tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16843171784844997022024-03-05T08:06:51.232-05:00bisous elleUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-27429395959355715512022-02-22T22:12:00.050-05:002022-11-28T20:27:36.521-05:00New Year Thoughts, 2.22.22<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaYYzNJlMopaptHa8awrrE0vuy-IFijRAMbHosOJjjhFq8KugVC3Qq-zwLMoE5DyigAH3EsSOSL1lc-MXd-dlyOXKEe1mLxI-TYYK4-BA2jKiOJuTTBTbUlmhwVO_PnqI3_RywgU646XRb3negwC4jp9n1iXUtoSnNEt8mtgHNSvhD1ebcD4x2Yw=s4096" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /></a></div><p></p><p>Happy new year! Yes, I am very aware that we are well into 2022 at this point, but truthfully speaking, <i>my</i> new year doesn't officially begin until the start of Spring Equinox. March is my birth month. In fact, my birthday is two days after the start of Spring season, so for me, that's when things really begin to feel anew.</p><p>You know, I miss blogging - sort of. I've also realized that the more I allow time to pass without actually doing it, the more I begin to hate referring to it as <i>blogging</i>. I need to come up with a different word for it. I revisit this site quite often. I used to feel bad about not updating it regularly, but these days, I'm not too rigid about those kinds of things. I've officially arrived at the chapter of my life titled Do What Feels Good When It Feels Good. I'm no longer forcing anything.</p><p>Speaking of my upcoming birthday, I will be turning 48! I know, I can't believe it either. I really want to take a solo trip somewhere. I just need three good days in a warm climate near beautiful blue water, palm trees, unlimited food and drinks, and seclusion from all the noise - literally and figuratively. </p><p></p><blockquote>Sometimes, you just need a break. In a beautiful place. Alone. To figure everything out. </blockquote><p></p><p>Currently, I'm navigating quite a bit of grief. My uncle passed away this past Saturday. It still doesn't feel real. Our last conversation was during the height of the pandemic, and the text exchange between us was really sweet. I'm thankful to have never deleted it (I'm quick to clear out text messages from my phone because I hate clutter). I will miss him dearly. He was a funny old man. And if losing him wasn't painful enough, not even 48 hours later, his ex-partner, who had been in his life for well over 35ish years, and the mother of his youngest child, passed away. It's such a major blow for the family. I feel especially hurt for my cousin. I couldn't imagine losing both of my parents days apart. That would end me. I am praying for her strength. The whole family's strength. It's heavy right now. I've been trying to find reasons to smile throughout the past few days, but truthfully, it's been hard. Grief is a tricky thing. One minute you're going on with your day as normal, and the next, you're drowning in a puddle of tears. Navigating those waters isn't easy. It never is.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW_13IbJ4fNnnGBGjcTPDTrNgL3xFFo7TSH9uCX4JoEAbtTZufb-JbV8ISBEZdGLvONmDRfvupOagLkGDzmh9nk1_g98IigG3DnkmLQuCzi6dju6kPT64nMlpwrPdXJwIsY7d3v7lwgbYPduPA-b6w2Cl0mxdnbhYhy1bdgnJ9shLmNhBtmXr3Rg=s1800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgW_13IbJ4fNnnGBGjcTPDTrNgL3xFFo7TSH9uCX4JoEAbtTZufb-JbV8ISBEZdGLvONmDRfvupOagLkGDzmh9nk1_g98IigG3DnkmLQuCzi6dju6kPT64nMlpwrPdXJwIsY7d3v7lwgbYPduPA-b6w2Cl0mxdnbhYhy1bdgnJ9shLmNhBtmXr3Rg=s16000" /></a></div><p>Back to this blogging stuff...what I'd ultimately love to do with this space is turn it solely into a visual diary, sharing more photos and less words. In fact, no words at all. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while, but my ability to second-guess everything I do has hindered me from bringing my visions to life. I've purchased a couple more film cameras since I was last on this here site, and I'm still trying to create magic with them. It's been a struggle. There have been a few great results, but mostly, those rolls have been a bust. Film photography is an expensive hobby, and with the recent price increase for film (specifically Kodak Portra 400), it's gotten a bit discouraging to want to practice. The spark is still there. I love the look of film more than digital these days. I'm talking OBSESSED. So I must keep pushing.</p><p> I'm so in love with the idea of capturing the mundane moments of everyday life through film and digital. There is such beauty in that style of photography, and I'd love to start documenting more of my own daily life through photos. The problem is, I'm super self-critical and sometimes feel like my photos aren’t "great enough." Taking photos has been a consistent passion of mine since the mid 2000s but somehow, I still feel like I haven't leveled up. </p><p>Those negative thoughts are what's holding me back, and I need to have a long talk with myself because I know that's just not true. But, what<i> is</i> true is that I do need to push myself past my comfort zone. Once that happens, you won't be able to tell me shit. And I say that with confidence. But, I digress. </p><p>A visual diary, a la <a href="https://www.lizzyhadfield.com" target="_blank">Lizzy Hadfield</a>. I'm pretty sure I've spoken fondly about Lizzy on this blog before. I've been following her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lizzyhadfield/" target="_blank">social media</a> for about four years. The way she documents her daily life is so insanely good, so effortless; however, the key to doing this and doing it well is always, and I mean <b>always</b> having your camera on you when you leave the house. Lizzy never goes anywhere without her camera.</p><p>But the most important thing is to not be afraid to take photos in public when you're alone. I've touched on that before too, and I am still working through that (yes, I know. I'm slow with change). You really have to talk yourself out of thinking you'll look goofy, and just DO IT. You can't think too much about what everyone else is thinking of you. Nine times out of ten, most people aren't even paying attention to you. And knowing all this, there is still some fear there, for me. But, I am slowly coming around. With the weather breaking soon, I will make yet another promise to myself and go outside this year to explore, and get comfortable being out of my comfort zone. </p><p>Well, I promised myself that I'd stop writing at 10:00pm, and it is now 10:11pm, so I think I'll end this here. Not sure when the next update will be, but I'll try not to let a whole year go by without checking in with this place.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comColumbus, OH, USA39.9611755 -82.99879419999999213.378798696652041 -118.15504419999999 66.543552303347965 -47.842544199999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-68122137331752721842020-09-25T22:31:00.008-04:002020-10-04T14:39:28.385-04:00Emotional Bubble<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wbNofcQ1H7sE6U6yn3GhLuyFJ1sMpkx4ZKeA6aWLcf6NpIhx9L90J3FL9Cv_9DaOdiBfa0RGdlbxdWfESYMf7Eu9BC9pnTF-sHe-qOrL07KxF1NADciOFtcMSx71Q8YDkR0XOUBW-A/s2048/E3CCCF56-7354-4511-B8D5-316E6698ABDE-73BDA413-D44B-4CCF-8B6E-F98A9D79532C.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wbNofcQ1H7sE6U6yn3GhLuyFJ1sMpkx4ZKeA6aWLcf6NpIhx9L90J3FL9Cv_9DaOdiBfa0RGdlbxdWfESYMf7Eu9BC9pnTF-sHe-qOrL07KxF1NADciOFtcMSx71Q8YDkR0XOUBW-A/s16000/E3CCCF56-7354-4511-B8D5-316E6698ABDE-73BDA413-D44B-4CCF-8B6E-F98A9D79532C.JPG" /></a></div>I've been in a (for lack of a better word) weird, "emotional" bubble the past few weeks, perhaps longer. Unless there has been a dire need or longing to communicate with loved ones, I have been wanting to be left alone, but I don't know - something feels different this time; it's one of those moods where I don't want to be bothered by a single soul - not by text, phone call, DM (which reminds me of how very much I loathe Instagram's DM feature. I have made the conscious decision to pretend it no longer exists). <div><br /></div><div>Speaking of social media, one reason I have always enjoyed Twitter (for the most part) is the fact that I can literally post a tweet or a photo, and close the app. There is no obligation to chat back and forth with people if I'm just not feeling it. I'm also not bombarded with 20+ DMs a day, because why would anyone want to do that in the first place?? I think that has always been the beauty of it, for me. But currently, I am feeling exceedingly overwhelmed; I'm at my capacity with social media as a whole, small talk in the form of text messaging, news outlets with nothing but depressing headlines, racial injustice, negativity and hate spewing from all angles of the internet, and work-life balance, and I would just like a moment to breathe - ALONE. Sensory overload is real, and social media only accelerates it. This is the primary reason I have never been able to follow a lot of people on social media. It's just too much information to absorb, not even including the barrage of posts and unfunny memes sent to my inbox - content that I have absolutely no interest in. It becomes too much. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsipswduC7fNZlpaIP6tVHN5WUTZKkNaR71J_rkyy8c5H0D9QtSIfAdsv6aw5uT3gIT54jeNgaEF-2mwbd8q8SuuT_m6AXITf0ylEHpqTD8mG7TVOMUbNuGVwtHVrpoT7MCmMETpfOzg/s2048/5C914B38-588B-4A99-AD4A-FDEFFF4AEF4E-F41CDA8D-D874-4076-80D3-21206912BA74.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsipswduC7fNZlpaIP6tVHN5WUTZKkNaR71J_rkyy8c5H0D9QtSIfAdsv6aw5uT3gIT54jeNgaEF-2mwbd8q8SuuT_m6AXITf0ylEHpqTD8mG7TVOMUbNuGVwtHVrpoT7MCmMETpfOzg/s16000/5C914B38-588B-4A99-AD4A-FDEFFF4AEF4E-F41CDA8D-D874-4076-80D3-21206912BA74.JPG" /></a></div><div>I want to be in stillness with my own thoughts, which also means I want to make a conscious effort to not burden others when I am experiencing bouts of frustration, because perhaps they, too, are feeling overwhelmed with life. My best friend of almost 40 years has been one of the few people I have still been able to authentically connect with in recent weeks because all of our phone conversations are very purposeful and made with intention; there is <b>never </b>any small talk. We don’t talk on a consistent basis, so when we do, it’s special. She's going through a huge transition in her life, and I've been her sounding board. It feels good to bond with her right now. Side note: Introverts (and people like my best friend who strongly dislikes talking on the phone in general) HATE small talk, so getting straight to the point has always been our thing. </div><div><p>With a few exceptions, I've been having a really difficult time genuinely engaging with the world outside of my own inner thoughts. Full transparency, I just don't want to be bothered...right now. It's nothing personal. And it's also temporary. This too shall pass. But, most times, it's kind of tough for empaths to express to loved ones that they need uninterrupted time to just be. You just need to navigate through that in the most comfortable way you know how, and that's okay.</p><p>I am craving some form of an escape - a vacation, some time away from reality. I don't need much. Honestly, three or four full days is the perfect amount of time for a solo getaway. I've been contemplating going to a wellness retreat, but then I start thinking about all the things I could do with the money instead, like, pay off a credit card, or keep it in my bank account in case of an emergency. Thoughts like these are the reason life is a gamble, and you just need to LIVE it because things could turn great or shitty in an instant, or never at all. My anxiety won't allow me to realistically think that way though. I'm always worried about the "what ifs." I'm still also concerned about COVID, so traveling is not something I am desperate to do right now. So I guess I need to try and cultivate some peace right here in Ohio until I feel comfortable getting my ass on an airplane.</p><p>Circling back to my <i>I'd like to be left alone with my thoughts for a while</i> bit, I need to work on not becoming so agitated with simple things. My nervous system is a wreck, and has been for some years now, and I don't know what it will take for me to not feel so anxious and irritated by every little thing. Weed, perhaps? I've never smoked weed by the way. Let me rephrase that; I've never <i>properly</i> smoked weed, meaning, I've never gotten high before. I'm starting to feel like I may need to give it a go, you know, to knock the edge off. The people say it is an awesome stress reliever. I've just been feeling everything on such an intense level these past few weeks, and I don't think it has anything to do with the pandemic. That plays a part, but honestly, I was built for this quarantine life. I've always been a homebody and I LOVE my own company, so it's not that. It's everything else that comes along with it, like trying to make space for others in my life, and how they are dealing with it. I want to be present for those I care for, but I can't give them the best version of myself if I am not given the space and time to recharge the way I see fit.