I was literally on a high driving home from my Saturday am hike and was determined not to let this sunny day end with me lethargically watching Netflix. When catching up on the golf course, I heard news of a vibrant middle aged soul that just got dealt the death sentence of a stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis. Being that I am in limbo for my own womanly issue results and action plan, I was determined more than ever to get out and enjoy life. After all, we are all dying. There is absolutely no other way out and timing is never certain. Staying in the moment and trying to appreciate all that is given to us is the key to every day. This was an excellent reminder.
I decided to hike downtown and embrace the energy of the city. I ended up going even further, over the river and into Kentucky. I just kept walking without any true destination in mind. Was so nice to get out and just wander for a change. Alone.
My walking path.
As I passed Christ Hospital, very close to where I started, I noticed a young man in the middle of the busy street. He would literally step out in front of ongoing traffic and stop the cars which eventually maneuvered around him. I wondered if he was lost? Scared? I really couldn’t imagine what he was attempting to do.
As I got closer I saw he was wearing a small back pack and sporting a hospital plastic ID bracelet. I asked him if he needed help and he just cursed at me. I continued walking and called the police in hopes that they would send a kind officer to help guide him off the streets to get him the help he desperately needed. (Sadly I was also hoping they would not shoot him out of fear of his mental illness or with excuses of potential weapons in his backpack)
I walked past this mural which was so cute! Its been a long time since I’ve blown bubble gum. I used to be quite good at it. What happened to that fun? I never see kids do it anymore. You?
I walked past this open door only to turn back around and sit my butt inside. It was called Bar Saeso. I ordered a brilliant gin and lime spritzer which had a bit of cucumber and mint in it. Was a perfectly refreshing cocktail to keep me moving.
Admiring the Contemporary Arts Museum. I can’t wait until the museums and concerts open back up to restore the lost creative vibe.
An awesome mural, one of many in our city. I applied for a job at ArtWorksCincinnati since I am such a fan of this art form and their non-profit movement. Unfortunately I got the generic rejection letter reply. Maybe next time!
Made it down to The Banks and people were out in full force, riding bikes, walking, skateboarding, walking their dogs…gorgeous day to just be outside.
The Red’s Baseball Stadium itching for April’s opening day.
The Roebling Bridge was closed, yet again, to cars but you are still able to walk across. So I continued trekking across the river and into Covington.
And of course, in typical Tonya style, I ended up at an Irish Pub. I texted a few friends who later joined me for a beer. Was awesome getting out.
Guinness and fried pickles. I packed the leftover pickles to take home, only to later find them in the bottom of my bag after the hike home.
Lime scooter rental history.
It was dark out by the time I crossed back over to the Ohio side of the river, so in attempts to save time and energy, I jumped on the first available rental scooter to ride home. The funny thing about this was:
1. The scooter had absolutely no brakes left, so every time I had to stop I was forced to drag my feet off the side. This was a little hazardous to anyone who got in my way and to myself as I entered intersections.
2. I have a very sharp incline to get up to my house and this scooter decided it did not have the power to carry my weight up it. So I had to ditch the scooter and hike the rest of the way home.
Not complaining, just part of the story. Was fun and I love those scooters! I felt like a tourist in my own town. A fun day making the best out of the weather and enjoying my day off.
I’m sure I looked this cool riding mine!
Believe it or not, you can do this in the very city you live in too.
Ohio has gotten its fair share of snow this month with temperatures dropping well below freezing. Just getting down my steps is a challenge. Driving out of the un-shoveled driveway another. So most of my days are stuck indoors which makes me a bit stir crazy.
Reminds me of Gene Wilder and Richard Prior. Classic film.
Zoe and I decided it was time to recreate our interior and lighten up the mood of our first floor. We have had the same paint color in the condo since the twins were about 5 years old, so it was due for a face lift! Being that we are now an all female/girl power home, we also decided to add some pink tones to the walls, something I would never have dared to do before.
This is what our backyard is looking like this February.
No amount of salt keeps the ice off the steps since the water drips constantly down from the icicles hanging from our faulty roofing. Makes this being the only entrance in and out quite a challenge.
So we decided to paint.
This is the before of our kitchen. Rusty red toned.
Face lifted to a sage green.
Looking out of the kitchen toward the dining room.
