But I figured if theres any time to document anything it might be a trip out of town.
So my wife Brittney and I have been married one year now and decided to celebrate this by take a trip
for a couple of days. Since we've already been to St.Augustine, and
wanted to not venture too far we decided on on Savannah, Georgia.

We left mid-afternoon and rode through the occasional rain shower and arrived at our hotel at around 6pm. After dumping our belongings at the hotel we wanted to see Downtown Savannah. About halfway there we realized we had left so quickly that we didnt bring any of the maps or the computer for directions or anything, but we made it to our destination without much grief. Once in the area, we again discovered that in our haste and lack of planning we had problems with navigating our way through the downtown district and had quite a time finding a place to park. After driving around for a while we finally found an open spot only to realize that it was 1-hour parking. So we scurried through downtown just to look around. We did make a stop by River Street Sweets, world famous for their candy making. Brittney had chocolate crunch peanut butter sandwich thing and I couldnt resist a larger-than-life peanut butter cup. After our downtown adventure we went to eat at an area-chain restaurant Carey Hilliard's Restaurant where I had catfish and Britt had her staple- chicken fingers.

Thinking back of our dilemma of our sudden decision to go downtown, it illustrates to me how a lot of the time we just try to make our way through life living spontaneous, making our own decisions without consulting the one who made us. We don't look, pay attention to, or even seek out the direction using the Bible or even saying a prayer. This just identifies to me to think things out, not just using my own logic, but calling on our creator for the knowledge and wisdom to do the things that not only we want to do, but asking God to direct the movement of our life. Just something to think about.

Now were going on a trolley tour today of downtown and sightseeing- maybe this time will be a little different.

so, with the "july-factor" in mind, i decided that reliving my recent travels might help lift my spirits a bit.  and just maybe for a minute i'll stop whining and feel thankful for the wonderful places i've been to see this year.

'07-'08 was a blessed year for me regarding travel, and '08-'09 is already shaping up to be exponentially better. 

i guess dallas is where it all begins and ends for me right now.  and though i'm not so fond of her, dallas has enough work to allow me to travel more than most.  so i'll think kindly of her for the moment...

austin is kind of my secret girlfriend.  we courted for over 5 years, but i had to leave her for a more practical lover.  so sad.  i do sneak around from time to time though... just to see her pretty face, and hear her alluring voice.

brazos bend, texas.  my favorite place to play with alligators in texas!!  if you want to see some prehistoric monsters, i highly recommend this park.  it's just a short drive southwest of houston.

cabo san lucas, mexico!  my friends joe and erin got married there last summer, and guess who was able to go for free in exchange for a little wedding photography.  well worth it...

not too far from the city, somewhere out in east texas, is a private getaway, known only as "timado" to the few elites who know of it.  i was let in to the inner-circle last fall when i was invited to a double bachelor party extravaganza.  well, okay, so it's not very elite, more like a good place to drink beer, go fishing, and grow out your mullet.  but it's really fun.  and a great place to catch snakes and shoot fireworks.

big bend national park, texas.  ah, the big bend of the rio grande.  one of my classic favorites.  this trip was the first of two for the year, but it ended in tragedy.  my truck somehow found its way to the bottom of a four-foot-deep washout.  at least i only had to hike 18 miles through the desert before i saw someone to get help - hahaha!  what a great trip!

another friend of mine, adam, got married in wonderful savannah, georgia.  what a great place.  i had been once before, but rest assured that i could never get sick of savannah.

so, yet another friend, anna, got married in her home town of philadelphia, pa.  big year for marriage apparently.  and no offense to my other friends, but this was the best one yet.  i'd never been to philly, but it quickly became one of my favorite cities.  partially because two of my favorite people were there - anna and elaine.

another first-time favorite city, san francisco!  i lucked out with this one because of some awesome friends of mine, john and bd.  the brothers had an extra ticket to the 2007 baseball all-star game, and i got the invite.  we had a fantastic time at the weekend's festivities, and we even made our way out to napa for a day.  amazing trip!

i lived in pinedale, wyoming a few years ago when i worked for a small newspaper.  it's a tiny town just south of jackson (or to you tourists, jackson hole... hahaha!).  consequently, it is also very close to grand teton and yellowstone national parks.  doesn't get much better than that.  so, since i reluctantly moved back to texas in 2006, i've made the pilgrimage back at least twice a year.  this was my first trip of the year, in the autumn.  and it was breathtaking - just the way i remembered it.  i hope to someday move back...

