Stephanie and I planned a hike up in Mason Saturday am, but we were worried about the mud due to all the rains we had the night prior. She doesn’t own a pair of hiking boots and in all honesty hiking is not her joy, but she was willing to go with me so we could squeeze in a much needed visit.
As I was looking over her Christmas cards she received from their many friends, I noticed one family standing in front of the Third Eye Brewery. (seemed odd for a Christmas card) This was a new brewery that opened up in the summer of 2020, despite Covid. She explained that her friends were part owners so we decided to go there for lunch instead.
The third eye is typically known as the mind’s eye and it looks for new possibilities.
According to Google “Also known as the ‘Ajna chakra’, our third eye is considered to be extremely powerful because it is a potent source of intuitive wisdom which can guide you towards creative pursuits, do away with negativity, provide knowledgeable insight and perhaps lead you to the highest form of intelligence helping open your eyes …
This brewery hopes to “open your mind’s eye, one pint at a time.”
Loved the psychedelic Ohio sign right when you come in.
We ordered two different flights and every one of the beers was unique and enjoyable. I was told they rotate their brew options which continually drives the locals in to try the latest tap.
Motto is perfectly simple.
They were as cautious as possible with the social distancing requirements with plastic screens separating tables and plenty of spaced apart seating. It was surprisingly busy! I imagine in the summer it would be packed since they have two levels of outdoor seating.
In between the winter rain storms that haunted us New Year’s Day, Nancy and I decided to squeeze in an urban hike. What I love about my neighborhood, and what she is teaching me, is everything is walkable!
Without a route in mind, Nancy suggested we walk downtown. I didn’t say anything but I was honestly wondering how possible that really was. Whenever I am in Europe I literally walk for 8 hours a day without thinking twice about it. But for some reason when we are in our own home towns we seem to limit ourselves and rely on our cars for transportation. At least in the midwest. Maybe not so much in a big city.
I was pleasantly surprised how easy the hike was, especially with a friend. We were catching up on our holidays and 2 hours quickly passed by.
Walked past Pendleton, which is literally right down the hill from us.
Pendleton is a small neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio located on the east side of Over-the-Rhine, north of the Central Business District, and south of Mount Auburn. It is home of the Pendleton Art Center. We also walked past the Brewdog Brewery. Can’t wait for bar-life to open back up again so I can walk down and check this place out.
Conveniently located near the casino and jail.
We passed many new urban murals. Maybe they aren’t new per se, but new to me. I will post them on my Instagram along with all the other street art I discover. Love this artform.
Nancy and I discussed how we would like to commission one on the side of our condo. 🙂 Unfortunately we don’t have a brick or flat surface to paint on.
The sun started setting and I moaned about having to go up Sycamore hill again. I have yet to conquer that incline without several stops along the way. We detoured and spotted a staircase.
After climbing the first set of steps, I turned back and captured this view.
Nancy had never been up the full flight either so we decided to conquer them and take our chances on where we ended up. We knew we lived at the top of this hill somewhere, so we were certainly heading in the right direction.
I took off my winter hat and hoodie as this was not going to be an easy feat.
Looking up at the second set. Most people we passed were going down the steps, we were the only ones headed up.
I paused to take a look at how far we had come and captured this view of downtown below.
I am thankful that the trees were bare and I was able to view the city below. I am so lucky to live where I do and have the neighbors I have. Ones that push me to explore and see new things even right around the corner.
As I reflect back on 2020, I realize how difficult it’s been on everyone. Our lives turned upside down with the unpredictable world that we live in somehow seeming even more dramatically unbalanced.
With the loss of a main source of income I was forced in 2020 to rethink my ability to survive financially in Thailand while still supporting my home in Cincinnati. The pandemic, as much as I wanted to ignore it, convinced many people to move back to their native countries, for good reason. With flights being cancelled and rules with international travel and visas changing daily, it was natural to feel comforted by retreating to be close by established friends, family and back in the countries where our passports were originally from. Dreams changed.
Not everyone needed to make such a bold move and I admire all the expats still braving it out in countries they have now made home. I was a newbie”. With my Korean tenants back in Cincinnati no longer able to afford rent and life as we knew it causing pause in priorities, I found myself back in The States. Much like the same calling that moved me to Phuket, a similar voice told me to come back for what I hoped would be a new start.
