Once upon a time, there was a little girl in a little town in a quiet village. Everyday was like the one before. A little town, full of little people, waking up to sayyyyyy…BONJOUR!

It’s bean a journey of 10, 000 miles and missteps, long ethereal strides and setbacks, but here we are, still standing, and back where it all began. Home.

Obviously this time hit different. And though I haven’t lived there in 23 years, it will always be the place that raised me and gave me the fondest of memories. It was nice to go back and see it, once again, with new eyes, admire its old, quirky, historical charm, and celebrate all the new growth and advancement. I love Kent! It has always been such a cute place. And while the knowledge of knowing I’ll never be able to make new memories there with my dearly beloved who has parted causes a longing in my soul, I know that no matter where I am in the world, Kent, OH will always be home.

*Heard y’all want me on stage? Well mic check*

*Yeeain’t gotta say no names when you’re the Main event*

Spending time at the river is an absolute must. I could literally spend all day there. In fact, I have. It’s so peaceful and soothing and, who knows? You could be minding your own business, recording a video reflecting on the moment of inspiration that birthed your now iconic creation 6 years ago almost exactly to the day, and happen to save the life of a wayfaring kayaker.

Just another day around the K. Peace be with you, Traveller.

My stay at the Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center located in the heart of downtown was a treat!

*I can’t believe it’s been 13 years since they opened!*

*The iconic black squirrel of the Great Lakes Basin. Yes, she needs her pearls 💁🏾‍♀️*

*It was giving the vibes of this cute boutique hotel I stayed at in New York. Anything that reminds me of N-Y-Ceeeeee is always gonna be a win for me*

*And the fact that it’s right next door (a few doors) to THEE legendary EuroGyro doesn’t hurt either*

*You already know they hadta come up off some jojos muy muy rapido!*

I got one partial pic of the room that doesn’t remotely do it justice so I won’t even share, but here’s a view from window overlooking part of the conference center area and the walkway into campus.

If you saw what this was to what it is now, you’d be like, by golly gee, wow! But I know going and coming back only amplifies that. I believe the key in any merger of sorts is to always remember: acknowledge, and pay homage to the past while simultaneously celebrating the present & embracing the possibilities of the future. This was exciting to experience!

*But no (life) hotel stay is complete without that delicious cuppuh morning coffee. Join me if you so please. Cheers!*

*I would like the Record to reflect: growing up, I never missed a Sunday Funnies*

And no trip is complete without a rundown of some of the finest eateries. Set along the upper shore of the Cuyahoga, the rustic charm & warm ambiance of The River Merchant—just minutes from downtown—is something to boast. I will leave the overview of craft drinks for the experts to regale you with. They have an in-house sommelier who curates their collection. But the food? Leave the food to me.

*Spacious, rustic cabin by the river vibes. Dining room seating just before the bar area*

*We’ll get to this in a moment. For now, you gon get these pics!*

*Outdoor patio along the river. Hear the rushing water as you enjoy your dinner.*

*At this point, my dad is calling me in to eat. I was just outside enjoying the views*
*<as per yoozh)*

And now for the main event! Drumroll please…

*Wild Mushroom bisque for the lady & gent*

Followed by the the Mediterranean Flatbread sin feta

*Basically the salad in flatbread version*

*But the pesto spread, roasted sun-dried tomatoes & balsamic glaze offered a nice & savory contrast to the zesty greek dressing on the salad*

This place absolutely does not need my rec to stay poppin, but they gon get it anyway so they don’t have another option!

If you’re in the Kent area and would like somewhere welcoming to commune & engage with nature and the senses, take a drive down N. Mantua and stop by the The River Merchant. Tell ‘em the Queen from the NE sent yinz ;)

And with that, I must bid you adieu, My Pretties. It was a lovely time back filled with family, food, frolicking, & feelings, brief encounters with old friends, and serendipitous meetings. But more than that, it was an opportunity to return to the start. The beginning. The magic where it all began. Because just like Santiago, every alchemist knows the real treasure has always been in your home land.

Stay blessed, EveryBuddy. Stay in the light. Keep fighting the good fight.

Love always (& besitos!),

Hello, (Dear friend) Kent

fee fie foe fum