yee haw, boy howdy!  ARKANSAS |ˈär,kanzəs|!!  the white river in arkansas is incredibly beautiful, no doubt.  i went on a weekend trip up to northwest ar with some friends last fall to do a little fly fishing, and enjoy the scenery.  i don't know how to fly fish, so i just enjoyed the eye candy, and made photos all weekend.  i think we'll try to go again this fall.

oklahoma city, oklahoma.  we have tons of family in oklahoma - our rival state to the north.  and in all honesty, i don't visit enough.  it's really a great state.  though the university by the same name will always be my arch enemy.

the okc bombing memorial is stunning... a quiet experience... completely heartbreaking.

big bend, part deux.  i took my new ride to experience the land that claimed my previous truck's life only months before.  wow, i really like my new car.  especially with gas prices the way they are.  i was able to do the entire 5 day trip for under $250!!  that includes 1500 miles of driving, four days of bland camp food, and priceless nights under a clear desert sky.  it was a really rejuvenating experience.  i needed it.

the quintessential western road trip, executed at the worst time of year.  my friend, bd, got a wild hair in early november, and decided to plan one of the most classic of american road trips, down the 101.  it was originally planned for the next spring, but neither of us could wait that long...

we set off just a few days after thanksgiving.  we left dallas, and spend the first night in denver.  then from denver, we made our way through blizzards, over togwotee pass to jackson, wyoming.  we had the privilege meeting up with my old roommate, emily, and previous editor, noah.  we had way too much fun.

the next day in spite of splitting headaches, we were off to boise, idaho and then to portland, oregon.  portland may be my new favorite city (i know... i say that a lot).  it reminds me so much of austin, but even prettier.  we spent a few days there, and then made our way up to seattle.  another great city.  somehow, we ended up at a seedy bar called "shorty's" that night.  it was clown-themed, which made it creepy to begin with, but it also happened to be in, what i found out later to be, seattle's "crack district".  that was the first, and hopefully last time i've ever seen someone smoking crack.  right outside the bar, in the rain!?  interesting.

so we were ready to get back on the road after that night.  from seattle, we drove back to portland, then on down to eugene...  go ducks!!!  from eugene, we headed over to the coast, and that's where we hooked up with the legendary highway 101, which we followed the rest of the way down to los angeles.  the scenery was absolutely amazing from the oregon coast all the way to big sur.  and even south of big sur to monterey was quite nice.  really, the trip down the 1 was so overwhelming in its grandeur and raw beauty, that for me (someone who is already a painfully bad writer), is too hard to put in to words.  plus, i'm a photographer anyway.  so i hope the images speak for themselves.

in spite of taking this trip in the most off part of the off season, it was incredible.  i can only hope that i have the opportunity to do this trip again at some point in my life.  i should be so lucky.

my virgin voyage to chitown.  seriously though, i was such a nerd on the flight there, and in my rent car.  the only two albums i listened to the whole weekend were sufjan stevens' come on feel the illinoise, and greetings from michigan, the great lake state.  but they fit so well!  and they are two of the best albums of all time.  so at least they had that going for them.  

chicago is certainly a cool town.  i need to spend more time there.  also, it was december, sooooooo, just a little cold.  maybe i'll see what it's like in spring...

ah, spring in wyoming... what a segue - damn, i'm good!!  so this was the second (well, technically third, if you count the short drive thru on the road trip in november) time for me to visit my old haunt in about six months.  what a treat!

yet another friend, kim, was getting married in pinedale, so it was as good an excuse as any to go visit one of my favorite places in all the world.  and it certainly did not disappoint.  i camped for the first time in single digit weather on eight feet of snow pack too.  so that was cool.  but i learned a valuable lesson:  don't ever do that again!!

in all seriousness, there is something about western wyoming.  a special quality that lacks clear explanation.  ask anyone that has spent any time there, and they'll tell you...  it's a deeply spiritual experience.  and there's something about the winter (which is much of spring as well).  it is what quiet looks like... if that makes any sense.

anyway, if you're still reading, i feel sorry for you because you may have severe mental problems.  or into s&m or something.  but i promise that i'm almost done.

there are two innocence mission songs that always make me nostalgic about my travels, so i'll end with some lyrics.  if you're unfamiliar with the innocence mission, i would highly recommend you give them a good listen.  the first song is called, song about traveling.  really... go figure!?  and the second is the brotherhood of man.  

