Tag: shopping

dare to be different

The Chair

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I saw a chair that caught my eye one day when window shopping. I didn’t need the chair, but I felt drawn to the chair.

I sat in the cool-looking horseshoe like chair and it was comfy. I then sat in the more square chair next to see if it was as comfortable. Nope! Not my lucky day because the chair I was drawn to was more expensive. I didn’t need the chair. However, I walked around the store and came back to the chair more than once. I was really drawn to that particular chair. Maybe it was the comfort. Maybe it was just the only one like it in the whole store. Maybe it was my creative side of my brain telling me it would be perfect for me!

I tried to find every reason why not to get the chair. I sent a photo of the chair to friend for consultation. I talked to myself about the whys or why nots of acquiring such a chair. I could buy it, but the rational me was evaluating if I needed the chair. I did not specifically need this chair. However, I was feeling compelled to buy it. I did walk away. I was so proud of myself for not splurging in the moment. 

However, I have a news flash. I returned a few weeks later. The chair was still there. I was still drawn to it. I sat in the cool chair again and it was still comfy. I contemplated again. I took the plunge and spent the money.

Long story short. I have the chair!

The window chair.

The chair by the window.

The chair with a view.

The view of the chair.

My little white chair.

My cool horseshoe-like chair.

This is now one of my most favorite spots to visit. A thinking perch. A book nook. A resting place to feel the warmth of the sun flowing through the windows. All of this because the chair spoke to me. And I listened. 

Who knew a chair could talk?

Who knew I needed this chair, but didn’t want to spend the money on the chair?

Some days it’s a chair. Some days its a car. Some days it’s an outfit. Listen. The feeling that goes with the item calling your name needs you! My soul was satisfied by this little chair. Oh the adventures I will go on in the chair.

Now did you ever think you could adventure in a chair? Well I can! Just like I can listen to a chair. 

challenges

Odd Experience

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Traveling in another state. Decided to visit a local mall to window shop. Not familiar with the area. Ended up buying something in a T-shirt shop. Not a fancy store, just a low end retail shop. I heard a a shriek. Some gasps. My neck whipped around to see what all the fuss was about. The picture above shows the scene.

A gentleman dropped a boat load of cash when he went to pay for an item that was less than $10. His fanny pack was jam packed with hundred dollar bills. They were on the floor.  Some might have still been spilling out as he picked up others. Time seemed to be at a standstill. Nobody helped him pick them up. Everyone just stared, myself included. Such an odd 5 minutes.

The young girls nearby were notably freaked out. One said I’d help you but I don’t want you to think I’m trying to steal any money. I, on the other hand, was curious in those moments. Was he a drug dealer? A lottery winner? A bank robber? A pimp? Was that his life savings? The list went on and on in my head. I also clearly took a picture. Not to embarrass him but to document the crazy.

In this day and age you can never be too careful. You must be aware of your surroundings. Could he have had a gun as well? I’ve seen shootings at the mall on the news before. Was he going to be upset nobody helped him? I just had many questions that would never be answered. I moved on before he finished collecting his money off the floor just to avoid any awkwardness.

Would you have lended a helping hand? If it was an old lady would your perception be different?  How would you caption the photo?

Just an odd post to pass on. A day trip to the mall. One for the memory book.

adventure

Main Street

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A day of leisure.

A day to explore.

Main Street called my name.

I walked the streets and enjoyed the mountain air while stopping in all the shops on Main Street. My first pit stop was for rocket fuel, also known as coffee. One in my party opted for two shots of espresso, another tried the red velvet hot cocoa with whipped cream and I tried a brown sugar cinnamon latte. All kept us warm as we strolled and sipped on this cold morning.

Many cute shops to visit. From T-shirts to ski shops to fancy art displays. There was something for everyone. I enjoyed looking at all the stickers and magnets unique to the area. It was also a treat to see the snow globes decorated for the holiday and set to music and you cruised Main Street. Just another specialty for this holiday season in Park City. I didn’t really have a favorite snow globe but I did enjoy checking them all out. 

Another fun feature was heated benches or heated stones. A great place to take a break while enjoying a toasty seat warmer. Something I didn’t expect but very much enjoyed. There were also historical facts posted around the buildings as well. A little history lesson was available to those who had an interest. I found some alleys decorated in scenic art along with some neat doors to-capture the ski town vibe. All in all Main Street was a fun place to stroll and browse.

