Looking back, my decision to resign from a traditional 8 to 5 job and take care of my mother, was the beginning of a wonderful chapter in my life! Working in the corporate world for 30 years and raising a son left little time to discover my likes and dislikes. I soon discovered that traveling is in my blood (I’ve moved over 40 times) and have been fortunate to be able to explore 60 countries, via Couchsurfing, Airbnb, VRBO, and some of the more conventional ways.
Starting my own meetup, entitled “Travel Spirit Meetup”, enabled me to take 13 people through 9 countries in Europe for a month in the summer of 2014, 6 people to Turkey in 2015, 3 people through 3 countries in Central America in 2016, and 2 people through 8 countries in Europe for a month in the summer of 2016! I’ve had time to take some photography classes and am now a Photographer and Travel Writer for Cincinnati Refined, in addition to taking senior, family, and other types of photographs through my own business.
Teaching myself how to use Lightroom, making over 250 new Recipes in 18 months, and starting this blog which now has over 5,000 followers have been a few of my recent accomplishments. Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon solo, finishing my first half marathon, hiking for over 3 days to Machu Picchu in Peru, sky diving, and traveling over 5,000 miles in an Overland Truck through six African countries, camping most of the way are a few more.
I’m a Veteran having served in the U.S. Army for four years, stationed in Germany for the majority of that time and have my B.A. in Business from the University of Texas at Dallas. I live in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio and have a 28-year-old son on his own.
I’m a Life Hugger and hope to inspire others with my positive enthusiasm and set an example of what someone can accomplish at any age!
*******Check out my photography website: http://www.sherrylachellephotography.com*******
Remember…don’t take yourself or life too seriously! Some parting photos…I like to pick up people. It started on my 1st honeymoon in Cancun in 1987…
p.s. I stopped doing that after the trip to Turkey in 2015…too hard on my back. 🙂
There only one word that I can think of to describe you blog, “amazing”. I would to ask you question. I to would like to travel one day, but just like you, am also looking for employment. How to people such as yourself afford to travel so much? I have a lot of friend who travel here and there, I wonder, how can they afford to travel so much. Is it just saving money or just looking for those travel deals? Thanks!:)
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Thank you so much for the sweet compliment Mike! To answer your question, it’s a combination of both. Also, if you join Couchsurfing.org you can stay with people for free and learn from locals about the area…and make new friends. There are tricks and tips for less expensive travel. For example, if you’re going to dine out, go out for lunch, it’s generally less expensive and then have something light for dinner, or if you’re in a place with a kitchen, you can cook something quickly. I should do a post about all of the tips I’ve learned through the years. Perhaps you should go to bartender school and as you travel, get a job as a bartender everywhere you go for part of the visit…it’s called slow travel. Good luck and thanks for the follow!!
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I will so enjoy following your blog! I just one of your Amsterdam Posts and was struck by your generosity in highlighting other bloggers who have related posts. I’ve been starting to do this, too, but not quite in the same way. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Thank you so much! I’m looking forward to following yours also!
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I like your “about’ very much – you’ve lived and continue to live a rich, full life. I love that you like to pick people up – that’s pretty humorous 🙂
AnnMarie
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Thank you…a little quirky…but fun! 🙂
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Thank you for picking up my blog, TS. I hope you like what you find. I have just returned the favor, and hope to discover more happy times like the Cinco de Mayo downtown fiesta. Have a great seis de Mayo!
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You’re welcome! 🙂
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Travel Spirit, it was wonderful seeing your Gravatar on my pages the other day, and especially on that story
which was an important write for me. just thought i’d visit a bit to ty and say hi, your pics are really beautiful.
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I was going to leave a comment, but you had so many, I didn’t want to burden you. I’ll come back over!
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oh but my friend, comments are never a burden for me. there are so many for a reason, i encourage them!
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Hi Sherry, nice blog and great photos. We share a passion for travel and exploration and I look forward to reading more; especially your about your adventure on the Mekong and throughout Asia.
http://flattiresandslowboats.com/2014/01/09/our-world-is-not-all-chocolates-and-roses/
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Hi Tim. Yes…I think we have a lot in common. Thanks for following! ~Sherry
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All I wish for is to be half as energetic as you are in my fifties 😉 Great blog and thanks for visiting mine, liking posts & giving me a morale boost! 🙂
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Thanks very much and you’re welcome! 🙂
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Sherry, thank you for you’re recent visit to my blog. I love your energy and perspective towards life. I also do yoga and currently having to take it easy because of a minor knee injury. I couldn’t ask for a better time (during the holidays) to reflect on things while healing. Reflection and healing.. is like getting 2 experiences for the price one! Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday!
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You’re very welcome. I just followed your Facebook page…love your photography! Hope you heal quickly and sending peace and love!
