E2C_Travel

Not all travel is into the great unknown... some takes you 'home', to your people. I found my roots again after the pandemic with an aluminum love child named Bella and the 50 aunts and uncles who just can't seem to get enough of her. The Airstream community took me completely by surprise, but it's not the campers that create the connection -- it's the love of outdoors and nature, working hard to prepare an obscenely over-the-top family meal "just because", and genuine affinity for the stories that brought each of us here.

Any experience where you have an opportunity to learn the stories of others, try new foods, see how people live differently - each of those moments changes your life just a little. If you're lucky, your worldview becomes a patchwork of all those experiences. Mine has.

#mycuprunnethover

ABOUT ME

Hello Peeps.
This is my Why.

Part journal, part treasure map, part petri dish of thoughts about the future – this website is the synthesis of years of informal (and informed) study of the human condition… coupled with an unyielding need to explore every old tree trunk, breathe in as many back alley spice markets as I can find, admire the monarchs in every protected estuary along the coast, and climb the hillsides on gas-powered mules those few precious days the poppies raise their gorgeous orange faces to the sun. I'll do it all - every single mile - while my hands can still manage the camera.

The more time passes, the more I understand Thoreau's beloved Walden and his need to "live deep and suck out all the marrow of life." With Bella and an increasingly more amazing collection of people in my life... my physical footprint has been smaller these past few pandemic-impacted years, but my "heart-print" has never experienced more reach.  To those who are with me, you are everything to me.  To those who will join our treasure hunt, I promise we're going to see the world... and see it differently, #together.

   

E2C_Connection

So many amazing people come into my life and teach me unexpected things. They make my life fuller and more interesting in more ways than I imagined. These connections are what drive me - they’re my secret sauce, my signature strength. Every success in my life is, quite simply, based on my love of people and bringing people together to do wonderful things.

This summer I joined the Board of a publishing company that enables people to publish their personal stories online (here’s mine if you’re curious: Tonya's Cues & Views). Working with this commitment, I’m even more convinced of the importance of sharing our journey to connect with others. I see firsthand the difference connections make when people recognize how much we are alike… not different. With that as my goal, I look forward to sharing my journey and story - sharing my connections and creating new ones on the way. Exploring2Connect. Join me.

#onwardandupward

Tonya2

Corporate Event

I remember being here last time and there was a birthday party for a two-year-old that had something like 400 guests. Well I can’t wait to see what this “corporate event” is… First of all, it knocked me out of…

Tonya2

Off to a ____ start.

Sunday Morning – Nov 14, 10amFor everything to be ‘wrong’, I sure am having a GREAT TIME! I’m here, safe – and that’s always something to be thankful for… But my gracious it certainly has been one micro-drama after another……

Tonya2

Going ‘Home’…

I never plan to leave Tennessee — at least not as my “permanent” home… but if ever there was a place (another place) where I feel the excitement of going to see family — it’s Bangalore. Someone asked me recently…

Tonya2

Howling Birds & Fancy Coffee

Monday morning (30-August) The weather is on the cool side here in Bangalore right now. Yesterday was very mild – in the low 80s… and this morning by the pool is even a little chilly. ‘Swimmer Guy’ has returned and…

Tonya2

Spoil > Shop > Spoil

Sunday morning (29-August)I arose early – lots to do… and the party continued. Though it wasn’t on the breakfast buffet, the team scrounged up a gulab jamon and brought to my table. Who would have ever thought Bangalore could be…

Tonya2

Survival of the Sanest

Late late late Saturday night (28-August) Getting from Point A to Point B seems like such a simple goal… But put three flights, a few hundred passengers, multiple security checks, and miles and miles of endless walking through monstrously large…

Tonya2

Fuwuyuan

Friday night, 27-AugustThe days with my international teams are such a treat – they truly are. You get these precious few hours to spend time with folks who work hard 24/7 just for a sincere ‘thank you’ and it reminds…

Tonya2

Cab Tour.

Friday, 27-August… Rush hour. Dalian – where a $2 cab fare can sometimes get you a micro City Tour! This morning on the way to the office the traffic was TERRIBLE… I began to think that maybe my “Little Hometown”…

Tonya2

Making Miyagi Proud.

I always seem to draw attention. Between my fair complexion, my latest gadget, or my penchant for hats (oh – and let’s not forget all my ‘one gram gold’!), I know these folks can’t help but stare… and I have…

Tonya2

Crossing the Pond.

Thursday, 26-August I’m here. My luggage is here. My travelling colleague did not get off quite so easily as he was ‘Stranded in Seoul’ for the night. Flights out of the States were easy – but what is it with…

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