Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Adventures 2

Ah, adventures—the very word invokes exploration of new places, trying novel activities, and seeking innovative experiences. It’s all about enjoying life and what is offered us here on our little planet.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

My Dad was in the U.S. Army and we moved to Japan when I was a three months old. This is my mom and me on my first cruise—coming back from Japan in 1953.

I’ve been very lucky in my life in having opportunities to enjoy amazing experiences—I’ve cruised the sky in a hot-air balloon, met Elvis Presley in person when he was stationed in Germany, parachuted out of a plane, sunbathed topless in the Canary Islands, encountered a Blacktip Reef Shark snorkeling in the Turks & Caicos, enjoyed a night swim with luminescent plankton in Puerto Rico, zoomed through the jungle canopy on a zip-line in Puerto Vallarta, and so on and on. My life has and continues to be most excellent.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

Even as a toddler, I craved adventure. Here I am as a little cowgirl rocking my little horse as hard as I can, 1954, Ft. Ord, CA.

I recently read a great article entitled 5 Key Ingredients in the Search for Happiness found here. Essentially it cites the 5 ingredients as:

  1. Introspection
  2. Freedom
  3. Compassion
  4. Generosity
  5. Contentment
What makes us happy means we also need to identify what makes us unhappy. My personal happiness comes from simply enjoying life—embracing new opportunities as adventures that enrich my life immeasurably.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

My sister (on left) was visiting my now-ex and me when we lived in West Berlin, Germany and the three of us had an opportunity to be in a movie featuring Shelly Winters and others—costumes, makeup, the whole works—it was fun.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

This is the top of a Black Diamond run in Heavenly on a family ski trip. I look like I know what I’m doing, don’t I? It’s not true; every time I ski you can hear me shout “Whoa” over and over the whole way down the run. Some adventures call for such theatrics.

If your heart and spirit craves adventures, the following sample of resources will spur you on whether you’re an adrenalin junkie, seeking something tame, or just want to explore the world from your own home.

Resources

May this day gift you with an adventure that lifts your spirit and makes you happy.

10 comments:

Diane Schuller said...

I knew we were of the same vintage! I knew it! But you have had far more adventures than I have. You know what my husband said he found my most appealing attribute; the thing he was most drawn to? My sense of adventure. No wonder I'm going bonkers living in this remote area ... but retirement and more adventure is coming in a few years and I can hardly wait. June you have had a truly adventurous and glorious life!

Thimbleanna said...

Fun, fun post June! I LOVE the cute picture of you before the cruise. My children are going skydiving next weekend -- that's beyond my adventure limit -- I think I'll have vicarious adventures through them!

Shauna said...

In addition to loving that fabulous period hat of yours, I absolutely love Love LOVE the picture of you and Grandma! What a wonderful treasure trove - I do hope you'll send copies! ;)

Love,
Shauna

Heidi said...

You sunbathed topless in the Canary Islands? Why June, you little tart!

I love this entry and I love the photos...

Kristie said...

Love these pictures of you, Junebug. You're so cute in every one!!

Love you.

CuteStuffInside said...

All I can say is, WOW!

S.W.A.K.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

June, you have certainly had a very full and interesting life so far, and I know there will be much more to come in the years ahead!
I loved all these photos of you! We are close in age and I think I had the same cow girl outfit and wanted to be Dale Evans when I grew up.
Life is a wonderful adventure ! Thanks for all the wonderful links!

Gumbo Lily said...

Good post, Junie. Loved the pics.

Jody

Camels & Chocolate said...

Beautiful pictures! And thanks for the shoutout. I love that we have the same last name--only yours is the English version, mine's the Spanish(/Italian/Romanian/etc.)!

Lena said...

Hi June. I enjoyed this post very much. You must have been in Germany just before my family and I were there, or maybe, just about the same time. You met Elvis. How cool. I've always heard that he was very kind. I think he left Germany right about the time that we arrived.

It does sound like you enjoy much of your life, and have been fortunate to have had many opportunities.