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I ❤️ Toledo

What do you love about where you live?

I was ready to write a totally different post. I had a really good day, and I wanted to share. But then, I saw this Day One Prompt and I had to give some love for my city, Toledo.

As Elizabeth Barrett Browning says, “How I love thee? Let me count the ways.” I love my city! Like to the point, I will fight you about it. Not physically, but definitely verbally. Part of my good day was just enjoying the weather and riding around the city. I rode down River Road, looking at the houses along the water. Past Walbridge Park, countless food trucks on Summit St., through Downtown, under the Veterans Bridge, past Jamie Farr Park, and my sunrise spot at Cullen Park. I saw a city that is improving and thriving. I saw people enjoying life and eating good. I saw a river that up close may not be the best looking, but it is still beautiful to look at from a distance 😆. I noticed the new artwork that has been spray painted on buildings and how colorful and engaging they are.

I love that my city is small enough that it takes no more than 25 minutes to get where you need to go, and big enough that you have choices of places to go. People are always quick to say there is nothing to do here. There is a lot to do here. We have a nationally ranked museum that offers different exhibits throughout the year, breweries, a ton of local restaurants, beautifully designed libraries with programs catering to kids and adults, numerous parks with trails for walking and biking, free summer concerts at these same parks, and on and on and on. I promise I have just scratched the surface with the things I listed. Now, one can say,  there is nothing to do here that I like. That would be more accurate.

I love Toledo because we experience all four seasons with fall and spring being my favorites. I’m not a big fan of the cold, but I do like to see snow. It feels natural to have the change of seasons and clothing. I love my city because my friends and family are here. I can stop by my brother’s house and see him and my nephew. I can tell my friends to meet me out for a drink. I can invite my people over for game night. I can stop by the barbershop on the weekends and talk junk with the guys.

Though I may move to experience more of the world, Toledo will always be home. I will always love Toledo. I will always look for the good in my city and tell you about it if you say something unpleasant. If you live in Toledo, can you tell me what you love about this city? If you don’t live here, tell me where you live and what you love about your city? Stay well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚

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Peace

What positive emotion do you feel most often?

I am not exactly sure if peace is considered an emotion. I received mixed responses when I Googled it. I do feel peaceful most days. I realized at some point of time in my twenties that negative emotions take energy. I was always tired and wanted to take naps so I knew I had to regulate my emotions. It took a while but I was able to do it. Once I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis,  I also realized negative emotions, like stress, caused me to have relapses. Another reason to focus on positive emotions.

I am able to feel peaceful because I am very particular about what I allow in my life. I do not participate in drama or arguments. I am quick to agree to disagree. I don’t do things that I don’t want to do. I fill my time with activities I enjoy, and that makes me happy. I protect my peace. When I think about it, I live similar to the serenity prayer. Don’t get me wrong, I still have work to do to completely adopt this prayer.

I decided to go with the Day One Prompt today. I knew I had an answer for this question even though I had not thought about it before. It was a good thing to realize. I do really enjoy how peaceful my life is. I am happy that I know what makes my life easier, and I don’t stray far from the formula. What positive emotion do you feel most often? Do you consciously make an effort to bring more of that emotion into your life? What steps do you take to keep the negative emotions from not taking over? I would love to hear what you have to say. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚

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The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Now that I have set this writing goal for myself, I feel like I have nothing to talk about. Mind you, I talk all the damn time. To my mom, my friends. I even call the office and talk to my coworkers. Yet, every day when it comes time to write, I am drawing a blank. So annoying.

One of the things that was so popular during Covid was putting together puzzles. I used to get the cheap puzzles from Dollar Tree and listen to audiobooks while I worked on them. I think that is when I really got into audiobooks. To do two things at one time successfully is such an accomplishment. Well, it is to me, at least. I preferred the 500 piece puzzles because the 350 pieces didn’t take long to do. The 1000 piece puzzle was a little challenging due to the pieces being so small. If you get them from Dollar Tree, you get what you pay for. I was notorious for getting puzzles that were missing a piece or two. One time, I even picked a puzzle that was missing an outside piece 😕. When I was done with the puzzles, I would ship them to my mom. She never wanted the ones with a missing piece.

Now, I am having the hardest time finding puzzles. I guess the fad is over. I always liked to do puzzles, and I am a little sad that I can barely find one or two when I go to the store. This last puzzle haul, they only had 350 piece ones. And I have managed to complete one in a matter of hours.

I am going to spend my weekends scouring Dollar Trees in Toledo and the surrounding areas for puzzles. Lol. Seriously. What are some of the things you like to do in your spare time? If it is puzzles, do you prefer to do them alone or with others? Personally, I treat my puzzles like I treat my Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, don’t touch! Oh, maybe we can do a puzzle exchange. Think about it. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