We changed the dining room to a dustier blue. Cookie has his updated holiday sweater on too, always handsome, sporting a new look the girls dress him in.
Capturing the dining, entry and kitchen.
After- still loving my original pieces of art Bobby bought me for my 40th birthday, a decade ago and now we have a futon that we can’t move but are not willing to get rid of yet. My new Ruth Bader Ginsburg pillow setting the right attitude/mood.
Our living room before.
And after.
Much lighter and brighter, with pink and coral accent walls.
Took two weeks of nonstop chaos in the house. Poor Cookie was so anxious not knowing where his sleeping beanbag was going to be placed next. I can’t believe we kicked it out so quickly. But feels great having a brighter, lighter, new energy home to hide from winter’s wrath outside.
Stephanie and I planned a hike up in Mason Saturday am, but we were worried about the mud due to all the rains we had the night prior. She doesn’t own a pair of hiking boots and in all honesty hiking is not her joy, but she was willing to go with me so we could squeeze in a much needed visit.
As I was looking over her Christmas cards she received from their many friends, I noticed one family standing in front of the Third Eye Brewery. (seemed odd for a Christmas card) This was a new brewery that opened up in the summer of 2020, despite Covid. She explained that her friends were part owners so we decided to go there for lunch instead.
The third eye is typically known as the mind’s eye and it looks for new possibilities.
According to Google “Also known as the ‘Ajna chakra’, our third eye is considered to be extremely powerful because it is a potent source of intuitive wisdom which can guide you towards creative pursuits, do away with negativity, provide knowledgeable insight and perhaps lead you to the highest form of intelligence helping open your eyes …
This brewery hopes to “open your mind’s eye, one pint at a time.”
Loved the psychedelic Ohio sign right when you come in.
We ordered two different flights and every one of the beers was unique and enjoyable. I was told they rotate their brew options which continually drives the locals in to try the latest tap.
Motto is perfectly simple.
They were as cautious as possible with the social distancing requirements with plastic screens separating tables and plenty of spaced apart seating. It was surprisingly busy! I imagine in the summer it would be packed since they have two levels of outdoor seating.
As I reflect back on 2020, I realize how difficult it’s been on everyone. Our lives turned upside down with the unpredictable world that we live in somehow seeming even more dramatically unbalanced.
With the loss of a main source of income I was forced in 2020 to rethink my ability to survive financially in Thailand while still supporting my home in Cincinnati. The pandemic, as much as I wanted to ignore it, convinced many people to move back to their native countries, for good reason. With flights being cancelled and rules with international travel and visas changing daily, it was natural to feel comforted by retreating to be close by established friends, family and back in the countries where our passports were originally from. Dreams changed.
Not everyone needed to make such a bold move and I admire all the expats still braving it out in countries they have now made home. I was a newbie”. With my Korean tenants back in Cincinnati no longer able to afford rent and life as we knew it causing pause in priorities, I found myself back in The States. Much like the same calling that moved me to Phuket, a similar voice told me to come back for what I hoped would be a new start.
It was definitely that. Not necessarily the happy- happy I wished it would be, but nonetheless, exactly as intended by the Universe. My next step was more of a lesson of strength. Maybe the answers I never wanted to hear, and possibly the perfect push for me to find myself again to ready for the next adventure life has to offer.
Last night I journaled about my 2020 by month and found that it was quite filled. Filled with joy, adventures, new sites, challenges, love and loss, accomplishments but most importantly friendships. I am the most blessed when it comes to the people that surround me, encouraging me, showing me what the purpose of life is really about. People. Appreciation. Kindness. Love. Faith. Endurance.
Ringing in 2020 at Patong Beach was WAY different than what my New Year’s 2021 looked like. Packed with people, fireworks, partying and carefree energy! I was fortunate to have my daughters with me creating memories together that will last a lifetime!
After a trip to Germany and then the USA in January and February, I returned back to Phuket to enjoy many sun filled adventures with Noni and Jason. It was life as usual in Thailand with very little Covid-19 cases and my thoughts were that the situation was overly exaggerated.
When schools went to online virtual learning, I thought it was an excellent opportunity for my daughter Sedona to join me in Phuket. This was March and irrationally I thought it would be great hanging out together while we waited for the illness spread to subside. We travelled to Chiang Mai and enjoyed a very eerie tourist- free visit. During the last day there, everything was shut down by the Thai government and we were thankful to be able to safely return to Phuket.
