Monday, May 25, 2015

Golden Day Checklist


 
Summer is indubitably approaching. Though usually in my part of the world, it's arrival is expected in early spring, we've experienced a rather wet and cool March through May. Don't get me wrong, I'm nowhere near complaint, but, I do have to confess that I would be lying if this deprivation of sunshine did not damper my enthusiasm, even just a bit. Anyway, I have created a summer checklist of sort, to ensure this season (though kick started late) is filled with freckle skinned memories.  

1. do sunrise yoga
2. pick peaches
3. start a book club 
4. have a picnic and watch the sun set 
5. make a new friend, or twelve 
6. float a river 
7. see an amazing show 
8. spend all day outside
9. find a new favorite coffee shop 
10. hold lots of puppies 
11. smile a lot 
12. say goodbye to your comfort zone
13. hike 
14. visit the farmer's market
15. send a message in a bottle 

                                               
                                                 




"And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling." 
-Shanti 


Monday, May 11, 2015

My Favorite Avenues (where you'll find me in 10 years)

I love traveling. It forces me out of my territory of bland comfort and coaxes me into vibrant and enlightening environments of exotic lifestyles. No matter what, even after a short escapade down a lane not yet explored, or a new flower shop across town, I gain experience and knowledge and hone in my creativity. Though I definitely am one for being in complete and total control of my environment, I crave the unknown and unpredictable. Now, I am in no way, shape, or form a world traveler (quite yet), I do consider myself blessed enough to have laid eyes on some pretty extraordinary parts of this world. And I just wanted to acknowledge the beauty that lies in a single strand of a few of my favorite cities. I have compiled a short list of some of the most beautiful streets I've ever walked on. Let's get to it.


South Congress, Austin, Texas 
Image result for south congress
Image result for south congress
South Congress always seems to rev my creative engine. I'm never at a loss when strolling down SoCo, always a beverage in hand, whether that be an iced lavender lemonade, or  a toasty cappuccino, my heart expands for the love I have for this city and the kind people who inhabit it.


Hayes Street, Hayes Valley, San Francisco, California
 Image result for hayes valley
Image result for hayes valley
This bright street instantly adorned my face with a toothy grin. It's unique boutiques and hip flair made me dream of calling this fearless and independent district my home someday. The first thing I did after hopping out of my cab, was grab a quick latte from from a pop up artisan street vendor. I then ran into a vintage shoe store and gazed at racks upon  racks of vintage shoes unlike any I'd ever seen before (in a good way I promise). All in all, Hayes Street is without a doubt an avenue I would jump at the chance to revisit. 


Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria


Now I realize I cheated a bit on this one, but I didn't get to mark down the exact address of this gorgeously golden street. It's probably one of the most memorable ones I've ever set foot on. It seemed to beckon my name and coax me, enamored with the bountiful promise of history it held. I can still remember the breathtaking view of the alps in the horizon and the gorgeous 400 year old fortress visible when tilting my head slightly up to the left. I can't wait to return to the gorgeous city of Salzburg and walk its cobblestone paths once more, not to mention, chow down on some blissful furst chocolates.

"She was free in her wildness. She was a wanderess, a drop of free water. She belonged to no man, and no city." -Roman Payne