I wanted to get out of the house today. Some weeks I feel trapped in the routine of work, especially this January. There was a blizzard that ripped up the east coast and Cincinnati received a little snowfall as a result.
I headed out early 10:10 am (double numbers telling me its the right move) to see if I could walk a small trail and still see some of the snow before it melted off the branches.
A small loop I haven’t been on before.
Mt. Airy has so many trails to hike. I don’t know if I’ll ever hike them all.
There were no cars in the parking lot, so I was surprised to see footprints in the snow.
Was quiet, the sun was shining, the temps were low, it was so refreshing. I had to wear sunglasses because the glare off the snow at times was blinding.
I kept stopping to admire the clumps of snow still hanging on to the bare branches.
Reminded me of cotton.
Absolutely in awe of these branches which were so artistically wound. The inch of snow creating a temporary canvas that I was happy to witness.
I was thinking how fascinating the snow must be to someone on psychedelics. It was iridescent and sparkling like precious gems wanting to be scooped up and evaluated. The snow toppers on the blunt cut trees were perfect.
I looked back at the trail I decided to come down- where there were no tracks prior to mine. I was proud to have taken the path less travelled, although it often gets me in trouble.
And here was trouble. A mini obstacle course in my way.
The softness the snow adds to the landscape is only temporary, at least here in southern Ohio, and is a great reminder to enjoy change. I know upper east coast may be living with the snow they endured all month 🙂
The little bare branches kept snapping against my frozen legs. Sort of hurt but were unavoidable so I decided to just accept it.
Sun was peeking through and casting cool shadows.
Love this photo. Not really sure why. The color, the combination? Seems like a painting.
Finally found my loop back.
With more stillness to receive.
Just me and my shadow.
Feeling tall and brave.
Selfie moment to capture the sunshine that day.
Another trail that I didn’t dare wander down as my quick mile loop was already taking me an hour. (did a few detours, got a little lost, thank God for AllTrails app)
I looked up and thought of my friend May who is always reminding me of my own catch phrase, which symbolizes so much in life.
My household has been struggling with this very contagious Omicron variant. Living with your adult children who continue to go out has its risks. Baby B received a positive reading earlier this month and missed her trip to Guyana. Then last week Baby A got her positive reading, after attending a few birthday parties.
I’m struggling to grasp the idea that this virus is now unavoidable and still continue to attempt, successfully so far, to avoid it. But I am tired of being stuck indoors, listening to them cough through the walls and making sure they have enough to survive on for the weeks they are healing. We had literally three good days after Sedona’s negative test…..and now we are back.
After going to the clinic to make sure I was still testing negative, I decided to meet George out for hike. I picked a location that was in the middle of Cincinnati and Louisville. Something new to see.
I received a text from my friend Todd, right before I was about to take off, asking if I was going to go hiking today. I said, “yea” “how’d you know?” and he sarcastically replied that he was just wondering how much of a wuss I was.
Temperature was hovering around 28 degrees F/-2 C. But the sun was shining bright and in the end, I actually got a bit of sunburn on my already rosey cheeks. (or was that wind-burn?)
We met at the parking lot right outside the historic house of General Butler. I am not much into history, but it was fascinating that he established himself here in the late 1700s.
The house must be kept available for touring as I could hear the heat was on inside. It was bit creepy walking around with its lace curtains draped in the windows.
At the trailhead, there were warnings about the trees falling due to an infestation.
Right away George spotted mushrooms.
The trail itself was very narrow and always on an angle. The very beginning was a fair warning of the steep inclines to come.
Many trees were down. It was sad and not such great scenery really. Everything was very dead- even the leaves had a dullness about them.
I liked the curvature of these branches, somehow reminded me of kicking legs.
George then started spotting these shells. They were everywhere. Almost perfectly laid out in the pathway. We literally walked by a hundred of them.
I don’t know a whole lot about forestry. It made no sense to me since we were at such altitudes, how so many shells could be here.
I later googled and found out more than I really wanted to know. Basically these are snail shells and the inhabitants have since been eaten by birds and such in the forest. Their shells are left behind for us to admire, but I now know its just evidence of the cycle of life.
Came across just a couple manmade walkways, but mostly the ground was frozen and actually crunching beneath our feet.
You could see how high up we were by looking down toward the Ohio River below.
Always love looking up a hallowed tree.