</p><p>I no longer want to feel guilty for putting my needs and wants first. I also no longer want to be so instantly accessible, especially when I'm encased in my emotional bubble. Sometimes, I like being in there. It's safe.</p><p>I'm always thinking about how others will feel if I say this, or do that, and honey, that's no way to live. But because of who I am at the core, being stern in certain areas of my life is a lot easier said than done. But, I'm almost there. I've evolved so much over the years, and the evolution don't stop.</p><p><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comColumbus, OH, USA39.9611755 -82.99879419999999211.650941663821158 -118.15504419999999 68.271409336178849 -47.842544199999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-25909956856745955232020-09-06T23:09:00.011-04:002020-10-04T14:32:31.536-04:00The Little Things<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7iGxZ9gPn6RChwee31rhT0A-FmZja2jnxiMMoqQ2B7ticget4IzFL1-243xwwEh9bYpv7bZ0IBBRbQHA_UvRQJ3N5JSKdIMRGHklDcRnq3_3D_CaXIktOq-jip_Y5DtFch4icvSXjw/s2048/FBDD73C4-0DDE-4059-A620-43E5035F8A0D-2A358AFF-BFF5-4C49-82CF-08B73BC9C440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7iGxZ9gPn6RChwee31rhT0A-FmZja2jnxiMMoqQ2B7ticget4IzFL1-243xwwEh9bYpv7bZ0IBBRbQHA_UvRQJ3N5JSKdIMRGHklDcRnq3_3D_CaXIktOq-jip_Y5DtFch4icvSXjw/s16000/FBDD73C4-0DDE-4059-A620-43E5035F8A0D-2A358AFF-BFF5-4C49-82CF-08B73BC9C440.JPG" /></a></div>Things that sparked joy this weekend:<p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fresh flowers from Whole Foods</li><li>Visiting a <a href="https://www.grandviewmercantile.com/" target="_blank">vintage store in Grandview</a> and stumbling upon a lovely vase in a style that I've been<span> </span>searching for</li><li>Grandview, the actual neighborhood. There were so many cute shops and restaurants, and the area I drove through really felt like a true community. I could see myself living there.</li><li>Cooking a delicious breakfast casserole for dinner</li><li>Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc</li><li>Bohemian Rhapsody, the movie</li><li>Voice notes from Carletta</li><li>Lee's Seafood Boil</li><li>Sleeping in</li><li>Myrrh Incense</li><li>Having a responsibility-free WEEK, overall. This mental break from work and other adult responsibilities was very necessary for my sanity. I felt zero guilt in doing absolutely nothing.</li></ul><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comOhio, USA40.4172871 -82.90712300000001312.107053263821157 -118.06337300000001 68.727520936178848 -47.750873000000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-88452713611030183592020-09-05T15:03:00.012-04:002020-09-05T15:45:05.232-04:00Radical Self-Acceptance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66v-UbYhyoXWgLPCTuJuZYVgQs07DrPYewTqH68eTZmX7yugmTyUssnTwH_jNlusOXDwA5j7EFvcHCoFn7yCQ-Qy5TF2CGi5W9rlK6KEBkqYclL18qkmmZeD9pPMnNXmkGRxye1xeCw/s2048/D1D2F755-4D09-42D7-8523-FEE8A14942A9-F8D58FCC-1708-440A-AEC0-879A7CA30537.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66v-UbYhyoXWgLPCTuJuZYVgQs07DrPYewTqH68eTZmX7yugmTyUssnTwH_jNlusOXDwA5j7EFvcHCoFn7yCQ-Qy5TF2CGi5W9rlK6KEBkqYclL18qkmmZeD9pPMnNXmkGRxye1xeCw/s16000/D1D2F755-4D09-42D7-8523-FEE8A14942A9-F8D58FCC-1708-440A-AEC0-879A7CA30537.JPG" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">The other day, I had a conversation with a friend (<a href="https://www.carlettagphoto.com/about/" target="_blank">who's a professional photographer</a>) </span><span style="text-align: left;">about taking self-portraits, and how we can look at a photo that we've taken of ourselves and critique it to the point that we end up dragging it to the trash bin because we're such harsh self-critics. One thing I really love about photography is the art self-portraiture. I am still trying to brush up on my self-portrait skills, but mainly working towards getting past the point of such harsh criticism of self. Full transparency, ever since my attack five years ago, I haven't seen myself as I once did. When I look in the mirror, I see someone else. Yes, it's still me, but I no longer see what others see. I see the physical and emotional scars. The imperfections. The parts of my face that will never be as they once were. Because of this, it's hard for me to take a photo of myself and feel 100% confident about it. I truly appreciate people seeing me in ways that I don't see myself, and my friend had to remind me of that, because she sometimes struggle with the same thing. I think most people do, but not everyone is honest enough to admit it out loud.</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAxfExsOjr-OwpXQ082WCLQwPgRsG3LvYu7Nt1uAILpVw9FZucGAJxzpCsteXp8p0p9NRHeiND5IHnEwmmIgNWw4-CvwUSgBm1KJWs27WE0eF5M47fJ5Djf7g1DaDEk4HE8cqoaM1Aw/s2048/317E2523-EFCA-4E74-95B8-E6FD7E380019-073B6922-7AD5-4827-9A3E-69D78F379B7B.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAxfExsOjr-OwpXQ082WCLQwPgRsG3LvYu7Nt1uAILpVw9FZucGAJxzpCsteXp8p0p9NRHeiND5IHnEwmmIgNWw4-CvwUSgBm1KJWs27WE0eF5M47fJ5Djf7g1DaDEk4HE8cqoaM1Aw/s16000/317E2523-EFCA-4E74-95B8-E6FD7E380019-073B6922-7AD5-4827-9A3E-69D78F379B7B.JPG" /></a></div><blockquote>"I do respect that there are differences in your face since your incident; however, I think this lines up with that thing that I've been talking about this year, which is like...getting to a place of radical self-acceptance. Like, the more you see yourself, the easier it is TO see yourself, and I think there's something to be said about that. So, take your self-portraits, and post them ALL THE TIME, and in a way, you will desensitize yourself into looking for the flaws, because the way that people see you is not the way that <u>YOU</u> see you."</blockquote><p>I never realize how much I truly love taking photos until it's time to do the work, and recognizing how frustrated I sometimes get when I can't nail the desired shot. Feeling discouraged when it requires 60 shots in order to find one GOOD photo out of the bunch. Whenever I post a photo of myself online, it's because it's the only one that I found myself being the least critical of. But I need to remember that it's not just me who experiences this - ALL photographers, whether professional or people like me, who simply enjoy it as a hobby and have a genuine passion for it, go through this. And also, I don't like putting out anything mediocre. Sure, this whole social media thing is just fun for me, meaning, I don't get paid to post content, but I need to be madly in love with everything I put out there because it is still a representation of me. More importantly, I need to get over my physical hangups. I have to learn to truly love the 2020 me; this new version of me, the version that's gained a bit of quarantine weight, the version whose face is no longer symmetrical. ALL of me.</p><p>More photography talk from <a href="https://www.jahshuaishisname.com/self-365-selfportrait-project" target="_blank">Jahshua</a>, who just kicked off a 365 self-portrait project on September 1st:</p><p></p><blockquote>"With this project specifically, I am learning to embrace being truly vulnerable in front of the camera. That's not to say I don't take multiple shots, but this is genuinely about me interrogating and exploring who I see and understand myself as. I think that is the thing I am most excited about. Yes, there is some planning of, and great intention behind what I want to get out of out sitting in front of my camera, but I truly just go with the flow. There is only one shot that I went in knowing I wanted. The rest just came as I kept shooting, and that's how it usually goes. If I can encourage you to do anything, experimentation is IT." </blockquote><p>One thing I need to mention (that makes me feel damn good) is when professional photographers compliment my work. I need to hold these moments tightly and remember who the fuck I am and what I have to offer, and stop second-guessing myself as much as I do. To hear from people that I admire creatively that I have a great eye and that they study MY work, is beyond flattering. I must never forget that. </p><a href="https://www.jahshuaishisname.com/self-365-selfportrait-project" target="_blank"></a><p></p><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-48344283229062808422020-07-26T21:29:00.001-04:002020-09-04T23:38:02.940-04:00International Rare Grooves <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFG5LLbxPQga3ThG2pdhV3X7fN0uXFOnggkk4g5oMycPyZ_9IUwO6mBBAwNOnETKd9Ujr5sHJwDrzV1CJN2Z3HNMUoXy91clb_8ha6FKRbrZUHTZLXb30pGHGjBzubC-HjhYp_p9vnw/s1600/myanalogjournal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFG5LLbxPQga3ThG2pdhV3X7fN0uXFOnggkk4g5oMycPyZ_9IUwO6mBBAwNOnETKd9Ujr5sHJwDrzV1CJN2Z3HNMUoXy91clb_8ha6FKRbrZUHTZLXb30pGHGjBzubC-HjhYp_p9vnw/s1600/myanalogjournal2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
What music have you been listening to these past few months? I've been doing my usual thing of curating playlists for my pleasure (and for anyone else who wants to enjoy them). One of my recent new favorites has been my <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3WTuFBjQOnqvyau0AZKRkc?si=bn28jP74ReOB1l0IC8Nifg" target="_blank">#StayHome</a> playlist.<br />
I've been digging even further into my Miles Davis and Lee Morgan bag as well. Jazz music has always been the default background vibe for me and my living space; it's perfect on a low volume for when I'm reading or writing. It's part of my signature ambiance, and I'm never fully detached from it. If it isn't jazz, give me a good instrumental (I'm thinking Dilla, Vanilla, and Knxwledge vibes), and I end up in a completely different headspace.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_LuNgNmKVY8" width="660"></iframe><br />
But the true joy that I stumbled upon a few months ago is a youtube account called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TZwtZ17WKFJSmwTZQpBTA" target="_blank">My Analog Journal.</a> What a breath of fresh air. Zag Erlat was born in Istanbul, Turkey, currently based in London. He has a deep passion for music, always on the hunt for rare, obscure records from around the world. Nothing I love more than a fellow music lover who can teach me a thing or two. His DJ sets are super chill, recorded right in his living room, and because I love seeing people's homes, I really enjoy this aspect of it. Feels more intimate. I can't even remember how I stumbled upon him back in March, but I never subscribed to a channel so fast. He's great.<br />
<br />
Are you following <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sauvignonelle?si=Orhqsg-IT3uP-J1-wBKv4w" target="_blank">me on Spotify</a>? I would recommend it. Some good stuff over there.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comOhio, USA40.4172871 -82.90712300000001334.2261071 -93.2342715 46.608467100000006 -72.57997450000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-68090998940987798322020-07-24T19:18:00.000-04:002020-09-04T23:38:23.903-04:00A Few Things to Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYutQughQewBFNzCPVKxRgfZqkv77_4aCGFzrvTk3GpkMbDQ0v9_54A2WZoPky0G6HPFVegisx_Xs4x-Dx0JAS8ZD49PGwnhUauj1qIJ4SSqBJKtAzwNKO7w-4TFPFdykC_5_DjSK_sQ/s1600/selective-focus-photo-of-yellow-dahlia-flowers-1420016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYutQughQewBFNzCPVKxRgfZqkv77_4aCGFzrvTk3GpkMbDQ0v9_54A2WZoPky0G6HPFVegisx_Xs4x-Dx0JAS8ZD49PGwnhUauj1qIJ4SSqBJKtAzwNKO7w-4TFPFdykC_5_DjSK_sQ/s1600/selective-focus-photo-of-yellow-dahlia-flowers-1420016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
There are a few things you need to remember about life. First, you can’t control the thoughts and actions of others, no matter how hard you try. Secondly, you should understand that everyone does not possess a kind spirit, nor do they have your best interest at heart. There are some really mean-spirited people in this world, and if there was one thing I could change, it would be for people to be more kind to one another, not just in our everyday lives, but through social media as well.<br />
I soak up the energy of others, the good and the not-so-good, including things I see online. So it's disheartening when I see the way people talk to one another - complete strangers, and it's just...it bothers me. I want people to be more mindful of what they are putting out into the universe.
