Sometimes there are gut wrenching consequences
for our choices and sometimes we just have to follow our gut.
This month I have had both experiences,
literally and figuratively.
Also, what comes in, comes out.
If ya know what I mean.
But(t), this too shall pass.
Enough!
Celebrating birthdays is always a treat!
We launched one with stomp rockets
and serenaded another with the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
We also welcomed another lil person to the world!
round and round.
I took some time to sit like a frog
and admire a lily pad.
But mainly I was on the go ~
to Ohio, then Michigan, then Virginia.
Family and friends needed to be celebrated
and some given a little help.
Sadly, burning the midnight oil
can burn you out.
Charlottesville is horse country 
I was treated to a chair massage.
We saw so many architectural details 
Are you making sure you are maintaining balance?
Sometimes I didn't know which direction to take,
but I tried to make the correct decision.
Thankfully I always noticed beauty peeking through.
And step by step
we got things done.
Sometimes you just gotta go the distance.
Even if you take some wrong turns
so you will find your way home.
the light will always guide you
Even when I didn't know which way was up, down, right or left.
I was carried onward.
When I see things like this porcelain bird vase,
Peanuts, Smiley face, Smurf, and Tweety memorabilia
I think of specific friends, times gone by, and pet nicknames.
Ssssssssssssome things are signs,
like ssssing this ssssserpent jewelry.
Near the University of Virginia campus
is the Dinsmore Inn.
We stayed in one of the renovated rooms of this
building begun in 1817.
and we were treated to seeing a beautiful farm owned by some friends.
We took an ATV ride up a hillside.
To see this stunning view.
Wowee, it was hard on this old bode but
my back and my bony butt
appreciated all the rolls and shakes
trying to get out my travel kinks.
Some kids we saw had these books.
Classics!
We came to Virginia for a wedding.
Ssssssomeone very sssssssspecial to me
had angels (and a snake) ssssssend her a ssssssoulmate.
Vineyard views!
Beautiful table settings.
Magical event.
We are so grateful we could witness this kind of love.
Because we could easily walk
to the beautiful U of V campus we explored it
both during night and day.
We were in town on MOVE IN day weekend
so the traffic was crazy!
It was fun walking among all the
coeds who were walking in groups,
lined up deep to get in bars,
and dressed up to be noticed.
(Lots of long legs in shorts and leather boots.)
that could easily be overlooked.
And landscaping that took years
to become this stunning.
In a row of dorm rooms set aside
for seniors is a hidden gem.
The Edgar Allan Poe room!
Unfortunately for the next door resident
there's a button we pushed to hear information.
I would go stark RAVEN mad living beside that recording.
Look, a sssssserpentine wall.
Main Street was full of wonders to be seen
IF you looked up to find them!
We found a rooftop bar where we could look out
at the mountains and watch a rain storm roll in!
Bats? Birds?
They were fun to watch!
We also took a short hike near Monticello and explored back roads.
Returning home I felt like these bedraggled plants.
It was time for some serious intervention to SLOW DOWN.
(It was especially hard to say no to some more travel!)
When your engine light comes on, do you pay attention?
Taking your health for granted is not recommended.
I have paid the price.
On this month's feed in my photos there are lots of
pics of family and friends with smiles and hugs.
I am grateful.
But those are for private viewing.
Here, I am happy to share my time travels.
I was able to have some
creative exploration
this month.
Sweet music.
With a full moon rising!
My ramblings help me process
where I've been and how I did it.
I appreciate you coming here to see my take on my life.
I am grateful when you all share with me how you have
been blessed and how you deal with trials.
Peace be with you,
Jen Pen
