Sometimes it’s not about where you are headed but making sure you are appreciating what is in front of you along the way.
I certainly did my best to remain present. Being blessed with such a beautiful blue sky day I became obsessed with the clouds and the flat farmland views. I wanted to not forget them. How equally important the roads in between are to me, traveling solo.
Taking photos from the car window has become a new talent of mine 🙂
Leaving Louisville and admiring their bridges just as I do Cincinnati’s.
I became enchanted by the thick low overhang created by the cloud coverage.
I mean look at this! As if you could touch them.
I started noticing the holes /breaks in the coverage revealing that awesome clear blue color. Hope. A natural message.
Then the rare and beautiful fields of yellow wildflowers in some of the farmer’s fields. The added punch of yellow was awesome.
God is so flipping genius with nature and it’s textures, colors and ever changing transitions!
I honestly forget where this bridge was. I believe crossing from Indiana around St. Louis into Missouri.
After a day in Columbia, I headed south to Rolla hoping to get a little closer to Mark Twain’s National Forest for tomorrow’s planned hikes. ( one thing about planning…never really works out for me)
I drove through Jefferson City before sunset snd was surprised by the Capital Building. Who knew?
The bridge going across into Jefferson City.
I spotted this iconic building from the bridge and had to hang up from a phone call to find my way to it! I’m not the best at multi tasking when in a new place.
It was huge and prominent with little activity. Picturesque.
Obviously, city named after Thomas Jefferson. Someone do the research on that 😉
Google map view.
Drove around the backside that faced the river.
Fountain there with some local skate boarders. You can see the sunset and the bridge in the background.
I was surprised there weren’t more local shops, river walks, or restaurants building up this area. There was one pizza joint nearby that was jumping on this gorgeous night with outdoor seating. But wasn’t looking like any solid reason to stay longer so I kept trekking.
Sunset in my rear view mirror. Was headed onto a two lane highway to find my Walmart to camp out at for the night.
I have always heard of this event called Final Fridays but have never attended in all the time I’d been in Cincinnati. Now, that I have, its a must see! Such a great venue and filled with endless inspiration.
The warehouse, where local artists have their studios, open up on the last Friday of every month for the public to browse and purchase original art pieces.
We parked by the new Sugar and Spice and as we wandered east toward Pendleton Street, we passed by many new pubs, restaurants and newly established venues. I can’t wait to spend a weekend with some friends and just hop from place to place and check it all out. But we were on a mission with my friend Rebecca’s kids in tow, so there would be no beer stops along the way this time. 🙂
The streets were quiet. A great place to live. It is definitely one of the up and coming gentrified neighborhoods. Walking distance from my house, I am sure it will become a habit for me!
Mural announcing our arrival to this eclectic neighborhood. I love street art!
Another mural directly outside 13th street where the venue was.
As we entered it looked a bit small, until we realized there were 8 floors! We only conquered 2.
Stairways to the upper floors were so steep and narrow, Rebecca’s feet didn’t even fit on the steps.
Art in all forms and cultural expressions. From quilts to pottery. Homemade textiles to canvases.
Original photography. This artist was so talented and was showing her work specializing in underwater dancers. I am quite sure anything she focused on would be amazing. I ended up buying an inexpensive print to show my support.
Room after room of different artists and styles. Rebecca seemed to attract them all with her beautiful energy. The artists gravitated to her and explained every detail to her.. She is just way too patient! I always backed away and was thankful for the most part that I didn’t need to engage or pretend to be interested. Sometimes I am really not a people person..
No way to capture it all. Just hoping anyone in this area makes a point to check it out! Especially if you have art needs at home or in the office. Wonderful to support our local artists.
There was even glasswork and mosaics. Highest caliber- Cincinnati should be very proud of their community representation.
In Pendleton there were these tall music boxes that if you cranked the handle they would sing. I had no idea what they were until the kids started playing it.
