travel – The Grey Goddess

I’m a Traveler…

September 25, 2020September 25, 2020 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

Silk Road Quilt by Melissa Sobotka — ‘Silk Road Sampler’ by Melissa Sobotka

When I first began blogging the goal was to challenge my creative skills while sharing my fascination with the world around me with anyone who visited this site. Fast forward a few years and a few hundred posts later to now, where inspiration and content creation are challenges I’ve struggled to overcome since covid changed our lives. After reading Austin Kleon’s ‘15 years of blogging (and 3 reasons I keep going)‘ I am, once again, enthusiastic about posting on a more regular basis, beginning with a topic which always gets me excited – travel.

The road dog in me was thrilled by having to drive cross-country TWICE this summer. Even more exciting was the prospect of traveling with two of the people I care most about: my sister and my son. Big Sis joined me for Road Trip #1 to retrieve a cherished family dog from Denver. Our trip started in Tennessee, then led us north and west through Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado, after which we headed back east to New Jersey before I made the rest of the drive solo through Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, finally ending up back in the Volunteer State. It took 8 days to make the drive but we only made it 140 miles before we stopped for our first adventure… Continue reading “I’m a Traveler…” →

I’ve seen all of this world…

July 5, 2019 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

Last week my husband and I put the dog in the kennel and headed east for a quick 3-day get-a-way to Gatlinburg, TN. I’ve never spent much time in the area, except to drive through Knoxville on my way to somewhere else. I always laughed at the signs for Pigeon Forge but after watching an episode of ‘Family Guy’ where Peter takes the family to Dollywood we decided if it was good enough for the Griffin’s it was good enough for us…

Continue reading “I’ve seen all of this world…” →

You got a new horizon, it’s ephemeral style…

June 17, 2019 Kimberli Simon2 Comments

Summer officially begins on Friday, which means it’s travel time for me! I’ve got three weekend trips planned and I hope to get away with bringing nothing more than an overnight bag for each. Mix-and-match outfits, some lip gloss, and a good book are about all I need – besides a loved one or two – to enjoy my time away…

First up is a weekend trip to Gatlinburg, where the plan is to tour the Old Forge Distillery and The Salt-and-Pepper Shaker Museum, walk across the new pedestrian suspension bridge (if I can a suspend – ha ha – my fear of heights) and soak up some rays by the pool…

My second adventure is taking me to Denver to spend time with two of my favorite peeps, where we’ll tune in and turn on at the Dead & Co show, followed by a day enjoying Mother Nature at Garden of the Gods. Since my flight doesn’t leave til late Monday night I am going to play solo tourist and check out some art and some books at the Denver Art Museum and the Tattered Cover Bookstore…

Finally, at some point before Labor Day I’m going to make it to Charleston for a long weekend. I’d like to spend the time exploring the architecture and cemeteries through walking tours, drop in at SCAD, get some tan time in at Folly Beach, and visit the basket ladies at Charleston City Market…

How about you? Any travel plans for the summer? Do you like to visit new places when you go on holiday or do you stick with the tried-and-true spots that make you feel nostalgically happy? Drop me a line…..I’d love to know.

*Feel Good Inc – The Gorillaz

Put on a gown that touches the ground…

March 25, 2019 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

Zara Cat Eye Sunglasses | Lauren Ralph Lauren Ruffled One-Piece Swimsuit | Miraclesuit Babylon Caftan | Tiki Slide Sandal | Kenneth Jay Lane Gypsy Drop Hoop Earrings | Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket | Nars Lipgloss | Clinique Happy Rollerball | Clinique Pop Smash Lipgloss | Cole Haan Piper Flat | Tape Bag | Saucerful of Secrets T-shirt | J. Crew Midi Shirtdress with Hearts | Calvin Klein Sleeveless Cowl | Made by Johnny Palazzo Pants| Madden Girl Block Heel Sandal | Billabong Wide Leg Striped Pants | Lipault Weekend Bag

It’s been quite some time since I posted but fear not, as two months focused on handling family and work matters is finally behind me and I am once again (hopefully) back to blogging twice-a-week. Not sure I’ll actually accomplish that goal but a girl can dream.

If I don’t make my goal this week at least I’ve got a good excuse, as my husband and I are headed to Miami Beach to see Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets Tour when it stops at The Fillmore Miami Beach. I got our tickets months ago when I first read about the show, and if the reviews are even halfway accurate we are in for an (inter)stellar night of classic old school Floyd.

We’ll be staying at CASA Boutique Hotel, which is close to the theater and the beach without being near the craziness of Ocean Drive. Besides the concert we plan on spending our days soaking up some rays, exploring Lincoln Road Mall (including Taschen Books), wandering the galleries at the Bass and the World Erotic Art Museums, grabbing authentic Cuban food at Puerto Sagua and ending our nights at Mac’s Club Deuce, a bar we used to frequent years ago. All in all, we’ve got a great mini-holiday to look forward to, and maybe 2nd post later this week too!

