Gorgeous RVA weekend! Go out & play:-)

Beautiful weather this weekend! Today started off right with a good brunch date with my friend Dionne. We went to Weezies in Carytown. Great chill spot. 

Then an impromptu stop by a favorite James River spot netted me some unexpected sights & more intel about where to fish around here. Love when that happens!:-)

I saw a bunch of Richmind Fire Department trucks & found out they were there for a Water Rescue training exercise. I was a tad late to catch the action & only caught glimpses of them packing up. I chatted it up with a family who was watching the action. They told me that crew was simulating rescues like helping people stuck on rocks. Then I talked with a guy going out on the water. I asked him about his boat & he filled me in on some local fishing spots. I'm looking forward to getting out to fish soon!

Here are a few action pictures I snapped. 

Richmond Fire Department Water Rescue. Wish I caught them in action. Maybe another time!

Spring is here!:-) 

This view Never gets old. I just love it!

Chatted with this guy & he shared some fishing spots. Good intel!

Nice river ride.

Beautiful sky! Can tell by the cloud patterns ~ windy up there.:-)

Took this beautiful shot yesterday. I just love how the blossoms fly off the trees. Nature's confetti ~ So lovely. :-)

It has been a gorgeous weekend here in Richmond, Virginia! (RVA). What outdoorsy shenanigans were you up to this weekend?

Today's blog theme song is Pharrell Williams, Happy.. The RVA video! http://youtu.be/pWJsFb3JGfA

Take a moment to look around ~ Beauty is Everywhere, if you want to see it..Be it.

Life serves some ups & downs. Part of the Adventure is learning more about ourselves through each challenge & success. 

Never stop your pursuit of happiness! Life is short. Live yours to the fullest, on your own terms! Carpe Diem:)

Simple pleasures for me ~ capturing some sky wow today! Stoked that I'm flying this weekend. WOOHOOO!:)

What fun things will you be up to this weekend? Fess up & inspire!:)

First No Go Fly Day

Bad weather made today's fly day a no go. First time that's happened, but with yuck weather I'm not taking any chances.  Bummed, but there will be other clear days.

Instead Jim & I grabbed a late lunch at Prima Pizza. I don't eat a lot before flying so was hungry. Got a personal small pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms, & jalapeño Mmm! Also, a small salad.

Clouds rolling in on my drive to NKA

Looking like weather drama approaching

No go.. grr. Well, time to grub instead.

In conclusion, no gos blow. 

Good talks over lunch don't blow. 

Stormin Normin Performin

Life dished out a crazy week ~ end of last, early this week some medical challenges with parents made for rough times, but calmer ones are on the horizon. These challenges remind me of what's important & how important good health is.....we easily take it for granted. Grateful for family, good people & positive thoughts/prayers.

A couple pics snapped this week in this edition.. Some visuals of Positives & Negatives.

Negative: Felt like Me, at points this week... Gosh how this pics cracks me up & sometime life's so Arggghh you gotta laugh.

Positive: First farmers market with my nephew & sister this year! Love the Farmers Mkt & good Family memories.

Coulda been a Negative: Been stormy this week. This looked like it could have been a tornado developing :O

Moody clouds Yo

Positive: After Ground School class. Love this sight:)

Positively Awesome: See those 2 towers? They are my landmarks to a location I must visit. I LOVE how much my Ground School is teaching me. Giving me new eyes to see things I just didn't care to pick up before that I do now that add real value in how I get around & orienteering myself without my GPS. You don't know what you don't know. Its exciting to experience expanding my mind & boldly going full steam ahead!

Sometime Life serves up poo... but what else is there to do, but power through the funk & while you're at it... Ninja drop kick the funk so it Gets Gone STAT!!!

Over & Out!

Appreciation ~ Nature's Awesomeness

Life...Is it always Great, maybe not... but when it is.... It ROCKS! Caught these 2 cool pics around Virginia.

Life, live it to the fullest. Take a moment to look up from your busy to appreciate the people & things around you. 

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." ~ May West

New Life

Sky wave

Beautiful day, Experience Richmond Adventure

Today is one of those days... Life won't let me sleep in:) Awake! Body & mind knows... Quite simply put... Carpe Diem:)

Soooo many fun choices on things to do in Richmond, Virginia. Love feeling great living in this charming city... Sooooo much going on here... I have a few goodies on my list... Maybe the farmers market, Virginia Museum of Fine Art, Maymont, Lewis Ginter, a Segway Tour, a Discovery Cessna flight, fresh oysters at Rappahannock Restaurant or better right by the water sitting in Merrior, soooo many choices! Love it:)

Though my list is fluid... gotta just go with the flow & all doing it my day:)

What fun things are you up to in the Richmond, VA area on this fine day & weekend? The world is your oyster... and I'm quite ravished ~ Muaaah ahh ahh ~ Ready or Ready!!

