Day 211 – Butterfly Zoo

Ok, let me start by saying that I never knew there was such a thing. Because of this blog, I have been looking up things in my area and surrounding towns to do and when I saw this I just knew I had to do it- I have always loved butterflies! (I even have a butterfly tattoo on my ankle that I got when I was like 19 or 20 years old). Anyhow, it’s only a few towns away in Tiverton, RI. Today was a beautiful, sunny day with a slight breeze and in the high 70’s so I knew right away it was the perfect day to go.

When we pulled up to the zoo, I noticed right away all of the greenery everywhere. There were plants and flowers of+ multiple species. When you go in, it’s almost like a great big greenhouse. When you walk in- a feeling of true serenity, peace and calm immediately wash over you. There are butterflies everywhere, fluttering around to and fro. Butterflies of all sizes, colors and shapes are everywhere you look. Then once you look a bit closer, you begin to notice the details….the caterpillars on the branches, the chrysalis waiting to hatch, we even saw butterflies mating (well I never!) lol.

If you stand still and just put your arms out and wait patiently, they will begin to land on you. Their touch is light as a feather and you can feel their core move as they slowly flap their wings. I had one land on my hand and it was awesome! Then another one landed on my purse as I was walking and my mom was able to get a picture. The staff at this zoo were both knowledgeable and friendly and I will say that the experience was unique, fun and educational. #greatintentiongreatday #HGAL

 

Day 210 – Starbucks Kind of Day

Random Fact: I started drinking coffee when I was in my 20’s. I remember the exact day… I was living in Phoenix and my friend bought me a Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks and I was hooked! I only drank coffee from Starbucks and sometimes it was a daily habit. A few years later when I met Vinny – he got me started on Dunkin Donuts and that was that. Then right when the Keurig came out, my friend Lindsey bought me one for Christmas and there was my home coffee too! (Oy!  lol)

Ok, maybe that was too much coffee background information but it is what it is. When I stop for coffee it is 95% of the time Dunkin Donuts only. Well, recently someone I know surprised me with a $50 Starbucks card as a “Thank You” for a favor I did for him a couple of weeks back. I was surprised, happy and appreciative for such a thoughtful gesture.

Well, today as I was passing a Starbucks while Vinny and I were in Massachusetts for the day- I remembered the gift card in my purse and said “Why not…for my intention I will make this is a Starbucks kind of day” lol. I got a Blueberry Streusel muffin and a Caramel Macchiato and while I was there I saw some of the cutest to-go cups, one of which was a ceramic “hot” coffee cup and the other that caught my attention was a metal, ombre colored “iced” to-go cup. Buying the two of these awesome cups used up my gift card but you know what I thought….with these on hand, I now can have more of my beloved “Starbucks Kind Of Days”. #Phoenixonmymind #Starbucksreallyhasthebesticeddrinks #prettiesttogocupsever #loveallthingsombre  #HGAL

Day 209 – Look Out Below!

My mom and I were out and about today – went to breakfast, did a little shopping and whatnot on a beautiful summer day. (Vinny went to work for a bit). Anyhow, as we were bee-boppin around I was thinking out loud about what I was going to do for my intention today. I remembered that not too far from where we were there was a large wooden tower I saw a couple of months back that I wanted to stop and see what it was but I hadn’t had the time just yet.

So, today was the day. I explained to my mom that it was a huge tower, very strangely placed just off a small highway that cut through a highly wooded area. When we pulled up we marveled at the size of such a large tower placed so very randomly. (I just knew we’d have to look up the back story to this thing when we got back in the car).

We got out and started the climb. The stairs were steep and thin and I was shocked at how many there were. When we got to the top I instantly realized how much the climb was worth it! The view was spectacular. The trees, the hills, the layers of colors were simply beautiful. We snapped some pics – then my mom went down first to take some more pictures looking up at me still at the top. I know it sounds funny, but taking pics is a half the fun of all these intentions- hahaha.

