A Bucket List of Ideas
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Inspired by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman
It was only a couple of years ago when I saw a movie, The Bucket List, which would not only entertain me but would change the course of my life. Since that time, I've heard a lot of talk about bucket lists and a lot of people deciding to put their thoughts and dreams together to create one of their own.
I've thought about creating a personal bucket list but have never set forth in putting pen to paper - nor fingers to keyboard - until now. I have so many ideas swimming through my head that I cannot confine them to a number. I've decided to give myself free reign as to whether there would be ten things on my bucket list or a hundred. The strange thing is that ideas continue to come into my mind and I'm becoming entertained with my own thoughts and ideas - and they branch out into all directions.
Please come along as we take this journey together. Who knows? We may be more alike than you had ever imagined.
Photo credit: Sweet Shoppe Community.
This lens received a Purple Star
on June 08, 2011!
Contents at a Glance
“Have you ever asked yourself a question?
Did you ever ask yourself any of these questions?”
Questions I've Been Asking Recently
Despite believing myself to be healthy, lately, I've been wondering exactly how much time I do have left to live. With it has come a few questions which I would like to state here.
Will I live to see a ripe old age of 80 or 90?
Not everyone does. Perhaps I won't either but there's no way to know so all I can do is wonder.0 points
Will I get to see the places I've dreamed of going for so many years?
There are so many places I would like to see, it seems impossible that I would get the opportunity to see them all. Alas! That's why dreams are made.0 points
Will I live to see my children fully grown?
God never promised me that I would wake up the next morning. I go to bed believing I will wake up again but perhaps I'm guilty of taking life for granted. I cannot imagine dying when my children are young; even the thought makes me cry.0 points
Where will I be when I die?
Will I still be living in Arctic Canada or will I be living in a southern Canadian province or some other country of the world? Right now, it seems Arctic Canada will be my home for many years to come ... but will it?0 points
How will I die?
I really don't dwell on this question but sometimes it sneaks in without permission. All I can hope and pray is that I leave the world peacefully when the time comes. I shudder to think of being tortured, though some people die that way.0 points
How will I return to dust when I die?
Will it be through a cremation process or will I be buried in the ground? I know it's only my body that will die but, still, both seem unimaginable so anyone else can make that decision. I just can't imagine it would be me.0 points
Time Brings Change
It's interesting how
time changes things.
When I was a little child, I didn't
want to live to be 60;
I couldn't imagine living
to be that old.
Now, I have a little more than
a year to go before turning 40
and 60 seems to be
such a young age.
Of course I want to live
to be 60 - and beyond!
Now I don't want to live to be 100!
Will that change?
You'll be the first to know!
Your Bucket List
If you have a publicized bucket list, feel free to add a link to where it can be found (in the window which appears after casting your vote.)
My Bucket List of United States Travels
I suppose most everyone loves to travel - not necessarily every week of the year but they enjoy a break from routines associated with being at home. Well, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I enjoy traveling, too. In fact, it is one of my favorite things to do and I would like to be able to do it more often - especially taking those long road trips which enable me to see so much.
Below I've decided to share not only places I would like to see in the United States but things I would like to do which I cannot do at home.
- 1I saw a movie a few years ago - can't remember the title - and, ever since, I've wanted to visit Cape Cod, Massachussetts. It looks so lovely and my imagination conjures up many peaceful moments.
- 2I've always wanted to write while looking at a view of the water. It wouldn't have to be an ocean; it could be a lake or a river but I've always imagined sitting in front of a big window while writing to my heart's content. To do this in Cape Cod would be more than a dream come true.
- 3I've had this fascination with visiting New York since 2010 when my youngest daughter expressed an interest in seeing the city. Since I'm the only one who can take her there - until she grows older and moves out on her own - I'd say it's a good thing I'm developing an interest.
- 4If I was able to visit New York, I would enjoy seeing Ellis Island (home to the Statue of Liberty) but, if I could only choose one attraction to see, it would have to be Ground Zero. I may not be an American but I will never forget the horrible day when those planes crashed through the Twin Towers.
- 5Have you heard of Sesame Place whose home is located in Pennsylvania? I have and I've wanted to visit ever since. I may have to wait until my son grows older and is a little less intimidated by imaginary creatures which are so much bigger than he is. However, I truly hope the time will come, sooner rather than later.
