i want to dance barefoot in a field of wildflowers

I was just thinking how romantic it would be to have a blanket laid down on the field of wildflowers and have a little picnic with someone you love. Then just laying around – talking & laughing…kissing… smiles.. Reading poetry, holding hands & ultimately dancing barefoot with that someone special .. ahh what bliss it is to be inlove & share beautiful moments together…

I am a dreamer of sorts .. free spirit .. that would be me .. wide open spaces ..fields of wildflowers .. hair flowing .. in a cute ltitle sundress barefoot dancing in a field of wildflowers without a care in the world .. eyes closed envisioing only happiness ..

wish on stars, hunt four leaf clovers, and chase rainbows
i wish on stars a lot. sometimes when i am outside and see a real bright star i would just make a wish.While i am at home – knowing that there are a million stars out there you cant help but make more wishes.It gives you a kind of hope and letting you know you are not alone .. and if you believe in your wishes and the stars you wish – you wishes can come true ….
sometimes when on a day you get overwhelmed wishing on a star helps .. i really dont know what it is but it gives you a sense of wonder a sense of peace when you do .. like you know you have gotten your message across to the universe that you want something, that you need help in something, maybe a wish that would help someone feel better … anything .. bottom line is that you have made a request to the universe … wish hard and sincerely …

Ive wished on stars… looked for rainbows never wished on a four leaf clover before. I dont think we have that plant here here … but but i can still wish on stars… This goal seems pretty cool and magical … i think thats what makes life a little bit more magical – stars, four leaf clovers & rainbows all the things that can make people smile .. and give them a sense of hope ..
See the northern lights

swim n make love in a lake at night beneath the northen lights

actualy saw this whole concept for a diamond advertisement on tv, except there she was comparing the diamond ring on her finger to a star in the sky…. i figured just how romanantic to be in that same setting only to be with someone special and swimming and making love in the lake as we watch the northern lights above us … bliss

watch airplanes while laying on an open field with someone special

This would be so romantic .. it could be with someone special , a friend … i saw this on tv and i thought seeing that i loved watching airplanes it would be fun to do this just laying down and watching the airplanes fly over. Holding hands and guessing the kind of airplane thats overhead… Just a fun thing to do ;)

See more progress on: Experience my Escapes

a mexican vacation .....

A Mexican Vacation - just not mine *grin* ... though I do believe I am in need of a much needed long over due vacation but anyways …….. So 'C" seems to be vacationing a lot and he captured these gorgeous pictures of the sunsets and sunrise for me seeing that i love them and collect them And some pictures of the Mayan ruins and a nice little relaxing spot - some people just have all the fun ......... I have to admit I am a tad jealous then again I am jealous of anyone who gets to go on a vacation on a beach … So anyways, I really loved the pictures and had his permission to post them here…

There was something about he said about the sunrise that got me thinking about having people in our lives. He said and i quote ‘it would have nicer could there have been someone to share it with’ ………. Cant argue with that right? Nature and all the little things in life seems to be a whole lot better if we all had someone special to share it with and especially someone who can appreciate it. And I think personally it’s not just that, its about sharing things, moments, feelings just knowing there is someone there for you at the end of the day to just be there for you and you for them…. I think anyone in a relationship can identify with what I am saying … So count your blessings if you have someone special to share moments so now I am wondering if ‘C” didn’t regret taking his girlfriend along to share those special moments *grin* … Next dont forget too

So without further ado here are pictures of “C”’s vacation .. Enjoy …

Sunsets

Arent they just gorgeous? ….Sometimes I think there no words to describe just how amazing they look ….

Mayan Ruins, Coba

I actually saw this on the National Geographic channel some nights back. Its amazing isn’t it. Just one of the many wonders of the world. I wonder if “C” climbed the 120 steps? Only second to the Chichen Itza with 300 steps. That’s history for you one thing is for sure people of the ancient world were truly strong and resilient in building monuments like that without machines to help them mind you.

The Beach, the chairs the drink …

Need I say more? ……..or yes the view ......

