My ex- coworker and friend Jane, recommended this annual Halloween event knowing I spend a lot of time in Louisville, Kentucky. I convinced my daughter Zoe to come down and spend Friday night with me and we bought tickets for the 8:30 walk through.
I had no idea what to expect. But this was so much fun! I wish I knew about it sooner when my kids were younger. Would’ve been worth the 1 1/2 drive to see. Honestly it was equally appreciated at our age now. We noticed it attracted families, dates, older generations and younger. Quite an artform. Highly recommended.
On our way in, I noticed parents taking photos of their kids beside the giant pumpkin, so I made Zoe pose. Afterall she will always be my kid.
You walk through the Iroquois Amphitheater to the wooded trails of Iroquois Park.
As soon as you enter you are surrounded by hand carved lit pumpkins, everywhere you turn. Its so beautiful. There were different themes as you walk through.
There were little cottages and music playing throughout.
It was a great place to talk and spend time together. The weather this month has been gorgeous. No chill in the air. Perfect fall season.
Hocus Pocus.
A really cool Frankenstein.
Edgar Allen Poe- appropriate for Halloween. We saw a sign saying 5,000 pumpkins met their death for this display.
Alice in Wonderland.
There was so much to see. I am sure you could walk through twice and notice different things every time.
The Little Mermaid.
Each carved pumpkin was unique. Made me wonder how they organized it all. If they had different groups in charge of different themes. Or if they just had random people carve their own pumpkin and then displayed them throughout as background. None had the same expression.
They even stacked them up along the posts. It was really cool. Well worth the $20.00 fee.
This experience made me appreciate this American holiday.
Have you ever seen anything like this?
We managed a selfie and noticed how much we looked alike at times.
Humpty Dumpty- a classic.
I sent this photo to my friend Traci who loves Hamilton.
Zoe loved this one. I forget what it was but she knew immediately.
It took us an hour to walk through it all.
Snoopy! The perfect Halloween show- released in 1966. Still a must see.
Star Trek.
vs Star Wars.
Its Howdy Doody Time!
When I got back home I found the original puppet I inherited from 1947.
They even had a Day of the Dead section.
Then a Kentucky themed section complete with a pumpkin dedicated to Jack Harlow who is proudly from Louisville.
We had our own pumpkin painting party at home.
No kid is too old for this holiday.
We set our masterpieces on the porch for all to enjoy!
After our hike at Indian Falls we noticed this very cool building and wondered what it was. The architecture was amazing so we popped inside to take a look. It was a library.
Walking down the brick lane, even the parking lot was well designed.
Loved the grassy landscape, angles and mirrored reflective windows.
Walking inside was as gorgeous as the outside. If I lived nearby I most definitely would plug in here for a couple hours of work with a view.
Made me appreciate design and the time that goes into creating spaces for people to be inspired.
When humans aren’t restricted by budgets it is amazing what they can create.
I enjoyed the shadows from the angled window panes.
Art on the wall showing subtle color change effects.
Looking out the window, I wanted to check out the bridge that looked like a threaded needle.
I googled to get my bearings and noticed we were walking over the Scioto River.
Perfect weather making this photo look like a postcard. Dublin was quite the cool little town. Happy to have stumbled upon this suburb.
In typical Tonya style, I booked Reds tickets for the wrong game on the wrong date. I called around trying to cancel the minute I hit the purchase button, but as everyone in America experiences there is no true customer service- everything is computerized and automated and nobody is truly willing to help if it means refunding your purchase.
I was upset. Mostly at myself and my quick impulsive trigger- pulling purchase. But in the end, it was perfect! After meeting George’s daughter, I wanted to spend some quality time with my own and that’s exactly what I did!
Zoe and Sedona outfitted themselves in red and black and even gave me a hat and some red lipstick to fit right in. It was great. A day at the ballpark was just what we needed.
I made them pose by Pete Rose, a favorite that I used to watch as a kid growing up.
We opted for local craft beer and a brat to start with.
Then found our amazing seats in the warm sun. We had a great view of the Brewers dugout and third base. The stadium was quite empty and people were seat jumping expectedly. There were quite a few foul balls coming our way which was fun. Seeing the kids with their mitts ready is the best.
We walked around the stadium to see what other vendors there were.
Zoe was trying to get the attention of number 22 who admittedly was cute! Even made an impressive sliding catch. Zoe is too shy to taunt him but we bet her to go down to the edge to see if she could.
Check out these colors! Green, red, blue- with the skyline in the background. We are so fortunate here in Cincinnati- it was closing season for the Reds but the Bengals are just beginning and everyone was out in either red or orange to show their spirit.
Enjoy these days while the blue skies are still showing up.