- 6I've always wanted to see Mall of America, located in Bloomington (near Minneapolis), Minnesota - even if it is to see how it compares to West Edmonton Mall, Alberta, Canada.
- 7If I get to Mall of America, I would have to go to the Nickelodeon Universe which is an indoor amusement park located inside the mall.
- 8Have you heard of Wisconsin Dells? It is known as the Waterpark Capital of the World. Of course, I want to go there and try some of those waterslides for myself! However, I can't imagine doing anything that will cause my brains to rush forward and my facial expression to freeze; I tried that twice and I'm not sure I would be as courageous the next time around.
- 9Florida holds appeal to me though, in all honesty, it's not because of Disney World. It has more to do with the beaches and parks. I'd really like to get as far as Margate, Florida, so I could really say I've been as far south in Florida as I could possibly go.
- 10I'd really enjoy seeing the Grand Canyon. It looks beautiful from videos and photos but I'd like to take my own photos to see how they compare.
- 11I'd like to sleep on a sandy beach. Perhaps I might be able to snatch a few hours of sleeping on a beach while visiting Cape Cod.
- 12I'd like to spend a night outside looking at the stars. I wouldn't need a tent over me; I'd just like to feel one with the sky. Perhaps sleeping on a sandy beach at Cape Cod while the stars are shining brilliantly would be more than a dream come true.
- 13At some point, I would love to be able to travel the entire route of Interstate 66. It would bring me through states I've never driven through and would allow me to highlight yet another route on my atlas because I drove the route myself.
- 14Dollywood sounds likes a fabulous place to go sometime. I'd enjoy seeing the Smoky Mountains; I've heard so much about how others have enjoyed the area and it just seems like Tennessee is a state which should be visited at least once.
- 15I hope I get the opportunity to visit Seattle, Washington. I hear there can be lots of rain but it just seems to have a pulse which I would like to enjoy for a few days.
- 16Mount Rushmore - apparently, I have to see those faces of American presidents carved into the rocks with my own two eyes. I didn't think they were demolished during the making of the movie titled, Richie Rich, starring Macauley Culkin.
What's Your Preference?
Would you rather visit a waterpark or sandy beach?
Waterpark
Norma_Budden says:
It's a toss up for me; I'm literally sitting on the fence.
I enjoy sandy beaches but I've spent more time in waterparks or even at hotels with at least one waterslide over the years. I haven't really had many occasions to visit sandy beaches in the span of my life.
Though my children enjoy the beach, the younger two seem to enjoy waterparks more, especially if there are quite a few rides which are not extreme in nature.
However, when I get the opportunity to spend time on a sandy beach, I truly enjoy it. It seems I enjoy it more each time. However, it is no fun cleaning up from all the sand, especially since I like to walk along the shoreline, as opposed to sunbathing. Then again, I can relax more at the beach as long as there are not hundreds of people around. I actually don't enjoy being on crowded beaches at all.
Sandy beach
Evelyn_Saenz says:
I'm all for the sandy beach. I always prefer nature to cement.
LeanneChesser says:
Without doubt, a sandy beach (could that be because I live 5 minutes from the West Edmonton Mall waterpark and it really holds no fascination for me?).
ajgodinho says:
Growing up in Goa (which is one of the coastal states of India), we spent a lot of time on the beach...I enjoy beaches, it's more natural to me.
Ramkitten says:
Now that I live in northern Arizona, sans beaches, I'd have to choose a sandy beach over a water park. I'm originally from New England and have salty sea water in my veins. I miss it!
tagsforkids says:
I'll have to go with beaches, but considering we're only a few miles away from the Atlantic, and 2 hours from the Gulf of Mexico a water park is sometimes a refreshing change! :)
"There's a hole in the bucket,
dear Liza, dear Liza.
There's a hole in the bucket,
dear Liza, a hole."
Do you recognize this verse?
I guarantee there is no such thing
as a hole in the bucket of my
imagination; it keeps filling to overflowing.
Bucket List of Canadian Travels
I've traveled extensively through Canada but there are still things I would like to do and see. Take a look and see if you share anything in common; perhaps we can be traveling partners. Just kidding but it's definitely worth your while to explore Canada.
- 1I want to go to Vancouver so I can see Stanley Park. I'd really like to see the totem poles; I saw one somewhere years ago and thought the artwork was outstanding.
