Tail of the Dragon  

By mchurc001

Hi, Mary here! Mary Church that is—and I am Livingmybestlife❤. I love to travel! If you’ve tuned in, so do you. Thought I’d give a try to the travel blogging scene to see what unfolds for you and me. I’m hopeful to find a fresh new way to bring about travel excitement, interesting pictures that tell a story, and do this without having any experience in writing to an audience or knowing photography out of the auto mode of my camera. The challenge is real! But still I wish to give it a try. One of my favorite sayings in dealing with uncharted waters, “it’s not brain surgery.” So, off I go—hopeful to attract an audience of readers that enjoy my style of creativity. I am a retired Federal government employee of 38 years (2012) and a widow of 15+ years. Travel is one of my passions and in my DNA! I’ve traveled to nearly every state in the US, three continents, and 22 countries around the world. I am not a full time around the clock traveler, as it would appear to be a prerequisite to this forum, but rather a couple of big trips a year kind-of-lady with a sprinkling of a small trip here and there. What do I consider a BIG trip? I think of it as it relates to cost—many thousands of dollars. Comparatively, a small trip—not so that it breaks the bank. For this reason, I thought there maybe interest with travelers being in the same situation as I. Let’s face it, we all can’t quit our jobs to be a wanderlust just because we want to. I’m retired, so time isn’t my issue, but not having enough funds to circumscribe the globe is the reality for most and I’m included. So what do I have to offer? Possibly nothing, perhaps something! I’ve just decided to throw caution to the wind and see if I land in someone’s browser. Look for… Story telling through photos. Added, some basic need-to-knows, interviews with a travel addict I know, and a sprinkling of how-to’s. Traveling solo… Should you or shouldn’t you? Providing ideas, hints, tips, and suggestions from my lessons learned so you can be a little less stressed and a bit better prepared. Destinations… I really love wildlife, adventure, and adrenaline thrills, so much of my travel choices that offer action, gets top billing. I’m not minimizing trips that don’t offer adventure, they’re just not at the top of my list. Discussions on destination choice, prep work, transportation, packing, and a host of other task in preparing for the journey. Follow me to living life in a perpetual state of awe…….