My art purchases. I wish I had a job or a house that needed more art. For now, I can only obtain smaller pieces that I find interesting and pass them onto my daughters.
I don’t claim to know a lot about this town but what I can tell you is that I LOVED my stay there and truly appreciated the sites and angles of its architecture. Everything from its churches, library, schools and banks were well thought out. You could tell there was a cohesive design plan throughout Columbus, Indiana.
What I learned is Columbus, Indiana is one of the most architecturally significant cities in the USA! Cummins Engine Company is headquartered here and is the driving force that shaped its architectural community. Irwin Miller worked at Cummins starting in 1934 which was then a family business and he was adamant about his love for design. He believed society would benefit if the designs surrounding them were of the highest standards.
Because of his love for design, The Cummins Foundation offered to cover architects’ fees for new civic developments in Columbus, as well as pay for a percentage of construction costs. This totally reshaped this wonderful community into the landmark that it now is. One man, one idea, with money to back it for the good of his community.
The first building outside of our Airbnb along our walk was St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
As we continued we spotted this sculpture named Large Art Sculpture which is directly in front of the library.
Great backdrop for a family selfie.
Some local boys were wanting the girls attention and eagerly got their photos taken with them. They may be triplets, but wouldn’t admit to being even brothers.
Looking up. Happy to have a blue sky day!
Inside the Bartholowmew Library. A beautiful symmetry.
A famous scene from the movie. We had to see the garden inside.
Zoe making her way up. Even the staircase detail was artistic.
As we walked along outside, this bay of windows was capturing the details from the outside in.
The trees were creating an archway along the otherwise brick path.
Directly across the street from the library is First Christian Church. Notice the off center clock and cross, yet the balance you still feel from the design.
Even the doors were beautiful.
A view with the sculpture too.
The Irwin Gardens, built in 1910, are located right beside the library and is also a Bread and Breakfast that the main character in the movie stayed in.
The gardens were closed but I was able to snap this view from between the fence.
Throughout the town are these colorful Cs. Even the buses have the C’ graphics along the sides of them.
Sculpture on Washington street.
Looking up and seeing the angles in what normally would have been a flat sided building. But not in this town!
The County Courthouse had its typical Americana appeal.
Outside the courthouse was this eye-catching veteran’s memorial.
Stunning design.
A metal sculpture named Daquqi. Just hanging out in the grass alongside the bridge.
Sculpture should be a requirement in cities. The conflict is meaningful. Human vs nature.
We were loving the red bridge. Fighting rush hour traffic we were able to get across for a closer look.
Again with the details.
Who would have thought such design work in a small farm community.
As we continued, We saw these ceramic sculptures lining up along the roadway. Researched and they are called “Ancestral Way.
Very odd, capturing a spirit or personality of sorts.
Came across this beauty who was channeling my inner soul. The name of this is Eos’.
She seems such a part of nature.
A walkway along the Cummins building in town.
Playing a game of Twister with the squares, breaking up the symmetry.
Roof of the Cummins building.
I truly admire all they did for the community. Do you see the details in the tiles, windows, roof and ceiling? And this was an engine manufacturing company!
Reflection and light seem to be a huge part of the architecture here.
I believe this is part of a bank.
Reflecting a beautiful courtyard.
With the modern squares.
Capturing one of the historic building details.
Not sure what this building was but interesting. Carrying the theme color of the metal Cs.
The old with the new.
Loved capturing all three of us in this one.
The alleys were even artistic and colorful. It just gave the city such a happy feel.
Adoring the details.
The tour meeting place was at the Community Ticket Center which showcased a wonderful giftshop as well as Dale Chihuly’s glass pieces. He is known to push the limits of glass and contrasting to all the angles and symmetry of the architecture, his pieces show off an irregularity in their form.
A look from the inside out.
Chihuly’s 9 foot glass chandelier.
I hope that if you never have a chance to get to Columbus, Indiana, you at least appreciate the amazing architecture and thought put into this city. I’m so thankful that my daughters enjoy the details of art in the same way that I do. It’s awesome that they are now leading me creating a truly a memorable weekend!
