Anyhow, my entry is a little different, but what did you expect? Coloring inside the lines isn't nearly as much fun as smearing color all over the page.
But FIRST, (psst! psst!) how's about a little secret? Today isn't just the day Julie and Lexa are launching a new blog hop. Oh no, no, no. Their new books are also being launched today! Check 'em out: The Ghosts of Aquinnah by Julie Flander , and Soul Cutter by Lexa Cain . Please join me in wishing both ladies much success.
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| All packed up, but where should I go? |
my poem
Picking a dream destination
Took a heap of contemplation.
Shall I go north, south, east, or west?
Which one place would be the best?
What land better than the one Down Under?
Bright flowers, koalas, and kangaroos,
And a duck-billed platypus, I'd like to choose.
Plus, while I'm there, know what I'd do?
Visit with a blogger pal or two.
Then, again...
One of Earth's most amazing sights...
A surreal sky of shifting hues,
Of reds, and greens, and electric blues.
So perhaps, it's best when I go forth,
To set my compass for way up north.
Then, again...
Most any place in Europe would do.
What history, culture, and oh... the food!
(If I can't speak their language, will they think me rude?)
Or maybe Africa to see a jungle beast,
Or perhaps the mysteries of the far far east?
Then, again...
When there's places here I haven't seen yet.
Mount Rushmore, Grand Canyon, and Niagara Falls...
Such beauty to see... and Old Faithful calls!
New England, California, Utah, and Maine,
Buttes, mountains, deserts, glaciers, and plain.
Then, again...
What matters isn't destination,
For the dream doesn't spring from a special place;
It's more about a special face.
Whether we travel far away,
Or in our town we choose to stay,
What matters (although he's sometimes a farticus),
Is being wherever with my guy Smarticus.
DISCLAIMER: In the unlikely event that my hubby Smarticus happens to read this post, be it known that in no way was that poem intended as an underhanded attempt to coerce him into buying me that spiffy Albert Einstein bobble-headed Chia pet for Christmas.
So, where's your dream destination? Huh, huh, huh?
Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.
There's nothing American tourists like more than the things they can get at home. [Stephen Colbert]
[Images courtesy of morguefile.]
Here's a list of participants, if you wanta hop on over to their blogs to find out which destinations are making them dreamy-eyed today. The list looks like I scrubbed it with Clorox, but the links still seem to work.
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You've really outdone yourself this time Susan! This post is packed with fun facts, and even rhymes! I guess I'll just have to take your word about poor Smarticus! Congrats to Julie and Lexa on their wonderful releases!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks! I had fun with it, if nothing else.
DeleteThat is one fantastic Post....some people are so clever.
ReplyDeleteI'm not entering any competitiion but if I could travel my favourite destination would be south island of New Zealand. If I had the money and time then England would be my big choice. Although born in Australia some of me belongs in that far off distant land.
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
DeleteNew Zealand would be a fabulous place to visit, especially for the flora and fauna. (Than again, I'm not sure how different it would be there from what you see in Australia.) England would be wonderful, too. I hope you get to visit someday, and fulfill those inner yearnings.
I think if I could choose my dream destination, I would choose Europe, specifically Portugal, Spain, Italy...
ReplyDeleteGreat post as usual Susan, you always make me smile and think :)
There's a TON of places in Europe to see, aren't there?
DeleteThanks. I'm always happy to make you smile. Dunno about the "think" part... obviously you never read my scintillating post about flatulence...
I love your post poem! You've covered just about everywhere
ReplyDeleteI particularly love the end where you say anywhere at all is just fine as long as you are with Smarticus. That's very sweet.
My dream destination would be the tiny island where the TV series Death In Paradise was filmed. But I would need air conditioning to cope with the heat there.
Thanks! (If we were in Australia, you'd be one of the bloggers I'd love to meet.)
DeleteA tropical island would be heavenly, (without the death part, thank you very much) but I agree with you about the air conditioning. Must be all this added "insulation" I have now, but I don't handle heat nearly as well as I used to.
Fantastic Susan. And so true. But... maybe he will buy you a trip to the grand canyon. A MUST do for your soul.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mr. C! Sounds good to me. (Heck, I even enjoyed Providence Canyon!)
DeleteLove how you linked so many fab places to being with your fab husband. So true, all so true! But I hope you get that Chia pet (which I'm going to have to Google to see what it is . . .) My vacation would be to Churchill, Canada, to see the polar bears before their habitat melts away.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Um, good luck finding an Albert Einstein bobble-headed Chia pet. I've seen both a bobble-head and a Chia pet (no kidding!) but not combined. The bobble-head doll is actually adorable, but not worth twenty bucks. It'd just end up being another dust collector.
