Sedona and Namkis Wedding- July 22, A Day to Remember

The weekend following George’s opening was Sedona and Namki’s wedding. I heard about their engagement while in California visiting with Zoe in February, earlier this year. Sedona expressed wanting a very small court room ceremony with just Zoe as a witness. Although disappointed not to be invited, I also showed full support of her wishes. After all, we come from a long line of elopers in my family. My mom and dad, my mom’s parents, both of my sisters- I was actually the first to have a wedding- and also the only marriage that didn’t work out. (things that make you go hmmm)

Well things, as life, did not go according to plan. Once Ki’s parents heard, they fully supported but stressed the desire for a church wedding. Sedona agreed, because that’s what love is about- compromise. But the church ended up discovering asbestos two weeks prior to their set date and they scrambled to find a new venue.

Bob and Ron, our brilliant landscaping neighbors, agreed to allow us to host the ceremony in their backyard. Chad, another neighbor who is building the summer home in the shared space, also agreed to work his butt off to get the walls constructed so Sedona and Namki could say their vows in this setting. Such support we have always been surrounded by here. Blessed.

I took two days off work prior to the wedding day and Sedona had a perfect schedule for us to get all we needed accomplished.

Thursday we headed to Trader Joe’s to buy the champagne and flowers. We decided to do them ourselves and the price couldn’t be beat. As everyone knows in the Cincinnati area, the Trader Joe’s is right beside David’s Bridal. We jokingly decided to go in and see what they offered. Sedona already purchased online three dresses to pick from, but in our typical spontaneous style- we found the perfect dress!

Love this moment. I will cherish this memory forever of how much fun it was to find this together!

We took our flowers home in a generously gifted bucket of water. We randomly picked out any floral bunches we thought would look nice and blocked the store entry for a bit while doing so.

Once we got home, we opened up one bottle of champagne to celebrate and get to work.

For this special occasion, I pulled out my grandmother’s antique colored glasses that I have admired since I was a child and inherited but never used. Until now.

Sedona had envisioned small random glass vases with a natural wildflower look.

We stored them in my fridge which you can imagine was tight!

Friday Sedona headed to the salon and sat patiently for hours getting a specialty paint with a heart on her ring finger.

I picked up cakes from the Bonbonerie and afterwards we met for a fabulous mimosa brunch at The Pub where Ki joined us. Solaire, their sister, was flying in that evening. After picking her up, us four girls went out for an early evening to a private karaoke room at Tokyo Kitty. Sedona generously paid for our fun hours reuniting.

Outside the venue- capturing these three that I love so much!

It was a fun experience to have our own space to sing. Sedona and Solaire have amazing voices! I was hoping to participate more but most of the song choices I didn’t know. So I proudly sat back and enjoyed.

Saturday morning we woke up early. Started at 8 am, moving the flowers out, setting up the tables and getting everything into place. Just us gals and Ki. It was exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. I am a terrible host. I never relax at my own party, but today was not about me and I was determined to make it the best it could be for Sedona.

The night before, Chad was finishing up touches on the summer home and had a great idea to paint one wall with chalkboard paint so everyone could leave their well wishes. He insisted on building a holder for the chalk to make it look professional. I took all my paint supplies down there and texted him at 9 am saying I was getting started with the first coat. He told me it needed to be washed and prepped and I explained I do not have time for that! So he got out of his pjs and set to work.

Zoe labored for a straight hour moving lumber and equipment out of the summer home to an unviewable location to help make it look presentable while he started with the painting. At about 11 am he informed me the lights I brought down would not work and I needed to drive him to Lowes to purchase new ones. Yep….three hours before the ceremony, I was at Lowes.

I completely am in debt to Chad for the work he put into the summer home which was absolutely amazing in the end. I helped him hang the lights and then he asked Charlie and I to rub chalk all over the painted wall and then rub it off with our hands. I was like, nope, I’m out. Still have to shower and get dressed.

George arrived around noon and unloaded a car full of food completely taking over our kitchen counters. He was in charge of the charcuterie boards but instead of preparing them in advance, set work in the kitchen for the next couple hours. My anxiety started kicking in. He seems to work best under pressure, I on the other hand do not.

I was happy Zoe and Solaire were calm and went with Sedona to their apartment to take some photos and pick up my handsome son in law.

The candles and flowers turned out beautiful!

