Signs, Signs, Everywhere are Signs

Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?

And the sign said “Long-haired freaky people need not apply”
So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why
He said “You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you’ll do”
So I took off my hat, I said “Imagine that. Huh! Me workin’ for you!”

And the sign said anybody caught trespassin’ would be shot on sight
So I jumped on the fence and-a yelled at the house
“Hey! What gives you the right?”
“To put up a fence to keep me out or to keep mother nature in”
“If God was here he’d tell you to your face, man, you’re some kinda sinner

“Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?

Now, hey you, mister, can’t you read?
You’ve got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat
You can’t even watch, no you can’t eat
You ain’t supposed to be here
The sign said you got to have a membership card to get inside

And the sign said, “Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray”
But when they passed around the plate at the end of it all
I didn’t have a penny to pay
So I got me a pen and a paper and I made up my own little sign
I said, “Thank you, Lord, for thinkin’ ’bout me. I’m alive and doin’ fine”

FIVE MAN ELECTRICAL BAND- 1971 SONG LYRICS

As I walked around the prestigious neighborhood of Hyde Park I was happy to see the fight for justice and love alive and well.

Instead of political signs, there are signs about what matters most.

Love this show of support for our melting pot neighbors!

Well said. And if we can’t then shame on us as Americans.

Not sure who lives here, but very creative expression of their COVID concerns.

Clever little social distancing sign at the parks.

I mentioned to my neighbor Nancy, who owns the front half of our condo, that we needed a sign for our yard. She constructed this one by hand so we can put out front. Love my neighbors.

Signs from the universe. -- that I keep choosing to ignore haha

Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm- Martinville, Ohio

In seeking mode this summer, I started looking for places to visit that may bring joy my way. Natural beauty is a sure bet for uplifting my soul. On Facebook I discovered there were lavender farms in my area. Doesn’t that sound amazing?

I convinced my daughter Zoe to take the hour drive with me. She navigated through winding country roads where both of us were a bit nervous, seeing some “Guns and God TRUMP signs”, but we eventually made it to the oasis.

It was a beautiful overcast, zero humidity day.

Adorable Zoe posing by the mosaic peace sign.

I bent down to smell the lavender. The scent was not as strong as anticipated. Zoe cracked me up by saying, “we have this in our backyard.”

The hour drive was a bust and I personally would not recommend it. Maybe it was less eventful due to Covid or possibly the time of year we went. Regardless, it was a reminder that seeking beauty doesn’t always guarantee it.

On the drive we passed this quaint church in the middle of the country and I asked Zoe to snap a photo. Something about its simplicity in the landscape was quiet and admirable.

When we turned a corner off a state route, this old factory/mill had a color and presence that captured my attention.

I keep looking, seeking, hoping new enlightenments continue to bless me.

Settling into new Colors

I wanted to do a quick post as I noticed how different my colors are here in Cincy vs Phuket.

When I left Phuket, with my two suitcases, I took a quick photo for memory sake. I noticed now when looking back, how drab the coloration of the condo was. I loved it, don’t get me wrong, but it’s interesting to me the contrast between then and now.

In Phuket, everything inside my condo was grey, taupe, black and white. But the landscape was unreal in colorations of turquoise, blue and green.

Now my interior is vibrant and bold, like my suitcases. The landscape here is more earthy with greys and browns, with the occasional foliage green color. I have always loved color. In general it affects my moods. Anyone else have this awareness of color effects on their emotions?

New view in my Cincy condo. My desk now sits in front of the window which occasionally causes issues with lighting and heat with no escape from the sun in the afternoons.

I had canvas art made from some of the photos I took during my last month’s adventures in Phuket. They work perfectly in my room and remind me of my journeys and the joy discovered there.

80 Moving on quotes and Moving forward quotes

My Backyard Getaway

Being back in the USA city life, without beaches nearby to aid in my mental retreat, I feel very fortunate to have a getaway in my own backyard. I live in the heart of Cincinnati, in the middle of urban historic suburbia. Our neighborhood was the first established suburb of Cincinnati in 1837. The District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 28, 1973 (No. 73001464). Mount Auburn was founded as a hilltop retreat for Cincinnati’s social elite where wealthier people could escape the dirt, heat, smoke and crowded conditions of the lower city.