Be kind to one another. Don’t assume. Don’t judge people. Always remember that no one is perfect, and we are all fighting some kind of battle. Be compassionate. Be considerate. Respectfully agree to disagree. Love your neighbor. Don’t be an asshole. Don’t intentionally hurt people. Be empathetic. Don’t be a bully. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. You never know what a person is going through. Speak with intention and purpose. Practice kindness often. I truly wish that people would apply these simple practices to their daily life. It would make a world of difference.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comOhio, USA40.4172871 -82.90712300000001334.2261071 -93.2342715 46.608467100000006 -72.57997450000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-55664391579279271022020-07-23T23:29:00.001-04:002020-09-04T23:39:31.110-04:00My Camera Just Wants To Be Loved: A Memoir<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBCRqX90nkCsOaBRx7TkjMHDX8QWYM12a8bjtfCJogg8AiyHGov5MBENTYrTCrONjtsDRswxk3npeNSMC9Dlc5GJ-V2kPYTsC9yrEbjON1HKDLNCz1EqylSjPCMrdEEYNOSXUzB5NCg/s1600/pexels-daria-shevtsova-3326215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBCRqX90nkCsOaBRx7TkjMHDX8QWYM12a8bjtfCJogg8AiyHGov5MBENTYrTCrONjtsDRswxk3npeNSMC9Dlc5GJ-V2kPYTsC9yrEbjON1HKDLNCz1EqylSjPCMrdEEYNOSXUzB5NCg/s1600/pexels-daria-shevtsova-3326215.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I need to deepen my relationship with my cameras.<br />
<br />
Specifically my vintage film camera.<br />
<br />
Film photos have been my absolute favorite to admire these days. I'm so inspired by imagery captured with film cameras; there's just something so authentic about them. For years, <a href="https://www.shotfromthestreet.com/" target="_blank">Lizzy Hadfield</a> has really been inspiring me a great deal with her film photos, not just by how simplistic and lovely they are, but the fact that she is so consistent at documenting her daily life. She reminds me a bit of myself in a sense - she's a single gal who lives alone, and is kind of a homebody (but apparently will venture outdoors way more than I'd care to). I truly believe there is beauty and magic in documenting the world as seen through your eyes. She takes photos everyday. Whether she's inside her home or out roaming the streets of London, she is never without her camera close by. That's my ultimate goal. To document something, anything, every single day. Something that I will be proud of.<br />
<br />
There are so many things I visualize myself capturing with my cameras (digitally, as well as the old fashioned way), but I can't seem to get out of my own way to actually make it happen. I pick up my digital camera a lot in my apartment, and take quite a bit of photos, but honestly, they're all beginning to look the same. I need to push myself creatively, just a bit more. I really wish that I had a photography buddy here in Columbus who I could meet up with and snap photos while simultaneously exploring parts of the city that are still very foreign to me. I've been living in this city for almost five years and have yet to fully venture out the way I'd like. You can blame Generalized Anxiety Disorder for that. Being an introvert gets in the way too. It's funny; I LOVE doing things alone, but for some strange reason, leaving the house with a camera strapped across my chest, driving to a photographic destination, and actually taking photos in public feels like a lot of effort - and courage. What the hell am I afraid of? Perhaps "afraid" isn't the most accurate word here. It's part fear, part discomfort. Fear of being so hard on myself if I don't like the way a photo turns out, and being so disappointed that it would cause me to never want to pick up the camera again, to just not feeling truly comfortable shooting in public by myself on a consistent basis.<br />
<br />
Sure, having a photography buddy would make this hobby a hell of a lot easier to fully dive into, but I have taken photographs alone in public before, so that isn't solely the issue. I think it's just a matter of stepping so far out of my comfort zone that I will want to do it regardless of if someone is hanging out with me or not. THAT is the point I am trying to reach. I've never been one to depend on people for anything I've ever wanted (or needed) to do, so why should this be any different? This is something I truly love and want to get better at, just for my sincere satisfaction. Plus, I have multiple rolls of film that I purchased almost a year ago that need to be used sooner rather than later. But then - here we are - amidst a freaking global pandemic. Regardless, I am going to hold myself accountable.<br />
<br />
<i>Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/@daria" target="_blank">Daria Shevtsova </a></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comOhio, USA40.4172871 -82.90712300000001334.2261071 -93.2342715 46.608467100000006 -72.57997450000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-55023639618554247782020-07-20T22:47:00.001-04:002020-09-04T23:40:01.674-04:00Quarantine Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rdduJolkKwWLGicdILnNUsBftz5KtVfBVmK_OXMxXz-rdJYHsJIxlyVmHzbiD1s74Kovk0Ha-WCNoY-24h5GPHxZFO_Wj4DIGdwgYdgY5URyLWPs0mlq7NA51B9AhpI0jhDAlTlsXg/s1600/1D3A91B8-1E23-45B2-AEA4-024738E29716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rdduJolkKwWLGicdILnNUsBftz5KtVfBVmK_OXMxXz-rdJYHsJIxlyVmHzbiD1s74Kovk0Ha-WCNoY-24h5GPHxZFO_Wj4DIGdwgYdgY5URyLWPs0mlq7NA51B9AhpI0jhDAlTlsXg/s1600/1D3A91B8-1E23-45B2-AEA4-024738E29716.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Wow. What a year. I don't even know where to begin, seeing as though I haven't written anything since last summer. Not that I am going to talk about everything that's happened since then, but I have been wanting to update my site for some time now. Tonight felt right. I even changed some things up around here to give me that extra push I needed. Nothing like a new design layout to freshen things up a bit. That's usually all the inspiration I need to sit down at my desk, open up the laptop, and write about what's on my heart.<br />
2020 came through like a bulldozer, one that none of us could have prepared for. These first seven months have literally felt like an out-of-body body experience. From Kobe Bryant's death at the very top of the year, to an unprecedented global fucking pandemic that has literally turned our world upside down (<i>I still have not wrapped my head around this yet),</i> to the Black Lives Matter protests, and everything in between, I feel like I've been slowly losing what mind I have left. Full transparency, I've been going through it a little. So many deaths, so much pain and anger in the world. So much to absorb.<br />
<br />
This is heavy stuff for anyone to deal with, but especially for an empath, because everything affects me. Everything. It's exhausting, and I am tired.<br />
<br />
The world basically shut down a week before my 46th birthday, which was in March. It's not as though I had extravagant plans, but not having at least the option of doing anything special felt....unfair. A couple months prior, I contemplated booking a solo birthday trip somewhere out of the country, and there were many close calls of me purchasing an all-inclusive package, but the prices for the dates I was interested in were slightly more than I wanted to pay at the time (damn Spring break), so I held off. I'm glad I did. Everything happens for a reason. Imagine me traveling to Mexico and not being able to fly back home because of this unexpected life-changing madness. Needless to say, I ended up spending my birthday dancing in my living room to D-Nice's live set, with a delicious seafood boil and a bottle of wine. One thing this quarantine life has blessed me with is the live DJ sets on Instagram. They've definitely aided in curing the blues. It literally feels like virtual bar-hopping. I swear, I haven't partied this much in years. At one point, the DJs had completely taken over Instagram Live, and I was present at all of the functions. I felt like vintage Inga again - <i>"party girl Inga"</i> - hanging out late, ripping and running the virtual streets trying to find the next best gathering to crash.<br />
<br />
The last four months in a nutshell? Tears. Lots of tears. Questioned my worth (and my life's purpose/existence), spent more money in grocery stores than I ever have, consumed more wine than I even knew was possible, bought flowers for myself almost every week (tulips have really brought life to my living space; they're fascinating, and have a mind of their own), became more acquainted with loneliness (because it definitely crept in a few times), purchased many books, attended bi-weekly FaceTime check-ins with my therapist/life coach/counselor person, and even more FaceTime sessions with family and friends. Truthfully, quarantine life hasn't been much of an adjustment for me, only because what I've been doing was part of my normal routine anyway. The world is really going through it right now, and it has been taking a toll on my mental health, so I've just been trying hard to stay mindful, hopeful, and optimistic. Taking social media breaks on occasion helps too. I should be disconnecting more than I do. The internet is wild.<br />
<br />
One fulfilling habit I picked up (since the beginning of the year actually) is reading a daily message every night before bed. I'm actually reading out of three separate books at once because they are all feeding me in different ways, and usually speak to exactly what I am feeling in those moments. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Stoic-Meditations-Wisdom-Perseverance/dp/0735211736/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-drs1_0?cv_ct_cx=the+daily+stoic&dchild=1&keywords=the+daily+stoic&pd_rd_i=0735211736&pd_rd_r=bd6b64c2-0eee-4b12-90db-792c4b6e72af&pd_rd_w=zxzos&pd_rd_wg=f9vYI&pf_rd_p=055f7364-94db-4b93-80d6-346300592c66&pf_rd_r=GKMWBH4X0PK2WJW2BCWN&psc=1&qid=1595297479&sr=1-1-f7123c3d-6c2e-4dbe-9d7a-6185fb77bc58" target="_blank">The Daily Stoic</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thriving-Empath-Self-Care-Sensitive-People/dp/1683642910/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=thriving+as+an+empath&qid=1595297512&s=books&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Thriving as an Empath: 365 Days of Self-Care for Sensitive People</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moonlight-Gratitude-Nighttime-Meditations-Tranquil/dp/1631062921/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=moonlight+gratitude&qid=1595297581&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Moonlight Gratitude</a>. I've been doing everything in my power not to fall into a funk. I've failed a few times - okay, more than a few times. The good thing, however, is that I don't stay there for long. One day last week, I had a good cry, quickly sucked it up, went on a 45-minute walk through my neighborhood, then came home and cooked a delicious meal. It's those little things that brought me back to the present and out of my head for a moment, and allowed me to take a pause to express gratitude for my life. I always tell myself, <i>"things could be worse."</i> Cliche, but so real.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comOhio, USA40.4172871 -82.90712300000001334.2261071 -93.2342715 46.608467100000006 -72.57997450000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-34966981653176703132019-08-17T10:03:00.004-04:002020-10-04T14:40:18.281-04:00Columbus's Short North Arts District on Film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRnCrOecPZbnT5TjV29Ckz4NdMMsOkfcQPODJ_FJuIX1HtGqNYJaZIUxF5qu1jjU2PjYentLWhs1NmBFCnKaFUwR_97Kk46hsuBv5oC4auknfuyKpSOVhYfMNo5LIqwjF1EixUvw_AQ/s1600/B0C671A3-113F-46F4-9CCE-AB4691D44114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRnCrOecPZbnT5TjV29Ckz4NdMMsOkfcQPODJ_FJuIX1HtGqNYJaZIUxF5qu1jjU2PjYentLWhs1NmBFCnKaFUwR_97Kk46hsuBv5oC4auknfuyKpSOVhYfMNo5LIqwjF1EixUvw_AQ/s1600/B0C671A3-113F-46F4-9CCE-AB4691D44114.