When we got back in the car, as I was driving I had my mom look up the back story to this random tower. It dated back to the 1700’s and is technically called the Hannah Robinson Tower. The story was interesting actually. So with that my Saturday intention is now complete – and as Vinny is on his way back and we have plans- I am off!! Wishing all my readers a fabulous Saturday night – make the most of it- LIFE IS GOOD!! #HGAL #Cheers

 

Day 208 – Star Light - Star Bright

After an evening date night with Vinny (dinner and a movie)  – on the way home I was trying to decide what to do for my intention. We had the windows down and it was a beautiful and almost crisp evening. After we made it over the bridge and back to the island, I looked up the weather and it was 66 degrees. I mentioned to Vinny that we so rarely go the beach at night time anymore and I would like for my intention to go for a little evening beach time.

When we got there I noticed that the stars were so numerous and bright and we simply sat in awe and relaxed into the evening beauty. I layed down on the rock wall that separates the sand from the parking lot and just looked up. I could hear the waves jostling about in the distance, it was extremely low tide and with my car headlights on I couldn’t see as much- however ironic that may sound. We turned the lights off and couldn’t believe the beauty and brilliance of the illumination of the sand, water and more under the stars so light – stars so bright. #HGAL #summernights

Day 207 – Art Museum Outdoor Movie

For today’s intention, I had my mom join me for another installment of the Newport Film Series – tonight at The Newport Art Museum. It was all about Peggy Guggenheim who had an interesting life to say the least. She was truly a rogue and gypsy spirit and I identified with so much of who she was as a person. She was the daughter of Mr. Guggenheim who perished on the Titanic (anyone who knows me knows how much I am intrigued by the Titanic story). She was the black sheep of her family and made the very best of it and ended up being quite successful doing something she loved very much.

Anyhow, just as the story of Martha Gellhorn, Iris Apfel, Molly Brown and other strong, courageous women who’s stories have touched my heart – I was happy to learn of the life of Peggy Guggenheim. She had many flaws and parts of her life that I personally don’t agree with. But her bravery, passion and drive are truly inspirational.

We walked to the Newport Art Museum for this event, just blocks from my home. There was live music to begin which was enjoyable and relaxing. I brought the wine….the snacks….the chairs….and my mom. Tonight was a fabulous evening. Great weather, great company, great movie, great intention. #HGAL #summernights

Day 206 – Sunset Cruise

For today’s intention, on this beautiful summer New England evening… I wanted to do a harbor cruise. It’s actually just down the road from our house so we were able to walk to it. Vinny and I started our night at our favorite restaurant (The Red Parrot!), had some cocktails then headed over. We went on the “Amazing Grace” sunset tour that lasted just a little over an hour.

It was the perfect, balmy, calm, 70something degree evening with the most beautiful, colorful sunset ever. The boat wasn’t too packed and the people on it were so friendly and chatty and we had fun talking about – all while the captain gave history and information about what we were seeing.

It was such a romantic evening activity. Afterwards, we went out to a local restaurant/bar called Midtown for some dessert and live music.

This was an amazing intention and I look forward to going again before the summer is out!! CHEERS #HGAL #isitjustmeoristhesummerflyingby

Day 205 – Pay It Forward

Earlier today, Vinny texted me and told me that someone at Dunkin Donuts had paid for his meal and coffee by the time he went to pay. When he was confused as to why, the girl at the counter said it was part of the “Pay It Forward” movement. I have personally done that for someone in the past but haven’t known anyone to be on the receiving end - so that was really neat. Vinny was quite impressed and it made his day to have that happen.

Meanwhile, tonight as we were out on the deck watching a serious case of fog roll in, we were talking about it. He got such a kick out of the entire concept. As we were talking, I looked down and saw one of the traffic cops that ticket people in this town for expired meters or parking illegally walking around on the street. I looked at Vinny and said “I know exactly what I can do for my intention”. Although it was super windy and foggy- I went downstairs and put money in someone’s meter. Even though it was into the evening, there were still meters going and quite a few people parked.

