Flower Power 🌷☀️🌸🌼

Just admiring as I go.

I’ve learned to stop and really look deeply at their details and admire the transition.

And those colors! How fortunate we are to share their space.

Trillium Valley Trail-California Woods, Ohio

Rain is predicted for every day next week. Unlike some who are comforted by the sound of rain and the excuse to stay indoors, I dread a cloudy Ohio day. It depresses me somehow. I enjoy the sound at night when I am trying to sleep, but otherwise it puts me in a comatose condition. So I wanted to get out again if possible and not waste the morning as the storm clouds started rolling in.

I met up with my friend Linda at California Woods. Unlike the last time we were here, the parking and trails were empty even though it was a Sunday.

blahahhhhakrgk — I saw this trail on my drive to the parking lot so while I was waiting for Linda I walked back to check it out.

Map of the park

I spotted this pathway and wandered til it’s dead end. I love the tall grass. Reminds me of ‘weed forts’ we used to make as kids. We would create trails in the tall grass by matting down the grass, then covering up the entrances so no one could find us.
Shout out to my Westmoor comrades.

Looking up always gives me hope. Thank God my vertigo has been at bay.

Look at her bulges. Her rounded hips make me smile with relatable compassion.

As I was walking I snapped this photo in attempt to capture the narrowness of the trail we were on.

Inspirational rocks make my day as I hike. A common find on Cincinnati trails.

A look back. The forest was so green, humid, buzzing with the rhythm of cicadas. We couldn’t stop for long because we’d get bitten by mosquitoes and other gnats looking for something new to attack.

We climbed quite a height. Linda didn’t seem phased with the incline, meanwhile I was trying to catch my breath attempting to keep up.

An artistic composition of fallen timber.

How many faces can you see in this beauty?

Perfection. The raindrops in their oval shapes could not have been posed any better, lining the leaves’ edges.

It was an easy trail to follow. Signs were blocking a lot of the options for restoration.

This flowering tree caught my eye snd I made Linda pose by it.

Such feathery petals with no scent whatsoever.

Linda stopped to skip rocks in the stream while we caught up on each other’s lives.

My badass friend. The joy of being back in my city.

French Park- Cincinnati, Ohio

I received a sweet text message from Alexandra Leurck who had just returned after spending a semester abroad. I haven’t seen her since her grandfather’s funeral and we decided to check out French Park and catch up. I wanted to hear all about her European adventures and find out what her plans are for the summer.

She was determined to hike barefoot, grounding herself with nature. I love this girl’s heart! She is a genuinely kind, passionate protector of the earth that encompasses the wisdom of a recycled soul. I absolutely adore her and could talk with her on my level for hours without feeling the age difference. I can’t wait to see where she ends up in the world. A free spirit for sure with empathy and a grip on what makes a human happy. Admirable to be at that place mentally in your 20s.

We came across a water spigot which was still functioning.

As we were walking at the beginning of the trail, the aroma was overwhelming. Lilacs. But not the big oversized flowers I was used to seeing, it was coming from these tiny little guys. (which I was just informed is called honeysuckle. So much I could be learning!) We were both just breathing it in. It was like walking in a fairyland with the sweet scent surrounding us.

The paths were so quiet. It was morning and the sun was not yet hot. I love when trees naturally create archways over the trails. This one with its shape in particular was unique.

As Alexandra was walking, she snagged this clover between her toes. Instead of my heavy shoes crushing nature, she was becoming part of it.

I am constantly amazed at how I notice different plants and flowers every time I hike. Are the species are endless? And as Alexandra pointed out, there are so many more seasons than we are educated on. Anytime you get out there is always change. Lesson there in life.

This cicada did not stray far from its shell which is right below it. These ugly bugs live a simple life. The noise yesterday was at its peak with them singing. Today seems a bit quieter.

The white bark of this tree stood out with its enormous height.

Check out these flowers. The buds are so tiny, like baby’s breath and then they bloom into a cross shape of adorable miniscule petals with tonal spiked edges. My new favorite. And honestly, I have never seen before. (was told by a blog reader, aka Jane, that these are poisonous-yikes!)

Another archway making the other side seem even more mysterious. We walked along many different paths, randomly selecting as we went.

I made her stand under this guy to capture it’s scale. Maybe another day I’ll come back and scale the branch leaning up and perch myself up there for a bit for a different perspective.

The bark of this tree had such interesting markings on it. And up higher, unfortunately, was the victim to many lover’s initials. It was a survivor for sure. More than likely outlasting the love of teenagers who falsely promised forever.