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM6A40iz5wnR-yd13JjIdM1BnYjWBmivUmZwbNqBxIivP1JVv3yzfBGp4vHNc1eSLORzuEhiqndsd3JIyzX-Sr5LMyDev3Qy72lvIeqQZAlMkjBYxBkayVzcUB8iJKzvW_atjxyx2pQ/s1600/000348500029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1037" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM6A40iz5wnR-yd13JjIdM1BnYjWBmivUmZwbNqBxIivP1JVv3yzfBGp4vHNc1eSLORzuEhiqndsd3JIyzX-Sr5LMyDev3Qy72lvIeqQZAlMkjBYxBkayVzcUB8iJKzvW_atjxyx2pQ/s1600/000348500029.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This summer has been a bit "slow" for me in regards to social activity, but I'm not complaining. Honestly though, I've really been wanting to get out more to utilize this amazing film camera of mine, but some days (okay, most days), I'm just not in the mood to leave my house and deal with the outside world. But, I know that in order to capture some cool outdoor shots, I have to actually go OUTDOORS. This introvert/homebody life is really something. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've only used two rolls so far, which is just not enough. I currently have about four rolls of unused film; my goal is to finish all of them before the summer ends. Hold me to it. These photos from a few months ago, are from a roll that I recently got developed. I love how they turned out! Definitely an improvement from the <a href="http://www.bisouselle.com/2019/02/test-shots-on-film.html" target="_blank">first developed roll</a>, which I labeled a "test" roll since I was still getting used to operating a film camera. I didn't edit these photos in any way, shape, or form, which makes me excited to use this camera even more. Here are some of my favorites shots of a few co-workers and friends. I believe these were shot with the Kodak Color Plus 200 film.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZaFZCF-YWEYIIel6PDku1lHl38NW75up7cMXVV_ud9QgvpKmUkMI_Nsjn69AJFFB7IzKBlU7oElWLdTYejylgFK7QGdOORKEhuUSzXQ7-GxabzCurbj8nFQEuDKtVu6I9ZdvdHSsHQ/s1600/000348500016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZaFZCF-YWEYIIel6PDku1lHl38NW75up7cMXVV_ud9QgvpKmUkMI_Nsjn69AJFFB7IzKBlU7oElWLdTYejylgFK7QGdOORKEhuUSzXQ7-GxabzCurbj8nFQEuDKtVu6I9ZdvdHSsHQ/s1600/000348500016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tx4DcYNOcwp_yOC4xRVKrNqUKDzi-X2eEeU6hBtorFhPoxnblArL-yvg4bFn2acVVVIfKT1rZRN0MWaAAkqu0-RwRLn-Oo9uXpe7AVP4KmKaZVR55ZQD18fkLoh8pcdhLgkoIFKMdg/s1600/000348500004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Tx4DcYNOcwp_yOC4xRVKrNqUKDzi-X2eEeU6hBtorFhPoxnblArL-yvg4bFn2acVVVIfKT1rZRN0MWaAAkqu0-RwRLn-Oo9uXpe7AVP4KmKaZVR55ZQD18fkLoh8pcdhLgkoIFKMdg/s1600/000348500004.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NMFywryn_IOevellvYtv5YSlQFMpPR-WfEJrO7Hk19Iv3a_WpJ42EmJSPv8qOOwFuYoOIxIEceDhnfoau_Gvi-T7z0N5ArHhNlG7afrh_0-CXIJA6o2NwZv-WSrj2TevPWy59ENykg/s1600/000348500005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NMFywryn_IOevellvYtv5YSlQFMpPR-WfEJrO7Hk19Iv3a_WpJ42EmJSPv8qOOwFuYoOIxIEceDhnfoau_Gvi-T7z0N5ArHhNlG7afrh_0-CXIJA6o2NwZv-WSrj2TevPWy59ENykg/s1600/000348500005.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFxsALA5IfXRvEQlmhxhOAHjW-KjKUaPpDx4JxTOlvAyd4cI0HUKL57Cg8Ljpf5PM_Sb0pOrVC1nDNpByS_UV2GoZyFU0Osm826-Hng1C2XT0Yy4rjAiAnsxvZgeyp5Ow8lxzgf4ggg/s1600/000348500008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFxsALA5IfXRvEQlmhxhOAHjW-KjKUaPpDx4JxTOlvAyd4cI0HUKL57Cg8Ljpf5PM_Sb0pOrVC1nDNpByS_UV2GoZyFU0Osm826-Hng1C2XT0Yy4rjAiAnsxvZgeyp5Ow8lxzgf4ggg/s1600/000348500008.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJEnlvtFsTv_53K7F9whLsTBlXQts1BnaseRmS3PW9QNIRwvhiELYKB6fo3Zi41tEDcpy9HMovmZYl2-dxMtfyeCXxya5vnx7TR0gH8rCQbQOfYO1lAmi8ArJtBsd5nFAzIOeYk3h2Q/s1600/000348500011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJEnlvtFsTv_53K7F9whLsTBlXQts1BnaseRmS3PW9QNIRwvhiELYKB6fo3Zi41tEDcpy9HMovmZYl2-dxMtfyeCXxya5vnx7TR0gH8rCQbQOfYO1lAmi8ArJtBsd5nFAzIOeYk3h2Q/s1600/000348500011.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pZ906BBzY-WWDMMUS7zL0ALR9TiX9qUy5JnN_hy7uYHlBom_uab7H8ttnwgsDkY8bTLQNZqcMqERKz_uRTmDkP-F-PGrd3gR9926TaFklHH_tLvaszLqL9__V6WtrTZ2kcn8ocxwig/s1600/000348500014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pZ906BBzY-WWDMMUS7zL0ALR9TiX9qUy5JnN_hy7uYHlBom_uab7H8ttnwgsDkY8bTLQNZqcMqERKz_uRTmDkP-F-PGrd3gR9926TaFklHH_tLvaszLqL9__V6WtrTZ2kcn8ocxwig/s1600/000348500014.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYIGph-6fkNd03lyIyPC-4tDkUr2lRrUpy9NNM_my0ZTNBLPo-WtKh22hc1niUboDP1zc63wQ3tTqAEoeFqqTFT4ZdZv5c8HPOvwTOKNTMvnxsJwr1pY34dI8BajSFI32jwrj7xROyA/s1600/000348500021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYIGph-6fkNd03lyIyPC-4tDkUr2lRrUpy9NNM_my0ZTNBLPo-WtKh22hc1niUboDP1zc63wQ3tTqAEoeFqqTFT4ZdZv5c8HPOvwTOKNTMvnxsJwr1pY34dI8BajSFI32jwrj7xROyA/s1600/000348500021.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEboxdfEmE92rAFlMgLyKiuFirPLNgUMlVqbp0YiqWdw1Qjxk9zOiR21-GAslsyXIOaiIV1obK7oCnQo6oO-lrITxqOgioeFLyNf9aEYisdOAzRRtefzlWUcQaUhyC5RV67JnxUb5tug/s1600/000348500023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEboxdfEmE92rAFlMgLyKiuFirPLNgUMlVqbp0YiqWdw1Qjxk9zOiR21-GAslsyXIOaiIV1obK7oCnQo6oO-lrITxqOgioeFLyNf9aEYisdOAzRRtefzlWUcQaUhyC5RV67JnxUb5tug/s1600/000348500023.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtOtRk9oqmFUYUbRid17RfZMoP3-EJCWqhi0dMcMMfVSIOpSaDP0yamf2eQAG_LCxEGGKKr0l_o7mkUR1vUtcmH7m2yj_mOIalce_4A5moFDe4wFWRrbpu3tB5aLPdIUMXO7PykaWZQ/s1600/000348500025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtOtRk9oqmFUYUbRid17RfZMoP3-EJCWqhi0dMcMMfVSIOpSaDP0yamf2eQAG_LCxEGGKKr0l_o7mkUR1vUtcmH7m2yj_mOIalce_4A5moFDe4wFWRrbpu3tB5aLPdIUMXO7PykaWZQ/s1600/000348500025.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-Voknm9rV6hL6hgawUyNopPRr3bk-ffvz8i6NRM6p4Jfw1mtAgh5JWRSA7GvOlUx_d2QyxDrV-r0694rw6sPG-rxFLOVc1tSdZQ-Ch-0EVktugTKmOYYvFx_WAUH_XYwxoGpvJ4TRQ/s1600/000348500010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-Voknm9rV6hL6hgawUyNopPRr3bk-ffvz8i6NRM6p4Jfw1mtAgh5JWRSA7GvOlUx_d2QyxDrV-r0694rw6sPG-rxFLOVc1tSdZQ-Ch-0EVktugTKmOYYvFx_WAUH_XYwxoGpvJ4TRQ/s1600/000348500010.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu0KcFnsAl7x-4-LUDEFxthvLEeZlJJ8Wl_mrOMDBtOjL1vn3zKdPiVVg3odAGv_UVMxdOIxjf3sw_0EK69XOQNU2ocwIoSYlq75tWPhGZH2mGJ8QdZZim7vm2F2JoLp1AvLwVqMzGg/s1600/000348500026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu0KcFnsAl7x-4-LUDEFxthvLEeZlJJ8Wl_mrOMDBtOjL1vn3zKdPiVVg3odAGv_UVMxdOIxjf3sw_0EK69XOQNU2ocwIoSYlq75tWPhGZH2mGJ8QdZZim7vm2F2JoLp1AvLwVqMzGg/s1600/000348500026.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHVTNTd8m4LptLjzdenuljFZz6p6Lir4cdtzzJEC3oKyg3Ve5g3DfE6FlTwkBeve3Kw0uYPzTzNP9ZK_lwpd1FDHunRR4a4TqW7EICfeBkYsLz6uJTXErf5czA44l7NKCv7Dp0YuKFg/s1600/45C21708-8025-4E7F-ABC9-350895FCE0CE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHVTNTd8m4LptLjzdenuljFZz6p6Lir4cdtzzJEC3oKyg3Ve5g3DfE6FlTwkBeve3Kw0uYPzTzNP9ZK_lwpd1FDHunRR4a4TqW7EICfeBkYsLz6uJTXErf5czA44l7NKCv7Dp0YuKFg/s1600/45C21708-8025-4E7F-ABC9-350895FCE0CE.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comOhio, USA40.4172871 -82.90712300000001334.2261071 -93.2342715 46.608467100000006 -72.57997450000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-19730240674010532862019-05-06T21:57:00.001-04:002020-09-04T23:46:40.556-04:00Stop Pitying Your Single Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAYumxh2FVrq0yXMV3CSamx95N3lyLEPe_CYx1PAQrFlKE2T4gbx7UusGDJfINTNDbdTPPF7oGf5ByyCfd8su-qXSp_TMTpnxVFAy7XTpJZTzNbXP-XxEhY39z24KqZKcVJXW45TzSQ/s1600/pexels-photo-1154638.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAYumxh2FVrq0yXMV3CSamx95N3lyLEPe_CYx1PAQrFlKE2T4gbx7UusGDJfINTNDbdTPPF7oGf5ByyCfd8su-qXSp_TMTpnxVFAy7XTpJZTzNbXP-XxEhY39z24KqZKcVJXW45TzSQ/s1600/pexels-photo-1154638.jpeg" /></a></div>
"I just want you to find someone. I want you to be happy!"<br />
<br />
If I had a dollar for every time I've been told this by a loved one, I'd be debt free, rich, and living the kind of life I've only envisioned in my dreams. I've come to the conclusion, once and for all, that people really don't believe you're truly happy unless you're in a relationship.<br />
Lately, I've become increasingly frustrated with being asked about my love life. Why is being happily single not as celebrated as being happily married, or in a long-term relationship? It's like the entire world feels such immense pity for single women, and it's just....it's starting to become offensive at this point.<br />
<br />
It never fails; whenever I catch up with an old friend, it's always the same three or four questions.<br />
"How've you been?"<br />
"How's work?"<br />
"You got a man yet?"<br />
"Well, what's the problem? You need to get out of the house!"<br />
<br />
No, what I need to do is continue minding my business, while you mind yours. "What's the problem?" As if <i>I'm</i> the reason I'm single. Got it. Furthermore, if I knew what the problem was, I probably wouldn't be single. Did it ever occur to people that maybe, just maybe, the person they're constantly asking about their relationship status may not <i>want </i>to be in a relationship right now, if at all? And by the way, telling someone that you just want them to be happy insinuates that you don't think they're already happy and whole. That's not cool, relationship folks. Stop assuming that your single friends are sitting around sulking, depressed, and sad that they aren't boo'd up. Obsessing over some man they haven't even met yet. Hmph. Some of them just might be; however, I am not one of them. Do I think about it? Sure. Let's be completely transparent here. But finding a life partner is the least of my concerns in this moment, and that's totally fine.<br />
<br />
It's like the minute I tell someone that I don't have a boyfriend, they immediately offer words of sympathy. "Awww" or "I'm sorry" or "don't worry, you'll find someone." I wasn't worried, but okay.<br />
<br />
I will never forget this one time I decided to treat myself to a nice lunch at McCormick & Schmidt's. The hostess walked me to my table, and when my waiter came to greet me, he said "Will anyone be joining you?"<br />
<br />
"No, it's just me." With a look of sympathy, he replied, "Awww I'm sorry." Needless to say, I didn't leave him a tip.<br />
<br />
I'm no stranger to the single life. Sure, I've experienced love throughout my adult years, situationships (most of which I regret), flings, whirlwind romances, all of it. But, ultimately, I would say that I've been single more than I have not. This may sound slightly pessimistic, but I'm starting to think that relationships just aren't for me. I have my reasons, and I could be completely wrong, so let me not put that energy out into the universe. I mean, I haven't met Madlib yet, so there's still hope (<a href="http://www.instagram.com/nowagain" target="_blank">Egon</a>, hook your girl up!).<br />
<br />
In a recent interview with In Style Magazine, Tracee Ellis Ross talked about her singledom. "It's sort of fascinating to be 45 and single and childless. Happily single, I should add. Not at home crying about it. These are very big and very personal questions that aren't anyone's business but that somehow, like the right to choose, become fodder for public conversation. Some of the ability to reflect on what I really want comes from pushing up against a society that shames me for not having the expected trappings. I'm very pleased with my existence these days. Have I had to learn to make friends with loneliness? Yes. I think if I were in a relationship, it would be the same."<br />
<br />
We really need to start praising the idea of falling in love with ourselves just as hard as we worship and praise the idea of coupledom, because although super cliche, it's true that the most significant relationship that you'll ever have is the one you have with yourself. Let's get that right first.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"People are quick to assume that I'm unhappy as a single woman, and reticent to accept the opposite. Right now, I am truly enjoying my life, and I wish I could tell people that in a way that doesn't elicit pity or skeptical looks. Instead, I find myself often giving reasons for why I'm not in a relationship rather than just stating it as a choice that I've made. In fact, the only time I think I'm missing something is when other people make me feel that way." - Ishani Nath, <a href="https://www.flare.com/sex-and-relationships/single-life/" target="_blank">Flare</a></blockquote>