More shrooms letting us know their part in the eco system.
After about 1 1/2 hours of not easy terrain, we decided it was time for a short cut to head back. This trail was a crazy windy loop so we cut it off at its narrowest path, which meant a straight up hill climb to meet the other trail. George made it to the top first, as I continued to struggle with my footage. I did my best to not look labored, but have to admit it was a bit tough.
I won’t complain because the blue skies were out and the fresh air felt great.
We ended up along a path that looked like we were on a totally different trail. Like a mowed out farmer’s field path.
Love the archway these trees created with their shadow connecting them down below.
One last gigantic dried out fungi. Their shapes truly are fascinating.
We finally made it to the lookout point and George celebrated.
I sat for a bit on the stone ledge to admire the view of the small river town of Carrollton.
I get bored easily with history. Obviously we are opposites.
We took the flat paved roadway back and passed the cemetery of the Turpin-Butler family.
Quite amazing that they lived such long lives. I mean back in the 1800s surviving into their 90s I bet was unheard of.
Love these little family lots that are preserved. No huge crematory fees or caskets to pay for. Just dig a hole in the backyard. Something beautiful about that simplicity really. Owning land and remaining there.
What a fun Sunday. I woke up early and went to “The Fix” to meet a friend for coffee talk first thing in the am. As I was sipping on my second flavored latte, I realized the caffeine was kicking in! I went home to wake up my twins to see if they’d go on a hike with me.
Originally I was planning to go with my friends, Linda and Beth, but Linda cancelled on us. I thought Beth was out” also, but then she later texted and said she was ready to go! So I picked a trail I’d never been to before, because it appeared to be near water and off we went.
Ironically as we were google mapping our way to this place, we literally passed the street Beth lived on. Who knew?
We pulled into the park and saw this historic landmark. There was also a very small random cemetery with a handful of markers.
The sign clearly marks the park entrance, which is good because you could literally zone out driving here on the windy countryside roads.
The trail was only occupied by a handful of people. Snow was predicted and I think the temperatures kept most sane people indoors.
But not us! And I loved it. Nothing a hat won’t fix. It’s amazing how a good winter hat will add miles of warmth and a colorful punch to our winter wardrobes.
The river was a cool shade of sage and was beautiful contrasting with the dried out riverweeds and sand banks. Was such an interesting landscape on an overcast day.
The trail was right along the Miami River banks.
I was admiring the deep cut in the bark of this tree.
And then a little further up, was totally taken back but this tree which had fallen. It now looked like a sculpture. With its textures and dramatic stance.
It was huge. I walked around and took this photo of my girls waiting for me. Just love the view.
Close up photo of the bark and its transition.
I was mystified by this. What is your guess to what it is? I think someone started carving an owl into the bark and then someone said “no”. Odd really. Always good for story telling.
The twins were always up ahead and Derby (the poodle) kept checking back to see if Beth and I were still coming.
Beachfront. Could be fun to sit here during a hot summer day.
The water was moving quickly.
Sedona enjoying the view. She wanted to take a drink of the water it was so clear.
I enjoyed the way the trees framed everyone walking ahead.
Such interesting terrain with the sand and bare trees.
At the end of the trail was this frozen water area with another fallen beauty.
We were curious if we could cross it without falling in, contemplating its depths.
I climbed up, of course, and pranced around having fun balancing and feeling free.
I dared Zoe to go up and take a walk, but she opted to hug the tree instead which was adorable.
My daughters wanted to have some friends over to celebrate the New Year, so I decided to find an available Airbnb, last minute, and found one in Richmond, Kentucky. I thought it would be a good opportunity to change my environment, reflect in quiet and possibly squeeze in a hike on trails I hadn’t been on previously.
Welcome 2022!
This adorable welcome sign awaited me. The Airbnb I found is in the basement of an odd nature lover who has a lot of projects in the yard that looks mid- finished. 🙂
This is the hike I decided to go on. I wanted to start first thing in the am, hoping to complete it by noon.
I woke up and it was raining. When I looked at the forecast, it said 100% chance of rain which only reduce to 96% in different hours of the day. So, rain it is.
I arrived at 10:10, a good sign. It was literally pouring. My jeans, jacket and hat were literally soaked before I walked .25 miles. I reminded myself that in Thailand, rain is okay. It’s just wet. Nothing really harmful about it besides our own discomfort.