Zoe booked us a tour of the Miller House, something that was featured in the movie they watched. This house is one of the leading examples of modernist architecture from the 1950s. Complete with manicured grounds, floor to ceiling windows and the very first conversation pit, it was custom built for Industrialist Irwin Miller and his family.
The house was designed by Eero Saarinen, who was a Finnish-American architect along with interior designer Alexander Girard. I don’t know much about architecture but this house stands the test of time and is remarkable in its custom details. Now owned by The Indiana Art museum, we were able to get a tour but were not allowed to take many photos except for the main rooms and outside. Not really sure why.
We pulled up to these beautiful tulips and hedges.
A reminder of spring. Even the snow last week could not stop them!
The acreage was beautifully kept and symmetrical in design.
One of the few rooms we could take a photo of was this great room. Open layout filled with wonders such as this built in fireplace and shelving wall unit filled with miniatures from around the world. The eclectic feeling you got was one of a well cultured or travelled family, modern and practical all at the same time.
The infamous gathering pit built into the marble floors. What I loved was the lighting and views. The house is a one floor wonder with totally separated children’s wing and kitchen.
The windows in this room retracted back and allowed you to be outdoors while dining, weather permitting. All the carpets, cushions and textiles were custom designed specifically for this house. This rug had a zipper so it could fit around the table.
As we walked around the grounds the museum was doing its best to preserve the integrity of the landscaping while continually replacing some of the older trees.
Ceramic cat onlooking ceramic and real fish in the outdoor fountain.
Every bit of the property was purposeful.
Those meticulous details is what took this house 2 years to build.
My daughters turned 22 on April 23. Last year when they turned 21 and officially were able to drink alcohol, it was at the height of Covid-19. A not so great memory for them. Although I’m sure they made the best of it, their party plans were ruined and it was just the two of them in lockdown. 21 is a year all Americans look forward to celebrating, so we decided to make the best out of 22 instead.
Zoe and Sedona suggested we take a weekend trip together to visit Columbus, Indiana and celebrate all of our April birthdays together. I honestly had never heard of this town before but any new place is always fun to explore so I was game. They’ve wanted to visit here ever since they’d had seen the movie “Columbus”.
This is a low budget Sundance film which is slow but thoughtful. It covered small town life while featuring the love of architecture.
On the road to discover Indiana.
I mean WTH? Monster truck for God knows what purpose😆 Never seen one of these before.
Zoe found us this adorable Airbnb which was perfect and walking distance to downtown.
Posing with their BonBonerie Opera Cream Cake and champagne to start off their birthday!
A Cincinnati favorite!! We get one every year.
Love this natural interaction captured!
Zoe claiming to be the master of champagne bottle openers.
Sister Sedona helping her out.
We spent the early evening exploring the city, which I will post later. It was seriously so inspiring! But as it hit dinnertime, we decided to go bar hopping.
First stop Luciana’s for Mexican Margaritas! The bartender of course treated them to tequila shots once he found out it was their birthday.
Next an old dive bar brilliantly name Columbus Bar, where we were convinced to buy 2$ jello shots and Sedona, channeling her inner Sex in the City character, ordered us Cosmos.
We decided we needed some food and stopped at the local Thai restaurant which was excellent! I ordered a Singha beer for memory sake and they ordered Japanese plum wine.
On our walk back to the Airbnb we spotted this display and couldn’t resist.
We landed at a pub called 4th Street. Earlier it had a wait out front but by this time the dinner crowd has dissipated and the band was starting to play. We ordered more Cosmos and Green Tea shots. Later the owner stopped over and bought the girls a red/white/blue vodka shot which they dropped into a sprite and drank together.
Was one heck of a fun night! We hung onto each other on the walk back (which was only two blocks away) as we attempted to do the ‘Monkees’ walk. Sedona played their classic intro tune and Zoe and I ended up tripping over each other in the parking lot and laughing our asses off.
