Be like the river.
Create your own path.
People will doubt you but they don’t know what you’ve been through or your strength.
Many have doubted the water but she always finds her way.
xo
©Tracy Blowers
Tag: nature
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Baker Campground – Twin Cities – Minnesota
It’s a rainy day so I’m dreaming of camping, looking at photos from past trips and planning new ones. I love going through old pictures and reminiscing. One of the best things about living in the Twin Cities is the convenience of not having to travel too far to “get-away”.
We really enjoyed camping at Baker Campground which is part of the Three Rivers Park District (offering 27,000 acres of parks and trails) and is only 22 miles from Minneapolis.
The campsites are spacious, tons of wooded trails, and we loved being so close to Lake Independence. There’s so much to do that it’s hard to find time to relax! We rented their tandem bike which was so much fun. Another nice amenity is that they have rental equipment for almost any activity that you want to try. I recently turned 50 and it’s motivated me to try new things! It’s nice to be able to rent and try something a few times before making a big purchase.
This was the first time that we brought our girl, Utah, camping with us and the first time that Terry and I put up a tent together. (which you know can end a marriage. ;-)) But we were very pleased with our REI Co-op Camp Dome 4 Tent. It was very easy to set up…whew! There was plenty of room for us and we even brought Utah’s kennel in for the night.
I love all the different hiking trails and taking pictures of the wildflowers. The trail system is extensive offering something for everyone based on your skill level.
There is nothing better than relaxing in our hammock after a hike! If you are considering getting one, DO IT. I love the ENO hammocks because they are so easy to pack and don’t take up much room. They are so lightweight that you can just throw them in your backpack. I waited to purchase one thinking it would be hard to deal with and wish I would have got one sooner. It’s the little things!
Utah loves the hammock too! 🙂
What is your favorite thing about camping or favorite spot?
Sponsored advertising content for REI.
©Tracy Blowers
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Mississippi – National River and Recreation Area – Twin Cities
Did you know that we have a National Park running right through the Twin Cities in Minnesota? The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area offer 72 miles of boating, running/walking/hiking/biking trails, fishing, birdwatching, nature and city photography, and much more. We are fortunate to live in an urban area with so much nature to enjoy.
“Unlike most other national parks, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a partnership park.” – National Park Service.
The National Park Service only owns 67 acres of the 54,000 acres of the park. The rest is owned by the city, state and regional parks, private businesses, homes, etc. They work in partnership to protect and preserve the mighty Mississippi. Read more: https://www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm
A few of my favorite spots to visit and explore are Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Historic Main Street Park, and the Stone Arch Bridge. The Stone Arch Bridge is a perfect spot to take photographs of the Minneapolis skyline! There are many restaurants just off the Historic Main Street. We love the Aster Cafe! Amazing made from scratch food and live music. In the summer, the Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board offers Movies in the Parks.
Stone Arch Bridge 
Historic Main Street Park The best is the changing seasons in Minnesota. ❤️ Each season offers a new perspective!
Nice Ride bike sharing is an easy and convenient way to explore the city and parks.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture photos and such a beautiful time to go for a walk. Sunrise is especially nice because the parks are the least crowded. Let me know if you are visiting the Twin Cities and need any recommendations. Even in the city, you can #FindYourPark!
©What Stirs Your Soul Media
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The Honey You Seek
©TracyBlowers I’ve been meditating every day for the last few weeks. It’s been amazing and I definitely feel better when I’m done. One day I took my blood pressure before and after and it was much lower when I finished. Today I kept seeing a bear. So random. Then I remembered that while in Sedona I bought an animal-speak book. I looked up the meaning of seeing a bear…
Inner potentials are awakening. Trust your own unique rhythms – not those of others. This will bring you the honey you seek. ❤️
©TracyBlowers – Photos captured at the MN ZOO -
failing
It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default. -J.K. Rowling
Go for your dreams!!! Even if you fail, at least you tried.
It’s all about baby steps. It’s all about learning as we go.
As we learn and try new things, we begin to trust. We discover what we like and what we don’t. If you don’t try whether professionally or personally – how do you know? Maybe you think it’s a dream but once you’re there, it’s not what you expected. That doesn’t mean you failed, it means that it wasn’t for you.
I was terrified and exhilarated to be standing on this rock. I wanted to get closer to the edge but I was convinced the rock was going to break off. Lol! The thing is, every time I try something like this, my courage grows stronger and my fear weaker.
Take that baby step in the direction of your dream!!
XO
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the things we take for granted
I opened two gifts this morning. They were my eyes. – Anon
Sometimes we take things for granted.
The people, things, moments that are always there or happen every day.
Today, I’m thankful for my vision and for this beautiful view out my window.
I used to play a game with my friend, Jody. We would sit on a dock in Northern MN with our feet dangling in the water and we would list all the small things that we love. It always made me so happy. Those small things are what make life big.
What are you thankful for today?
XO