It’s been such a cool experience getting my #RedChairJourney postcards back after our road trip west. I left these cards in different locations as we traveled, asking the question – What Stirs Your Soul? This was just a start, an experiment, and I am looking forward to continuing my Red Chair Journey project in Minnesota.

The top card struck me after the horrible news in Orlando.

“No two people are alike, we are all made different and unique in our own special way”

I love reading that someone has so much appreciation for diversity, that he is self aware enough to accept himself and see the differences, the confidence and love to enjoy others without judgment.

Reading that – stirs my soul.

We are all upset by what happened and it’s easy to blame, shout our opinions BUT…..

in the end, it all starts with US. I have to remind myself of that and focus on what I CAN do instead of spending the energy complaining. When we stand together, we can create change.

Wishing you all a soul stirring day!

Continuing the #TNTroadtrip2016 wrap up. After leaving Jackson Hole, Wyoming, we headed to Park City, Utah then to Vegas stopping at Zion National Park on the way.

I’m way afraid of heights. Driving up and around the cliffs of Zion National Park gave me anxiety BUT I was not going to let that stop me. I crave seeing new things and nature fuels me….so just as W.Clement Stone says – I took action.

The Red Chair sat, slowly taking in the fresh air at the top of this cliff. Feeling a bit unstable and wobbly so close to the edge but she found her footing. She held her ground, feeling Mother Nature’s strength below her and she soaked it all in. 

I also have to mention, if you get to Park City, Utah – make sure to stop at High West Distillery. We were SO impressed not only with the whiskey but the food! Truly one of the best meals we’ve ever had and overall great experience. One of our fave nights!

©usoulphoto

Why you shouldn’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. 😉

The Red Chair Journey’s next stop after the Badlands & Deadwood, SD was Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The picture above was the day we arrived. I was so excited to see the Tetons again. I couldn’t wait to get to Jackson Hole, get settled in and show Terry the town. I figured I could shoot the Red Chair photo the next day but then….

You know what, it didn’t matter.

The Red Chair looked out over the Tetons, the rain drizzling, the low clouds hiding the mountains tallest, sharpest points but yet she could still feel their force. What stirred her soul that day was the respect that Mother Nature commands. The power of the mountain range breaking through the earth, the jagged edges showing that broken is beautiful. How small we really are….

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Travel Tips: This ended up being a great time to travel because it was the off season. We were able to stay at some of the best hotels for great deals.

In Jackson Hole, we stayed at the historic Wort Hotel. A very cool thing they offer is to have local beer delivered to your room upon arrival. It was exactly what we needed and loved having the variety to try. We ate at the Silver Dollar Grill/Bar in the hotel because of a few reasons – it was recommended from a friend (Bob Stephenson) that use to live in Jackson and also because on Tuesday nights, they have a Blue Grass Band. The food, service and music were fantastic. A bunch of locals come on Tuesday nights to dance, which made the atmosphere even 100 times better.

The next morning, we had breakfast at the Bunnery. I did a lot of research before we left to find the best spots to eat and local favorites. Thank you to TripAdvisor and Fodor Travel – all the forums on those sites are so helpful. Again, we were lucky to get right in without a wait for a wonderful, made from scratch, locally sourced breakfast due to it being the off season.

Then we were off to Park City, Uah! Thank you to AAA for our TripTix, Maps and being able to check in on weather conditions, new routes and construction. Having a map in my lap = soul stirring.

©What Stirs Your Soul Media

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.
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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!