Category Archives: Photography

Orange Blossom 10K Race Recap

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Kelsie Lou

It’s hard to drive anywhere in Polk County, Florida without seeing orange groves. It was only right that the major running event in Haines City be named after the state flower that adorns a growth stage of orange trees. The … Continue reading →

Posted in fitness, Florida, half marathon, Photography, running, Sports, Teachers, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

My Jewels: Phillip and Alice Smoot

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Kelsie Lou

I told my mom that we should have some photos taken.  Our last photography session was in summer 2016 before my parents moved to Florida.  We needed to break the monotony of the pandemic restrictions and have a reason to … Continue reading →

Posted in family, fashion, Florida, mothers, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Points of Interest in Senegal

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Kelsie Lou

Senegal, Africa is divided into 14 regions, which are broken down into 45 departments, branching to 103 subdivisions, and several ethnicities.  The term “African” should not be used loosely as a generalized term to identify people who are born or … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Culture, Education, family, landmarks, Photography, restaurants, Senegal Africa, Teachers, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Gorée Island, Senegal

Posted on January 31, 2021 by Kelsie Lou

“Welcome home.” Those two words held so much power when I was greeted at the historic site of the transatlantic slave trade which took place on Gorée Island.  The largest slave trade area off the west coast of Africa is … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Culture, Education, family, landmarks, Photography, Religion, Senegal Africa, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Central Florida’s Best Kept Secret

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Kelsie Lou

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a Japanese inspired botanical garden retreat between Gainesville and Ocala, Florida.  The once abandoned lime rock quarry was purchased by Dr. Raymond Webber to build his residence.  What miners used as a resource to … Continue reading →

Posted in Florida, Gardens, Kayaking, landmarks, Photography, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

When the Reward Outweighs the Risk

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Kelsie Lou

I went to visit my Grandma in West Virginia after a long interruption to protect her from possible exposure to Covid-19.  We spoke on the phone and she genuinely wanted to see me.  My Uncle Rodney, who is her primary … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, family, landmarks, Photography, Teachers, Travel, West Virginia | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Tour

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Kelsie Lou

Amber Cove Cruise Port The Amber Cove terminal was built by Carnival Cruise lines in the Bay of Maimon. Puerto Plata Tour We skipped the Carnival excursions and poolside activities to book with Iguana Mama Adventure Tours. The independent contractors … Continue reading →

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Montreal Memories

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

My Canadian adventures continued from Toronto to Montreal. The drive was very scenic and more metropolitan compared to the rural landscape between Windsor and Toronto. I did all of my research about “Things to do in Montreal” and “Best area … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, food, landmarks, Montreal, Photography, restaurants, Travel | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Toronto Street Art: Graffiti Alley

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

Kelsie Lou

Posted in Art, Canada, Culture, Photography, Toronto, Travel | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Long Time, No Sea

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Kelsie Lou

Summer Break in Full Effect I just returned from a two-week visit with my parents in the Sunshine State.  It was a chilled-out vacation with a visit from our family who lives in Morgantown, WV.  We were game ready for … Continue reading →

Posted in family, Florida, landmarks, Photography, Teachers, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments