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.

Historic Clifton Mill Restaurant- Clifton, Ohio

It’s been about a year since I’ve met up with my childhood friend, Debbie. Our last hike was at Tawawa Park in Sidney, Ohio back in August when I was first adjusting back from Thailand. How does Covid time go by so slowly and quickly at the same time? It’s like a time warp! But Debbie has kept in touch with me all year as we Marco Polo each other on a weekly basis. This video communication app really helped me when in Thailand and continues to make me feel connected when distance is between us.

We decided to meet up at the historic restaurant in Clifton, Ohio and enjoy some Sunday breakfast before our planned hike. It was literally pouring down rain as I headed out at 8:30 am with no indication of stopping. Debbie left me a message, being the optimistic trooper that she is, saying she was hopeful I was bringing the sun with me and that she was in her best hiking gear complete with a hooded rain jacket. Love that she was ready no matter what and not calling to cancel which is what I originally predicted.

The property was surrounded by vintage buildings. I have never been to this part of the Ohio countryside before. I am told they also put on an awesome Christmas light display.

No historic town is complete unless it has a local blacksmith.

Inside was the charm of an old country shop. Knick Knacks galore!

I purchased some cow tails in memory of my daughter’s childhood candy walks. In our Oakley neighborhood, there was a ghetto candy shop at the end of our block and the kids would walk down to buy cow tails regularly.
(cow tails are caramel cream in a long strand)

A view outside, still raining, of the historic mill and covered bridge.

Debbie noticed the pancake challenge right away, but in the end we both opted for the french toast.

Debbie being a sport with me snapping photos. This one capturing the real sunflower set at our table. Such a nice touch.

Pin on Empowering Quotes — This defines Debbie. She has been my friend for 47 years and I cherish her optimism, sarcasm, & outlook on life and truly appreciate her support of my crazy spirited lifestyle.

Cedar Cliff Falls Trail- Cedarville, Ohio

This trail was recommended by my friend Denise that lives in Dayton. I struggled to find it on the AllTrails app because I was looking in Yellow Springs but the actual hike was in Cedarville, Ohio. Was only about 4 miles from the Clifton Mill Restaurant where we enjoyed breakfast. A perfectly planned Sunday.

As our luck would have it, there was an hour and 1/2 window between rain storms! So we conquered this trail confidently knowing we were meant to hike it. I wonder if it was raining, would we still have checked it out? I mean we both drove such a long ways….it may have been worth it regardless. Nonetheless, I was thankful to have the break in the clouds, but not so grateful for the humidity.

You must take the lower gorge route, that black dash line, its worth the climb.

After only a short walk from the parking lot we got a view of the waterfall.

We walked along the boardwalk for a closer look. Discussing how it must have been canoeing down river back in the pre-map days and then just randomly hitting a drop off. Would you hear it beforehand?

Selfie moment pre-sweat timing. Damn we are looking good for our age. Good-ole corn fed roots.

I immediately admired these flowers on top of the prickly weed. It reminded me of the cactus blooms I was so fascinated by out west.

This is a view of the main bridge we crossed to get to the trail head.

I loved these little moss balls along the ground.

We were both saying this entry looked as if we were going into a tunnel of the unknown.

We moseyed down this staircase to the river below. I was admiring the mossy fern rock wall on the right side.

River roots are the best- strongest, creepiest, most resistant.

Debbie posing below the overhang, fully trusting the rocks stable position.

How cute is this coverage? Like a fairyland.

Peeking around the corner before we headed back up. The stacked rocks on the right of this photo must have been created in drier times.

Natural walkway. Makes you wonder about the intricacy of what lies below where we don’t walk. How all the roots are connected and intertwined.

There were many bridges which were slick from the rain. I kept warning Debbie to be careful because she had on sneakers. She kept teasing me that I just didn’t want to have to carry her out of the woods.

She named this ‘Christmas in July’. We reminisced about squeezing these berries between our fingers as kids. Which then triggered our memory of a sunflower that we grew in our yard and we’d pick the seeds and eat them. The simple innocent joys of childhood are the best.

Got to love them trees! The coloration of the bark with the leaves. The coverage and canopy providing shade.

And then you see this beauty that branches out so boldly in multiple directions showing off it’s strength to its skinny neighbors.

The trails were marked beautifully and were easy to follow. We headed first to the log cabin and then circled back to the Indian burial mound route.

The historic log cabin which was the end of the trail.

Never encountered one of these before on our hikes.

More stairs. Certainly made an easy walk to the top.

Showing perspective on the way back down.

We took the lower gorge route on the way back.

It led us directly along the river’s edge.

Even though the sun wasn’t shining we were sweating like crazy. Didn’t ever stop for long or the mosquitos would swarm us.

I decided to climb up this slippery rock to pose for a photo. Debbie captured my accent.

Such a hidden gem this trail was! Felt like the Red River Gorge but closer and in Ohio. I am sure there are endless trails for me to keep trekking here if I’m willing to drive a bit.

Debbie is such a great sport. She later told me she rarely gets out onto any trails unless with me. She never complains and is so fun to hang out with. We need to road trip together someday and explore another terrain.

