Be prepared for the unexpected and when it happens, because it will, try to make the most of it.
When I was taking classes toward my graduate degree for teaching, I remember one class above all the rest.
It wasn't the subject matter I recall.
I honestly can't even picture the teacher, but it was something she said that sticks with me to this day and has served me well, not only in the classroom, but in life.
What were those fabulous words of wisdom?
Well, she said, "Be prepared for the unexpected and when it happens, because it will, try to make the most of it."
At the time, I was about twenty three, taking notes and ready to apply that sentiment strictly to classroom situations, you know, find the teachable moment in the chaos, kind of thing.
However, as the years rolled on and twenty three became thirty three and then forty three, I began to view those words in a completely different light.
They became more poignant as the unexpected went from surprise fire drills that interrupted my carefully planned lessons to surprise biopsies, miscarriages, illnesses and sick mothers that interrupted my carefully planned life.
Quite a loss of innocence.
Of course, not all unexpected journeys are grim. Some turn out to be quite pleasurable.
I much prefer these.
This weekend, for example, we headed out to farm country to pick pumpkins.
The plan was to spend the day riding tractors, stomping through orange colored fields, getting lost in corn mazes and eating caramel apples.
Unfortunately, by noon we were dead stopped in traffic, a red line was visible on the GPS for as far as we could scroll and Siri was telling us it was hopeless, abandon ship, go back home...
...and we almost did.
Then on a whim, we decided to take a turn south and head away from the cows and endless stretches of corn and drive toward the beach.
It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, surely we could have a fabulous fall adventure in a sweet ocean village as well as we could out in the fields.
And guess what? We did.
Unbelievably, town offered the exact same activities as the farmlands.
Amazing.
We started with apple picking. I prefer the red ones. Big surprise.
Then we moved on to the pumpkin patch. I chose four small perfectly round ones.
The little ones are so sweet.
My kids were especially fond of the petting zoo we stumbled upon.
We even brought some of those fur babies home.
Then we went through the most charming maze and we didn't get lost once.
The only thing we didn't get to do was ride the tractor, because we spent a really long time at the snack booth.
That's okay though, our cars are four wheel drives, so we rough it on a daily basis.
It wasn't the day we had so carefully mapped out, but in the end our unexpected journey turned out to be lovely one.
We certainly made the most of it, just like my professor said I should.
Did I mention that I got an A in that class?
Gee. I hope we don't run into traffic next year.
Wink.
Oh I love Vera! I have not seen the new designs. I have tooo many! Love your trip to the pumpkin patch! Have a great week, Lynn
ReplyDeleteI am a Vera addict, Lynn. It was so cute...and red...and 25% off. I just couldn't resist! ;)
DeleteWhat a wonderful day you guys had! Love all of the treasures...especially the RED one! What a great "pick"! ;-) I really love those pumpkin plates also...absolutely adorable and so season-appropriate! Great detour you were forced to take! Love and hugs to you!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Benita. It was a really nice day. It was not what we had planned, but everyone seemed super happy on our detour. I think the Belgium waffles were largely responsible!! ;)
DeleteA nice thought provoking post on how I will handle my next unexpected journey! I think mostly I go with it in the moment and then later look back and wonder how I did that!
ReplyDeleteYes, AnnMarie...I think that's what I usually do too...how did I do that?? This journey was pretty easy to go with! ;)
Deletei call those happy detours!
ReplyDeletethey really are the best kind of trip to me.
it happened to bob and me that way once... we missed our turn off.
but then we started seeing signs... 'little switzerland of the ozarks'
and like hansel and gretel ... we followed the crumbs. i mean signs.
and it was one of the best weekends we ever spent!
love the pictures and treasures from your adventure!
Now that sounds like a fabulous diversion...Hansel and Gretel, huh? Magical!!
DeleteLove this Kim, especially that gorgeous courtyard! Spontaneous detours can be so fun! Blessings, Cecilia
ReplyDeleteWe took a lot of pictures in that courtyard…it was so pretty!! :)
DeleteGreat post . . .a good "memory keeper from your graduate days!