Sunrise

And last but not least the sunrise …. No one else was around according to “C” so he was the sole welcoming committee for the sunrise that morning, a good time to take it all in .. peaceful …

Sometimes You Have too

I think sometimes even when you dont want to give up, given the circumstance you do. So i am officially giving this up – wanting to be sweetness Asian experience because by the looks of it its not going to happen but there have been better experiences with sweetness even though it didnt reach to the level that i hoped but he is happy now with others and this goes to another page – the goal that is ..

See more progress on: To be sweetness's first Asian experience

Untitled

Again not about giving up the goal – i received a free laptop last year so i am happy with this and everyday there are lots of nicer models of laptops coming up i might get a VAIO still but a diffrent one or maybe a DELL . I love the colors of the dell models so time will tell but for now i am happy with my Compaq named Lappie – yeah i have this tendency to name my most precious things smiles

See more progress on: Buy myself a Sony VAIO® FJ Notebook

Not now ..

well i am contemplating this i wanted to get one but now im not so sure. dont get me wrong i love tattoos but right now i have a change of heart – maybe next time or when the time is right we shall see. even though i dont want one now i do though what i would like if i do get one grin

See more progress on: Get a tattoo

done

well not sure if it was me or life that convinced him but he is living his life so its all good. he is a civilian now so i think he is enjoying his life no I KNOW he is enjoying his life .. so good for him :) im sure he has always known that nothing is impossible but i guess it was something diffrent for him …

See more progress on: convince a combat hardened soldier that nothing is impossible

Magnificent Sunsets ..

Seeing how much its rained here this week i thought i would look for some sun and what better way than my favorite - sunsets. I love looking at sunsets and collecting pictures of sunset. I love how each sunset has gorgeous colors its like an artists pallet. I love the lilac sunsets in these set of pictures. But over all they all magnificent .. Enjoy the view ...

if you cant see the slide show just click here ....

http://www.slide.com/r/IB6jSTtO7j-myaAiaDzU7cfH-igB-xHB?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original

South Georgia Biscuits

This was my attempt at making these southern style biscuits which i miss from my school days. I remembered having them at Hardees a very long long long time ago and while i was vacationing in Perth Australia. It was probably called scones in Oz but if my memory serves me correctly they look alike and definitely taste alike. The crumbly feel to it ...ummm yumm..

Anyways i tried this recipe and it tasted ok though I still have to practice the hand forming of the biscuits so i think i should be able to master it after a few tries *keeps fingers crossed*. You can have this with butter or jam or get creative with eggs or whatever else you have in the kitchen. Good luck!


South Georgia Biscuits

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup whole milk

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C).

2.In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.

3.Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or by rubbing between your fingers until the lumps are smaller than peas.

4.Pour in the milk all at once, and stir with a large spoon until dough is evenly moist. It should be sticky.

5.Flour your hands, and knead the dough lightly for 3 or 4 turns, adding just enough flour so that it doesn't stick to your hands. Let the dough rest for a minute or two.

6.With well-floured hands, pinch off pieces of dough (about 12) and pat lightly into balls. Don't over work the dough.

7.Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

8.With floured knuckles, press each ball down to about 1/2 inch thickness.

9.Bake for 11 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until browned on the bottom. Serve hot with butter

Brighten up a dark day

Its been raining here all week in Singapore. Light rain moderate rain it still rained and it rained even when the sun peaked a little out of the clouds. So its cold, wet and a good day to relax. I think its lucky cause its during the school holidays or else i would have a bunch of kids at school who would rather sleep than go to school hehee.. I am not complaing about the rain seeing that i love the rain , im seriously contemplating on playing in the rain *grin* ,, Anyways to brighten up these dark rainy days heres a picture that would definitely brigthen up even the darkest days ...

Sunsets ..

