Join Me on My Wonderland Adventure Today!

I've been meaning to check out a spot I noticed for quite some time. Signs saying trails by the James River. Finally, today.. Totally random, I committed to driving down the path to explore. My socks were blown out of this solar system. Beauty beyond what I expected all around. Fun & adventure calling my name. I explored & took pictures until my phone battery died!:) I was that enthralled!! 

The last 2 days have been incredible. Yesterday, I was flying up high in Virginia enjoying the Fall foliage & facing new challenges in taking off, flying & landing in strong crosswinds! When we started winds were at 11-20 knots. By the end, about 13 knots with gusts up to 30! Crabbed into the wind like Flying Wild Alaska episodes! It was so bumpy at times it felt like I was riding a Pegasus stallion or for you Marvel fans, it was like riding on the Hulk's shoulders as he lept mountain to mountain! It was incredible & I loved my new experiences! I will solo real soon!!:)

Then today... I discovered this amazing spot on the ground!:) I feel grateful to be experiencing such rich adventures. Truly reminds me of how amazing Life is when you align closer to the things that fire up your passions. It reminds me of how important that is... to be intentional in aligning with the things & people who bring out the best in us.

Join me in this chapter of my Wonderland, by sharing in the view I captured in my pics earlier today. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed capturing them! I'd love to hear about your discoveries this weekend. Fess up!:)

Pretty sight first thing this am. Total contrast from yesterday's rainy day!

OhmerGAWWWWWW where are my socks?!!! Oh they've been blown out of this solar system!! I was stunned at how Awesome this place is!! View to the left.

View to the right.

My ears always perk up when I hear you:) My eyes always look up to find you!:)

This is like walking in a NationalGeographic  magazine!:D

Cheese!

Ok on to explore some new spots.

Good to know!

This impromptu exploration found me not wearing the appropriate footwear. Next time I will need to dress appropriately. Rocks are Very slippery so you should be extremely careful if maneuvering on them. Safety first!!! You could really get jacked up if you slip on the rocks. :/

Nice trails

I love these rocks!

Seriously working extra muscles climbing these rocks ~ Bring it!!:)

Superb view

Yes I'm having a home alone moment ~ 

Ahhhhhhh, this scene is Awesome Sauce!!!! 

Lovely

Wow!!

Lil guy landed on me

Hey Dude, don't wing out! ;)

Doing his thing on this fine Fall day

Ha! Knew he was a fearless wascal!:) living on the edge!!

These leaves are as beautiful underwater as they are on land!

Just Wow:)

Beautiful Virginia Fall

I definitely must canoe on the James

Capt. John Smith traded with Indians here traveling along the river 1607-09. I find myself in awe walking the same grounds so rich in American historythroughout  Virginia. Amazing! 

More fall foliage googoogagaing by Me:)

Look closely. See the ducks?

H2O swoosh!

Beautiful

Near sensory overload!!!:) Today's River spot discovery & exploration was fantastic! Opening my sunroof to see...

This!:D

Adventure was had today. A lovely chapter that reminds me how wonderful it is to find the things that take your breath away & fire up my happy feet:)

Today created great memories. Excited for more adventure.... I'm coming for ya!:)

Carpe Diem, I did!

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! :)