Do I enjoy being single? Yes, I do. I don't sulk about being single because I am truly comfortable in my skin, I enjoy my own company, and I bask in the beauty of doings things alone. I'll take a solo road trip or vacation in a heartbeat, if finances permit. But, I do experience loneliness. I <i>am</i> human, after all. Those moments - the lonely moments, they are very fleeting, but they do exist. Having a man in my life won't solve that. That is why it is important, whether you're in a relationship or not, to love on yourself just as hard. I make sure I always take care of me. I buy myself flowers, I pamper myself, I indulge in the foods I love, drink as much wine as I can stand, surround my home with things that spark joy, and rid myself of things that no longer serve me. I don't ever want to expect another person to complete my life, or make me "whole." Let people live. Lay off a bit from trying to hook your single friends up, stop asking them about their relationship status every time you two catch up, stop pitying them, and start believing them when they tell you that their primary focus at the moment isn't finding Mr. Right. It's a new day, and women are no longer settling. Long gone are the days where finding a mate is a goal.<br />
<br />
<b>Photo Credit:</b> <a href="https://www.pexels.com/@nappy" target="_blank">Nappy</a><br />
<b>Playlist</b> (<i>because we all need a good soundtrack to write to</i>): <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sauvignonelle/playlist/17tDj4q1Ou1dnbfZtbzt0Y?si=YoXG_c73QY-L3u_GnPaSwQ" target="_blank">Rainy Nights, Gloomy Mornings</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comOhio, USA40.4172871 -82.90712300000001334.2261071 -93.2342715 46.608467100000006 -72.57997450000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-1033358363527568852019-02-22T22:36:00.000-05:002019-02-23T11:29:49.010-05:00Curing The Winter Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmorlYy8iU6Qr6ePFDi9xTeupJiiHGcfn-eFBAsDCATsXLihoUhFHV2y4aoSHcOre9KUdg0SjFk_pe-Z-i8iFqEVJPLCO4AWOfd93ynJiLIDFYbtGrfZArcMdqA_RyBfxrlqjYYYd5Dw/s1600/217A05B4-D386-4A69-AC5C-A674E75DDE4B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmorlYy8iU6Qr6ePFDi9xTeupJiiHGcfn-eFBAsDCATsXLihoUhFHV2y4aoSHcOre9KUdg0SjFk_pe-Z-i8iFqEVJPLCO4AWOfd93ynJiLIDFYbtGrfZArcMdqA_RyBfxrlqjYYYd5Dw/s1600/217A05B4-D386-4A69-AC5C-A674E75DDE4B.JPG" /></a></div>
For me, the winter season is all about hibernation and a hiatus from all social activity. My winter routine consists of work, a possible errand or two afterwards - usually the grocery market, and right back to the comfort and warmth of my home. No extracurricular activities, hardly ever. I loathe cold temps, and even though I was born and raised in the Midwest, I will never get used to snow and single-digit weather. But, now that we're approaching that time of the year when the cold season is slowly starting to transition into semi-mild temps, daylight savings time (which begins March 10th), and our beloved Spring season only a few weeks away, my mood is slowly perking up again. I never really believed in seasonal depression, but I think I may have experienced it this year. I am so glad Winter is on its way out.<br />
<br />
A friend invited me out for drinks and appetizers after work, and I kindly obliged. It was just what I needed after such a draining week. Also, I tried an Unagi roll for the first time. I didn't hate it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSSYRhZS0s-EjM2i2syehhx417XTpfrFOffQxZSp5CiMEuaDoT7MFY2wue6w-83i3uPkgn_AYntMDUgA_fWbUmvQeC_cXeM8IH_bNl5IDEh1mWiyXVsD4kowNVoq_rKQAZ_HOxeJsKA/s1600/19C43FBE-5E41-443F-99D7-79257F76846E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSSYRhZS0s-EjM2i2syehhx417XTpfrFOffQxZSp5CiMEuaDoT7MFY2wue6w-83i3uPkgn_AYntMDUgA_fWbUmvQeC_cXeM8IH_bNl5IDEh1mWiyXVsD4kowNVoq_rKQAZ_HOxeJsKA/s1600/19C43FBE-5E41-443F-99D7-79257F76846E.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHL0gRpV_RQq0AA8h1uF_b1FE6RQ040HqylloK66syJC8wh3q39fXkOvvHizm7MolfFciF-y-K88YjHl-nUvotsIj8Z0jg9p4jx7VImaco9zQ0xaz_GEmdURxemQt41rXiXONU34ai1g/s1600/43247820-7995-49AC-A225-6814AD2B6383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHL0gRpV_RQq0AA8h1uF_b1FE6RQ040HqylloK66syJC8wh3q39fXkOvvHizm7MolfFciF-y-K88YjHl-nUvotsIj8Z0jg9p4jx7VImaco9zQ0xaz_GEmdURxemQt41rXiXONU34ai1g/s1600/43247820-7995-49AC-A225-6814AD2B6383.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvd_0u1IjwlB3-UDKObiRjhQTbJ7LVQDkg2bzB7JkUY08yhVCACxCqR9txTPRDetZ9k50VA8EFy5QK5hyiH-FEP8Y2cuUefFQVk9g2toKlT9A-eYpvYhelq2REzyyfJ6q6bScvWiY8Ag/s1600/DA0EFB28-BE93-4139-AC80-272ED84E576E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvd_0u1IjwlB3-UDKObiRjhQTbJ7LVQDkg2bzB7JkUY08yhVCACxCqR9txTPRDetZ9k50VA8EFy5QK5hyiH-FEP8Y2cuUefFQVk9g2toKlT9A-eYpvYhelq2REzyyfJ6q6bScvWiY8Ag/s1600/DA0EFB28-BE93-4139-AC80-272ED84E576E.JPG" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-1539269702334834062019-01-27T00:14:00.002-05:002020-10-04T14:42:48.269-04:00Analog: Minolta X-370<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w62-dtpId1wYnvuuMNy8wGGjwv56u6z1_SdVeK36wl4uogWhGkiJ9JDURBXBEe95Re9qjpg_wOUrU-tbEQmE4Ma53k6-L62oHi4-jWzXYSLY9mOvtQ0AplQzga8nAN-BvC4tDjwM9A/s1600/ACS_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w62-dtpId1wYnvuuMNy8wGGjwv56u6z1_SdVeK36wl4uogWhGkiJ9JDURBXBEe95Re9qjpg_wOUrU-tbEQmE4Ma53k6-L62oHi4-jWzXYSLY9mOvtQ0AplQzga8nAN-BvC4tDjwM9A/s1600/ACS_0055.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm slowly crossing things off of my 2019 Goals & Intentions list. Well, not technically crossing them off, as most of them are things I will continue to to work on throughout the year, but one of the first to-do's was to buy a film camera and dive into the analog side of photography, and I finally purchased a vintage Minolta X-370 off of good ol' eBay. The body of the camera is in great condition (I mean, really - she is a beauty!), but I haven't tested it out yet to make sure it's fully functional. Let's cross our fingers on that one. This new hobby of analog photography will definitely take some getting used to, that's for sure. I've been told, even by a few professional photographers who I've been chatting with over the past couple of weeks, that using an SLR film camera for the first time will more than likely be a <i>trial and error</i> situation because of the unfamiliarity of it all (getting used to the camera, shooting strictly in manual, etc.), so there's a possibility that the first roll of film will just be practice shots - some may come out amazing, and some might end up looking like shit, and that's okay. Perhaps the real beauty of analog shooting is that you never know what you're gonna get, and you won't know until you send the roll of film off for developing, and receive them back several days later. Ooh, the anticipation of it all. It's already killing me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65OPQU-sRPs4rh8UjN8W9zuOS_iDi1ipc5gYm05ZPxn554WtPVjmU3i0IpLQX_ApqrHFeJDn95MaHzqTyEvIXf8Y3alD48u9PjfnQPuWVRuigjpURZuVE6mYE1TcelgpwjT5Kl7H0rg/s1600/ACS_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65OPQU-sRPs4rh8UjN8W9zuOS_iDi1ipc5gYm05ZPxn554WtPVjmU3i0IpLQX_ApqrHFeJDn95MaHzqTyEvIXf8Y3alD48u9PjfnQPuWVRuigjpURZuVE6mYE1TcelgpwjT5Kl7H0rg/s1600/ACS_0062.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm really excited to become more comfortable shooting in manual, even more excited about my upcoming time with this lovely vintage piece of equipment. I've been watching tons of videos about analog photography and my camera model in particular, and came across some cool YouTube channels. One channel in particular really stood out to me; their content is just so visually stimulating and enjoyable to watch. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpSVIFxNV_p62fkuucmtnA" target="_blank">Wild We Roam</a> is a husband + wife duo who are living their best lives as free-spirited creatives who reside in Berlin, but just recently purchased a 30 year-old Mercedes camper van to travel all over Europe for the next few years. That warms my heart. I love to see the different ways in which some content creators document their lives on social media, specifically when it appears authentic, and not just highlight reels. Presentation is everything, and Dana and Lou share their lives in such a beautiful way. The videos below were the first of theirs that I stumbled upon when searching Youtube for film camera topics. All of this photography talk is getting me pumped about getting outdoors once the weather breaks, and capturing my environment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/f2laf8VdZdk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f2laf8VdZdk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MFb0eusepdk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MFb0eusepdk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comColumbus, OH, USA39.9611755 -82.9987942000000239.571838500000005 -83.644241200000025 40.3505125 -82.353347200000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-85257214177301894142019-01-21T01:07:00.003-05:002020-09-05T17:59:30.067-04:00A Path to Healing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHRxrKai_LSkY3-W289DLULJL0GyVIesi6_T7srfSmEnlHiOqoheCp09AMhwcDZpAsKMR4PI0dDqrPLpvG5BSg_qKTu4TZrQbvEco9sJ2pODNSPH6RJEp1yuOdbtiEpDY2OZUz4Ecng/s1600/beach-clouds-dawn-760745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHRxrKai_LSkY3-W289DLULJL0GyVIesi6_T7srfSmEnlHiOqoheCp09AMhwcDZpAsKMR4PI0dDqrPLpvG5BSg_qKTu4TZrQbvEco9sJ2pODNSPH6RJEp1yuOdbtiEpDY2OZUz4Ecng/s1600/beach-clouds-dawn-760745.jpg" /></a></div>
It happened on January 21, 2015. After arriving home from my evening class, I was brutally attacked by two people outside of my apartment complex. I did not know these people, and I am still unsure what the motive was, but the entire ordeal altered my life in a way that I can't even begin to fully explain. I don't want to dive into the disturbing details of everything that took place on that dreadful evening, but I will say that I thought I was going to die, because that was their intention, to kill me. All I could think about in what felt like the longest 30 minutes of my life, was my mother, my family. My friends. I wasn't ready to die. Not like that. I was scared for my life, but something told me to fight back. I couldn't let them win. Luckily, a neighbor heard my yells for help, and rushed outside. She saved my life. Had she not come outside, I have no doubt that they would have taken my life.<br />
<br />
The emotional, mental, and physical scars are still very visible and present, and will stay with me for the rest of my days. I still feel crippled from this horrific thing that happened to me, and I'm trying to let it go and just live my life free of worry and paranoia, but the reality is, it's not that simple. No one will ever really understand what I deal with internally because of this. To be honest, I don't expect them to.<br />
<br />
It's still extremely difficult to talk about, and I'm not sure if those closest to me even realize that this still affects me. In fact, as I'm typing this, tears are streaming down my face, and I've already taken several pauses from typing because it's just really upsetting to relive, but I've been wanting to write this blog post for some time now, for my own personal reasons I suppose.<br />
<br />
The road to recovery was challenging. As someone who hates depending on others, my life seemed to have turned into a charity case, and it was hard to accept all the help that was blessed upon me during my downtime. Looking back, I'm thankful for the ones who stepped up. But it was a hard pill to swallow at the time. I was being stubborn; I still tried to do things by myself that I knew was absolutely impossible. Because I had broken a finger on each of my hands, in addition to my other injuries, I was pretty much useless. I couldn't even wash myself. My mother had to bathe me, feed me, dress me. I felt completely helpless. Even though I could barely hold a pencil, let alone write, I still tried to work on my college course studies from home because I didn't want to feel like I was giving up, didn't want to feel like a failure. Even after everything I had just gone through, I was still concerned with passing these classes. I needed to do something to feel like I could still "live my life my way." But, after about a week of trying to be Superwoman, I surrendered, to everything, to everyone.<br />