The pandemic brought with it a lot of changes. Masks, online working, virtual group chats and lockdowns that tested all of our patience in April. Thailand government banned the sale of alcohol during this pandemic month and that was a sobering reality to face alone.
In May after seeing the tropical island I was living on become a ghost town, I had a calling to return home. A shove more or less. With optimistic hopes of renewing broken relationships and being there during this difficult time of Covid, Trumpers, upcoming elections and continual struggles facing America. I booked my flights out in July, when the international airports opened back up for travel.
In August, a month after my return, my relationship with Justin finally met its ghosted end. I am still honestly struggling with this loss of such a supportive friend and lover. But am letting time heal the wounds, with a little bit of therapy help as well.
I retreated to the outdoors, learning from what brought me joy in Phuket= nature. I downloaded the AllTrails app and started hiking trails everywhere I went. The fall foliage could not have been prettier this year and I again find nature the place I feel most alive.
I started therapy in September and continue to grow and learn through my weekly visits. I have never done counseling before besides marriage counseling which was filled with lies and deceit. I had no idea what to expect from it, but I honestly am not sure I would have made it through this year -end without it! I am forever thankful for Traci who set me up and KangKang who seems to spiritually guide me from Taiwan sending enlightening podcasts and quotes that get me through!
In November I launched my own inspirational photobooks, deciding there may be others that could use some support during these winter months. My only hope was to inspire others to get out in nature and see what She is telling us.
I mean what a ride right? Filled with growth and challenges but also hope and inspiration.
I reflect on all the beautiful friends I have shared 2020 with, as captured in the below recap photos. All these photos were taken in 2020 and yet not all friends and family are represented in the shots.
I directly feel energy from people and that is what makes Covid times so difficult- not being able to hug or feel the direct love one receives and gives when in personal contact with others or in groups. But for now, I am thankful. I got a lot of hugs in at the beginning of the year and continue my one on one safe distance visits to this day.
Stay safe and may 2021 come with even more lessons and blessings for us all.
Paul, Linda, KangKang, Yvonne, Rebecca, Blair, Kassie and Nancy.
Bob, Ron, Jason, Noni, Virlane, Min, Karen, Susan, May, Uncle Jim,Rebecca and James.
Mimi, Debbie, Stephanie, Julie, Solaire, Jane, Denise, Kathy, and Zoe.
Tiffani, Traci, Ann, Jeff, Beth, Luiz, Sarah and Zvezda.
I love each and every one of you! Stay unique. Stay true.
The only fully walking bridge in Cincinnati is lit up for the holidays. I only heard about it from a friend’s post on FB and decided to take a look. I was feeling a tad low and asked Luiz to meet me for some fresh air. Not a whole lot you can do during Covid times so we bundled up and had a great night.
Even though it was raining, we both enjoyed getting out and seeing some new sites together.
Always a great view of the city from Newport.
A purple lit ‘Make a Wish ‘tree is at the entrance of the bridge.
I have never seen the locks here before, but nice that they are allowing in restricted areas.
I’ve read news that the weight of the locks on the bridges in Paris is becoming an issue with stability.
“The Pont des Arts is most famous for being the Lock Bridge in Paris. Visitors to the bridge attach personalized padlocks to its railing and throw the keys away in the Seine River.
Despite the government of Paris removing many of the locks in 2015, over a million more (approximately 45 tons) have been placed on the bridge since then.”
Such a quaint walk, even with a little drizzle, the purple lights lifted my mood.
It feels good to get out, even in the colder weather. Just seeing something new always makes my days and/or nights more meaningful.
Happy Holidays! We may not be able to gather with loved ones but we can get outside still and enjoy the world around us.
When I returned to the USA, it was not an easy transition. I came back where I was not openly welcomed. I ended up losing complete contact with two of the people I love most. One, my man who was very supportive to me throughout my time in Thailand and second, my daughter. The loss of total communication with both has been heart wrenching to say the least. I still struggle daily in attempts to make any sense of it.
But as I look back through my hiking photos, I can see my growth and gradual transition. One that occurred in the woods, alone, but also with very dear friends by my side. And to them I pay tribute.
This was my very first hike, after returning from Thailand. I am still golden brown. But you can see from my expression, lost in purpose and depleted in spirit.
