That text hit me in the heart, and yes, I teared up. Why? Because I planned those family vacations like they were my own and now their family has memories to cherish each day.
Children today experience their childhood so much differently than I did growing up. We made our own games and had fun outside, we didn't have to be entertained by a "thing". What do I mean? Well, most of my childhood memories revolve around going places with my family or playing outside with my friends. These experiences include traveling to visit my Grandparents each year in Florida during the winter, going to Holland, Michigan, visiting Niagara Falls, camping at Fair Haven/Indian Falls, and visiting Gettysburg and Hershey, Pennsylvania just to name a few. So, why is it that I remember these? I had the opportunity to be fully immersed in each location. My parents tried to do everything at each place all in one trip, but sometimes, we had to go back to continue our adventure. Those were some exciting vacations. As I look back, I know I had birthday parties and great Christmases, especially the one my mom worked at Johnny Jo Toy Store, but I don't remember what I was given. I can guarantee at least once in my life I told my mother "I'll just die if I don't get...", but now I couldn't tell you what I threw that temper tantrum for. However, I do remember asking my parents to travel to Spain one summer as an exchange student. I knew how expensive it was, but I volunteered to help raise the money. It was not a trip that my parents could just write a check and I was off to Europe, they had to work extra to send me. My parents could have said, "No, we don't have the money right now. Let's wait until we do." But, they knew that this trip would open up so many opportunities for me and they made sacrifices. Sometimes if we wait until the "right" time, that time never comes again. I am guilty of buying the latest fashions or tech gizmo for my daughter, because she "HAS TO HAVE IT!" I remind her that the "it" thing right now will gone in a few months, if it takes that long. She's not going to remember when she got an iPhone, but she will remember the Mother/Daughter trips we have taken. We've made great memories and she continually asks, "When are we going to do that again?" See teenagers do like to hang out with their parents! I have learned that life is too short and we have to take advantage of the time we have together. We are not promised tomorrow! Too many people close to me have lost a loved one for one reason or another, I bet they wished to have one last trip or vacation with that person. Give a trip for a gift, not only will your child be excited to open it, but the excitement will continue to build as the trip approaches. You and your child will have those memories to cherish. That's a present that keeps on giving each and every day. So, if you're thinking of buying something material for your child, ask yourself this, "I know he/she really wants it, but will this be a lasting memory?” Create those memories while you can! Contact me so I can help you create those memories.
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11/10/2018 1 Comment Why am I thankful for November 10th?November is the month to be thankful as you can see on many social media posts. I am thankful for so many things, but today, November 10th is an extra special day. Today is the day that I decided to step outside of the comfort zone of teaching and branch out into the world of being a travel agent. This was not an easy decision, but travel was an important part of my life for my family and me and I felt the need to try. Today, November 10, 2018 marks the 3rd anniversary of Spotted Bow Travel Company. If I was to see the future 3 years ago I would not expect to be where I am today. I have gone from doing only Disney vacations to planning vacations all over the world. From cruises and all inclusive resorts to Europe, Central America, South Africa, and the South Pacific, my knowledge and planning base has grown over the past 3 years. The travel business has given me the opportunity to meet new friends and visit new places, places that I love to share with you! This past year has been one of major growth for me and my business. I have traveled to many new destinations and have taken many trainings on destinations that I plan to visit. One big project that I have been tackling is working on my Luxury Certification and it will be complete in the next few weeks. Yay! People have asked me, "Why do you do this and teach?" I love teaching and have known since an early age that I was going to be a teacher. Becoming a travel agent felt right because I love to travel and planning vacations for others makes me happy. There are so many negative things in our everyday world that having something like a trip to look forward to helps you to get through those difficult times. So, why do I do this? I love seeing the smiles on my clients' faces and hearing the excitement in their voices when they talk about their adventures. Knowing that I am helping people create memories to last a life time makes my heart smile. Yes, I am thankful for all of the people that have supported my small business and I am forever grateful for the continued support. Is there another reason why November 10th is important? When starting a business, things are very busy. When I decided to start Spotted Bow Travel Company, I really didn't look at the date, I just knew it was a very exciting time. Well, November 10th is also the day that I met my husband for the very first time in 1994 at Arizona's in downtown Charleston, SC. I realized that both events changed my life and both started on the same day just a different year. So, I am thankful for November 10th and how this date in history has created the life in which I live. I am asking you that if you haven't like my Spotted Bow Travel Facebook page or the Direct Accommodations Facebook page, please do so today. Help me celebrate this day! This next year is going to be amazing and I want to make sure I can share it with you. If you have liked the pages, invite your friends to do the same. There will be new and exciting things in 2019 for Spotted Bow Travel and my clients. I am thankful for you each and everyday! |
Judy WhiteI love traveling and planning vacations for people in addition to being a wife, mother, and teacher. Archives
November 2019
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