It was definitely that. Not necessarily the happy- happy I wished it would be, but nonetheless, exactly as intended by the Universe. My next step was more of a lesson of strength. Maybe the answers I never wanted to hear, and possibly the perfect push for me to find myself again to ready for the next adventure life has to offer.
Last night I journaled about my 2020 by month and found that it was quite filled. Filled with joy, adventures, new sites, challenges, love and loss, accomplishments but most importantly friendships. I am the most blessed when it comes to the people that surround me, encouraging me, showing me what the purpose of life is really about. People. Appreciation. Kindness. Love. Faith. Endurance.
Ringing in 2020 at Patong Beach was WAY different than what my New Year’s 2021 looked like. Packed with people, fireworks, partying and carefree energy! I was fortunate to have my daughters with me creating memories together that will last a lifetime!
After a trip to Germany and then the USA in January and February, I returned back to Phuket to enjoy many sun filled adventures with Noni and Jason. It was life as usual in Thailand with very little Covid-19 cases and my thoughts were that the situation was overly exaggerated.
When schools went to online virtual learning, I thought it was an excellent opportunity for my daughter Sedona to join me in Phuket. This was March and irrationally I thought it would be great hanging out together while we waited for the illness spread to subside. We travelled to Chiang Mai and enjoyed a very eerie tourist- free visit. During the last day there, everything was shut down by the Thai government and we were thankful to be able to safely return to Phuket.
The pandemic brought with it a lot of changes. Masks, online working, virtual group chats and lockdowns that tested all of our patience in April. Thailand government banned the sale of alcohol during this pandemic month and that was a sobering reality to face alone.
In May after seeing the tropical island I was living on become a ghost town, I had a calling to return home. A shove more or less. With optimistic hopes of renewing broken relationships and being there during this difficult time of Covid, Trumpers, upcoming elections and continual struggles facing America. I booked my flights out in July, when the international airports opened back up for travel.
In August, a month after my return, my relationship with Justin finally met its ghosted end. I am still honestly struggling with this loss of such a supportive friend and lover. But am letting time heal the wounds, with a little bit of therapy help as well.
I retreated to the outdoors, learning from what brought me joy in Phuket= nature. I downloaded the AllTrails app and started hiking trails everywhere I went. The fall foliage could not have been prettier this year and I again find nature the place I feel most alive.
I started therapy in September and continue to grow and learn through my weekly visits. I have never done counseling before besides marriage counseling which was filled with lies and deceit. I had no idea what to expect from it, but I honestly am not sure I would have made it through this year -end without it! I am forever thankful for Traci who set me up and KangKang who seems to spiritually guide me from Taiwan sending enlightening podcasts and quotes that get me through!
In November I launched my own inspirational photobooks, deciding there may be others that could use some support during these winter months. My only hope was to inspire others to get out in nature and see what She is telling us.
I mean what a ride right? Filled with growth and challenges but also hope and inspiration.
I reflect on all the beautiful friends I have shared 2020 with, as captured in the below recap photos. All these photos were taken in 2020 and yet not all friends and family are represented in the shots.
I directly feel energy from people and that is what makes Covid times so difficult- not being able to hug or feel the direct love one receives and gives when in personal contact with others or in groups. But for now, I am thankful. I got a lot of hugs in at the beginning of the year and continue my one on one safe distance visits to this day.
Stay safe and may 2021 come with even more lessons and blessings for us all.
Paul, Linda, KangKang, Yvonne, Rebecca, Blair, Kassie and Nancy.
Bob, Ron, Jason, Noni, Virlane, Min, Karen, Susan, May, Uncle Jim,Rebecca and James.
Mimi, Debbie, Stephanie, Julie, Solaire, Jane, Denise, Kathy, and Zoe.
Tiffani, Traci, Ann, Jeff, Beth, Luiz, Sarah and Zvezda.
I love each and every one of you! Stay unique. Stay true.
As the Christmas Holidays wrap up this weekend, I was in desperate need to walk off the 8 sugar cookies I indulged in. I have avoided sugar quite successfully upon returning to the USA, but those damn frosted Christmas cookies are my arched nemesis.
My thoughts went out to all my single girl friends this season. It’s hard enough during Covid to be alone, but during the holidays it can sometimes be quite depressing. To get myself out of a funk, a hiking I must go, this time dragging along Zvezda. We headed to Burlington, Ky and drove into an upscale subdivision following the google maps. Ended up at a dead end cul de sac with a pretty cool trail.
Would never have known this trail existed unless you lived in this neighborhood or had the AllTrails app. I wanted an easy walk since we couldn’t get started until 2pm. This was perfect.