"a man said, 'why?'  why does traveling, in cars and in trains, make him feel sad?  a beautiful sadness, i've felt this before.  it's the people in the city, you'll never know.  it is everything you pass by, wondering will you ever... return."

"waiting at the airport on my suitcase, a girl traveling from spain became my sudden friend.  though i did not learn her name.  and when the subway dimmed... a stranger lit my way.  this is the brotherhood of man."

"i never can say what i mean... but you will understand... coming through clouds on the way.  this is the brotherhood of man.  this is the brotherhood of man."

all images © andrew r. slaton | photographer 2008

Last week, Savannah attended her first movie.  We went with my friend Kelly and her daughter Kate (see our cuties in the picture above).  Dec and Sara (Kate's sister) stayed home with a babysitter.  It was a free movie at a local cinema, and we could get popcorn and a drink for $1.00 each.  It was called The Bee Movie, and Savannah loved it.  She especially loved the snacks. 

As I told Kevin, I've been waiting Savannah's entire life for her to get old enough to go to the movies.  I love going to the movies.

So fun.  Hopefully we can go back soon.

My name is Thiesha Jones-Frazier and I attend Axia College University of Phoenix. I will be 30 years old on August 15. (The BIG 30) I live in Savannah, Georgia with my husband and six beautiful children whom I adore. My college experiences have been great thus far.

I am attending college to obtain a PhD in Psychology; and I wish to work with families and children within my field of study.  My son has ADHD, and his situation has inspired me to learn more about the human body and the way that one think and learn; also I am interested in ones behavior, emotional, and psychological patterns as well. I have a theory concerning any child that has been diagnosed with ADHD and ADD, and by the end of my studies, hopefully I will be able to prove my theory.

I have several missions, goals and desires that I would like to accomplish before it is my time to leave this earth. I have always been interested in working for myself; and for the past three years I have been developing business strategies, plans, layouts and analysis that concentrates on particular business structures for small business owners and home-based business owners; along with the general concepts of owning and operating ones own business.

I am also interested in writing. I have written several articles that have published. I also will like to write books/novels. Although my grammar is not so hot, I plan on taking extra courses in grammar to help me achieve my writing goals.

I love building and managing web sites, publications, and blogs, and so on. I like to design and be able to design and show off my natural talent of “an eye for art”.

I am a hair and nail designer, though I choose not to go full force within that field because my life is so busy right now and I do not have the time to devote into designing hair or nails, although, I do it occasionally to earn extra pocket change. All money is not good money, but some money is better than none.

This concludes my biography, I hope that everyone has learned more about me, what I do and what I want to accomplish.

Mrs. Thiesha D. Jones-Frazier

Berendt’s approach to characters reminded me a lot of Tom Wolfe’s Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby: small and separate vignettes that add up to a great portrait of an area, though lacking the New Journalism feel.

I am glad that Berendt chose to divide Midnight into two books, as the sections each have their own distinct feel, and it would have been distracting had they not been acknowledged as being different. I actually enjoyed the first half, the scenes of life in Savannah, Georgia, more than I did the second, dealing with a murder and a dramatic trial. Berendt wrote something that only an outsider to the community of Savannah could. Throughout the book he remains, seemingly, completely impartial, and it still surprises me how accepted he was into the community.

It took years for Berendt to gather all the information for his book, and I have to think that when the murder occurred, he had to have felt somewhat elated at the prospect of such a great story being dropped in his lap. Maybe he didn’t; I certainly would have. At least I can admit it. The ending did feel a bit rushed, but after spending years and years watching and writing, I’m sure it was a relief just to have the process come to a close.

If you like non-fiction novels, you really should check this one out. It was one of those times when you put a book down and wish there were another three hundred pages.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE ADVANCEMENT OF RESEARCH IN SAVANNAH TO FOCUS ON WATER

The next National Conference on the Advancement of Research (NCAR-61) is scheduled for October 22-24, 2008 in Savannah, Georgia, and will focus on “WATER: Recourse for a Resource.”