You have to love a good fall day. The cool breeze against the warmth of the sun, the contrast. The seasons are definitely changing. Symbolically in my life there is definitely change happening too.
I met George’s 8 year old daughter this weekend. It was something I have been totally looking forward to and was so glad the moment finally arrived. Out of respect I will not post any photos but couldn’t wait to share!
We went to a pumpkin patch which was such a great way to begin to know each other, have space and create memories!
For 5$ you got to go on a tractor ride over to the neighboring fields.
The farmer dropped us off in a maze of corn. It was perfectly sized for kids, not a get- lost and panic sort of place, but rather a nice trail experience with a different terrain and several options.
Reminded me of my childhood. Playing in the cornfields pretending to be hunted down by the sound of any nearby tractor.
Not sure why but I love this photo of my muse.
When we came out the opposite end there was a huge field of still attached pumpkin and squash. I honestly can’t recall literally picking my own pumpkin off the vine before. It was a new experience for me.
I captured this tiny spider basking in the sun.
We wandered around finding the perfect one that we felt we wanted to take home. I found a few unique shaped gourds that I couldn’t resist. I didn’t realize you had to take them inside to get weighed in order to pay for them. I stupidly thought it was part of the 5$ fee 🙂 Good thing George was buying.
When we arrived back to the shop, we each ordered some Jericho ice cream which was apparently made from the milk of their own cows. It had a totally different texture and flavor to it, very creamy! We later went out to meet the cows out back in the pasture.
Never underestimate the simple things in life. Cows out in the pasture. Pumpkin and corn fields. Vanilla ice cream. Enjoying the moment where you begin again’.
I never considered myself knowledgeable in any way. I always lost at board, card, and any sort of trivia games. I don’t read. Most of my understanding of the world comes from story telling and my own curiosity and exploration. Not any sort of report or actual data.
Nonetheless, I joined a trivia group and we are named the Trash Pandas. We never fret about coming in last and feel victorious when we get any answer right. I discovered that trivia is not about knowing the most, but having fun guessing and realizing there is so much in the world we still don’t know. (Apparently, a lot I don’t know about Africa which is always a topic that we lose out on.)
The Trash Pandas try to get out about once a month and we jump from venue to venue. Never the same place twice. This Tuesday eve we ended up at a hidden bar in OTR named Mecca.
You walk in from a side street without any signage. The outdoor area is adorable! Picnic tables are a tad unstable from what seems to be plenty of use, the decor is eclectic and charming.
Love the growth in Cincinnati OTR area. The historic buildings are such a beautiful backdrop to my selfie.
Sedona and her boyfriend Key joined in the fun and were good sports about posing for this picture.
The outdoor bar wasn’t open but I imagine during the summer weekends it would be. I so love all the new outdoor spaces created during Covid. Another positive to take in from the pandemic.
Inside was equally creative. Love the plant life, am always wondering who’s keeping them alive.
Kevin is our fearless leader at trivia holding a PhD and tons of travel experience. This man makes my adventurous soul look weak in comparison.
After coming in 4th place, Zoe arrived so she and I adventured out for one last margarita to close down this weeknight outing.
I had a visit to Ann’s new place on my calendar back in March that got rescheduled due to one of those late snow storms that randomly hit when you are expecting spring. Sadly, it wasn’t until 5 months later that I made the trip. But so happy I did.
The drive out along 32 East was in itself a preface to what was to come for my weekend. Gorgeous scenery, beautiful weather and peace away from all things responsible.
Ann (Newton) Brandon used to live in Cincinnati, and we spent a few Covid nights by her bonfire solving the world’s problems and recognizing our continual attempts to better ourselves in this lifetime. We’ve known each other since high school, although never really hung out or played the same sports. Cool how life can bring you together at later dates for different purposes.
Ann always pushes my thinking and I absolutely love hanging with her. I always feel open to express myself honestly and this trip was no different. We laughed so hard discussing a story surrounding the need to know if someone has eaten meatloaf, read our tarot cards to reveal better times coming as we shared our Findlay roots and life discoveries.
I couldn’t help but snap photos out my windshield during the drive, it was so beautiful. Lined with green, with very little traffic and perfect blue skies with continually changing clouds to entertain me.
I was breathing it in on my drive as if I were again on my solo trip out west.
I passed about 6 horse and buggys on this route on my return home. The Amish still fascinate me.
I took this photo as I started driving up Ann’s driveway. Thankful I didn’t attempt this trek in any sort of snowfall. She lives on a farm property down a very windy route which would have been challenging for sure in any weather condition.
Loved this relaxation area on her property. So artsy and inviting.
While we walked her dog Buck I kept taking in the landscape, telling her how fortunate she is to be surrounded by all this. Truly picturesque.