Here are some pics of the places mentioned above.. & a few other fun spots here in Richmond & around Virginia!

It's a beautiful day... don't let it get away:)

Moody Sky Adventures

I spy a patch of blue sky in the gray today... There's always a bright spot, in any turbulence, just have to wait it out, not get discouraged, & keep your eyes open so to not miss it!

Catalyst Challenge - Positive Change Adventure -" Your Uniqueness isyour Superpower"

"While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die - whether it is our spirit, our creativity or our glorious uniqueness."

Gilda Radner

To often in our society, others try to mold us into what they feel we "should be" and I'll tell you this... some things (ok most:) - I have wonderful parents) my parents told back in the day were indeed true.. just took me a while to find out for myself through experience. That's the circle of Life, to find somethings on our own and try to do the same for the younger generation.. share what we know they will go through and some they will listen to.. some they will need to experience on their own. What I won't do is discourage someone to try in the direction of their dreams or of being themselves. It is an effort to be your own self and cancel the noise of others trying to make you like the sea of sameness... funny how that works, because I find the sea of sameness incredibly boring while recognizing there is comfort in being a part of that sea of sameness. I've always been pretty fierce (aka stubborn) in the quest to be myself. AND to not judge others who seem different... rather I strive to find how we are connected... there are always some similarities you can relate with and it is a quest for me to find it, each and everytime.. and I'm quite successful at doing it, I must say.. must be the years of military brat training that I am oh so grateful for :)

I'm a strong believer in listening to your inner desires & follow your dreams. I am practical, yes, not all dreams manifest & some turn to nightmares! Take time to know what you want! That'll minimize the nightmare turn;). Often dreams refine due to gaining more information.. You thought you wanted abc, over time & learning more, you realize zyx is sooooo much better for your future:) Don't rush Great.

I'm BIG dreamer doer... I am not a can't do person.. I'm going to root for you to pursue your dreams bc too often people take themselves out if the game with self sabotage.. If you want it, do the work & go in that direction. Does everything work everytime... No, but you keep going & keep trying different approaches to get closer to it. Nothing Great came without great effort. As I mentioned, I am practical (I'm a Capricorn, it's how I roll:).. You should have a Plan B & willingness to see if changes are necessary if you are getting no results. Changing & refining plans are a good thing... Keeps it fresh & keeps things in motion.

"Perfection itself is imperfection."

Vladimir Horowitz

Life becomes richer when you stop judging others and rather find ways to connect. Are you perfect. No. I know I'm not perfect.. so why are so many consumed with pointing out where they think someone is not good enough. I love a quote I read (I like a lot of the inspirational ones) that says something along the lines of Fix Yourself before your try to Fix Others. So True! No one is greater than you, no matter if they think they are.. what title they hold.. never forget that You are important and your actions are important in the smooth rhythm of Life. Each of us has gifts to give the world.. and I believe the World would be much Greater if we REALLY encouraged and elevated one another.. it would be a true catalyst for awesomeness. Start getting busy ingiting Greatness through your interactions ~ Dare you!

I share these thoughts with you because they serve as a good reminder to myself, as well:)

Guess what ~ my mission for you?
Catalyst Challenge!
What are you doing now that is impacting in some way, shape or form, positive change?
I'd love to hear.. I'm certain my fellow adventurers are up to great things ~Fess up!! Would love to be inspired by your story! :)

Catalyst Challenge - Positive Change Adventure ~ "Making Connections"

“When YOU stop believing one person in the world cannot make a difference; differences in the world will be made.”
― Kellie Elmore

For those who know me, many see my sonic boom energized laughing self. I like to share that self freely with others. I enjoy seeing the transformation that I often do when people let their guards down & enjoy the conversation.. yes, we can be talking work & yes, I have and have had a long professional career... does not mean I can't strive to enjoy every conversation.. Do I? No, I don't love every conversation...but believe me I strive to find a connection in the majority of interaction.

I used to be so busy in the rat race.. Too busy exerting energies on things that didn't mean much in the end. I will always be wired to commit fully to things I '"sign up for" ~ just my wiring & personal drive to give my best efforts or why do it? I will be better about seeing things for what they are & being mindful where those energies are largely deposited. That perspective & insight I've learned from experience. I feel knowing this now & more clearly.. that is the gift of wisdom over time & I will continue improving my sights on what's important & more importantly:) what is not. We only have so much time... I see more clearly that wasted time sucks:) bc I have and want to experience so much more... Exciting to have a fire within...& one that wants me to continue to do more.

