Stories From the Front Porch

15/06/2024

I am working on a book about our time on the road. This is part of the dedication page.

This story would not exist without the "Real" Betty Jo. A woman of boundless adventure, dreams, and a zest for life. This book is dedicated to her, for providing us the means to explore and find our own journeys, and for always supporting our dreams. We miss you deeply and are eternally grateful for the immense role you played in our lives. "Thank you" doesn't suffice for all you've done for us, and "we love you" barely scratches the surface of how much you truly meant to us.

22/05/2024

What are your dreams?

18/05/2024

Embarking on full-time Airstreaming was the turning point where I finally grasped the essence of “living in the moment.” It was then that I truly comprehended its significance and value. I found myself cherishing each moment, embracing it wholly, and feeling genuinely grateful for the time.

Embrace the present for it will soon become the past.

18/05/2024

Our first year on the road (2021) favorites.

We are always asked - "what's your favorite?" Favorite place. Favorite thing you did. Favorite RV park. Favorite food. Favorite, Favorite, Favorite. This list was hard to do but it here it is.

05/05/2024

This definition of “adventurous” fits me perfectly.

Ultimately, it’s about having a curiosity and openness to stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and embracing the unknown.

Embarking on a journey to Airstream across the country meant facing a multitude of uncertainties. Yet, my curiosity outweighed my fears, propelling me forward into the unknown.

I realized I am adventurous, but then what is adventurous?

27/04/2024

It's been a year now that we gave up Airstreaming across the country and bought a home in Florida. I miss it terribly still but I am grateful I listed to my instincts and for the time we had with her.

But when I do….

27/04/2024

I was such a young mom but I took my new mom job seriously. I wanted to be a GREAT mom but I soon discovered there really was no such thing. There was no play book, it was just something I had to figure out one day at a time.

This little tiny baby grew up and I will take a little credit for him being the wonderful person he is today, but only a little, the rest was all him and I could not be prouder.

Shawn Locke

15/04/2024

Introducing Short Stories or snippets of stories on the Small Town Stories website.

The Cracked Cookie by Karla Locke

“Life sucks,” Missy told herself.
At twenty-eight, Missy worked at a job she hated, for an absentee boss she despised even more, her love life was non-existent, and she was eating alone – again.
“Are you done yet?” Mr. Wong asked, a scowl on his face.
Every day she ate at Lucky Chopsticks. Every day she sat at the same table. Every day, Mr. Wong scowled at her.
Missy pushed her plate away. “Thank you, Mr. Wong, lunch was delicious.”
He grabbed her plate and stalked away.
Depressed, Missy reached for the bill and the standard fortune cookie. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and cracked it open, hoping this fortune would be the one to change her life. Slowly she read her fortune; “Love will knock you down.”

Read more at

14/04/2024

When we are in our early twenties, youth gives us an optimistic look at the future and the 60s are SO FAR AWAY.
If you marry young, like I did, your 50th Anniversary is SO FAR AWAY.
Here you are in your 60s and you think, “Oh, s**t. It’s not SO FAR AWAY, after all.”

I am suddenly in my 60s, I wasn’t expecting it so soon.

04/04/2024

It’s still surreal to me. Back in February 2021, we made the bold decision to purchase Betty Jo, our beloved Airstream. We went all-in, selling off our belongings, fueled by the grand vision of living life on the open road.

Our Airstream Adventure and the Unexpected End to Retirement
Then it ended. Almost as quickly as it began.

My Journey Back to Work After Just Two Short Years on the Road

27/03/2024

Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, FL, isn't just a destination - it's an experience. With its rich history, diverse botanical displays, tranquil ambiance, educational opportunities, and family-friendly appeal, it's no wonder that visitors from near and far are drawn to this enchanting oasis. So why wait? Come and discover the timeless beauty of Sunken Gardens for yourself and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Unveiling A Hidden Gem: Exploring the Sunken Garden in St. Petersburg, FL

23/03/2024

Frequently, we encounter moments where we revisit chapters of our lives or return to lessons left unlearned, seeking fresh perspectives and insights with each turn of the cycle, or merely aiming to bring closure to that particular chapter.

As our Airstream Journey drew to its end, I felt compelled to revisit certain places, seeking closure or a reminder of their significance in my life.