We set up a tent to offer some shade. The back patio venue at Bob and Ron’s is the best! We couldn’t have asked for a better day either. The humidity had dropped just for us 🙂

We expected 30 people between the two families. Nothing formal. Buffet style mixing the Korean and Guyanese cultures together. We ended up having WAY too much food and ate for weeks to come.

Chelsea again was busy making her amazing custom cookies.

The couple before the ceremony began. They didn’t want a photographer, but George took over with his creative eye snapping images which turned out better than any professional could have captured.

The view of the two families looking in watching the ceremony.

Solaire and Zoe were the signed witnesses. It’s official.

I love their natural smiles perfectly captured.

We carried down champagne glasses and popped the bottles after they were announced married.

Zoe gave a quick toast claiming her new brother.

I’m so glad I made the bouquet she held. But George setting up this photo, showing the Tiffany ring boxes and the custom made champagne glasses Zoe gifted- priceless.

We decided we could be a sit com! The characters and let me tell ya, this day alone could make a great movie!

Our most gracious neighbors- Chad, Ron and Bob. We will forever be thankful.

We set out bubbles for the kids because that can never go wrong.

Love their expressions with Sedona’s childhood lights strung up above.

And theirs. It was unfortunate that Ki’s parents were unable to attend as Ki’s sister (behind him) is pregnant and was heading back to South Korea the following week to have their third child. I cried while Face-Timing his parents, as I was so fortunate to have, in the end, been part of it all.

This photo taken at the end of the night. This summer house has a fresh start.

As the evening dwindled, I captured this quiet moment on our patio. I loved the kindness I saw from both of them that day and the pure joy on their faces as they started their new life together.

It was a day to remember. A daughter’s wedding. A day I could not have predicted. We all know how hard life can be and this was a precious moment in time offering hope and showing us a glimmer of how love wins. So happy for Sedona and Namki- Congrats on giving love a chance!

Curious Buzz- La Grange, Kentucky

It seems like this is now officially old news, but I want so badly to get back into my blog habit, I am going to talk about it anyways. There is so much to be said about this new business that George launched literally one month ago today. July was a whirlwind!

I have never seen anyone open up a new business from scratch. Nobody in my family has ever taken the risk. Seeing Curious Buzz come to life was an experience that even without me being a direct part of it, nearly sent me over the edge.

Getting permits, licenses, permissions, equipment, signage, staff, publicity, product on the shelves, social media up with name and branding, finalizing the interior, setting the menu and administering the cable, security, insurances, accounts and systems to track sales- was literally done in less than two months. George did not sleep for 48 hours prior to the opening. Watching this passion driven adrenaline awoke me to a human’s capacity and ability to dream and bring those dreams to life.

The outdoor area seats over a hundred and is the most beautiful environment for friends to gather. It is right off a mural painted alley way that attracts tourists and locals every day.

George scrambled to come up with his branding. And I love it! I had these tee shirts made for him (overnight rush job) to wear for the Grand Opening. The name came from him always being “Curious George” and “Buzz” having a twist of meanings. Being one of the owners of Hive and Barrel Meadery, honey bees are still a thing in his life.

The owner of this building spent the last 3 years renovating it. This historic building has such character, she really put her heart and soul into the decor and design.

George’s business represents him perfectly from his collectibles to his love of cooking and support of women owned businesses. He actually was the co- creator of the documentary film called “Raising Mrs. President.”

He has a small store in the front. Lining the shelves with items you cannot find in small towns. 90% of which are women owned brands. One focus is on mocktails and non alcoholic wines. It has been such a great experience for me to try them. He is also starting to serve them in official cocktail glassware which adds to the appeal and makes you feel perfectly chill sitting there enjoying a alcohol free drink. Beats a soda or an ice- tea any day!

There’s also an outdoor bar and covered seating area which is great. He is hosting family game night and trivia on Wednesdays.

I mean what a great place to have a party with friends! I’m planning on trying to get some of my Cincinnati friends to road trip down and hang with me, while supporting George’s business. Just need to pick date and pray for the weather to hold out. Maybe in the fall? October 14?

Another view of the outdoor area looking into the alleyway.

In the front of the store is the Cheeky Museum. Created by the owner, a contemporary museum that is helping the community come together.

Her mission is so interesting and she has been on such a journey to create this space. Not only to empower women but to abolish loneliness by creating activities based on the desires of the museum visitors.

Interesting clip boards filled with potential fun to be organized in this space.