I have been catching many of these sunsets – weather permitted of course and have attempted to capture these sunsets. Though most of the sunsets i have seen are within my own country and neighbouring malaysia they are still beautiful none the less. The golds, the yellows reds and oranges are just spectacular. I remembered trying to take pictures until it hurt my eye – i knew i had to stop then grin. I dont what it is about sunsets thats so magnetic all i know is that it alaways make me smile and takes me back to some time a long time ago where i always received exclusive pictures of sunsets from a land ravaged by war yet in contrast has some of the most beautiful sunsets. I miss those days …

In conclusion i think for me to capture more sunsets its either i travel which i plan too and then of course be at diffrent places in my own country when the sun sets :)

See more progress on: Watch as many sunsets as i can

Untitled

I havent given up just compiling everything into one entry – these are things which i would love to do because it makes you come alive and set your spirits free…

See more progress on: i want to dance barefoot in a field of wildflowers

Relax ...

i took up yoga a few weeks ago and it felt great. Its relaxing obviously and releases much of the tension i have been experiencing. Clearing a space and lighting up candles and burnung relaxing oils really helps with this. SO i am glad i did this :D … then i fell off the bandwagon but i started again last night so that counts i think grin I am not as flexible as yet but i am working towards that. I guess i have set some goals a year ago before i turned 35 and now its time to work on it …

See more progress on: take up yoga

Gorgeous Waterfalls

Waterfalls - beautiful,soothing, the sound it makes as the water cascades down hitting the pool below - amazing and just imagine being in the pool as the water beats down on you .. what an amazing feeling ... and the colors the aquas the blues, the browns and greens that surrounds it ... a feast for the eyes .. Enjoy these pictures of gorgeous waterfalls from all around the world.. take in the beauty and for a moment in time take yourself away ........

http://www.slide.com/r/eFJosJcFzD-MBuIzVdv4dZozD99sEEhS?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

Waterfall Dreams...

Given a chance i think of my goals/dreams is to be there under a waterfall away from the rest of the world playing in the pool and feel the water fall on me preferbally with someone special .. again one of my many dreams .. I like my little dream world ....

Walking with Awareness

Walking – that’s something that I enjoy to do. I think walking is more than about getting healthy or getting your 20mins of exercise, it’s about appreciating the things around you. I love walking in the rain only to find I get sick later lol but there is something about the rain that makes you come alive. I don’t think I will ever get tired of talking about the rain – it may seem the same but personally for every time I walk in the rain it’s a different feeling. I enjoy walking too when the moon is full – I love looking up at it while I walk and see how its beams illuminates the sky and then we can see the stars better cause lets face it with the street lights and what not we don’t get to see much of the stars. I enjoy walking too cause it helps me sort out my thoughts, work things out in my mind. I have noticed I feel more relaxed after a walk and this is not just about the mile walk but walks to the market, shops or whatever then again maybe I am thinking too much. Sometimes I think I do – my poor brain on overload….

Sometimes walking can bring a memory a lesson. I know when i walk and see a stone on my path id move it off the path or kick it away. My grandmother always said to do that so whoever else walks and dont see that stone wont trip over it now i have fun kicking stones around - to a safe spot of course.

Enough about my blabs on walking, here is a write up from dailyom.com which I like. It explains walking in a more spiritual sense and how we can make the most of it. J Happy walking …

Walking With Awareness
Mindful Walking

Many of us take the benefits of walking for granted. Each day we limit the steps we take by driving or sitting for long periods of time. But walking even a few blocks a day has unlimited benefits, not only for our health but for our spirit. As we walk, we connect with the earth.

Even when walking on concrete the earth is still beneath us, supporting us. Walking lets our body remember simpler times when life was less complicated. This helps us slow down to the speed of our body and take the time to integrate the natural flow of life into our cellular tissue. Instead of running from place to place or thinking about how much more we can fit into our day, walking allows us to exist in the moment.

Each step we take can lead us to becoming more mindful of ourselves and our feelings. Walking slows us down enough not only to pay attention to where we are in our body but also to our breath. Taking time to simply notice our breath while we walk, through the length of our inhales and exhales, and becoming attuned to the way in which we breathe is taking a step toward mindfulness. When we become more mindful, we gradually increase our awareness of the environment around us and start to recognize that the normal flow of our thoughts and feelings are not always related to where we are in the present moment. Gradually we realize that the connection we have with the earth and the ground beneath our feet is all that is. By walking and practicing breathing mindfully, we gain a sense of calm and tranquility. The problems and troubles of the day slowly fade away because we are in the "now."

