leaving home

Think Kit Day One: The Year In Pictures.

I spent many days away from home and out of town this year. I'm realizing that I'm kind of a nomad...

Make the little ball go up!

My mom had surgery for colon cancer in January and started a tour of different medical facilities, hospital beds and rehabs. My tour was a little easier, always starting north on I-69 and ending in Ann Arbor or Midland, MI. Seven months later and 30 lbs. lighter my mom was well enough to stay home. My last road trip to Michigan was 2 days ago for our annual Thanksgiving gathering. I'm so thankful my mom is healthy!

I love live music and I traveled all over this year to see it...Tennessee, Denver, Chicago, Bloomington. One of my favorites was Paul McCartney at Bonnaroo - such a humble and classy man. I've never been to a concert where the frontman talks and EVERYONE listens - all 80,000 of us, you could have heard a pin drop. I heard myself say out loud "He has a great butt" and then realized he's as old as my dad.

The obligatory Bonnaroo What Stage sunset with alien/monster balloon photo. 

I'm a big Phish fan of late. This year I caught 4 shows. Now if you know about Phish fans - you know that 4 shows only is an embarrassment. But I'm doing my best. So much fun! 

Second night, Phish, Northerly Island

My son, Clay and I traveled to Ireland last spring. It was our first trip to Europe. It was so amazing. We drove all over and stayed in people's houses. Ireland is the home of the original roundabout - and they go clockwise. These little blue arrows were my best friend. I imagined them saying "This lane sweetie. It's ok, we are here to help."

Helpful Irish Arrows

There are a lot of sheep in Ireland. There are no fences, so they just roam. The funny thing is, you can't get enough photos of them. We talked about this many times, and vowed to take no more - which didn't work. 

You, yes, YOU. I'm looking at you!

One of my favorite trips this year was to Portland, OR to the World Domination Summit. It's a really cool weekend of networking and speakers talking about how to live your dream. I saw speakers like Tess Vigeland, Darren Rowse, Gretchen Rubin & Chase Jarvis among others. Awesome heart and soul people living their idea of an extraordinary life despite their fears. 

While in Portland, many Portlandiers stopped me and asked what the "World Domination Summit" was about. Was it political? Was it an S&M conference? Are we really trying to take over the world? It was a hoot. 

The past year was so filled with so many wonderful experiences that evoked feelings of fear, connection, joy, freedom, gratitude & love. I plan to leave home again this year!