So, although it may have been a small gesture- I may have saved someone from a parking ticket. I hope when they came back to their meter that they were able to notice that it had been paid more and get a kick out of this “pay it forward” movement the way Vinny did. #HGAL #everygoodgesturecounts

Day 204 – Sunset Heart Art

Today I wanted to try something different. After dinner when the sun was just going down I asked Vinny to take a picture with me using our arms to form a heart. I thought it would look awesome in black and white but once we took them he liked the color one better- so I posted both pics below.  

This was a small intention but again…one of those things I kept saying I wanted to do but just haven’t for some reason. It only took a few minutes to pose and take the pictures. I’m not sure why some of the easiest things we want to do can be the easiest to put on the back burner.

But here I am - finding myself once again happy that my dedication to this blog and living each day doing something intentional with my life has gotten me to do something artsy, fun and unique. HGAL would have loved this one for sure! #HGAL

Day 203 – Beach Day & Carousel

As much as we go to the beach, we really haven’t had an entire day with the family with nothing more than beach, beach, beach. The few times we have tried to plan it we got rained out or something else came up. Anyhow, I specifically told Vinny that today I wanted nothing more than to bake in the sun and be around the family. I know there were events and festivals going on around the island but this is exactly what I wanted for today’s intention.  So his daughter and the grandkids came out for the day. It was so super nice and enjoyable. The kids are always so well behaved and when his daughter is around we always have so many laughs and really great conversation.  Meanwhile, the kids got to swim a lot and play in the sand, digging and building etc. etc. etc.

Anyhow, after lunch we took the baby, Sophia on a ride on the extremely large carousel in the adjoining building by the snack bar. She was so happy! Vinny took her first and then after we got the youngest grandson Ayden and we both took them both. I haven’t been on a carousel since I took my kids when they were little.  .

After, we came back to the house and hung around for a bit together. I was able to give Ayden the lavender plant I bought him and he was so happy with that. The older kids walked to the arcade down the street – which is such a fun convenience when they are over. This was surely a Sunday Funday!! #HGAL

Day 202 – Horseback Riding

For today’s intention I decided to go horseback riding. Unfortunately, Vinny had to work today. So, it was just me and my mom.

There were different levels to choose from and we chose the 1 ½ hour beach side and trail tour. It was so absolutely beautiful. The weather was warm but the ocean breeze kept us cool and some of the trail was under a massive natural canopy of trees that kept us shaded and happy- it really was quite perfect. We got to trot with the horses, go up and down hills, quite a ways along the beach and even on the roadside for a bit. My horse was named Kid and my moms’ was Ranger.

I thought back to when my Uncle (Heather’s dad) took Heather, her friend Mary and me out to go horseback riding back in 1993. We had so much fun! Us girls were being so silly and having such a great time. This made for a fitting intention today because that really is a great memory of mine that I am very happy to share with this blog and my readers.

Anyhow, after our ride- when I got off Kid I patted him and rubbed his head thanking him for the great ride. I asked the lady to take a picture of me and the horse and right as she was taking it, he turned his head and nuzzled right into me. He actually stayed there almost like he was literally hugging into me- it was so sweet even the lady was impressed. My mom snuggled in to her horse and said her goodbyes too.

With that we were off- on the way out we passed a little ice cream shack on the side of the road called “Nanas Ice Cream Shop” and just had to stop in. We sat outside on the picnic bench and ate our ice cream, recalling the day and planning when to go back again. After that we went to do a little shopping and truly had a real blast spending a couple of hours just drifting around the store, unrushed and picking out outfit after outfit.

We came back home, went down to the Greek Festival still going strong for another Gyro and stuffed grape leaves. We brought it back to the house, made a cocktail and sat on the deck enjoying the rest of the daylight and watching the sunset. When Vinny got home, I made one more trip down to get his Greek dinner and now it’s simply time for some R & R. WOW- this is what weekends are all about!! CHEERS and Happy Saturday!! #HGAL