The park was named after an Italian doctor from the area.
This treehouse was on the private property right by the trail entrance. Zvezda is not one to obey the rules and went right past the “private drive” sign to take a closer look.
Such a cool structure, wedged in between what would otherwise have been an eyesore.
The trail headed steeply down, and as you know, what goes down must go back up!
Came out along this creek bed which was quietly trickling water.
The roots desperately holding on to the eroded embankment.
Different things always capture our eyes. I end up wandering as she ends up seeing details among the trees, labeling one as a ‘heartbreak”.
Hole in this tree had some hidden treasures inside. I was just happy it wasn’t a body part.
Do you see the love? I am still looking 🙂 As Zvezda told me, my flower died. It was gorgeous and does not need labeled, but is now gone forever-dead just like the forest.
The sun was reflecting on the moving water. I miss the water. I could’ve sat by this all day and listened.
My light weight boots. Going to get a workout this winter.
Parts of the river were frozen. Zvezda kept trying to break the ice, reassuring me it was safe to hold our body weight. I kept daring her to cross, but she claimed not to have an extra pair of socks in her backpack.
Capturing the ice and colors of the stream.
Finally got a selfie with this gal! I am sporting my new Christmas gifts- new hat from Zoe, scarf from Nancy and face mask from Beth. Love!!!
I decided to cross via a dead tree that had fallen. She found her own way across, this time without getting her shoes wet.
This was the tree I balanced across. Two guys walking by told me to “be careful”- I told them “what fun would that be?” Little did they know they were dealing with an ex-gymnast here. This was barely a challenge 🙂
On the loop back we came across this meadow and theatre seating. We decided it was used for witch rituals. (kidding—in case you don’t know me by now) But maybe….
Huge mushrooms, white this time.
I think our human need for water in order to live draws us to the sound of moving water. Like an instinct.
I was happy this hike was near such varying waterways. Some frozen, others parts quickly rushing over the rocks while side streams trickled following their own paths. Was a cute short hike which was perfect on a chilly afternoon.
The only fully walking bridge in Cincinnati is lit up for the holidays. I only heard about it from a friend’s post on FB and decided to take a look. I was feeling a tad low and asked Luiz to meet me for some fresh air. Not a whole lot you can do during Covid times so we bundled up and had a great night.
Even though it was raining, we both enjoyed getting out and seeing some new sites together.
Always a great view of the city from Newport.
A purple lit ‘Make a Wish ‘tree is at the entrance of the bridge.
I have never seen the locks here before, but nice that they are allowing in restricted areas.
I’ve read news that the weight of the locks on the bridges in Paris is becoming an issue with stability.
“The Pont des Arts is most famous for being the Lock Bridge in Paris. Visitors to the bridge attach personalized padlocks to its railing and throw the keys away in the Seine River.
Despite the government of Paris removing many of the locks in 2015, over a million more (approximately 45 tons) have been placed on the bridge since then.”
Such a quaint walk, even with a little drizzle, the purple lights lifted my mood.
It feels good to get out, even in the colder weather. Just seeing something new always makes my days and/or nights more meaningful.
Happy Holidays! We may not be able to gather with loved ones but we can get outside still and enjoy the world around us.
My daughter Zoe had the day off and I convinced her to adventure on another trail with me. I looked up trails within an hour drive radius and found a 3 mile loop in Maysville, Kentucky.
We took Route 52, the scenic way along the Ohio River. We passed many small towns that I had never seen before. It always made me wonder who lives in these small communities. Many still had their Trump signs up showing continued faith in their lying lost leader. In the distance we spotted 5 smoke stacks coughing up pollution into the blue skies. I felt like I was in a movie.
Eventually we crossed from Ohio to the Kentucky side on this adorable bridge which took us to the mountain hike.
A very scenic two lane bridge.
I wondered how many bridges there were connecting Ohio and Kentucky. (when I googled it came up with 17)
There was a cute little plaque outside the trail’s entrance.
And clearly marked trail indicators.
We were bundled up at the beginning trying to stay warm and then later after hitting a steep mile decline, were starting to sweat in the chill of December.
Cute little ferns still showing off their greenery among the dried leaves.
Zoe took the stage and did a little routine on the newly built amphitheater.
A cool shot of the winding vines and those random bird houses.
This tree was cracked in half and remained suspended as if part of a balancing act.
