My Bucket List

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Things I want so see and do before I go - My Bucket List

When you or your loved one has a close call with death, and yet miraculously is spared and given more time, you are so very thankful.

It gives one a new view on living each day to the fullest, to spend time with that person, and enjoy every second of every minute of that time.

We have been through a couple of those, and with retirement getting closer and closer, my husband and I find ourselves wanting to "live" those very special and unique experiences that we had only dreamed of in the past.

We decided to each create our own bucket list, and then pick one thing off each of ours to do each year.

This is mine!

PS: If you have a "Bucket List" of your own, please feel free to join the Bucket List Group.

If you would like to make a Bucket List of your own, use this link to
Make Your Own Bucket list

Photo © by Linda Hoxie

1. I want to learn to pan for Gold - Done

Check-I learned to pan for gold!



Prospectors Panning for Gold in the California Gold Rush




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1. I want to learn to pan for Gold.

So in my quest to learn to pan for gold, I thought I would start with creating a lens all about it. It creates heightened interest, and helps me to educate myself about gold panning in Idaho.

I have also recently purchased all the equipment I think that we will need. (Gold pans, shovel, tweezers, squirt bottle, glass vial, and a strainer, we already had a bucket)

I watched the video's on the gold panning lens, and studied the youtube video's closely. I think I am ready.

Now we are in the trip planning stage. This may be the first on my list of accomplishments.

September 13th, 2008

We went gold panning, and it was great! I really enjoyed getting out into the back country of Idaho and panning for gold. I don't think the places we found to pan for gold in were very good, but in a couple weeks we are going to try farther north.

My next goal is to find gold by panning for it!

May 31st, 2010 - We went to Sumpter, Oregon. Now if you have never heard of Sumpter it is an old gold Mining Community that has this huge flea market twice a year, on Memorial day and on labor day weekends. It is a very interesting place to visit. The entire Valley was dug up by a huge Gold Dredge that still sits in town that we were able to tour. The Rangers working there told us that the Gold Dredge in "it's day" would dig up a third of an acre, twenty feet deep. But the yield of gold from that dredge only averaged about 30 ounces of gold a day. Sounds like a lot, but it wasn't for the size and the damage it did to the land. If you ever get a chance to see the dredge, it is worth the tour. They also have an old steam train in Sumpter that is so cool!

Which brings me to my reason for adding to my bucket list: during that visit we took a gold panning lesson from the Rangers there. We didn't actually pan, just watched about ten kids and the Rangers pan while we learned. It was great, and re-inspired my desire to find gold in my pan.

June 22nd, 2010 my daughter and I went on a gold panning day trip. We decided to head into Oregon on the Interstate. We stopped at this place that used to let people pay to pan for gold along the interstate, only to find that it is now privately owned and that you have to be a member tto pan there. (Little did they know we wouldn't have stayed long, or panned much and they probably could have made a lot more profit off of us than they could panning themselves. )

We decided to go gold seeking on our own. I wanted to try the Burnt River because it is the same river that runs near Sumpter and we figured, hey if there is "gold in them there hills"... We took the Weatherby exit by the rest area and drove out and found a little creek. We panned for about two hours and guess what?

I found Gold in my Pan. I was so exited to see the sparkle still left at the end when all the rocks and sand had been slowly worked over the rim. Gold, I actually found gold.

Now they tell me you can't get rich panning for gold, but it is sure is exciting to find your first gold that you worked so hard for.

Today, the memories of spending the day with my daughter panning for gold, make me happy.

Now I am off to put a heating pad on my sore back (LOL)

How to Pan for Gold

Learn how to pan for gold

This is a great demo of how to pan for gold. Fan the dirt by swirling it around, tip into water and gently wash the dirt and lighter material away. Until all you have left....hopefully is black sand and GOLD!
how to pan for gold
by bagdaddy456 | video info

47 ratings | 127,293 views
curated content from YouTube

2. I want to go to Canada - Done!

We went to Canada for a day trip September of 2008


2. I want to go to Canada

My husband and I have always wanted to go into Canada and explore. After all we live in Idaho, which borders Canada.

This year we bought our passports, and we are planning a trip up there soon.

September 25th, 2008

We did it, we went to Canada last weekend. Canada is so incredibly beautiful, I really loved every single minute of it.

Welcome to Canada

We went up through Northern Idaho and up along the Kootenay Rockies and Kootenay Lake to Kootenay Bay where we crossed with our car on the ferry, then down and back out through Washington.

You can read all about our trip and see the beautiful photo's of Canada at Our trip to British Columbia in Canada

Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park, BC, Canada




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Beautiful British Columbia

Beautiful video of British Columbia, Canada

Beautiful British Columbia
by jokipeti | video info

100 ratings | 57,361 views
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3. I want to see an Orca (Killer Whale) in the ocean - Done!

Done, check!!! (August 15th, 2011)


3. I want to see an Orca (Killer Whale) in the ocean

I have always loved Orca's, they are so beautiful. I was just mesmerized with them when we visited Sea World when I was a young girl.

When we went to Seattle, Washington last year, I discovered that the Orcas come into Puget sound. They even have an island that is called Orca's Island. I would love to see them in their natural habitat!

Antarctic Orca, Antarctic Peninsula




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Update: June 8th, 2011:

I am so excited, I may just get to chack this one off of my bucket list this summer. In August my son is going to compete in a half ironman in Lake Stevens, Washngton. We are going up to watch him race, then heading over to the San Juan Islands in the Puget Sound just out of Seattle. They have Orca's there and we are going to go out on the whale watching boat. They have a 90-95 percent success rate of seeing Orcas on each trip. How cool is that. I am so excited about both watching my son compete in the half Ironman and the possibility of seeing an Orca!