Check out that tree leaning over the water, hanging on until the bitter end. Nature teaches us death as well as life. How some hold on and gradually fade, others get infected with a virus and decay while some simply get struck by lightening or fall to natural disasters instantly.

Looking back one last time before we climb back up to the higher trails.

Somehow the manmade walkways blend beautifully with nature.

Last glance of the waterfall from the opposite side on our way out.

On my drive home I encountered scattered showers but nothing like the downpour I managed on the way up. My last view before my exit was this heavy cloud coverage and I had to admire the heart.

Can you see the heart shape formed? Signs of love are everywhere if you open your eyes.

TOP 25 GOD AND NATURE QUOTES (of 76) | A-Z Quotes

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.

Riding underneath of them offers a new perspective of their scale and intricacy.

The infamous Montgomery Inn Boathouse restaurant with Mt. Adams in the background.

The Big Mac yellow bridge which is getting more than its share of use these days with the main I-75 bridge under repair.

A natural shot of this beauty! Kathy and I have been friends for over 25 years. Half our lives. Hard to believe. I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it!

Riverboats. Everyone has to experience them once.

A wonderful life reminder as well. Take the time to enjoy the ride!

Fantastic view of the Cincinnati Reds stadium and partial skyline from the river.

I think this is Kathy’s new motto. Get out there and find what brings you joy!

Pet sitting Buddy

Last week I got the honor of house/pet sitting for my friend Rebecca’s adorable dogs. ( and fat basement dwelling cats😆)

It was like having kids again. Playing with Buddy, disciplining his toy toting habits and keeping him restrained from eating everything along on our walks. Maintaining his less needy sister Cocoa from her jealous attention- seeking turns. I was never sure who was really in charge. If I were to say I think Cool Cocoa had Buddy and I under her domain.

Such a joy being able to sit outdoors for hours on end without a care in the world on these humid free days. I have to admit house/pet sitting could be my new faux Airbnb gig. I get the benefit of quiet serenity and a new environment and the owners get the peace of mind knowing their pets are well attended to by a trustworthy mostly responsible 🙄adult.

Buddy became my muse and I am sharing some of his model-esque snap shots.

This is his main spot on the porch scouting for any moving activity.

Then striking an adorable pose with his ever present toys.

Everywhere I went, he made sure he was by my side. Even if that meant squeezing into the tiniest portion on the couch.

Cocoa and Buddy ready to launch should I leave the living room area.

My daughters came over one evening for some take out Thai food. Buddy made sure they knew who was king. Such a beautiful Labrador. ❤️

Gay Pride- Columbus, Ohio

I met my friend Sterling at a beautiful brunch spot near North Vine in Columbus. My friendship with Sterling began in Phuket, Thailand at a group brunch where I knew only one guy- yet met the posse who then became my rock while living there. It’s a great story.

I was late to the brunch and awkwardly shy walking into a group setting but knowing I needed to take a leap to connect. I sat across the table from this guy who seemed to know everyone. I sat quietly observing. Only to later find out that he was an American, the only one at the table of about 10. And ironically from Ohio, same as me. I would never have predicted in a million years this connection.

Now finding ourselves back in the USA due to Covid, I could not let such a short distance keep us from catching up. It’s been a year since I’ve been in Phuket. And yet seems like yesterday.

Sterling and I selfie snap shot. Reunited in Columbus, Ohio. Such a small world.

I loved how the stores along High Street were showing their spirit! Every store showed rainbows in some format.

Admiring their creativity and use of the rainbow on their burger motifs.

This speaks to me. The upside down woman and the poetic nature of the mural placed in middle America, along a brick road, but yet in the middle of transition.

I saw this sculpture right across the street from where we were eating brunch. I had to of course take a closer look. I love that this is planted and displayed for all of us to enjoy and appreciate.

Do people appreciate the creativity of God in nature or of people around them? Or do they continue to be blind and walk right by as if no effort was made in their paths.

31 Incredible Beauty Quotes That Will Melt Your Heart | Spirit Button

Tacos 🌮 Louisville, Kentucky

Always a good choice right? Even on a Monday!

After finishing up my Cambly afternoon I googled top local places to eat in Louisville and Taco Luchandor came up. It was such a beautiful day out and a margarita is never a bad choice. (More than two may be, but…..)

This restaurant has several locations. I chose the one in St.Matthews area which was closest to where I was staying.

There was a large outdoor seating area. Was looking forward to that.

Very artistic decor. Fast food Panera ordering style which I didn’t expect.

Adorable environment. Seemed many groups of friends were out sharing pitchers of margaritas. Wish Beth and Linda were here to join me.

I tried a chicken taco. Every time I eat chips and queso I regret it. But I can’t seem to pass it up on the menu.

Mammoth Cave National Park-Kentucky

I decided to spend the weekend in Louisville and wanted an adventure to keep me out of trouble on Sunday while George was working. In typical Tonya style, I took a look at the AllTrails app to see what hiking was near the area. I discovered that Mammoth Cave National Park was only an hour drive away and offered many different trails.

