Lifers

Sandhills Cranes, did you know they mate for life?

Western Landscapes

This pretty much sums up my weekend:

*Taken with iPhone 4 and Instagram App

**All wildlife photos were taken from the car window! :) 

Rock A' Doodle

Roosters in the Ozarks, Arkansas

Hot Springs, Arkansas

While visiting Greg's grandfather in Dumas, Arkansas, we were able to take a day trip to Hot Springs, a little gem of a city about two hours from Little Rock. Located on the outskirts of the Ouachita (pronounced "Wah-cha-taw") National Forest, the hotspot turned into an international destination at the turn of the century for the healing and therapeutic advantages to bathing in the hot spring water. We toured around the Fordyce Bathhouse, which happens to be the visitor center for Bathhouse Row, among Hot Springs National Park. 

Among all the sights in Hot Springs, here are a few:

The Good Ol' Days

Arlington Hotel and Spa

         

Dining Room, Arlington Hotel and  Spa

This Way!

Lobby, Fordyce Bathhouse

Needle Shower

    

Skylight, Fordyce Bathhouse

Men's Gymnasium 

The Cooling Room

Chiropody

Can anyone guess what Chiropody is? It's the old fashioned term for your mani/pedi, ladies!

Migration

I've been so busy lately I haven't been able to announce the change of scenery that has taken place in my life. Almost 3 weeks ago, I left Cumberland Island to begin work out in Yellowstone National Park this summer. Greg and I are currently in Fort Smith, Arkansas on the way out to the park.

Yes, I know. It is a big change. And all this blog has ever known is sweet little ol' Cumberland. I explored every nook and cranny I could of the island and got to know some of the coolest folks South of the Mason Dixon line. I will cherish my time there forever. What did I get from working there? I learned how much laughing is good for the soul, vanquished my fear of public speaking, got in the best shape of my life, started a blog, and mostly learned more about myself. Living on Cumberland enabled me to have the ultimate simple life, learning to listen to that inner voice we so often fail to recognize amidst all the hustle and bustle. When the opportunity came up to go work in the park again, I decided to go with my gut and return for the summer. I've missed those mountains, the trails, and all the experiences you find along the way. Although I have worked there before, there are tons of things I never got to explore in all of the 2 million acres the park contains. I am happy though, out of all these unique adventures, I have left with a sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the opportunities presented to me in my life. 

Change is a silly thing, you see. I can look at it with fear and play the "what if" game (my old favorite), or I can put that faith of mine to a test.  I've always been one to try out new situations without knowing what I was getting myself into (as many of you know), but I really do enjoy the mystery of what and who will be placed in front of me along the way. I went to work on Cumberland not knowing anyone at all, yet I've come out the other side carrying with me some of the greatest memories and friends. It makes me realize the more I expose myself to the new and strange and the more I challenge myself, I always come out the other end surprised at what I am really capable of. 

Remember the motivational posters in school that said "Follow your Heart"? Well this is it, folks. Get ready for a new set postings of our travels along the way and an entirely new landscape.

xoxo,

Lauren