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January 2019 – EXCITED #CHALLENGE Day 21-31

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January Daily (EXCITED) #Challenge Day 21 – 31

Challenge post header - DONE

Thought I’d go ahead and keep with the theme of “10 days at a time” blogging. Getting a daily post out wasn’t really working for me. We have had an extremely busy month. No excuses though…I am just not a quick blog poster…yet. One day…I dream of setting down typing out one fantastic post, with outstanding pictures and video embed that’ll rock your world all in a max 2 hour turn around. Yeah, who am I kidding😏, we are more likely to see Jesus return before I can manage that one! I’ve always been told better late than never, so here we go!

#Challenge Day 21 –  

www.redneckrhapsody.com Trina winning!Hit a penny machine for $121.20...played it down to $75.00. Paid for our day of fun!

Hit a penny machine for $121.20…played it down to this… Paid for our day of fun!

I thought I’d shoot a little video of the place where the hubs gave me my first kiss (let’s be honest, not my first kiss ever, just first from him).It would still be another 4 years of us being great friends before we actually dated (each other, that is). Didn’t get much video so I’ll sneak a few pics in to make up for the short story!

#Challenge Day 22 –

So, this is suppose to be an update to a post for January 2018…I lucked out on this one. I didn’t have my blog up and running till March!

www.redneckrhapsody.com Happy Birthday to BLOG! 2/26 will be 1 yr old. No January 2018 post, hadn't been born, yet...

No January 2018 post, hadn’t been born, yet…

#Challenge Day 23 –

www.redneckrhapsody.com Airport - Luggage, car, hurry and wait

Hurry and wait!

Leaning into the travel side of blog for this one –

19 Common Sense Things Everyone Should Know Before Flying:

  1. Arrive at least 1 ½ – 2 hours before departure time, minimum; 3 for larger airports, international flights and if returning rental car.
  2. Know the liquid policy for that airport / country.
  3. Always look up the size & weight for your luggage!!! Weigh it before you leave home. They will charge you for it! This is different for EVERY airline!
  4. That being said… I always carry one extra full set of clothes in my carry on! BUT I also put my Heaviest items in it too! My shoes, belts & jeans are usually in my carry on, not my makeup.  
  5. Be ready for security BEFORE you get there – take off you belts, shoes, get your cell phone out of you pocket, laptop out of bag, ect… Don’t be the one top hold up the line, PLEASE, THANK YOU & YOU’RE WELCOME!!!
  6. I try to fly looking cute, but easy. No belt, if short flight I wear my heaviest shoes if possible. No bling on anything!!! If you aren’t about the whole extreme body pat down.
  7. Pack a snack. Granola bars, PB crackers, trail mix are my go to’s.
  8. Empty water bottle. Much cheaper to fill one after checkpoint, then buy.
  9. The earlier in the day that you book your flight, less chance of delays or cancellations.
  10. Scheduling pick up or timing after arrival: If you checked luggage you will be at least 30 minutes after you arrive, before you are ready to be picked up, if you are at a large airport. If you are getting a rental or riding public transportation, make sure that you give yourself 1-2 hrs, before you have to be somewhere. Helps to know destinations infrastructure if you are on a time schedule. For example: If you have an appointment in Washington DC metro area….which airport, what time of day(traffic), rental, Uber or taking the metro….ALL of these will matter!!! You could easily miss your meeting!
  11. www.redneckrhapsody.com Airpot restroom with luggage all loaded up with backpack, pillow, jacket and water bottle. Israel Spring 2018

    LUG is right! This was ALL carry on!

    If traveling with only a carry on it allows you flexibility for flight changes.

  12. Must have DL(verified) or passport in hand with ticket. (BTW take a photo of your DL & Passport JUST in case)…If your ticket was emailed or saved in app for airline – TAKE A SNAPSHOT of it! That way if signal is crappy you won’t have issues and have to leave spot in line, go get a printed one (usually downstairs and sometimes in a total different area) then back through the line, again……
  13. Gum to chew for takeoff & landings.
  14. Earbuds or noise cancelling headphones.
  15. Download music, movies or TV shows, before you leave home.
  16. Hand Sanitizer & wet wipes, always!!!
  17. Wear dark clothing.
  18. Long flights – ball cap, toothbrush & paste.
  19. I always have sweater or long sleeve in carry on. Oh, I’ve started carrying a beach towel on longer light, too. Serves as an extra towel when i get there, but is handy as a pillow, blanket or spill fixer.

 

#Challenge Day 24 –

Favorite place to go or things to do in the winter? Go anywhere it’s warm!!!! Caribbean, Mexico, NOLA, Florida, Arizona, Las Vegas, ect…. Yes, some of these are not always warmer, but usually….

#Challenge Day 25 –

We are stopping in to have a chat with my friend & fellow blog/vlog girl:

Wendy Gregory – Just a girl who wants to craft, cook, travel and take pictures of it all!

www.FabCraftsandMore.com / FabCraftsandMore YouTube

www.redneckrhapsody.com Wendy Gregory

Wendy Gregory the creator of                                       FabCraftsandMore.com

  • How many trips do you average in a 24 month period? Totally random, the last 5 years we have gone to Mexico every June, but the others are just when Jay (husband) has to go for work.
  • US or International? Depends. See #1
  • Favorite destination so far? Australia
  • Friendliest country on a whole? Australia
  • Best food? Japan or Italy
  • One place that holds a favorite memory? Got married in Italy. The Fall equinox at Stonehenge. Oktoberfest in Munich.
  • Solo or with someone? Always with Jay. We go to Mexico with friends.
  • Prefer camera or just shoot pictures with phone? Both.
  • If you picked anywhere else to live where & why? Australia
  • #1 place to go you haven’t been; if you have been, why #1 for return? Australia, people are nice, so many places to visit you can’t see it all in one trip. The animals. Beautiful scenery.

Wendy and I have fast become friends with a little back story that I won’t bore you all with, but let just say, this really is a small world. Thanks, Wendy, this will actually be my first “real post” in Tuesday Travels!!!

#Challenge Day 26 –

Valentine’s Day – I’ll just throw WAY back to the very 1st Valentine’s Day that I was going to celebrate with the Cabana boy before we were married. I decided to do the 14 Days of Valentine’s (yes, similar to the 12 days of Christmas). He received a gift everyday, but I didn’t make them actually have the amount = the day, he just got a different gift everyday. I will follow up in detail later this month for ideas.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Be My Valentine

 

#Challenge Day 27

My favorite form of Social Media for promoting my blog is still to be determined… I dove into this big ole’ sea of blogging basically being a social media idiot. Now, don’t get me wrong I used it, well some of it, but never understood what it would mean to my lifespan and growth of my own personal blog. The beach of social media paradise still eludes me. I often suffer from social media sunburn (too much of one thing), deserted sands (NO one liking, following, commenting, pinning or sharing) or blizzard conditions( yes, they have beaches in Greenland & Antarctica – but I just get burned out a couple of days…weeks, which causes numbers to drop dramatically).

www.redneckrhapsody.com Trina 3_9_18 -3

Trina – Pinterest

What I have learned is that you need to know what is a Social Media is just that – Instagram (IG) & Facebook (FB). Which are Search Engines (like google) – Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube (YT), Trover (w/geotags – is kinda in between, I think). Then you have Flipboard, which is an aggregator (yeah, figure that one out). I am still the student!!! May always be since this web life is ever weaving an new form of community and better way to grow and connect. To try and remain on the beach with perfect waves & rays – attracting new authentic traffic to my blog I am relying heavily on Pinterest.

I am working on learning about Tailwinds. I am sure if I can optimize my times of pins to intersect with people searching that I will see only sunny results. Canva has been a huge boost to make great pins and promote posts. As the song goes…”somewhere on a beach sippin somethin strong”. May you find your Margaritaville of Social Media – Would love you you to drop a comment below letting me know your favorite and best way you’ve found for it to function for you!!!

 

#Challenge Day 28

I am going to post a quick little survey here and on my social media – I haven’t conquered forms yet on linking them to my blog. If you’d like to weigh in stick you answer below in the comments, Please & TY!

I am thinking of doing a new feature on the blog – Travel Tuesdays. I would have guest post; some bloggers, some just friends and associates that I would reach out to. I would have a basic question and answer for them to adhere to then offer them the chance to write a paragraph or two about themselves or blog. They would be able to include beautiful pictures of their destinations. They would be allowed to include links to their sites. Would this interest you to read?

#Challenge Day 29

I thought I’d throw in a recipe for a favorite Super Bowl Appetizer since its that time of year. You’ve probably already seen or made it a thousand times, but it is a staple for us when it’s party dish for anything: NYE, Christmas Party, BDay Celebration, Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, yeah you get my drift…it’s a go too, can’t mess up, eat hot or room temp deal:

Sausage Balls – 3 Ingredient

Sausage balls rolled up on pan ready for the oven.

Mixed and ready to go in the oven.

Biscuit Mix – 2 cups

Sausage **RAW**  – 1 package (we prefer hot) – best if room temp.

Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 1 to 2 cups, your preference

Not gonna make this difficult – Turn the oven on 350

Appetizer recipe - sausage balls - Biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese and sausage.

Sausage Ball appetizers.

Big mixing bowl. Push your sleeves up, take your rings, watch & bracelets off. Wash hands well. Put all ingredients in bowl and get your squish on. Knead & squish. After mixed really well, I roll into ball shape slightly smaller than a golf ball. I place them on an ungreased (sausage usually provides plenty of grease) aluminum foil or parchment covered cookie sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes. You only have one real pan to wash after you recycle your aluminum.