Once completely soaked there was really no reason to stop or turn around. This New Year’s January day offered balmy weather at 60F/15C.
After passing this sign I thought about how the Native Americans didn’t have the luxury of Columbia waterproof hiking boots, wool socks or lined German hats. Yet they walked in all seasons and all weather. It made me realize how as humans we are remarkably enduring.
I felt like the trails had become streams. All around me was the most magnificent, almost deafening, sound of rain pouring rain and noise of water trickling downhill.
Was really cool to see nature making a rush for it. Creating its own path to the place it belonged.
Looking down to where they all met up. I wondered if anyone would have gone on this hike with me. I am pretty sure most everyone would have opted out because of the weather. Debbie said she would have enjoyed it with me, and that honestly made me feel a tad less crazy.
At this point, my waterproof shoes were no longer water proof. My socks were squishing and my feet were warm but wet. May as well keep going at this point right? Wet is wet.
My coat weighed an added couple pounds I figured. My hat amazingly kept my head dry, lined in polar fleece, those Germans know what they are doing.
I admired the way this rock looked like rippled water. I was nearing the top and waiting for something to be worth my while.
It has to be rare for people to get to see the forest like this.
What a beautiful terrain to climb.
I stepped over this crevice and thought about the ancient wanderers of this place. Would they hunker down for the night sheltering here?
So I was about a mile in and decided to head to the closest point to check off one viewpoint my list.
I took a turn toward the Devil’s Kitchen which was only 0.2 miles to the right. I started asking God what was there to see here. Wondering if I was wasting my time, just getting wet and stepping across streams. I walked to the edge and looked down on this.
I turned the corner and literally said “I see you God” as I wandered along this wet trail along the rocks.
Check out this natural hole in the rock. So fascinating.
I was trying to capture the size of these boulders. The rain had started to lighten up but the water was still pouring over the sides of the cliffs.
Another natural cave/shelter.
I love how the rocks are green toned.
Yep, God always shows up for me when I call out.
How really is this there?
I crawled under this shelter to unzip my soaked jacket and wipe off my phone with the dry clothes underneath.
Looking out at the mountains that surrounded me.
Always remember to look up.
I hung out under this ledge for a bit. Even sat down to relax. This must be Devil’s Kitchen.
Truly I enjoy being alone in these environments. I even sang a song I made up about having this in my soul. Nobody will hear me. I won’t remember. But it was fun. Being in the moment as if I also belonged here. Oh how I entertain myself.
Think you can see how wet my boots are at this point.
I was admiring how all the trees had green algae on them. Creating a new look to the forest.
Reached the Indian Fort Lookout rock.
I could see for miles even with the cloud coverage.
Always love the little trees hanging on the edges. Makes me think a bird dropped a seed and it just happened to grow.
I was at the same level as the peaks of the mountains around me.
Looking down, these colors and textures were just like, ya, we know…..we’re awesome. A work of art.
I looked back and took a snap shot of the trail along the edge with the view.
Stunning arrangement from Mother Nature.
As I was walking along the edge of the rocks, at one point the wind took the clouds and the sun peaked out just for a bit. I closed me eyes to feel it on my face.
I kept looking at my Alltrails map and it said to keep going off this ledge to reach West Pinnacle. It was funny, because earlier I was in my head, thanking the others that came before me, who created these trails for me to easily follow and enjoy. I wondered who walked them first. And in that moment I felt like I was being challenged to make my own path.
But I didn’t. I turned around and followed the same path back until I found a sign that clearly pointed me in the right direction.
At this point I was out here for about 3 hours. My hips were starting to ache a bit and I was thankful for my strong knees and sense of balance.
As I climbed higher more large boulders appeared again. I was now on the West Pinnacle.
I loved the layered look to the levels of rock with the sign up top, like, dare to climb closer to see me.
These were not easy trails. I wondered if George would have sat and waited for me at some point as I continued to climb. Not sure why I picture him with me.
This was the pinnacle. I was determined to climb up it.
These rocks were strategically placed. I was able to boost myself up on one to reach another point to the larger boulder.
A weird selfie I know. But I was happy to have scaled the rock and made it to the second highest level. I ended up laying down on the rock for a bit and meditating. But then the wind kicked into high gear and I felt an urge to head back.