ReplyDeleteLooks like it served you well this weekend . . .
Congratulations to Carla . . .
It has served me well many times over the years, Lynne. I guess you never know what you will use from your school days. I try to tell my kids that all the time. They don’t listen to me…yet! ;)
DeleteYAY! Congratulations to Carla! Super post. I think you made the best choice. What a charming town! :) I would like to at least try to get lost in the maze!
ReplyDeleteIt was a super charming town...and we did try to get lost! We ended up at a pair of historic outhouses!! ;)
DeleteGlad your trip turned out to be a good surprise to the day. Love when life takes turns for the better.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Kris
Yes, better is always better, Kris!! ;)
DeleteHi Kim, you enjoyed the perfect day from an unexpected change of plans. Love the red Vera Bradley and the pumpkin plates are gorgeous. The red brick walkway is beautiful. Fall fun all around. Have a great rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteHugs, cm
It was a super fun day and a great diversion. Thanks for popping in to say hello Celestina Marie. You always leave the sweetest comments! :)
DeleteThat was one smart teacher you had Kim.
ReplyDeleteUnexpected pleasures are the best kind...and cute red bags don't hurt either, ;)
Agreed 100% Doreen!! :)
DeleteWow awesome journey. Great detour. Where did you wind up?
ReplyDeleteLove the apple red bag, pumpkin plates and yummy snacks
Tracy S
We ended up at the beach...a glorious little town. It was a fun day! :)
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting the give away :-) Oh my, I am already shopping, I have several ideas picked out. :-) Thank you.
I enjoyed your journey. Detours can be the best of days.
Carla
Congrats Carla...and yes, detours can be fun. Especially when you are the one in the driver's seat! ;)
DeleteThose are great words of wisdom and how amazing those words have stayed with you all these years. I love those Aha moment. I am so happy you and your family had a lovely day.
ReplyDeleteThank you Vanessa. It’s nice when it all works out!
DeleteI think unexpected journeys really are the best! We have lots of those around here... well, not red lines and detours... lol! But definitely unexpected happenings! Your "unexpected" was awesome Kim, love your finds, the red purse, fun pumpkins, amazing food, and beautiful walkways. Indeed, the quote from your professor is a memorable one! :)
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine you ever seeing a red line in your neck of the woods!! Lucky you! ;) Enjoy those wide open spaces.
DeleteI think those spur-of-the-moment unexpected "journeys" are the best sort myself. It is always an adventure that we didn't plan that stirs the soul,isn't it? Those days that we can look on with wonder and awe at how amazingly perfect they were.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Carla. She is a very sweet person! I am truly happy for her. xo Diana
Absolutely Diana...it couldn't have been more perfect if we had planned the day! :)
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful day. I'm so happy that Carla won! xoox Su
ReplyDeleteThanks Su and me too! :)
DeleteI am glad that you found a good alternative! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb. It was fun!
DeleteLovely post. All round. Really, all round. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd say, you just had a wee little bit of magic, in your life!
Hugs and magic,
Tessa
I do love magic, Tessa!! :)
DeleteThat sounds like a perfect day, Kim! Isn't it wonderful when we allow ourselves to enjoy the journey....the past is past, and we have no control over the future; here and now is all there is.
ReplyDeleteTruer words were never spoken, Carol.
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteOh well maybe next year. At least you all found another nice plan for the day and it turned out great! Congrats to the winner of your nice giveaway.
I hope you have a nice week.
Julie xo
Thanks Julie! It was a great day, one I hope to repeat next fall!!
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post and I was right along with you throughout the journey. Wise words indeed:)
Your family is so fortunate to have a Momma like you!
xo
Jemma
Thanks so much, Jemma! It was a fun day!