I feel like my parents took me to this place possibly when I was younger, but I don’t remember much about it. I wondered if seeing it would trigger any memories.

Just a little info about this park- Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the world’s longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave is a limestone labyrinthine and you with more than 400 miles of it explored, and the park estimates a potential for another 600 miles in its system. Can you imagine? Discovering this back in the 1800s.

I knew I wasn’t going to be able to explore the cave, since reservations are required due to Covid and general summer tourism. Maybe I will come back again with a friend to take a look, but for now, I was just day tripping to get some sunshine and exercise.

On my drive there I stopped at a rest area and there was this poppy meadow in front of where I parked. I couldn’t resist.

I literally covered all the trail routes. Not knowing if I’d be back. Wanting to see all the sites. Was out walking the trails for 3 hours.

Map location in Kentucky. I was curious what city it was closest to. There was a time change which literally made me feel like I was in a time warp as I was hiking for over an hour and then it said I was only out 15 minutes.

Heading down the historic trail. This led you to the opening of the Mammoth Cave. You could literally feel the temps drop when you walked by.

Oh Virlane- wtf is up with this tree bark? It was the only one like it.

Heavily covered but it did nothing to help with the humidity.

Check out the tree roots adaptability. Talk about will to live.

Occasionally there would be paved or wooden walkways.

Looking down into the opening of a cave. I decided to find my way down to it for an up close personal look.

I spotted a fallen tree in the distance and hiked along the slanted muddy/sandy/slick edge to reach it. Knowing it may be the only secluded part of the woods. Most paths had many hikers and families. Off the paths was poison ivy galore.

And planted myself for a much needed silence check-in. Listening to the birds and water. Asking God what’s next for me.

This ironically was sent to me from Kang Kang which was perfectly appropriate for the days end.

How in the world does nature so easily embrace and conform when as a human I always kick and scream against change.

These shrooms looked like ruffles on a dress in their warm coloration.

And these cuties were so small and sprouting up as a new layer on a fallen log pronouncing their existence.

Rocks or boulders are always along Kentucky trails.

Nothing to see here. Very disappointing.

Ferns showing off in a spiral form. New to me. Always seeking new shapes.

The sinkhole was more like a dried up river bed.

Surrounded by ferns not seen elsewhere in the park.

My love of roots and their strength. Supportive. Surviving. Enduring whatever elements come their way.

The mud path ended that I was following along the sinkhole sight.

Leading to a place to watch the sunset. It led to an opening overlooking the tree covered mountains. I was about 4 hours early.

Cemetery for the slaves that gave tours in the caves for generations.

The Dixon trail cave. Nothing much to see.

One last look as I made my way back out of the forest and back to the parking lot.

I stopped in Elizabeth Town, Ky for dinner and had to capture this thoughtful mural.

As I was making my way back to the apartment I saw this little guy in a parking spot. Like he’d fallen out of a car and was left behind. My heart broke. So I set him up in this position as if calling out “ I’m here!!”

Keehner Park Trail- Westchester, Ohio

Sedona agreed to go on a hike with me this weekend so I googled a few trails that were within a 30 minute radius. This park pulled up so off we went to explore.

I’ve never heard of this place but being that it was Saturday, families were out in the picnic areas celebrating recent graduations.

We started down this steep pathway that immediately led to the creek.

You know I love the water. This creek was shallow enough to easily walk through.

We were surrounded by a fresh green glow. The color seemed vibrant probably due to the week of rain we endured.

And the paths were muddy as hell. There was no escaping it.

This vine was wrapped as if in attack mode trying to take down the tree.

Half and half. Made me want one of those twisty soft served ice cream cones with chocolate and vanilla.

Was tough to capture a photo but this tree literally had two large long branches that I felt were reaching out to me! Sedona was certain that it was not wanting me, but possibly another tree.

One of the neighbors must have built this cute fort. After getting a few cobwebs off, Sedona climbed up.

Teeny petals. Not many flowers along these paths.

I nearly fell thinking the wood would be more stable than the mud.

We ended up at one point trekking across this open field. It was so strange emerging from the coverage suddenly.

Sedona in a peaceful moment under the natural archway.

I thought this little sprout needed some attention. Looked like art to me.

We heard kids in the distance probably enjoying the break from the sun and the coolness coming off the water. It was another humid 90 degree day.

Great overhead coverage providing shade.

Hmmmm not very helpful in our decision making.

Moving water always fascinated me. I mean how does it never stop?

Hiking with my daughters always makes me happy.

We decided to take the stairs up hoping they’d lead us back to the main park level. Wasn’t sure if we could get a grip in the mud on an incline.

The Roads I Travelled in May

I found this in my drafts and decided to send out. It was entertaining for me to see again.

Photos are from way back in May 2021. Random shots from the front of my rented van Vanessa as I road tripped out West and back. Wanting to record the landscape.

The roads we travel in life. If only we could record the changes.

Reflecting back on the views from Vanessa’s windshield helped me to realize we take in so much and forget much of what was actually witnessed, learned, endured, and what were fascinated by along the way.

So thankful for the camera on my Iphone. Genius for the journeys in my life.