<br />
The next three months, while on medical leave from work, were spent attempting to heal my mind, body, and spirit, attending weekly physical therapy sessions twice a week, learning to be back in my apartment alone and not be afraid (by the way, I never went back to the apartment where I was attacked; I ended up moving into a new place) being comfortable getting back into my car, the same car that they attempted to abduct me in, the same car they eventually stole...there's just so much, so much to express. I'm not even sure I'm going to publish this post, because there were so many layers to my story, to my healing. Here we are, in 2019, four years later, and I am still in recovery, still emotionally and mentally affected by this horrible thing that happened to me. I'm afraid to go out at night. I'm afraid to sleep with my bedroom door open. Unable to watch anything on television that triggers me in a negative way. Paranoid when people are walking too closely behind me, not to mention the fact that sometimes, my mind just won't shut off from replaying this moment of my life. Some days, I don't feel as beautiful as I once was because of the damage to the right side of my face, which the average person may not even notice, but I know the difference, and it saddens me. Every day, I think about what happened to me. Every single day. It's exhausting. You never know what people are going through; you never know what people are dealing with internally. This is why I wish people were more empathetic, more compassionate and kind to one another, especially in this day and age. We're all dealing with <i>something.</i><br />
<br />
The suspects were apprehended a day after my attack. Their sentencing was in September of the same year; they will serve 18-33 years in prison. By the way, they were very young; a male and female - ages 18 and 20.<br />
<br />
I'm still in awe that this happened to me. To ME. It still makes me sad. I still cry often. I still get angry. I sat with a therapist/counselor to talk more in depth about what I was/am feeling, but it's been a while since I last visited. One of the things on my 2019 list is to find a new therapist and make an appointment to sit with her. Talking to someone helps, even though it can be hard to face these feelings head on.<br />
<br />
Four years later. I'm still here. Still healing. Still trying to understand the impact of trauma and how it effects the way I move about day-to-day. Still protecting my peace. Still thankful through it all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comOhio, USA40.4172871 -82.90712300000001334.2261071 -93.2342715 46.608467100000006 -72.57997450000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-74606437778099207022018-09-13T19:30:00.002-04:002020-10-04T14:43:21.864-04:00Passport Diaries: Puerto Morelos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NtxVL95bRBW9kRcSti91081MvetVPcK0lhsma8_mg9J7vx96kPtOQghxnCBSYLipVgwATi75jrazqu8GrHY1D3PaGcvmgaXOQEnuxfhrRyu8YkT1jTDZHoiipQOw1AGaDTtibf1PHg/s1600/62CE48EC-B8B9-4BEF-AEB1-FB4831ED3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NtxVL95bRBW9kRcSti91081MvetVPcK0lhsma8_mg9J7vx96kPtOQghxnCBSYLipVgwATi75jrazqu8GrHY1D3PaGcvmgaXOQEnuxfhrRyu8YkT1jTDZHoiipQOw1AGaDTtibf1PHg/s1600/62CE48EC-B8B9-4BEF-AEB1-FB4831ED3510.JPG" /></a></div>
Last month, I treated myself to a 3-day vacation to Mexico, and it was the perfect opportunity to recharge and reset. I really feel as though short trips are underrated. Spending three full days on a resort is the perfect amount of time, especially if you are alone. I relaxed at the beautiful <a href="https://www.excellenceresorts.com/resorts/excellence-riviera-cancun/" target="_blank">Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort</a>. Such a pleasant experience. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating. I felt like a Queen.<br />
<br />
One of the things I love about traveling alone is the freedom to do what I want, even if that means doing nothing at all. It's truly a refreshing experience that I feel everyone should try at least once. When I told people that I went on a vacation by myself, they looked at me as if I had two heads; is it really that foreign of a concept that some people actually enjoy doing these types of things alone? It shouldn't be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu93_Apof-U2uIsyPKXXXc3SO_aONeOiE5Kzi4mv-GvehVWPZySF6VlOJvhszHbCwDoIKzakf9J3Ugw4aynYOQloQ7NhfMvjZmEMJwmujrc11rJ6sw-hohzjRIWjEMgT7cCJSiBFW0w/s1600/7F44BCBF-11F9-4D34-9727-0BB16371EA60.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu93_Apof-U2uIsyPKXXXc3SO_aONeOiE5Kzi4mv-GvehVWPZySF6VlOJvhszHbCwDoIKzakf9J3Ugw4aynYOQloQ7NhfMvjZmEMJwmujrc11rJ6sw-hohzjRIWjEMgT7cCJSiBFW0w/s1600/7F44BCBF-11F9-4D34-9727-0BB16371EA60.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7jdSY2m0MqfZEBHccWmU_eUXXyrx4v2h-JJo1v1laWRPr_TULAir86d48vAoF0wKoBFFZoEZ8fg4FT3VoTLWfwj0lGJJiLKPohmtDoNb_fETe8Lm86ncSQke7_3NVhyphenhyphenhCd73L0uYcw/s1600/1BAD637E-014B-465B-BAED-AE72EC0FFED2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7jdSY2m0MqfZEBHccWmU_eUXXyrx4v2h-JJo1v1laWRPr_TULAir86d48vAoF0wKoBFFZoEZ8fg4FT3VoTLWfwj0lGJJiLKPohmtDoNb_fETe8Lm86ncSQke7_3NVhyphenhyphenhCd73L0uYcw/s1600/1BAD637E-014B-465B-BAED-AE72EC0FFED2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2VlaZ94hppOCuoJhUHfk4XcdlBfmMIrKjJw3cuXRz5oWcCLVAiKFx75JJvxEWU-qCIctp11Utlo83PpSQ7uMnT2FkgHTghfZdB_UHZC2APCjiFLz6jq1_7aCqQOxzOpJobdY0qiTWw/s1600/05805DF2-7709-456C-9857-84143E639675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2VlaZ94hppOCuoJhUHfk4XcdlBfmMIrKjJw3cuXRz5oWcCLVAiKFx75JJvxEWU-qCIctp11Utlo83PpSQ7uMnT2FkgHTghfZdB_UHZC2APCjiFLz6jq1_7aCqQOxzOpJobdY0qiTWw/s1600/05805DF2-7709-456C-9857-84143E639675.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RcjuBtojYIKkPvmcjCUeYXunpbXt09gtwW8jsM_L6GXlA7lzFKvET4ELt2Q4cxAONae8X8lSLwRDcBE323yK5ZsJnKcL98MtCgTB4gIVaX5695KXjETpPLIZ3AN1cJVpXPf7uTwbzw/s1600/82BF4D6A-507B-4377-BD9B-053262F4CBED.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RcjuBtojYIKkPvmcjCUeYXunpbXt09gtwW8jsM_L6GXlA7lzFKvET4ELt2Q4cxAONae8X8lSLwRDcBE323yK5ZsJnKcL98MtCgTB4gIVaX5695KXjETpPLIZ3AN1cJVpXPf7uTwbzw/s1600/82BF4D6A-507B-4377-BD9B-053262F4CBED.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij94FPq3DMPi7uaMgkS8791l3wE1tYZXCz2pKnFbxvqaJzu0pEt9X5_3anw_WhFibxk3UlshUdecAPmWEyai-I_jkMfT2vEn6fzwQ52Ag7gBUNttgx2A5DcI03PEoUVA47Hr8m4Fux-g/s1600/86064F7D-5D70-420B-8604-4F8CC145D9DC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij94FPq3DMPi7uaMgkS8791l3wE1tYZXCz2pKnFbxvqaJzu0pEt9X5_3anw_WhFibxk3UlshUdecAPmWEyai-I_jkMfT2vEn6fzwQ52Ag7gBUNttgx2A5DcI03PEoUVA47Hr8m4Fux-g/s1600/86064F7D-5D70-420B-8604-4F8CC145D9DC.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg__XsrbFvb1SrZAgG2A5R09MyrONECgvOUpjN8YjxoVv8zUIvoT8IiZfYdnqhcwbU_n7MjR3dpnegOcGziElgpRqyJPnUdxWNIHEw776hdWIAEsP9YNBawR1TbsqytN7DeT6jWkLw9Q/s1600/293072C7-7D23-4847-939A-6B137A174B90.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg__XsrbFvb1SrZAgG2A5R09MyrONECgvOUpjN8YjxoVv8zUIvoT8IiZfYdnqhcwbU_n7MjR3dpnegOcGziElgpRqyJPnUdxWNIHEw776hdWIAEsP9YNBawR1TbsqytN7DeT6jWkLw9Q/s1600/293072C7-7D23-4847-939A-6B137A174B90.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MXN5MG95KcPGf8fKRlXLrTVAPQy75uxhQ9_A_nVinvR3Pw0A0cdEXXmX87LafeYpkNRwMJrcgzyWmVOR3chX3ZpYdH1kKDtLB88AUwCTHz87eWihwc3BwFs_VaTdglyfW5BokokMNg/s1600/5C388CBB-91E0-471A-80D5-5F97B4872537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MXN5MG95KcPGf8fKRlXLrTVAPQy75uxhQ9_A_nVinvR3Pw0A0cdEXXmX87LafeYpkNRwMJrcgzyWmVOR3chX3ZpYdH1kKDtLB88AUwCTHz87eWihwc3BwFs_VaTdglyfW5BokokMNg/s1600/5C388CBB-91E0-471A-80D5-5F97B4872537.JPG" /></a></div>
I spent the entire vacation taking photos of any and everything, danced around in my hotel room to everything from 90s west coast rap to house music, purchased cigars that I knew I wouldn't smoke all the way down, abused the self-timer feature on my camera, ordered multiple lobster entrees because that's what staying at an all-inclusive resort is really all about, and drank tequila for breakfast.<br />
<br />
One of the things that I adored most about my hotel room is how up close and personal I was with all of the breathtaking greenery. As someone whose apartment looks like a jungle, I felt like I'd died and went to Heaven, being able to step out on my balcony and be amongst all of these beautiful plants, not to mention the intimate touches to the room, like the single rose on the bed, or the incense left by the housekeepers. I felt right at home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcPAvxssifTybFVD7dCHx-Gu9S_4AeWB8faOwfDBtsn844_kMiyx2b3MKqn9wkzae74aWzmjwFOL2v8NAl60KthgIkM2NcexuDyj_tGGcky2vkEi0zXpBRFasLNESxfhDVVR24HkNKw/s1600/ECE2819D-D8B9-41F9-8159-0DB260AC1CD4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcPAvxssifTybFVD7dCHx-Gu9S_4AeWB8faOwfDBtsn844_kMiyx2b3MKqn9wkzae74aWzmjwFOL2v8NAl60KthgIkM2NcexuDyj_tGGcky2vkEi0zXpBRFasLNESxfhDVVR24HkNKw/s1600/ECE2819D-D8B9-41F9-8159-0DB260AC1CD4.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3rxixFRbP1DSeIQzH9DkLHNlFrW7wxVO2fY-L6D6pYpkJiUYZS9yW8Z0Jj6GVSfpPKF8NOiX8FuncOrH5DPlpPZrmnNrqw6L1fvMPVKh9D-sEFVRgsEn-ZL9KdHCP00vdkuAwq0YjA/s1600/F4363744-61AF-47B3-A310-87E791F3DA03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3rxixFRbP1DSeIQzH9DkLHNlFrW7wxVO2fY-L6D6pYpkJiUYZS9yW8Z0Jj6GVSfpPKF8NOiX8FuncOrH5DPlpPZrmnNrqw6L1fvMPVKh9D-sEFVRgsEn-ZL9KdHCP00vdkuAwq0YjA/s1600/F4363744-61AF-47B3-A310-87E791F3DA03.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxmXzDx-dCrQcwwOz1Lu7f9E7p0_gbn6M2qB1_agSM4lNtMI5OISl0z5uTdq7hOPhTV3I07CqnbEkSl1r8CU8ElyCXpDL52u-huNmZIHslh8NALAAiNMGTOhZC3rnsRAipBbBgJH63w/s1600/B77969C8-DAA5-4FF4-9D48-E9B75174E710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxmXzDx-dCrQcwwOz1Lu7f9E7p0_gbn6M2qB1_agSM4lNtMI5OISl0z5uTdq7hOPhTV3I07CqnbEkSl1r8CU8ElyCXpDL52u-huNmZIHslh8NALAAiNMGTOhZC3rnsRAipBbBgJH63w/s1600/B77969C8-DAA5-4FF4-9D48-E9B75174E710.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pcQw5N6ovxYJTlYtihcdJsy5y5SAFsxLBh59cLRcWmEwspwmM8nDhNAXW-Jf7508KhJWWaK2N7ZCX4_qO_qbe-fnp-xuXg-bQrowOaWOP_5jbphvJIPucgcnrrcm82nP95cLnw9d6Q/s1600/B59E1064-55AC-405D-B8E6-97F04DE70DAB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pcQw5N6ovxYJTlYtihcdJsy5y5SAFsxLBh59cLRcWmEwspwmM8nDhNAXW-Jf7508KhJWWaK2N7ZCX4_qO_qbe-fnp-xuXg-bQrowOaWOP_5jbphvJIPucgcnrrcm82nP95cLnw9d6Q/s1600/B59E1064-55AC-405D-B8E6-97F04DE70DAB.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoZ4HhLnhBw7r4ywiEt_-iWPW65MAHlb3bKhx0_P-vetFbW_MXrr7NIeDdTzU-KvGzfdiZ4fO0W1unNiabHNKNqhL347oHo-rE50eYOl32zeQBxok8BZhsue6EmOC79cbDtE8QLFd0Q/s1600/2047DA81-05F8-41E2-A575-2BB7ABF37997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoZ4HhLnhBw7r4ywiEt_-iWPW65MAHlb3bKhx0_P-vetFbW_MXrr7NIeDdTzU-KvGzfdiZ4fO0W1unNiabHNKNqhL347oHo-rE50eYOl32zeQBxok8BZhsue6EmOC79cbDtE8QLFd0Q/s1600/2047DA81-05F8-41E2-A575-2BB7ABF37997.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vM1DvY2hD7F9xFz8xgEb3wVkzp5nN1XkdmcHmvV84eiVIEmIdyDZRa7Pr4gv9bo5ztgwmuXgRHbWTOfj5X665chIA3MXfWRYHUPjFj7Q4SxAsIjJcQTVCZER4z1dEzlisnOeMe_wAw/s1600/F70908E9-6245-40EB-AE34-B0C756A066B0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vM1DvY2hD7F9xFz8xgEb3wVkzp5nN1XkdmcHmvV84eiVIEmIdyDZRa7Pr4gv9bo5ztgwmuXgRHbWTOfj5X665chIA3MXfWRYHUPjFj7Q4SxAsIjJcQTVCZER4z1dEzlisnOeMe_wAw/s1600/F70908E9-6245-40EB-AE34-B0C756A066B0.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34uU8UZuu455wQNbm34KLtVvDroRK_d8KNIcfq4O7yoVUAVbsu7vzuMtUL4XWS3IB90g9Lb9ceOHqDXQ87XSkICf93WxLL_Q9TtBD5IOtYATKxmc54lWAkpqUSFz2ryITFVFIQ6wntw/s1600/0DB5FF13-6F35-44B5-8C92-2E3589F34EF9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34uU8UZuu455wQNbm34KLtVvDroRK_d8KNIcfq4O7yoVUAVbsu7vzuMtUL4XWS3IB90g9Lb9ceOHqDXQ87XSkICf93WxLL_Q9TtBD5IOtYATKxmc54lWAkpqUSFz2ryITFVFIQ6wntw/s1600/0DB5FF13-6F35-44B5-8C92-2E3589F34EF9.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOblTHbWJyhCRQnb5TG_fOuERXbOZ2x3CE-79BKdX58zrK90nGXSMuARqFyg1p9OiB5b6w1d4ArxxZrpvB6URs3AT2eXj78PXWsUUgto8m4AtidA-fTxpyXaX-QNJSl0H9kxL0cR5CBw/s1600/7E4C0DFD-2F7A-4EB7-88A8-144AB5242A2B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOblTHbWJyhCRQnb5TG_fOuERXbOZ2x3CE-79BKdX58zrK90nGXSMuARqFyg1p9OiB5b6w1d4ArxxZrpvB6URs3AT2eXj78PXWsUUgto8m4AtidA-fTxpyXaX-QNJSl0H9kxL0cR5CBw/s1600/7E4C0DFD-2F7A-4EB7-88A8-144AB5242A2B.