The simplicity and ease of a walking practice allows us to create time, space, and an awareness of our surroundings and of the wonders that lie within. Taking a few moments to walk each day and become more aware of our breath will open the door for the beauty of the world around us to come in.

a little blogthings weekend

Another Sunday passes by. It was a real good day to just get under the covers and sleep all day and wake up just in time for work tomorrow. I took a 30 min nap a while ago – I guess the weather and the excitement of this weekend wore me out heeehee. I feel like goofing off again before the seriousness and the goofiness of the kids at school take over tomorrow. I went over to blogthings and decided to do some fun tests and see what test central has to say about me. The results are below laugh if you want cause lord knows I was … :D

I am a child at heart looking at things for the very first time. Explains why I teach and get along with the little munchkins at school. I took this test and this is what the results heeded … tad ah ………

Your Inner Child Is Surprised

You see many things through the eyes of a child. Meaning, you're rarely cynical or jaded. You cherish all of the details in life. Easily fascinated, you enjoy experiencing new things.

How Is Your Inner Child?

DO You go for brains or body test .. LOL I don’t even know how to answer this one. I would say in all honesty it doesn’t really bother me. I think simplicity down to earthiness and a sense of humor is crucial but hey a great bod and brains is always a plus *grin* though not a necessity. Smarts are good too. So let’s see what the test results yielded … tad ah

You Go For Brains!

You want a guy with a big... brain. And of course it would be nice if he were a total hottie, but you're not counting on it. What's on the inside is what counts for you. (Besides, you can always change the outside later!)

Do You Go For A Guy's Brains or Body?

I think some of the tests here are pretty lame and some are rather amusing. I took what’s your true love’s name test and it returned a woman’s name as my true love. Hello im straight lol …. I like this one just because it’s funny. The pick up line that would get a man. The respond is just to cute ..

Your Pick Up Line Is

Are you from Tennessee? Because you're the only ten I see!

What Pick Up Line Will Get You a Man?

They actually have a are you pregnant test lol need I say more about the lameness of that? lolol I better not air my thoughts I might get into trouble. Tee hee.. Oh lord they even have a who is your celebrity boob twin test lolol im so laughing now …

I think I know why I like color purple in all its shades. I took the what kind of passionate woman are you and this come back for me ..

Your Passion is Purple!

You've got a ton of passion, but you don't always wear it on your sleeve. If something truly excites you, you let your inner intensity shine through. But otherwise, your passion tends to morph into energy ... which you never lack. You're a balanced woman, knowing when to turn on the fire in your heart.

What Type of Passionate Woman Are You?

I like Spring but am I really a woman of spring? Heh heh the test thinks so ..

You Are Spring!

Hopeful Playful Sweet Fresh Airy

What Season Woman Are You?

So I thought ill end this goofying off moment with this cute little test that tells me what my name means lol .. not sure how true it is but its cute .. I guess different websites have different meanings as to what iffa means lol but either way its lotsa fun :D …

What Iffa Means

I is for Infinite Love F is for Fluffer Nutter F is for Flawless A is for Angel Face

What's" Your Pet Name?

Beginning Today ...

One of those inspirational sayings i found in my quotes scrapbook. I really like this one because i can relate to it in a lot of ways & personally befitting for this new chapter in my life ...Hope everyone enjoys this..

Beginning Today .....

Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday. It is in the past and the past will never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.

Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration. This capable woman looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.

Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life. I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others. I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.

Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter. I will face challenges placed before me with courage and determination. I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.

Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time. Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness. Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.

Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart. I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people. I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy . . . admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music, pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath . . . pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer. I will change what I can and the rest I will let go. I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

Beginning today. And every day.

- Penny Jacqueline White