Looking down at the rock that helped me get up.
Looking back. Reminded me that I can do more than I think if I don’t push myself beyond my limitations or allow fear to take hold of my goals.
These pods of rock for some reason felt alien and comforting to me at the same time.
As I was hiking back along the fallen leaf covered woods, these leaves cried out for attention.
While these mushrooms wanted to remain camouflaged.
The trails I hiked. Wet with more rain coming. It was time for me to get dry.
One last photo I took as I crossed the roaring rain water headed to its destiny.
While looking back at 2021, it took me over 2 hours to review the photos I’d taken which lead me down a rabbit hole of reflection. I forgot how much I accomplished. It’s amazing to me how life evolves, time passes and we forget all we have been through.
I enjoy taking New Years as an opportunity to pause and simmer on what I’ve learned, what I am proud of and redirect where the next year may take me.
JANUARY – Started off with many hikes with Zoe, Beth and Linda. Keeping me grounded, focused on what makes me happy. Being part of nature.
FEBRUARY- Brought some fabulous snowfalls, which I made sure to get out in. Zoe still taking online classes and listening to a lecture while walking in the snow with me.
MARCH- A trip to Yellow Springs to hike with my sister and Tim. More urban walks to Sugar and Spice for Zoe and I’s weekend brunches.
APRIL- Hospitalization, surgery, the celebrations of blooms, getting my book into Joseph Beth, (Rebecca pointing it out) and birthdays!
APRIL ROAD TRIP- to Columbus, Indiana for the twins 22nd birthday. My favorite trip with them with architectural wonders and shared laughter everywhere.
MAY SOLO ROAD TRIP- brings more memories than a lifetime. This trip changed me spiritually, educationally and physically. Seeing cactus for the first time in nature, salt beaches, waterfalls and underground caverns.
MAY SOLO ROAD TRIP- exposed me to art from museums in Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Dallas Arboretum and the art town in the middle of nowhere- Marfa.
MAY SOLO ROAD TRIP- Took me hiking in landscapes I never have physically witnessed before. Watching sunsets in the middle of nowhere and walking the amazing never-ending white sand dunes in New Mexico.
MAY SOLO ROAD TRIP- had me witness eco Earth homes, Southwestern shops, Alien coffee and allowed me to sleep for 10$ along the Rio Grande.
MAY SOLO ROAD TRIP- Had me in awe of Sante Fe’s heritage, Messe Verde’s mountain top and the out of the blue land forms of Utah.
MAY SOLO ROAD TRIP- made me realize how phenomenal the United States National Parks are. Utah is stunning and I can’t believe I have never been here before the age of 53.
MAY SOLO ROAD TRIP- helped me discover hidden treasures in Idaho and Salt Lake City.
MAY SOLO ROAD TRIP- Took me to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, the Grand Tetons and the Dakotas to see Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore.
MAY SOLO ROAD TRIP- never disappointed me as I followed my instincts which were prevalent in my month of silence, taking me to Sioux City and Galena in Iowa and my favorite, The Badlands.
JUNE- Things did not slow down upon my return in June. Reuniting with many friends, still hiking with most and celebrating the twins college graduation!
JULY-found me now in a committed relationship with George (we met in April). It also was a month when I had a wonderful visit from my Phuket friend, Virlane and reunited unexpectedly with some SKL coworkers. Of course also hiked many trails.
STILL JULY- hiking with Sedona, who moved back to Cincinnati and I explored Cincinnati’s Krohn Conservatory.
AUGUST- was filled with dog sitting which was bringing me some added income.$ I also explored Asheville for the first time with George and watched Zoe blossom in her sorority as a leader and now Big Sis.
SEPTEMBER- went hiking and barhopping with George which led him to find a new career. It also took me to a lake house in Tennessee with friends where I kayaked and hiked to a mountain’s peak.
OCTOBER- I started a new remote job as a category manager and George opened up the first meadery in Kentucky.
OCTOBER – also flew me to Phili to reunite with my AMC coworkers from the 1990s New York City days. Cheers- Karen, May and Susan! Sedona, George and I also barhopped in Cincy upon my return, a total weekend of drinking and friends!
NOVEMBER- I road tripped to Cleveland for a hike with Debbie at Cuyahoga Falls Park and then visited Holden Arboretum.
