If you’ve been a long time reader of my bliss-ed out blog, you’ll know I’m a sucker for beautiful architecture. I find myself drawn towards older looking buildings, along with cathedrals and anything unique. I’m fascinated by the different styles of houses between the west coast and the east coast/Midwest.
I suspect I’ll turn into a pile of love struck mush when I make my way to Europe.
The colonial style houses on the east coast have stood the test of time, and have given me hours of visual stimulation. I ran 12 miles while in Ohio which was just enough to keep my legs loose, and just enough to soak in the surrounding sights.
Running is one of my favorite ways to explore.
Morning runs give fantastic views of the city.
I haven’t had a running partner in years, so it was a real treat to run with Meghan even if it was just once. Plus she picks things up on her runs too. I love looking around me while I run, but sometimes there is beauty to be found right underneath our feet.
PC Meghan.
Despite running on my own the remainder of my miles, I wasn’t really alone. Each day I was running in what felt like a squirrel sanctuary. Grey squirrels, BLACK squirrels, and unseen white squirrels. Those are like the unicorns of the squirrel world.
Who knew there was such a variety of colors, they were literally EvErYwhEreeEEe.
Check out his buddy in the background.
I tried to summon them to run behind me, like my own squirrel tribe, but they were more interested in the plethora of acorns on the ground. Maybe next time.
Catholic school.
The oldest stone house.
I think what I adore the most about these houses are the stones. There is something comforting and rustic about a house built from stone opposed to wood.
I find safety in the fact that the big bad wolf huffed and puffed all the live long day, but couldn’t blow down the stone house. Solid.
I loved the new to me surroundings, but I missed my PNW trees. This vase inside Meghan’s house made me feel fuzzy and warm.
I took a lot of mental and physical snap shots of my trip to Ohio, but I was convinced I was going to leave with no actual souvenirs (cinnamon rolls don’t count.) Then, as if those magical white squirrels waved their fluffy tails in an act of fate I found myself inside an outdoor shop where I found my souvenir.
I’ve been searching for new Vibrams for a long time, without any luck. Not only are these the EXACT same style I was running in, (which have been discontinued for years, leaving my soul empty and alone) but they were MY SIZE.
The best part? They were 1/4 the price I payed over six years ago for my last pair. It’s like running barefoot atop a giant cloud filled with sparkles and cupcakes. I shall now think of Ohio each time I slip these magical slippers on my feet, which makes these the best souvenir I’ve ever purchased for fun and functionality.
Even better than the bottle of tequila I brought back from Mexico when I was 17. I’ll have you know the bottle is STILL closed, but there was something thrilling about buying alcohol as a minor despite the trouble it brought me with my parents.
I’d bet they’d be shocked to know I never drank it. 😉
Q: How do you prefer to explore new areas?
Blissfulbritt 