She made it to the Badlands National Park.  What a view!

Her heart soared as she looked out over the wide open spaces. She thought about the power of Mother Nature and all the creatures that have stood in this same spot.

Now this is what Stirs her Soul….

Road trips are so exhilarating. It feels like running away and running to something at the same time. Terry and I could literally feel our brains and bodies relax as we drove and by the time we made it to the Badlands – we were able to take long deep breaths, appreciate this moment and each other.

I left a few of my #RedChairJourney postcards around South Dakota asking What Stirs Your Soul? I’m so excited and hoping to get a few back in the mail. I will blog about the responses.

I hope to continue to blog while we travel but also want to soak it all up without distraction and keep the balance. Some posts may have to wait until we return. You can also follow the journey on Instagram @usoulphoto.

Cheers to life – Cheers to Vacation – Cheers to Wide Open Spaces!

©usoulphoto

The Red Chair was in need of repair. The straps had become so old and were sagging so deeply that it wasn’t safe for our journeys. Of course I went to my Dad.

At 47 years old, I still feel like my Dad’s little girl. I remember when I was in my 20s (so Mom would have been close to my age now) and for the first time saw my parents as “a couple” and not only as my parents. I remember watching them and how hard it struck me. That they had a relationship before me, fell in love, all the trials of life they had been through that brought us to this point. I asked my Mom – what does it feel like getting older?

She said that she still felt the same, that she still felt like that 20 year old inside and when I looked at her, I could see that – I could see ALL of HER for the first time. I remember thinking, I really like this woman – I want to be her friend.

I know now how right she was – how I still have that feeling of being their littlist.

As Dad repaired the red chair, Mom and I sat at the kitchen table discussing life, solving the world’s problems, all while teasing Dad. Moments I treasure.
_ _ _ _

Okay Dad you’re up – – what stirs your soul?

At my age, there are so many things that I’ve been fortunate enough to experience. I so enjoy the relationships I have with so many folks, especially my best friend and soulmate of 55 years! 

To be able to talk, laugh and enjoy the company of my children and grandchildren. Whether I am traveling in our RV – or just out for a walk – there are so many sights and sounds surrounding us. And – if you just stop, observe and listen – you can see the beauty of nature…regardless of where you are – whether you’re on the ocean beach or in your backyard. To be out early in the morning and to watch the sunrise, watch the beautiful colors in the morning sky, hear the sounds of the birds and the animals….it’s a wonderful thing. 

Life is a beautiful thing – done right. 

I’m incredibly thankful for my parents – what they’ve taught me and ALL the Moments.

©usoulphoto

Arin is one of those people for me. It’s so appropriate that she be the first to sit in my red chair to kick of this 2016 journey. Icing on the cake to have the number 111 behind her – my number. The number that always shows up reminding me that I’m going in the right direction.

I’ve always appreciated Arin’s passion and zest for life. I’m not surprised at all how she answered my question.

What stirs your soul?

It turns out your question is a hard one to answer as my mind was racing with million things!  

My first thoughts are experiencing Mother Nature’s gifts… 

Images of sitting by the ocean, dolphins, manatees, birds, stand up paddle boarding, sunrises, sunsets, floating on the boat, walking in the woods, going for a run, fall colors, first blooms of spring, all the life that emerges in the spring, my dogs running with not a care in the world through the yard.

Then I thought of laughter, dancing, music, spending time with good people and my little family. Then came the thought of how great my job is and the people I get to interact with everyday.

-Arin

I’m so excited about this project. To read about the Red Chair Journey – click HERE. Message me or comment below if you would like to be part of the adventure.

I’ll leave you with this question – who has saved you?

Have a soul stirring week!