NOVEMBER ROAD TRIP EAST- Zoe and Sedona convinced me to drive to NYC for Thanksgiving and we had an incredible time with Yvonne, Lambert and Solaire. We got to meet Solaire’s husband, briefly spend some time with the Repetto/Souply crew and our old neighbors John and Colleen who moved Upstate.
DECEMBER- came with Covid testing, traditional Christmas Crackers and reuniting of the cousins.
When I look at this brief, not even full recap of my year’s adventures and moments, I am in awe. Of life. Its beauty. What it offers. How it unfolds, and where I find myself in it. Counseling with Ally which started last year and ended in July 2021 has shown me how to handle my inner chatter and find the little joys, boundaries and realize that happiness is within me and not in a location or with another.
I will forever be grateful for her help and making me do the work to find myself again.
When looking on the AllTrails app, I was disappointed that there weren’t more options nearby to explore. I’ve hiked a lot of the trails in my area and was looking for something new to hike that was closer than an hour drive away.
For Christmas presents I received a lot of hiking gifts- first aid kits, notebooks to log my trails, socks that read “Inside Sucks” and many other cool encouraging items that make me want to escape again. The weather here has been abnormally warm, you don’t even need to wear a coat or hat! So I wanted to enjoy my day off and find a place to get outdoors. I ended up at the Boone County Arboretum.
Upon arrival I was slightly disappointed to find paved trails. Not sure what I was expecting. It was located among baseball fields and a very well kept park area.
I decided to follow a side trail which had signage explaining how invading plants can alter the natural state of an environment. It made me think how we only know what we know at the time. Many people brought plant life over from Europe and Asia never even considering how it would effect our US landscape. Reading the facts on all this was interesting, noting there is still debate about it. Made me reflect on human life, as we have now been stopped in our travelling freely from country to country due to the spreading of the virus.
I immediately started appreciating the beautiful fungi which always finds a way to add beauty and texture to the forests.
I enjoyed that this trail took me into the woods but with the trees bare, you never felt too far away from civilization.
The education along the walk was interesting. They also had a book for kids along the way, posting on signs with walks in between. I loved how they were encouraging them not only to read but to exercise and learn about nature.
I started out before noon and it was quiet which I enjoyed. Peaceful.
Love how this tree was covered with the lacey mushrooms.
A small creek offered a trickle of sound.
This sprig reminded me of a Dr. Seuss image in one of his fantasy like stories that clearly reflect reality of our own world.
A sweet birdhouse.
As I was walking, it all seemed dead around me. I was seeking to find the beauty and I asked God to show me where He was. I saw this bench that read “Enjoy a Breath of Peace” and I was spiritually pulled over to sit on it. I sat and meditated for about 15 minutes, listening to the sounds around me, the birds, the wind, while feeling the sun on my right cheek and realizing that the weather today was absolutely perfect. I was able to clear my head, ground my feet, and recognize what I was missing.
This bench served me well. I owe it thanks for speaking to me.
An odd tree. Seemed more like an oversized bush.
Another interesting shape without its leaves.
I passed a grass field where a hawk was eating something. I later saw it circling above showing off its wingspan.
This birch tree shedding its skin literally made me ache. I felt as if it were in pain. Transforming while screaming of what it has to endure to survive.
As I rounded the last corner these gorgeous berry trees were full of color.
I reached out to hold them in my hands and was surprised to find their texture so solid. Not at all what I imagined.
Figure they must be poisonous or they would’ve been eaten by now.
Another blue sky day, I am happy I did not ignore. I thank God daily for the fact that my body is prescription free at my age and able to keep moving to wherever my heart desires.
This walk inspired me to want to explore again. Set plans for another adventure. To try not to remain still through these winter months. Adventure awaits. What am I waiting for?
Christmas crept up on me this year. My daughters absolutely love this season, to which they refer to me as “The Grinch” because I am usually overwhelmed by it all and hating on the consumerism and marketing that goes with this day. But this year, I have to admit, was a bit more chill. I mean not as chill as when my daughters came to Phuket to visit me- that is untoppable!! But this year, I feel everything came together gradually and perfectly. I didn’t stress about gifts nor ran around to any holiday parties. It all seemed pretty low key.
