End of September Challenge

My September challenge was to explore Richmond. I picked four places that I've been wanting to visit for a long time, however I was only able to visit two. I thought long and hard about if I should share the reason why I was not able to complete my challenge. Yes, yes I will share as in the past I've been vague about not completing my challenges. On September 9, I found out I was pregnant. Most women get excited I get frightened. I've had three previous miscarriages, with my most recent one in June. This time was no different. I felt week and sick and as in the past, I miscarried again. On top of all that I suffer from depression. That's a demon all on to itself. I spent the entire month of September sick and depressed. The pain level was excruciating. All that I could do was take pain pills and sleep. I definetly didn't have the energy to leave the house. I'm glad that I was able to go to two places and I had a good time. I will visit the other two places on my list, don't know when, but I will get to it. I do not know what my October challenge is going to be. I do know that I have to review my past challenges and get to catching up. Off I go to check my list and see what will happen in October. 

The Poe Museum

If you look closely you can see two black cats chilling in the grass.

When I entered The Poe Museum I did not expect the first room to be the gift shop. Once you pay the low price of $6, you are handed a lamented self guided tour sheet. You are not allowed to take pictures in any of the rooms, only in the garden out back. I took some video. Immediately to your left is a tiny room with 1800 style portraits of Edgar and his family. There are no other rooms in that building. You then head out back to the garden. There was nothing special about the garden, until a black cat crept out of nowhere. I was thinking to myself is this a joke. Then to my surprise another black cat appeared. I was alone and I kept looking around as if I expected someone to come out and explain why there was two black cats. Very creepy, considering the museum I was visiting. They were friendly and followed me around as I toured the garden. The museum is divided into three buildings and I explored every one of them. I hate to say there was not one single item that I connected with. Some of the items belonged to him, some were from where he worked with no proof that he even used them. The most interesting part of the tour was the guest appearance of the cats. I asked the gift shop clerk about them and she told me their mom was a stray who abandoned them. They kept the two black ones, which were boys and another co-worker took home the girl. I'm happy that I finally made the visit however I will not be going back. Oh yeah, by the way I've never read a Edgar Allan Poe short story or poem. I will read The Raven sometime soon. Now off to my next stop. 

Byrd Theatre

We finally visited the Byrd Theatre and it was magnficent. When my hubby showed me the movie ticket it immediately put a smile on my face. Who knew movie tickets could be so cute? Took me back to a simplier time. There is nothing special about the outside, however once inside I felt as if I was transported back in time. The cost of the movie was $1.99. A steal for the experience of visiting both a National and State Historic landmark. A typical concession stands sits in the middle of the lobby but above it sits three giant beautiful Greek paintings. They keep the lights dim so I was not able see the details of the paintings as I would have liked. Also taking pictures was hard as I didn't want to annoy people with the flash. As I walked into the theatre it felt small. It wasn't unti I was several feet in that I saw the room open up. These high ceilings appeared with a huge magestic chandlier hanging in the middle. It gave me goosebumps. There were two aloves on either side of the screen. In one alcove sat a piano with a chandlier hanging above it and on the other alcove sat a harp that also had a chandlier hanging above it. There were several beautifully decorated balaconies on each side. I spent the entire time before the movie started taking mental pictures of all the beauty that surrounded us. We finally saw Maleficent which was fucking awesome. Seeing a great movie with one of my favorite actresses added to the great evening we were having. Before leaving I had to visit the restroom and the sign above the ladies room gives you a real moulin rouge vibe. There was a marble water fountain that looked like a piece of artwork. As you exit the theatre, there is a huge picture of Marilyn Monroe surrounded by small pictures of movie legends. I'm so glad that I didn't read the history section on the website before visiting. It allowed me to be surprised over and over again. Once I got home, I had to read the history which gave me more surprises. Overall I would give this experience a 10+ and I will be returning to the Byrd Theatre. 

September Challenge: Explore Richmond

I've lived in Richmond, Va for a total of 12+ years and have never taken the time to discover what Richmond has to offer.  Part of it was me being lazy and part of it was me living like a zombie. I started this blog to change my ways and while I'm getting better I've got a long way to go before I feel like a human again. After feeling funky in August, I desperately needed a challenge to get excited about. I believe exploring Richmond could bring the excitement I seek. I've picked 4 places that I've been eyeing for a long time. Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Bryd Theatre, Va Aviation Museum and Hollywood Cementry. I've done the research and I'm prepared. Which makes me happy. Now off I go to catch some zzz's.