I really shouldn’t speak too much about her museum, because I would hate to misrepresent the end purpose. I only know a little bit, but what I do hear and see is so cool! She is also opening up an Airbnb on the second floor which will be called “Night at the Museum”. It’s still under construction but hoping it opens this fall. It will be a three bedroom with a view overlooking the train that is still operational and literally comes down their small town Main Street.

George and I the day before the opening.

The day of the Grand Opening, my good friend Allen came down to help out in the kitchen.

Zoe and Sedona also drove down through a thunderstorm to help and show support.

George did this. Figured out what to purchase, how to display everything and help this side of the historic building come back to life.

Zoe showing off Charlie’s Curious Lemonade, a recipe George’s daughter helped make. It was the top seller.

Curious Buzz is specializing in charcuterie boards for events and/or just for groups that come. But if you want a single sampler, he has that too.

This photo I snapped reminded me of something straight out of a Wes Anderson film.

We had Chelsea make custom cookies for the opening in the colors featured in the museum. They were a huge hit! #chelsea’scookiecanvas

There was an official ribbon cutting for the new business opening.

I made sure to keep a slice for George’s records. He is a collector of memorable items. (and pamphlets:))

It was a nice start to getting the community out and creating awareness of this new space.

After the closing we were all exhausted, George could barely stand. We ended up drinking and dancing and literally had the best night that I’ve had in a very long time. Letting lose, everyone happy, celebrating this fantastic new start! Cheers to friends, family, love and support and dreams coming true.

The sunsets in La Grange are gorgeous. A memory of a perfect evening- this the end of that day with promises of many more to come.

Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve, Indiana

I talked Sedona into coming down to meet me for a hike near Louisville. It’s been awhile since we’ve been out together and we are having some fantastic, surprisingly low- humidity summer days.

Unfortunately, I am not good at finding wooded trails for hiking around Louisville. Most options are at least an hour away, but we discovered this cute reserve within a 30 minute drive.

We drove down industrial, then local roads and ended up across from this gorgeous farmland landscape. There was a small parking lot near the trailhead.

As usual, I didn’t do much research so I didn’t understand this little wall here, but later discovered it is part of a historic stage coach trail. While in the woods we saw more stone wall remnants which marked the route through this area along the stream.

Immediately walking inside the temperature dropped as we were covered in green.

Cute little trail. I was giddy walking with Sedona in the woods again. Walking in the woods is such an excellent way to naturally catch up on each other’s lives. I wish I did more hiking with my daughters when they were younger.

Looking up and always in awe of nature’s patterns.

Rock sitting area along the edge. Sedona warned me that if we go down, we have to come back up. It was quite a drop.

Sedona being a sport and posing on the bridge as we crossed a stream.

A little info where we learned about the history of the area.

Then we discovered some water falls. Was such a great area to climb around.

Sedona snapping a photo of the falls from a different view.

Looking down the stream. There was only one other family there playing in the water and catching toads.

Was a wonderful escape from sitting at my computer all week.

It took us a bit to find the remainder of the trail which was on the opposite side of the stream. It was a mile loop and not too much to see.

I would definitely recommend this trail to anyone who needed a short couple mile hike in solitude.

I accidently hit the “non-toll” route and we crossed back over The Ohio River utilizing this cool yellow bridge just as it started to rain.

We felt we deserved a beverage so we detoured to a place called Atrium. My beer was named “cake”. As you can imagine it was delicious!

Glen Helen, Little Miami & Clifton Gorge Trails-Yellow Springs, Ohio

I don’t even know where to begin to explain this journey. It was a doozey.

Debbie and I try to hike together a couple times a year and this summer with our schedules, we were struggling to find a date on our calendars that would work. We decided on a Friday, which was perfectly timed with my intense need to have a day off from my remote full- time gig.

We tossed around a few trail ideas located in between her house and mine and decide to meet up in Yellow Springs, Ohio. This trail was 11 miles and I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from it.

Debbie told her friend about this trail and her friend was pessimistic about us accomplishing it. That motivated her even more. I forgot how competitive Debbie is.

We met at 10:00 am and it was an overcast cool morning. We debated about whether we needed water and stupidly decided not to bring any along. (lesson #1- always bring water on a hike longer than a couple miles!)

Debbie had a nutritious chocolate donut and Diet Coke on her drive in while I ate the equally smart breakfast choice of leftover BBQ pizza from the night before. Neither of us were properly prepared physically, mentally or emotionally for the challenges that lay ahead.

