Thanksgiving- Kicking off the Holiday Season

There is a lot to be thankful for every year when we reflect back. Personally, I can’t believe how far both mentally and physically I’ve come. Then there’s my daughters both graduating from college with honors and landing jobs almost immediately. My other daughter getting married and transitioning back to NYC.

There are always things that divide us and I feel that even stronger this year, but with that conflict comes change and evolution. It’s interesting how the world works. The inevitable waves of life continue to flow, taking some and leaving others.

Trying our best to be in the moment, share memories while making new ones. Love at the root of it all. Even after divorce, I still feel welcomed at my in-laws and was happy to have been able to enjoy Thanksgiving with them.

The Thanksgiving dinner table was set with Yvonne’s finest china.

I was able to capture this genuine candid moment of the grandparents with our girls. It’s these moments, in between the others, that we must remember. Pure joy and love.

We purchased lychee sparkling wine as a treat. Reminded me of the fruit in Thailand.

We also opened all three bottles of George’s mead from Hive&Barrel. I think the girls wanted paid for an advertisement and rightfully so with this shot!

For dessert we had some panettone. My Brazilian students were impressed when I sent them this photo. This is a common specialty in Brazil over their holidays, we happened to find it at a local grocery in the Bronx.

The following day we headed into the city to visit a museum and do a little shopping.

The city’s landscape is always filled with diversity.

Even with Uber and Lift in full swing, nothing beats the site of a traditional yellow New York taxi.

We of course had to go into this store!! They were selling original subway maps overpainted with graffiti for 120.00$, I was tempted, but dont have any wall space left.

The streets never lack character. The saying reminds me of the tattoo I have on my ankle that KangKang designed.

Feels vintage with the Soho brick street.

A great shot of the modern angles of the skyscraper so interestingly contrasting with the historic brick buildings of Soho.

After Thanksgiving, before heading Upstate, I of course had to drop in to visit the Souply-Repetto clan in Rye. All their kids were home from college and it was so relaxing being in their house again. Chris made me an amazing holiday drink, not sure what all was in there, but it was comforting and made me miss the days when my business trips would take me to their place.

Chris, Abigail, Kassie (who I have known since literally birth), Kellen and Karis.

Kassie and I decided to take brisk walk to the pier to get some quality conversation in along with some fresh air and exercise. I was loving the shadows and the quiet in the night.

The textures, colors and peace. I love being back water side.

Can you even see Kassie in between the posts?

This pier is where the movie Big’ with Tom Hanks was filmed. Where the fortune teller machine ended up. Nice to have it walking distance from her home. She was telling me how she would walk this loop every day during Covid just to get out of the house.

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The Christmas Story House

Waking up Sunday morning after bar hopping in Cleveland Saturday night was a bit rough. Getting older, its tough to sleep in, you just lay awake and think, which honestly is never good.

So I got my butt out of bed and wandered to the living room only to find Debbie had been awake for hours before me. I asked her if she wanted to go get breakfast. The thought of food repulsed her. She couldn’t believe I was up and okay. Truth be known, I wasn’t, but I was in Cleveland, so I wasn’t about to waste the day.

I googled best breakfast place and followed my google map to Grumpy’s Cafe.

Driving down from where I was staying I was in awe of the trees and the colors of fall. This Sunday was peaceful. Sunny,. Another beautiful day, I was not going to waste it.

Next thing I knew I was taking a bridge into the city.

Next I was circling around and ended up back in Tremont. Having a bit of deja-vu.

Grumpy’s Cafe did not disappoint. I always ask the server what they are known for, and she recommended the breakfast tacos. I scraped the plate. Devoured all of it.

While I was at the cafe, I texted May to thank her for coming out the night before and she asked my location. I told her I was at Grumpy’s, which of course she knew. She told me the Christmas Story House was only a couple blocks away. I honestly have never seen this iconic Christmas movie, but I thought I would check it out anyway because I was so close.

Here it is in all its glory. It actually was on a very quiet street. A lot of dead end roads. Was nice. Like a perfect family neighborhood.

I love how the sled and shovel were positioned on the front porch.

The fishnet stocking lamp. I see this appear every Christmas but have no reference to it. I snapped this photo because everyone there visiting the house was making a big deal of it.

I crossed the street to take a photo of the retro car. It was cute. Had a personality of its own.

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Cloudscape Perspectives

Sometimes an escape is all I need. People may say its running away. To me it has always provided a reset. A time for myself to rethink where I am and what I see. It always brings me back to a calmer reality with focus on nature and proper, not society induced, priorities.

After starting a new job, where all the systems are new to me and my brain is aging but not yet powerless, I was feeling the pressure of proving myself again. That nagging voice that always tells you, you are not smart enough, quick enough or have what it takes to be successful. All utter nonsense, which the clouds helped me realize.

