Live a Meaningful Life

Meet R.J. and Courtney--from Cajun country... Louisiana. We were blessed to meet this duo as they were passing through, headed to Ohio for a wedding. Father (RJ) and son, (Courtney) were making memories by spending time together camping. Courtney took some time off work, bought a used camper and truck, and they headed out for some adventure!!!  Being in his 70's didn't slow RJ down one bit! They went rafting down the river and listening to him tell the story of how getting dumped at the last rapid even made it more fun, made my heart smile. But the gift I cherished the entire time of the visit--the memories they were making. They both put the brakes on their ordinary lives, their "to-do" lists, and work (Courtney is a nurse), and spent time together. Unscheduled time, time to listen and hear each other, time to enjoy nature and reflect on life. I am pretty sure it was time well spent. Cherish the time you have with the people around you. Take the time to no

Do not be deceived...both were enjoying every moment of this! I mean, John was trying to rescue his brother from going over the falls. It would have meant sure death! I love their imagination :) Little do they know about the strength they are building and the memories they are making! If you have rafted the Ocoee or know someone who has, more than likely they have paddled the middle section of the river. However, there is another, more powerful section of the river called the Upper or Olympic section. It is the part in which there is a visitors center that commemorates the 1996 Olympic events that were held at the river. There is a huge rapid that likes to eat rafts and kayaks called Humungous. The boys and I have sat many days at that rapid watching the carnage that occurs.  This part of the river only runs on Saturdays and Sundays. Johnny told Jackson (who is dying to paddle everyday and learn how to roll his kayak) that he would take him to paddle down the river one aftern

  We have had the privilege of seeing our friend Ted several weekends since we have been here. I have written about him on several occasions in the past. He and Johnny met on the river several years ago through our mutual friend, Roxe. The boys are always so excited when he arrives. He and JG often go on morning bike rides through the mountains when he visits.   On this particular weekend, he came up a night early so that he could take the boys on a snorkeling treasure hunt before the river started running for the day. Ted has found Go Pros, sunglasses, river/survival knives, etc. on previous trips. He took Johnny scuba diving once and Johnny found a really nice river/survival knife. On this trip, I came along as the photographer and gained an added title of chauffeur. Ted is leading us to our place of adventure--it is 8 a.m. and that water is COLD!  We arrived at our destination and he is outlining the instructions of how they plan to scan the area! And they ar