DeleteIt would be awesome to see polar bears in their natural habitats, wouldn't it? Quite a climate change from you old hometown, though.
I'd love to visit all those places, but you're so right. Home is where the heart is and that's the best destination of all.
ReplyDeleteYep, the only place one can be assured of finding "all the comforts of home"... is... at home. But travel and adventure add spice to our lives.
DeleteDear Susan,
ReplyDeletethank you for your post! How come that instantly I think of the (interesting) book of Barbara Sher:' I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was'? (A question that I as career advisor am asked frequently) You can change it easily to "I could go Anywhere if.." Love your poem!
Dear Britta,
DeleteJudging by the title, that DOES sound like an interesting book.
Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.
Aww, this is such a cute poem and also very sweet! I hope you and Smarticus can visit all of these places and many more together. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again for taking part, Susan!
Thanks, Julie. Well, if we never make it to any of those places in person, we DO have the Travel Channel, and a very comfy loveseat.
Deletegreat poem and indeed like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz - there's no place like home - i.e. with family,etc. Smarticus should be honored by your poem. But if one MUST travel and indeed I love to - I think Seattle is next for 2014 domestic, and possibly Italy for abroad. So many places, so little time and money. Alas. But it is fun to dream!! Great post
ReplyDeleteSeattle sounds like a great destination spot, too. Our younger son absolutely loves that area. He was based at Ft. Lewis for a while. As for Italy, oh yeah! What sights to see, and the FOOD! (The Chianti...)
DeleteIt's so hard to pick just one! I'd like to see the Northern lights, too. When I lived in Cleveland, we saw them once. Not quite as spectacular as in your picture, though.
ReplyDeleteI know! There's soooo many amazing places and things in the world... but the Northern lights are on my bucket list. Not really. I don't have a "list". But if I did, they'd definitely be on it!
DeleteDefinitely helps to have a good travel partner and there are SO many incredible places to go. But in creating my own list, viewing the Northern Lights in all their majesty ended up as number two. And I promise I will see them someday in the not-too-distant future.
ReplyDeleteHope you get to see some of your dream spots with your travel buddy. Ms. Travel Poet!
Absolutely. With the right partner, a trip to the hardware store can be fun. Okay, so maybe not quite as much fun as a trip to Paris, but fun, nonetheless.
DeleteNeat to know I'm not the only one enthralled by the Northern lights. I think they must be a gasp-worthy awe-inspiring sight. If you go in the not-too-distant future, I hope you take pictures! (And share them on your blog!)
Farticus! Love it. We have a cat named Atticus and now I'm going to start calling him Farticus. Loved this post!
ReplyDeleteWell, gee, Atticus is already a really neat name for a cat. Then again, if your cat is anything like our, maybe Farticus is more appropriate...
DeleteThanks! Nice to meetcha.
It's hard to pick just one place when the world has so many amazing things to offer.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is! How about a two-year (or more) tour around the world...
DeleteLove the poem. I'm doing my destination post tomorrow but I won't be anywhere near as clever. Congrats to Julie and Lexa of course.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad you liked it. I'll look forward to seeing where you're headed tomorrow then. (You're always plenty clever!)
DeleteIt's almost impossible to pick one spot, especially since I haven't traveled much. I want to go everywhere. My neighbor just returned from Australia yesterday, I've yet to discuss her vacation. Thanks for joining my blog, Susan, I believe I joined yours already.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. Wouldn't it be neat to close your eyes, spin the globe, and travel to wherever your finger lands on it? (Unless of course, it lands in the middle of the Arctic Sea or something...)
DeleteAh, brilliant. You ought to frame that and give it to Smarticus for Christmas. :))
ReplyDeleteAnd, yeah, it was hard to decide! There are so many wonderful places to go. But who you go with (or stay with) is probably the most important factor.
HA! Good idea, but I think he'd rather have a spot welder.
DeleteI love your destinations, but your last picture touched my heart. So sweet.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm glad you liked it.
DeleteExcellent poem! I loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I dunno about "excellent", but I'm glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteWhat a brilliant idea to say it with poetry! All the destinations are fabulous, especially the Northern Lights, which I'd love to see, but I highly doubt I'll ever get anywhere close enough to view them.
ReplyDeleteI live in Australia and I've been lucky enough to hold a koala at an animal sanctuary. We have plenty of killer beasties in our country, but koalas are just lovely. I remember it hanging on to me like a big, fat, warm, furry, cuddly baby. Adorable! Haha.