New Update:
August 15th, 2011

We did it!
We saw Orcas in the Puget Sound just off of Anacortes Washington. We took a whale watching boat out from there on a 6 hour tour and we found the largest group of Multiple Pods of Orcas than they had seen.
Orcas on the Puget sound
There are resident pods of Orcas that live in the Puget sound all year. These Orcas eat the Salmon that live there. Then there are transient pods of Orcas that come and go and they eat live animals,like seals and sea otters.
Huge Orca by a very small boat
Well the group we saw was huge. They told us there were all three pods, I think they said J, K and L pod all in the same spot. He said they breed outside of their own pods and may be together for breeding. We estimated about 60....that is right, sixty Orcas or more in one group. There are 88 in those three pods so it could have been as high as that.
Orca slapping the water with its tail
They were so beautiful to watch. The breached, played, slapped their tails, pushed babies up to breath, swam right under our boat. We must have watched them for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

I can't even explain how blessed I felt to experience the beauty of their dance in the water. Such gorgeous animals.

4. I want to see the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty in New York City


4. I want to see the Statue of Liberty


Statue of Liberty




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Did you know?

Liberty Enlightening the World

Located on a 12 acre island, the Statue
of Liberty Enlightening the World was a
gift of friendship from the people of
France to the people of the United States
and is a universal symbol of freedom and
democracy. The Statue of Liberty was
dedicated on October 28, 1886,
designated as a National Monument in
1924 and restored for her centennial
on July 4, 1986.


More about the Statue of Liberty here.

I even want to ride up to the top of the statue, and walk around looking out over the skyline of New York and Statin Island. I want to ride in a boat or ferry around the statue of Liberty and be able to look up at her in all her beauty!

The Statue of Liberty and the New York Skyline




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5. I want to see a Manatee

Manatees are such gentle giants

5. I want to see a Manatee in the wild

A Florida Manatee is Silhouetted against the Sky




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Manatees', the gentle sea cows that live near Florida are just amazing creatures to me. I love to paint them and hope to see one in the wild, or even in a wildlife sanctuary someday.

I'm torn between wanting to scuba dive to see them, because I have seen some awful footage of Manatees' being cornered by swimmers. My desire is to observe them only, preferably from a distance.

Manatees are endangered, mostly from their injuries from the props of boats. They swim very close to the surface of the water and don't move very fast. They seem to have no fear of man.

Sadly this winter (2010) there have been a large number of manatees that are dying from the cold temperatures off the coast of Florida.

Manatee
(Watercolor (c) by Linda Hoxie)

What's on your Bucket List?

What do you have on your Bucket List?

Please feel free to add to the list, or vote them up if you agree with them.

Swim with Dolphins

30 points

See the Seven Wonders of the World

21 points

Visit an exotic place

18 points

Accomplish a Great deed

16 points

See an important stepping stone in your childs life

13 points

Dance in the streets of Paris

4 points10 points

I want to make a lot of money to bless others with my financial fortunes

I want to make a lot of money to bless others with my financial fortunes9 points

Find a lost love one

8 points

Meet the Savior and ask Him how to cure diseases that cause suffering, like He said we could do.6 points

10

Give Out Free Hugs on a Busy City Sidewalk

5 points

11

See my Grandchildren Graduate from College

4 points

12

Go to Japan

3 points

13

Hike all the long-distance trails in the world

3 points

14

Help others accomplish their passions

3 points

15

I want to build successful teams and have them duplicate my efforts.

I want to build successful teams and have them duplicate my efforts.1 point

6. I want to take some art classes

Art Classes for painting and drawing


6. I want to take some art classes

I love sketching and painting. I have sketched for years off and on. But just this last year I discovered painting, and have fallen in love with it.

wild horses in the red desert

I think that taking some art classes could really help me expand my horizons of my artwork.

The one thing standing in my way is the lack of night classes at our local community college on the subjects that I desire to take.

Moonlight Dancer by Linda Hoxie
Moonlight Dancer © by Artist Linda Hoxie, acrylic and water color mixed media

So I wait, someday...

for now I practice and practice...

fall colors
~Fall Morning (c) watercolor by Linda Hoxie

7. I want to go to Islands of Hawaii

Travel to the Hawaiian Islands

7. I want to go to Hawaii

I really don't desire to see the more populated tourist spots in Hawaii as much as I want to discover the entire sevens Islands of Hawaii.

On Kauai, "the garden isle", it looks so lush and green, sharp mountain spires, lush valleys and jagged cliffs, all draped in a canopy of emerald. I would love to see Waimia Canyon, sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, the canyon is 10 miles long and more than 3000 feet deep, it looks absolutely gorgeous!

I want to hike into and swim in the clear pool at the bottom of Mana Waipuna Falls.

I want to pick a wild orchid on Ka'ala, Oahu

Watch a sunset from Sunset from Mokuleia Beach.

I want to watch a fire show in Honolulu, Hawaii

Of course, if we go to Hawaii...no, when we go to Hawaii, I want to see the volcano at Mt. Kilauea

Silhouette of Palm Trees, Hawaii




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8. I want to ride on a gondola through the canals of Venice

Ride a Gondal in Venice, see the Roman Colosseum

8. I want to ride on a gondola through the canals of Venice

I would love to visit Venice, and ride with the love of my life through the canals of the unique and beautiful city in Italy.