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8W4h4gObTjy0YKWf2uwlXv_aiRacTtjO56l3B0vlKIQUdgGIbjGEF8-tP-MFdrNAe_sD2cfKEzksDmmghbd0ZJ8XcoRNa-nwVY6tOQUYoX2QRMl6MWq7FjiPukkXtfBFNWyMqxfZlQ/s1600/6AE9B492-38D9-4936-8942-FD5A8CD61F25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8W4h4gObTjy0YKWf2uwlXv_aiRacTtjO56l3B0vlKIQUdgGIbjGEF8-tP-MFdrNAe_sD2cfKEzksDmmghbd0ZJ8XcoRNa-nwVY6tOQUYoX2QRMl6MWq7FjiPukkXtfBFNWyMqxfZlQ/s1600/6AE9B492-38D9-4936-8942-FD5A8CD61F25.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm2UC0mO6QJYTERv0noZtDCSBW7Phuh5Z4tU-UPd7kceeikSY0EBoYC72IVxg_8uj70A3Qf2vgVaBAiDf4kw8WU6Iod9moQ0Yegz5-O0khkCmS3geDpgZUyJXTb8tWXwKdhYMS-UasQ/s1600/371AAE3F-AE1E-4603-AD44-C4C3A1C6D36F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm2UC0mO6QJYTERv0noZtDCSBW7Phuh5Z4tU-UPd7kceeikSY0EBoYC72IVxg_8uj70A3Qf2vgVaBAiDf4kw8WU6Iod9moQ0Yegz5-O0khkCmS3geDpgZUyJXTb8tWXwKdhYMS-UasQ/s1600/371AAE3F-AE1E-4603-AD44-C4C3A1C6D36F.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadEybvqo53q7w59_Xr0ZyL-8wXXOIt0mAgdnxRfv2aIRg8aTgo5FQMjujPUxsr950vJCYvmlNaGRWBkbdrKoYpqY_cHiWRvgc2r_vEFKtJGBhZB0GCSnnA_e57uRdkrnfj2730T-zVw/s1600/92463D3A-5C27-40A4-BF75-94A1E0BE0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadEybvqo53q7w59_Xr0ZyL-8wXXOIt0mAgdnxRfv2aIRg8aTgo5FQMjujPUxsr950vJCYvmlNaGRWBkbdrKoYpqY_cHiWRvgc2r_vEFKtJGBhZB0GCSnnA_e57uRdkrnfj2730T-zVw/s1600/92463D3A-5C27-40A4-BF75-94A1E0BE0282.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREPqz7nC05D7MkgFkQQwIS9WgkJLNnDcMw3Cw45vMN9mKsdguT4wIF4bwuHlPC36B2jFzzyqQSgIBvDf3bFhkHv22qQsWD6VXs5pmGacyg8LiY2nOPQO_ZvBVKCOrvHycjWADigbkxw/s1600/D84BCB4F-D2CA-474B-9E6B-396DD532D65E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREPqz7nC05D7MkgFkQQwIS9WgkJLNnDcMw3Cw45vMN9mKsdguT4wIF4bwuHlPC36B2jFzzyqQSgIBvDf3bFhkHv22qQsWD6VXs5pmGacyg8LiY2nOPQO_ZvBVKCOrvHycjWADigbkxw/s1600/D84BCB4F-D2CA-474B-9E6B-396DD532D65E.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMPNtD2aztllIe4Dn7z1CJBK_nK1zUMUqEF1T4QUUcQ_LZ7DbNPxr4UR3fJqpZx3SQckP3kQDbuTGi-g9-twnHBMG1FCj6-RRPNEETbtqyqOqo6-8AHHlvSfdBq4iux5WzW53hJ7nOw/s1600/BE57CBFF-E5C5-4B16-9F54-EB2B1C98D5BC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMPNtD2aztllIe4Dn7z1CJBK_nK1zUMUqEF1T4QUUcQ_LZ7DbNPxr4UR3fJqpZx3SQckP3kQDbuTGi-g9-twnHBMG1FCj6-RRPNEETbtqyqOqo6-8AHHlvSfdBq4iux5WzW53hJ7nOw/s1600/BE57CBFF-E5C5-4B16-9F54-EB2B1C98D5BC.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKEJe1wnYesq4T9E9fMe8KQYSr2G1MhzjlsOzckaBFy3mL_nXmtVk-2vAvCUl1qU8ynqg-OdzQrOPPdlAzPg_b5drKwYupjXmK5wUK5uJTQLCH8zG1bYlzFiT4qV9nBkC0R4VvjXvXA/s1600/2608181B-8268-45A6-A4A3-08ED584FD786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKEJe1wnYesq4T9E9fMe8KQYSr2G1MhzjlsOzckaBFy3mL_nXmtVk-2vAvCUl1qU8ynqg-OdzQrOPPdlAzPg_b5drKwYupjXmK5wUK5uJTQLCH8zG1bYlzFiT4qV9nBkC0R4VvjXvXA/s1600/2608181B-8268-45A6-A4A3-08ED584FD786.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fTW1sFSHtJ8iKhqan3vN8o31KsXQqknANOtBkgjmhPY5BE35Vhcmx0cB4aLfEhcFk4q5VXHbsYWt-sRg281PzWgJWN-lQVVVJVGqQFjAL4B95MUkgtd40dABrIocgwg7MRqrj-SzCQ/s1600/ABA8708B-C529-4BFE-9667-4E33F8C9186B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fTW1sFSHtJ8iKhqan3vN8o31KsXQqknANOtBkgjmhPY5BE35Vhcmx0cB4aLfEhcFk4q5VXHbsYWt-sRg281PzWgJWN-lQVVVJVGqQFjAL4B95MUkgtd40dABrIocgwg7MRqrj-SzCQ/s1600/ABA8708B-C529-4BFE-9667-4E33F8C9186B.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmKrGYXOZOAKvssO3qsOGCb8NXnWoCg_0uIrUZcnGx6GN5kS67jjoq_pXbYIQINqBsJk7USrB1uCsm38zk0H5uVDV-jCtR6nP2k1Vapa1nsF3NFrcXGYHS4g4r5fKapsThhgQZ3Yvag/s1600/1858667B-B2AA-4CF6-B8E9-ACC6BB7A8087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmKrGYXOZOAKvssO3qsOGCb8NXnWoCg_0uIrUZcnGx6GN5kS67jjoq_pXbYIQINqBsJk7USrB1uCsm38zk0H5uVDV-jCtR6nP2k1Vapa1nsF3NFrcXGYHS4g4r5fKapsThhgQZ3Yvag/s1600/1858667B-B2AA-4CF6-B8E9-ACC6BB7A8087.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHnDBBWFLjDAE84ILt_HqUWw1c3wpUrCTFbiBTpJqpM8E2jjuS9HxlrSFk9UfDVFh4YIdWKgFXYmwL8fhZawIBXyono3ipdfkBlgNPkY4lYm1zYNo8lws61cWdT2FilV-WTHpgPKKww/s1600/A1845E29-81F0-40CB-A4A4-228974BA0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHnDBBWFLjDAE84ILt_HqUWw1c3wpUrCTFbiBTpJqpM8E2jjuS9HxlrSFk9UfDVFh4YIdWKgFXYmwL8fhZawIBXyono3ipdfkBlgNPkY4lYm1zYNo8lws61cWdT2FilV-WTHpgPKKww/s1600/A1845E29-81F0-40CB-A4A4-228974BA0025.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbKeuiib-sm8X6gU8-HC3ZXWTlBG9TICvU1iDz8cI4-yd3Rw4Tcd_slcRaDbmB9BNxJiXtWhJTacWR_ZL9u_p_tCTAdzKthIRAjH_k8EuYEhnMh2zcfgqaOdQujwy3K4ynpew8bXOYw/s1600/6FDB6789-CEF4-4106-801F-6709A4F848CE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbKeuiib-sm8X6gU8-HC3ZXWTlBG9TICvU1iDz8cI4-yd3Rw4Tcd_slcRaDbmB9BNxJiXtWhJTacWR_ZL9u_p_tCTAdzKthIRAjH_k8EuYEhnMh2zcfgqaOdQujwy3K4ynpew8bXOYw/s1600/6FDB6789-CEF4-4106-801F-6709A4F848CE.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHYZ1b-RxwP4qcN5pHQ6KSXXwWCQT5af0IaNU5qhWBb-R_TTfKXQsWhvQeAJJ1Z6fOoED2ttqciBhyIEQMVpwQHtc1WM5Mq7XFKqHtUPluz6OES04sPi7Chwm73tMZRfSKz48wxjZow/s1600/DBB3BD4E-0B05-42E7-B37F-EBA7B21E5FF6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHYZ1b-RxwP4qcN5pHQ6KSXXwWCQT5af0IaNU5qhWBb-R_TTfKXQsWhvQeAJJ1Z6fOoED2ttqciBhyIEQMVpwQHtc1WM5Mq7XFKqHtUPluz6OES04sPi7Chwm73tMZRfSKz48wxjZow/s1600/DBB3BD4E-0B05-42E7-B37F-EBA7B21E5FF6.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVFcAuAkZw0BU2w1s0Yiol3qcJF3qAJUR_qxw5sJMWZZSLfqbsBvYmEAgVCL1dw0yzYx6F7u1tK1CAobibXmiYEFU4H47UNgeMVMacaFOl8lYunGPw3zO3gptS0urV0BMB2htHCoJ4g/s1600/Facetune_14-08-2018-15-29-42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVFcAuAkZw0BU2w1s0Yiol3qcJF3qAJUR_qxw5sJMWZZSLfqbsBvYmEAgVCL1dw0yzYx6F7u1tK1CAobibXmiYEFU4H47UNgeMVMacaFOl8lYunGPw3zO3gptS0urV0BMB2htHCoJ4g/s1600/Facetune_14-08-2018-15-29-42.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxmXzDx-dCrQcwwOz1Lu7f9E7p0_gbn6M2qB1_agSM4lNtMI5OISl0z5uTdq7hOPhTV3I07CqnbEkSl1r8CU8ElyCXpDL52u-huNmZIHslh8NALAAiNMGTOhZC3rnsRAipBbBgJH63w/s1600/B77969C8-DAA5-4FF4-9D48-E9B75174E710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxmXzDx-dCrQcwwOz1Lu7f9E7p0_gbn6M2qB1_agSM4lNtMI5OISl0z5uTdq7hOPhTV3I07CqnbEkSl1r8CU8ElyCXpDL52u-huNmZIHslh8NALAAiNMGTOhZC3rnsRAipBbBgJH63w/s1600/B77969C8-DAA5-4FF4-9D48-E9B75174E710.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9nB0mww-Blk7hp5yYrSe4G8f7ks4uLRoTgHLTjWICG6D4cAywbUgBYrvTuX74szciu6qn6iDDjzxaKmjVOdNyjjHUGsMI6K4LsMU1ROmCialv32r_fgJOBrxZv6dPkY9JolRN_2p_Q/s1600/B86EF948-B57C-46CE-B661-A057FF1A4AB4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9nB0mww-Blk7hp5yYrSe4G8f7ks4uLRoTgHLTjWICG6D4cAywbUgBYrvTuX74szciu6qn6iDDjzxaKmjVOdNyjjHUGsMI6K4LsMU1ROmCialv32r_fgJOBrxZv6dPkY9JolRN_2p_Q/s1600/B86EF948-B57C-46CE-B661-A057FF1A4AB4.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtaBjX-oJ38AHOqaPePZrjMzOBXLSh0lCE52Jf4vCs3GUWvikNsAWsbY1IZ3ZvEmdssOwhC-8LblFuJULOnUuxYC3Ly5KHyzWQQz-w_tvnKQN-bSHam4CmH0aDUa4uOd78fUlY5RfSg/s1600/4F85832E-E139-46FB-805A-9C6DBB1DF5B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtaBjX-oJ38AHOqaPePZrjMzOBXLSh0lCE52Jf4vCs3GUWvikNsAWsbY1IZ3ZvEmdssOwhC-8LblFuJULOnUuxYC3Ly5KHyzWQQz-w_tvnKQN-bSHam4CmH0aDUa4uOd78fUlY5RfSg/s1600/4F85832E-E139-46FB-805A-9C6DBB1DF5B5.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadNRYatr8_ORJu_L3vKm8z8tdGuM8fqRSTDOXZ2biB0zuL28kPiMlvoEp4tAb0lMSqsNTlm30HT0m-GJEf8pMuZvsIRtEZFwV2hRgwwNWHySQ4iYvXOWAne375Egu10DAiw1e169DRA/s1600/EB37289E-3AA6-40EA-A744-B58523F18CC0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadNRYatr8_ORJu_L3vKm8z8tdGuM8fqRSTDOXZ2biB0zuL28kPiMlvoEp4tAb0lMSqsNTlm30HT0m-GJEf8pMuZvsIRtEZFwV2hRgwwNWHySQ4iYvXOWAne375Egu10DAiw1e169DRA/s1600/EB37289E-3AA6-40EA-A744-B58523F18CC0.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPuerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico20.8478084 -86.8755341999999920.788449900000003 -86.956215199999988 20.9071669 -86.794853199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-83315677895764743442018-08-03T22:15:00.002-04:002020-09-26T08:41:31.547-04:00Take The Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHH0A_aLNiakxDilQyjL9aPqaZYMKUCF3YXQ4rc3l8MGVb95sq4stAeFIzNPH0GhdaKtCzgEbuidjIOi2_5wWeZP8cdS25uCOh5eqtz3NktW8xr58V_DwWZu6K2vNjBqjthjjKahuNQ/s1600/pexels-photo-1051746.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHH0A_aLNiakxDilQyjL9aPqaZYMKUCF3YXQ4rc3l8MGVb95sq4stAeFIzNPH0GhdaKtCzgEbuidjIOi2_5wWeZP8cdS25uCOh5eqtz3NktW8xr58V_DwWZu6K2vNjBqjthjjKahuNQ/s1600/pexels-photo-1051746.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
My solo vacation is rapidly approaching, and I couldn't be more excited. Ever since my trip to Jamaica in 2016, the travel bug has been biting nonstop. I couldn't ignore it any longer, so a few months ago, I decided to book a three-day trip to Puerto Morelos for mid August. At the time, the big day seemed so far away, but it's finally arrived. Well, I have about a week left, but that's close enough for the real excitement to kick in, and the guilt of purchasing an all-inclusive vacation package on a whim to vanish. Gosh, I hate myself for always feeling so guilty for treating myself to really nice things. Can you believe that at one point, I started to cancel the trip because I began to think of the bills I could pay down/off? I really have to stop doing that; I have to stop beating myself up for wanting to LIVE. I suppose that when you know deep down inside you really can't afford to take random destination vacations, the guilt just gnaws at your soul. But, enough. Enough of that shit. Even if you have to charge it to your credit card, do it. Then, figure out a plan to pay more a month towards your balance. Life's too short. You've gotta grab on to your happiness when and where you can.<br />
<br />
<br />
I've been daydreaming about all the delicious food I'm going to indulge in (the resort I booked has 11 restaurants), all the alcohol I'll be drinking, the mass amount of photos I plan to take, and feeling completely free from all of my worries and stresses, if only temporarily. This next week will be filled with preparing, packing, and getting as much work in as possible at the 9-5. I honestly do not want to think about that place while I'm away. Speaking of preparing, I went and got a bikini wax today, and let me just say that I always forget how painful (and uncomfortable) those things are! Bikini waxes are considered a luxury for me; it's not a service I pay for on a regular basis, but every time I get one, I always feel a thousand times sexier (once I get over the actual pain and awkwardness of it all), so I just might treat myself to one per quarter. <br />
<br />
<br />
A peaceful, relaxing, zen atmosphere is just what the doctor ordered, and I am truly looking forward to this little getaway. I'm working on a vacation playlist, and of course, I'm going to share it soon! No vacation is complete without a personalized playlist for those moments when you just want to kick it on your hotel balcony with a bottle of wine and your portable speaker (note to self: don't forget the portable speaker).Unknownnoreply@blogger.comColumbus, OH, USA39.9611755 -82.9987942000000239.571838500000005 -83.644241200000025 40.3505125 -82.353347200000016tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-34464233687276679212018-02-07T00:00:00.001-05:002020-09-05T00:03:59.284-04:00This One is for Dilla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIsjOzA9tEzDq1t6GzgbLLTC0_M6KLdYiax-zrnbLvUmPrIuL_Vg-TYVbfrFRjW3BYXHcLiDBu_0odHjuwgmVyPsmD4VI4zhs3yTYJsc9AYBwghuNZ185JgHQ7KG9NTgful6_XbkCRA/s1600/J-Dilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIsjOzA9tEzDq1t6GzgbLLTC0_M6KLdYiax-zrnbLvUmPrIuL_Vg-TYVbfrFRjW3BYXHcLiDBu_0odHjuwgmVyPsmD4VI4zhs3yTYJsc9AYBwghuNZ185JgHQ7KG9NTgful6_XbkCRA/s1600/J-Dilla.jpg" /></a></div>
J. Dilla changed my life. Let me explain.<br />
<br />
I remember the very first time I heard Slum Village's 'Get Dis Money' and ‘Climax’ on the radio. It was the very top of the summer of 2000, back in my hometown of Detroit where I resided at the time. It was such a huge song at radio, and even more special because Slum Village was one of the city's own (shout out to Conant Gardens). My introduction to that song instantly made me want to hear more from this group of guys. Their official “first” album, Fantastic, Volume 2 (there was a Fantastic Volume 1 LP, but it wasn't officially released until years later) was released that same summer, and since I'd already fallen in love with the songs I heard, I knew that I had to make a trip to the store and buy the full album. It was everything I thought it would be.<br />