We started off at the welcome center, grabbing a map and talking to the very enthusiastic workers who told us we could see an authentic beaver dam that was not on the map. We felt ‘clued in’ and headed that way immediately.

Debbie wasn’t impressed. While I explained how a tiny animal dragged each stick through the water to create this. She snapped a photo to entertain me.

We continued along the trail by the water. It was so cute seeing the ducklings following their mama in the pond. Reminded me of a tarot card reader who told me “my ducks were in a row”.

We followed this solo hiker for a bit and enjoyed the ever changing scenery we encountered.

The walkways were clear on this overcast weekday with very few hikers seen.

We found our first of many “waterfalls” and I made Debbie pose.

The next waterfall was the actual Yellow Springs which the city is named after. I wanted to take a drink but Debbie warned me of dysentery. Made me wonder how in the heck settlers, back in the day, survived. My friend Kevin later told me that if he is ever going on a long hike he always take a water filter in case he needs it. Smart man. Debbie and I didn’t even pack water. Guess which one of us has a Ph.D.

The landscape, after the initial sight seeing loop, changed to tall tree lined trails.

Then somehow we ended up at another waterfall. Debbie made me take out the map which had numbered stopping points and asked me which number we were on. It became a running joke as we walked- trying to figure out which # we were at.

Selfie by the water. We actually had to wait our turn to get into this spot. There were quite a few hikers down in this area.

Looking down at the tiny waterfall as we crossed over top.

There were many run off streams along the way.

We talked to a couple with walking sticks who wanted to share their knowledge of the area and how three nature preserves came together in this location. Debbie and I were set to see them all. As we wandered down narrower trails, I took a glance at the map only to find ourselves off the beaten path in the pine tree forest area.

Always taking a detour. At this point still optimistic and feeling good about taking the route through the pines.

Debbie captured me breathing in this tree.

Felt like we were on an adventure. Little did we know, this one was like no other we had been on before.

We crossed an open field which was odd. We walked away from it several times thinking it had to be the wrong way. But the map said to continue forward. So we did.

Again the landscape changed and felt unchartered.

Debbie started pointing out the wildflowers as most of our landscape was strickly green.

I snapped a few photos to witness them in hopes they felt my admiration.

We thought we had to be in the wrong place as this was marked as a monument. Not a number on our map but some sort of landmark nonetheless. Quite overgrown.

We made our way through the weeds on a small single line trail hoping we were still headed in the right direction. At this point we had walked about 2 hours and were getting a little tired. Didn’t want to take too many steps off our planned pathway destination.

We saw this sign and were confirmed we were headed in the right direction. Entering park #2.

We came across a river and followed along for a bit. Loved how the roots were natural steps. There’s no shuffling your feet on this walk. Legs were getting a full work out.

I learned recently, through the forever unreliable news source of Instagram, that the root system of trees is actually not very deep but generally more wide and long and this is how trees such as these, can hang onto the edge like they do sometimes.

Its amazing the natural shapes and textures you get on a hike in the woods.

We were walking along the shore, seeing a lot of snake holes. Wasn’t sure if it was the right path, and after about 5 minutes this trail dead ended so we turned around.

Had beautiful viewpoints which we still appreciated. As we walked along the river we spotted a couple of folks in hammocks just hanging out reading a book and relaxing on this cool Friday. Goals.

By now I am dying of thirst, parched! Debbie was getting a little shaky and joked about possibly passing out. ( Lesson #2 always pack a snack! ) I checked our location and we were in between the city of Yellow Springs and Clifton. We decided to keep heading to Clifton where there was a small restaurant which was a must at this point.

Check out this tree dangling gracefully over the edge.

We kept walking but our spirits were dwindling. We had to get to the restaurant before they closed at 3pm.

Then we entered our 3rd Reserve. The battery on my phone was dying. It wasn’t looking hopeful for us as Debbie’s phone couldn’t pull up any signals. (I have AT&T and she has Verizon- just sayin)

I posed inside this rock cave just to stop walking for a second 🙂

In the Clifton Gorge area the river was roaring!

It was much busier than the other parts of the journey.

I kept saying I wish I wasn’t dying of thirst and on a mission to reach a said destination by a certain time so I could actually enjoy this amazing view.

Many more large limestone rock formations and waterfalls. But not a # on the map. We were officially off the map.

Well- kept walkways. A lot of tourists, elderly and families.