We got to the creek and Alexandra rinsed off her muddy soles.

Can’t tell you how happy I was to be out again, and with the energy and company of this beautiful gal!

A memorial to some childhood friends in the early 1920s – I’ll have to google the story.

The roots of the riverbed trees. Always intriguing.

As we continued we passed a venue where it looked like they may be hosting a wedding tonight. June. The wedding month. So happy to see things in the USA opening back up thanks to all us who believe in science and risked the vaccine for the greater good.

Color and texture combinations always make me ponder the creativity of the creator.

So delicate. Reminded me of Kathy’s newly renovated home with touches of blush and pink. (Kathy is Alexandra’s mom and wonder woman!)

When I got home I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the remainder of my day, but knew I it was a rare moment in the sun, so I got my hammock out and listed to the Dreams & Detours podcast on my ear pods while relaxing and enjoying life. As I was heading back up to the house for lunch, I spotted this perfectly placed heart flower.

Open your eyes out there. It is a fascinatingly communicative world.

36 Quotes About Change - Wise Words About Transitions

Home- Last Leg of my Spectacular May!

Adding to my excitement of coming back to Cincinnati and concluding my month as a solo traveler, my Louisville Lover and tour guide at the beginning of this trip, flew into Ohare to join me and drive the rest of the way back. It was a spur of the moment idea which of course I love! Spontaneity- wins my heart.

As he creatively put it, he is the perfect “bookends” to my story. Was the first stop and now the last.

Ohare airport is a complete mess with the construction going on. But I arrived with time to spare and thankfully accommodated for the gridlock. Captured the beautiful sunset to distract from the red tail lights.

My cutie pie man preflight, ready to join me to make the last 5 hours just as much fun as the main portion of my trip.

We ended up randomly stopping in Lafayette, Indiana and had a drink at Knickerbockers Saloon. We discovered it was opened in 1835 and is the oldest bar in Indiana. The antique bar itself was shipped over to the USA all in one piece and is worth stopping in and seeing.

The already intoxicated regular bellied up to the bar sitting beside us also explained how Al Capone smuggled illegal goods through this bar back in the day. I am sure it holds a very interesting history!

By the time we wandered out of the bars, I attempted to take some photos of the street art in the alleyways. I really need to go back and spend more time in this college town. The historic downtown was great! A perfect pit stop.

When I arrived in Cincinnati, my beautiful daughters and dog were waiting for me!

On Sunday, I asked my friend Rebecca, if she would pick me up after I dropped Vanessa off at the airport. She has a new car and I wanted to check it out, plus it would give us time to catch up live.

Anyone want to guess how many miles I put on the rent-a-car during this month?….6,993 miles!

We decided to find a bite to eat in Covington and I kept this adventure rolling by continuing to try out new places.

I ordered a spiked coffee. Why not. She was driving. Was nice not to be behind the wheel of a car for once.

The food and service were fabulous. Or maybe it was her company! But we camped out for several hours and lost track of time.

Next thing I knew, I was checking out the bar and realized everyone sitting at it was an employee. We had closed the place and laughed at how unaware we were. Was good to be back with friends.

On Memorial Monday, my neighbor Nancy and I had planned a walk. She is heading to Yellowstone next week and I wanted to catch up before she left. It ended up being a beautiful day here! We walked downtown, through Pendleton, up to Eden Park and then back. A two hour hike that just about kicked my ass with all the hills of Cincinnati.

Beautiful Vietnam War Memorial in Eden Park.

We discovered an alleyway with all street art. I was amazed that I’d never seen this before! She was more amazed by the plant life.

I liked how one artist’s work was blended into another’s. Not all one style. Like random people contributed.

The other thing I came back to was the cicadas. It is their 17 year resurfacing in Cincinnati! Such docile bugs, but ugly. Can you see it in this flower? The noise of them all in our backyard is overwhelming at times, but soothing at others. Guess depends on my mood. They fly and literally will run right into you. They are so dumb, and loud!

Noticing the flowers that bloomed that were not out before. Everything here seems so much more lush and thick, greener and full of life.

Broken English Taco Thursday- Chicago, Illinois

After the Van Gogh exhibit, we were determined to continue enjoying this day despite the crappy weather. No bars in the Old Town district were opened until 4 ish, but we did find one local dive that kept us occupied until we could find a more interesting establishment.