For me nature has always come to my rescue. Helping me find peace to that chatter in my head. Helping me to see things more clearly. God’s creation exists with all the answers, you just have to be silent, observe and listen to that inner voice which is not yours.

The sun was rising as I was boarding the plane to Philadelphia. It looked like a beautiful day to fly.

I always take a window seat. For this reason alone. The guy sitting next to me seemed confused as to what I found so fascinating.

To me this is as soul filling as looking out at the sea. The last time I flew was when I came back from Thailand. July 2020. Damn I missed this view.

Clouds were constantly changing as we flew at high speeds that felt more like stillness.

This view reminded me to revisit the joy I find in myself when I’m discovering new things. Not everyone, unfortunately, has found that or knows yet how to get there. I shouldn’t allow their anxiety to unsettle my stability. I just need to observe and try to empathize with their situations. Still treading as I float.

Like water, clouds just move and change and evolve with whatever nature throws their way. They don’t fight where they are being sent.

I mean really, this God given Earth is all it should be. And when we get away from the chaos, the beauty is clear.

I needed a reminder of this feeling. To not get lost again in the madness of retail and money making.

The clouds in contrast to the metal wing, show how man can never compete with Mother Nature.

As we started to descend, I noticed the beauty in urban planning. The complex and yet artistic layout of the highways below.

After landing, the airport was busy and uncomfortable. I was tempted to pay the 50$ lounge fee to plug in and work, but instead I ended up Ubering to the local Panera, to use their wifi and partake in their Fuji Apple Salad. I remained there for 4+ hours until May arrived and Karen swang by to take me back to her place. Panera was my go to when I was road tripping in May. Always reliable wifi. Always a place to plug in and there are always other remote workerbees being productive. I never felt alone or odd typing hours on end at a Panera.

Once 5 o’clock rang on Friday, I grabbed a glass of wine to join my friends who had already started catching up. I looked up. And again appreciated the view of the clouds and their watch over us.

The following evening, the clouds gathered and darkened but you could always find a hole revealing that amazing blue sky that was always hiding above the surface. Reminded me to always remember my flight. Above the clouds. Blue as can be. Away from the life below where it storms and sometimes shadows us from life’s true beauty.

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Lakehouse Laughs- Elk Lake

The stories I could tell simply on the drive down, let alone once we hit lakeside and late night. What a fun filled 24 hours at Elk Lake, Owenton, Kentucky!

Upon entry to the Lakehouse properties, there was a security guard at the gate. He was a handsome 60 something buff man with sparkling Santa like blue eyes and a firearm packed in his holster at his side.

Obs. Probably a paranoid Republican still thinking Trump should be in the office. We passed a lot of those yard signs and flags on the drive through the hills.

Rebecca wanted to ask him why he had the gun. I was like, NOOOO— just keep driving. But she knew her blond hair and long lashes would easily win her favor.

She rolled down the passenger window and innocently asked if he was wearing the gun due to any trouble inside the lake compound, as if thanking him for his protection.

Sporting his ARMY hat, he proudly said that he generally carries it due to all the crime. Mind you- we are out in BFU Kentucky. There are no drive by shootings or break ins. Even the Amish moved out to these parts to escape civilization.

And just like that I saw The Handmaids Tale flash before my eyes as a realistic future.

We sat on the dock for literally hours. For a Saturday, the lake was surprisingly quiet. For entertainment, we nicknamed every boat that drove past us. We named one “Americana” and figured those boys were the sons of the gate keeper as they were waving their large flag so patriotically.

One boater we nicknamed – take your shirt off. He was a gray balding elderly gentleman that needed some sun on his skin. He ended up driving by us twice, and then the third time he drove by, in his previously empty pontoon, it was loaded with 10 middle aged women. 👍🏼

They shouted at us to come down to Lot 7. Or was it 4? Rebecca and I debated on whether party crashing was best for our future and wondered what in fact was this man doing with all these women? The stories we made up in our heads, *scandalous!*

When left alone to think, I sat admiring the contrast between my towel and flannel and the dock’s greyed out wood.

During one part of our hilarious intoxicated conversations Rebecca misunderstood and thought I was banned from FB and then randomly in the midst of what was a very deep conversation, she whipped out a puppy video.

I have to admit, they were damn cute, husky puppies sliding on the ice. I felt like the dogs in the movie UP’ whenever someone mentioned “squirrel”. 🤣

Just a couple of great friends chilling lakeside with an early Saturday start to what turned out to be one of the best days filled with much needed laughter and the making of several inside jokes that we will remember for years to come.

This selfie captures the steep steps going up to the house which provided an added workout while equally testing our abilities of balancing all the now-empties previously shared at the dock.