As much as we hoped Covid would finally be behind us, it isn’t. It’s not done with its wrath on our bodies or consciousness. In the USA, with so many unvaccinated, it continues to cycle. I know other Asian countries have it under control and God love them, even Brazil with its 80% vaccination rate is heading in the right direction. The world is opening its eyes to how we all can work together and how it effects everyone in the long run.
I realize some hate when I share my opinion on political issues, but in the end, this blog is really for me. To share my thoughts. Where I am in life. What I’m feeling in hopes of inspiring others, or not. A photo journal of my year, my adventures, and my ups and downs. Attempting to stay as upbeat as possible, but honestly reality isn’t always so pretty right?
But its Christmas. And as much as I dislike the commercialism of it, it is a time to slow down, appreciate, enjoy traditions, and make new ones. I’m writing this as I sit alone on Christmas Day eve with my turkey and cheese potatoes in the oven, hoping my girls return with an appetite.
I started uploading my photos taken this last week to reflect on how cool American Christmas’ can be. I have been sharing on Wechat with some of my Chinese students who wondered what its really like.
My daughters put up a small tree at the top of the staircase this year, something new. Presents still remain around it and one morning I captured our dog just sitting by it all as if he was part of the event with his sporty holiday sweater.
I spent the week before Christmas with George. His house is decorated beautifully for the holidays. Complete with blow ups in the front yard, very popular in the suburbs. Under his tree were gifts for the girls and I. So thoughtful! So sweet. A new holiday tradition, we threw him into the stocking exchange we do. Filling everyone’s with little gifts we find along the way.
Zoe and Sedona came down and we played “Cards against Humanity” and “What do you Meme”- two adult humored games which were a blast! George had never played either of them before and was cracking himself up.
Sedona with her Frida.
And Zozo excited about her new Korean cookbook.
We did traditional Christmas Crackers, which George had never seen before. Its been a family tradition of ours for years. I believe it began in the UK in the late 1840s. Crackers are paper wrapped tubes that always contain a paper crown to be worn and a toy inside.
We devoured way too many of George’s specialty tacos and margaritas.
Traci came down to Louisville on Tuesday for a visit and we went back to the NULU area and went bar hopping and shopping.
I loved all the balls of lights captured in this shot. From the top of the bar, to the reflection in the window to the outside lights. Even emphasized the round bar we sat at. Traci struck up a conversation with the couple beside her who told us about a Christmas pop up bar around the corner. So we headed there next.
This was the entry.
And Traci capturing me getting into the spirit!
As an early Christmas experience gift’- I sent my daughters to one of my coworkers house to learn how to professionally frost cookies. She runs her own cookie business on the side. This photo is what my kids created! Its incredible. I highly recommend her for any occasion or holiday. They taste amazing too. Chelsea Ballenger. https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.kathman.7
My house. Gifts ready. Tree glistening with its cute multi colored lights, and our angel hanging on for dear life at the top, hoping her job will end soon.
Christmas Eve morning I woke up with one of the kid’s highschool friend at our house. Loved seeing her with us again! These girls were quite the trio running cross country in junior high school and remained friends ever since. They joke that they are sisters which clearly confuses everyone.
Christmas Eve we took off for Findlay, hoping to spend one last Christmas together as a family in my sister Trisha and Tim’s house. They are moving soon to Michigan. I think this will be the last time we have an excuse to get together.
We all agreed to take Covid tests as soon as we arrived to ensure the safety of each other. My little sister opted out, and my older aunts and uncles also decided not to come due to the crowd, but the rest of us had fun with it and enjoyed one last holiday! All negative results.
Trisha and Tim were given a book about memories created in their home. They are about to sell it, after God knows how many years, (30?) and it was sentimental for them to realize the impact its had on all of our lives. It was sweet. A wonderful token created by our youngest sister.
It was awesome seeing the cousins together again. Zack, Zoe, Andy, Sedona and Paige. We were just missing Layne who is the oldest of the gang. We said we would photoshop him in later.
After we safely made it back home that night, the girls and I poured a shot of the Spanish 43 liqueur my Brazilian Cambly student sent to me. It was something I’d never heard of or tried before. Was such a special treat!
Cheers to friends near and far! Hope you all enjoy a wonderful Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah and New Year!
After my Saturday hike, I decided to find a few boutiques in Louisville to do a little holiday shopping. I googled “boutiques” and followed the directions given to an area in Louisville known as NULU. I appreciated the free parking which was readily available and easy to find. Unlike Cincinnati OTR where you always have to spend a fortune to park anywhere close to the shopping areas.