I will probably visit Main Street again to try out a restaurant or visit the shops again. I may need to buy another snow globe since I broke the one I bought on my first trip down Main Street.

After an adventure on Main Street we opted to explore the Olympic Training Center. Pretty cool to see the facilities, snap a few photos and just experience the few offerings that were available. I did enjoy the virtual ski jump simulator. I wasn’t very good at it and probably why I’m not an Olympian, but nonetheless I enjoyed the opportunity. I also enjoyed bobsled and parachute skiing simulations. Very different experiences but since I probably will Never do any of these activities in real life, the simulation experience was perfect for me.

Another great day of amazing views and new experiences. I’m sure you will read more about my travels in upcoming posts.

adventure

RV Life #5

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The RV got a little break. It took a trip to the shop for a little sprucing up after many miles on the road. A friend joked to me about going the distance so soon while many camp closer to home to practice. Funny we didn’t entertain that thought. We seemed to add distance to each trip. I guess go big or go home was the underlying tone.

I will soon start thinking about spots for 2023 that book up far in advance. Fingers crossed we get some good ones. Maybe I’ll add a few local spots for good measure. Anyway, trip 5 takes me to the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia. My home state but a climb up a mountain to get to the site. It’s a new resort that I have big hopes for. 

A little overcast today but the breeze is nice. Maybe low 80s with a chance of showers this evening. It’s seems pretty quiet right now as most are tucked in their RV’s, lounging by the pool or chilling at the entertainment pavilion. I’m just sitting outside taking in the sights and sounds while unpacking my new fly fans. A game changer in keeping flies away.

I’m not at a woodsy campground this trip. I’m at a more resort-like RV escape. Nice flat paved lots. Squeaky clean bathroom suites. Amenities like drink carts passing by. Food trucks and a staffed bar. Curbside trash pickup. Dog park and dog wash area. All the conveniences of home but the fresh air of sitting outside listening to music while the burgers grill up for dinner. Chit chats with friends add to the ambiance.

As the sun sets it’s time to listen to a live band at the pavilion. With a full belly it’s time to shift gears and relax in a new way. With music to soothe the soul, I will be unwinding for a good nights sleep in a few hours just as the rain sets in. Ah I hear the pitter patter on the roof already. Another soothing sound to me. I almost forgot the camper smells amazing as candles burns to freshen up the place since my doggies are my travel buddies this weekend.

The weekend calls for food trucks, visiting the local town and their shops, sipping on wine at the local wineries, dodging the rain in the forecast, and just unplugging from day to day responsibilities.  Just living my best life on the ridge in the mountains this weekend. The vineyard I visited not once but twice was Ott Vineyards in Ellijay, GA. Great views. Dog-friendly which made it a viable option. And the best part was their wine slushies. Blackberry and mango swirl was absolute heaven in a plastic cup.

In between rain drops I found time to shop in the mountain town of Blue Ridge, GA. A travel buddy wanted some local honey. I wanted to check out what was hiding in the shops. A cute sweatshirt for a souvenir. Trinkets and a sticker for my water bottle. Bigfoot of course being as in the mountains with all the tall tales about Bigfoot.

Until next time my friends. I will leave you with a pic of the ridge overlook as a storm was approaching. Lots of thunder and angry skies overnight led to area flooding but somehow we escaped the brunt of it. You never know what Mother Nature is going to have in store for you when you travel. No pool time for me this trip.

adventure

Staycation

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I had a staycation this spring break. It was amazing. I didn’t need an expensive beach trip. I didn’t need the crowds of Disney. I didn’t need to figure out travel restrictions from state to state.

Instead I opted for easy. Simple. No frills. Just a local staycation. I stayed and played. Lunch dates sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and company. Outdoor activities with friends and family. From bike rides to hikes to just playing fetch with the dog in the yard.

A little catch-up on the home to do list. A little planting. A little too much shopping. Some driveway car washing. Home cooked meals some which were good and some not so good. That is funny in itself.

Slept in a few days because I could not that I should. A little mix up in the routine and mundane. Let the laundry sit in the dryer an extra day. Spent some time visiting on the spur of the moment. A little thing I missed during the pandemic.

No rules. No have tos. No timelines. Come and go as I please. Something as simple as camping in your own yard or toasting marshmallows over a fire pit can seem like a vacation. Whether you stay or whether you go is up to you. You can make memories either way.

For me a staycation was just right for me. Now my family may say otherwise but this Chick enjoyed the stay. As simple as it was.