autumn

#MondayMotivation - New Light

I’m sure i’ve spoke to this topic before, but seeing something in a new light can change the perspective one has about that situation, person, place, etc. I was driving yesterday and I had just wrapped up listening to Ina Garten’s memoir which is relevant because it was challenging me to think more critically about what I want and who I want around me as a grow old. The sun was streaming through the remaining leaves in the forest and the light was just magical. I had just made it back to Ohio and found myself on a familiar route - the route I take each day for work. At first, I didn’t really recognize the road other than seeing the sign and knowing where I was and it was because I rarely drive during the light of day down this route.

I didn’t feel any sort of negative way about the road or the commute, but seeing it in a different light made me appreciate it a bit differently. After living in the city and the PNW, I appreciate the quiet of semi-rural and the Midwest. The light changes and so does the perspective. As we’ve transitioned from summer into fall, the physical light has changed and even the way I see the world is changing every day.

My advice: try to see the situation, place, person, or idea in a new light if you are struggling with it right now. Maybe you will gain a new perspective, or maybe it will just confirm what you already know.

#WayBackWednesday - N. Minnesota

September in Northern Minnesota can be completely magical. Back in 2020, I visited my buddy’s cabin and it was a relaxing weekend filled with good times, great weather, and tasty beers. I can’t wait to be closer to the cabin, so I can visit more frequently. (Read more about my love for Minnesota HERE!)

A Wisconsin staple in the Midwest beer world. PLUS, hammock time!

The sun was setting and pastels were popping.

The colors were starting to change - the green to yellow on these birch trees around the cabin

A little humor in the outhouse - we do use the outhouse sometimes (LOL)

Another angle - the sun setting on the lake, but a view from the boat

A lovely sour ale from one of my favorite breweries in Duluth, MN (a true delight on a mild late-September afternoon)

Some cool fungi on a log in the woods near the cabin

You may have to adjust your brightness, but it’s a night shot from the an iPhone 11 Pro Max. The stars over the lake and through the trees at the cabin are spectacular.

#WBW - New Mexico

I’ve had New Mexico on my brain this week so I thought I’d share a few photos for this “Way Back Wednesday” post. It was a great year of living for me, finding a little bit of myself and connecting with my newfound friends.

I lived in the southeast corner of the state, near Roswell. The landscape was desert, with mountains and forests and great sand dunes just hours away. The Land of Enchantment is truly dynamic and I can’t wait to go back and visit.

White Sands National Park - truly spectacular

Carlsbad Caverns National Park - one of great underground views

Nothing like a New Mexico Fall - up in the mountains, anyway

Always an abundance of forest service roads

I had some of the BEST camping trips with friends in New Mexico

Chewy learned to love camping, too

And, of course, New Mexico had some of the best sunsets

My year (or so) in New Mexico helped me feel confident in my car camping techniques. I found what worked, what I liked, and what I needed. I adventured more, wasn’t afraid to get a little dirty, and found myself staring at the sky even more. I’m forever grateful for my friends and the land of enchantment.

#ForestFriday - Fall in the U.P.

I've got fall on the brain, because summer is already dragging on. So, for today's "Forest Friday" feature, I'm throwing it back to October of 2008 when two of my friends and I went on a little road trip to Copper Harbor in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  Not all of the photos are from Copper Harbor, some are from the ride up and various other places throughout the Upper Peninsula.  Take a break and drift off into the fall colors, imagine the smell of the leaves, and feel the cool breeze... is it working?  Have a good weekend!