- 2I want to spend a week on Vancouver Island. I'd try to take the ferry somewhere almost every day.
- 3I'd like to spend a week hiking and exploring the Rocky Mountains, while taking photos of the mountains, sunsets and landscapes at different angles.
- 4Sometime when in Alberta, I hope to go on a three-day horseback guided tour with my oldest daughter, who seems to be at home around horses. Failing an overnight trip, I'd like to take three individual full-day trips at different ranches/outfitters.
- 5I'd like to spend a night out on the prairie in the land of living skies (Saskatchewan) so I can feel the heat or gentle breeze on my face as I go to sleep.
- 6I really must take the time to visit the Museum of Man and Nature (Planetarium) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I could have seen it any time in the past dozen years but have never taken the opportunity.
- 7I believe I would enjoy attempting to climb the ice walls of Eagle Canyon in Dorian, Ontario. I would pray to survive the adventure because I would really like to give it a try sometime when my kids are older and not depending upon me to stay alive. This is as risky as it gets for this chick.
- 8I could cry; I really could but I promise that I won't. Instead, I will take another trip sometime - crossing three suspension bridges and descending/ascending 187 stairs to complete the tour of Canyon Ste. Anne, near Quebec (City), Quebec. I did it once when 8 months pregnant with my son - in 2007 - but the photos were on a backup storage device which was stolen a few months later. Then, I did cry so, essentially, I should only feel disappointment now.
- 9I hope to spend a few more weeks in Nova Scotia - not in any particular place. However, I would enjoy seeing more of the rugged coastal areas and dining in a few more wharf-style restaurants, or restaurants on the pier.
- 10Prince Edward Island - I could never get tired of that little province - though trying to find my way around on the rural routes can be crazy. Sometimes it seems a turn-off is straight ahead yet, it is three roads further. I don't know that I'll ever figure it out fully unless I live there for a period of time but my mission, next time, is to try to see more of the north-eastern areas of the province.
- 11There are several areas in Newfoundland I have never seen or have not explored as much as I would like. Gros Morne National Park is one of those areas, as is the Burin Peninsula. I do hope to see more of the Avalon Peninsula, as well, because, in that area of Newfoundland, I've really only spent time in the St. John's area.
- 12Sometime I just have to see Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. I hear it feels like a combination of living in the north and south and would like to experience this feeling for myself.
- 13Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory is supposed to be a beautiful location. Sometimes I will have to take a road trip and see this place for myself and take my own photos.
Canadian Travels
As you'll note above, there are several things I would still like to see and experience in Canada and the United States when traveling - and the list above only features those things which sprang, immediately, to mind.
Take a look at my travel lensography to see a list of journeys I've already embarked upon. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I must point out that I do intend to add a few American travel lenses to the list in the upcoming months.
The Cremation of Sam McGee
This is a poem written by Robert W. Service which came as a result of his years spent in the Yukon Territory.
It's entertaining and portrays just how the cold temperatures of the north can affect a person. If you have heard of it, it would be a nice trip down memory lane to re-read it. If you have never heard of it -
you must read it!
Check it out by visiting The Creation of Sam McGee.
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Bucket List Activities
When I think about my bucket list, I think about so many things I would like to experience - without giving any regard to a particular location or period in time. They are general things I would just like to feel and experience.
- 1Call me crazy but I would like to know what it feels like to watch my child walk down the altar, pledging his/her love to another person for a lifetime. I know many parents feel bittersweet in such circumstances but I would like to know if the way I imagine I would feel is really accurate.
- 2I'd like to be able to stay at a beach house for at least a month during summer, writing to my heart's content when the only distractions are those I initiate.
- 3I wonder what it would be like to set out in the morning with my camera and see what the day brings, in terms of the photos I would capture. I will have to do this sometimes - to seize the day without any agenda.
- 4I would like to conquer one major fear; I don't know why it is present. I can go up the side of a mountain on a gondola (cable car) without having an anxiety attack. I can also drive on winding mountain roads with drop-offs that would make an ordinary person feel faint. The part I don't understand is why I fear someone will push me over the edge if I stand on top of a tall building. Even with railings, the thought terrifies me. I hope I can overcome it.
- 5I'd like to try para-sailing. It looks like fun, though I would definitely need to get in shape first, not to mention become acquainted with colder water temperatures than I would like to be immersed in.