 

#Challenge Day 30 & #Challenge Day 31

In reviewing my January, it went pretty darn fast and it was a great month. Lots of things happened which I will give the scoop on a few at a later date. Was able to begin making me healthier again, still have a ways to get back on the right path regularly. Love the direction my numbers are going on all of my goals. They aren’t moving as fast as I would prefer, but a lot of that is my inconsistent self not doing what I should. BUT with that being said, I am getting a post a week out on average, and am being much more consistent with social media. I will get this faster and smoother!!!!!

1. 31 Day Challenge – COMPLETE IT  – FINALLY on what Feb. 8, 2019🙄
2. Do yoga “every damn day” – Every other day or 2….but am still working on it!
3. Increase all social media by 1000 more followers – I combined increase all by about 500!
4. Increase blog subscribers by 150 minimum – LOL, a girl can dream…went up by 5!!!
5. Eat clean – Yeah, not as much as I should have. It takes skin to get thin!!!
6. Post at least 2 post per week – Who am I kidding, one a week, but 2 is my goal!
7. COMPLETE travel class – Nope!
8. Do homework ahead of time for Bible college – I dropped out, too much homework, with my other course, but I am continuing my independent studies of the books and lessons.
9. Get monetized…….. – Nada
10. Get a few of the trips for the year in the calendar – Paid money, got reservations and watching for airfares.

Most of these will remain February Goals!

  1. I will Remove the 31 day Challenge, since I’m already 5 days behind, LOL.
  2. I am going to revamp some of the mechanics of my blog.
  3. I will work on adding more to my YouTube channel as I work on the camper reno.
  4. We will take our first trip in the camper this month; continue the remodel.
  5. We had our first trip actually out of town overnight to Branson, will visit campground somewhere and I know we will wrap up day 28 heading to NOLA for Mardi Gras with friends. There may be more but that’s all booked for this month, thus far.

 

I will let this rest there. Got lots to do! Hope this gives some of y’all hope along the path of figuring out life….

CHALLENGE DAY 1-10                         CHALLENGE DAY 11-20

Living fast forward in a rhapsodyville sorta way,

Trina

January 2019 – Daily #CHALLENGE Day 11-20

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www.redneckrhapsody.com Boat ride on the Inter-coastal Water Way Ft. Lauderdale, FL Inter-coastal Water Way Ft. Lauderdale, FL

January 2019 Daily #Challenge Day 11-20

 

Well, it hasn’t been daily for me, yet….still.

 

I have put lots of thought into them daily, well some of the days prompts more than others. But getting the dang things edited & published once a day may FOREVER elude me. 

 

#Challenge Day 11 – Picture story summer 2018 Fort Lauderdale, Florida

www.redneckrhapsody.com Trina enjoying the sunny Florida weather. Trina enjoying sunny Florida: Flo Rida – Good Feeling

I combined with a playlist that I feel best describe this week of my life. Because, honestly if I gave you a playlist from 2018 – the whole year you wouldn’t know whether you want to:

#1 Institutionalize yourself

#2 Become an alcoholic

#3 Run away

#4 Have a good old fashion dance party or

#4 Shout to the Lord singing praises

To save grace I’ll just keep to a really terrific 7 days in an amazing place, with great people, having a time of our life. Each picture has a song listed in the caption, one of them may have two. I have yet to figure out how to link music to my blog, let alone figure out if it’s even legal. But, I promise this playlist won’t disappoint!

#Challenge Day 12 – Is a list of must have as a blogger….

Help from fellow bloggers has been my saving grace. I know that I have plugins that I love that makes my blog operate the way it should, but I wouldn’t have a clue which do what really….(still learning the tech stuff), the apps for all my social media save me, I think if I dive into learning, setting up and using Tailwinds, I will love it. Plugins – Updraft, Wordfence, Social Media Shares, and many, many more!!!! Good luck on the learning, maybe one day I will be able to give info, or advice on this matter. Till then let’s learn together feel free to drop your favorites in the comments, please & thank you!

#Challenge Day 13 – Winter Poem

Haven’t taking time to look up a poem to share about winter and not really feeling very poetic. But here ya go…

www.redneckrhapsody.com winter cardinal Cardinal in the winter.

Everything needs winter to rest, recoup, and regenerate.

Springing out of the dead, dry and dormant season,

To be full of life again in the summer for a bountiful harvest.

 

Winter sucks. Only great thing in my backyard right now is, that without the leaves I can actually see my cardinal couples better.

 

#Challenge Day 14 – What I am most proud of in my life right now? Becoming Debt Free!!!! Emotionally, Relationships, Spiritually, and Financially! It’s amazing what we can do when we decide to not carry a load & burden anymore.

 

#Challenge Day 15 – Family Recipe Favorite

Picture of Mary Ross from the nineteen 40's www.redneckrhapsody.com Mary Ross – My Mommie

My Aunt Neat, much like my momma, got their kitchens skills quite honestly from their momma. Not sure just how far this recipe goes back, but in know my Aunt Neat fixed it several times a year for different functions after my “Mommie” passed. It is one of my family’s favorites and if you like coconut; it will probably become one of yours. Not only does it weigh 5lbs, but it takes almost that much sugar to make, so no New Year dieting if your trying this one. It does come with a fork full of love and deliciousness in every bite, though.

I know that the recipe may be a little hard to read, but it has been be used so much I thought that it might need to be shown as we see it. Made with love & mess.

#Challenge Day 16 – A “Thank You” to myself – Hummm…..

I am so grateful that I decided to loose weight & get in better shape. The energy and strength I have gained from doing yoga, eating healthier, light work outs and intermittent fasting are changing my habits. Glad I took time to take care of my mom, so when the time came to say see you later for now, there wasn’t guilt or remorse. Thank you for being brave enough to take the first solo travel journey to a foreign country. I will be eternally grateful for that trip and pray that it is only the beginning of many more. This year was a 1st for many things, I am blessed to have lived it, learned from it and can grow from it. Let’s see what all I can do this year that I can “thank me” for next year.

www.redneckrhapsody.com 23lb. difference was made in 6 months with healthy eating, intermittent fasting, yoga & dancing! Israel 11/17 vs Israel 04/18
Six months difference with a weight change of 23 lbs. The struggle is to keep it off!

#Challenge Day 17  – Favorite Playlist

Download it, put your earbuds in and get busy! Or bluetooth to a really great speaker and turn it up loud!!!!

  1. Finesse (feat. CardiB) – Bruno Mars
  2. Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars
  3. 24K Magic – Bruno Mars
  4. Wanna Be a Baller – Lil Troy
  5. For You – Liam Payne & Rita Ora 
  6. Strip That Down – Liam Payne (feat. Quavo)
  7. Get Low – Zedd & Liam Payne
  8. Anywhere – Rita Ora
  9. Get Lucky – Daft Punk (Pharrell) 
  10. Hotter Than Hell – Dua Lipa  
  11. Beyond – Leon Bridges & Luke Combs
  12. Oceans – Hillsong (if YouTubing – Israel Tour 2017)
  13. Broken Vessels – Hillsong (if YouTubing – Israel Tour 2017)
  14. Hosanna – Hillsong (if YouTubing – Israel Tour 2017)
  15. I Gotta Feeling – BEP 
  16. Elements – Lindsey Stirling
  17. Crystallize – Lindsey Stirling
  18. Shatter Me(feat. Lzzy Hale) – Lindsey Stirling
  19. Side Effects – The Chainsmokers (Emily Warren)
  20. Sweet Nothing – Calvin Harris (Florence Welcher)
  21. This is What You Came Here For – Calvin Harris (feat. Rihanna)
  22. Take Your Time – Sam Hunt
  23. T Shirt – Thomas Rhett
  24. Make Me Wanna – Thomas Rhett
  25. Craving You – Thomas Rhett
  26.  Tell Me That You Love Me – Demi Lovato
  27. Japan – Shawn Mendes
  28. There’s Nothing Holding Me Back – Shawn Mendes 
  29. Time of Our Lives – Pitbull & Ne-Yo
  30. Tonight Looks Good on You – Jason Aldean
  31. You Make It Easy – Jason Aldean
  32. Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean

No guarantee that any of you will like any of these, but they make me happy & they make me dance (unfortunately for others,,,sing)LOL! I have many, many more….but I thought I’d keep it under two hours or so playtime. This playlist, eating clean & yoga are what changed my weight and health.

#Challenge Day 18 – Blog Buddies

The women whom I find myself exchanging post, ideas pictures, comments, follows and likes truly intrigue me. I just can’t wrap my mind around how I’ve gotten do lucky to find myself filtering into this strong community of bloggers. I continue to be amazed by their commitment to content, sowing into others to help with issues, give feedback and praise. There are many more of them than I will be able to include on this post for their inspiration and great stories that they have posted already in this short time period of 2019, but I’m going to dump a few of my girlfriends links and let jump over there and check out all their good vibes, tips for new year success, great new recipes, and stories that will bless you.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Lana Pummill Lana Pummill

Lana Pummill – Finding Inspiration in the Chaos – Is a sweet southern wife & mom of boys. She has a gently flow that never lets you know there is any chaos. She blends her love of the the Lord and people together effortlessly.