Driving into the area I knew I would like it with the murals and “get lucky in Kentucky” motto. 🙂
Couldn’t be more true and I love the reminder.
Seems like this area is growing. After a couple blocks, there was nothing, but in the general 6 block radius there were tons of local restaurants, breweries and shops.
I parked right outside of a plant shop. I went inside just to check it out and fell in love with the creativity! It literally made me want to start over. Get a new place and redecorate!
If I was still in the creative ceramic side to development I would stop in here for inspiration! The shop’s name is Mahonia. If you are ever in Louisville, it is worth it. I told my daughters I would let them pick out something just because I couldn’t decide what they would like best for Christmas.
Pink seemed to be a theme this Christmas. Along with black Santas which I embraced fully by buying my entire family Christmas pjs with him!
The Christmas ornaments this year are also works of art. I am seeing more and more of the humor in ornaments and a lot more in this retro style.
Why do I love these little touches on items? Gives new life to a simple journal.
I stopped into a coffee shop called “Please and Thank you” and had the best “honey boy” coffee that I’ve ever tasted. I then opted to buy 1/2 dozen Christmas cookies to support whoever’s genius this place was!
They were also selling those chocolate chip cookie cakes which were tempting.
With this painted on the outside window, how could I not pop in to see what was featured inside.
The store name was “Revelry” and was featuring all local artists with some amazing artwork, crafts and designs.
This room alone was inspiring. I loved how they featured one artist’s ornaments per homemade branch. The mint walls also made it more like a museum display.
Directly past Revelry, there was a chicken spot which had tons of cute outdoor seating which would be fun in the summer months.
Love Love Love that they also had a gender neutral shop.
Perfectly put.
On the opposite side of the road was Red Tree. I’d not been before, but it was beautiful and I ended up bringing my friend Traci there the following Tuesday night to check it out!
I mean look at this display. Stunning holiday displays surrounding you, hanging from every crevice. I truly hope boutiques did well this year, even with many shopping early online.
I wanted that LOVE WINS sign so bad, but couldn’t justify spending more money on myself.
I ended up buying the girls and George drinking glasses with “Cheers Bitches” and “Bourbon Badass” etched in. My humor.
In between the buildings was this great little courtyard. Love being a tourist again.
I didn’t take any photos inside this store, but loved that it was woman owned. It was all pink inside.
Still showing support for the terrible injustice for Breonna. I loved that they still show these signs. I feel like Cincinnati moves on way too quickly from issues that need addressed. For those of you who don’t know, she was shot inside her home by police by a mishap in March 2020.
This general area was proudly displaying their support for equal rights in every way. Amazing how I always end up in their right place by following my gut.
I really needed to get outdoors. Reset my mind. Get away from all the need to dos that surround the holiday season, and instead get out on this December day. It was cloudy, rainy, cold, but it was perfect. I borrowed George’s jacket and a pair of jeans to slide over my leggings, and decided with these layers, I would be able to survive the 2 plus mile hike I mapped out in Indiana.
It was a 35 minute drive there, over the Ohio River. Google maps took me down some gravel dead end streets which reminded me of the dirt roads in Oklahoma. I swear if it shows up on the map, google thinks its do-able.
This was a new bridge for me. Said it was with toll fees, but there was no stopping point. These days I think they must zap your plates and just send you a bill in the mail. Its a definitely more productive way to collect the tolls without backing up traffic.
After passing through the park’s entrance, it was still a 9 minute drive to get to the trailhead.
Loved this color combination. Christmas appropriately in December this time. Red berries always in season it seems.
The trail started off pretty flat but soon was quite an incline. It rained the entire night before, so i was expecting some mud and slick areas.
The inclines were unexpected, but fun to be back in it again.
Mushrooms made their appearance and I loved the burnt look they had on this bark.
The limbs were holding onto droplets of water as if making time stand still.
More fungi and color combinations of nature showing off.
I felt like a splash of color in the otherwise monochromic brown woods.
The trail was along a ridge. When looking down you could see the roadway and off in the distance the Ohio River.
Love the doodle marks in the devoured bark.
Kentucky and Indiana always have these boulders which are fun to climb onto and sit for awhile.
Such a strange season of warm air, rain and then winds. I’m looking forward to the snow covered trails and limbs.