- 6I'd relish the opportunity to get inside a hot air balloon and take a little trip. The only thing I would want to do is take photographs.
- 7I'd like to try going across a zip line, at some point - just zip my way across a canyon and unzip when I reached the other side. I'd be starting small, for sure, and might only do it once - but I feel I would like to try. It would seem, however, that I'm throwing caution to the wind so I would definitely need another adult traveling companion with my children and I before I'd try it.
- 8I just might climb a mountain sometime in my life. I'm not talking Mount Everest here; I'm taking about a smaller mountain summit which I could reach in a day. I bet the views would be spectacular and my camera would, once again, be my best friend. My, but it's beautiful to dream!
When I was a child, one of my desires was to have a few plane tickets on hand so I could travel whenever the mood struck.
I didn't think about money or responsibilities.
I lived in a dream world and it was absolutely wonderful!
That child still exists and she still lives inside of me. However, I have changed because the focus has shifted from myself.
Won't you please visit, Who Wants to be A Millionaire?
A Bucket List of People
Yes, I would imagine that title sounded a little weird. In fact, I blinked a time or two myself. However, the point remains that there are people I would love to meet in person sometime so I've chosen to feature them as part of my bucket list. As you may guess, these are people I've met on Squidoo.
These people are those whom I would really like to meet and I am in contact with some of these lensmasters more than others.
Of course, not all of my online friends are involved with Squidoo.
Meeting Mama Lewis: how will it feel? Click on her photo to read my living tribute to her.
I have to meet Bart Ringer as well. Click the photo to visit the lens I did featuring Bart's life as a police officer.
My Soul's Bucket List
There are many things I, as a person, would like to do as you've read above. However, I now introduce you to some things my soul cries out to do. This is really what I would refer to as the meat and potatoes of my bucket list. After all, what you will read below will surpass any trip I could ever make to see a particular landscape or attraction.
A Bucket List For Others
Usually when we think of a bucket list, we think of things we would like to do ourselves. It might be trips we would like to take or things we would like to do - perhaps a daredevil sport we would like to try even once.
This section of my bucket list, however, pertains to things I would like to do which are solely focused on others - making their lives better even if only for a few moments in time.
- 1Since I can remember, I've had this desire to go to a soup kitchen and help out for a shift or two. However, it's never come to pass but, if the time ever comes that I should live in southern provinces, I would make doing such a thing a regular part of my life.
- 2What would it feel like to befriend a homeless person and see him/her become a respectable member of society again? I hope I find out. It's not fair that homeless people are looked down on as much as, if not more than, criminals. They are merely people like you and I, in many cases, whose life or health has taken a turn for the worse.
- 3I'd really like to spend some time at a World Vision Camp. It wouldn't really matter where it was as long as I could be involved in children's lives, even if for a few moments in time. I've had invitations but, because my children are still dependent on me, I keep putting it off until later. Now I'm wondering what would happen if tomorrow never comes...
- 4I enjoy spending time with seniors. Even as a child I used to spend countless hours in conversation whenever the opportunity permitted. Unfortunately, the language barrier is present in Arctic Canada but, at the first available opportunity, I intend to visit a few seniors whether they are in a hospital setting or in a seniors home. It would be nice to spend some time with them again speaking in a language we both understand.
- 5Veterans are some of the greatest heroes walking the planet. Not only have they risked life and limb for my freedom, they have returned home broken people, in terms of knowing firsthand what fighting a war is really like. Some of them have lost their families because they couldn't readjust to the society they had known. It would be my pleasure to sit at a veteran's knee for a few hours to hear the stories he/she would be open to sharing.
- 6I want to visit the BuckHawk Animal Rescue Center in southern Missouri. I'd like to meet the volunteers and coordinators, especially Susan Kennedy, and spend a couple of days helping out around the center. It would be a dream come true, indeed. Doing it with my children would be another dream realized.
- 7When I was a teenager visiting someone in the hospital, I would branch out to visit others, as well. Sometimes, I knew the other people but, other times, I didn't. At one point, I visited a little child who had been recently diagnosed with cancer. Her smile was so bright and I wanted to cry. For many years - since becoming an adult and all the security measures being taken nowadays - I thought there would be no hope of ever getting inside a hospital again, especially without knowing anyone who had been admitted as a patient. However, if there is any hope, I will do this again.