 

 

Suzy Oakley – Suzy Oakley.com – I’ve personally known Suzy llloooonnnnggg before blogging was even a thing. This lady right here was the very first person to welcome me to the blogger world with open arms and start adding me to groups. She has always been a Godly woman with integrity. When we first met I was peddling pink boxes and she became a part of my life in that arena for several years. Life happened and directions shifted. Careers changed, but Suzy has always been a great writer/editor. She is a top notch person and has always blessed me with her friendship. I treasure her being in my corner.

www.redneckrhapsody.com Suzy Oakley Suzy

Suzy has blogged for over 10 years. She has recently transformed 2 or 3 separately maintained sites into one under her name. You can find great info on finances, wellness and journey through her struggles of living an excellent christian based life with and atheist spouse. To say the least she truly inspires me. Her husband & her have both have had life threatening battles with health problems – she is a force to be reckoned with and a heart bigger than Arkansas.

 

Sheila Goodwin Yale – Empty Next Lifestyle – Sheila is one of the first bloggers that piped up, well reached out with likes, comments, and follows when I started this blogger path. She has been a great connection with whom I have a kindred spirit and very similar walk in life. She slings pottery clay where as I’m splashing paint or pouring wax. We are now both “empty nesting”, I hope we are able to have our paths cross in person one day.

 

Jennie Anne Carfora – Failure to Thrive No More – Jennie is a beautiful high spirited,

www.redneckrhapsody.com Jennie Anne Carforta Jennie

military spouse, and mom of boys. She likes cute hair cuts and wears a smile most anytime I see a picture. Being a mom of a child having health issues gives her plenty of reasons to not thrive all the time, but she fools everyone with the great post, insta pics and supports she shows her fellow bloggers. A true bouquet of fun waiting to blossom with each read.

I ask that you take time out to click on theirs sites. See if they resonate with you and if the find a fit with things that might reach in and pull at your heart strings, push your button of encouragement and inspire your soul. Subscribe and let them take you into their life to share in their journeys.

#Challenge Day 19 – What you need for starting at home Yoga practice: (Well, a list of “my” must haves)

  1. WiFi
  2. TV / Computer / Phone – Any device you can get YouTube (My personal favorite is Yoga with Adriene)
  3. Yoga Mat
  4. Proper clothing helps (shorts, pjs or sweats if not)
  5. Hand Towel
  6. Belt
  7. Throw pillow
  8. Blanket

If you need to become familiar with pose or breathing she has a video for each one, watch them if it gives you more confidence.

Best advice is find 3 or 4 Beginner Yoga vlogs and do them everyday / every other day at least for the first month. Yes, I use the same 3 over & over for the first month or so. I also have favorites that I go back to even after a year I go back to some of the same ones once or twice a month. I LOVE the one for feet!!!!!

#Challenge Day 20 A Good Laugh

New Years Eve was a night that had tons of laughs, tasty snacks, bubbly drinks, good friends & great times. We laughed so hard playing charades (that was almost rated “R”). It was just what I needed to see how much fun 2019 was going to be!

Looks like my magic number may just be 10! 10 days at a time is as manageable as I can get it down, too…..

#Challenge – Gettin it done!

Trina

http://redneckrhapsody.com Trina doing Rooftop Yoga In Israel Rooftop Yoga

#Challenge January 2019 Day 1-10 is where this began!

January 2019 – Daily #CHALLENGE

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January 2019 Daily #CHALLENGE

Day #1 & Day #2 -Combo pack

Setting goals using the S.M.A.R.T. method

Set goals

Day #1 S.M.A.R.T. Goals for January 

 I kinda hijacked this really nice typed version of a good way to set some S.M.A.R.T. Goals for the new year. (Thx Linda Witte – www.wittesworld.com ) I resigned from setting “resolutions” a couple of years ago, because well let’s be honest, we usually just set ourselves up to fail at keeping them. I do much better with monthly goals & a dream board. When I feel something might be resolution worthy, chances are it should really be a life change. Mine are, for the most part, choices that would better my life in many areas. Last year I started the year doing yoga daily and injured my hamstring. It has been angry for 12 months, so I only did light yoga for about 3-4 months, then totally stopped since it wasn’t healing. I am leaving it up to God, a masseuse & maybe the Dr., but I WILL be doing yoga everyday, even if it is a foot or couch potato video(I have a fav YouTube yogi). :

Doing Rooftop Yoga In Israel

Rooftop Yoga



1. 31 Day Challenge – COMPLETE IT
2. Do yoga “every damn day”
3. Increase all social media by 1000 more followers
4. Increase blog subscribers by 150 minimum
5. Eat clean
6. Post at least 2 post per week
7. COMPLETE travel blog class
8. Do homework ahead of time for Bible college.
9. Get monetized……..
10. Get a few of the trips for the year in the calendar.

May everything you work toward in 2019 become closer to being achieved! May blessings, goodness, peace & joy chase you down and run you over!

Day #2  Accomplishment List for 2019 & After

Here are a few already on the calendar:

Disney Cruise with daughter, grand & aunts
Group trip to Israel (few seats still open)
Florida time: several times
Achieve 10K plus monthly views for blog & income
Screen in back porch (important in AR)
Go to at least 1 or more new states I’ve never visited
Pay off all debt
Post 2-4 times a week EVERY week
Reno the camper
Get a Jeep
Get back to daily yoga!!!!
Hit 117 lbs. for keeps!
Become stronger physically
Mardi Gras with friends

Visit more museums
Go to 1+ blog conventions
Go Gold in TN
Retire the hubs
Love/Hate for Poshmark = Sell some crap!!!!

 

Day #3 – What was my biggest…. blogging/writing/personal challenge 2018?

I’m not even sure that I know what ranks as the one thing that could “take the cake” on this deal. SO, I birthed a blog, traveled solo international for the very first time, graduated my son and sent him off to college, buried my mom and those are just the highlights.

Jumping in, to launch a blog was definitely a huge moment. Being disciplined to actually deliver words that aren’t as confused and jumbled in my brain onto the world wide web, IG, FB, Twitter, Pinerest, YouTube, and oh yeah Google +, Linkedin, Snapchat, and Whatsapp (the last four don’t really get much attention – cause I am struggling just to keep up with the first 5). I do believe that one of the biggest issues with each individual post is the picking and editing the right pictures. Does anyone have this issue? Or is it just part of the flaw of being very ADD, that lends to some real issues with OCD in certain areas that make me a control freak perfectionist, but only about a few things. The whole picture deal would be one of them!

Learning how to post faster and better is what I want, but that means I should do more to achieve this. I find myself posting less because of not knowing everything that i should to make it viable, to even put it out there. I need to figure out how to do the SEO thing adequately. All that I have ever posted so far has essentially been seen by a whopping…well, I can count on my fingers & toes how many folks have seen it.

Megaphone 2018 Winter Mix and Mingle

Preparing a few really great pins is totally necessary – I am getting that one, finally! Building authentic traffic, no matter what or how is a slow go for me. IG stories, haha… Trying to learn subscription / newsletters / opt-ins: fiddle dee, fiddle dumb, mirror, mirror on the wall “what kind a blogger is she gonna be”? A Freakin, Fabulous one – one day. I have learned so much, yet not near enough. I will probably drive you all nuts before “I get this”. But if, if you do decide to thumb a ride, jump aboard and travel this so called “blogging boss babe” life with me you will enjoy the journey!

I will make you laugh, maybe cry, take you places you never even knew you wanted to go, share food you thought you’d hate, and hopefully you’ll understand that even somewhat bad behavior can’t make the Father stop loving and using you for His purpose. I won’t lie, if anything I’m way to… well my friends and family use the term brutally honest.

I am truly my own worse enemy….

I try not to type EVERYTHING that comes to my mind and way to often out of my mouth. Age is refining me a little, nope that’s a lie, my sweet mom’s words and the love of the Savior is what is making me a better me. Let me just tell y’all, I am such a lucky little girl to have Ms. Jettie’s words echoing in my mind and an empty tomb to remind me how much was covered by grace. One of the challenges that I have had to face head on this year was forgiveness. Forgiving was for me not them! There is SO MUCH joy & freedom when you do it for you, or ask for it, even when it wasn’t given.

I’m not sure this covered what I really even wanted to say. Not sure if it’s brave or stupid to publish this total cluster of sentences that barely make sense. I skate on such a thin, fine line of having no “real” English education in proper grammar after 9th grade…but my crazy train brain tells me you will never decipher if I don’t explain why my writing is such a cluster. Yep, that’s kinda how I roll, but it’s my life dammit and I don’t apologize for my “little diva” with a side of country crazy. I am moving, and it is forward…

I truly hope that this helped someone. It took me a while to like me; 2018 drew a line that I decided I would stand with a foot on each side of the line. Just keep on keepin on. I am getting back to yoga this year (working on it every damn day), watch more sunsets, see more sunrises, spend more time with the Lord – reading , studying & praying, breath deeper, exhale more slowly, buy myself flowers when I want them, get my nails done, have a massage when I want it and hit the road! I want 2019 to be filled with lots of trips.

 

Day #4 – Healthy Fav Recipe

My favorite “healthy” recipe right now would be one I’ve been working on and continue to adjust is for hummus. Why hummus – Israel twice within 6 months can truly make lifelong lasting change. Packaged product can’t hold a candle to making it, in my opinion. Yes, I do use canned chick pea or garbanzo beans. I am looking to branch out on flavors and types, but for now it’s pretty basic. I make a pretty good amount, so we have it for several meals. If your fixing for one or just trying I suggest that you cut the amounts in half. You’ll need a food processor, blender or hand blender.