We have a little paradise in our hood thanks to our neighbors! They have invested in landscaping what once was an unuseable piece of land, filled with weeds and in need of love. The below photos will show the miracle that transformed combining two yards together in what is now a cherished piece of property that all the neighbors enjoy.

Our houses are all close together and this gem can only be seen from the back. There are soon to be chickens added as well as a napping hammock for your truly. (❤️my neighbors)

Walkways guide you throughout the garden spaces.

Lined with flowers that bloom during the different seasons. I missed the tulips this spring.

This is my neighbor Waverly, who is 5 years old. She helped me by being my model for some of the photos.

Ron got a scarecrow for his vegetable garden area for his birthday. Hand made by his kids. We love this addition.

Bob and Ron threw an outdoor dinner party and the weather couldn’t have been better.

They have a Japanese tea house in their yard which we retreat to for appetizers and cocktails.

Can you see Waverly in one of the distant sitting areas? Trying to show you the perspective of this land.

This little iron walkway bridge I admittedly have tumbled over on a fun drunken summer evening long ago.

We get a ton of wildlife including beavers, butterflies, dragonflies, raccoons and feral cats with no tails.

Bees are everywhere thanks to Chad’s beehive contributions.

Chad’s new beehives, a work in progress. He offers honey to all the neighbors.

He also has his own vegetable garden and firepit area which is closest to his property at the bottom of the hill. I often glance out my bedroom window at night to see a roaring fire.

Showing the three houses at the top of the hill – Bob/Ron’s , Beth/Clint’s and mine in between.

Waverly was playing with her confetti pikachus. I am currently babysitting two of them.

You can discover a lot of hidden treasures along these walkways.

My old neighbors purchased this bunny statue to mark the grave of our beloved pet that died.

When it rains, water trickles down this stone creek. I will forever be thankful for this land that has been nurtured.

University of Cincinnati- Angles and Architecture

Today I decided to walk aimlessly around my neighborhood to see if there was anything new going on. I noticed much less trash around the block, many new houses getting rehabbed with still quite a few boarded up and abandoned.

As I wandered out of my neighborhood I ended up detouring through the area near UC to see if things were reopened. There were very few restaurants open. Some stores and businesses looked permanently closed. I ended up crossing the street from short Vine and ended up at my alma mater campus.

I didn’t plan on being there, but I continued to tour the campus and started looking as if I were there for the first time. I found myself admiring all the angles. I wondered if anyone planned them, or if they just happened. I found myself constantly looking for new views and discovered so much beauty here. Of course the blue skies and perfect weather helped my positive outlook.

When I attended UC, I did not make the best of campus life. It was more a means to an end. I went to class and worked waitressing my way through tuition costs. The one benefit besides my degree, which landed me a job in NYC after college, was the handful of lifelong friendships I gathered along the way! Shout out to Angie, Cindy and Kelly. (God knows how they put up with me during those crazy years)

The first creative view I noticed as I entered the east side of UC.

Then I couldn’t help but admire the angles of the grass, steps and building in the background.

The voids in the buildings displayed to me how this campus was thoroughly planned out.

I admired the historical clock tower in the background mixed with the new angles.

I sat under this tree for some shade. Such a gorgeous day.

Stunning and yet disturbing example of design.

This monster is where most of my classes were held back in the day, the chemistry building. I remember all the academics in white lab coats mixing with our group of scarily contrasting fashion design students.

Another view of the holes and pathways to the other side. Symbolic for a university.

I noticed signs throughout campus I don’t remember those when I was there.

I was impressed with all the green spaces on this once concrete campus.

Looking toward the dorm where I spent my first year. Roomie Cindy to this day is the most comforting person to me.

Check out all the angles. Even the concrete balls on the pavement add to the vision. Each building on campus has its own personality, yet beautifully work together somehow.

Quite an architectural wonder the University of Cincinnati is.