The Monkees sitcom was an American classic from the 1960s.
Needless to say the next afternoon coffee was in order! We booked a tour of the famous Miller House and needed to wake our brains up prior to enduring some historical facts.
We found this adorable coffee shop named Lucabe’. Everything in this town is beautifully designed. They really made an effort to create a culture here unlike any other.
We had a honey and lavender coffee. Such a unique flavor.
View out the window with a local mural of the bar we hit the night before.
Never forgetting to look up, this copper tiled ceiling and light fixture were waiting for me to appreciate.
The climate is confused or starting anew. We have flowers in full bloom, the sun is shining, the thunder is clapping and snow is falling from the sky in late April. I woke up this morning to an unexpected accumulation of snow! Unheard of here in southern Ohio.
This snowfall broke a past record of 1.5″ of snow recorded back in 1901! We received at least 3″ today. It was surreal. I am not sure what the planet is trying to tell us except it is clear who is in charge here. We are at the mercy of Mother Nature.
It will be interesting to see how nature survives. It always adapts to whatever weather is thrown at it. It never fully fades and has an admirable strength that we could all learn from.
A view of the thick snow covering all the tree branches in my backyard.
The flowering plants are probably a bit confused.
The seating area now hidden by the weighted down limbs.
After the sun came up, as it started to melt, this combination of snow and flowers was symbolic. The new normal. Unanticipated change in what we used to know as seasons.
A new combination.
After the snow had fully melted and we thought we’d seen it all, down came large flakes in another wave of crazy.
This is not my typical blog post. I promise there will be some beautiful photos at the end and maybe my usual quote to leave you all in contemplation, but definitely more words than usual.
Most people that have been following me know that I love to share the joys in my travel experiences and life in general using this blog format. This post will not be that. Instead, for me, and for anyone else interested in the medical experience in a US hospital, I am hoping this documents some patient insights to my time served.
I pride myself on being the most healthy person! I never have any issues with any blood work. Never any medications needing to be taken that weren’t vitamin choices. Never encountered a broken bone or had to have stitches. I am blessed with a physical body that keeps on ticking and has allowed me the adventures that I so freely and confidently do on my own. I don’t even have to work hard at it- I’m not an avid healthy eater or regular exerciser. I’m just your average Jo raised on processed 90s food whose athleticism from childhood carried my physical body miraculously through into adulthood.
I hit a setback when I came back to the US. On top of that, I had no insurance as I didn’t have a full time job. I was still teaching online English, which doesn’t even cover the cost of living here. I started heavy periods in September which would last 18 days at a time. I endured. Thankful I was working from home and didn’t have to attempt to function with this agony except for online where they only saw me from the chest up 🤣. I applied for Medicaid, a government funded insurance for those making under $17,000 per year. I finally got approved in January 2021.
Getting on this insurance probably saved my life. If this insurance wasn’t available, I never would have looked into the menstrual issue I was having. In February I started bleeding for 42 days straight. It was not a light discharge, but one that left me anemic, close to having a blood transfusion due to dropped blood levels and being completely drained. I scheduled surgery but due to Covid restrictions and all the new processes I could not get on the calendar until April. So my choice here was to bleed out or take some meds to stop the bleeding until I could make it to surgery. Caught in a perfect “Catch 22”.
I opted for the medication, only to end up in the ER Thursday night (another move I would never have done without insurance) with blood clots in my leg and lung. A serious condition, so I am told. One that caused me to check into Christ Hospital for Easter weekend to be monitored on blood thinners in hopes that I don’t start bleeding again and hemorrhage out. Such a fun predicament for a not -even -perimenopausal 50 something. Mind you, I have only been in the hospital one other time in my life and that was for delivering my twin daughters. A much more joyous occasion.
I didn’t know what to expect, for myself or the system I was about to become part of.