My very first hike with a companion, was with my good friend Linda. She has been such a cheerleader to me and without her I would be lost. She is always thankful and appreciative, a lesson for us all.
Denise, my ex coworker, who has taught me that being kind is the most important characteristic in life. She doesn’t have a bad bone in her body- EVER.
Debbie, a childhood friend who I have known for over 40 years, is always filled with love, sarcasm and a realistic view of life and our choices. She has always encouraged me to get out. (physically and mentally!) Without her push, I may not have appreciated nature in Ohio as I have.
Rebecca, who has been on at least 5 hikes with me in these past months, has been my steady-spiritual guide through finding myself again. I lean on her daily for guidance and empathy.
Kathy, who has been by my side since 1996, has always welcomed me as a member of her own family and taught me how to watch my negative speech patterns and learn how to bring good energy back into my life.
Kevin, who hiked the urban downtown loop with me, encouraged me to see myself in a positive way again. The way he saw me.
Nancy, my awesome neighbor, who is another urban hiker who has taught me to draw boundaries and keep pushing myself. But also to continue to be quirky and have fun- as you can see from the headbands she purchased.
Jeff, a lifelong friend, who was the first man I called when my therapist asked me to name a positive male role model in my life.
My posse, who hiked Chicago Riverwalk with to-go cups. Stephanie helped me through my divorce dark days and never let me down on our monthly check ins & Julie, who is a comfort to my soul. Always listening, never judging and such an inspiration for us all!
My sister Tiffani, who although fearful pushes through, even when we are off the beaten path and pushing our limits with nature. Mom and Dad definitely raised some independent women!
Zvezda who listens to the whispers of the trees and taught me the beauty of nature’s sounds. She has a spirit that never loses energy or site of her true value.
Virlane, who is not much of a hiker, but was a trooper and explored Illinois trails with me. She is a spiritual soulmate that I am so lucky to have met in Phuket. She reads my cards and brought me the new word RISK’ which will be my 2021 focus. (and possible tattoo)
Luiz, who gave me this beret. We recently hiked and he taught me that getting out and venting can lead to brighter tomorrows.
Anne and I have hiked once but more recently sit our butts in front of a bonfire in her amazing back deck area. She has been there to validate my Findlay past and encourage my adventures. She is such a strong positive influence for anyone who is around her!
And today, a beautiful hike with Beth and Linda. A trio that works ironically with zero angst, we just naturally fit together. Beth is a survivor that never complains and is always filled with soft spoken wisdom that awakens my heart with her words.
There are so many more friends that have been amazingly supportive but the above are my trail-mates. Those that wander with me and don’t care if we get lost. I am so blessed and will forever be thankful for those that do come into my life and leave me nuggets of wisdom, inspiration and positivity. After all, isn’t that what life is all about? Moving forward and doing our best.
May our trails take us to new roads and new lessons in nature.
A visit with Virlane is good for my soul. It will always include way too much alcohol consumption, many laughs and shared stories and spiritual growth. She consistently offers hope and perspective to every day. I missed our We Cafe lunches in Phuket!
Catching up again in the Midwest was equally fulfilling!
Illinois has no inside dining but we discovered Cowboy Monkey had heated outdoor garden houses that were perfect for a Saturday night out.
Cozy in our little reflective private dining shed.
I ate bundled up in my fluffy coat and equally warm hat!
Virlane does card reading from a deck called “Points of You”- created out of Israel. I LOVE these cards as they are amazingly accurate and visual. I’ve always responded better to pictures than words.
Before you pull the cards, you have to set an intension of what you are asking” answers or guidance for. Ironically, both times, the very same question I asked prior to pulling the set of cards, ended up being the question card I pulled out. To understand the chances of this- its one in about 35 chances! Or even the chance that what I am asking is in the question cards alone is a universal coincidence.
This group of cards was pulled to answer “what I needed to do next with a new man in my life.
This is a photo showing the “word” card choices. There are many and I kid you NOT, three times IN A ROW I pulled the “risk” card out. The third time I split the deck and when I pulled the card out I joked, this one better not be “risk”- —-and it was.
That is definitely telling me something. About me. About what I need. And where I am going next.
This is a new deck she got at a retreat and wanted to try with me.
They are beautifully inspirational. The woman who created this deck spoke at her conference.
I pulled this deck in questioning my relationship with my daughter Sedona.