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Thank you for becoming my 100th FB follower! 🙂
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Great blog Sherry! I laugh at all those photos of you picking people up!
Frank (bbqboy)
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Thanks Frank! I know…it’s a weird hobby! Merry Christmas to you and Spanky.
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I’d wanted just to thank you for liking my little “Flight to Ohio” thing the other day.
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You’re very welcome Joseph!
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Sherry, you’re a real power woman! 🙂 may I ask where you were stationed in Germany? (Hubby is stationed in Ramstein) Your blog is awesome! I’m def going to follow! Can’t wait for more adventures to come on here! Greetings from Germany! 😉
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Hi Suze. Thanks very much! I was stationed in Frankfurt and then Weisbaden. I loved living in Europe! Love your blog and photography also!
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Sherry
I notice a post of your on Andrews site in Ecuador. You mentioned the thought of spending some time there to consider whether it might be a good place to live. I would invite you to peruse my webpage, http://www.ecuador-wonders.com for what I believe will be some great information to further you along with that thought.
Married to my Ecuadorian sweetheart for 43 years, having lived in Quito for 10 years with my own business, retiring there in 2014 will give you some idea that I both know and love Ecuador. But see for yourself. I could go on for pages as I am both a word merchant and writer, whatever that is.
Feel free to ask for any info you desire.
Alan
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Alan – Thanks very much for taking time to lead me to your site. I intend on delving in more deeply hopefully tomorrow! What type of business did or do you operate there?
Sherry
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Enjoyed reading your blog – very inspiring to a cougar and the photos are out of this world. Love that you started to pick up people. Say hey if you are ever in Manhattan. We’ll have a drink together and be sure to have a blast.
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Thanks very much! I was in N.Y. City for the first time back in the spring and loved it!
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hi Sherry, i am really enjoying the high energy thoroughout your blog this morning, ty for beginning my day so positively.
i just thought i’d visit a bit to acknowledge and thank you for following my poetry and writing, encouragement is always really appreciated. peace.
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You’re very welcome and I really appreciate you giving me support! Love your gravatar photo!
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ty *blush*, honestly that’s the first pic taken of me in i don’t know how many years, and only my partner could make me feel relaxed enough to sit still. it probably took about a hundred shots though LOL!
can you tell i’m shy in front of a camera?
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No…looks like you were very comfortable.
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Oh yes…I’m a baby boomer from the fifties! It’s great to see how your mission to inspire and empower others has become a lifelong goal. People who inspire and empower others are like angels from heaven in a world that needs more. I like your comment about not always taking life too seriously all the time – my motto exactly. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Get the job done then go out and play. Balance…it’s the key to a happy and healthy life, but I think you already know that…right?
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Thanks Joseph! Yes…balance is key. Thanks for taking time to comment and follow! Looking forward to reading some of your interesting articles. ~Sherry~
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Hi Sherry I’ve nominated you to enter the Capture the Colour 2013 Photo Competition. See my latest post 🙂
Just for fun.
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Thanks Alison…hoping to get to it before I leave on my trip out west!
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Haha, sure you’re strong picking up people like that 🙂 Great to read at you have so much fun and inspire so many people. Seeing what you do makes me feel old, and I’m in my 20s… haha, I gess I need to travel more 🙂
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You can’t feel old in your 20’s!
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Hola! I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award : http://potsoup.wordpress.com/2013/08/28/versatile-blogger-award/
Blog away!
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Thank you so much! Your visits are my reward!!
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What a fun blog!
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Thanks!!
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Your blog is an inspiration to another 50-something baby boomer! You look fab and love your photos 🙂
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Thank you…that’s what I was hoping for!
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you are beautiful! love reading about your wonderful adventures! – alli
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Thank you! You are too!
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Best wishes for journeys ahead. On one hand you and I are similar –we like the great outdoors but on the other hand, we each are quite different.
Yea, boomer too @54. What are you??
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You too! We do have some similarities and differences. That’s what makes the world go round. Thanks for stopping by.
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Thanks for the likes on my posts on The Reluctant Retiree. I love the stories on your blog. Keep well, Garrulous Gwendoline
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Thank you…same to you!
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No need to acknowledge as I know you accept – thanks for sharing my city of birth in such a beautiful way! http://dedivahdeals.com/2013/07/13/acceptance-of-the-semper-fidelis-award/
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Your visits are my reward! Thanks so much!
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Thanks so much checking out TheTroofOhio.wordpress.com. I hope your adventures will take you to see some Ohio shows. Gallery Hop in the Short North in Columbus is a MUST next time you think of stopping in Columbus. Enjoying your pictures
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I was in Columbus last year for a girls’ weekend and have a photo of many of the same pieces of street art that you do. Thanks for stopping by!