NCAR-61 offers executives, laboratory directors, policymakers and other RD leaders from government, industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations the opportunity to discuss the future of one of our most at-risk resources. NCAR-61 has an impressive lineup of speakers this year including:
• Fabien Cousteau, Ocean explorer & filmmaker
• Jeffrey Seabright, Vice President for Environment & Water, Coca-Cola
• Christine Furstoss, General Manager for Technology, General Electric
• Tracy Eichler, Senior Vice President, Citi Global Wealth Management
• Dr. Aris Georgakakos, Director, Georgia Water Resources Institute
• Dr. Patricia Gruber, Director of Research, Office of Naval Research
• Richard Gelting, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• Dr. Peter Schultz, Director, US Climate Change Science Program Office
• Michael Shapiro, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
• Stephen Hoffman, WaterTech Capital, LLC
• Dr. Elion Adar, Director, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

The National Conference on the Advancement of Research began 60 years ago and has been held almost annually since then. The Conference grew out of experiences during and immediately following World War II, when government interest and investment transformed the scientific and research communities of the United States. The success of significant war-related research projects convinced many in the government and much of the public of the benefits produced by R&D and, therefore, the need for continuing large-scale scientific efforts. NCAR remains the only forum where leaders from all four R&D sectors - government, industry, academia, and nonprofit organizations - meet to discuss common issues.

NCAR-61 is hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology, Savannah Campus.
To find out more about this exciting conference, including the complete speaker list and registration fees, visit http://www.ncar.org/conferences/61/index.html

contact kristy.reeves@gtsav.gatech.edu

Speaking for myslef (Heath), If anyone has any questions about the trip please stop me and ask I would love to tell you about it.

I'm writing this post after the trip was over, I just wanted to close this blog out and share what information I have been holding onto for the past couple of days.  It was a great trip and I really enjoyed getting to know your kids better.

Today is the last day for the work teams to finish up their tasks at the work site.  Some of the teams were putting the last touches on the houses they were painting.  Other teams were just wrapping up their last times going to the nursing home or food bank.  It really was a day of reflection of all that had happened earlier on in the week.

The evening activity tonight was a trip to the beach at Tybee Island.  Some of the kids jumped into the ocean right away and some just hung out on the beach.  They all seemed to enjoy themselves and the friends they had made through the week.

After Tybee Island was the evening club time.  I haven't mentioned club time yet but this is the time of the day when we all get together to worship, give mad props, yea God's, and announcements for the next day.  The kids love it.  Tonight was the last night of club time and it was a very special time.  The kids all wrote down on a piece of paper something they would like to let go of in their life.  Something they would like to change.  Then we all went outside and cast this piece of paper in a fire.  After this we gathered back into the worship hall.  This is when the staff of youth works came in and washed the feet of the adult leaders from each church group.  After the adult leaders had their feet washed we went around and washed all of the kids feet.  The emotion in the room was very high.  God was moving through all of us at this time.  I'm not going to explain anything else that happened here but I would like to encourage to ask your children what happened.  There should be some pretty good stories.

I'm writing this post after the trip was over, I just wanted to close this blog out and share what information I have been holding onto for the past couple of days.  It was a great trip and I really enjoyed getting to know your kids better.

The kids are all really tired today.  The schedule has become second nature and the kids are really enjoying their new found friends.  To start the day off the teams broke out into their different work areas.  It was another hot day in Savannah so any of the outside painting teams were really feeling it.  Going to the showers was one of the primary goals for our paint team.  The kids were ready to get out of the hot sun and cool off.

The evening activity today was amazing to say the least.  We went to Overcoming By Faith church lead by Ricky Temple.  He shared a wonderful message on leadership and evangelizing.  Ricky is a very dynamic and engaging speaker.  He truly has a gift for ministry.  At the end of the week I asked several of the kid's what they enjoyed the most about their time in Savannah and this was the number one answer.