Around 4, we fell into a place called ‘Broken English’ and sat at the bar and indulged in their Taco Thursday. (they weren’t open on Tuesday, so they moved it to Thursday) This place was fantastic. I loved it. But their margaritas left me with amnesia 🙂

I don’t think I’d ever been to this part of Chicago, but it was really cute. Plenty of bar hopping options.

Outside view. Has to be filled with characters right?

Inside was equally colorful. Plenty to look at.

Food was amazing and affordable. Highly recommend if you ever get to Chicago!

Good Food With Friends Quotes Twitter – VisitQuotes

Chicago Baby! Van Gogh Immersive Exhibit- Chicago, Illinois

Chicago traffic is a perfect welcome back to reality. This city also still has a strict mask mandate which is a reminder of what I’ve missed by not participating in tv, news or any social indoor activities since the beginning of May. I’ve been spending time mostly outdoors alone, which has been an amazing retreat.

Being with Julie Monnin to ease me back into this dysfunctioning world is perfect. She is such a generous, easy going, warm hearted soul. There is no conflict to endure and I barely have to take care of myself when I stay with her because she is by far the hostess of the century, claiming to enjoy catering to her guests.

Traffic on the way in. I was noticing the graffiti on the columns. Obviously not commissioned. With the construction going on it takes an hour to get to and from Ohare airport which is only a 20 mile drive.

She had a very deep bath tub mostly used for her cutie pie niece and nephew. But my body badly needed some deep cleansing so I took advantage and soaked in the tub every night I stayed with her. It was heaven.

When I arrived early evening it was part of a beautiful 80 degree sunny day.

The following days were showing what the Windy City is named after. High winds off the lakes, rain, chill, and cloudy skies. It’s impressive how it doesn’t deter the natives here from getting out, or even protesting on the streets for that matter. Freeing Palestine is a new subject which I also saw protests for while in Albuquerque. I wish I had a passion to fight, for anything, but honestly I just want to live in my bubble.

Julie surprised me with tickets to the immersive VanGogh exhibit. I had heard about this through different media venues and was thrilled to be able to experience it! I had no idea what to expect.

They were very proper in their social distancing. Tickets were given time frames for entry.

They had circles on the floor and around chairs dictating where you were allowed to sit. Julie and I took a bench seat like a couple of old ladies, while most were sitting like Kindergarteners on the hard floor.

Although I heard about this exhibit, I really wasn’t sure of what they were trying to convey, if anything. Or if it was just about your own personal experience being fully surrounded by his brush strokes which were accompanied by a variety of music. At first I was overwhelmed just looking around me and seeing the art move and change on every surface. After I got accustomed to that, then I was able to relax a bit and just feel the experience.

There was very little talking. Everyone was just trying to experience it which was nice.

I wondered if this was the future for entertainment. Will movies no longer be just a screen in front or would restaurants and bars start using such visuals to allow more of an experience. Based on the German trend forums I would visit annually at Heimtex, this type of experience has been in the making for awhile now. It was great to see it come to life in VanGogh.

The mirrors also helped with the illusion.

There was nothing educational about it really. I loved “Loving Vincent”, the movie that was made in hand painted clips using his art style and telling his life story. I hope any fans of him have heard about it and will see it.

Always admired his sunflowers! We had one of his paintings in our living room growing up, the one that looked like a donkey.

At one part of the reel, there was irritating music and bugs actively drawn crawling up the walls. I tried to feel” what they were attempting to convey and then like a burst, the room filled with bright yellow. It was intense feeling the extreme differences all because of the environment being controlled around me.

He did so much work in such a short life.

How in the world they figured it all out film wise to fill the spaces simultaneously I cannot comprehend.

Sometimes you felt like you were part of the painting. In the scene.

They had a balcony section, which I almost skipped because I had seen it all at this point. But I decided to head up and just take a peak over the edge to see what it looked like from above. So glad I did. It was even more fascinating.

Watching the images dance and move as if they were literally being drawn into your world.

Even the registers, alcoves, steps- all the dimensions were covered and it sort of added to the scenes for me. Instead of all the walls being flat screen surfaces.

Hope you can experience this or something similar.

Vincent Van Gogh Quote | Vincent van gogh quotes, Van gogh quotes, Vincent van gogh

Galena, Illinois

I was hoping to stay with my friend Virlane, who now lives in Champaign, Illinois, on my way home. But the Mount Rushmore curve ball took me further north so I now was going to stop in Chicago instead. When I texted Virlane about it, she suggested I see Galena if I was in the north. So Galena it is! My next stop. Rolling along with the suggestions and keeping my momentum going.

Crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois.