I love to listen to the italian language spoken.

Do they really sing to you while your on the gondola's?

While in Italy, I wouldn't want to leave without seeing the Coliseum in Rome

Gondolas at Night, Venice, Italy




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9. I want to visit Bryce Canyon, Arches and Zions

Accomplished, completed, check!!!


9. I want to visit Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park and Zions

(March 16th, 2009)
We did it, we made it to Bryce Canyon on our trip that we went to Grand Canyon on too. Bryce Canyon is absolutely beautiful. Soon I will create a photo blog of that beauty and share the link with you here!

Honestly I could not choose between the Grand Canyon and Bryce as to which I liked better, because each has it's own unique beauty!

The colors of the rocks, the beautiful formations, what creates all these majestic forms?

I will someday make it there, as it is only a days drive from home.

Update: I'm so excited, we are planning a trip in mid March to visit Bryce Canyon, Zions Canyon's. Probably won't make Arches this trip as it is on the other side of Utah. Stay tuned for photo's and the stories about our trip!

Bryce Canyon




Paraglider in Arches National Park, Utah




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10. I want to learn some of the constellations and then find them in the night sky

Learn the constellations and find them in the night sky


10. I want to learn some of the constellations and then find them in the night sky

Alphabetical listing of constellations


Andromeda
(Andromea means Chained Lady - Can you see her?)
Andromeda sweeps from upper right to lower left. The bright star at upper right is Alpheratz, Alpha Andromedae, which is also the northeastern star of the Great Square of Pegasus. Almach, Gamma Andromedae is toward lower left, while Mirach (Beta Andromedae) is just below center.
See the location of Adromedae here.

Antlia
Apus
Aquarius
Aquila
Ara
Aries
Auriga
Boötes
Caelum
Camelopardalis
Cancer
Canes Venatici
Canis Major
Canis Minor
Capricornus

Carina
Cassiopeia
Centaurus
Cepheus
Cetus
Chamaeleon
Circinus
Columba
Coma Berenices
Corona Austrina
Corona Borealis
Corvus
Crater
Crux
Cygnus
Delphinus
Dorado
Draco
Equuleus
Eridanus
Fornax
Gemini
Grus
Hercules
Horologium
Hydra
Hydrus
Indus
Lacerta
Leo
Leo Minor

Lepus
Libra
Lupus
Lynx
Lyra
Mensa
Microscopium
Monoceros
Musca
Norma
Octans
Ophiuchus
Orion
Pavo
Pegasus
Perseus
Phoenix
Pictor
Pisces

Piscis Austrinus
Puppis
Pyxis
Reticulum
Sagitta
Sagittarius
Scorpius
Sculptor
Scutum
Serpens
Sextans
Taurus
Telescopium
Triangulum
Triangulum Australe
Tucana
Ursa Major
Ursa Minor
Vela
Virgo
Volans
Vulpecula

Wow, I really had no clue there were so many different constellations. These are the links for my studies.

Alphabetical listing and links to information about each constellation

THE CONSTELLATIONS

Forest and Rotating Constellations




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11. I want to see my children get married _New Update!!!

My Daughter married on September 24th, 2011!!! Check!

11. I want to see my son and daughter get married

I would love to see my handsome son standing in his tuxedo, looking down into the eyes of his pretty bride as they share their wedding vows.

To see my daughter, walking down the isle looking gorgeous in a beautiful wedding dress, her dark brown eyes sparkling with love for the man waiting for her.

Most of all I just want to see them both happy!

On February 14th, 2011 my daughters boyfriend proposed to her. They will be getting married on September 24th, 2011.

I am so excited! last weekend we went out and picked out her wedding dress. I would say that it was absolutely one of the highlights of my life to see her so excited and happy is more than any mother could ask. I am so happy for them both. And guess what, Squidoo paid for my daughters wedding dress and I am using all of my Squidoo earnings and affiliate earnings to help pay for her wedding. It has really helped us a lot to have that extra income!

We are working hard on planning their wedding. I have learned so much about weddings too.

I can't share a photo of her in her wedding dress because we don't want her fiancee to see it! But soon I will have more to share.

September 19th, 2011

As my daughters wedding approaches fast I am filled with so much emotions, luckily I am also so busy with all the planning, creating and organizing for the wedding. I am nervous for both of them, hoping everything will go well.

Katie and I have a theme as her special day comes closer...."It's all good!"

When something doesn't work out just perfectly, we just say "It's all good", and remind ourselves that no matter what happens, this day will be a wonderful and special day for her. Filled with sweet memories and love.

Okay, I have to stop writing about this now and get to work, because when I start thinking about her wedding day I get so teary eyed and emotional...I am so thankful she thought of buying lots of kleenex to have at the wedding. I think I will have to have a whole box of them under my chair!

So many people have been so helpful at this time. Her Maid of honor is hiring a dj for the reception, her mom is making all the bouquets boutineers, corsages, and flowers for the tables, as well as the flower girl basket. The grooms mom created all the invitations, and is buying the grooms cake, and flower girl dress.

Her Grandma's have helped with so many ideas and suggestions, been my sounding board and one is making some of the salads for the reception.

Her Aunt is going to organize the food at the wedding while we do photos.

Her cousins are helping with the food prep, one is taking the wedding photos and loaned her the veil for her wedding.

My sisters have offered to help with the wedding.

Her brother is making her an arch for the wedding that can go in her garden afterward, it sounds like it wil lbe beautiful! His girlfriend is making something very special that I can't talk about...shh! I can't wait to see them both.

My co-worker has shared good recipes and ideas for the wedding, don't know what I would do without her!

One of her friends is doing her hair and makeup for the wedding too. She did a practice updo, the other night and it looked beautiful!

"It's all good!"

September 24th, 2011

My daughter Katie married the love of her life, Russell Jordan. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her wedding gown, Russell so handsome in his tuxedo. But most of all the feelng and evident love glowing between these too just made the day perfect for all who attended to help them celebrate that love. It truly was the perfect union of two families, no drama, just a lot of fun and happiness for all!

Below are some pictures taken at the wedding. It was hard for me to leave my camera home, but Katie wanted me to enjoy this day with her.

Mike walking Katie down the isle (2)Mike walking Katie down the isle.

the kiss
The Kiss.

Mr and Mrs JordanMr. and Mrs. Jordan introduced to family and friends.

Black and white tuxedo napkins and lights
The Black and white table settings.

DSC_0460 (4)m
The Happy Couple

12. I want to take a cruise to Alaska

Cruise to Alaska

12. I want to take a cruise to Alaska

I would love to take a cruise to Alaska. Now this on this cruise I think a balcony suite would be in order, because I think in Alaska there is beauty to be seen along the whole trip.

Silent Sentinel Alaska




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Brown Bear Carrying Cub, Alaska




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Mt. McKinley Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska, 1947




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Silhouette of a Motor Boat on the Shores of a Bay in Alaska




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13. I want to see the Grand Canyon - Accomplished, completed, check!!!

Grand Canyon National Park

13. I want to see the Grand Canyon

Someday the Grand Canyon I will see. It looks so beautiful in photographs. There is a "Grand Canyon of Yellowstone" that my husband and I love to just sit, or walk along for the longest time, both of us just silent in awe of the beauty of it all. I just imagine that is the feeling you get when you see the Grand Canyon.

Somehow experiencing the beauty in nature gives me the feeling of being closer to our creator.

My daughter just took a trip to the Grand Canyon, follow this link to see her photos of her trip.

The Grand Canyon

(February-2009)Update: I'm so excited, we are planning a trip in mid March to visit The Grand Canyon. Stay tuned for photo's and the stories about our trip!

(March 16th, 2009)
We did it, we made it to the Grand Canyon, and it did not disappoint us one tiny little bit! It was absolutely incredible, immense in size, solid in strength, millions of years at a glance and the colors are absolutely beautiful!

Please come experience our incredible journey through the wonders of the Grand Canyon with me on the following photo blogs.

We began our adventure from the East entrance to the Grand Canyon.
Our first stop was The Watchtower.

The Peaks of the Grand Canyon

Come visit The Tusayan Ruins of the Grand Canyon with us.

The Colors of the Grand Canyon are absolutely incredible.

You won't want to miss The Tusayan Museum at the ruins in the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Sunrise




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The Colorado River Flows Through the Grand Canyon, Arizona




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Views of the Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, USA




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14. Someday I want to have grandchildren

Grandchildren, what fun they will be


14. Someday I want to have grandchildren

Someday I want to see my grandchildren born, hold them, get to know them and watch them grow. I just imagine that the feeling of love is strong for the babies of your own.

Hope: Baby Hands and Feet




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A close view of an infants tiny feet




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Kindness: Hands




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Sarah in Her Dad's Hand




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15. I would love to see the Great Pyramids and Sphinx in Egypt

See the Great Pyramids and Sphinx in Egypt

15. I would love to see the Great Pyramids and Sphinx in Egypt

The Great Pyramids, El Giza, Egypt




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The Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, just how in the world did they build them?

I would love to go and marvel at the possibilities in person.

What do you think is more important, Experiencing or Seeing something special?

Experiences or Sight Seeing


I as you can see didn't choose one over the other for my bucket list, but I wonder what you think is more important, or which weighs more heavily on your bucket list, that you would like to do before you die?

Is it the experiences that you seek?

Or is it the sights you have always desired to see?

Or is it a combination of both.

Please choose just one, then add a comment with it. We all would love to hear what the top things on your bucket lists are!

What do you think is more important for your bucket list?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Experiences

mayfairlingerie says:

Experience is essential to my bucket list. I like being involved, it helps build my memories and keep them alive and I need to share those with the ones I love. We are all boooked in to swim with dolphins in August, I can't wait. It is second on my bucket list. A lasting memory for me but more importantly for my children when I'm gone.

squidshe says:

I'm inspired by your bucket list and now would like to create my own!

Jeanette says:

I think the most important thing for your bucket list is to be able to not only list all the things you want to accomplish but actually accomplishing them. So set realistic goals and dreams and make sure you check them off. Experiences you have should be remembered. Be a lister and DO IT!! Thanks for the blog. Great ideas. I will add some to mine @ www.mybucketlistonline.com/blog

Logemon1 says:

I want to go to Japan!

