Some of you may have noticed a little something different on my Facebook page, as well as under my “About” page on this site…

AN ACTUAL AUTHOR PHOTO! LE GASP!

Yes, I shelled out money for a professional author headshot! This was my first experience outside of weddings and awkward family portraits, but Amy of Photography by Amy Jackson made it as painless as could be. She braved a chilly November Saturday in local Newport News Park for a fall foliage themed shoot. As I told her, autumn is my favorite time of the year, with its blast of vibrant reds, rich oranges, and golden yellows.

Funny enough, the print I chose for my new Facebook profile picture almost seems Christmas-y, with the red building in the background and holly tree with red berries. Regardless, take a gander at the shots Amy took. I highly recommend! Also, shout out to Kacie Witt, who styled my hair. If you are in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, you might want to check her out at Victoria’s Day Spa!

On to the “Adventures” part of today’s blog!

Most may not know, but I’m a pretty serious homebody. I like staying at home on a night off, watching TV or diving into a good book. This past Saturday, though, was a bit out of the ordinary. I spent time in a Viking encampment, walked around a Christmas market, and experienced a Christmas light show extravaganza.

But wait! There’s more!

I also was fortunate enough to take in a movie. For those of you sitting on the fence, debating whether you want to actually spend the money to see Knives Out in theaters… DO IT! Amazing cast, amazing storyline reminiscent of Agatha Christie and other old school mysteries. Not to mention, my all time favorite, Chris Evans. Also, Daniel Craig with a Deep South accent? Simultaneously hilarious and engrossing!

You might be wondering to yourself: “A Viking encampment? How??” As it turns out, there are two local groups called Society of Amateur Vikings for General Reenactment (SAVGR) and the Ostvik Vikings. Their missions are to educate the public about Viking history, and dispel the myths pop culture has instilled on us. They even make trips into classrooms, which I may have to consider for next school year. These Viking groups gathered for the second annual Yorktown Yule celebration. There were vendors and duels and other cool things. I bought myself a hand carved Thor’s hammer amulet to protect me on my next summer raid!

After the excitement of yesterday, I’ve learned you need days like this. In this fast pace world we live in, you have to make time, for lack of a better phrase, to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy the little things. Look up local events happening in your off time. If you’re not sure where to look, find the number for the local visitor center or chamber of commerce and call them; it’s their job to know these things! Find a friend willing to go see a movie with you, or go by yourself! There’s no shame in that game! Go camping. Start a fire and cook s’mores.

As it happens, Saturday’s outing inspired my 2020 New Year’s Resolution: get out more! What that entails… well, I still need to work that out.

For Valhalla!

Er, I mean…

Ciao friends,

Jenn