I was already leery about the US medical system with the insurance companies approving the abilities to run tests and the big pharmacy industry pushing the pills, but I encountered more surprises during my stay and I wanted to share, for what its worth. If nothing else, a diary for me of my experience and emotions. I can’t imagine anyone else taking interest but it will be an honest take on my observations.
I had no intentions of writing about this. In fact I was trying to get away with not disturbing any friend’s Easter weekend with my news, but word quickly got out and as one friend said “wouldn’t you want to know if I was hospitalized?” As much as I wish I could do life alone, especially with these medical trials that we are all sure to face as we age in life, it really is people around us that get us through.
When my friends asked what they could do for me, given my situation, my answer was always the same- “get outside on this gorgeous weekend and enjoy since I can’t. Share any photos of what you see.” And by God, they delivered and I was so happy to see all their views which I will share as I continue to do my hospital blog.
1. My friend Karen sent this photo as she toured a new potential campus with her daughter who is graduating this year.
I started to count the number of people that were coming and going from my hospital room. If the same person came more than once, I didnt count them twice. This was just NEW people that entered my room for any reason, like taking my weight (which happened daily in the middle of the f*cking night) or listening to my lungs (sometimes I questioned if this was a learning experience for some residents). I was shocked by the number. I am not even done with my stay here…..I still have surgery to get through and discharge….but I decided to stop here with my counts. In less than 36 hours here, 45 people have come and gone.
45 different people in and out of my room.
I literally have my blood drawn 5 times a day and every time a person comes in with a black smock on, I cringe. It’s never the same person. You never know how good they are at finding my now weak veins and it’s a slow torture of sorts. One morning they needed to withdraw 5 tubes for genetic clot testing. It was illogical to me. Why now? When I am being woken up every 2 hours from sleeping. Why now when I am weak and already having blood drawn daily for other maintenance? Couldn’t it wait until I got out of here? Then I could come back with healthy veins and it would make this much easier on me. It seems the logic is gone sometimes. Like they are just processing the routine and statistics of it all. Just obtaining without thinking of the human aspect.
I hate needles. Doesn’t everyone? I hate having my blood taken. I understand it’s a necessary evil in modern medicine and science which I believe in, but doesn’t mean I like it. It feels totally unnatural to me. To have all this plastic sticking out of me. I have two IVs at this point. Tubes hooked up to constant humming machines that beep when there’s a kink. I had a new phlebotomist who was digging for a vein in my arm and then when unsuccessful went for my hand. I literally had what they call a vasovagal episode. Basically my heart rate started racing, my temperature dropped, I started seeing stars and my head was light, my hands were clammy and I couldn’t breathe. That was fun. They called stat nurses in and there were 5 people in my room. Poking my finger for sugar evaluation, hooking an EKG up to be sure I wasn’t having a heart attack, asking me to repeat my history as no one there knew why I was really in the hospital in the first place.
There are so many people coming and going, they rely solely on the computers, but no one really invests in the patient. And why should they? Patients come and go. They all work in shifts that vary with different teams.
2. KangKang sent this photo from her hometown in Taiwan. The beauty of the simplistic floral among the grey roots all struggling to find their place surviving in the world, takes on a whole new valuable meaning to me.
I just got interrupted by a call from the Chaplin who must only be on duty during the week. I struggled to answer the phone which was out of reach from my IV cord length, so by the time I answered I was not the friendliest. But I let him pray for me. I wondered how statistically they determine that Christianity is the faith of the patients here. I guess it is named Christ Hospital. 🤔 I wondered if other religions also freely sought out patients to bless.
There was something very sweet about him reciting his generic prayer. As if it didn’t matter who I was but that I was here and therefore I needed God’s helping hand. No doubt he was right and I appreciated it.