Very glad to meet you thanks to this hop, Susan! :)
Yeah, I reckon you're even farther from the Northern light than I am, but who knows? We may both see them some day.
DeleteOh, how fabulous! I've seen some adorable photos of young koalas that make me itch to actually touch them, and he way you describe the experience is just as I'd imagined it would be. Kinda like one of my grandchildren, but with a lot more hair.
I'm glad to meet you, too. Thanks for signing on as a new follower. Welcome aboard!
Your are so poetic. Loved this. Especially the ending. I'm following you now. :)
ReplyDeleteHA! Thanks. I was just having fun with it.
DeleteIt's nice to meet you, Beverly. Thanks for visiting, and leaving a comment. Welcome aboard!
Hey Susan,
ReplyDeleteYou have gone all poetic. And that's energetic. Time to go to a land down under. Where your fans will wonder. If the northern lights are in your sights.
A trip to London? That would be fun. I'd organise your parade. You'd have it made. I've been to "Viagra" Falls and it took balls.
So where would I go? Well what do you know. A trailer park in Alabama. End up in the slammer. For making fun of the southern drawl, y'all....
Gary, Gary quite contrary.....
You're quite the chap, old bean.
DeleteIf you know what I mean.
Your disposition's sunny,
And your poem's so funny,
With envy I'm turning green!
(The "Viagara Falls" comment really cracked me up! You rock, Gary.)
Cheers!
Your poem was fantastic! I felt like I was on an around-the-world tour, and I sure loved where it ended up. So sweet. *applause* Thanks for joining the hop! :-)
ReplyDelete(Gary's poem made me laugh. Ya'll are very talented! Now it's the slammer for me.)
Thanks! Glad ya liked it. *curtsy* Thanks so much for hosting the hop!
DeleteYeah, Gary's a hoot. Youse guys are both talented. (Just 'cause I live in Georgia doesn't mean I can't talk Yankee.)
Very sweet! The beauty of travel is indeed who you go with.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I know some people are quite happy to travel alone, but for me, just about any experience is better when it's shared with someone special.
DeleteThank you, Lovely Lady, for that fabulous review!! I thought I was too old to squeal but, hmm, maybe not. When I hit Publish, I hoped I had the right balance so you have no idea the sense of relief I felt when I read what you wrote. And thanks for the Bonnie and Clyde mention -- I'll edit that soonest. Hey, you've got a good eye, girl. Hmm, you'd be a super Beta reader . . . hmm . . . have an idea brewing for another A-Z when we return from NO after Christmas . . . hmm . . .
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Lovely Lady! I'm glad you liked it.
DeleteSometimes, I think I have TOO good an eye. The internal editor in me won't shut the hell up when all I want to to do is enjoy reading something. (She's verrrrry annoying!)
If you're ever in need of another Beta reader, just give me a holler. (Actually, an email will suffice.)
Oops, time for me to hit the rack -- forgot to mention that I dumped Goodreads about eight months ago. It got my dander up when they had me down for reviewing books I'd never heard of.
ReplyDeleteBut I really appreciate the offer! Thanks!
Gotcha! Yeah, I think that would prickle my dander, too.
DeleteYou're so clever! All those places are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Glad ya liked it. There are so many wonderful places to see, I didn't even cover the tip of the iceberg. (Hmmm, come to think of it, I wouldn't mind seeing an iceberg, either... )
DeleteExcellent poem, and very fun to read. I would love to visit all those places!
ReplyDeleteAnd your husband, Smarticus, should definitely get you that bobble head for Christmas. :)
Thanks. I'm glad you got a kick out of it.
DeleteActually, Smarticus would have an impossible time finding an Albert Einstein bobble-headed Chia pet, because I don't think there is such a thing. I made it up. There IS an Einstein bobble-head doll, and an Einstein Chia pet, but not both things rolled into one. (Too bad... that'd really be funny!)
I love your poem, and your dreams. I like that you colored outside of the lines.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Even as a young child, I colored the entire background outside the coloring book lines. (Oh yeah, I'm a rebel.)
DeleteMy wife and I keep talking about a trip to Europe but don't seem to be able to ever actually move beyond the inital planning stages. I want to see London and Paris above all else.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to see London and Paris beyond all else, you need to start ratcheting up your plans. Make it happen. Life's too short to keep putting off the things you and your wife really want to do.
DeleteOh this is great, you made me grin! :D
ReplyDeletehttp://shahwharton.com
Thanks, Shah. I'm glad it made you grin.