I didn’t know what to expect from this small town. I briefly read that it was historical and once a ghost town but now was revived. It is the birthplace of Ulysses Grant. I needed a pit stop for lunch, to grab some caffeine, and explore for a bit. This place was perfect.

A beautiful sunny day, they had the Main Street partially closed to traffic and all the restaurants offered outdoor seating.

Lace curtains were in most of the windows. Definitely had a country charm to it.

The oldest house in Galena. They offered tours for 12$. I wasn’t that interested.

Very crafty stores. Unique pieces you wouldn’t find mass produced.

Really adorable place. Would be fun to stay at a bread and breakfast for the weekend here.

I was checking out the architecture from across the street and saw the horse in the window. It cracked me up. I did notice there were haunted tours also going on. Reminded me a little bit of Savannah, Georgia.

If you were into antiques, there were plenty of shopping options here.

This reminded me of my friend Jane, who is a treasure 🙂

The town was nested between two hills and there were a lot of staircases taking you to different levels. I was admiring this old school house and then decided to walk up and see what was at the next level.

Not exactly sure what this house was about with the Lady Liberty lighting the way.

Looking down I noticed the park across the way and started heading towards it.

Cute trolley rides that would have been educational.

Grant Park. Had a great biking path and plenty of park benches to pass the time in the sun.

Walking over the railroad tracks and river.

Monument in Grant’s honor. This little park was well manicured. I loved seeing couples just sitting together and taking in the small town across the river.

Really was a cute place. I sat and blogged for an hour then headed into the rush hour traffic to get to the windy city.

As I was leaving I passed the local blacksmith shop.

I saw many signs on this road trip- cow crossing, deer, elk, bears, but this tractor made my day and truly represented this part of the midwest.

Orange City, Iowa

This Dutch town is out in the middle of nowhere. I need to figure out how to set my google maps to not include unpaved roads!

I was in the midst of farm country. But once I pulled up to this quaint Dutch town, I was pleasantly surprised to see gay pride flags and Black Lives Matter.

Snapped this photo from my car window. They love their American flag out here! They also still have their Trump 2020 flags flying😬

Orange City had a windmill park. Adorable!

Lots of education regarding different types of windmills and bridges from their native land.

Provided shade and locals seemed to hang out at the picnic areas

Town square coffee house where I enjoyed a breakfast burrito.

Sparkle clogs on the bar. Seems appropriate.

As I walked through the town there were many signs in Dutch.

Well kept Main Street area complete with Dutch bakery, etc.

Town halls in small towns all look the same.

A museum of their heritage. Wasn’t opened.

Driving out of town was this huge windmill.

It was fun to explore a place with such attention to their heritage. Preserving and educating. Also using it to draw in tourism as well. The tulips were all dead by the time I got there. But I couldn’t have picked a better spot to stop and grab a bite!

Last night sleeping in Vanessa- George Wyth State Park, Iowa

Driving eastbound, I knew I wasn’t going to make it to my intended destination. I was getting tired on the road and the nothingness landscape of Iowa was starting to bore me. I was entertained for a long while listening to a Chelsea Handler book I downloaded, at the suggestion of Ethan, my new friend I met in Albuquerque. But once that was finished, my old playlists were also on my nerves and the repetitiveness of siriusxm pop stations were enough to push me over the edge.

With the help of my Louisville lover, who we will nickname GPP, I was able to spend the evening at a state park. Rightfully, he thought my last night with Vanessa should be in nature and not another Walmart parking lot. I was so appreciative to have the help and research done for me. For 12$ I would be surrounded by the ducks, water and trees instead of the florescent lighting and sound of pick up trucks revving up their engines.

I was chilling on a park bench, admiring the inch worms that I honestly have never seen before! I loved how small they were and how they scrunched their bodies up in order to move forward. Reminded me of that green wheeled toy I used to have as a small child and even the theme song I can still hear in my head.

Watching the sunset on the water. Was so peaceful until I realized the park bench I was sitting on was covered in inch worms and they were now all over me! I freaked out. They were also falling down from the trees. My fascination was over instantaneously.

The inch worm infested bench. Would’ve been beautiful otherwise.

I made my way out onto the rocks to avoid the worms and watch as the sun faded.

My last evening alone on this journey. And what a trip its been! Absolutely unreal, no regrets, perfect timing, life altering!

50+ Inspirational Travel Quotes - My Adventure Bucket

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Before heading off to the small town in Iowa recommended to me, I wanted to check out what Sioux Falls had to offer. I headed back to the park across from the brewery then wandered downtown to see.