There is definitely a human connection missing in this medical world of statistics and cold numbers. On the other hand I have heard stories from my helpers here about their cancer, their travel and plans for their future, their children, their wounds and surgeries, their depression they also struggle with, their children, etc. It reminded me that even in passing we feel a need to connect. To provide comfort through sharing our wisdom and stories. There is so much healing in this as we all know. Among conversations and much wine with friends and families we benefit from sharing our lives, but I didn’t expect it from strangers. I usually close myself off to it since I know I won’t see them again (like with that talkative person in the airplane seat next to you or the Uber driver) but in the hospital I am held captive. Those stories are what remind me of the human aspect in all this. I am thankful to hear their personal struggles which no doubt helped me cope with mine.
3. May’s daisies from Cleveland. A friend left them at her doorstep.
I was quite a basket case during my witching hours between 5 am and sunrise. I literally hate mornings in the hospital where you are in a zombie like state and they are all making their rounds to get their momentum going for their day. I reached out to my sisters via phone hysterically crying saying I can’t do this! It was unbearable. I can’t have them stick another needle in me. I worried whether I would be able to endure getting old, or if jumping off a bridge later in life may be a better option that joining this nightmare medical world.
Zoe visited daily and helped me walk out to the patio area. After sitting in the sun for a bit with my companion IV drip in tow, I found God’s voice. In the sun again. In the warmth. Possibly they will discover some genetic clotting disorder that will help Zoe and Sedona live healthier lives. I was thankful for my mother’s old veiny hands that I inherited, since they were the only source to get my blood from. I witnessed the broken system but saw highlights of the nuggets of love throughout.
Our shadows in the sun.
One guy said pulling blood was better than factory work. It doesn’t get more real than that. I often wonder why someone would choose blood pulling as a profession. I was reminded by Jake, the mohawk- Alice in Wonderland tattooed- LPN, that if all I needed was rest I would be at home. That shut down my complaint of them coming in every two hours. His southern accent and charm brought instant calm to the days he attended. The goth phlebotomist who said getting a tattoo was more difficult than giving my blood to her. And the world traveler, who, like me had tattoos in several languages, was my angel that terrible day when all I could do was cry. Every person that entered had a genuine heart of care that you felt even when I argued with them.
This morning I flat out refused to get my blood taken again. They were in at 6 am. Then another black coat wearer came in at 8 am. I was not having it. I asked him what possibly was it for? That’s the other thing about US medical world, they are all just doing what they are told. They don’t really know anything. It is not up to them to put the puzzle pieces together. They follow the orders written by the doctors who they wouldn’t dare question. So I refused and had the nurse contact the person who ordered the test. This new blood pull was for a pregnancy test. ( I already had taken one of those in the ER Thursday before my cat scan) I must be some very sexual being if I left the ER at midnight Thursday and somehow got myself pregnant before checking into the hospital Friday afternoon 🙂 I mean really people? Its all just protocol so they don’t get sued should I be pregnant and the anaesthesia should cause birth defects. I asked if I could pee on a stick instead, but they weren’t budging. Neither was I.
4. Kathy’s willow tree photo taken Easter Day at Ault Park.
5. Stephanie’s backyard flowers coming up this spring. Complete with Xavier flag proudly placed where both her daughters will be attending.
I was impressed by the food menu at the hospital. I was even more impressed that the food staff went by the title of “Ambassadors of Christ Cuisine”. I tried new foods every day. It was totally hit or miss. I learned it was best to order a variety so you always had something to eat. They had a chocolate brownie that was to die for!!!! But the cookies, chocolate mousse, ice cream and sherbet were tasteless. The quesadilla was restaurant worthy, but the pancakes and chicken dry as a rock. It added to my entertainment there. Testing new foods and rating them in my head. I wanted to fill out a review for them to know which plates to work on, as if my little opinion mattered.
Many times the people that came and went would forget to shut the door or turn off the light by the entry. I tried not to get frustrated as I unplugged and wheeled myself down that way to shut it off so I could get that 50 minutes of rest before they came in again. I also started finding entertainment in “what was left behind” after they came to draw blood or take stats. Little bits of tape, colored plastic, wrappings, gauze dropped. I don’t know how they juggle it all, the nurses. They need three hands each to do what they need to do.
