Thursday, July 7, 2011

Spunky Maggie Toussaint Kayaks in a Rice Plantation Canal


Slow and steady wins the race every time. I’ve seen people flash in and out of churchs, careers, marriages, and hobbies because they were always in such a hurry.

They get so busy chasing a dream they forget about commitment.

In the picture of me kayaking in a Civil War era rice plantation canal, I’m relaxing on the water.

There’s no point in paddling fast in these backwater areas because you’ll miss something, a delicate flower, a fluttering butterfly, a soaring eagle, a solitary heron, or even a shy alligator watching you from across the creek.
When you take a kayak trip, you commit to the whole adventure – there’s no bailing out halfway. And if you’re multi-tasking like me, you’ll get to write off the cost of the fun as research for your next book. — Maggie Toussaint

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21 comments:

  1. Too true. It's very easy to rush around instead of enjoying life, Maggie.

    Morgan Mandel

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  2. I love the idea of kayaking and have an elder friend who enjoys the activity often, but I've never tried it out. The picture of Maggie in the plantation canal looks so lovely and peaceful. Nice post.

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  3. Hi Morgan,

    I love being able to relax and kayaking doubles the value for me since it recharges my muse. I come out of the river, and there's all kinds of mayhem brewing in my head!

    In fact, a key scene in my Muddy Waters was inspired by kayaking these back water passages.

    Thanks for inviting me to post! And I look forward to hearing from other spunky seniors in weeks to come.

    Maggie
    www.maggietoussaint.com

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  4. MAGGIE--did I say I was terrified of water? Yep. Never learned to swim--it's pretty hard to do in a West Texas town with no water and no swimming pool. When I see disasters on TV, no matter what it is--if it doesn't include water, I say, "At least they didn't drown." A Phobia.
    I did go crazy in the 80's when I turned 40 and went "tubin'" But most of the time I could see the bottom of the river. If it were deeper, I went anyway so I wouldn't be left out.I always stayed close to a strong friend who would save me. Good for you--go, Maggie.
    Celia

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  5. I also never learned how to swim. I went to swimming classes a few times, but never learned to trust the water. Now that I'm older, I'm not about to try again. Besides, the more water, the drier my skin gets.

    Morgan Mandel

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  6. Hi Maggie,
    A fun and nice post to start the day. Shy alligator huh? Hmmm . . . that word pairing didn't come to mind. *G* Taking time to relax, to enjoy the moment is critical, thanks for the important reminder. Take care, enjoy your day, and I wish you continued success! *Hugs*

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  7. Maggie--I love kayaking and any fun games in the water. I can see how you got your inspiration from kayaking. That's the best way to relax and work at the same time.

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  8. What a fun post, Maggie. Wish I had that much energy.

    Lavinia

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  9. I'm enjoying the fun here today. Thanks to Patricia, Celia,Diana, Mona, and Lavinia for stopping by. I'm truly blessed to have so many kind and caring friends.

    Celia and Morgan, as a child I was terrified of putting my face underwater, and I've always had a horror of drowning, even though I can now swim like a fish. Well maybe a toadfish (grin).

    I've often wondered how folks fare that don't know how to swim as adults. Do you get the heebeejeebies while crossing a big bridge? Maybe that's not a fair question because some big bridges worry me. How do you manage shower spray in your face? Curious minds want to know.

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  10. Kayaking is lots of fun. We do a several-day trip every summer in the back-country up in Nova Scotia. It is so quiet you can hear a beaver sneeze. Packing in enough food is a challenge, but we haven't starved to death yet, hehe.

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  11. Maggie asked about showers. I tolerate the water on my face when the spray isn't intense. I also like to turn around to rinse. I do have a problem with my ears. I have a terrible problem when water gets into them.

    Morgan Mandel

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  12. Was it cold or were you armored against mosquitoes? I'm not sure I believe the "shy alligator" part...

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  13. I am so loving this blog, Morgan! Good going spunky Maggie!

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  14. Maggie, You look like you're having a blast kayaking! I wanted to do it at Catalina, but didn't get the chance. Too much going on. Thanks for sharing - and inspiring!

    Smiles
    Steph

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  15. If the water level rises
    above my waist or chest,
    I think the water's banks
    are where I'd feel the best!
    If creepy crawly things
    below the surface roam,
    don't count me in your numbers
    for I'd rather stay at home!
    I long for life's adventures
    but fear the highway's traffic.
    So, I'll just find my thrills
    reading National Geographic!

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  16. I'm greatly enjoying the comments. It's so fun being the inaugural guest poster on this site. Morgan has such a great mind for entertaining concepts.

    Thanks to Ruth, Steph, Gail, Morgan, Lu, and VR for sharing your thoughts about kayaking and/or my adventure. Perhaps I'll see your spunky moments here soon!

    Happy weekend, everyone!

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  17. Being a bit of an elder myself, I hesitated to try kayaking, but my son talked me into it. What fun it turned out to be. In fact, my son had to beg me to let him have a turn again. LOL

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  18. I wonder if there are any mosquitos out there.

    Morgan Mandel

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  19. I love the water and love to swim. Don't get that many opportunities anymore. Great post!

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  20. Looks like you're having fun, Maggie. We get our kicks from RVing.

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