Seedplanter’s Porch

My new Day Trippin’ series was hatched one day while I was tranferring photos from my hard drive to a new external CD-DVRW drive I purchased recently. I thought, Why tuck them away in files when I can share them with people who may not have seen these places for themselves? It’s been fun revisiting each locale, and I hope you’ll enjoy the mini tours.

I began with a lens about Smith Rock State Park, one of the most surprising discoveries (and best-kept secrets, I think) in Oregon. Next came my second Day Trippin’ lens, Crater Lake National Park. Last night I launched the third lens about the Oregon Coast, where we camped two weeks ago.

Day trips are smart. They’re an economical way to grab a quick vacation (some call ‘em staycations because they don’t require major planning) for a time of R&R. This lens series will begin with my own region, and will eventually spread to other areas as well. Our Yosemite trip in March 2007 was a major vacation for us, but for someone closer to that area, it could be an unforgettable day trip. Stay tuned; it’s next in line.

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©Bonnie Bruno 2009

So I returned home from five days camping on the coast, to find that my Day Trippin’ lens about Smith Rock State Park had been awarded a purple star. I like the color purple, but I really like that purple star. Thanks to whoever submitted the lens. I appreciate the Attagirl, because it was fun sharing one of my favorite spots with all of you.

This Day Trippin’ series has just begun. If you like traveling by proxy, stay tuned. I have two WIP lenses waiting in the wings…one on Crater Lake, and the other on the coastal region.  I took this sunset photo at Heceta Head around 8:20 p.m.

Glad to be back, and I’m eager to catch up on Squidlog and also check out new lenses that launched while I was away.

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Unless you’re caught in a time warp, you’ve undoubtedly noticed a rise in the cost of utilities, grocery prices, fuel, and more.  A vacation may be out of the question, but a day trip – a staycation – may be just what you need to clear your head. My husband and I have been taking day trips for years, partly because they’re economical, but mostly because they’re fun.

Amazing, how a few hours in any given direction can feel like an adventure. Just pack a picnic and go, or plan to grab lunch along the way. If you’re into photography as I am, take your camera and prepare to record the day in detail.

My latest lens, Day Trippin’, is the first in a series I am planning at Squidoo. This one features Smith Rock State Park, one of central Oregon’s most beautiful destinations. I’m not a travel writer, but I do love sharing photos and describing these day trips as I saw them. Hopefully they’ll spur you to plan a day trip of your own!

New to Squidoo? Make your own lens today!

By nature, I’m a people watcher. I don’t mind waiting in lines or sitting in airports, where droves of people come and go. I’ve been known to shed a tear or two while watching families say hello or goodbye. Total strangers to me, but hey–it’s a sweet moment. I spent almost ten years freelancing for Hallmark International writing card concepts (art suggestion and text tie-in), so I suppose it helped that I liked observing people.

Maybe that’s why I also like bumper stickers. Each one is different, and reflects something about the driver. Bumper sticker books like this one are hilarious! Someone out there is collecting the best sightings of the year, apparently.

Whenever I’m stopped at an intersection, I automatically scan the bumper ahead of me for messages. Last week, this one stared back at me:

You know it’s going to be a bad day when you jump out of bed and miss the floor.

When I got home, I pulled out my file of bumpers sticker sightings and began reading through them. I started tossing them in a folder almost two decades ago. They’re as fun to read now as they were then.

Visit my new Squidoo lens, Bumper Sticker Central, to learn about the history of this practice. Putting messages on our vehicles started longer ago than I thought. Do you know what the first bumper stickers were made of? I didn’t, either. While you’re there, take a moment and leave your favorite bumper sticker sighting, in the Plexo list. (Don’t forget to vote!)

Take care, and remember…Reality is a figment of your imagination. <===bumper sticker sighting, 1992.

*Airport image by work the angles via Flickr