DeleteIt's good to see that I'm not the only one who can't decided on just one destination!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I loved the very subtle hint to your hubby, but I'm not sure it'll work. Jack hammers and dropping anvils go unnoticed with some men... ;)
Great minds think alike, eh? (I can't eat just one piece of candy, either.)
DeleteHA! Yeah, you're right. My hubby is a retired engineer with no appreciation whatsoever for subtleties and cutesie hints.
So many nice destinations. Thank you for following my blogs. I'm following you back now.
ReplyDeleteYes, TOO many nice destinations to narrow it down to only one. My pleasure. Thanks for returning the favor, dear lady. Welcome aboard!
DeleteI agree, you're going to need a lot more than a poem! Although, a lovely poem it was!
ReplyDeleteMy hubby told me yesterday that 'not' getting what you want for Christmas is what it's all about. I have a list of items I've asked for - and sadly am still waiting for! His other excuse - but you asked for it - it wouldn't be a surprise! Or my favorite - the gifts I received that he really wanted - these are the items he told the boys I wanted. They believed him! And the years I received nothing was because I didn't hand him the money - heaven forbid he mess with my budget! He's so full of s...! LOL
HA! Your hubby may be full of caca, but he also sounds suspiciously like an engineer. An engineer who likes to procrastinate. (Good thing you have a good sense of humor!)
DeleteWhat a wonderful, funny and beautiful poem you've crafted for us! By far the best entry I've seen in this hop!
ReplyDeleteOh, what a sweet thing for you to say! Thank you, Beverly. You made my day!
DeleteI second Beverly---it was wonderfully fun and a nice little trip around the world...now to mention the very happy ending. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicki! (Always have to go for a happy ending.)
DeleteI believe we'll need more than one dream destination, especially after reading this post! Such a great selection here!
ReplyDeleteYeah, me, too. I think an around-the-world tour is in order.
DeleteYou're so fun-loving, Susan. I'm sure your farticus is too.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
xoRobyn
Yeah, Smarticus is a lot of fun, especially when he isn't being a farticus.
DeleteHappy weekend to you, too!
OH, what a fun poem. I'd love to see Australia too. I have family there (and blogger friends as well). I love the point you made about places here too though. I'd love to see the Grand Canyon and Yellow Stone Park. Thanks for a great post. Sorry my blog was acting weird the other day. Hope it lets you add when you try again =)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm glad you liked it. Hey, it's not your fault your blog was being rude yesterday! I'll come give it another try. Thanks for signing on here. Welcome aboard!
DeleteI think it's only fair to take the time
ReplyDeleteto make my reply metered in rhyme.
The world's full of wonderful places to share,
if only we decide to get out of our chair.
You choose some nice places, also on my list,
and if I don't see them I'm going to be ..annoyed.
LOVE it! Your poem is fantastic!
DeleteHere I come to your blog with a flick of my wrist;
We can't have a new follower getting all ... annoyed.
HA! Thanks for signing on as a new follower. It's very nice to meet you. (With your sense of humor, I think we're gonna get along just dandy!) Welcome aboard!
Oh Susan, that poem was absolutely beautiful! Made me smile wide :) So many places to visit. Hope you get the Einstein bobble-headed Chia pet. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm glad ya liked it. Wide smiles are the best. (Smiling and laughing are my favorite exercises.)
Delete"Farticus" I love it!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab poem Susan! And I agree. :)
I'm glad ya like it.
DeleteAs a European, I obviously agree with you. Lots of amazing places in nearly every country. Add Austria and its capital Vienna to your list. You just HAVE to see this small but cool country :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Vienna would be absolutely delightful! Maybe some day...
DeleteThanks! And thanks for signing on as a new follower. It's very nice to meet you. Welcome aboard!
What a creative way to answer and well done. I have been to Australia and to London and Paris, too. So let me know if you need some travel tips.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Wow, if you've already been to Australia, London, and Paris, I can hardly wait to see what you chose as a dream destination.
Deleteive been waiting for someone to choose OZ! im actually living here now (im canadian originally) and it is really a stunning place
ReplyDeleteeven in the middle of the outback where i am! (broken hill)
great post
Yes, I know Oz is gorgeous. The flowers, landscape, birds, and animals are breathtaking. You're living the dream, dude.
DeleteThanks!
Look at It ! I am the 91th person to comment...Hats off...And you included all the world in your dream destination and it ends at your man's arms. makinng me go awww awwww and awwww
ReplyDeleteWhat an... enchanting... comment. Go figure!