One mile steep and muddy! Thank goodness they had ropes along the drop offs or both of us may have ended up over the edge at one point.
Zoe looked like a cat in the woods with her earmuffs.
It was great getting out and breathing in some fresh air.
Huge fungi tainted black.
Always admiring the roots along the river bed.
A trickle of water brought comfort with distracting sounds in the woods.
We wondered if the boy scouts made this bridge.
When we exited this was the sign naming the trail -Sycamore.
I loved the message as we left, perfectly positioned with the stop sign.
Same hike, different views. Always amazing to me how nature transforms.
The moss and fungi have taken over in transition to winter. I wish it would snow and offer me some quiet variety – but until then, I am still getting out!!
Love how he has a crawl space and is covered in plush green.
Fungi flower shaped are my favorites.
I feel like if I jumped in, I would end up in the Alice in Wonderland book! Who’s willing to join me.? Maybe we need to consume a mushroom first?
Like art scalloping up the tree.
Why are they so pretty? Fashionably influential even-cascading down the side.
The white ones are so fresh next to the grey decaying tree. Life and death together on display.
Obviously a feeding frenzy for some insects.
This twisted tree was truly on his own out here, standing his ground, making a statement.
Thanks to my book sales I was able to buy some new winter waterproof hiking boots! Looking tiny next to the stump I stood on.
My friends and trail blazing comrades.
The majority of the woods was decorated in this color combination. The water a muddy green with amber leaves fallen around it.
When I returned to the USA, it was not an easy transition. I came back where I was not openly welcomed. I ended up losing complete contact with two of the people I love most. One, my man who was very supportive to me throughout my time in Thailand and second, my daughter. The loss of total communication with both has been heart wrenching to say the least. I still struggle daily in attempts to make any sense of it.
But as I look back through my hiking photos, I can see my growth and gradual transition. One that occurred in the woods, alone, but also with very dear friends by my side. And to them I pay tribute.
This was my very first hike, after returning from Thailand. I am still golden brown. But you can see from my expression, lost in purpose and depleted in spirit.
My very first hike with a companion, was with my good friend Linda. She has been such a cheerleader to me and without her I would be lost. She is always thankful and appreciative, a lesson for us all.
Denise, my ex coworker, who has taught me that being kind is the most important characteristic in life. She doesn’t have a bad bone in her body- EVER.
Debbie, a childhood friend who I have known for over 40 years, is always filled with love, sarcasm and a realistic view of life and our choices. She has always encouraged me to get out. (physically and mentally!) Without her push, I may not have appreciated nature in Ohio as I have.
Rebecca, who has been on at least 5 hikes with me in these past months, has been my steady-spiritual guide through finding myself again. I lean on her daily for guidance and empathy.
Kathy, who has been by my side since 1996, has always welcomed me as a member of her own family and taught me how to watch my negative speech patterns and learn how to bring good energy back into my life.
Kevin, who hiked the urban downtown loop with me, encouraged me to see myself in a positive way again. The way he saw me.
Nancy, my awesome neighbor, who is another urban hiker who has taught me to draw boundaries and keep pushing myself. But also to continue to be quirky and have fun- as you can see from the headbands she purchased.
Jeff, a lifelong friend, who was the first man I called when my therapist asked me to name a positive male role model in my life.
My posse, who hiked Chicago Riverwalk with to-go cups. Stephanie helped me through my divorce dark days and never let me down on our monthly check ins & Julie, who is a comfort to my soul. Always listening, never judging and such an inspiration for us all!
My sister Tiffani, who although fearful pushes through, even when we are off the beaten path and pushing our limits with nature. Mom and Dad definitely raised some independent women!
Zvezda who listens to the whispers of the trees and taught me the beauty of nature’s sounds. She has a spirit that never loses energy or site of her true value.
Virlane, who is not much of a hiker, but was a trooper and explored Illinois trails with me. She is a spiritual soulmate that I am so lucky to have met in Phuket. She reads my cards and brought me the new word RISK’ which will be my 2021 focus. (and possible tattoo)
Luiz, who gave me this beret. We recently hiked and he taught me that getting out and venting can lead to brighter tomorrows.
Anne and I have hiked once but more recently sit our butts in front of a bonfire in her amazing back deck area. She has been there to validate my Findlay past and encourage my adventures. She is such a strong positive influence for anyone who is around her!
And today, a beautiful hike with Beth and Linda. A trio that works ironically with zero angst, we just naturally fit together. Beth is a survivor that never complains and is always filled with soft spoken wisdom that awakens my heart with her words.