Debbie and I always have a joke when we see red berries on walks. Christmas in June.

I want to go back and just walk this part of the trail again when my energy is renewed.

It’s a natural beauty in Ohio. Can’t believe I’d never been here before.

You can imagine the sound of its continual rush downstream.

I wasn’t honestly absorbing the joy I usually feel because of our desperation. The good news is we surfaced to the street level in the town of Clifton at 2:15 ish and made it to the restaurant. I literally downed 2 glasses of lemon-aide (the server probably thought I was on drugs) and two glasses of water. My phone was at 10% and I knew we weren’t going to be able to make it back without a map. (Lesson#3- always bring a charger.)

I asked the server if they happened to have an IPhone charger and she was reluctant but said there was one in the office. She took my phone back to charge for me. Thank God for small favors and kind people.

At this point we had been hiking for 4 hours and about 6 miles. I realized I would never be able to do the 9 mile hike a day on The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail I was invited to. Good thing I passed that opportunity up. May have done more harm than good.

Debbie tried to see if there was a shorter way back. All routes were going to take 2 -3 hours walking and there were no back roads- just highway country roads without sidewalks. So we opted to return through the woods with hopes of never getting off route.

We walked along the opposite side of the river for a different view.

There were a lot more rocks to climb and explore should there had been time or energy. Debbie actually did climb up one as I waited behind. At one point she asked if she was going to have to carry me out. I laughed at the thought of it. She agreed it would be more like dragging me out. I mean I have put on the lbs.

It was pretty and the weather honestly could not have been easier on us.

We kept seeing small trickles of water over rocks and asked if there was a number on the map for this waterfall.

We crossed back over the river and were exiting the Clifton Gorge area. This is where we got lost before and were determined to make it out this time.

I took a snap shot of where were were on the map since my battery was again getting low. There were a lot more turns ahead. I was starting to get anxious.

Debbie was ahead of me most of the way back. I was slowing down.

Another good sign. We made it to the last reserve. We still debated about whether or not we would make it out before the sun set.

There was that darn field again. We crossed it only to realize we needed to turn left instead this time. Grrrrrrrr.

You can imagine what Debbie said when we entered this area 🙂 But we kept walking. (Lesson #5 always wear long pants just in case you encounter a trail like this.)

Another baby waterfall. Oh how we tried hard to uplift our spirits and find something to laugh at along the way.

At one point on this trail it led us to a guardrail and we literally had to climb over it, cross the stream via the road and then jump the guardrail on the other side to then get back onto the trail. When you are tired, trying to cross a metal edge without injury at our height was a hoot. I literally got my hips stuck in between two posts and couldn’t stop laughing.

The last few hours we barely spoke. I think we both were just seriously concentrating on our steps and making it out. We got passed by an energetic young couple, we both wondered where the heck they came from. They left us in the dust which was good because I was growing weary of hearing about their youthful dreams and issues.

When we passed this rock I heard voices above. I checked my map one more time and we needed to go back through.

We did it!!! I made her take another selfie.

Debbie recorded the hike and sent me this snap. We ended up doing 13 miles! I felt a sense of accomplishment mixed with stupidity. When I got into my car, my phone battery was literally at 1%. I’m not sure if it had died when we would have figured out where to exit. But it didn’t die. And we did get out.

East Market and Columbus Brewery- Columbus, Ohio

As I started driving back home, I realized I was going through Columbus so I texted Todd to see if he would want to join me for lunch. Thought a pit stop to stretch my legs would not be a bad idea. He suggested we meet at the East Market.

Todd told me this part of the city has been ‘up and coming’ for about 20 years now. Reminds me of where I live. I just keep waiting for the growth and development to finally reach us.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I pulled up.

It’s an old trolly barn that they renovated and now house a variety of eateries.

It was tough making a food choice. I opted for Greek and I think Todd ended up with some New Orleans style sammie.

Nice how these places are popping up and offering a venue to meet up, family friendly with plenty of seating options. Sabrina and I met up at one called The Eatery in Madisonville recently for lunch. Large picnic tables, free wifi, great meeting place for work or pleasure.

Nothing like a real pig head to spoil your appetite.

We sat outside on the deck, soaking in our fair share of sunshine, looking out at this brewery.

The brick structure was so cool. I talked Todd into going in for just one beer.

Todd, always a pleasure to visit. Been friends since 16. Will be friends for life.

Live plants really help set the mood and are so on-trend these days, plus excellent help to air quality.