6. Kristin’s vacation beach shot from Cancun Mexico.
7. Nancy’s tulip row in Cincinnati’s city walk.
When getting ready to go to the hospital, knowing I was checking in for at least 4 days, I had no idea what to pack. I acted like it was a mini vacation, loading up my bag with a change of clothes for every day and books to read as I lounge in the sun. In reality, all I needed was one pair of pj bottoms, slippers and a few comforts from home. I was not ashamed of packing my own blanket and Maxwell my beloved stuffie who made it to Thailand and back with me. I wasn’t allowed to shower the entire time I was there, even though I was insulted by one of the gynecologists who suggested one would do me good. This was only in defense to me asking if I should have just allowed myself to bleed out instead of taking the medications they prescribed. My sister quickly corrected my thinking on this, and brought me back to the present. Looking back at “ what ifs” is never productive.
8. Lily’s blossoms from China.
9. Nezihe cherry blossoms in Seattle. Washington campus.
I can see how nurses get all the credit for running the hospitals. They really are the rocks of the place, maintaining the chaos and being the best advocate for the patient. I always felt like they were on my side. Listening compassionately to my dread of the needles. The doctors are a different breed and I suppose rightfully so. They seem to be the puzzle solvers who strictly evaluate and look for the solutions to the bigger pictures. I had 4 different gynecologists visit me. One per day. The only ones that really cared were my personal doctor and the resident who was truly learning. The other two generically spoke to me and I wondered if it was a requirement that they show up once a day for protocol sake.
Just like all the other systems I often wonder what it would be like to be here if I did not have all my wits about me. Either less educated, or something wrong with my mind mentally. How would this system work for someone like that? It must be so confusing. Or maybe its easier as they just accept that everyone must know what they are doing. I overheard one patient down the hall, when my door was left open, that kept repeating themselves over and over again. And the poor nurse kept reassuring them and asking them “not to take it out”.
Being surrounded by all the machines, beeping and buzzing mechanics was difficult for me. I wondered if it was because I’m a nature girl. I left my blinds open all day and watched the sun rise and said goodbye as it set. I was level with the rooftops and took a photo of my view, appreciating the angles and trees softening the cement.
My view.
10. Susan’s view from California.
I emailed my therapist as I lost my mind the first night. I reached out to my sisters many times when at my worst. Zoe’s visits always made time go by faster. On Easter Sunday she stayed for 5 hours. We split a grilled cheese sandwich from the Christ Cuisine with a side of fries. We played the War card game with a deck of puppy printed cards, then watched a movie together as the sun set. It was perfect. Perfect company. A great new start as I knew the next day, God willing, would be my last to endure.
11. Kathy’s Easter eggs her family colored and then hunted later in the yard. A perfect American tradition.
I ended up getting a totally different surgery than what was originally planned, due to my new condition of blood clots and being on blood thinners. Wanted the least evasive procedure to optimize the results. As they wheeled me down to the basement in my bed, when we got out of the elevators on level B it felt like a morgue. It was definitely a lower level with no windows and lots of metal double doors just like in the movies. They parked me out front and a male resident came out to verify I was parked outside the correct room. I told him I couldn’t see a thing since I didn’t have my contacts in and couldn’t bring my glasses. He then quickly informed me that he wanted me to know that I had the sexiest team of doctors inside, all great looking, waiting to help me out. Love the humor.
The surgical team was at least 7 people and a set of “tools lined up on a tray that I was hopeful would not all be used. They all seemed to be having fun together and the atmosphere was light. Much different that the sterile feel in the main ward. I was put out quickly. Woke up in pain- only to have someone by my side shoot something into my IV and I faded again. When I woke up the next time, I was feeling better than I’d felt in months. Not sure what they gave me, but DAMN is this what it feels like to be healthy and alive? Has it been that long since I had a solid rest or my body was healed and not bleeding?