- 8I intend to visit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I've been impressed with this hospital even before I became a mother in 1994. I enjoy the success stories which come out of there and, even in cases where Cancer cannot be beaten, the lives of the children have touched my soul in ways words cannot convey. If you would like to donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital in hopes of finding a cure for Cancer in children, click here.
St. Jude Child
Madelyn is Presently Fighting Cancer
Homeless Man with His Dog
Image credit: Norma Budden
All rights reserved.
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click on the image above.
Blessed by the Following Lensmaster/s
Bucket List Guestbook
I've never created a bucket list until now and I must admit that I've had a lot of fun - but I've done a lot of introspection, as well. It was, indeed, another journey into discovering about myself and it's fascinating; even when the subject is me, I still don't know it all. It just goes to show how little I really know some of the people I feel I know so well.
I would love to hear your comments about my bucket list and, if I've inspired you to create your own, I would love for you to share that little tidbit wiht me, as well.
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Evelyn_Saenz
Aug 7, 2011 @ 5:50 pm | delete
- I loved the idea of including Squids that you would like to meet someday. When I make a Bucket List some day I believe that I will include Squids I would like to meet as well.
Blessed by a Squid Angel. :)
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LeanneChesser Jun 9, 2011 @ 9:22 am | delete
- Excellent bucket list, Norma. Thanks for including me in your list of people to meet and I love the focus on others as well :).
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Norma_Budden
Jun 8, 2011 @ 7:54 pm | delete
- Thanks for all your comments. Believe me! It was entertaining to create this list and I intend to keep it updated.
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ajgodinho Jun 8, 2011 @ 7:10 pm | delete
- Wonderful lens, Norma on many bucket lists. Even if one can't live to see everything on their bucket list, it's nice to have some dreams and expectations for the future. You definitely have wide range of items on your list and I especially like the one that are focused on helping others -- of course, it's important to take care of yourself as well. Looking forward to meeting you someday! :)
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Norma_Budden
Aug 26, 2011 @ 12:42 am | delete
- AJ, it was my pleasure to meet you in person. The kids and I truly enjoyed meeting up with you this summer and are looking forward to the time when we see you again.
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Frankster Jun 8, 2011 @ 2:09 pm | delete
- Excellent and thought provoking lens. I have a partial bucket list in my head but plan to put it in writing -- a lens, of course -- this year. Bear hugs, Frankie
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Ramkitten
Jun 8, 2011 @ 10:55 am | delete
- Wow, that photo of the homeless man with his dog made me tear up. Very touching image. As for your bucket list ... love it! I really enjoy hearing and reading about other people's dreams, which often makes me think, hm, I'd like to do that too! I saw you mentioned the Grand Canyon, which I live very close to and visit often (including this coming Saturday). If you ever get to that point on your bucket list, let me know. I'll show you around!
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vallain Jun 8, 2011 @ 9:57 am | delete
- It was fun for me to seeing where your thoughts wandered. Hope you get to do many of these things from your bucket list.
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tagsforkids
Jun 8, 2011 @ 9:09 am | delete
- Nice list and i wish you well in your pursuits. Of course if you make it to Florida, why stop at Margate? You can keep going south, and to the southernmost point in the US down in Key West! :)
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bdkz
Jun 8, 2011 @ 7:33 am | delete
- What a great list Norma!
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luvmyludwig
Jun 8, 2011 @ 7:23 am | delete
- This is a wonderful bucket list. You have inspired me to update mine which is badly outdated. It is amazing what changes in a year or two. :)
I wish you well in checking each item off one by one.
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by Norma_Budden
Like anyone, there are things I would like to do in life. This lens will highlight some of those things. I'm sure I could go on forever in creating... more »
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Whispers of the Soul
Hosted by Norma Budden
![The Bucket List [Blu-ray]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51udyy4aTPL._SL160_.jpg)
The Bucket List [Blu-ray]
Amazon Price: $5.98 (as of 05/28/2012)
Honestly, I don't watch many movies but I must admit to being interested in watching this one - and I really enjoyed it.
The wonderful thing about it is that it's timeless; there will always be something we would like to do and, in many cases, all we really need to do is be determined and persevere when trying to attain our goals.
This is a movie that everyone should watch and many would be able to watch it numerous times. Yes, it makes you cry in places but it provides a whole lot of fodder for laughter, too.
Take 5
Hosted by Norma Budden