Glass garage doors are a must for summertime.

Wasn’t really understanding the mural with mystical creatures and hops.

Amazing how breweries have taken off and are family friendly.

As I drove away I noticed this painted and perfectly framed black power fist on the fence.

This captured the vibe of the neighborhood.

It says ” There is something about setting eyes on the people who hold you up instead of simply imagining them”

Twin Sister Falls- Brecksville, Ohio

Seeing Chagrin Falls inspired me to find a hiking trail before I left the Cleveland area. I googled other waterfalls that would be along my drive home and when I saw the name Twin Sister Falls, I knew this was the hike for me.

I googled mapped my way there since AllTrails didn’t have this listed. (I now know why) The Aussie accented directions took me to a house near a farm. I zoomed into the map and could see the falls was located close by but was I supposed to walk through someone’s property? I drove up and down that street trying to find an access point with zero luck. I gave up.

Going back to the trust of AllTrails app I found a trail very close by and decided to hike it instead. It was a fairly busy trail for bikes and birdwatchers. It was fun being out there early in the morning. When I saw the group of birdwatchers, I figured that would be me in the future. Less hiking, more watching.

Arriving the trailhead was right next to an old train station. George and I had heard about the train rides through the Cuyahoga National Park when we visited last year.

It now housed a sparkling clean bathroom which was much appreciated.

View of the bridge that I drove over to get me here.

This was a happy family trail. Perfect for a Sunday morning.

Wonderful wildflowers added some color to the green.

A beautiful mallard duck just chilling alone.

Cute lily pads with frogs jumping off as you walked by.

Looking up. Appreciating the trees that offer us shade along the way.

A sea of green ferns which give off magnificent coolness.

I veered off the paved path and took a narrower shaded route after I turned around. I stopped to google map to see my location and realized I was close to the waterfall.

Was I up for an adventure alone? I was still low energy and felt somewhat incapable of handling it.

I kept looking for inspiration. This tree captured my attention.

On the maps, if I walked directly this way, I would reach the falls. I hesitated because not a soul was going this way. Definitely a path less taken.

Then I asked myself, if I were in Phuket, would I go? The answer was always “yes”. Why there did I feel fearless and empowered? Yet in my own country, I worry about being found in the woods’. I think being naive to Thailand helped me to adventure more. Like I didn’t know any better. I never heard of murders or crime. It felt so safe. Honestly probably wasn’t but I loved that feeling- so I embraced it and hiked on.

Surrounded by tall trees and hills. I kept close to the water.

Was loving this hike alone. I jumped, ducked, climbed and walked through the water to keep going.

It was raw. I did find one footprint in the mud which was encouraging.

It was fun hearing the toads hop into the water all along the way.

I stopped to wonder who would’ve done this with me without constantly doubting the direction. I concluded my daughters and Debbie. Anyone else would question my judgement.

I arrived to a lackluster waterfall but looking up had a very cool view. Like I was in a bowl.

I attempted a panoramic view shot from my feet up to the curved falls. Not a success.

I snapped this google shot showing where I left the path and ventured through the woods to reach my original sought out destination. Funny how it all ended up working out.

I took this photo because I saw the heart shaped stone and thought of my friend Anne who pointed out hearts in nature.

Nature is so fascinating. I know I could never survive long in it, but I truly feel connected when I’m surround by it.

Walking back to the car I took one last look at the overpass. So happy I found this adventure.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

I put a date on my calendar to drive up to Cleveland to see an old friend of mine from back in my New York City days. Literally just wanted to get up there to give her a hug since she had been through so much at the end of last year. It was heartbreaking to see the toll her challenges had taken on her body yet so uplifting being able to spend quality one-on-one time and reminisce about our ‘glory days’.

The stories we exchanged about being young Ohioans literally packing up and leaving for the big city to see if we could ‘make it there‘ as they say. I often wonder why people’s paths cross in life. Who gets to play a role in who you become and why. May was definitely one of those defining people who entered my world during the start of our careers and continues to inspire and leave the kindest marks on my heart.

We drove over to a small village for a bit of fresh air. I had never been to Chagrin Falls before and it was such a treat. This village was named after the Native American meaning “clear waters”. May knows I love waterfalls and I was due. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve been out.

I took this photo which truly captures the quaint experience you get when coming here.

