I longed for freedom and fresh air. It was the morning after Christmas and the clouds danced in between the mountains of California as though they had music we could not hear. “I must see snow today,” I thought at my first sight of the sky. It rained more in the past week than I can remember all year. The mountains sparkled different shades of white in the early morning and the mountains are only a few hours away.
A Few Hours Later…
After hours of post-Christmas window-shopping, I could not head straight home. The hills just above my route glistened in green, shades of dark gray and just the beginning touches of gold. Thoughts turned to actions and I found myself driving up towards the Sierra Nevada’s of California.
Heading through the low hills, vehicles covered in snow occasionally pass in the opposite direction, teasing sweet freshness ahead. I’m not sure how far I’d have to drive to experience more than snow on the side of the highway, but I wasn’t stopping until I got there. Before seeing more outside of California, it was never odd to me how many different types of weather and land we have here. I have a new appreciation for my home.
Cars line the side of the road, and filled the small parking lot. The lowest spot on the trail packed with snow and recently melted road ice still sat in puddles on the pavement. My heart yearned for the tallest peaks, “Soon,” I say to myself. Getting out of my car, the energy for a random snowball fight bubbles to the surface.
The impromptu trip meant I was wearing high-heeled boots, on an icy road. Never one to avoid the possibility of falling in dirt, “Muddy slush stains will be photography memories,” and I turn on my video camera hoping to catch a fall on film. No falling-fail-video this time, though, sorry to disappoint!
Snow Runoff
Do you think I am a little over-the-moon when it comes to water? A fish in a desert would feel the same. More on how important snow runoff is to California here. However, these peaceful photos are already changed! Just hours after my drive, a storm was scheduled to hit, leaving California with record snowfall. Learn more of the recent weather chaos here. We currently have 161% more snow than average (LATimes.com, 2021), the snowiest December on record (UC Berkley, 2021)!
New Orleans, Lousiana. A city of history, magic, and creativity and one of my most anticipated stops of the trip. “In New Orleans, our service is hospitality. If we don’t host you well, you don’t return and we don’t eat,” a New Orleans Native & Tour Guide tells a group of tourists on a cemetery tour. Join me as I retell two of the most liberating and exciting days of my life where I explore The French Quarter and more in New Orleans!
Sara Rose stopping to check for cars in the small streets of the French Quarter. (Photo by M. Neri, 2021)
In New Orleans, our service is hospitality. If we don’t host you well, you don’t return and we don’t eat.
New Orleans Tour Guide
A Pirate Life For Me
As I step into the tepid evening air in front of the New Orleans Sheraton Hotel, I feel so much moisture. Wall sconces entrancing my brain, making me think of pirate life, taverns, and history. The French Quarter, or “Old Square”, is located on the banks Mississippi River. Welcome to New Orleans, established by the French in 1718. Check out my first reactions in the video below!
Who dared paint a piano? A baby grand, at that? Judgment pierced through my inner musician as I walked through the swirling doors of the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. Mesmerized, I walked straight to the Steinway masterpiece, luggage still in hand. This piano “BLUE” me away! The closer I got, the more curious I became. To learn more on the history of the piano or how the Blue Dog art was inspired, check Wendy Rodrigue’s article Blue Dog: In The Beginning!
“Blue Dog Piano” by George Rodrigue, 2012. Photography by Sara Rose (2021)
The French Quarter
Both Spanish and French influence is found on every corner in The French Quarter! Some of the Spanish Calle tiles (see photos below), are over a century old! According to history, a special font was used to create the street tiles found in New Orleans. Much of the French influence was lost in the Great Fires of 1788 and 1794 and Spanish-Collonial style took over in it’s place.
One of the most beautiful buildings I saw during my short stay in Lousiana was the historical landmark, the Hotel Monteleone. Steeped in family tradition, this hotel passed through five generations of Monteleone’s to become what it is today! So many distinguished authors stayed at this hotel, it was named “official literary landmark by the Friends of the Library Association. [Two other hotels in] New York are the only other hotels in the United States that share this honor,” (HotelMonteleone.com, 2021).
Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans. Photography by Sara Rose (2021)
Learn More!
Need to know more about New Orleans? There is no way I absorbed enough at first glance, either! Check out History of New Orleans as soon as you have a chance for a concise and heartfelt story of The Crescent City and how, against so many odds, the city is thriving today! Join me in my next article as I visit a cemetery at midnight, walk Bourbon street and try Alligator wings! Adventure with me at ThereGoesSaraRose.com!
Get out today to go see Three Rivers, California or check out my pics and videos of my latest trip here!
1k ALL TIME views?! Just last week, the TGSR Adventurer Community reached 1,000 views on ThereGoesSaraRose.com! May I say, OMGOODNESS and THANK YOU! Taking a pause to celebrate this incredibly special moment, I come to you humbled, appreciative and with something in return. It clear, you enjoy what we do and I couldn’t be more proud of how far we have come. In celebration of this and to continue sharing top tier adventures, I bring you #TravelTuesdaysandThere Goes Sara Rose (TGSR) Discord! #TravelTuesdays will bring a new Travel Blog Post to There ThereGoesSaraRose.com EVERY Tuesday at 11 AM PST! Get ready to Join the Adventure! The TGSR Discord was released just this week and YOUR feedback and suggestions matter the most! The community deserves a place to connect with each other in a fun and safe environment and we are excited to meet you as well!
Regardless of how fun and hectic life can get, when it is time to recenter, I visit a favorite spot in nature! Let us celebrate together and join me as I share with you this SPECIAL Blog Post, A Quaint Place to Getaway, Three Rivers!
What to Expect
A recent trip of mine was to Three Rivers, California. As a small, tucked-away town, many locals don’t know it exists. It sits right at the entrance to the Sequoia National Park and a place I had to visit before seeing more of California on the production, “16 States in 16 Days,” (more on that on my next #TravelTuesdays Post!). I had such a blast visiting this hidden treasure of a town. Here are my favorite parts of the area, some directions, and a guide to local history!
A Utopian History
Three Rivers, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, has been charming guests since 1886. This is when a group of settlers founded a commune in the area based on the principles of social equality and economic fairness. Every individual participated in creating and sharing public goods; this cooperation helped the community thrive! However, when Congress founded the Sequoia National Park in 1890, the utopian settlement was absorbed by the community surrounding it to join into one town — Three Rivers. This history of acceptance and equality is a source of pride for its modern day residents, and the hard work of the original community is still highlighted by the stunning memorials displayed across town.
Getting to Three Rivers
California Highway 198 will take you straight into Three Rivers. Several major cities have direct access to 198. As you get closer to Three Rivers, you’ll pass some other small mountain towns, each with hidden gems of their own. If you stop at any on your way, be sure to share your finds in the comments!
Hiking Trails Galore
Between the national parks and mountain ranges, Three Rivers has some of the most breathtaking nature I’ve seen. Luckily, there are dozens of hiking trails to explore in the area. I had such a great time venturing outdoors and hiking — I even got a firsthand look at one of the rivers! Make sure to strap on some appropriate hiking boots and go hit the trails.
The trails inside the Sequoia National Park were friendly for beginning hikers and take you through the stunning sequoia forests. A few paths will also take you along the shorelines of the local rivers. The park is a testament to the beauty and diversity of nature. It’s definitely worth stopping in to hike here.
Another option is the Skyline Loop. This is a popular trail with locals, and it’s easy to see why. Salt Creek Falls, a waterfall system, is right along the path! It’s a serene scene, and something I would encourage every visitor to go check out. If you want to stay away from the parks while still taking in California nature, this trail is perfect.
Must-See Local Stops
One of the best parts of visiting Three Rivers was getting to see the shops and museums in town. These three visits are essential stops when you’re in the area.
Reimer’s Candies & Gifts shop was such a fun visit. After selling homemade chocolates and sweets for 50 years, trust me, they have perfected the craft. Reimer’s offers over 80 different kinds of chocolates, and every treat I tried was to die for. They also have super creative and delicious fudge flavors. Their creations come in all different assortments and sizes. I absolutely loved getting to try these local sweets!