As the sun settled and shimmered on the water, we attended an online wedding of a good friend of hers in Cali. Was interesting to watch the production and witness the new trend of online ceremonies snd events.

Best Friend Laughing Quotes — This quote sums up our fantastic visit.

Boutique Cala- OTR Cincinnati 🧶👗💛

Zoe and I headed to OTR to find a unique gift for her Auntie, who she will be staying with in LA next month. The store we anticipated finding something in, Elm & Iron, is sadly now closed in the Cincinnati area. Another fallen local business. So we started looking into all the store windows as we walked along Vine Street to see if there was anything new.

We discovered the most amazing boutique! I asked the owner’s permission to blog about it. It’s brand new. Her grand opening will be Labor Day weekend.

The items are priced right and so original. She makes all the macrame herself which is a perfect gift item for any millennial. Zoe purchased a lime green key chain, while I window shopped fantasizing about a new apartment to start my decor completely over. Maybe my daughters will let me help them decorate one day.

When I asked the owner, Amanda, what was the most difficult part about opening up her own boutique, I received an unexpected response. She said it was finding day care for her autistic, buzz light year loving, son. She is fighting the system that so many of my friends have conquered in attempts to find the proper care for a child with special needs.

Anyone in Cincinnati, I encourage you to check out her store. Not only is she incredible but I do believe you will find so many items that make perfect gifts!

The eclectic table display caught my eye as soon as we entered. I loved the simplicity, textures and warmth in the color combo.

Feels like Antropologie without the price tag!

Great store with exposed brick walls and plenty of space to move about.

My Zoe was loving all the clothes. But I made her restrain herself since she is spending a month in LA and will need her cash!

The owner. She also made the desk and wood pieces.

These earrings are adorable and only 15$. I love supporting a local artist.

I never blog about a store. But for some reason really felt a pull to post this one!

Graffiti and Grail Moviehouse🍿- Asheville, North Carolina

Part of my tour of the River Arts district in Asheville involved drivebys of their graffiti. I love street art. I began an Instagram just for this artform= tonyatakesthailand.

Asheville’s street art in particular is more raw in parts and less commission-art or muralesque. (yes I just made up that word)

After driving past many of the buildings which are up and coming, as well as past a skateboard park which was hopping, we pulled into what looked like another sprayed painted building only to find out it was a movie theatre. It was so amazing! Clever. Creative. Unique. And they were playing the new Jennifer Hudson movie about Aretha Franklin. So spur of the moment we decided to take in a Sunday night movie!

Talk to the hand”. Love the sneakers on the wires above too- Classic.

This is the district where the second Wedge Brewery was and also an amazing Butcher food truck. I ate an amazing all beef hotdog! If I had to break my “no beef” habit for something, this was a great choice. Or possibly I just forgot how good beef tastes.

This was the movie house. I’m not sure how George knew it was here, but it was super cool!

When we came back to see the movie, the garage door had been put down.

This film is a must see! I literally cried.

Inside the theatre. There were only about four of us total.

Check out the bathroom. So clever capturing various bathroom movie scenes and using it for their theatre’s wall art.

After the movie was over we drove to downtown Asheville to grab one last cocktail. I saw this on the shop’s window and couldn’t resist taking one last street art photo.

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Pizza Night 🍕

Sometimes its not about where you go, but who you are with. I was excited to be getting together with my gang for a Friday pizza night.

Allen, dubbed “the bread man” by my daughters, was bringing home made pizza dough. I was in charge of white wine. (I think this group knows me well enough not to expect too much in regards to my cooking contributions)

Allen, who is an expert in anything he does- which includes but is not limited to- playing the blues harmonica, making pottery, making wine, homemade bread, fixing bikes, whistling, being sarcastic and engineering in the auto industry, tossed the dough with ease.

Pies were amazing with pesto, banana peppers, pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, cheese and other varieties.

I love whenever I get together with this group that I met about 8 years ago. They fill my soul always!

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Krohn Conservatory -Cincinnati, Ohio

After nursing hangovers Saturday morning with some coffee and bacon, I wanted to give Virlane a tour of this great city I live in.

I started with Eden Park which is very close to my house.

A view from one of the lookout areas in Eden Park, capturing a riverboat making its way upstream.

Loving the color combinations! Virlane was a botanist at one point in her diverse career path and she started educating me about the blooms.

I have never noticed these before! Virlane said they were related to artichokes. Makes sense.

As I was driving through the park, I pointed out our conservatory and we decided to go in. It used to be free to enter with a donation box at the entry but now they charge 10$ per person. That allows you into all the exhibits.

When you first walk in, it’s like a mixed jungle complete with humidity.

Amazing diversity in this place. Plant life from around the world mixed into one compact location.