May also dragged me into some amazing boutiques along Main Street. She mentioned that when she was the Director of Fashion at the University, she brought her students here to get inspired and see what unique design is about. One of her students recently opened their own shop. You never know how you can redirect someone in a positive way just by being your true self.

This waterfall is literally part of the town. Beautifully kept with easy access. Not overwhelmed by tourists.

There were restaurants built along the river with this view. Such a romantic place for couples.

Across the street, we wandered along a brick pathway which followed the river. It led to a playground.

May mentioned taking her son to that playground years ago. Our kids are growing up so fast and looking back on when they were little ones is so special.

I am officially an empty nester now. Sedona moved out into her own apartment and it creates such a different energy as a parent. Another level to the relationship, a healthy and beautiful step. As she and Zoe were cleaning out they came across an old digital camera we had. I’m sad sometimes that I didn’t have the opportunity to raise my kids during the time of easy access photos and videos. We had to have the full video equipment if you recall.

When they looked through the past photos that were taken and still alive on the camera, they found some old videos of themselves as kids, probably around 8 years old, filming each other and play acting. It literally melted my heart.

The hanging flower baskets on a gas light is so classic small town Ohio. Always remember to look up and appreciate where you are from.

The ducks and Canadian geese lined up on the opposite side. So cute how they all hung out together along the edge.

I finally feel awake after such a long funk. Getting back to blogging and recapping is such a joy and I’m happy to feel energized to do it again. Doctor changed a prescription, which did not say it had side effects of depression, but dang, I was definitely in it. Love this quote below which captures both my time with May and my memories of my twins as kids.

Gallant Fox Brewery- Clifton Kentucky

George came down one night while I was dog sitting. It was a gorgeous day out so we decided to walk to Clifton and check out a brewery we hadn’t been to previously. Love that there continues to be places new to discover.

Once you got inside, the fox theme was masterfully done. The framed artwork was humorous as if this Mr. Fox was a real figure of sorts. Reminded me of the dogs playing cards” picture I grew up contemplating at my grandparents house.

By far the Spiritual Seneai was the best.

The shape of the taster boards were unique and they had some pretty cool tees inside too. I bought one for Zoe that I am hopeful she will enjoy when Sedona delivers it to her next week during their visit.

A train rumbled by and I captured George with his flight.

Just blogging to remember that I’d been here. Felt good to get out again.

As I looked down at the bench I was sitting on, I noticed the beauty in the woodgrain. I want to “wake up again” and be able to appreciate the art in everything.

Serpent Mound- Ohio

My sister Trisha and her husband Tim were on a whirlwind family visit across the eastern portion of the USA. They have always wanted to go see “Serpert Mound” which dates back to 1000 AD or even further according to legends. I never heard of it.

It’s a gigantic earthen sculpture representing a serpent. It is said to align with the galaxy and is built directly beside where a crater hit. This place was the first privately funded archaeological preserves in the United States.

To get there we drove through Amish country and passed by at least 6 different horse and buggies. That lifestyle always is so strange in the midst of other civilization.

A paved walkway goes around the snake which unfortunately was a tad underwhelming since you couldn’t actually see the snake layout from ground view and the viewpoint structure had 15 code violations, so it was roped off from use.

I took a snap from google maps to see the body of the snake made from hills. There were also several ancient burial mounds in the area as well.

At the head of the snake, there were steps leading down to the view of the crater area below.

They had signs to keep off the grass’ but there was one woman with her barefeet sneaking some of its magical energy.

Just looked like small hills to me. It is cool though that even back before google or drones, someone was able to recognize the serpent shape and realize its historical meaning.

We hiked down a trail for a bit to get a view of the river below. I was distracted by the pretty wildflowers making their appearance.

I also noticed a young guy sitting in the woods meditating. Obviously supposed to be a spiritual place.

The clouds were rolling in and by the time we made it back to our car the drops started.

As we drove back toward Cincinnati, we google mapped our way to Mt. Caramel Brewing Company for a stop. After that we detoured to the 50 West Brewery, then onto Woodburn Brewery. Eventually making our way to Newport on the Levee for a late dinner and a city view.

A perfect ending to a very strange and uneventful, yet perfectly lost sort of day. It was great seeing my sister again and I love how she can roll with it and still find joy in the moments.

April Flowers

One thing that can help anyone get out of a funk is spring time. The flowers that re-appear and brighten the landscape everywhere you go while the weather is not yet unbearably hot. Its such a beautiful time of year and is a highlight of the changing of the season.