*See Emily Play – Pink Floyd

Happy new year darling…

December 31, 2018 Kimberli Simon2 Comments

Ma patronne – Louis Welden Hawkins ca. 1903

I love the time between Christmas and New Year’s since I can hang out with the family and live life at a slower than normal pace…

One of my greatest gifts is the time to go to the movies or snuggle up on the couch to bingewatch whatever catches my fancy. This week, I’ve seen The Favorite (highly recommended), The Death of Stalin (darkly funny), the win-at-all-costs sports doping documentary Icarus, The Marvelous Mrs. Meisel (season 2), The Wire (season 3), Maniac, lots of sports (Go Eagles! Go Notre Dame! Go Sixers!), and the newest seasons of The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition and Great British Baking Show. I am still planning on seeing The Mule, Mary Queen of Scots, and The Green Book before I head back to work later this week….

Speaking of the Great British Baking Show, here’s a fascinating article about the artist who creates the dessert drawings…

I am not a big believer in New Year’s resolutions but last year I did decide to track how many books I read during 2018. I am part of a Book Club at work (with our current pick – Tara Westover’s Educated – up for discussion in January) and took part in a summer reading challenge, achieving ‘Reading Rockstar’ status. Turns out I’ve read over 130 books this past year…

My favorite reads of 2018 (in no particular order) include: James Frey’s Katerina, Christina Dalcher’s Vox, Sarah Bird’s Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen, Josh Malerman’s Unbury Carol, Jonathan Miles Anatomy of a Miracle: the True* Story of a Paralyzed Veteran, a Mississippi Convenience Store, a Vatican Investigation, and the Spectacular Perils of Grace, John Connelly’s He, and Dara Horn’s Eternal Life…

I may not believe in resolutions but I am a big planner. I’ve got some personal art projects I am working on, a few art installations to oversee (including the January ArtLab and April ‘Autism Arts’ shows), and continued travel (Miami, Denver, Mobile, and Philly for sure with more day trips and weekend getaways to follow).

How about you? Do you make resolutions? What kinds of dreams do you have for the new year? Here’s hoping you achieve success in whatever you set out to do next year. All the best for 2019!

**Happy New Year Darling – Lonnie Johnson*

4-17 Ephemera

April 17, 2018 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

*“Oooooops” – part of the “Who Am I?” Installation*

I’ve been working without a day off for a few weeks now, preparing for “Who Am I,” a community writing and art show featuring the works of 42 participants ranging in age from 6 to 90. Between packing up the old show, matting and framing the new, and preparing the show materials I haven’t had time for much of anything except a few stolen moments wasted on the web, looking for my next adventure. Here are a few items that held my attention long enough for me to want to experience each in person…

CamCon, InkCon, and CannabisCon ALL coming to Miami May 29th
Spaceport America is not the tourist attraction New Mexico hoped for
A fascinating story on how Nashville became one BIG Bachelorette Party
Screw Coachella – these pictures make me want to see Palm Springs by moonlight
Count me in for an October visit to the Big apple to shop at the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show

How about you? Do you have the itch to get away somewhere? Where would like you to escape to for a few days…or weeks? I’d love to know…

Take me home country roads…

November 3, 2017November 3, 2017 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

My past few posts have mentioned me helping my momma recover from some surgery. Spending time in hospitals and rehab facilities isn’t fun under the best of circumstances, so every day I tried to take a mental health break to get outside and explore… Continue reading “Take me home country roads…” →

Take you riding in my car…

September 26, 2017September 26, 2017 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

Plans change. Instead of taking it easy my husband and I headed over to Asheville because, why not? Have you been? This was my first visit but not my last. What a great, laid back, artsy hipster town (or at least the parts I spent time in). Check it out…. Continue reading “Take you riding in my car…” →

Havana moon…

April 24, 2017 Kimberli SimonLeave a comment

It’s been 30 years since we lived in South Florida and while a lot has changed (more people, more traffic, more buildings) an awful lot has stayed the same (the beautiful scenery, delicious food, and incredible cosmopolitan vibe). We used the Miami Punk Rock High School Reunion as an excuse to get away for a week and relive our youth… Continue reading “Havana moon…” →

I was gambling in Havana…

January 17, 2017 Kimberli Simon1 Comment

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time you know I love to travel. Whether it’s a day trip, weekend get-away, or week long adventure I am always game to go. Next up – Miami and Havana!

I spent 5 years in the 80’s living in Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach so going back to South Florida to visit my old haunts (and friends) is going to be a blast. As if that weren’t enough I am also going to spend a few days in Cuba – a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting but never thought I’d actually get a chance to see in person.

I know plenty about South Florida and next to nothing about Cuba so I’ve purchased a few tourist guides (Fodor’s Cuba (Travel Guide) and Lonely Planet Cuba (Travel Guide)) and created a Cuba Ricky! inspiration page. I also sent off for a new passport, since the last time I traveled out of the States was to ring in the 21st century at the foot of Edinburgh Castle.

I love the endless possibilities and the planning that go along with travel and over the next few months I will be sharing my plans with you. Have you spent any time exploring Miami or Havana? Do you have any tips you can share that would help me plan my trip or suggestions for places to go, things to do, and – perhaps most important – restaurants I should visit? I’d love to know…

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Ma patronne – Louis Welden Hawkins ca. 1903

*Happy New Year Darling – Lonnie Johnson

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**Happy New Year Darling – Lonnie Johnson*