Welcome to a new blog-administrated by my dog Magnus Pym,
and created by me, by Jen Pen.
It is open to the WWW and connected to
The link is being sent to my family and friends -
almost like a email newsletter.
It's easier to load photos and comments on this platform
and I like sharing about my travels.
Covid-19 stole our ability and right to see the world around us safely.
However, recently I bravely chose to mask up and drive down the country
in order to help my friends Joanie and Ray move to Alabama.
Christ Church blessed me with many women friends, made
while attending bible studies and Women of Faith conferences.
This trip allowed me to be with three of those ladies
plus some college buddies.
I love traveling! This trip was such a blessing!
Look at what you want, don't look at all.
(Thank you Dee for saying you view my blogs multiple times.=)
The blog posts I create are a visual gratitude journals
this one I created to reflect upon my travels.
(Which I hope will continue!)
I share my photos and thoughts because I hope to spread my joy to you.
The blog I "help"my English Bulldog Magnus create
has traditionally not shown images of friends and family- this blog will.
(I've gotten my friends' permission to share these photos.)
Enjoy!
I tried to follow The Light during a trip from the Chicago area,
through KY & TN, to AL, and then back again during a five day journey.
One of the hardest things I saw during my travels
was a very long line of cars at a food bank.
Covid-19 has devastated so many families.
If you are able to be a super hero and help others please do so!
(Sorry I wasn't able to see you in Louisville Marty.)
Before leaving Metropolis, IL where we had slept we stopped
to take selfies at the giant Superman statue.
I love architecture and olde timey
wild, wild, west like buildings really fascinate me.
I didn't buy any Kryptonite,
but I did buy a souvenir for my fanny pack.
(People are always asking to buy it from me! NO!)
It was fun to see Metropolis, IL and the Superman Museum Gift Shop
with all the Superman and super hero stuff.
My family and I have a joke about the Big Boy statue
so I took a quick selfie with him.
He really does look like a big, metal robot, don't you think?
This business is run by three women and has been around for over 20 years!
It was ENORMOUS and full of every type of women's clothing.
It's called Back of the Closet and has a Facebook page.
People consign and buy here from all over the world!
Check it out.
Instagram
The couch was right by the register and reminded me of the
"couch protection plan" I had at On Second Thought,
the resale shop my family managed in Ohio.
Photos of state signs and me cheesing it up
This western purse made me think of Linda.
This Talbot's top made me think of Missy
and the dachshund coming into her life soon!
But time was ticking and we had miles to go before we could sleep
so I quickly found a cute top and headed back out on the road.
The cool rainbow earrings I am wearing below are made by my friend Jess.
Get yourself some!
She has a ton of designs on her etsy site:
Earlier in the day I took a walk and saw these sites.
as we travel over bridges or past things
like the Nashville skyline (Hi Pepper!) were taken by Joanie.
We decided we needed a bumper sticker that reads:
Caution: Slows down for BIG metal crosses
We saw a lot of them!
Pup Emma was in charge of course, so we stopped whenever she said so.
(I saw this t-shirt at a gas station...hahahaha.
Even so, I still really wanna try skydiving.)
I brought my squirrel friend with me -
but I didn't always remember to get a photo with it at the sites!
We arrived in the Birmingham, AL area around dinner time
and were treated to yummy Southern BBQ and pecan pie
at Joanie's aunt and uncle's beautiful, woodsy retreat-like home.
After a good night's sleep at our hotel I took an early morning
walk around the area and saw some sites.
A black cat crossed my path, a hawk watched me from a treetop
and a white egret perched in a pond.
After breakfast we headed over to see Joanie and Ray's new home.
(They bought it sight unseen - except a video tour and pics!!!)
I wasn't able to see the inside but I know it's just perfect for them!
This sign was located at a nearby neighbor's home!
Then the two of us headed down to Auburn to visit
Maggie and Scott, two of my friends from college days!
We made a crazy left turn so I could buy this Starbucks mug
at a store that had some awesome staff-made artwork.
Maggie grew up in the town where I live now and we both love
the concert venue located there called Ravinia Festival.
She had ordered some souvenir gear online
that I picked up curbside at Ravinia.
It was fun to hand deliver the goodies to her - while wearing a Ravinia shirt
that reads: I wish I was at Ravinia.
It was sad that the entire summer season was cancelled -
but the staff did create some amazing videos
that you can access at this link: You Tube channel, Ravinia TV
I loved seeing M&S's home and meeting their pups!
YUM!
I am a big FAN of their screened in porch.
(Don't change a thing!)
We may look cozy close, but we were social distanced
and wore masks when not eating!
Whoever lives here must be a fungi.
Get it, fun guy?
This garden art was eye candy!
She and Scott both work at Auburn University
so Maggie gave us a tour of the campus.
Below is a statue of Bo Jackson holding my penguin friends Chill & Bill
who were saying hello to Jennifer and Robin via a texted photo.
The football team had won so they "rolled" the campus.
(That's a lot of valuable TP...
which was really hard to find not too long ago!)
My husband and I used to ride his Harley on the campus of The Ohio State University during home football games.
It's always fun to see tailgaters and decked out fans.
Covid-19 restrictions let only some students attend the game.