Shrooms just hanging out with the leaves.
And cool berry branches.
A deer ran across my path just a couple feet in front of me. I didn’t see her coming. then she just stood and watched me as I told her I was not going to do any harm and was just as much a part of nature as she was. I captured her starring at me.
No wonder some cultures believe in gnomes/elves. It just looks like a perfect cave for a little person.
I thought this looked like a perfect little sitting area.
As I kept walking, I started to hear water running and was excited. I had no idea prior to coming if this trail had a stream, but the closer I got, the more obvious it was. I was giddy like a kid in a candy shop, just couldn’t wait to see. I walked to the edge of the ridge and clung onto a tree while looking over to see the water below.
I saw a bridge up ahead and looked forward to crossing over it.
Listening to it brought me back to my instincts. Centered. I felt like I was back in the groove.
Looking down over the bridge and just seeing the water separate, then group back together, only to find different pathways to the next level.
My happy place.
Looking back at the bridge. Have to love the parks systems that preserve these places and make them accessible for all to enjoy.
I thought about walking along the stream but decided to follow the pathway instead. Behave for a change.
I took a short cut and crawled through this hole.
Looking back through the hole, you can see the ridge that brought me this way. Seemed the loop was now taking me the lower route back.
I crossed the stream again this time on lower ground. I was so happy I came. I was the only car there. The only person walking this trail today.
I came across this giant mushroom. Do animals eat them? I wonder. They seem so meaningful and dominant in forests.
The berries holding onto the droplets. I stuck my finger out gently and the droplet kept its form and rolled onto my skin. Was somehow like magic to me. Connecting. Seeing how as much as I am nature. part of nature, I still find myself mystified and craving to mimic that which I know I am.
I have no idea why, but I always struggle during the Holidays. This year, with taking on a new full time position and being back in America, I struggle to find the balance of life. I have learned what brings me nuggets of joy, but yet again I find myself chained to a desk falling back into the groove, working nonstop, making ends meet.
Why do we do that? Old habits die hard. Its interesting to me as I watch in observation of myself. Trying to figure out how I so quickly, automatically reverted back to become the past me.
I haven’t had much time for friends, shopping or hiking. I’m still working Cambly in the am and pm on top of my other job, as I refuse to let go of my now only 24 regular students who still brighten my day. I haven’t seen my friend Kevin in a couple months, so I was happy to have him on my calendar, even if it was just a Tuesday night.
Kevin travels all the time and is always off adventuring. Its one of many things I love about him. He is also such an easy going friend to hang with, unload on, gain wisdom from and explore with. We decided to try out a brewery that neither of us had been to before. Rebel Mettle is celebrating its 1 year anniversary.
Its in an odd location in the south west corner of downtown, wedged by alleyways and highways.
I loved how their tables had their engraved logo on them. It was a typical Tuesday night. I need to go back when the weather is warmer. It looked like they had a pretty cool second floor and outdoor area.
One of the workers is obsessed with the rubber ducks they give out at the Sugar & Spice diner. They look cute as beer taps.
Their graffiti wall reminded me of my house growing up. My parents allowed us kids to doodle on the basement game room walls which entertained us until high school. I am certain the memories live on in that house even if its covered in fresh paint.
When taking a closer look, it seemed to be a memorial wall tribute.
The bathrooms of this place were super clean and extremely warm which was nice. This graffiti awaited me in my stall. I wish I had a pen to contribute.
Kevin and I both ordered flights to try them all out. I ended up taking a mixed six pack home to get me through the week.
Being that it was Tuesday it was Trivia night at the bar. I really didn’t want to participate, but Kevin already had the app on his phone so we decided to give it a try. I was able to guess a bonus question, which I was dang proud of. (totally random number guess too- but made me look smart!)
We compromised on a lot of answers, which turned out he was usually right and I was usually not. But, nonetheless, we won a 10$ gift card in the end scoring 3rd place! (I won’t tell you how many teams participated🤣)
As we left the bar, there was a light snow coming down which was magical. It was not cold out, but perfectly still. Felt like we were in a movie. One of those moments you wish you could freeze in time. A great ending to a much needed night out.
I hope everyone doesn’t let time escape them during the holiday season. Cherish the time we have and remember that time really is just an illusion.
Tonya Takes Thailand 