Felt good to wander around without anyone on campus and just admire the facilities. My eyes are open to what this world has to offer us. Visually impactful. Whether natural or made made.

Up in the Air

I couldn’t help noticing how magnificent our world is when looking down from above. It’s been awhile since many of us have seen this view. Maybe that is why I was appreciating it all the more, not knowing when I would get a chance to fly again. I took some cool photos from my airplane window view seat. Decided to post and share my journey back to the USA.

Flying out of Phuket I could see the tiny island that Noni and I went to when we stayed at the resort.

The sky was so flipping blue! and the clouds adorable.

Truly picturesque. This is why I always get a window seat.

Check out all the angles at this airport.

Love how architecture is also a feature in airports. It has such an impact on those travelling.

Geared up at Qatar Airlines heading to Doha.

Arrived in Qatar at 10 pm with my next flight to Chicago scheduled at 8 am. This is where I slept. They had this awesome public closed off room, separating men from women, and it was called the silent room. Perfect!

I swear this shot looks like art. It was so beautiful.

Arrived in Cincinnati at midnight and these amazing wild flowers were waiting for me from Jane, my ex-coworker who is a silent follower of my blog. So love that she gets me! And is encouraging my spirit to stay positive.

Quotes of Note– “You Can Fly!” | James Milson - Writing & Things

Goodbye Phuket; Until we meet Again

As many of you know, I move to the calling of God and what He wants for my life. It is not always logical. I do my best to listen. I try my best to appreciate all time as it comes and goes. That being said, I am moving back to the USA today.

I no longer look at this decision as a permanent step in my world, but rather a step I am meant to take for whatever reason, for now. It brings calm to my empath crazy head and that is when I especially know it’s right. Not a whole lot stops that emotional thinking.

Phuket and my adventures here have served me well. I have zero regrets. I will forever be thankful and will cherish the year + I’ve spent here. The friends I’ve made have taught me so much. The landscape I have been blessed to see is beyond paradise. I have my blog and photos to dive back into whenever I need an escape.

I am debating whether to keep this blog, or start a new one with new USA adventures. I have to evaluate what I gain from the time spent sharing and/or if having this outlet is vital to my personal well being. Starting this blog in April 2019 originally was a means to keep my family and friends back home informed of my move to Thailand and not bore the Facebook community.

But I wonder if it has become more important for me than them?

So much has changed for me during this quick year. So much has changed in the world. Tipped on its axis, what’s our next move? How does this play out for all of us? The uncertainty is heavy. One thing I know is that having my loyal readers along for the ride has been a strength unexpected. Thank you. Until we meet again.

Last Dance at Delico

As noted previously, I wanted to treat Mimi to Delico to express my appreciation for her friendship. I ended up there a couple times this week. I am actually a regular now 🙂

Mimi told me Delico was just like Thais, beautiful on the outside but no substance on the inside. It is a false representation. She explained that it took her several years to see this in the Thai people. She admitted Burmese people are not very smart, but have huge hearts.

She was telling me how her country always has to protect their borders from neighboring countries who want their mines which are filled with valuable gems. She said the people in Myanmar can be dirt poor but wear precious jewels that are meaningless to them. I need to research and understand more about this place. I hope to visit there one day when she goes back.

The drink menu. Impressive layout and photography.

One of my Taiwanese students was just telling me about this drink so when I saw it on the menu I decided to give it a try. It’s espresso with soda water and lemon. Was refreshing once I got used to the combination of flavors.

Afterwards Mimi came up to my condo and I showed her a few things that I was getting rid of. She said she would take any/everything. So Sunday afternoon I loaded up my backpack, scooter seat, hobo bag and front hook of the bike and headed to the Art C to deliver. I gave her my favorite Desigual skirt which I knew she would look great in.

When I arrived she had 4 different chicken dishes ready for me as well as three beers which she had to swindle off a local because the 7/11 would not sell it to her due to the ‘full moon holiday’.

I stayed and visited until the Art C owner came in. She immediately jumped when she saw him and went to grab him some lunch. I felt the need to quickly finish my beer and leave the premises. She told me that he has abandoned the pizza shop idea and she is not sure what he is up to now. She explained that she really doesn’t care. Right now she is just in charge of the Art C as workers come and dismantle all the fans, lighting, etc.