Anyways, going back to people & connecting.. the World would so much greater if we found more ways to connect and build relationships, versus find fault or differences. I grew up on military bases overseas. Knew no one when I moved to the Los Angeles area to obtain my college degree, enter the rat race & lived for many moons. When I moved to Richmond I knew no one. I found connections through an unexpected & new frontier to me... Social Media. My upbringing, the nature of meeting new people frequently enough, I realize has given me the gift of connecting with people regardless of any difference really. I seek to find ways to connect. That also is a reason why, I realize, that I'm particularly welcoming of new people.. Mainly at work... bc I not only know what it's like to be new, but really understand it makes sense for people to feel great & welcomed from a community/business sense so they can acclimate faster... It's also extremely important, in my opinion, to do this as a human being. Investing in quality connections builds stronger communities. I personally want to be around other people who are happy, confident, encouraging, good people.. By sonic booming positivity, I see many times that being a catalyst that sparks that smile & energized conversation with others... that makes those moments.. Those interactions, where we connect & share a good laugh relating about something, pump me up:) I can have those moments with complete strangers I meet.. or those I've known my entire Life.

A mantra I now have is to seek ways to make a connection, relate & at least one great shared laugh in that interaction. That is one of my many quests & my track record is great:) I want a Life I not only enjoy... but one I look back on with a warm smile knowing I enjoyed the ride & ignited positivity/inspiration, wherever I have been.

I challenge you to make more connections, offer up a warm conversation to another, make a connection. So many of us are "plugged" in to things that seem important, but inspiring others.. inspiring greatness through connections.. that is something magical. Know what? A realization I have that fires up my happy feat is knowing, even it isn't me who invents the next best thing or idea, I may be a catalyst along this journey of Life by encouraging someone to go for their dreams, to cancel out the noise, the naysayers (there are plenty & even though some may have good intentions, you must decide what you want to do)... You must believe in yourself, 100%, and work to razor sharp zone in on what you want, commit to it, and you will get there.

I share these thoughts with you because they serve as a good reminder to myself, as well:)

Guess what ~ my mission for you?
Catalyst Challenge!
What are you doing now that is impacting in some way, shape or form, positive change?
I'd live to hear.. I'm certain my fellow adventurers are up to great things ~Fess up!! Would love to be inspired by your story! :)

 

Some of My Favorite Quotes & Sayings

"I feel I need 9 lives to scratch the surface of the things I want to do." @BearGrylls
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Q: What skill should every man possess?

A: To see the absurdity of any situation, which ultimately allows you to solve it.
-Michael Douglas interview in Outdoors Magazine

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Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
 -Mark Twain
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Love it when you meet someone who you know is going to leave something "On the front lobe of my left-side brain ~ I knew I wouldn't forget you ~ And so I went and let you blow my mind"
- Jason Mraz
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You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.

-Winston Churchill

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"Time is Too Slow for those who Wait, Too Swift for those who Fear, Too Long for those who Grieve, Too Short for those who Rejoice, But for those who LOVE, Time is Eternity..,"

-Henry Van Dyke

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Do not underestimate the Power of The Force.
-Star Wars

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Never do things others can do and will do if there are things others cannot do or will not do.
-  Amelia Earhart
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There is no spoon.
-Matrix

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I was born Ready.
-Jack Burton

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Never leave that 'till tomorrow which you can do today.
-Benjamin Franklin
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Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.
-Grace Hansen

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Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.
- William Ellery Channing

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Letting go doesn't mean giving up... it means you are ready in moving on. (Thank God I finally get this one! :))

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The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
-Chinese proverb
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What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.
-Richard Bach

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Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made ALL the difference.

-Robert Frost

A Thought & Quote from this Morning

I'm certain I've heard something very similar to this.. but just put into my own words....

It's in the Darkests Nights

we have the possibilities to see the Brightest Stars!

Despite the funk that comes up during Life (and funk always comes up at some point)... I like to think of this thought to remind me to not lose sight of the great things I can still gain/see during the darker times. Light and positive things are all around.. everywhere... if we want to see them

With that thought, I give you this quote as a follow through:

Never, never, never, never give up.” ~ Winston Churchill



Do or Do Not.

There is no cookie cutter Adventure. Each of us knows what we consider an Adventure. You may even think you haven't even really experienced Adventure, but I bet you have.

I believe we inspire one another through sharing our experiences with others who possess similar interests. With that said, that is why I'm creating this blog. I would love to hear about some of your Life Adventures, share some of mine and in that recipe of sharing I bet somewhere.. sometime.. each of us may inspire something in one another .. to venture out and try something new or even help some of us deal with certain Life situations after learning more about your experiences!

I'd love to hear about your Adventures so add a comment! It can include you experience with any of the below topics or just go for it and share whatever adventure you would like:

• If it’s about a place you’ve visited, then share where you've been, why you went, what you got from the experience!
• If it's about an event (like bungee jumping, sky diving, etc) tell what it was, what inspired you to do it and what the experience was like for you!
• If it’s a strange foodie dish, give us insights as to what it was, why you tried it and your experience!
• If you went through a significant Life change (a move to a new city, a complete career change, experienced a layoff that changed up your life, recovered from an illness, etc) ~ what it was, what was involved in that change, and your experience.

Go on ~ start sharing! I’m Ready, Set to Lift Off by reading about your Adventures!