We met my dad and his friend, Claire last night for dinner.  We went to The Crab Shack out on Tybee Island.  We were a little worried yesterday afternoon that it would be too hot for The Crab Shack.  The restaurant's setting is mainly outside with a little indoor part.  But I guess because it's right on the water and they have gigantic fans all over the place, it turned out to be a nice evening to eat under the giant live oaks.  We plan to take Holly out there after she gets here.  They do a terrific low country boil, among other things.  If you're ever in the neighborhood, stop by for lunch or dinner.  It is one of the most relaxing places you've ever been, plus you can feed the alligators while you're waiting for your table.

This is Rock, a sweet, 4-year-old dog in need of a new home ASAP! His owner was forced to move and cannot keep him. Rock is now staying at the owner's parents' house, but they cannot keep him either. He is in danger of being put down if he does not find a new home. If a new home is not found soon, I will be assisting his guardians in finding a no-kill rescue to place Rock in. If any rescues are willing to take him, please contact me. There is no adoption fee for Rock. He is free to a GOOD HOME.

• Up-to-date on shots
• No illnesses
• Not neutered
• Used to people/family

Current guardians of the dog are willing to help with transportation.

Rock is located in Midway, Georgia, near Savannah and Ft. Stewart.

If you are interested in adopting this dog, please contact me at afurryfriend@gmail.com.

Mansion on Forsyth Park is located at 700 Drayton Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401, USA with a telephone number of 912-238-5158.

It is a magnificently restored Victorian mansion set in Savannah's legendary Historic District. Upon entering their onyx marble appointed lobby you will experience the essence of Southern luxury. This opulent hotel is graced by a collection of over 400 pieces of original artwork. It is an 1888 restored Victorian Georgian Mansion now with 126 lavish guest suites, a 24-hour fitness center, lounge with live entertainment, 700 Drayton Restaurant, Poseidon Spa, carriage wine cellar, 700 Kitchen Cooking School and more.

As a wedding destination:

The Mansion on Forsyth Park is a romantic wedding destination of Southern grandeur. Travel to your reception on a horse-drawn carriage; celebrate in the magnificent Viennese Ballroom or sun-dappled courtyard. Experience an exclusive fairy tale wedding at the Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia.

Other Low Country Charms Include:

• Poseidon Spa: A full service spa located within the Mansion on Forsyth Park blends historic elegance with contemporary amenities that include massage therapy, rejuvenating body treatments, nourishing facials, specialty nail treatments, men's and women's locker room facilities with steam showers, and a 24-hour cardio-fitness facility.

• Grand Bohemian Gallery: Inspiring art for today's collector features artwork from national and international artists specializing in contemporary painting, art glass, jewelry and sculpture. Gallery services include art consulting, corporate gift programs, wedding registry, framing, authentication, restoration and preservation.

• 700 Kitchen Cooking School: Unique hands-on classes open to both individuals and groups overseen by Chef Darin Sehnert, Culinary Directory

• Forsyth Park (across the street)

• Nearby beaches, golf and tennis

• Area fishing and water sports

Dining

Enjoy eclectic specialties complemented by an extensive wine list at the 700 Drayton Restaurant located within the Mansion on Forsyth Park. The menu features something special for every meal of the day that includes fresh seafood and regionally inspired delicacies. At the end of the day enjoy the Casimir's Lounge or elegant Bosendorfer Lounge. Sip on a martini as you relax to live entertainment and enjoy views of Forsyth Park from the rooftop marble patio.

Packages include:

• Romantic Bohemian Nights 2 Days / 1 Night

• Haunted Spirits of Savannah 2 days / 1 Night

• Relaxation Package: Mansion Bed & Breakfast 2 Days / 1 Night

• Relaxation Package: Take the Edge Off 2 Days / 1 Night

• Relaxation Package: Weekend at the Mansion 3 Days / 2 Nights

• Relaxation Package: Coastal Carousing 3 Days / 2 Nights

• Relaxation Package: Bricks & Blossoms 3 Days / 2 Nights

For more information call 912-238-5158 or visit them online.

Source: Mansion on Forsyth Park Online

Important Disclaimer: The URL address in the resource box of this article is not associated with any of the attractions mentioned in this article. This article and the web site are offered as a resource for formulating vacation ideas.

© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved

Written by: Connie Limon. For more vacation ideas visit http://smalldogs2.com/VacationIdeas For a variety of FREE reprint articles and special topic articles rarely found elsewhere visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com