My absolute favorite stop was Three Rivers Village Antiques. This quaint shop was full to the brim with local antiques and goods. Western Americana is on display throughout the store, with collections of artifacts from Western settlers, cowboys, and Native American tribes. I had an awesome time looking through all of the old jewelry, photographs, and goods they’ve collected. It’s definitely a must-see when you’re in town!
Another cute place in town was the Three Rivers Historical Museum. They had exhibits showing off the tale of the town’s founding all the way to modern times. Several renovations are planned to add even more interactive galleries for guests to see. I encourage everyone to see what it has in store. There are also several local restaurants to refresh yourself in between hikes or before heading home, each with amazing views of the river! See below for one such view from one of my top spots, River View Bar & Grill.
Get out today to go see Three Rivers! Please share your favorite parts of your trip, including other small towns you find, in the comments below. Make sure to subscribe to this website to get early access to my blog, as well as extra pictures and videos of my travels from social media. Until our next journey, happy trails Adventurers!
Welcome to OUR Adventure! Are YOU ready to join, is the question? EXPLORE more here!
One would think an Introductory post would be the first thing a blogger would share, but who wants to do EVERYTHING by the books, anyway? Welcome to my journey of finding myself…tomorrow we shall wanderlust but until then I am fine being wanderLOST!
She turned and walked the direction she wanted to go, by herself. It wasn’t something she wanted at the moment, she just wanted chicken, in a sandwich, dipped in sauce…it really didn’t matter except she knew the goal was chicken. Who was this girl? Well, she was me, the moment before I felt changed as a person. This moment took place during my filming and production of, “16 States in 16 Days”, amazing photos and videos coming your way soon! But, I am specifically NOT a solo-person, someone who is great at taking care of me and spending time, comfortably, with myself…that is SO not, well…me. Yet here I was, in the middle of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street at 1 AM, eating chicken all by my lonesome.
Because I was once scared, and didn’t realize it. Scared the world would tell me I was wrong about so much I thought I knew.
Because, I am hoping, it will help you realize: I didn’t just walk out my door one day and become who you see in front of you and that isn’t your story either…it takes effort and energy to move in such a direction. But it is worth it; I will share how I did it and how you can too!
What I hope to publish here is not only my story, and how I got here, but also share tidbits of what I learn along the way to help you with your story. Tidbits on the path to financial independence, photography, web development & design, living with physical and mental health diagnoses, what it is like to travel now (post-lockdown), striking out on your own, leaving friends and family behind for a moment to find your path and more! Even more exciting are the things I am going to share with you we don’t even know about yet, as we have yet to discover them!
To help you get started, here are a few questions to ask yourself on your blogging journey and my thoughts on the matter:
“Why am I blogging?” If you bleed passion and creativity out of your brain faster than your finger tips can keep up, you may be here to inspire others to action more so than yourself.
“What am I blogging about?” ThereGoesSaraRose.com is about travelling to create art, creating art to travel. A natural painter, I find the need to research and see the world at a closer view before I can create and of my artistic passion with others. A travel blog allows me to share the moment of epiphany/inception-to-creation. I am sharing a blueprint for fellow artists, with the long-term goal of owning my own art gallery.
“Who shall be a fellow Adventurer? What is your demographic?” The curious, the kind and the passionate. Everyone cannot drop what they are doing right now and begin a travel adventure, but we can support others in their journey and receive support in our own growth. From someone who took thirty-four years to see more than the West-coast of the USA, I can only encourage you to work up to the moment you DO decide to travel and share what we can until then. You travel when you are ready, I will be here with you until and after then!
“If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?” I had to share this question as is, as it was asked of ME, so that I can share with you…as much as I have hopes and expectations for what this blog and travel-life can mean to me and others…at this point…I literally just hope to blog successfully throughout the next year…how about that for easy goals? For instance, it can take me all afternoon to, i.e. figure out how to share my Amazon journal on my website and case-in-point for why this blog wasn’t shared when I wanted to yesterday! But we shall be appreciative for each accomplishment. On a personal note, I would love to know that I am taking care of myself as much as I am taking care of others in a self-sufficient way. Adventurers, hold me to that comment, will you?