And this one in regards to myself. It couldn’t be more accurate.
My daughter Zoe was the subject of this reading.
And then finally, me questioning what I am to do next “for me. What is my next move? What motivates me.
When I saw the word PAIN, I was not happy. Felt like I was going to endure more. But after rethinking, Virlane explained that sometimes pain is becoming” from pain. Blossoming from a state of pain. Regardless – I know I need to have fun, take risks and keep moving ahead!
Only 5 more weeks until Christmas! With shopping mostly all online due to the pandemic and our only safe escape being outdoors, inspirational books make excellent gifts!
My ‘Lessons in Nature’ books are awesome sized stocking stuffers at 5″x5″ and only 20$ each.
Created to inspire others to see the beauty in life through nature. There are two different books. One ‘Phuket, Thailand’ and the other ‘Ohio & Kentucky Trails.’ Limited supplies available. Selling out quickly, get yours before its too late!
My mom was an elementary school librarian. I imagine she would’ve been proud that I published a couple books that are expressing my view to the reader of how I see nature and poetry.
Kihiru glancing through my Lessons in Nature book just released.
She would’ve also loved the public home community libraries that I find scattered throughout the Cincinnati area.
I am not sure if these adorable shared book drops exist in other neighborhoods. But the ones I have seen in Cincinnati are so creative and artistic. While seeking them out on my urban walks, I also discovered other artistic displays in the local neighborhoods.
This was the first community library I took a photo of in Covington, Ky. It opened my eyes to many others.
Seen in Mt. Auburn on a walk with Nancy.
Hidden in Walnut Hills.
Hyde Park neighborhood making a strong statement about freedom of speech.
Another Northern Kentucky community library I captured while driving by.
Ludlow area in Clifton.
Outside a church.
I love how creatively painted they are.
Seriously I am in love with the mailbox and how perfectly it compliments the house.
As I continued walking in Ludlow, I also noticed another oddity and creative artform. Painted electrical boxes. I took a few photos for you to see. Is there anything in your neighborhoods quite like this?
My favorite!
Where’s Waldo.
This area of town is nick -named the gaslight district.
I love how they took an eyesore and made it something to look at admirably instead.
The weather is starting to get chilly and was forecasted for rain this weekend, so after my Friday hike, I started looking into things I could do indoors. I booked a ticket to take a tour of the Cincinnati Observatory for Sunday. Only 5$. Reservations in advance due to Covid of course.
I have never been here even though it is literally right around the corner from where I used to drop my kids off every morning for elementary school. Being a tourist in my own city is so fun. Even more fun, I met a guy here and actually went on a first date. (destiny?) Time will tell. 🙂
This is the main building that houses the museum and the newer telescope. When I say newer, it’s still from the 1800s!
The history here was fascinating and the Dr. who gave us the tour (I didn’t catch his name but he was an interesting character) was filled with cool information. Anyone that knows me, knows I get bored with history easily, but his stories made this historical observatory lesson so intriguing. He was also a professor at the University of Cincinnati alongside Neil Armstrong.
This is the building that houses the original telescope. This telescope was originally located in Mt. Adams but due to the industrial pollution, was then moved to this location which at the time was all farmland.
The Cincinnati Observatory was the very first public observatory in the USA! John Quincy Adams came to give a speech for its opening and that is how Mt. Adams got its name. They still hold evening parties that allow the public to view through these old fashion telescopes. I will definitely put it on my bucket list.
Always looking up into nature, had to capture this tree on the property.
This is the original telescope. The lense was imported from Germany.
He showed us how the dome maneuvered and opened up. Also pointed out the gas lamps that used to light the facilities back in the days before electricity. Think about that. This telescope existed and was utilized prior to the invention of electricity.
Outside was a sundial sidewalk.
Painting is the portrait of the man who established this place. He was from Lebanon, Ohio and graduated high school at age 13. Then got into college at West Point on the east coast. He could not afford transportation, so he walked!
In 1842, Cincinnati professor Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel was a dynamic, eloquent speaker and the first American populizer of astronomy – the Carl Sagan of the 1800s. Mitchel began raising money for the telescope and the observatory building.
This is the newer telescope on the second floor of the original building. There were a few ropes hanging along the side and I wondered if anyone hung themselves here. Later, the Dr told us in fact someone had.
Tonya Takes Thailand 