I adored these fuzzy red elongated beauties. I squeezed down a small path the get their photo.

Virlane was fascinated by these leaves that seem to have sprouts in the middle. At first glance it looked bug infested.

I don’t know why but I liked this leaf coloration and shape.

Splashes of color. Textural differences are so artistic. Notice the ferns next to the smooth leaves.

In the palm tree walkway there was a waterfall.

Carnivore plants. ( I wouldn’t have known but Virlane was telling me)

This plant’s multi tones of green, pink and red were eye catching! Why do we think we need to be all one color?

Pure genius. Reminded me of the orchid farm I went to in Phuket.

There was a butterfly exhibit going on. I haven’t been to it since my mom last visited many years ago. My daughters were still in elementary school. I remember my sister Tiffani trying to get our mom to focus on the butterflies but with her Alzheimer’s it seemed impossible, sadly, for her to notice.

Virlane on the other hand was loving it! The butterflies were very active and in flight all around us.

This gentleman had one sticking onto his hat and shorts. From this butterfly’s closed winged view it looked like a moth.

But when it opened its wings it looked like this!

There were feeding stations that attracted many at a time. We were told the bigger butterflies tend to live longer but their lifespans vary. They usually only live 1-2 weeks according to the volunteer at the info center.

It’s so easy to capture these unbelievable photos with the setting the butterflies are released in.

When you walked into the butterfly room they handed you these round papers to help remove or pick up a butterfly. You weren’t supposed to touch them.

And in contrast this poor fellow is all white.

Caught two mating (bottom right) as I was actually looking at the beautiful one above them.

Outstanding. No wonder we are inspired by them.

An excellent reminder with our own self criticism.

Virlane was convinced if she lived here she would volunteer her time at Krohn’s. We later saw the nursery where the butterflies were developing. I guess there are actual breeders of butterfly larva that ship to these places. Interesting farming.

After exiting the butterfly room we entered a bonsai exhibit which was pretty cool.

Each one so unique. More than just a plant. Was told these are handed down through generations in some Asian countries. Originated in China but the Japanese took over the art form and are more known for it. I remember Karate Kid with Mr.Miyagi’s.

After the bonsais, there was a cactus exhibit.

Again such a variety. Reminded me of my May trip out west and Virlane of her many years of living in Arizona.

Succulent wall. I’d love to see these outside on
buildings. Plant walls are so meaningful.

Creative metal chair along the walkway as we left.

Was a wonderful unplanned pit stop. Such beauty and reminders of God’s endless creativity.

I drove to Mt. Adam’s stopping at the old Rookwood pottery facility to check out another viewpoint.

Virlane noticed the stadium in the distance so we made it our next destination.

The entire trip this flower was hanging onto the passenger car door. She was along for the ride desperately clinging to the handle, wanting to partake in our Saturday fun. ( can you see it?)

Mixtiles Memories

My therapist suggested finding a way to remember my May van- life adventures. I was so high during that road trip, figuratively speaking. Everything I saw was new and inspiring. It was another one of my adventures I will never regret. Life lessons were made clear. A priceless moment in time. But all good things come to an end. This is always true, at least for me, and I’ve learned to accept the universe’s ways of resetting my fate.

If I had the financial ability I may have continued that road trip lifestyle, but reality set in and I found myself back in my routine, unmotivated and depressed. Faced with challenges and responsibilities. Real life as we know it.

I found a deal on mixtiles.com. I decided to order more prints than I originally intended and was excited when my box arrived. The photos restored my energy and I couldn’t wait to surround myself with their visual reminders.

I am thinking I could actually sell some of my photographs in sets like this one. It looks professional eh?! So proud of my iPhone shots!

As said I over ordered. But in typical Tonya style I randomly started putting them up. Without thought or reason.

Imperfection is my goal. Allowing the tiles to create disturbed space. Hoping to annoy anyone who enters longing for symmetry.

These three brightened my bathroom. Now any man that pees here can enjoy the views from Dallas, Provo, and Oklahoma City.

I added the framed tiles to the wall and mixed them in with my past Phuket collection. I moved my bed to have this as my first visual. I love their presence and reminders of who I am and how magnificent our world is around us.

Ohio River Boating with The Leurcks

Last night I received a random text from my friend Kathy inviting me on a boat excursion in the morning. I had no idea where, who with, what for, or why- but I jumped at the opportunity. I miss the water and was happy to be on the river feeling the cool breeze that the morning offered.

Dave drove the boat and Kathy and I took on the role of ‘women of luxury’. Sitting, chatting, sipping champagne. Mimosas make drinking before noon totally acceptable. It was just the three of us and I felt so special being included and thrilled to get some much needed friendship time.

What a perfect summer outing.