DeleteIt's great that you were able to turn your half empty glass into a half full one. And you certainly have the memories and photos to show for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! Yes, a half full glass for sure…that would make my teacher and my mother so happy! ;)
DeleteHa ha this was a great post, Kim!!! Way to take a negative and turn it into a super positive - and I bet you didn't need even an ounce of hot cocoa with whipped cream to get through that day!! :)
ReplyDeleteNope! Not a drop…although I did whip some up once we got home, just for fun!! ;)
DeleteKim, it sure sounds like you had a beautiful day. Surprises are the best, aren't they?
ReplyDelete. Especially when they happen accidently!. Love the fur stuff. Gorgeous..Happy Wednesday..Judy
This was a fun surprise and it was a nice deviation from our usual fall outing.
DeleteGetting lost and having a change of plan is my favorite kind of trip! I always figure God has something in mind, and look for that. Looks like you guys had a fabulous day!
ReplyDeleteI needed a light diversion, Nancy...maybe it was orchestrated after all. :)
DeleteGreat post. Sounds like a great day and cute, fun purchases.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great day, Lorri and everything we bought was on sale...even better! ;)
DeleteSounds like you had a great day with the fam - good for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristi...it was fun! :)
DeleteI just love your positive perspective on your unexpected day! The petting zoo fuzzy your brought back with you is adorable! :)
ReplyDeleteWe like the petting zoo souvenirs the best, too, Audra. Super soft and they never need to be walked or fed! ;)
DeleteSounds like true serendipity to me!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
It really was, Brenda. Truly.
DeleteAwwww...love this! Great advice to pass along and you had me at beach village!
ReplyDeleteJane x
Oh, I know! We actually live at the beach, but there's something mystical about somebody else's town that always makes a journey more fun!
DeleteThose unexpected trips are the best! We have been on a few of them and they were also unplanned. My husband is a firm believer that all roads will take him where he wants to go, so trying to avoid pile ups of traffic, we have been to a few "excursions" LOL Take care. xxx Maria
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maria, it was fun! I like your husband's attitude. Maybe I need to remember his words! ;)
DeleteYou're so cute! I love the way you roughed it. Gorgeous fur babies, and you don't even have to buy expensive pet food for them. Very cool maze and that sure is my idea of snack booth food! Too bad about missing the tractor ride--maybe you'll do that on your next detour. Don't forget to dress appropriately!
ReplyDeleteDewena
I would've liked that hay ride. I always enjoy getting a tour of the farm with my hot chocolate in hand. Maybe next time!
DeleteYou clever, clever girl!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the light winner. :)
Thanks Stacey! It was a fun one to write. ;)
DeleteThe Beach, fuzzy blankets and pillows, Pottery Barn, Vera and Waffles...there is just no day better!
ReplyDeleteLoved looking at your photos and reading this post!
I do love those plates! :)
Kimberley
I love those plates too, Kimberley. They were very worth the price...
DeleteLovely post! Sometimes unexpected journeys turn out to be the best ones. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt really was the best outing we’ve had in a while!! :)
DeleteOh my.........I like the RED.............apples too!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSeeing your "fuzzy" makes me think....I have one tucked away that Posie cat and I fight over all winter long! If it ever cools off, I need to get it out......Posie will be pleased :^)
Loved your post AND the sentiment. On Saturday afternoons hubster and I just hop in the truck and go where it takes us....it's always fun!!
Have a great weekend, and blessings to you,
J
We hopped in our truck, too! It was a fun day and one I hope to repeat soon. Of course, since it’ll be planned, it probably won’t be as much fun, but we’ll give it our best shot! ;)
DeleteCleverly scripted post, Kim. Not only did the detour give you an even-better-than-planned day out, it gave you fodder for a fun post. Congratulations to Miss Carla! I love her! Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy! This was a fun one to craft. Sometimes, fun is what it's all about!
DeleteYou are so adorable Kimmie. Truly! This post made me smile lots! xoxo Jen
ReplyDeleteLove that! Smiles are awesome!
DeleteI must be tired. It took me at least 2 minutes to figure out what you meant LOL
ReplyDeleteMissed you <3
xoxo,
rue
Missed you, too!
Delete