Have2Cruise says:

This is a great lens! I have done the Alaska cruise and it was AMAZING!!! I sat down one day and wrote out my list and it came to 136 things to see and do. I have been busy working at crossing things off, but then I go and add more on there! :) But hey that's what makes things interesting...you got to keep dreaming to keep living!

star72 says:

I would really love to go to Disneyland with my grandbabies,while they're still young!Just to see the awesome smiles and amazing times we could share.

says:

How I feel is more important to me than what I see

skiesgreen says:

Fir me it has been experience and knowledge

Sarah E. says:

I want to go sky diving or para sailing. I hope this summer to do both.
Feeling the wind in my hair, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping through my body.
Experience life before it's gone.

arncyn says:

I will have to go with experiences. I can 'see' a lot of things and places via the internet anyway but I won't be able to 'experience' them unless i'm there... wait a minute, this IS a tricky question (:

Jewelsofawe says:

Hmm... I don't know. I guess both

HorseAndPony says:

Experiences would fill my bucket list.

Cherrybomb2009 says:

If I had to pick, I would say experiences overrule sight seeing. Although, sight seeing can BECOME an experience... this is a tricky question! LOL...

Angela says:

mm... I could argue this. That seeing something special is an experience in itself. I mostly have sight-seeing on my bucket list. But I would make experiences from the places that I went to (i.e. learn and partake in new cultures). So, I guess they work into each other. Experiences are more important though, to my life and to my future. (: Very good question.

Li-Li-ThePinkBookworm says:

Experiences for sure. I would love to get married, have a daughter, run a household and publish a novel. Seeing things are always mostly the same, experiences change and are different for everyone.

Intuitive says:

I hadn't thought about it, but I guess it's the experience of seeing something special?

hyun Jung Choi says:

me too!!!!
-i'm kprean

papawu says:

I would definitely go for more experiences because I figure I will see some special stuff along the way.

says:

i think the experience would be better for me, not just the feelings that come with it, but what we learn from those experiences

heehaw says:

experiencing something which we didn't had. i will see everything which I've haven't seen. go places where i dream of going.

sheaboy says:

I want to travel the USA in a half a million dollar traveling RV!

Lotusland says:

it's about being in the moment doing things you love with the people you love

Shelee says:

Sharing bucket list experiences with your one true love. It's thru the lens of love that anywhere you are or anything you do is just more magical.

hmstrjam says:

Making someone else smile on a daily basis

Evelyn_Saenz says:

Experiencing exotic places with someone I love.

Aldric_Chang says:

It will be Experiences for me. There is nothing more important than experiencing something unique in my opinion.

MikeCustalow says:

Yeah Im gonna have to go with Experiences. The only thing that can top the memory of a cherished experince, is a welcome, familiar childhood smell

Jewelsofawe says:

Experiences!

Write a great book, go to Italy, see my children get married.

This lens is great! I am going to lensroll it!

Gail47 says:

Experiences are accumulative, whereas seeing something special is one time and it had better be good. I like to remember a series of experiences.

dreamsgate says:

I think it is the experiences themselves. The smallest thing can be made special if you savor the experience, yet the seeing something special without stopping to savor and even realize it is special is a total waster.

Seeing something special

Anahid says:

It is the special places I wanted to see over the years, I achieved many of my wishes, but now I would like to be near my loved ones and not to travel much. Anna

charlino says:

To see something special with someone you love is the ultimate experience.

Jacqui says:

It depends on how much "seeing" that place/thing means to you personally. For example, I travelled on my own for 3 months...2 weeks in Egypt was the most memorable & I treasure that sight-seeing. However the rest of the trip I wish I'd been with someone special...it wasn't the same as sharing all those travels. Did I make any sense?!

So I'll pick seeing (and climbing inside) those Pyramids & Tombs!

The_Homeopath says:

For me, they go hand in hand special experiences in special places.

Sue says:

It's all about those special places for me.

 
view all 38 comments

16. I want to be a Big Squid! Accomplished!!!

I am a Giant Squid now!

16. I want to be a Big Squid!

Someday I want to be a Big Squid!

Big Squid

On January 13th, 2009, when I logged onto one of my lenses or (websites) I saw that they had issued me a Giant badge.

Now for those of you that aren't familiar with Squidoo, you should know they only give those badges to people that they choose from hundreds of applicants. It is indeed an honor to be chosen. You must have 50 excellent lenses (or websites) created. You must be trusted by those that are making the decisions.
They have certain criteria that they look for and even then they have to narrow their choices down to a certain amount of Giants. So it is indeed an honor for me.

How do you make your own lens or website here on Squidoo? It is so easy, and you can make them about almost anything.

Just follow this link and it will walk you through it step by step. It is my refer a friend link, and once you make your first $15.00, they will pay me a referral fee of $5.00. Cool, eh?

17. I would love to see the Northern Lights dance in the sky

To see the Northern Lights dance in the sky would be spectacular


17. I would love to see the Northern Lights dance in the sky

The Aurora Borealis, the northern lights. I have for some time been fascinated by this phenomena of lights that dance in the skies of the north.

So much so I painted a series of Northern Light ACEOs and created a lens about the Northern Lights.

I have actually not seen them in person, but studied them to great extent.

the northern lights
These photographs and many other aurora images are available on Spaceweather.com

Do you know what creates the different colors in the aurora?

Different gases interacting with the upper atmosphere will produce different colors, caused by the different compounds of oxygen and nitrogen. The level of solar wind activity from the Sun can also influence the color of the aurorae.

Most aurorae are green and red emission from atomic oxygen. Molecular nitrogen and nitrogen ions produce some low level red and very high blue/violet aurorae.

The light blue colors are produced by ionic nitrogen and the neutral nitrogen gives off the red and purple color with the rippled edges.

It all just fascinates me!

The northern lights




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We stayed up most the night one night in Yellowstone when they were supposed to be visable in the night sky. The cloud cover kept us from actually seeing them though.

Northern Lights




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Northern Lights Glow




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Coolest place to stay and see the Northern Lights

Coolest place to stay and see the Northern Lights

Coolest place to stay and see the Northern Lights
Where is the coolest place to stay and see the Northern Lights? Our vote goes to Hotel Igloo Village Kakslauttanen in Finland. The Northern Lights can be seen anywhere above 60 degrees north latitude but this place is special and these pictures show...
See the Northern Lighs
A collection of cool northern lights pictures. You can see the northern lights and below we have given some tips on travel companies offering excursions to see the famous aurora

18. I want to find a glass float on the Oregon Coast

Find a glass float in Lincoln City


18. I want to find a glass float on the Oregon Coast

I would so love to find a glass float on the beach in Lincoln city on the Oregon Coast.

glass float

The last two trips we have taken to Lincoln city I spent hours and hours walking the beaches and looking for a glass float.

My husband, the sweetheart, purchased one for me in a gift shop, because he knew how much I wanted one. I will find one someday on the beach too!

19. I want to stay in a bungalow over the water in Figi

Travel to Figi and stay in a Bungalow


19. I want to stay in a bungalow over the water in Figi

I just think this would be so much fun, now imagine this. Calm clear light blue water over white sands, a walkway out across the water that leads to your own little hut that sits right above the water. You have swimming outside your doorstep, the best view in the world. There is a clear glass coffee table that you can sit at and watch the brighly colored fish swimming under your hut, or even your spouse?

I just think this vacation would be a blast!

I discovered these when I was looking at a photo contest one day, and someone had entered a picture of their husband snorkling beneath their hut!


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Le Meridien Bora Bora

Le Meridien Bora Bora in Figi

Le Meridien Bora Bora - Visit-Tahiti.com 866-369-7186
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curated content from YouTube

20. I want to ride the Hiawatha Bike Trail, in Northern Idaho

The Hiawatha Bike Trail


Old Train Trestle, Hiawatha Bike Trail, Idaho, USA




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I want to ride the Hiawatha Trail on my bike. I have heard that it is absolutely one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country. Some even call it the "crown jewel" of mountain bicycle trails

It lies in the panhandle of northern Idaho. (The part shaped like a handle!) It is twelve miles east of Wallace, Idaho, which is full of history in itself.

Imagine this: You start at the top, and ride the trail gently sloping downward along the old Hiawatha Railroad Trail, for 15 miles. You cross over the gorgeous Bitterroot Mountains between Idaho and Montana. How do you cross the state line? Underneath the ground through the longest of the 10 tunnels along the trail, that tunnel is 1.66 miles long, called the St. Paul Pass or Taft Tunnel. Yes, lights are required. (In fact I think I will have a back up light!) You also cross over 7 very high trestles, like the one pictured above.

The wildlife along the way can include Moose too, among many other critters!

This track has a colorful history which began in 1906 of construction, hardships and calamities, unprecedented electrification, and of carrying passengers and freight from the Northwest to the Midwest, generations of railroaders kept the Milwaukee Road running until it finally went bankrupt in 1977. The last train west of Butte, Montana passed through in 1980. After that the line was abandoned.

The Trail was open to the public in 1998.

Now doesn't that sound like fun?

If you are interested in going, check out the Route of the Hiawatha Website.

21. I want to see a firefly or lightning bug in person.

To see a firefly or lightning bug in person.



When I was a very young girl we went to Disneyland. They have this one little park area full of trees with these lightning bugs, or fireflies that dance and twinkle through the branches.

fireflies or lightning bugs
(Photo credit: fireflies in the forest - exposure time 30s author: Quit007 wikipedia)

I was so enchanted with the magic of a bugs that could create their own light display and with my mother's stories of seeing them as a child, catching them and putting them in a jar to watch them closely and then letting them go to light the night again.

Living in the Western part of the United States I have yet to see one, but still dream of watching their lighted dance in the sky.

22. I want to see the Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza in Mexico

July 14th, 2010 we visited Chichen Itza! Check!

El Castillo or the Castle at Chichen Itza



Recently named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza, built they believe around 325 A.D. I can only imagine the architectonic beauty and the feeling of visiting these incredible Mayan ruins of the Temples that must have such incredible memories embedded in the very stone they were built of.

The Mayans well known for building with perfect harmony with nature, each and every temple in the city was built in accordance with the position of the stars and planets.

In the center of Chichén is the Temple of Kukulkan (the Maya name for Quetzalcoatl), often referred to as "El Castillo" or The Castle. This step pyramid has a ground plan of square terraces with stairways up each of the four sides to the temple on top. On the Spring and Autumn equinox, many people come to watch in awe when with the rising and setting of the sun, the corner of the structure casts a shadow in the shape of a plumed serpent - Kukulcan, or Quetzalcoatl - along the west side of the north staircase. On these two annual occasions, the shadows from the corner tiers slither down the northern side of the pyramid with the sun's movement to the serpent's head at the base.

I would love to see these historical ruins of the Mayan civilization any time of the year!

Chichen Itza and the Mayan ruins

New Update!
July 14th, 2010 we visited Chichen Itza! We took a trip to Cancun for our 30th wedding anniversary and were so thrilled to have the chance to take the tour of Chichen Itza. Yes that woman in the above picture is me, at Chichen Itza!


Please come join me on my photo blog of my trip to
The Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza in Mexico.


23. I want to visit Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun

To visit Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun



East side of El Castillo at Chichen Itza
Photo Credit and Copywrite IslaMujeres.info

So what is so special about the Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun you ask?

1. it is absolutely beautiful!

2. You can go snorkling in the coral reefs off the island and see the incredible array of brightly colored tropical fish.

3. You can swim with the dolphins if you so choose.

4. For thousands of years the beaches on Isla Mujeres have been nesting grounds for marine turtles that return to the same beach every year. Between the months of May and September, they lay hundreds of eggs and then return to the sea, leaving the babies to fend for themselves. They have a program to help protect the baby turtles on this island and the children help return them to the sea safely.

5. The even have a Wet and Wild water park on this island.

Update: We went to Cancun in July for our 30th anniversary, we had to choose between a whole bunch of different tours, unfortunately we didn't make it out to Majures Isle this time but we have to save something for our next trip, right! ;)

24. I want to see a Baby leatherback turtle hatch.

It is Turtle Season in Cancun


When we visited Cancun to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary July 12th of 2010, we stayed at a resort called La Blanc. It is in the hotel zone of Cancun with the ocean on one side and the lagoon on the other side.

The people that work at the resort don't talk about it unless you ask them, but they play a huge part in the protection of turtle eggs and the little baby turtles as they hatch.

You see it is turtle season in Cancun now. The mother turtles come up on the beach late and night and lay their eggs. The resort people along with a marine biologist go out with red lens covered flashlights (so they don't frighten the expecting mother turtles away, and guard the turtles as they move onto the beach. They dig a deep hole with their paddle like feet, then lay dozens of leathery eggs in the sand before burying them.

Sea Turtle, Costa Rica




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The marine biologist and some of the employees of La Blanc wait until the mothers move away, then gather the eggs very carefully and then bury them in another hole in a protected pen of sorts. Each batch of eggs is marked with the number of eggs, the date it was collected and the date they are expected to hatch.

When they do hatch, they gently help the little baby turtles back to the ocean. They say that each one of those baby turtles that survive will return to the same place on the beach that they hatched from by instinct years later.

We watched from a distance (because we had heard that many guests get too close and take flash pictures that frighten the mother turtles away before they lay their eggs) and honestly it was hard not to go down and watch the mothers lay their eggs.

A Tiny Turtle Hatchling Heads for the Surf




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But I vowed that when we return to Cancun someday, it will be during Turtle season when the little babies hatch so that we can watch them and maybe even participate in returning them to the ocean. From the dates we saw of expected hatching dates my guess is that August and September, maybe even October would be a good time to go to be a witness to the miracle of the turtles hatching in Cancun.

25. I want to ride a horse on the Beach

Riding a horse on the beach


Horseback Riding in the Tide


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My Dream is to:

Ride a beautiful horse bareback alone on a deserted beach.

The weather can be really any weather, I just want to feel the salty wind on my face, the power of the horses muscles as they move so easily over the sand.

To hear the pounding of the horses hooves as it meets the sand.

Feel the splash of the salt water as the horse runs through the waves.

There is a freedom to riding a horse bareback, you feel as if you are one with the horse, running wild and free.

Not a care in the world, just wildly free!

Yes, Riding a horse on the beach is definitely on my Bucket list!

26. I want to see the Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer

(Photo credit: Cyro A Silva on wikipedia)

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer is one of those things that I have always wanted to visit. The statue has been photographed so beautifully. Every time I see those open arms inviting comfort and peace, a sense of protection.

Visiting Christ the Redeemer is definitely on my Bucket list!

27. I want to visit Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Macchu Piccu, high above the Urubamba Valley in Peru is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Machu Picchu

(Photo credit Martin St-Amant - Wikipedia - CC-BY-SA-3.0)

High above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, sits the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. It is one of the new seven wonders of the World.

Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its three primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu.

The trail leading up to it winds up this beautiful lush green mountain and I can just imagine that once you reach the ruins you feel as if you are sitting on top of the world.

Our only hesitation for this one is the elevation which is just under 8000 feet above sea level, which may be too high for my husbands heart to handle. When we visited Bryce Canyon which goes up to 9000 feet above sea level he had a hard time. So this may be one dream I may have to just visit through other peoples photos and descriptions.

28. I want to see the Galapagos Islands

Visit the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands

What interests me most about the Galapagos Islands is the wildlife of course. These are the islands that Charles Darwin visited that helped prove his theory of evolution and the origin of species. You see the animals here were isolated from other land masses and evolved to suit their needs for survival in their environment.

The Galapagos islands are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, off the west coast of South America.

The closest land mass is the mainland of Ecuador to the east (the country to which they belong), to the north is Cocos Island and to the south is Easter Island and San Felix Island.

I would love to visit these islands, though I am not sure I would want to walk on them, because of the damage that can occur to the delicate ecosystem from the intrusion of mankind. I would love to take a boat tour around the islands and just view them from a distance with a very large camera lens to photograph the animals.

29. I want to watch my son run in an Iron Man Competition.

Check, done, fini (August 14th, 2011)

Brandons ironman lake stevens


In June or July of 2010 my son watched an Ironman race in Couer d' alene, Idaho. One of his good friends was running in it and he was swept away and inspired by the people running in it. One man even carried his son that has leukemia on his back while he was racing.

He decided to run in the Lake Stevens Ironman in 2011. I have to be honest when my son first said he was going to do one I thought....umm hmmm...sure you are. Slowly over the following months of him training daily, entering 10 or twelve marathons, and triathlons through the year to build up to the Ironman, he had me convinced that he could run in an Ironman.