Life’s Experiences Create A Circle

18/03/2024

The color dress code for watching the solar eclipse.

Experts are sharing tips on what colors viewers should wear to enhance their experience of watching the Great American Solar Eclipse and explaining the science behind why these particular colors matter.

18/03/2024

This was indeed a Dandy way to spend a day. A fun event if you are ever in the La Conner area around St Patrick's day.

A Dandy of a Day in Tweed and Amongst the Daffodils

10/03/2024

In March, as we commemorate International Women’s Day, I also joyously celebrate the 100th birthday of an extraordinary woman who profoundly shaped my life.

Celebrating the Life of an Amazing Woman

04/03/2024

👨‍👦 Celebrating the Lights of My Life on National Son's Day! 👨‍👦💙

Happy National Son's Day! 🌟 And we were blessed with 2.

Watching you grow, learn, and navigate this journey called life is a privilege we cherish every day. Your kindness, curiosity, and resilience inspire us, and we couldn't be prouder to call you our son.

Tag your incredible sons. Let's spread the love and celebrate the amazing young men who bring light to our lives! 🌈👩‍👦👨‍👩‍👦

Shawn Locke Chris Locke

02/03/2024

Many, many, many moons ago when I was a pre-teen I joined some sort of organization (way before internet) and was introduced to a pen pal. We wrote back and forth for a little over a year. I wonder what happened to him?

29/02/2024

Every so often, an extraordinary individual enters your life, forging a unique connection.

I found her captivating, yet intimidating. Here stood a sophisticated, powerful, and adventurous woman, embodying independence in every stride. And I was in AWE.

Only a handful among us have had the chance to explore distant destinations and capture scenes one can only imagine or have seen in movies…

29/02/2024

Happy Leap Day (with Joan Silling Photography)

26/02/2024

The longer you stay, the more you spend. That's why I zoom in and zoom out. :-). Research shows that Slow Music makes more sales.

After 23 minutes supermarket shoppers began using the emotional part of their brain rather than the cognitive part. That switch made it harder for people to consider costs and made them more susceptible to marketing bargains.

After 40 minutes, their brains effectively shut down. They struggled to make any logical decisions.

Retailers, casinos, and grocery stores use a trick called temporal distortion to make you forget about the real world.

24/02/2024

Losing gratitude is a natural part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By recognizing the signs, understanding the impact, and actively engaging in practices that foster gratitude, we can reclaim the positive perspective that adds depth and richness to our lives.

Now I am searching to get it back

21/02/2024

I am not a fan of times or times new roman... but it is important to use fonts that are easy to read and particularly fonts that are web friendly... when it comes to writing.

21/02/2024

This was from 2017. Facebook and Social Media has changed (evolved, depending on how you look at) but it is still useful for connecting, educating, experiencing, promoting, etc. And the tips and tricks just keep changing and evolving.

17/02/2024

This journey serves as a reminder that even windfalls can bring unexpected complexities, and the pursuit of a meaningful, minimalist lifestyle is an ongoing, dynamic process that transcends the circumstances at hand.

Which Was Harder? Selling it all? Or Getting it all Back?

16/02/2024

Stories start out as an Idea, then it is up to us story tellers to make it happen.

📚✨ Crafting Ideas into Reality: The Art of Authors! ✨📚

Ever wondered about the magical journey from a mere spark of inspiration to the enchanting world within the pages of a book? 🤔🌟

What inspires you to make your ideas happen? 🚀🖋️

13/02/2024

The REAL Betty Jo and her Airstream(s).

12/02/2024

In the digital age, where love is often expressed through emojis and instant messages, stumbling upon a box of handwritten love letters is like discovering a time capsule filled with the essence of a bygone era. As my husband and I embarked on a journey to declutter our home, we unearthed a treasure trove of nostalgia — a box of old letters from the late 70s when he had just joined the Air Force. In a world without cell phones, emails, or social media, these letters served as our lifeline, offering a glimpse into a love story that unfolded through ink and paper.

Rediscovering the Romance in Vintage Letters from My Air Force Sweetheart

11/02/2024

Many of us have days like this.... :-)

09/02/2024

Our first winter in Florida, who knew it would be where we landed two years later?

A Snowbird Winter Migration

08/02/2024

For you artists.....