Skip to main content

Highlights and Defining Moments - Rural Illinois

This was really day two of Rural Illinois. What a day driving it was.  I always look for a few things that are the highlight of my day. Today there were several highlights and one defining moment.

Highlight #1 The barns and silos were so beautiful and peaceful, I just couldn't get enough. As the sun was setting across a freshly harvested field the sunlight reflecting on the side of this barn was breathtaking.  I used my IPhone and I did not use a filter.


Highlight #2  Driving from Rural Olney, Illinois ( truly the middle of nowhere) to St. Louis I came to the  intersection of highway and interstates 57 and 70. I was in AWE of this cross against the dusky sky.  Turns out it's the Largest Cross in the US and it's located in Effingham, IL   Great Surprise! 




Defining Moment. Today's highlights are really standouts because of the defining moment that happened before I saw the cross and before I took the picture of the barn at sunset.  I was reminded of how quickly it can all be over.  This morning driving on a two lane rural road I crossed the center line and was inches away from a head on collision with a semi. I'm shaking writing about this hours later. It was a moment that I will never forget. It was a defining moment for me and a reminder of quickly it can all be over. I hope to remember this every second of every day and be thankful for the sunsets and reminded of the Cross and the sacrifice that was made so I could live! Not just EXIST but LIVE!  

I would love to know about your defining moments or close calls that made an impact on your life!  Feel free to comment!  Thanks for reading! 



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Well It's 2 days after my 50th and I guess it's sinking in... I AM 50!!!!  I decided today that the word for my 50th year would be gratitude.  I do my best thinking when I write so I decided to get up this morning and write. I should write more because when I read it back I am in awe of what I said and how I said it. It moves me. Yes, my own words move me. When I read back what I write... I am pretty darn shocked as what came out of me. I think everyone should try it. My life's word is BELIEVE. I love that word, I think it's a key to everything in life. My belief in myself and my gifts have gotten me this far... How far is that you ask? Well, from a poor small town girl in rural South Ga to a business professional who has had opportunities that most only ever dream of. So back to Gratitude. I think Gratitude and living as, Tony Robbins calls it, in a state of beauty based on Gratitude and appreciation will take me the distance for the next 40 years. What is the dist
I guess the one thing I get asked more than anything is. "How were you able to leave a nursing career making 70 k a year and consistently make over 150 k a year and enjoy traveling and fine dining on someone else's money?" I am going to tell you exactly how I did it! I knew what I wanted and took little steps everyday!  1. Mindset!   The first step is conquering your MIND!  Deciding what you want and being open to the way it unfolds but knowing that it will unfold!  I knew when I was walking the halls of the hospital that there was more for me.  Being a bedside nurse is wonderful and fulfilling and I have made life long friends because of my time working in hospitals.  However, I knew that it wasn't something that I would do forever.  I always wanted to fly and travel and work as an executive! ALWAYS! From the time I was in high school, I wanted more out of life than an eight to faint job! Personal development is the key to getting what you want.  Read good

Christmas in New York City

For years now I have been going to New York City a few weeks before Christmas to enjoy an early Christmas. It's become a tradition I enjoy very much. I invite friends that have never been or haven't been to NYC during Christmas. Each year, I plan several new things to do with no pressure on myself or my traveling partners. It's a relaxing time even in the hustle and bustle of the Big APPLE. This year was no exception. I got to connect with a friend I hadn't seen in a long time as well as spend time with one of my best friends who lives in another state.  There were a couple of highlights of the trip one was the Louis Vuitton exhibit downtown. I started collecting LV over the past few years and I thought it would be cool to attend the exhibit and learn about the history of Louis Vuitton. It was a free exhibit and did not disappoint! My good friend Allyson who fell in love with LV at this exhibit!  The LV gowns worn by stars were quite amazing.   For those