I was saddened earlier when discussing religion, we were talking about karma and Mimi explained that some Buddhists sects believe that once you die you are just dead and are not reincarnated. She said she is hoping that is true because she doesn’t want to come back. Life is too hard and she does not want to have to do it over again.

Monday Jason informed me it was a holiday and wanted to know if I would do lunch. So I met him and Tek at Delico. My new favorite place.

Desserts from Delico. Look great, taste bland.

My dessert on the other hand was amazing! The presentation of it was a work of art. The chocolate was warm and had a hint of coconut flavor to it. Plus it looked good with my outfit 🙂

I convinced Jason and Tek to pose on the chaise. I wanted them to do the George Costanza pose- but as fun as they are, they refused.

Image result for chaise poses | Art of seduction, Poster prints ... — I miss Seinfeld. But will miss my friends in Phuket more for sure.

Looking Up

Blogging through seeking eyes has helped me to look at life differently. I attempt to capture the moments in order to expose the beauty I see while travelling. It’s a journal of sorts that I am happy to share. I’m constantly looking at my surroundings to see what perspectives are interesting to me while trying to get a feel for a place.

One thing I symbolically do is always look up. The sky offers so many lessons in it’s continuous transformation and the trees offer strength reminders as they reach toward it. I wanted to show a few shots I collected that helped my vision and remind me of what my life in Phuket is about.

Banana Rock Beach- surrounded by green comfort

Tri Trang Beach- colorful fall like colors

Frienday Sunday

I met James for brunch Sunday, the rest of the crew was unavailable. He and I recapped our crazy night filled with a few regrets but many more fun memories! He had to get up at 7 am and work. I was so glad that was not me. I love my one- on- one time with friends. We basically solved the world’s problems and a few of our own, then parted ways.

We both ordered rehydration smoothies. They are so pretty! Had fresh watermelon and mango bits on top.

I told Rebecca I would text her if I was ever in the area where she lived. So after brunch I reached out to see if she was available for me to say hello. When I heard back from her I was not far from her house, so I decided to swing by. I’d never been there before. When I pulled up to the place she pinned, Lesley came out from her house and greeted me. Seeing her was a bonus I didn’t expect.

I found out Rebecca is in the midst of moving to live right across the street from Lesley and Sunil. What a fun neighborhood! It was great for me to get the tour of their houses. I’d never really gotten to see the inside of a neighborhood like theirs. The houses had plenty of space, quiet streets, gardens and patios, was located close to beaches and shopping and totally affordable. They pay less than I do for a 3 bedroom house!

Jeevie was showing me her garden and I asked her to put her hand up so I could explain how huge these elephant leaf plants are growing next door. Jeevie is growing pineapple, chilis, bananas and all sort of food in her garden.

This is Rebecca with Leslie. Now next door neighbors. Rebecca is moving from her previous house just up the street. She explained it was time for a different juju.

I took Rebecca’s dog Tin Tin for a walk. Rebecca was in full blown moving mode and had a team of about 7 Burmese workers loading up the truck, unloading, putting furniture together, planting her plants, etc.

Cutest family ever! They rode their bikes and showed me the pond near their subdivision. Jeevie bought some fish food and we practically fed the entire bag to the huge fish swimming there. Was very entertaining and great exercise jogging down there with Tin Tin.

This is the zen garden at Rebecca’s new place. I would live out in this courtyard. It was beautiful.

It was interesting to see how they remove all the landscaping that they added to their houses when they move. They literally dug them out of the old yard to replant them into the new place. That was a bit different from the USA. We would never plant anything and then remove it.

It was also really cool to see how the neighbors all have gardens and grow a lot of their own fruits. From what Rebecca explained they all share them up and down the street.

You could tell which houses were owned vs rented by the upkeep but also some of the owned houses were painted a unique color like purple, pink and blue. I wanted to live in one of those! I loved the colors.

Many houses were empty and available to rent. Would definitely consider moving here if the time was right. Until then- – – – – –