If you're a regular here at Arner Adventures, you may remember last year's post, "Minimalist Christmas". We talked about our plans for making Christmas gifts that were consumables, and not simply buying gifts that the recipient may or may not use, hence, adding to their clutter. Well, here we are again! Tis' the Season! Some… Continue reading A Simple and Stress-free Christmas
An Ode to Turkeys and Not Eating Them
An apology is necessary to Wordsworth, Pope, Keats, Shelley, and other famous poets, prior to presenting this ode. O, dear turkey, your feathers so full, Your personality is gleaming as you maneuver freely. That people don’t understand you shouldn’t be eaten, is just bull. You are a living being who has children; they should be… Continue reading An Ode to Turkeys and Not Eating Them
Vegetarian in Eastern NC
It is quite possible to imagine, though rare, a couple of folks who live in Eastern NC who do not eat pigs, cows, chickens, nor any other animal. Having been vegetarian now for almost 7 years, we have had our fair share of conversations with people who cannot fathom the thought of not eating animals,… Continue reading Vegetarian in Eastern NC
Westerberg
Fall of '87, living off of Hillsborough Street in Downtown Raleigh, I (Gerry) was excited to see my first Replacements show, which was held at The Bear's Den, Mission Valley. They were out promoting their "Pleased to Meet Me" album. They were introducing their new guitarist, Slim Dunlap, who was taking the place of founding… Continue reading Westerberg
How in the World Did Hemingway Become Such a Big Part of Our Life?
Like most people, I was tasked to read Hemingway in high school, never appreciating his writing until I became an adult. Gerry and I began visiting Key West a few times, also the home of Ernest Hemingway for a number of years, so he became part of our yearning to know more about Key West,… Continue reading How in the World Did Hemingway Become Such a Big Part of Our Life?
When A Hibiscus Makes You Cry
I (Shannon) came home from work today, changed into my "outside clothes", took Betty White out for a stroll, and when we returned, she sat on the porch and watched me as I unraveled the hose to water the plants. It was a scorcher today, so it took longer than usual to quench all of… Continue reading When A Hibiscus Makes You Cry
It’s Okay to be a Dink
I (Shannon) was recently reading the book, "Southern Lady Code" by Helen Ellis, and a chapter resonated with me. It was a chapter called, "Free to be...you and me (and childfree)." It moved me so much, that I thought I should write about how it made me feel, as it may inspire others who are… Continue reading It’s Okay to be a Dink
For Now, I’ll Stick to Monotheism
My (Gerry) thoughts often wander to the idea of religion and how it guides us through life. It seems my views change daily, as I struggle between what I was raised to believe, and what I have learned in many years of absorbing other ideas and teachings. Naturally, I lean toward the Christian faith of… Continue reading For Now, I’ll Stick to Monotheism
The Loveliness of Tea and Faith
It's National Tea Day, in addition to it being Easter, so this morning has been especially comforting. Tea, like my (Shannon) own personal faith, is like a warm blanket, though it hasn't always been that way. Let's start with tea--that road isn't as complicated. I never really appreciated tea until I went on a backpacking… Continue reading The Loveliness of Tea and Faith
Cycle of Life
I (Gerry) have enjoyed cycling as far back a I can remember. As children, we started off on tiny 3-speeds, with long handlebars and seats, referred to as "spider bikes". Those with the slightly sunnier disposition may have used the term, "banana bikes". View from Shannon's cruiser- bike route sign in site I lived for… Continue reading Cycle of Life
