Star Barn B & B, Madrid, ME; My first vacation blog post...

...and the first leg of my "whirlwind" weeklong vacation!

Madrid, Maine is waaaaay out in the western part of the great state of Maine.  Near to skiing, hiking,  antiquing,  but right smack dab in the middle of the most beautiful, peaceful and restorative place on earth!

This is the unlikely place that my New Jersey suburban bred and raised sister chose to call home and where she and her husband created a destination spot for those who crave natural beauty and a place to partake in all the wonders of an active outdoor life.

For this where they bought an 1860 farmhouse with a big ol' barn and over 100 acres of woodlands, streams and ponds.  They renovated the farmhouse into a Victorian showplace, filled with antique treasures that were left by the previous owners.  The first time I visited and saw all the splendid furniture and curios I felt like she had certainly hit the jackpot!  The barn was turned into a five bedroom bed and breakfast, large enough for her to offer single rooms as well as use as a retreat center for folks who come together there for interests from  bible studies to quilting to yoga.

This is Ginni's yoga studio in the "barn"

This is my sister Ginni and her husband, David.

If you'd like more info on Star Barn Bed and Breakfast, Madrid, Me., then visit their website;

http://www.starbarnbandb.com/
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

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www.JudyAGoddardArtisan.blogspot.com

Community; It Takes a Village...

....TO MAKE AN EAGLE FLY


My son, who is now 28 years old, started his Boy Scout career when he was 6 years old. By the time he was 7 he had decided that he would one day become a Eagle Scout. As he progressed up the scouting trail we signed on as well.

My husband became an assistant scout master in 1993, the same year I joined the troop committee. And one thing that was clearly apparent was the wonderful parent participation in our troop. There were six or seven assistant scout masters and a dozen or so committee members. In 1999 Tom became the Scout Master. And in 2002 I started my time as Venture Crew Advisor for my daughter's crew.

From 1993 to today, Troop 114 has seen aprox. 35 Eagle Scouts. IMHO that's monentous! (Only 2% of boys who join scouting make it to Eagle.)

My daughter's crew is the only co-ed crew that has had any success over a period of 8 years.

(I don't say this to toot my own horn, but to point out the importance of parent participation)

Scouting is one of the pillars of our family life. It makes a positive difference in the lives of almost every child who joins. It not only builds character but equips youth with the social skills to be successful throughout their lives.

As adult members of the BSA we have joined a family of leaders and teachers who have enriched our lives and shown us love in many, many ways.

So, I can say without reservation, that when the village joins together, the child is raised well and learns to fly, very high indeed!

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www.JudyAGoddard.Etsy.com

Boy Scouts; it isn't just for boys anymore!

In  1998, the Boy Scouts of America instituted a new branch of boy scouting.  It's called "Venturing"  and is targeting boys and girls  ages of 14 through 20.  Kids who are interested in high adventure, art, and sports are joining in record numbers.  Some churches use Venturing as their youth group programs.

My daughter was a charter member of the first co-ed crew in our council.  She was the first, in our council, to spend a week at boy scout camp, the first girl to hike a trek at Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico, from our council. 

   Did I mention she was the first girl volunteer sent to the National Jamboree, from our council as well?

Do you know a girl who likes to rock climb?  Hike for miles with a 45 lb pack on her back, shot rifles and pistols?  I do!  And I get to see her do it all the time!  Not only am I her mother, but a crew advisor as well!