Hummus

2 cans chick peas / garbanzo beans (drain)
2 T EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Lemon (juice it)
2 T Minced garlic
1 t Cumin
1/2 t Ground Red Pepper
1 t Salt
 1/4 c (more or less) Water – add a little at a time.


I put oil lemon juice and beans in then add spices and a little water. I pulse to begin and add water as needed to keep it emulsifying. This is where you may have to add water. Just don’t add too much – can’t take it out, then it’s runny & yucky. (Just add more beans and spices to adjust.) You want mixture to get to a creamy, dip consistency. The spices are total call up to your taste buds, or that of your family. Just remember, as in most things in life, less is best. Add a little at a time. This is where you can play, to! Balsamic vinegar, red bell pepper, beets, spices (paprika/turmeric) ect….you get the point. I then put mine in a sauce pan and heat up for 5-10 minutes, low/med heat. This too is up to each his own. Usually people cook the beans then make the hummus. This way just works better for me, since I do it sorta cheating, from cans😉.

Hummus is amazing when served with fresh pitas! I have yet to make this happen in my kitchen, but it will happen in 2019! I currently serve with carrots, tomato wedges, pickled jalapeños, avocado, and Fritos scoops. Well, not always all of those at the same time. Many serve with bell peppers, sweet red, orange or yellow, too. They are NOT a friend to my system, so you may catch a hint of bell to flavor things sometimes, BUT you will NEVER find me adding sweet red peppers to ANYTHING. You can make it look fancy by putting in a serving dish add a little drizzle of EVOO and sprinkle of chili powder or whichever spice you favor. Makes my mouth water just typing about it! Let me know it you try this, how it goes and was it great?

 

Day #5 – Where will I be a year from now….

“Somewhere on a beach, sippin somethin strong…”. I know this I will be further down the road building a blog, watching my family grow, have a better relationship with the Lord ~ it is ever developing, and I will choose to be happy. Details elude me still, but I am piecing items together to ensure that it will be my best year yet! Trips are on the book already and I can’t wait to find my blog groove.

 

Day #6 – 2018 Favorite Film (List)

I’ve made a list of my fav’s to least – but there were some that were too close to count.  If I didn’t like, they didn’t make the list at all. We are a movie family… Just a little background on me, I’m pretty much a Sci-Fi nerd. Those are ALL-ways going to have a place at the top of my list and big spot in my heart. My top 4 are pretty much a tie for 1st place. Top 10 are all rewatch…several times!

2018 Films that I watched: Favorite to Least

Aquaman

Black Panther

Avengers: Infinity War

Bumblebee

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Life Of The Party

Ready Player One

Solo: A Star Wars Story

AR Filming

Trina, Summer & Sydney

Crazy Rich Asians

Book Club

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

Incredibles 2

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Mission: Impossible – Fallout

Ocean’s 8

God’s Not Dead: A Light Into the Darkness (I might have been in this one!?!)

Venom (One of Noah’s fav’s, me take it or leave it)

A Star is Born (2018) – Yet to see this one, but hear that it is really good.

 

Day #7 – Biggest Thing Learned 2018: Courses, Book, Social Media, Articles, or Website

Redneck Rhapsody logo with teal background

Thinking about a new logo this year.

OMGoodness – SO MANY. I invested in several courses this year, more than I can probably even recall (I must start looking them up for taxes). I learned a lot from VIP Blogging. I took an IG course that taught me a lot – Insta Success, and watched A LOT on YouTube that were free. I joined several blogging groups that have probably taught me more about specifics of blogging than any other form of education.

 

Day #8 – 5 ways that I take care of myself:

  1. Listen to music
  2. Read the Bible
  3. Get a massage
  4. Yoga
  5. Hot baths w/ a glass of wine

 

Day #9 – A letter to parent, spouse or children: Which will I choose?

Parents are gone, Husband could truly care less…means he’d have to read, one of his least favorite things on earth to do!!! He knows that I’m still his best friend & everything we’ve done and built is amazing, guess we’ll just keep doing it! I’m gonna go with the kids. Doubt anyone wants to read that. To sum it up they are loved; not just by me , but by Jesus. I want them to know that He is the answer to everything in life. I can’t wait to see how well they do “their” future. I’ll jot down a few of my thoughts, proud moments, and best strategies for dealing with this thing called life, and send it to them.

 

Day # 10 – Winter Soup Recipe

Okay, here’s the deal…I’m not a recipe blogger. I may do recipes every now and then, but i’m not sure that I’ll ever get good at it. I am a country cook, by nature. I cook by what feels good & taste good. I came from a LONG line of great cooks. Not, saying that I’m great, but I can just about cook anything. I choose NOT to cook many things, because they are more work than I want to put forth the effort. When I do decide to cook, I usually just start throwing stuff together – NEVER measure ANYTHING – that’s why this is almost impossible to start putting recipes out there. KNOW that most ANY recipe I post you can always adjust the recipe up or down on the spice levels. More or less – salt, pepper, garlic, ect…..

 

Southwest Chicken Soup (Fast)

2 cans of Chicken Breast

1 can Black Beans(drained)

1 can Red Kidney Beans(drained)

1 can or bag(frozen) of corn(drained)

1 can Rotel

½ medium Onion or 2 T of Dehydrated Onions

3 T Flour

2-3 T Chili Powder

1 tsp Garlic Salt

1 tsp Cumin

2 c.(more or less based on how thick of a soup you want) HOT (works best) water / chicken broth

I use a big soup pot, put the chicken with its broth, onion and heat. Medium heat. Bring to a simmer then add flour, spices, and rotel – stir as you add these ingredients, will become rue like. Have water or broth on stand by to add quickly as rue thickens. Add all the veggies, let simmer for approx. 15 minutes. Serve with corn chips or cornbread.

Congratulations! You have just received 10 days of post ALL in 1 mega post!!!

What goals have you set for yourself in 2019? Do you have a favorite new healthy recipe? Where will your travels take you? What is you biggest #challenge this year?

Stay tuned for the next 21 days….

Happy New & Blessed Year,

Trina

Thankful – Blessed Beyond Belief

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Thankful

Thankful 1

Sunrise – Sea of Galilee 11/23/17 Thanksgiving in Israel

Blessed Beyond Belief

Thankful 2

West bank of Sea of Galilee

Thanksgiving 2017 in Tiberius, Israel

November 14th marked the 1 year anniversary of a year that had many interesting twists, turns, firsts, adventures, and new things.

  • First time to ever visit the Big Apple! Along with that 4 day visit there were many 1st! Macy’s decorated for Christmas and getting ready for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Tiffany’s, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Central Park, memorial for the Twin Towers, the Garment District, Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Rockefeller Center, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Fall 2017 Israel

Sunset over Jerusalem, Israel

  • First trip to the Middle East – Israel – Bucket list trip!!!! So much more than I can ever put into this post, but this made me thankful beyond belief. I knew before I ever left that I would be going back…. I just did not know when. I now know how much God loves this piece of land, these people and defends it like He does was for me to share with anyone who will listen. This is why I will be taking people over there April 2019. Israel Registration Form April 2019
Thankful 10

Christmas Eve Communion – Grant, Greer, Amber, Noah, Mom & Mrs. Patterson

  • Celebrated Christmas for the first time truly knowing that this holiday somewhat has nothing to do with the day that Christ was actually born.
  • Noah finally got his drivers license and a car!
  • The grand turned 2! You know what that means….new stages to watch her grow through and experience.
Thankful 18

Israel 11/17 vs Israel 05/18

  • I worked hard to gain strength & lose some weight…this is still an ongoing process. Dropped 23lbs. Gained a new injury, so 6 lbs.chased me down and caught me. * Still have 20 to go!
  • February 26, 2018 my blog went live for a second, but I launched it in March.

Thankful 20

  • Helped prepare my handsome Senior for his Senior Prom. The only dance that he ever attended in all of his school years.
Thankful 20

Zippor, IL

  • Another 1st: International travel – Alone! I began working on putting a trip together to take people who wanted to go to Israel. I was watching airfares and rooms. The stars aligned and a terrific price for airline ticket, great rate on a rental car & rooms April 23 – May 9, 2018. So, you guessed it I went back to Israel. 14 days – solo. I have been posting each of these days individually. If you want more details you can check those out in post Travel – Trips – Israel
  • We had Wayne’s 50th, Mother’s day and Noah’s high school graduation all with in a two week period of May. Wow…. Empty nest is upon us… A definite 1st in 31 years……
Noah - 2018

LOVE…

  • I came home to celebrate Wayne’s 50th birthday, so we had a delayed party on Memorial Day weekend with the Fason’s at the boat with friends and family.
Thankful 25

Wayne Big 5 0!!! Greers Ferry Lake WIT with Fason’s & Friends

  • June 8th we celebrated the twin’s and my precious momma’s birthday. Mom’s celebration was a month early. We were going to be moving Noah to college on her birthday. We grilled hot dogs and had fun poolside. OH, except Ms. Jettie – I told her she could have whatever she wanted, so she ordered filet and that’s exactly what she got. She even took the leftovers home with her. 😉
  • We had a great Whatever It Takes in LR, AR with Angela Chrysler President, CEO and Mary Lou Loehr, Owner of Team National.
  • The later half of June began a month of extreme health challenges for mom. She had a couple of hospital visits. We were thinking it might be heart issues, only to find out that she had lung disease that was so advanced that this would call for meds that made no difference. The side effects from this would take a toll on her over the next 60 days.
Thankful 29

