July Review (Month 7 of Quests)

July 2016 Questing Report

Quests Completed

Eek!  None this month :-o

Quests-in-Progress

Quest # 1: Biographies

I didn't complete a biography this month (that was disappointing... I got halfway through though and plan to finish it in August). I did, however, read an idea-inspiring book on how to start your own business, "The $100 Startup" by Chris Guillebeau (click the link to check out this, as well as his other books).  I plan to pay off car and school loans before I start on my big, dream jobs/businesses. But, this book inspired me to think more about potential "side hustle" ideas.
On a side note: Chris Guillebeau's website/blog is great for those who like to travel and live full on less.

Quest # 3: Tithing

Although I have been wanting to put money toward a cause to help with civil rights in the country,  it wasn't until I saw that the KKK was doing some of their own marketing in my State that I decided for sure I would donate to Black Lives Matter.  Because,  frankly, they do matter,  and the way many of us behave now - automatically and often unintentionally -  indicates that deep down in our culture,  we somehow feel like they matter less. Here in the South (because I can't speak for elsewhere) I feel like racial inequality is a problem often overlooked by white people until someone of color points out the injustice,  and then they are labeled as whiny and ungrateful (at best). I've heard more than once here that "they should stop complaining so much! Life here is way better for then then in many parts of the world."  I'm not going to say there isn't some truth to that. But,  as a woman - who also happens to hear that line a lot in reference to women - I get sick of that comeback.  I *am* grateful that I live in a country that allows for more equality than many others. But,  no,  that does not mean we sit back and rest on our laurels now,  y'all.  There is always room for improvement,  and we can be so much better than we are now.  So,  I do support the Black Lives Matter movement,  because they do.

Quest #5: Performance

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (GMHG)  is the largest Highland Games/Scottish Festival in North Carolina (my blog post about it here).  It's held on Grandfather Mountain,  in the beautiful western North Carolina. Although it was roasting down in the Piedmont,  the weather on the mountain was a heavenly low-80's with a cool breeze.  If you've never been to a Highland game festival,  I recommend checking one out. The bagpipes and men in kilts alone are worth the ticket money.

Quest #27: Family

My younger brother and I did a road trip up to the mountains again,  to pick up some furniture and to help him and some other friends move. He's a good road tripping buddy! 

Coming up next:

Quest # 1: Biographies

Finish my July Biography, Michelle Obama: A Life by Peter Slevin.

and... continue with ongoing Quests!

KJets

#5 Performances : Grandfather Mountain Highland Games (GMHG)

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games is one of the largest Scottish highland game festivals on the east coast and the largest in North Carolina. Nestled in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, the historical home for so many Scottish immigrants in early US history (anyone read Outlander...??? Great way to learn history haha.  Gabaldan puts a ton of research into her books to make them historically accurate).

My games band, and my shuttle band - I felt like a legit festival goer!

Even while the Piedmont to the Outer Banks of North Carolina is experiencing sweltering July ("JOO-lye") weather, up in Linville it was cool breezes and shady trees - never got above mid-eighties (Fahrenheit). It was absolutely dreamy! Walking through the crowded booths hosting each Scottish clan (they are still around folks!), the air was thick with a delicious combination of fire wood smoke and meat-and-veggie style foods - pasties, meat pies, turkey legs, and Carolina BBQ platters to name a few.

Walking to the games after disembarking from the shuttle; making our way through the campground.

About midway through the day, we needed a rest, so we climbed a grassy hill, laid out our picnic blankets under a tree, and dozed to the sound of bagpipes and snare drums playing on the fields below. The "cherry on top" for these heavenly experiences is the plethora of men in kilts - burly, skinny, button-downs, bare-chested, long hair, short hair, no hair - all absolutely swoon-worthy.

The last time I had been to this event was ten years ago, and it was exciting to see how much it had grown (although the line for the shuttle back down the mountain to our car was not appreciated). Now, the forest surrounding the field is packed with RVs and tents, as participants and fans choose to forgo the hassle of parking and reparking during the event. Instead, they are able to meet like-minded folks, and have story telling, singing, and jam-sessions around the campfires at night (so jealous!).

K Jets

My ancestors were part of the MacLeod clan??! Who wants to live forever?? -_^ (Highlander,  anyone?)