(And sadly, we did not see masks upon the faces of people
in large groups, hanging out on balconies and partying in bars.)
I bought these locally made pickles.
(They are tasty!)
On the drive back from Auburn Joanie and I veered away
from our usually K Love station
a few times and enjoyed jamming to Thriller.
(Well, at least I enjoyed it.)
Thank you Joanie and Ray for trusting me with your needs
and for the first class accommodations while traveling.
I will miss having you nearby.
Enjoy your new home and life there in Alabama!
Love you!
I'm glad to see you are decorating properly.
It was time for me to head back to IL.
A rental car was arranged at the Birmingham airport and off I went!
Loved the Nana clouds.
First stop:
When I pulled off the road I saw a grocery store and told her to meet me there.
We looked for a local treat for me to bring home and settled on a Honey Bun.
Sending ORANGE love to Shirley and Donna.
Thought of my baby girl.
While we were walking about I managed to step on a FIRE ANT HILL
so Danielle had me whip off my shoe and she knocked the little beasts off it.
I am ridiculous.
Thanks Danielle!
We found some souvenirs for me to bring home.
Sorry I couldn't see you Pepper Said.
(Click on her name to check out her awesome band!)
Next time!
Next rest stop?
Kentucky - where I finally remembered
to take a selfie with my "Squirreles" friend
and sent it to Shirley, Jeanette, Cindi and Seleen.
I decided to stop and get gas and bought some locally made soda.
Squirrel!
I saw a sign and followed it to the
National Quilt Museum!
The gift shop was vast and full of items kitchy souvenirs 
It's amazing that this quilt is of carved wood!
I hated rushing through the museum!
This one is a tribute to Tolkien.
The exhibits were diverse in theme and artistry.
There was an exhibit celebrating
the 100 anniversary of a Women's Right to Vote
and another about human right issues and activism.
I thought of so many of my women friends
and female family members as I viewed the tapestries.
I was in awe of the artist's skills and the clear
and beautiful messages shown in their works.
and materials for artists to use to create quilts.
I bought a pack of these greeting cards and sent them to friends.
If you didn't get one - here's a virtual one just for YOU.
Copyrighted by Nancy E. Mink.
(Please forgive me for posting without permission.)
Don't forget to flash your AAA card when you travel! Discounts abound!
As I drove out of town I saw a roadside BBQ stand.
I bought some ribs and smoked meat filled nachos
to share at my next destination.
YUM!
I loved seeing the golden glow of the corn fields.
Cruise control is a miracle.
My knee and hip are so thankful.
Especially with Covid 19 dangers.
Thank you for bravely welcoming me.
It was so hard not hugging you!
They moved away from me a year ago
and this was the first time I was able to see their lovely home.
I would like to LIVE on this screened porch.
Their yard is spectacular!
Karie watches a roly poly marmot daily and
I was able to see it and some birds and deer
while enjoying coffee the next morning.
Her home is filled with beautiful touches of humor, comfort, and love.
Check out the amazing mural Karie's daughter created
using 1983-1986 magazines Karie had saved. So cool!!!
I LIVED for 17 magazine during HS and college.
I spent the morning going through one of the thick Back to School issues.
This was my fashion bible in the 1980s.
Lots of iconic 80s images!
I just love all things preppy!!!!!
FRYE boots!!!!
Did you order some?
I did!
Multiple times!
Karie had a ton of Teen magazines too.
I didn't read this publication but it was fun to see the 80's hairdos and outfits!
Do you remember these tests?
Did you take it?
I did!
LOOK, photos of a young Sarah Jessica Parker
and a young Matthew Broderick
in the same issue!
I love Mahomet!
Then I saw this flower shop and said, LET'S CHECK IT OUT!
And photos of some more rising stars!
While Karie was giving me a tour of her town
I asked her to turn around so I could snap a pic of these decorations.
You would have loved it Wendi.
I bought a bunch of cards.
I sent this baby one to Suzan.
Harry and Connie were amazing as was their cat Prudence.
Karie bought some HUGE old windows.
I can't wait to see how she displays them!
There's a stained glass studio in town.
I plan on coming back and attending a workshop with Karie.
I loved seeing the sites!
I brought back a souvenir from a local restaurant.
I love local Mom and Pop grocery stores.
I bought some raffle tixs to support the United Way.
After a whirlwind tour it was time for me to head back to the big city.
(Plus Karie had another friend arriving - who brought No Bundt Cakes.
MMMMMMMMM! I had a lemon one!)
We did not hug.
Which was HARD.
Stupid Covid.
I'll be back!
of Chicago I took some silly picks so my friends would know I was thinking of them.
with just enough gas that it wasn't scary low.
(We had prepaid the $2.09 per gallon refill.)
When I got home Magnus gave me a loooooooong nose vacuuming.
Truth be told, it was good to be home.
But I really, really hope to get out there again soon.
Thank you to my dear women friends who invite me into their lives and
keep me focused on following The Light.
Thank you to friends who send me sweet notes
letting me know they like traveling with me.
I like having you with me.
Peace by with you,
Jen Pen
P.S.
Thanks for the awesome "keep the sun out of my eyes" hat Leah!
P.P.S.
Listen to this book on audio.
2020 is the 50th anniversary of its publication.
Thank you Diane for giving me my first copy.
