Sherrie Lea Morgan - Sherrie Lea Morgan Blog

Sherrie Lea Morgan

Liquid Affinity

6/29/2022

I’m not sure where my affinity with water started. I’m not a big swimmer, I’ve never participated in water sports and my favorite movie of all time is Jaws. Yet, when I meditate or am looking for someplace to settle my mind, I seek water. Water calms me in all its various forms.

Last weekend, I went with my sister to a conference and helped her work her vendor table. Located in Cape Canaveral, I had the opportunity to find the object of my stillness in various forms.

Some are soothed by the serene calm of a lake under the sun or moon. Some are calmed by the rapid rushing of waterfalling over a cliff or mountainside. Some even find peace with the sounds of rolling waves crashing against each other. All of these create an ambiance that soothes me. I'm sure you can tell from the pictures I took.

Do you have an affinity for nature? Is there some form of nature that automatically calms you and allows you to find an opportunity to reflect or even let your imagination run? What about creating a “happy place”? I’d like to hear about it.

Outdoor Sculpture Exhibits - Amsterdam

5/10/2022

While we waited to board the river cruise boat, we took a stroll along the park outside of the hotel and was treated to a display of local artists sculptures. (Note: I tried to capture the info posts on all, but only caught some.)

"100 Heads"

This beautiful woman on the left was part of the above display called "100 Heads." She even wrote on the back of post.

"Sisters"

"What holds me back, carries me further"

"Kofi"

Here are a few more that I missed the placards for:

Very talented, don't you think?

Running to the River – Heading Home

5/1/2022

We splurged by flying first class on the way home.

The day before we were due to board the bus and head to the airport, I started having trouble breathing. I feared my last Covid test might return positive. Luckily, it did not. But, unluckily, what I thought might be an upper respiratory infection, turned out to be much worse. My breathing worsened, and after a long, difficult flight home, I ended up at urgent care. The result? I got pneumonia and enjoyed (not!) an ambulance ride to the hospital, where I stayed for two days before I could beg the doctor to let me go home. Not the best way to end a trip.

But I certainly enjoyed every minute of my time abroad and on this river cruise. I hope you enjoyed traveling with me (even if only in your mind).

What did you think?

Running to the River - Basel to Lucerne

4/29/2022

Our last day aboard ship we packed our belongings and headed into Basel on our way to Lucerne. There we stayed at the hotel for two days before heading to the airport. Here is the view from our hotel room. (Swiss Alps in background)

I got an earache and went to the local pharmacy to see if they might have something I could take. I loathed the idea of getting on a plane with ear pain as I’m sure you can imagine how awful that would be. As a result, the above photos are courtesy of my sister and the sights she saw while I lay in bed in the hotel.

I would have loved to go along. Aren't these awesome pictures?

Running to the River - Breisach, Germany

4/27/2022

Another amazing day which started with a trip to the Black Forest. Of course, everything tastes better when not at home, including the infamous Black Forest cake. What a grand time to watch one being made by the local chef. Yummy!

Of course, when you first arrive here, you can't help but stop and stare at the Black Forest cuckoo clock. This thing was originally built with only wood. Can you believe the size of it? My jaw dropped when it struck the hour, and it came alive. This square was packed with tourists filming it. What do you think?

Running to the River – Strasbourg, France

4/25/2022

A friend of mine loves France. So one of the first things I did here was to buy a crepe and send her a picture of it. Unbeknownst to me, crepes do not have to be sweet at all! My sister tried a ham/cheese one, and it was delicious. Of course, it was chilly that morning when we began our tour, so I needed something hot to get me started.

Strasbourg Cathedral hosts an Astronomical Clock in amazing condition and it was built between 1838 and 1842. Gorgeous!

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this beauty!

After we boarded and the sun was dropping, the lights came on behind this beautiful water sculpture. It shimmers, don't you think?

Running to the River – Rüdesheim, Germany

4/23/2022

So much to see, so little time! Thoroughly enjoyed this place and spent way too much money on souvenirs. Yeah, I know. But if it helps the economy, I’m game.

Running to the River – Speyer, Germany

Speyer's Imperial Cathedral is one of the world's largest Romanesque cathedrals, and this image does not do it justice in any way.

A photo from inside might help you imagine how beautiful this place is from any view.

This is a ancient flooring discovered during a renovation project only a short distance from the cathedral. Cool, right?

So much beauty to see. I couldn't wait for the next port. I bet you'd feel the same way, right?

Running to the River - Koblenz, Germany

4/22/2022

Our main stop today was the Fortress of Ehrenbreitstein. This is our guide, and he rocked it as a spy drafting us into helping him get information and relating the events that happened here,

I wish I could share the video I took where the sounds of marching met us as we walked through this place. Actual stone wall damage from the shooting is still visible.

We got to see so much of the landscape, it took my breath away. We rode down from the hill and the view was fantastic.

Running to the River - Cologne, Germany

4/20/2022

One thing that kept coming back to me is the idea that I’ve read about these places and seen pictures. But to experience them is so much better.

I’m not sure the pictures really did this justice. However, I couldn’t resist physically touching this beautiful building. The phrase “If walls could talk” came to mind. I bet this building would have fantastic stories to share.

And speaking of stories…this is the Hohenzollern Bridge. It’s hard to see, but the walkway wall is filled with padlocks. Tons of padlocks that lovers have placed there to represent their love. It’s listed as one of the “Love Lock Bridges.” What if you didn’t bring a lock with you? No worries. On the walkway along the river, sat many vendors selling them!

Now that is a story to write about. Don't you agree? I might have to include something similar in one of my books. Have you read a book where this is included?

Running to the River -Kinderdijk by Vintage Barge

4/19/2022

I took this photo from my seat on the barge. It's a small vintage barge and sat very low in the water. But, it was wonderful!

It was a bit of a walk to get to the barge, but the scenery made it worth it. The barge captain obviously knew what he was doing as we went nice and slow.

While trying to look everywhere at once, my author’s mind kept wondering what it was like to live there. Luckily, we got to peek inside one windmill “home.” Simply amazing.