There were a couple stables on the property.
This white beauty came over for some scratches.
Ann pointed out this antique metal farm equipment, knowing I would love to photograph such a thing. I LOVE that people see things” and now recognize the beauty around them as if through my eyes. Nothing makes me happier.
While I was visiting with Ann, my Phuket friend, Virlane, sent me a text with a photo of her “looking up”. It literally made me so happy, knowing I somehow inspired her to capture those moments symbolically and literally.
The view outside Ann’s back sunroom. I mean how lucky is she!? Across the driveway from her is an office that designs museum exhibitions. For such a country setting, she is surrounded by open minded educated Ohioans.
I’d never been to Ohio University before which is now where Ann works. I asked her to give me a quick tour of campus.
I stopped to read the raw history of this lynching which is shocking but unfortunately not uncommon. I admired the memorial reminder.
Ann said everyone gets their picture taken under this walkway, so I struck a Tonya- style- pose. Ann gave me a bright green bandana, which I tied onto my purse, symbolizing a pledge to respect and help those with mental health issues. To listen without judgement and help direct to resources and support. She is spearheading this project on the Ohio University’s campus. This woman does so many great things to help bring awareness.
Brick walkways were everywhere making the campus rated one of the most beautiful. Ann informed me it is the oldest campus in Ohio. So I googled it- “The Ohio University” is the oldest college in the state, founded on February 18, 1804. The University opened in 1808 with one building, three students, and one professor, Jacob Lindley.”
Store fronts welcoming students back with their Bobcat colors of green and white.
The courthouse proudly in the middle of town.
Historic clock, talking about the love of wisdom.
I enjoyed this mural in the middle of the campus area, reminding everyone that labor roots are also in these mountains with the mining community.
Ann told me about a meadery close to her house, so I had to stop by, just to test them out.
The gal working there was adorable and talked me into a flight of all the meads available as well as their two ciders. She claimed it was only equivalent to two glasses of wine.
I enjoyed their history board.
They also housed a fascination with The Mothman, which I believe took place only 40 minutes away in Virginia, and Big Foot.
They had a speaker come talk about the facts surrounding Bigfoot sightings and over 70 people came to listen. They said it was one of their biggest events. Who knew?
The options tried. All were mild and not too heavy on the honey.
Let the fun begin!
Ann looking cute as ever, behaving with just one drink.
We ordered this charcutier board which was so impressive!
In the distance I spotted the Mothman. I had to hike down to get a good look.
I found it amusing that this needed to be posted, I wondered who wanted to climb through the fence with a glass of wine and cut through the weeds.
They also had a Bigfoot in the woods. Truly entertaining and a conversation starter. I met a couple who were Ann’s friends who actually met at a Bigfoot convention. I didn’t even know they had conventions! My eyes are now open. We joked that we were going to spot a real one on our drive home and no one would believe us.
A view from the Bigfoot looking up at the property. Really beautiful here.
The wildflowers throughout this area are stunning with their yellow and purple mix. I really enjoyed being back in nature, surrounded by green lit up from the heavy rains this summer. A perfect weekend away.
Anyone that knows me or who has read this blog in the past, knows one of my favorite people in all the world is a Cambly student I met online from Taiwan. KangKang or aka now Ayla and I have been speaking for 3 years regularly and she has readied herself for all the necessary English tests to get her into a university for a PHD in Kinesiology.
When applying to different schools, the Universe answered and got her into OSU. Of all the places she applies, O-H-I-O! I couldn’t believe our fate! I immediately promised to pick her up from the Columbus airport and help her transition into her studio dorm room.
I literally got to the airport an hour early in anticipation. I wasn’t even sure if I would recognize her in a mask and full bodied 🙂 But the minute she came through the security point and aimed towards the hand sanitizer, I said her name out loud and she turned and ran into my arms!
The entry point.
I sent her a trendy “Be Kind” tee and she wore it on the flights over to greet me. I had a “Good Vibes” rainbow dress which shrunk on me (….blame it on the laundry) so I cut it off and layered it to meet her. Matching rainbow messages. Finally we meet!
It was as if we knew each other forever. It really wasn’t odd at all meeting her in person, just excited to have her physically with me. To drive together, talk for hours, help. I was honored that she allowed me to welcome her and go through the process of checking in to OSU. I honestly had never been on that campus before only to the bars surrounding the area from years past.
We arrived at 10 pm and we were able to check in, grab a bin and unload.
Cute welcoming sign with a sketch of the dog in training’ that recently departed to his new home.
She explained that there is a saying, blessing of sorts, that they say before they enter a new home. She spoke it rhythmically as I snapped this photo.