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Your blog is fantastic and I’ve loved reading- thank you so much for reading me, too!
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Thanks…you too!
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Howdy!
This picking people up bit is weird in a funny kind of way.
I wonder what would happen if someday you went over to Japan and met a bunch of Sumo Wrestlers… 😉
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I know what you mean…it is a little odd. But aren’t we all a little odd?
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Votre blog est intéressant je reviendrais….
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Merci beaucoup. Veuillez faire.
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Thanks so much for the follow, hope the ride isn’t too bumpy….😳 MM
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I like bumpy.
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Thanks for visiting and liking the ‘Purple Iris’. Hopefully you will be back for more, while I bring my blog up to scratch….You have a great blog yourself and I wish you well in your job search (similarities there). Here’s a follow. MM 🏃
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You’re welcome and thanks!
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You mean you’re a jill of all trades 😉
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I call myself that! 🙂
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Pssst! I just discovered your blog and love it so much have nominated it for a Liebster Award. (hope you don’t mind) Details here http://everydayadventuresasia.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/liebster-award-share-the-love/
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Thank you so much…I really appreciate it. Your visits are my reward!!
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Pingback: Liebster Award – Share the love « Every day adventures in Asia (mostly)
Very nice to meet you.
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Thank you…nice to meet you also!!
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Pingback: Barber Talk (Where would we be without it?) | Baz – The Landy (Out and About having fun)
You have been nominated to receive a ‘Super Sweet Blogging Award’ – if you chose to accept please visit http://dedivahdeals.com/2013/05/28/super-sweet-blogging-award/
Thank you and have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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Thank you so much! Your visits are my reward! xoxoxo
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Nice energy. And, wow, muscles. I’m glad you’re having fun with your life. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Peace, John
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Thanks John…you too!!
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Thanks for dropping by my site! 🙂 Live Your Best Life Everyday!!
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You’re welcome…you too! Love your enthusiasm!
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http://lovelyseasonscomeandgo.wordpress.com
Hi thanks so much for liking my post “Beautiful Creations” and for stopping by my blog, your blog is amazing too. Have a wonderful day. Betty
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You’re welcome! Thanks so much! You too…Sherry
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🙂
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Hi Travel Spirit, I did just nominate you for the Liebster Award and I see your notice about not accepting awards – so sorry about that 🙂 (and I can understand why, I’ve been at this all bloomin’ morning)
Anyhoo ;
http://thepoliticalvagina.com/
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Thank you…I really appreciate the thought! < 3
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You’re welcome! You’ve inspired me!
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I used to pick up all the guys, too! I have a hella strong back…I love your blog–your energy translates across the GUI, and I look forward to sharing adventures!! I dream of going to Machu Picchu, one day…lucky duck!! 🙂
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That’s cool! I’ve never met another woman that likes to pick people up. Thanks for the nice compliment and I hope you’re able to go to Machu Picchu some day soon!
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Saw you at Rolbos, came over to look, and I like your blog! Will follow gladly, it is so full of fun and life!
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That’s so sweet! Thanks…I do feel full of life and fun!!
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Hi there, I have nominated you for a Pirate’s Admiration Award! Click the link and see:
http://thevintagepostcard.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/pirates-admiration-award/
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Thank you so much! Your visits are my reward!!
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thanks for stopping by! Love your pick up pix.. and going to read more of you.. charu
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You’re welcome…can’t wait to try one of your recipes! Yeah…the pick-up pixs are fun!! Thanks Charu!
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Howdy, Thanks for visiting American Male. Amazing! To travel the world must be very thrilling to say the least.
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You’re welcome! Travel is one of my passions!
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Hey! Nominated you for Sunshine Award.Check out my post for more infos! 😉
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Thanks so much…your visits are my reward!
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Thanks for the follow!!
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You’re welcome!!
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Thanks for visiting my blog at photobyjohnbo.wordpress.com and liking my latest post. I like to read travel and photo blogs and look forward to reading your posts. As a new blogger, a “like” from an experienced blogger is quite a compliment to me.
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You’re welcome…and thank you for stopping by mine and the nice compliment!
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Great photos, very interesting!
David
PS thanks for popping in to http://ja2da.com – I’m afraid the travelling on my blog was confined to the two or three square miles I walk round with the dog most days. No zip slides, camels or jogging!
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Thanks! When you can read and see photos from all of the other travels…who needs to go very far. I’m sure you’ve traveled a lot through the years?
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If I stop to think about it – I probably have. I spent my youth in Africa travelled round a bit there then later when my girls were in their early teens we did a round the world trip – to sort of show them round, you know.
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See…I knew it! Sounds amazing!
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A LOT OF PLEASURE!Very beautiful!
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Thank you!!
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Thank you very much!
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