Independence Day

  • July 4th we celebrated on the lake with Fason’s in true American red, white and blue style! * Food, family & friends!
  • July 6th we packed and moved Noah to college… He is at his new home away from home for the next few years at College of the Ozarks. Grateful that he is on a campus that is a perfect fit for him and that he will receive his whole education with very little cost out of our pocket. His 4 years of education will be in the $120,000.00 range approximately, looks that we will be in it for around 5-10K, blessed beyond measure.  
  • July would be more trips to college, lake and Doctors offices for mom. Cardio, Pulmonologists, GP and Rhumetologist.
  • August was looking great with a much needed trip for business (Team National), Anniversary (little belated), and a day or two of vaycay. Ft. Lauderdale, FL is a really great place! Excellent food, great times with wonderful people.
Thankful 31

Parents weekend

  • August 17 – Parents day at C of O! We headed home on the 18th little did I know that my Mom would take a fall that morning before I got back into town. We went by to visit her and she was a little sore but no major issues. No sooner than I got home and started dinner, I got a phone call that mom had fell again…It was BAD, REALLY BAD. They would finally do surgery at 10 pm, she made it through and was holding her own till around 4:30 pm Sunday afternoon. Do to not being off of blood thinner and this being a compound fracture she would slip off to meet Jesus about 10:30 pm on August 19, 2018. SO, therefore my friends life changed for this momma’s girl. I have since had to step into many new roles and carry titles that I wish for none of my friend’s. Parent-less is strange to say, but at last it is a new title that I fill. I am blessed that I was able to spend the time that I could these last few years. I am SO very glad that I did not have to watch her slowly suffer and struggle with the suffocation from the lung issues that were coming.Not to mention how awful the healing and rehab were going to be from the break. I am so thankful that she always did life her way. I grateful beyond belief to know without a doubt that I will see her again. She is in her eternal home with the other half of her family, but I feel her her in the smile of my daughter and son. I her her gentle laugh in the giggle of my grand. I taste her love in every recipe that she has shared and then would confirm I did it right when I made it for her.
Thankful 32

August 19, 2018

  • Grateful that I married into a family that the grandmother’s accepted and loved me just like I was theirs. Gladys Noles loved me the entire 23 years that she knew me. I will miss her. We laid our last grandmother to rest in October. There were definitely many bittersweet days the last few months. Heaven gained some good ones this year.
  • First Thanksgiving to be completely parent and grandparent less…. Except I am a lucky girl who has a fantastic Mother & Father in Law! #blessed
Thankful 33

Thanksgiving 2018

  • The last few months I have been journeying through the blog world. Navigating daily without my momma’s voice, but her spirit driving me. I’ve been building a trip for people to experience the Holy Land next Spring.
Jaffa, Israel

Can’t wait for others to visit the amazing Israel!

Thankful & grateful for health, family and friends! I know that I am the daughter of the King and I am blessed beyond belief! Can’t wait for 2019! Let’s do this! 

Living in a rhapsody full world,

Trina

Treats Not Tricks! It’s Fearless Friday Y’all!

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Saturday evening was the

beginning of what would be several

days of lots of fun times!

Fearless Friday treats not tricks will give a glimpse

at a fun no hassle week,

for once, in a long while!

Steampunk Fun

Ready to go!

The Cabana Boy decided that he would finally get it in gear, just suck it up, take a generous amount of supplements & meds, drink a large glass of orange juice 🍊 with a little “kick” 🥃, and haunt along with me. I will be doing a more in depth post on our costumes at a later date. Steampunk round 2! (Steampunk round 1 – 2017) Probably will pop up in October….next year – 2019, hahahaha! NO procrastination here, just perfection. I want it very detailed, so it takes a minute.

 

My sister and brother in-law dropped by for a day or two, so that’s always a treat. It would have been even better, had I been able to talk her into bringing hair clippers or a bottle of color. I really didn’t even try this time, though. I’m just going to have to make a trip to visit her….soon. Trying to decide on style / color… If you have suggestions drop them in the comments.

Best Treat Yet!!!!

Camper 10_2018

Can’t wait to get started on this project.

We’ve been looking for a camper for a while. I found one we went to look at on Monday. My new home away from home arrived in my driveway on Tuesday! This is my favorite kind of sweet treat for me – – – NO CALORIES! And it will be enjoyed for a while, not just once. This will be the inspiration for MANY post to come, I’m sure. It’s in great shape, but will be getting a glamping makeover! Besides all of the travel we will be doing in it. So ExCiTeD!!!!!

T or T with the Grand!

Sweetest face ever! Yep, prejudice!

Halloween 10_2018 #1

Greer MDO Trick or Treat

Greer’s MDO Trick or Treat was a great success Tuesday morning. They take the children all around town to local businesses. The owners & towns people are happily awaiting them. My little Minnie Mouse was precious. I was blessed to be able to do this for the second year in a row.

After that nice little stroll, I headed to pick up one of my FAVORITE twins.

Halloween 10_2018 #4

Cathy Wilcox – Headed to BBLL on haunting’s…

Cathy Wilcox joined me on the next haunted outing.

We went to the Old State House

Halloween 10_2018 #5

Speaker: Brian Irby is an Archival Assistant at the Arkansas State Archives. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in History from UCA, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public History at UALR.

Museum for a Brown Bag Lunch Lecture.

Our speaker for the day was Brian Irby. He spoke on other haunting’s last year, too. They do BBLL once to twice a month on various topics throughout the year. This one just so happened to be about places in Arkansas that are tied to stories that they might be haunted. Some of the stories have been totally debunked. A few have no explanation of apparitions, noises and ghostly appearances, all the while one was just completely creepy….

Old Mike 😳

Halloween 10_2018 #6

Story telling

That story was about “Old Mike,” who died in Prescott, AR. He was a traveling salesman. He arrived by train. No I.D. was found when he died in 1911. They embalmed him and put him in a casket on display for a while. To see if anyone would know him.?.?.? The funeral home was also the local hardware store. No one ever claimed him. He eventually ended up in a closet in the back. He was a local draw. People just came in to see “Old Mike,” so they were sent back for a look. Local school children even took field trips to see him. A circus tried to buy him, but the townspeople thought that would be inhumane. Every few years they would re-embalm him and put new clothes on him. (Eeewwww yuck!) After Arkansas State Legislature put laws on the books, someone sought to have him buried.

Halloween 10_2018 #7

Old Mike – Bust

Which the town did in 1975, some 64 years after he had died. NOT creepy at all… But if you are ever that direction and would like to take a peek a replica bust of him is on display in Prescott’s Depot Museum.

Mount Holly Cemetery

Halloween 10_2018 #20

Trina with angel

After Cathy and I wrapped things up at the BBLL we decided to head on up Broadway a little piece to the Mount Holly Cemetery. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Arkansas, if not anywhere. It has some of the oldest graves around. If you are ever around it is worth the trip, especially if you happen to be a cemetery / history buff, which I happen to be a little infatuated with both.

Fun with Friends

Houseboat fall fun 2016

Wayne, Bill, Marie, Donna, Robert & Trina

A fun Halloween evening was wrapped up with wishing good friends farewell for now, as they will be relocating to Wisconsin next week. We were able to bid them farewell with steaks – hot off the grill, sweet potatoes, wine, a great visit and happy time. What a treat, no trick about it! We love you Bill & Marie and will miss you immensely! Be blessed in your new segment of life.

Halloween 10_2018 #21

Years together 1

Halloween 10_2018 #22

Years of fun 2

It’s Friday y’all find something that makes you fearful and DO IT anyway! Be FEARLESS!

Enjoying my state of Rhapsodyville,

Trina

Reunion – Cabot Panthers Class of 88

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CHS Class of 88 - Reunion

CHS Class of 88

Class Reunions

Yes / No – Do I go???? Well, some I have attended and some I’ve skipped. Thing is, between the Cabana Boy and I we can rack up some serious time & money if we decide to do all of ours. He is Mills Class of 86. I am Cabot High School Class of 87 & 88. Yep, that’s right I have a graduating class, which was 1987, and was a classmate in the Class of 88 K – 10th.

CHS Class of 88 - Reunion 1

Cabot High School Campus

CHS Class of 88 - Reunion 2

Thank you Eric Hodges for all the drone shots!

Panther football is the real main attraction!

CHS Class of 88 - Reunion 3

Friday Night Lights

So, when the 30 year reunion was approaching we thought we’d try to make some of 3. His class didn’t find enough interest to even plan one. Last year we had a small – medium turn out for Cabot High School 87 alums. A couple of weekends ago we converged on the campus and in a local venue outside the edge of town for two evenings of reconnecting. 

Friday after game event @ Dick & Elsie’s Place

A HUGE “thank you” to all of those on the committee who worked so hard to make this event successful!

It was excellent to meet spouses. We shared fond memories, as well as made new ones. There were tales of children and grands, new loves and lost ones, heartaches and heartbreaks. Most of all there was an electricity that filled the air. The buzz that made us want to go to school, share a common bond, take care of our fellow classmates & friends.

The Memory Tree

CHS Class Reunion

Remembering those who left too soon.

It Takes Two….

CHS 88 Night 2 - 3

Thank you to Centennial Bank for the donation of the food for night 1, Pizza Pro in Cabot night 2!

Pizza Pro of Cabot

Johnny & Lisa Campbell

Look who it is…..

‘Awards’

Look for all the award winners in the video.

Liz Boatman Borger – ‘Awards’ as best I recall….

Most changed: Brad Eubanks and Taunya Gillam

Least Changed: Bobby Finley and Renee Dixon

Dude with most hair: Bryan Price

Eligible Bachelor: Danny Gunter

Eligible Bachelorette: Michelle Laferney

Most grandkids: Mary Rogers (7)

Youngest child : Michael Risley (4 yr. old)

Most surprised to see: Mr. Raegan ( he was not present… Liz was runner up… has the prize in a safe place!😉)

Traveled the furthest: Kortne (1284 mi) and Liz (1469 mi) ( distance could not be verified at event due to crappy service…. 😁. Pretty darn close!)

Fond Memories

I tried to talk to most. Some I realized, I just didn’t know, so if I didn’t speak, I’m sorry. Please come to the next one and make sure I do. My only request was for the names on the name tags be a LOT larger font or pass out readers, LOL. 

You drop me a comment and stay in touch. I would love to stay in contact and not just have to “catch up.” We never know what the next 5 years holds…. May all who read this be blessed. Be brave – we’ve ALL changed…some more than others. Be forgiving – if you’ve never went to a reunion because of a teenage wound, please allow for time to have healed it. Give it a go…you just never know…you may just have the time of your life!

Living a life in my Rhapsodyville Redneck world,

Trina

BTW would love for you all to subscribe to any / all the social media that apply to you. If for no other reason than to help a girl out. I can share just how much I was NOT learning is school😂(sorry, to any of my former teachers…..). I promise a grammar nightmare or two, if you are an editor at heart.

A super special huge “Thank You” to Sue Ollar for most all of the incredible photos! Please check out & LIKE her page on FB: Suzy’s Shots. For anyone in the Dallas area you have a terrific photographer that you should be using.

For A LOT more pictures head over to the Class of 88 FB page.

Steampunk DIY – Fearless Friday

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Steampunk DIY

Steampunk Funk

Steampunk DIY Costume 

The decision to do steampunk was mutual among my crew. Noah, is always up for a great costume. I have a love for the steampunk look and incorporate many elements in my everyday style, so I figured it would not be much of a stretch for me to create something great. I did have to take a trip to Hobby Lobby for a few extra pieces to add a little pop, but other than that I had most of the items.

Go big or go home,

so I did 2!

Steampunk DIY 1

A base to start with.

The hats I used as a base for Noah’s outfit were left over NYE party favors. I decided to do two – not knowing which method of transforming them would work the best. I wanted to try to achieve a weathered leather look. I basically paper mache’d them. I haven’t done that in like 25 years. I broke out my very FAVORITE tool to start with – iPad and headed to what I believe to be a crafters best friend – Pinterest! I was able to find many looks that I loved. So….I decided to blend several.

Prep Your Work Space!!!

Always cover the surface where you will be working on projects like this with a cheap, plastic, disposable table cloth. I failed to do that on this project and it was a regret! Before you start this project you need to locate a vase, large can of veggies, or something that won’t cause the top of the hat to bow or dip. Make sure it’s tall enough to keep it from touching anything while it dries.

Hat # 1 – Tissue Paper Hat

Recipe: Mod Podge – Homemade

Steampunk DIY 2

Tissue paper hat.

Ingredients:

1 cup of glue

⅓ cup of water

Mix well

I took at least 10 sheets (will depend on size of sheets) of tissue paper and tore it in strips. I wanted the texture of the tears, not so much a clean cut look from scissors. I only wet the hat in a spot or two to stick the tissue paper to it, then I gently applied the tissue, used a paint brush to apply more of the mixture. I had to be extremely careful. When the tissue became “too” wet, it would wad up and make a mess, so less was definitely better. I just decided I would have to do 2 – 3 applications, after it dried, completely in between each layer. I had to keep in mind that the cardboard was getting extremely soggy. Shaping the interior to fit your head while it was pliable was very important (this one was damp for long enough that it did not fit very well by the last coat).

 

Steampunk DIY 3

Newspaper hat.

Hat # 2 – Newspaper Hat

Recipe: Paper Mache Paste

Ingredients:

5 Parts Water

1 Part Flour

1-2 T. of Salt

 

Steampunk DIY 7

Paste & newspaper strips.

Directions: Put 4 parts water into a pot on the stove and bring it to a boil. While you are waiting for it to boil, mix 1 part flour to 1 part warm water. Let is dissolve & while whisking this mixture briskly to remove lumps. Once your pot of water is boiling, slowly stir in salt (helps to combat mold & mildew) along with water and flour mixture. Mix well and let it boil for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring constantly.  Mix to a gooey glue-like consistency. Add more flour and/or water as needed to achieve desired consistency. If you make more than you will use in one day, be sure to store excess in the fridge overnight. When ready for reuse, heat and add additional water to thin and smooth if necessary. I cut lots of strips of newspaper and proceeded to dip the strips in the pan / bowl, run them over the edge through your fingers to remove the excess. I only wet one at a time. Careful not to over wet the cardboard. This took 2 applications. I did let it dry completely in between the applications.

 

After they both dried the one with the newspaper fit Noah’s head the best, so we chose to make it the focus for his costume. Now on with the work!

Steampunk DIY 10

Finished & decked out!

After completely drying, I used a fine sandpaper to take the rough spots off (think I actually did sanding after 1st coat of paint). I then proceeded to paint it with acrylic paints. Black all over for the first and second coat. Brown acrylic with just a drop or two of water to thin it out and just hit certain areas with it to give definition and make it have that leathered look we were shooting for.

Steampunk DIY 11

He rocked it! Aunt ChaCha thought so, too!!!

I did not throw hat #1 out…

I may have to use it myself for a different look,

at another time.

Steampunk DIY 12

He loves being the center of attention…LOL!

Mess is cleaned up!

Yay!!! Now the fun part starts…

Adding all the bling, dull bling – punk bling!

I really had fun getting into the design lane.

My heart was made to create, it makes me happy! I have to watch myself because this kind of detailed designing, and making things like this can totally consume me. I have quite the collection of odd-n-in pieces of jewelry from over the years. I knew I had saved all the broken necklaces, bracelets, only “one earring”, leftover buttons, spare parts from different mechanical things for a reason. I just didn’t know what reason, until I started really looking at how to put this type of costume together.

Steampunk DIY 23

This is my chest of BROKEN treasure.

 I did pick up a few packs of small items at Hobby Lobby; such as sprockets, clock faces, hands for a clock, a box of mixed embellishments (which included some of my favorite round & square fasteners and some tiny glass apothecary vials. I used brooches, feathers, leather, elastic, welding goggles, swim goggles and several other odds and ends that I had in our shop, closet (closets), and jewelry boxes.

Steampunk DIY 24

Hummmm I can do so much with so little….

I had extra acrylic paint on hand to touch up things that might need a coat of brass, copper, pewter, silver or gold. For assembling I used E6000, hot glue, needle & thread, spray glue, super glue, mod podge, fasteners, chains, fishing line, pins, and wire. I think I forgot to take a picture of my beautiful “hot mess” of metal and feathers!

Steampunk DIY 16

Antique hat of my mom’s. Wish you could see the netting on the back.

Noah’s hat turned out smashingly, I think. I made Wayne goggles, he went with a very abbreviated steampunk look. He got out of what he put into it…so wasn’t much. LOL! My hat was actually an antique of sorts. I snagged it from my mom’s stash. She wore it when I was a child. The feather was so old I tried not to touch it too much, because it broke / disintegrated when I touched it. I used a gathered bunch of tulle, hot glue and a barrette to hold and attach it to the hat. I added goodies to spice it up and had a great look for very little work.

Steampunk DIY 22

All tied up!

Steampunk DIY 15

Gloves

Found the fingerless gloves for .99 cents, added a few things to liven them up. I used fasteners to add everything on them, so I was able to remove it all. They turned out pretty perfect. Noah almost didn’t give them back. I found an extra tux tie that I added a little somethin’, somethin’ to, also. What I regret is that there is not ONE picture of my entire costume. I had a great faux leather diagonal sash that had all kinds of cool gadgets attached. We can’t find a good picture of Noah’s gun either. It was a great water gun that he painted and tricked out. 

Steampunk DIY 18

He is so handsome, punk and all!

All in all, I feel that for about $20 bucks, several hours and 3 costumes, 2 parties and 1 Halloween behind us; it was very successful. Have fun and Steampunk safely!

Hope you enjoyed my Rhapsodyville

side of creatin’ somethin’! ~ Trina

 

 

Jerusalem Day 1 – Day 5 – Israel – Redneck Rhapsody Travel Girl- Rhapsodyville Style

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Jerusalem Day 1 - Spring 2018 Home for the week – AirBnB

Jerusalem Day 1 – Israel Day 5

Spring 2018 Part 1


Israel day 5, it’s starting  in Jerusalem this morning. One of my favorite places in the world. I started the day with a fantastic breakfast and great company. Oh my, did my AirBnB take the breakfast feast to a whole new level…it was a huge amount with a terrific variety. My host was a lovely, Jewish couple who were kind & friendly. They were extremely helpful with suggestions for the stay. Where to eat, park, awesome at helping with map apps, and best ways for transportation. Luckily their daughter, who serves in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) and one of her friends was there to help polish off breakfast.

