November 13th, 2019

Days 30-34

My apologies for the brief absence. I've been enjoying company!

Day 30 was filled with travel and another portrait delivery. I actually stayed the night on an ostrich farm between 29 and 30. I petted an ostrich and held one that was 2 months old. I am not really a huge fan of touching birds...I don't even like them close to me... so this was a great experience in overcoming fears. I have pictures I posted on social media if you want to see how huge (the Male I touched was 10 feet tall). While there, I met this tiny kitten who kept running in my home if she got the chance (video of her and pics also on social media). I could've easily adopted her... but...I am NOT a crazy cat lady. 3 cats in my RV is still too many. No way, no matter how cute it is, will I travel with 4. She did make me late for my portrait delivery.

I took Sophie home on day 30 of my travels. I absolutely loved sharing stories with her mom, she's a hoot. We laughed quite a bit. Here's Sophie's story (the rest of the weekend will be below)...
"A prankster. who always had a twinkle in her eye, Sophie Champoux had a fierce love for her brothers and her country. An infections laugh and wicked pranks made her quite the pistol at 4’11. She did everything her brothers did and would often talk them in to doing things that she knew her mom wouldn’t want them to do. She was quite the instigator. She joined the Army after attending college. She became a medic and was well loved by her Army family, and everyone she met. She would have her mom send candy so that she could give it to the children in Afghanistan. Tragically, Sophie was raped on three separate occasions –twice in the United States, once in Afghanistan. On two of those occasions she was raped by the same man, who stalked her from Afghanistan to Georgia. No one in her chain of command would protect her from this stalker. Sophie lost her battle on September 30, 2011"

She was a beautiful young lady who is still a strong force. Funny to note that every exhibit, Sophie's portrait goes crooked on her hook. I think she's pranking me now... her mom agrees she probably is.

The rest of day 30, I was driving to the Outer Banks of NC. It's beautiful here, except the weather has been awful. An arctic front blew through... and today (day 34) it has been raining all day. And the wind... yikes. Up to 45 mph gusts.

Day 31 I spent the day waiting on and preparing my house for a guest. I'm not saying who yet... I have decided that I'm keeping this part of my life for ME for a while. Just know, if you've been worried about me traveling alone, I have a bodyguard now (and someone to cook for me - no more almonds and green drink for dinner). I drove to Norfolk to get my VIP from the airport. We stayed the night there, too tired to drive the several hours home (it would've put us home after 1 am). That gave us a chance to explore Virginia Beach where we walked the boardwalk for about a mile and a half, maybe two miles. The boardwalk is lined with giant hotel after giant hotel. This day, most were quiet, many of the shops and restaurants were closed for the season. I'm thankful for it being a little quieter so we didn't have to deal with crazy crowds. It was a cool place, but with that many hotels, it would be insane in the summer! After spending the day there we headed home in time for dinner. We've walked on the beach, we toured the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. THAT was cool...it was SO massive! Unfortunately we didn't get to climb to the top. We've had a wonderful time! The weather isn't cooperating but we have each other.

The last several days have been amazing! Truly wonderful. Know that there will be things (and people) that are placed in your path... all are there to teach you something. When I first met him, I was angry with the universe for putting someone so wonderful in my path right before I was leaving. I didn't realize that maybe this path was for both of us. So, my friends, the journey continues. The wind is howling, shaking my little home - blowing change into our lives.

It's magical if you'll open up to the gifts from the universe! The sun has set on one part of my life. I am excited for what's next!

I love you all! Have a beautiful day!