There are so many more friends that have been amazingly supportive but the above are my trail-mates. Those that wander with me and don’t care if we get lost. I am so blessed and will forever be thankful for those that do come into my life and leave me nuggets of wisdom, inspiration and positivity. After all, isn’t that what life is all about? Moving forward and doing our best.
May our trails take us to new roads and new lessons in nature.
A visit with Virlane is good for my soul. It will always include way too much alcohol consumption, many laughs and shared stories and spiritual growth. She consistently offers hope and perspective to every day. I missed our We Cafe lunches in Phuket!
Catching up again in the Midwest was equally fulfilling!
Illinois has no inside dining but we discovered Cowboy Monkey had heated outdoor garden houses that were perfect for a Saturday night out.
Cozy in our little reflective private dining shed.
I ate bundled up in my fluffy coat and equally warm hat!
Virlane does card reading from a deck called “Points of You”- created out of Israel. I LOVE these cards as they are amazingly accurate and visual. I’ve always responded better to pictures than words.
Before you pull the cards, you have to set an intension of what you are asking” answers or guidance for. Ironically, both times, the very same question I asked prior to pulling the set of cards, ended up being the question card I pulled out. To understand the chances of this- its one in about 35 chances! Or even the chance that what I am asking is in the question cards alone is a universal coincidence.
This group of cards was pulled to answer “what I needed to do next with a new man in my life.
This is a photo showing the “word” card choices. There are many and I kid you NOT, three times IN A ROW I pulled the “risk” card out. The third time I split the deck and when I pulled the card out I joked, this one better not be “risk”- —-and it was.
That is definitely telling me something. About me. About what I need. And where I am going next.
This is a new deck she got at a retreat and wanted to try with me.
They are beautifully inspirational. The woman who created this deck spoke at her conference.
I pulled this deck in questioning my relationship with my daughter Sedona.
And this one in regards to myself. It couldn’t be more accurate.
My daughter Zoe was the subject of this reading.
And then finally, me questioning what I am to do next “for me. What is my next move? What motivates me.
When I saw the word PAIN, I was not happy. Felt like I was going to endure more. But after rethinking, Virlane explained that sometimes pain is becoming” from pain. Blossoming from a state of pain. Regardless – I know I need to have fun, take risks and keep moving ahead!
After card reading and hydration, Virlane and I decided to check out Allerton Park which was about 1/2 hour drive from Champaign. She tried to go there one weekend but it was too crowded.
It was approaching sunset (which comes WAY too early these days) so we figured maybe the families would be heading home for dinner.
Virlane used to attend 4-H camp here every summer.
Entrance to the amphitheater complete with fish statues. Not really sure why.
At the side of the amphitheater was an Avenue of Chinese Musicians.
Each statue was playing a different instrument.
This avenue led to a beautiful white iron gate where this newly engaged couple were getting their photos taken.
There was a maze of plants which I imagine in the summer is beautiful.
Then another gate led us to a wall of shrubbery.
It was so cool! Leading us toward a statue.
I convinced Virlane to walk INTO the shrubbery and walk a ways in the hidden bushes.
It was a very interesting plant to be so solid on the exterior and then open underneath. This is the view from inside.
The statue was majestically lit.
Such serene gardens and grounds once build for a millionaire.
This is the mansion on the property, now used as a conference center and hotel.
Perfectly captured reflection pond.
Another roundabout garden area where I imagined in summer you could sit and read peacefully.
A drive down the road was a newer statue and I jumped out of the car to make sure to capture his cute ass.
On the way to the naked turquoise man, we passed a sign to a cemetary, so Virlane and I stopped on the way back to take a look.
Just a small family of headstones.
Dating back to 1805.
They preserved the stones with a metal brace.
We did a U-turn as we were heading out when we saw this lit up.
The gazebo looked over a Foo dog statue alleyway of the park.
What are Foo Dogs? Foo Dogs are Chinese protection symbols of feng shui that typically “guard” the entranceways to buildings and homes. Ironically, they don’t actually depict dogs, but rather lions. They are always presented in pairs and are traditionally carved from granite, marble or some other decorative stone.
Each statue was similar yet had a different expression.
All blue.
We exited a different way to see where it would take us.
It led us down this pathway which had mason jar lights hanging from the trees.
Started looking like a magical forest with fairy lights and perfectly twisted vines.
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Tonya Takes Thailand 