12, Nancy’s flower tree.
There is always hope for the future that we have yet to know.
I am optimistic that this trial run at the hospital was a test of my endurance and ability to adapt. I am thankful for the care and compassion I received. Also the insight to the systems that many people encounter more frequently than they would like. I am one of the fortunate ones that avoided this world until now. Counting my blessings and looking forward to getting back outdoors as soon as possible. ✌🏼
Last summer I purchased a hammock after a neighborhood party, hoping to contribute a relaxing space where we can all retreat for an afternoon siesta. This spring the trees and post were put to the test as I went out on this cloudy- chilly day to nap.
While laying outdoors listening to the wind gusts in the higher branches, I was protected by the retaining wall. When the clouds parted and the sun broke through, it was magnificent. I can truly understand why in the past people worshipped the sun as if it were a god. The warmth just brought comfort to my entire body as if in a world embrace.
My friend Kassie purchased an outdoor blanket for me and it came in useful today. It was amazing! Light weight but warm. Perfect for my nap and I am sure will be used on many other future outdoor adventures.
View of the hammock and blanket.
Rumpl is an environmentally conscious brand. This particular blanket was made from 60 plastic bottles! I do not rep this company (would love to) but for sure recommend you check it out!
Always amazed at how a hat just keeps me comfortable and cozy. Are you all tired of this one blue fleece I am always wearing? 🙂 Thrift store purchase inherited from my kids who no longer wanted it. SCORE>
There are blooms beginning in my yard and I wanted to take the time to appreciate the exquisite transition of spring. Even though we are not clear of winter’s wrath, God knows it sometimes snows in April around here, its wonderful to see the colors sprouting around us.
I am one of the lucky ones, who can find such natural wonders in my own yard thanks to my neighbors who took over landscaping. I would still have a weeded area if it were still mine to cultivate. I am blessed in so many ways!
Check out the detail of the inner cone’s edges. These daffodils are always the first to make an appearance.
The yards are filled with yellow and green.
Vibrant yellow leaves are sure to get your attention. They refuse to be ignored.
Love how they mix with the flowers and create a sunny scenery.
Watching the buds on the trees awakening as well.
I don’t think I ever took the time to notice these branches before.
Along the edge of my driveway, the ivy is sprinkled with tiny purple flowers.
The empty birdhouse is perfectly balanced as if waiting for the tree to sprout its new leaves. Such symbolism of rebirth. Renewal. Growth. And never-ending transition and evolution.
I am so proud to have delivered my first shipment to our fabulous local bookstore! It is amazing how the Universe works sometimes. I was feeling quite low in February and wondering what I was being called to do next- feeling like my November/December personal books sales were possibly pointless, but in the same breath trying to remain optimistic that if any of the books I sold inspired others, it was “enough.
Then I received a voice message from the buyer at Joseph Beth. Happens to be a person I worked with 13 years ago at my past design job. Isn’t it amazing how life works? The connections. The timing. It was just the lift I needed to get me through!
I had dropped a couple book copies off there at the beginning of December, hoping to grab attention. I really thought they would make good stocking stuffers for the holidays. Getting the call for an order in February was almost better timing honestly. God works in mysterious ways. I always loved the quote “Believing in God is also believing in His timing”- that has always resonated with me personally.
Zoe snapped this photo of me packing up the books after checking to be sure the quantity and order was correct. She also helped me deliver them.
I knew they were going to be displayed with the local vignette/shop. I found them easily on the Ohio book table. Small in size but perfectly displayed!
They also had a stack near the check out which I was THRILLED about. Now I can only hope they sell!!
I picked up a variety of desserts at the bookstore’s coffee shop and headed to my friend Rebecca’s to celebrate. It was the perfect evening out! Full moon. 70 degree weather. Ice cream truck singing its tune on the Hyde Park streets. Got to meet Rebecca’s new man- while tasting some newly launched unbelievable tequila!
Tonya Takes Thailand 