You and I are not locked into anything, we are specifically here to grow and change together. I am going to try, and I am not going to give up; there is so much more I could promise myself, but one blog post at a time, am I right? Peter Dinklage, an actor from a favorite TV show of mine (but a person who has been through more obvious struggles than the average one of us), made this comment in his speech to a graduating class, “I waited a long time out in the world before I gave myself permission to fail. Please don’t even bother asking. Don’t bother telling the world you are ready. Show it. Do it.” (Dinklage, 2012) I am ready for this, are you?
Until next time….I am off to hang out with all of YOU in a Twitch stream! Apologies as this post was supposed to go out yesterday, here is to making mistakes and enjoying each learning lesson. Let that sink in.
Hello to the amazing reader who is here for adventure, art, and learning! Introduce yourself in the comment section below and where you are in the world! Setting out on a new path in life can feel very difficult, especially in the early stages. However, the excitement of discovery MUST outweigh the apprehension; we must break out of our shells to metamorphosis into what we can become! At current, I’ve only been on the West coast of North America, there is quite a bit that is going to shock me in my travels. In addition, I cannot stop painting if I tried, it will always be a part of how I tell my story. So here I am, sharing the travels and art created, inspired by what I research, learn and see. We each have a different outlet that needs to breathe when a fire is lit within us. I urged you to REACH for your fire and stir it with every bit of energy and passion you can muster. There is a drive within each of us that, when shared with others, seems to inspire them to make a positive change in their own lives. Share your story as well! The path I described as new, difficult, a change, and scary? This is my path. We must see the world as it is, how it was, and return good back into it. Are you ready? Let us escape, learn and create!
“This is a story of learning to navigate the rising tides of life, which cannot be done from the shore; We must become the captain of our own seas.”
-Sara Rose
One thing I must share, do not mistake me for a tumbleweed, blowing in the wind without direction. This is a story of learning to navigate the rising tides of life, which cannot be done from the shore; We must become the captain of our own seas. I quit my job in August 2019 to focus on switching careers after working 10-years in what felt to be a dead-end government job, I just walked out. I petitioned to take extra classes at school and graduated Manga Cum Laude, a baccalaureate in Multimedia Development and Design in April 2020. What is a degree in multimedia you ask? A program that teaches you just enough in the field of game, VR & web design & development, photography, and videography to make you understand how little you know about content creation. I began my Master’s Degree in May 2020 and started creating online content. I did not expect how much it would change me and the school-project-turned-business becomes my focus most of 2020 to early 2021, to the point that I forgot to have fun with my passions. I was just making the best of the situation, not the best for me. Life-altering events made me realize how short life can really be. The world is not going to find me, I must go see the world; I must make this happen for myself, now!
Why are YOU here?
Share your thoughts as we search for COLOR, FOOD, NATURE, HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE, NEW TECHNOLOGY, and FREEDOMOF EXPRESSION! Let us shock our senses, bask in the beauty of an early sunrise, breathe in mountain-top air after miles of hiking and then create what our heart and mind have gleaned from the experience. Please feel free to share your adventures and creations as this site and community grows! On this exploration, we will meet friends, old and new. We will learn things that will forever change how we think and speak. We will laugh at my mistakes (I am a HOT MESS!) and learn to laugh at ourselves, all while traveling and painting. I am a helper, but I need to help myself first…truly learn before I can really help others. If you are ready for this, become a part of the journey by participating in any of my media outlets to get the most of each expedition, whether about travel, art, or the tools we are using to bring you the content!
Artists may express through their creation, however, YOU get to be a part of the very moments of idea-inception to finished product, from wonder to enlightenment! Get ready to join the voyage to expand our brains here at, There Goes Sara Rose!
P.S. I connected with readers before ThereGoesSaraRose.com went live, here: “Dear Adventurers”, (Part 1).
There Goes Sara Rose 
100% ditto! 🫂 🐹