Delete:)
DeleteI love this! Quite clever! All those places would be fantastic, of course, but I also prefer to travel with my guy by my side, or just stay home and relax together.
ReplyDeleteThe Warrior Muse
Thanks, Shannon. I'm glad you liked it... and agree.
DeleteVery good read. So good I joined! Made me chuckle. More than once.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad you liked it, and am a huge proponent of chuckling. (My major form of exercise.) I didn't see your spiffy-looking screen pic among the followers yet, but hey! I'm happy you're even considering it. Whenever you jump onboard, I think you'll enjoy the terrific crew of regulars you'll find here.
DeleteI love your unique take on this Bloghop!
ReplyDeleteYou should win a prize for this!
Thanks for the chuckles!
Writer In Transit
Thanks! What a sweet thing to say, Michelle. I appreciate it.
DeleteBest desintation ever! I love that it is a person and not a place!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm glad ya liked it.
DeleteThat is so sweet! I loved reading this.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteOh, how I enjoyed your witty travel rhymes! It reminded me of Dr. Seuss' "Oh, They Places You'll Go":
ReplyDelete"You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights."
Cheers to endless destinations!
Thanks! How neat to remind someone of Dr. Seuss. (I do rather resemble Thing One...)
DeleteCheers!
I'm with you - I could never settle on just one dream destination! Too many cool and interesting places. I'd just have to win the major lottery and buy a comfy RV and just start going. Well, at least until I reach the coast, then I'd have to switch to a plane or ship.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree, it'd be better with hubby coming along!
Right! If we're gonna dream, we might as well dream BIG, right?
DeleteYes, the husband unit is absolutely essential. He makes everything twice as much fun.
What a beautiful post! The koala photo really got me-I have always wanted to see one~
ReplyDeleteI love your heartwarming pick~
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
DeleteKoalas look so doggone cuddly, I think they're irresistible to most of us.
Such a pretty post, and good luck to your friends w/their book launch!
ReplyDeleteI agree it's not the destination, but that doesn't stop me from loving to travel! :)
Thanks. I'm glad ya liked it.
DeleteCool. I hope you get to do a lot of traveling, then.
Love the poem. Love the sentiment. But farticus?! Hilarious!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad ya liked it. Feel free to borrow the name for your hubby. (Even if you only say it under your breath...)
DeleteFabulous poem - so clever! The Northern Lights - I really, really want to see them one day. Thanks for visiting my blog! :-) Now following you.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad ya liked it. I hope you get to see the Northern lights some day... at least, you're a lot closer to them geographically than I am.
DeleteMy pleasure. Thanks for returning the visit, and for signing on as a follower. Welcome aboard!
Haven't been to Glasgow, but as you read on my blog, I'd go anywhere if it was in England!
ReplyDeleteYep, England is a-callin' your name. But if I ever make it to England, I'll have to visit Scotland, too. Simply have to.
DeleteI'd love to see the Northern Lights. Were too far south to see them. One night last summer they were supposed to come down this far. I stayed up late, sat in the cold in my car out at the observatory, but saw nothing. I was disappointed.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, with your interest in astronomy, you simply MUST see the Northern Lights some day. (As must I...)
DeleteAwesome post, Susan. Sweet, too. That Smarticus is one lucky guy. I've always wanted to visit Machu Picchu. Glad I don't have to think of a word that rhymes. :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to Julie and Lexa on their new releases!
VR Barkowski
Thanks. Glad ya liked it. Machu Picchu is one of those places we've seen on so many documentaries, we almost feel like we've been there. Almost. (I wouldn't want to come up with a rhyme for it, either. Oh, wait... how about "teach you"...That might work.)
DeleteYour little snowman and his wife look like they're just hopping along with you on this blog hop. I'm not joining, just reading those I already follow, like Julie's. I'm glad I came by here though because that poem was fantastic and I love the way you ended it with your hubby and you found such a good name for him. I am totally stumped for a name for mine who wants to be anonymous.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm glad you liked it. The name Smarticus is a perfect fit for my hubby, and it tickles me to use it.
DeleteFor your hubby's alias,maybe you could pick a stereotypical Swedish name with a funny twist of some kind. Or a take-off on a favorite artist, musician, actress, writer, or character in a book or movie. Just have fun with it! (If all else fails, you can simply call him the Mister.
Enjoyed the poem! Thanks for sharing it. Sounds like a great blog hop. Have fun! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad you liked it. Yeah, the blog hop was a lotta fun. Too bad ya missed signing up for it.
Delete