The next day her she gave me a gift from her mother. A very cool culturally printed purse and inside was a wooden hand painted comb that another student, Lily, from China sent to KangKang to give to me.
I feel so blessed to be able to connect people from around the world. I introduced my two shy students from cultures in conflict, (Taiwan and China) that I knew would get along and support each other. They became instant friends and I am beyond touched that they orchestrated this surprise gift for me.
We literally spent 3 plus hours in Target, pricing out options and getting starter home needs. I told her I couldn’t do the groceries there, because it was just too much. We needed to check out and head to the grocery to load up with a different mind set.
Earlier that morning, I picked her up at 8:30 am and she got her student ID, opened a US bank account, got a US phone number, shopped Target and Kroger and then unloaded again.
Bonus was having lunch with my roomate from college, Cindy! So cool that she got to meet Ayla and enjoy the one part of our day that was relaxing. Love that we are all in blue.
Finally a simple home with some feng shui, a plant to talk to and a new studio apartment to call home for a few years.
Back in May, an event kept popping up on my social media about an intimate orchestra setting by candlelight. I wanted to experience it and booked a date. This venue has a lot of modern music options- Taylor Swift themed, Queen, etc, but I picked from Bach to The Beatles to get a little bit of both old and new.
I loved the Vegas Cirque de Soleil Beatles show. Listening to The Beatles always makes me happy for some reason. This event was at the Rhinegeist Brewery in their private event space.
We arrived 30 minutes early and were able to enjoy a few drinks with great seats. Its a first come first serve on the seating based on zone.
There were hundreds of the artificial candles set out but unfortunately due to the skylights the room never darkened enough for us to capture that intimacy.
The quartet was amazing. So talented. And being that up close and personal to see and hear their interpretations of music, priceless. Very happy to have experienced it.
We were meeting my old childhood friend Bobby for an urban hike in Rocky River which was two small towns away from where we were staying. I felt fortunate that he and Lisa were in town and had time to spend the early afternoon with us during our Cleveland stay.
I cannot express how nice it was to be with people that understand me and have known me for ….God knows how long….45 years? Something absolutely solidifying about people that have known you that long.
We stopped by their new condo which is on a beautiful marina. Bobby showed off his new business of high end hats and I made them take a selfie with us.
He told me about this Emerald Necklace hike through Cleveland so we did a small section of it.
I was impressed by all the trails in Cleveland.
Capturing a fly fisherman in the Rocky River.
The men up front chatting about who knows what while Lisa and I catch up on our lives behind them.
When we wandered back into the urban landscape I couldn’t help but noticed so many unique trees. This one was so feathery, it looked like it belonged in Asia.
Looking back at where they live as we circle our way around Rocky River.
New signs expressing feelings about the USA today. I like this trend of support and opinion.
Look at that beautiful tree behind that home. Literally dwarfs the home and shows off its power and history.
Such a beautiful view of Lake Erie with that single sailboat out there. As we paused here for a brief second, they mentioned Lakewood Park and the solstice steps.
Another amazing tree in the neighborhood.
After an amazing lunch at a French bistro which included two bottles of bubbles, George and I headed back. We had an amazing few hours with the Kunkles and hoping to see more of them next year when the come to the Kentucky Derby.
View of Cleveland. The clouds were so low but colored perfectly to the landscape.
The solstice steps. Apparently this is the place to watch the sun settle into the lake. Being cloudy our timing was a bit off, but good to know its there for the next time we visit Cleveland.
Caught this shadow of myself which I enjoy because it clearly elongated me. With my new menopausal waistline, I am appreciated why older women wear elastic waist pants and flowing tops. A new reality I am slowly forced to embrace.
As we pulled down 69 Street off of Detroit Avenue to get to our Airbnb we noticed Italian flags draped across from house to house. A group of Italians walking together told us about the church festival going on this weekend. What fun! Definitely entertaining. Never quite seen anything like it before.
The telephone poles are painted.
The houses felt like a movie set complete with antique cars in the drives.
Tons of plants, flags and saints adorning their homes here in west side Little Italy.
Fire hydrants did not escape the theme.
The neighborhood was united. There was even a driveway up the block with chairs set out where they gathered for breakfast together.
Love the energy of their festival of the community.
As we were heading over the band walked down our street along with a police escort.
Unfortunately the church festival was not as much fun as the neighborhood decorations. We were woken up at 6:30 am Sunday morning with topless high school boys literally spraying and scrubbing the streets with brooms preparing for their last hoorah. In honor of one of the saints.
Culture is such an interesting thing that is passed on through the generations still to this day. Its one thing America is great at, having such a mixture of cultures in one place.
Tonya Takes Thailand 