After all the residence rolled out, I spent a fair amount of time in praise & prayer, before I headed off to my first day in Jerusalem. The presence of the Holy Spirit brought tears and joy!

Best Lemon Bar Ever Homemade from scratch from FRESH picked lemons. Dessert for Breakfast

I asked the Lord to please reveal why He laid everything in place for me to be in Israel at this exact time. It was totally out of my wheelhouse. Taking an extended trip on my on, much less a trip to a foreign country. It was a definite stretch. I knew when I left in November that I would be back…. I just didn’t know it would be so soon.

Jerusalem Day 1- Out the door! Out and About

I knew that I wanted to offer the opportunity to others ( Israel Registration Form April 2019 ) to go experience all that is there. So, I felt led to really trip around on my own and see the land on God’s time schedule. My prayer for this day was, “Lord show me all that you have for me. Let me experience it and glean everything I can. Let me feel You, Yahew!”  
Just getting to the old city was a mission impossible…almost.

 

Free parking in Jerusalem – YES!

It was in the same area as dinner the night before, but just not in the parking lot, actually. It was on the fringe of one side of the parking lot with only space for about 15 cars. Did I mention that they weren’t actually spaces either… Up in the grass, or next to a gravel driveway, some parallel, some just kinda sideways and hopefully you wouldn’t end up blocked in…. So maybe I’ll just pay to park. Because, on my second trip back around to this parking lot, which is a one way area, with only one drive to leave that’s about a quarter of a mile away AND you have to circle a HUGE city block ¾ quarters of the way around it to get back into said parking lot. Pay to park, yep I’m so there:NOT – LOL…HaHaHa… You do that with an app on your phone. No biggie, right? I got this – It’s ALL in HEBREW. Needless to say there would be NO pay to park.

Good thing I prayed and the Lord totally used this trip to show me I could travel, not have stress and pressure. The ones that know me best – know that the normal me would have probably have already left the car somewhere; just get a ticket or towed. I truly decided this was all in how He wanted to show me love today. I met some great people in this parking lot adventure. I made the decision to just laugh about it all and enjoy the sights, sounds, and ancient-new, thriving city this parking lot I’d been circling like a buzzard.(Next I was going to walk for laps for a minute or 30.) Well, God’s divine number is the #3. Why not go for the ole 3rd time charms deal – say a prayer for a spot to become available (not that I hadn’t been doing that, but I did tell Him if He wanted me to see all that He had in store for me that day He had to get me parking, or I would never make it to the Old City and to the Via Dolorosa). Well God?

Jerusalem Day 1 - Parking Lot back up R E A L L Y……

Did I happen to mention that there was parking lot construction going on????

HA! Yep, ssssooooo no matter where you go, somethings are the same. I was really sitting there waiting on a cement truck OR was I really waiting on the lady who the bus dropped off, to walk to her car? All of this, just as I was about to leave the “parking fringe” for the 4th and final time. Rolled my window down to ask if she was leaving…YES! Her space was just the right fit for my car!!!! Well, God!!! Thank you!

**I may have mentioned this in one of my previous day journeys while I have been on this trip, but I decide to take a picture of or a selfie with each and every person who blessed or helped me on this trip. I told them I was going to make me a blessing/prayer picture. I came home; made a collage of the pictures printed, so I can pray for them. If this becomes redundant in my post on this particular trip, I apologize, but there are many new readers on each of these days and I want to share how good these people where to help me with the simplest tasks. Giving me a place to park at their home, helping me with putting gas in my car(pumps are in Hebrew) card would not work at pumps – only inside, giving me directions, free gifts, but most of all their time.**

Shuttle??? Anyone???

I met two people as I walked toward the area where I had been directed that the FREE shuttle should be, that would take me right to the Dung Gate. I saw a little rain shelter in that middle of the parking lot, but there was no mention of it being for the “Free” shuttle pick up, so I walked back to the opposite side; where I had seen the lady get off of the bus earlier. It was a city bus, not a “free” shuttle.

I have decided in some circumstances…..free and convenience are two total different things and “free” is overrated when the expense is time(that I could have spent in the old city), heat/sun/sweat, already hit 2500 steps, and stress – oh yeah, I’m not doing that today.

BUT…I told God I was on His time clock, so this is where the journey was happening today, right now. Believe it or not I was not anxious, really rather peaceful. Hummmm maybe I could learn how to make this a new norm (I am trying, since I know I can do it).

I finally found the shuttle after 3 different conversations, and was told very intensely to not get in ANY van EVER that wasn’t marked on the outside appropriately. This could be very dangerous. My new friend who was Jewish (now IG friends, too), was formerly from NYC, NY. Her and her husband wanted to raise their children in Jerusalem, so they had moved there about 5 years ago. They actually live in a Jewish community that is in an area of the West Bank area outside the city. I feel that she would not have warned me of this if she felt it was unwarranted. This never left my mind. I enjoyed the rest of my wait with a lovely mother & child, and a nice couple from Mexico who come yearly.

Jerusalem Day 1 - Arrived Dung Gate

We were dropped right outside the gate. Lot’s of traffic happening this morning. More than usual I was told. Besides it was not really morning anymore either, about noon, after my hour and a half parking lot venture….

Israel 2018 - Jerusalem Day 1

Prayers in the wall.

The Western Wall, ramp to ascend to the Temple mount and several other interesting sites exist in this particular area of the Old City. It was a day for bar mitzvah’s to be taking place. They were happening near the city wall, just down from the the gate of entrance. Another was happening on the men’s side of the Western Wall. They were loud and very interesting to watch. This is a culture, religion, people who are deeply rooted in tradition and values. They are His beloved and chosen. I absolutely love this place.


Direction’s Please – Again….

Looking for shekel’s & the Via Dolorosa – I need to exchange dollars for some shekel’s. This proved more difficult than one would think. But, then again my blonde does sometime reach its roots… It truly, probably was the person looking for them. My journey of EXACTLY where & when I was suppose to be here this day to meet the people in each of the places that I was supposed to meet them and hear every single story that I was supposed to hear.

Jerusalem Day 1 - Western Wall 1 Help…again, please.

This kind lady who works a booth that loans shawls to those going to the wall for prayer helped me with a little info on where to find shekel’s & the Via Dolorosa. We visited a bit. She asked why I came back and was not a Jew. She shared why I should be a Jew and was worried that maybe I had Jerusalem Syndrome (yes it’s a real syndrome) if I loved it there that much, but wasn’t a Jew. She was sincere on both parts. I took her picture – reluctantly on her part, so I will not post it (well, maybe a little), but she helped me. I will pray that she one day will want to know about my Savior. I am very careful not to offend their belief while still stating mine, cautiously.

Jerusalem Day 1 - Western Wall 2

Ready to go!

 

There is a lot to do and see still, so I need to get moving. More to follow in Part 2!!! I pray that you are enjoying this journey with Israel me. I love sharing all of this. I hope it inspires you to be brave, travel more, or meet God where He’s waiting for you.

Livinin my Rhapsodyville Life,

Trina

I am also taking a group back.

Don’t put it off. Just do it…go with us!!!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

Israel Spring 2018 Post – Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4

Let’s Travel Together! Israel here we come!

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Let’ Travel Together

Airport Luggage wait

It’s been a minute…

Wednesday Word & Fearless Friday have been on a hiatus. BUT so has the rest of my “blog” life. Sometimes real life just rushes you from all sides. I have been totally consumed in real life issues. Let’s just say the summer of 2018 will never be forgotten. I will be posting more on it in detail in future featured life blogs.

Here’s the last 90 day’s

short, no detail list:

Flowers from the greenhouses

Gorgeous orchid – grown at C of O

Moved son into college

5 trips to Branson

1 Team National Convention

TN Summer 2018

Working hard or hardly working….

with 3 extended fun filled

Ft. Lauderdale, FL days.

Multiple Lake & Friend weekends

22nd Anniversary

Happy 22

22 & counting

One horrible 36 hours of my mom suffering before going to Glory.

Mom's Flower

Rose for Mom

Welch Summer 2018

Mom’s eternal going home

3 days of preparing an adequate tribute for the rock of our family before her resting physical body here. She is healed and living an eternal dream life now.

Living Trust……

Transitioning earthly belongings and adjusting to a new normal, LOL ( I miss picking up the phone, already).

What I do know

I have finally received the (numbers & dates to take a group to Israel with me next year. I cannot wait to share this wonderful country with you. I pray that you will have faith in me enough to go. This will be my 3rd (if not 4th, by then….may have to slip in one more visit before next April) time to go to Israel in the last 2 years.

Israel Nov. 2017- TW

Trina & friend (Susan snuck in a beautiful photo bomb, too!)

 Register and Make your down payment TODAY!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

God has placed a passion in my heart for His land and people. How can we teach, believe and want to share His word and never go walk on the dirt that is sacred and holy to Him? This little piece of just over 8,000 square miles (a few more historically) is where almost everything in the recorded scripture takes place. There is NO record that I have ever read where Jesus Christ ever traveled to any other country (except for when Herod pursued him as a toddler). So….God must REALLY love it there; to have spent what little time He was a human, to have saw fit to NEVER step one foot off of this hallowed ground.