The monday before the race he was at work and dropped a 12 foot long six by six post on his foot and thought he broke it. He was so worried that he wouldn't be able to race. He had it xrayed and they found no break, so then he began worked to get it ready for the race in six days.

Still limping a couple days before the race I worried that he would hurt it doing the race, but he did it last sunday!!!

He swam 1.2 miles, rode his bike 56 miles (I guess the muscles in his legs decided to cramp the entire bike ride.) then he ran 13 miles on his hurt foot. He finished the Ironman 70.3 in a little over eight hours.

I was so impressed by not only his physical strength, determination, but incredible mental strength it took for him and everyone that did this race and those like it.

Where do they find that strength?

We watched a blind man who ran tethered to his buddy and rode on a tandom bike. A man with no leg, a woman that swam it with no arm. The oldest man I saw was 73 years old...can you imagine doing this when you are that old?

Just amazing!
So inspirational to watch them.

I found it was more inspirational to see those that struggled so hard and still had the strength and determination to finish than anything else.

Brandon's comment on facebook after the race:

"Finished Ironman Lake Stevens, its wasn't pretty, it wasn't fast but I made it".

Looking for Bucket list gifts?

The Bucket List Store



Joe Marlin 'The Bucket List' Tee Shirt

Joe Marlin 'The Bucket List' Tee Shirt
"The Bucket List" screened on the front and on the back tee shirt. 100% cotton. Machine wash. Available in White. Sizes M-XXL. Click on Alternate View to see additional detail.


Joe Marlin 'The Bucket List' Tee Shirt


The Baseball Fan's Bucket List: 162 Things You Must Do, See, Get, and Experience Before You Die

The Baseball Fan's Bucket List: 162 Things You Must Do, See, Get, and Experience Before You Die

The Baseball Fan's Bucket List: 162 Things You Must Do, See, Get, and Experience Before You Die



My Christian Bucket List: Spiritual Lessons Learned While Traveling the World

My Christian Bucket List: Spiritual Lessons Learned While Traveling the World
My Christian Bucket List: Spiritual Lessons Learned While Traveling the World



My Christian Bucket List: Spiritual Lessons Learned While Traveling the World


David Busch's Digital Photography Bucket List: 100 Great Digital Photos You Must Take Before You Die

David Busch's Digital Photography Bucket List: 100 Great Digital Photos You Must Take Before You Die


Bucket List

Bucket List
Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do before they kick the bucket and an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are.Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest, with insight and humor.Each adventure adds another check to their list.


Bucket List


Bucket List (Blu-ray)

Bucket List (Blu-ray)
Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do before they kick the bucket and an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are.Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest, with insight and humor.Each adventure adds another check to their list.


Bucket List (Blu-ray)

So what is on YOUR Bucket List?

Have you created your Bucket list yet?

Hello my friends, thanks for stopping by.

I would so love to hear your ideas for what is on your own bucket list, and encourage you to find a way to make those dreams a reality!

Don't wait for "someday", it may never get here!

I have a feeling that my bucket list is going to keep growing. I'm going to try to update it as soon as I accomplish something on my list. Of course I will probably keep adding more to it, so I may never find the end of my list, but I think I will have fun trying to get there!

Enjoy Life!

Linda

PS: If you have a "Bucket List" of your own, please feel free to join the Bucket List Group.

If you would like to make a Bucket List of your own, use this link to
Make a new Bucket list


Credits: I would like to thank dailyventure.com for the use of their beautiful photo's throughout much of this lens

If you like this page, please Stumble It!
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This lens has been nominated for the 2009 Giant Squid Awards. I am so excited to be even chosen! Please stop by and vote for it in the category of "About Me" Lenses. You don't even have to be a member of Squidoo to Vote! I really appreciate your support!

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Linda

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  • Reply
    tonigrundstrom Oct 15, 2011 @ 9:57 am | delete
    A bucket list is something we all should have and when those items are done then create another one. Great lens - blessed by a SquidAngel.
  • Reply
    SteveMartaindale Sep 8, 2011 @ 7:44 pm | delete
    Well, you helped inspire me to put my bucket list into written form. Thanks! You'll find mine at http://www.squidoo.com/steves-bucket-list.
  • Reply
    jasminesphotography Sep 1, 2011 @ 5:08 am | delete
    What an awesome lens. I'm glad to see you've accomplished some of it, and it's great that you keep the readers updated. I can't believe you've never seen fireflies. I guess I've always taken it for granted and never really thought others didn't see them. I will think of you when I see fireflies now. :)
  • Reply
    SteveMartaindale Aug 13, 2011 @ 8:29 am | delete
    I see Alaskan cruise on your list and you impress me as the type who might appreciate our story. My wife and I checked "visit Alaska" off our lists a year ago. We considered a cruise, but I wanted a broader experience and really desired to reach the Arctic Circle. We flew to Ketchikan and caught the ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway for a 20-hour ride to Juneau. It was wonderful and incredibly inexpensive. Check it out and contact me if you'd like more about our experiences (no lens about it ... yet!)
  • Reply
    TampaFLAttractions Aug 10, 2011 @ 3:31 pm | delete
    I LOVE your list! And congratulations on the ones that you've accomplished. We traveled to Hong Kong last year...our first bucket list checkmark :).
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ArtByLinda

This lens has been nominated for the 2009 Giant Squid Awards. I am so excited to be even chosen! Please stop by and vote for it in the category of "About... more »

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