Life Changing

To say it’s life changing to go to Israel is truly an understatement. I leave Jerusalem crying each time. It is where I believe God first breathed the breath of life into dirt and chose to make man. It is where Abraham was to sacrifice Issac. It is where my Savior and YOURS poured out His precious blood to give atonement for each human who wants eternal life. It is where the Holy Spirit first poured out His gifts to keep man moving forward toward the cross and eternal life until Christ’s return. This land is more than words….it is a living history. You will feel like you are walking through a time warp when you enter certain places. The foods you will eat, smells you will smell and sights you will see can transport you to a life that you have only ever read about.

Beautiful Gate

Eastern Gate

You will experience a varied set of emotions and I will guarantee you will never open a Bible and think the same EVER again…

ITINERARY

Day -1 Mon, April 8th – Travel Day

Day-2, Tues, April 9th  – Arrive Tel Aviv

Mediterranean at Netanya

Mediterranean Sea

Morning arrival.  Meet and greet at the airport.  Board bus and travel with your guide to the Port City of Jaffa on the Mediterranean for a short visit.  Travel along the way of the Sea of Netanya. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and stroll along the beach.  Welcome dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Netanya. (Ramada Netanya or similar)

Day-3, Wed, April 10th   – Sea of GalileeCaesarea, Israel

Breakfast.  Travel along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea to explore the excavations of the ancient Roman port. Travel to the village life in Jesus Days Muhraqa, which commemorates the battle of Elijah on Mt. Carmel.  View the Jezreel Valley and visit Megiddo, the side where the final battle of Armageddon is to take place.  End the day at the home town of Jesus, Nazareth, to enjoy a visit at the reconstructed Nazareth Village and to the wedding church at Cana. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.  (Ron Beach or similar)

Day-4, Thu, April 11th   – Golan Heights

Breakfast.  Start the day at Safed.  Time for lunch. Visit Tel Dan Nature Reserve.  Visit the Banias, the site of ancient Caesarea Philippi and the Banias Falls.   Nimrod’s Fortress in the Golan Heights area. If time permits, end the day with a view of the area from the Shalom Lookout, in the Southern Golan. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.

Israel 2018 - Trina

Nimrod Fortress

Day 5, Friday, April 12th   – Sea of Galilee

Breakfast.  Enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee with music and worship.  Visit the ancient Boat Museum at Kibbutz Ginosar. Visit Capernaum to see the remains of Peter’s house and where Jesus chose to center his ministry.  Ascent the Mt. of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (reserved meeting point). Stop at the 7 Springs on the shore of the Sea of Galilee by Tabgha, site of the miracle of the fish and loaves. Visit the newly excavated site of Magdala. End the day with a visit to the Yardenit baptism site. Dinner and overnight at the Sea of Galilee.

Jordan Baptize

Noah baptized in the Jordan

Day-6, Sat, April 13th   – Jordan Valley-Jerusalem

Bet She'an

Beit She’an, Israel

Breakfast.  Visit the excavations of the Roman city of Beit She’an.  Travel south along the Jordan Valley with an optional stop at Kaser El Yehud Baptism site and a view of Mt. Temptation at Jericho.  Ascend to Jerusalem via the Judean Wilderness (Wadi Kelt) like pilgrims have been doing for centuries. Shabbat Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.  (Dan Boutique or Panorama Hotel)

Jerusalem, Israel

Sun setting over Jerusalem

Day -7, Sun, April 14th  – Jerusalem

Temple Mount - Jerusalem

Temple Mount

Breakfast.  Start the morning with a visit to the Temple Mount (security permitting).  Stroll through the city alleys and colorful markets, as we walk along the “Way of the Cross” from St. Stephen’s Gate, the Pool of Bethesda to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.  Then we will visit the City of David and see the 3D movie and the Davidson Center to see the Southern Wall Steps. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

Day – 8, Monday, April 15th  – Dead Sea

Dead Sea, Ein Gedi Region

Dead Sea

Breakfast.  Start the day with a visit to Genesis Land for a short camel ride and hospitality in Abraham’s Tent.  Then travel down to the Dead Sea, the lowest area in the world. Enjoy a short hike to David’s waterfall at Ein Gedi Oasis. 

Sunrise Dead Sea

Sunrise – Trina at the Dead Sea

Visit Qumran (with movie) where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and shop for Dead Sea products.  Enjoy a dip in the salt mineral waters of the Dead Sea. After dinner at the hotel, we will visit the Western Wall and Western Tunnel. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day-9, Tuesday, April 16th    – Jerusalem

Garden Tomb

THE GARDEN TOMB – JERUSALEM, ISRAEL NOVEMBER 2017

Tour and communion at the Garden Tomb.  Drive through Government Hill and view the Menorah at the Knesset, Friends of Zion Museum.  On to the Israel Museum to see the Model of the First Century Jerusalem and the Scroll of the Book, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed.  Machane Yehuda Market in the afternoon. (Must sign up for the market). Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 10, Wednesday, April 17th –   Jerusalem

Ascent the Mt. of Olives.  Visit Dominus Flevit Church and walk down the Palm Sunday path to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations for prayer in the Garden.  Continue to Mt. Zion to see the Upper Room and King David’s Tomb. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem

King David Statue

Noah next to statue of King David

Day 11, Thurs, April 18th     – Tel Aviv/Departure.

Begin the day at the Yad Vashein Holocaust Memorial and travel to the Valley of Elah, site of the Battle of David and Goliath and see the 911 Memorial. Farewell dinner.  In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Jaffa, Israel

Jaffa Port Mediterranean

April 19th –  Departure 00:30am.

Just do it!

I dare you to do this. There’s never a better time than the present – it is a gift and we never know when we will be required to give that gift away and NEVER get it back. Failed health, circumstances, money, children, jobs, yada-yada-yada – excuses are cheap / free; but they truly can cost you the most…. a life time of I wish I had’s.

Don’t forget to get registered TODAY!

Israel Registration Form April 2019

After traveling to Israel, I know that I was brought to this land to share the secrets that it holds with other children of the gospel. You need to come experience the things it holds for you and YOU can go share it with the world!!!!

Lean In and Lean on Him to make this trip of a life time with us!

Shalom & Rhaposdyville Livin,

Trina

Check out my previous post on my trip to Israel.

Day 4 – Israel – Redneck Rhapsody Travel Girl- Rhapsodyville Style

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Conquering the N. Galilee Region

Victory for the North Galilee Region!

Time to Move

On the Road again!

Bags are packed and I am going for a little detour as I wind my way towards Jerusalem. I went to visit the ancient tombs in Bet She’arim. A very important Jewish Rabbi – Yehuda Hanassi was buried here. He was the head of the Sanhedrin. He was buried long ago (220CE). Many Jews from all around the world have chosen to have their bodies sent here for burial, also.

Israel - Trina

Bet She’arim

Such beauty in Solitude

Israel - Trina

Tomb doors are massive.

These tombs were carved into the mountain side that are actually caves that have tombs in them. The catacombs hold many beautiful limestone sarcophagi. The huge stone and hinge doors hold more than their share of stories. Would love to know some of them.

 

Israel - Trina

I am FOR CERTAIN that I would NOT want to be in any of these after dark. Catacombs were quite dark in the broad daylight, especially when you wandered far enough back in them. I kept waiting for someone to jump out and scream… OR creep up behind me and tap me on the shoulder…..yep, you guessed it, I would SCREAM and probably need to change my shorts!!!!

Blessed with helpful souls

Israel - Trina

Nicest park lady ever! Spoke almost NO English…

Met a wonderful lady that helped me get my park pass ( that I would have already paid for if I’d bought it on my FIRST day….) If you are traveling Israel on your own and going to be in the National Parks & Reserves BUY a multi-park pass that will meet your needs. Yes, it will save you money if you plan on going to more than 3.

The things you can see in a cemetery…

As I went to leave, there were a couple of wedding parties that were arriving to have their pictures in the park. Yes, a little strange to see wedding pictures being made in a cemetery, but it was a beautiful location. Was interesting to see how their cars were adorned for the occasion compared to cars in America.

Israel - Trina

Who would have thunk it?

Now, my new nest for a few days

Israel - Trina

AirBnB – for $$$ off your first stay Airbnb.com/c/trinaw1880

This would be my 3rd of the 4 different AirBnB’s that I would be staying in. I was in Jerusalem for 5 night’s. My gracious host were Mark & Kim Weiss. They have a lovely home that was set up perfect for me. Although it wasn’t easy for my maps to get me there the first time, I did make it. It was in a fantastic location for having means to get around. One and half blocks from city buses. A few blocks from First Station (more about this in a sec). I had the downstairs at their place all to myself, so it made for a great place of peace to rest at the end of long days.

Israel - Trina

Yum!!!

I inquired about where to grab dinner and they said, “Go to First Station.” It wasn’t but about 2 blocks up and about 8 or so down. Love this place. A good variety of restaurants. All looked to have an excellent selection of food. There was a market, art gallery, small area of carnival type games, live performances which varied all the way from singers to music and dance. This became my go to spot to find what I would need the next few days. All the way from food to parking (more on that next post😜).

Other than spending 45 minutes driving in probably about a 5 mile radius, trying to actually get on the road I needed to be on, this day proved to be quite mild. Which wasn’t a bad thing…

Working on tour packages for Spring 2019! Let me know if you want more info! trina@redneckrhapsody.com

Make sure you are signed up for my emails so you can follow the rest of this trip. I will be posting in the future from our Fall 2017 tour of Israel. Catch up with Day 1, Day 2 & Day 3 – Israel 2018

Maybe it’s your time to “lean in & travel to Israel!”

Trina