This is not an exaggeration; Fantastic, Volume 2 is literally one of my absolute favorite rap albums ever, simply because nothing else on the radio sounded like it, so it was very unforgettable. But more importantly because it was a phenomenal body of work that really represented hip hop in a way that was very authentic; nothing about it was contrived. These guys didn't sound like "newbies," and I credit Dilla for that. He was truly something special, and I learned this very early on. Also, the album was released during some of the most indelible times of my life, so I associate that album heavily with certain periods of my late 20s because boy, were those some memorable fucking moments, let me tell you.<br />
Slum Village was still considered somewhat underground at the time, so I still found myself putting people up on them, which is something I really love to do - I love putting people up on to good ass music.<br />
By this time, I had a permanent seat on the Dilla train, and there was no getting off. I then began to pay more attention to what other projects he was associated with, and it was such a pleasant surprise to learn that he'd already worked with some of my favorite artists - D'Angelo, who appeared on FV2, Erykah Badu, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, and Common.<br />
"Oh, so people AREN'T sleeping on Dilla. Oh! This is great!"<br />
So, at this point, I became completely obsessed with all things Slum Village, but specifically J. Dilla. It went from me learning the verses to my favorite tracks on FV2 (which, let's be honest, was all of them), to being able to finally identify their voices on each song. T3 and Baatin never went unnoticed, and I believe that the three of them were the perfect union, but Jay Dee always stood out to me, and I don't think it had anything to do with the fact that he produced the music, but his verses were always my favorite. His rapping style was very understated. Simplistic, but flossy. He never tried too hard. He didn't have to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WWAoF_SVB6XpCrfELV4JSZiWNvretVaLOisk3rOQ6pTC4cMCkHJnZRcjuBvlIUSlOlUFdomAShmILx6koZZ6oJyKVW0KELTID55eeYjBmCvFAw8NqSz6uf-19Vu1-z932jHMNu2Rog/s1600/dilla-and-madlib.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WWAoF_SVB6XpCrfELV4JSZiWNvretVaLOisk3rOQ6pTC4cMCkHJnZRcjuBvlIUSlOlUFdomAShmILx6koZZ6oJyKVW0KELTID55eeYjBmCvFAw8NqSz6uf-19Vu1-z932jHMNu2Rog/s1600/dilla-and-madlib.png" /></a></div>
Madlib (left) and J. Dilla.<br />
<br />
So now, The Best Kept Secret EP is released shortly after, and I run to the store to buy that too. Years pass, and the love for Dilla continues to grow. I still played FV2 as if it had come out a week ago, and then, BAM - Jaylib's 'Champion Sound' is released. Jaylib was my official introduction to Madlib, who would later come to be in my top 5 favorite producers ever, and who I plan to one day meet and enjoy a nice bottle of white wine with, as well as a day of listening to his favorite records, but that's a dream for another time.<br />
Dilla was the "Jay" of Jaylib, and Madlib was the "lib." A flawless marriage it was. From there, I began to really get into samples, and I started paying attention to the music. For me, it was all about the music, and how it made me feel.<br />
When Donuts was released, it was one of those albums that spoke to me on a spiritual level. It was released on his birthday, 12 years ago today. Sadly, just three short days later, on February 10th, he would pass away at just 32 years old, after battling a rare blood disease. I don't know - it was something about his passing, and the fact that he was literally on his death bed working on this album that makes it that much more important, and that much more special to me. I will always hold this project the closest to my heart. It's one that I'll never listen to without getting emotional. There’s something to be said about having died doing what you love.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD0t_jJmi26Qt06U3fZHCepCAZcLtjjkaMNiMz-6qb3DS0W10wowDtV6HBT7vwUc2vLMnbEpJGRnOE9GXBqhmNnYFmwtFBryhhtgHTNBS4xlXnkR1w7WcM4-elmfwxL1V_c1_INB40g/s1600/dilla_wide-64587398697b980e25c99471210bc79ffca1a9bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixD0t_jJmi26Qt06U3fZHCepCAZcLtjjkaMNiMz-6qb3DS0W10wowDtV6HBT7vwUc2vLMnbEpJGRnOE9GXBqhmNnYFmwtFBryhhtgHTNBS4xlXnkR1w7WcM4-elmfwxL1V_c1_INB40g/s1600/dilla_wide-64587398697b980e25c99471210bc79ffca1a9bd.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">J. Dilla changed my life.</span></div>
He forced me to listen to music in a way that I never had before. It was because of him that I became interested in what songs rap artists were sampling. I never cared that much about it until I became a fan of Dilla's art. Not only did he make me appreciate music on an entirely unexplainable level, but through him, I've discovered so many of his friends/peers that I had never known before him - Madlib being one of them. <a href="http://www.nowagainrecords.com/egon/" target="_blank">Egon</a> being another. Between the three of them, I became exposed to a whole new world of music that I didn't even know existed, and a completely different way of<em> how</em> I listened to this music. Very few artists have had that effect on me. J. Dilla changed my life.<br />
I am a student of music and a passionate listener of it. I LOVE music. I spend hours discovering music by artists I've never listened to a day in my life, and even more hours curating playlists, then sharing these playlists with any and everyone who's willing to listen to them. It brings me an immense amount of joy. I don't just listen to music to pass the time; music is a tremendous part of my life, and to be able to have conversations about Coltrane and Monk and Fela Kuti and Sun Ra and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj04d1h0NUE" target="_blank">Gap Mangione</a> and Donald Byrd and The Impressions and Ahmad Jamal - it's all because of J. Dilla and the people he has connected me to in spirit.<br />
Happy birthday, James. You are a national treasure. I love you. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. <br />
Enjoy some of my playlists dedicated to Dilla, like my <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sauvignonelle/playlist/3jVZeW9gkyqtQGvTszIOJD?si=NsfWVamYSRaQi_4C3bpo5w" target="_blank">Madlib & J Dilla Original Samples playlist</a>, or my <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sauvignonelle/playlist/5qMITZrAn3vWgBxEMrA5Xt?si=DRj6_PSFRTSKb6gG9cm6RQ" target="_blank">samples playlist solely dedicated to his Donuts album</a>, and my <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sauvignonelle/playlist/5Oa0qAa6TKvxogigs3qQXa?si=NSqftZg6S5SXdRP0w2ie_A" target="_blank">personal Dilla playlist</a> which features his music, along with the music of those he's produced for, and even some dedications thrown in the mix. For a bonus, check out my playlist of <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sauvignonelle/playlist/4gPMpnWHkVOihYJVXPhK3C?si=9nwi0dGJSzWkKFXTeURCGg" target="_blank">Egon's personal picks</a> that I curated based off all the gems he posts about on his social media accounts. Speaking of, you should probably follow him on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/nowagain" target="_blank">Instagram</a> if you're into learning about good music and good wine. He's an enthusiast of both. I hope you enjoy and discover something you love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-16812388361488032972017-11-24T20:32:00.001-05:002020-09-04T23:56:23.875-04:00Take a Picture<div class="image-gallery-wrapper">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYtxzPiTOaM-3FGMRTfBepD5ZYmurX0XDxOWwY7xL1WPNZo-q52Z2Q9hRJIBNngFf7kQc4br8HvF7Sx6DjNHhiSdAcCGqeEhNweSAT5GgkPkqUMgdJNw5-rbtQZH3i4Dm6m0c_bbI_w/s1600/me2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYtxzPiTOaM-3FGMRTfBepD5ZYmurX0XDxOWwY7xL1WPNZo-q52Z2Q9hRJIBNngFf7kQc4br8HvF7Sx6DjNHhiSdAcCGqeEhNweSAT5GgkPkqUMgdJNw5-rbtQZH3i4Dm6m0c_bbI_w/s1600/me2.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTPYdgFG6RHMb_DvgK_aBH7AyvboBxSROskagArFTCslEx2j1RyX4NzdhpxAbSQlUTLuT-7Cx6ASSkxLeIibqkdtZPacBo5wiiydU09JOii8hD_-X375lzVPBGuvaHe8y9ZRJK-gX1g/s1600/IMG_4833.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTPYdgFG6RHMb_DvgK_aBH7AyvboBxSROskagArFTCslEx2j1RyX4NzdhpxAbSQlUTLuT-7Cx6ASSkxLeIibqkdtZPacBo5wiiydU09JOii8hD_-X375lzVPBGuvaHe8y9ZRJK-gX1g/s1600/IMG_4833.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06QPXouQJV6WF-7qlQJmkB-o297p_jdGxxZOrVhm0gOwRtk-nVmO499074CvBHJbgFUWIOSDL4VAe22mQ9umQwl_ZZM2PJpJFVz5l2ctu0RpjVvLSPKs3jlmqHSA0Fu9j1Wve4Uq-pw/s1600/me3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06QPXouQJV6WF-7qlQJmkB-o297p_jdGxxZOrVhm0gOwRtk-nVmO499074CvBHJbgFUWIOSDL4VAe22mQ9umQwl_ZZM2PJpJFVz5l2ctu0RpjVvLSPKs3jlmqHSA0Fu9j1Wve4Uq-pw/s1600/me3.jpeg" /></a>“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”</div>
</div>
<figure><br /> <figcaption class="source">— Ansel Adams</figcaption></figure>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-85199956752489896212017-08-23T23:46:00.001-04:002020-09-05T00:15:43.914-04:00For The Quintessential Music Lover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuMfdvjGjAQqYIFh2jbMfslXO00HrcmoEiD4RLESwvI0Av-1lmQFwac8-_OMvFc_byoaR2KFuH7WYtmCYAIK4eR2F5TFBoOsLdlh9FTBfvwZzkEZJylhugQI4YA7DtuCkvLtrezGAVA/s1600/dancing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuMfdvjGjAQqYIFh2jbMfslXO00HrcmoEiD4RLESwvI0Av-1lmQFwac8-_OMvFc_byoaR2KFuH7WYtmCYAIK4eR2F5TFBoOsLdlh9FTBfvwZzkEZJylhugQI4YA7DtuCkvLtrezGAVA/s1600/dancing.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
I grew up in a very musically inclined household. My mother and aunt sang in the choir and played the organ (my mother has a Hammond organ in her living room to this day), my brother is a musician, and my sister listened to literally every genre of music, so much so that it became the "thing" in our home. Our thing. Most black kids grew up with parents who primarily blasted soul music for hours on end, but in my house, every genre was a staple. There was a lot of gospel, a lot of classical, a lot of rap, a lot of country, and a whole lot of rock 'n roll. I think this is where my passion for music began to develop and evolve into what it is today. I've always been curious about other genres of music because it was instilled in me at such an early age, and I always held that part of my childhood close to me. The memory of it is still so clear.<br />
Music is gumbo for the soul. This playlist is for the truly sophisticated music lover who can appreciate a dash of Labi Siffre's Bless The Telephone followed by a cup of Queen's Cool Cat, and a sprinkle of Digable Planets's most underrated album. It's a melting pot of beautiful music that speaks to every ounce of your soul, and seeps deep into your pores. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did curating it. You can listen <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sauvignonelle/playlist/6CijZdQpSlVVe3Xj74PnoY" target="_blank">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comOhio, USA40.4172871 -82.90712300000001334.2261071 -93.2342715 46.608467100000006 -72.57997450000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-43350194162289942572017-06-26T21:55:00.001-04:002020-09-05T00:12:59.892-04:00Mobb Deep: The Original Recordings Playlist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72oVKyLsR_WrX_qz-LMkX8cEL7JfsDfoxIXlJS0O0-yWT7SqGAe495KSjq1M1A-mH7g584-GYAh4Sc-04944lRqYrxM0v9Ha-Di50ev0td2U0x77Ux8-UnPd8-LNd-GvXpmbzuwGV1g/s1600/prodigy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72oVKyLsR_WrX_qz-LMkX8cEL7JfsDfoxIXlJS0O0-yWT7SqGAe495KSjq1M1A-mH7g584-GYAh4Sc-04944lRqYrxM0v9Ha-Di50ev0td2U0x77Ux8-UnPd8-LNd-GvXpmbzuwGV1g/s1600/prodigy.jpeg" /></a></div>
Albert "Prodigy" Johnson (1974-2017)<br />
<br />
A few days ago, we lost one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of my favorite people of the culture, Prodigy of legendary New York rap duo Mobb Deep. As a music enthusiast through and through, this hurt me to my core. Mobb Deep is one of those groups that holds a permanent place in my heart and life. The Infamous was the soundtrack to a lot of unforgettable memories of my 20s. In fact, every Mobb Deep album between '95 and '06 was on my list of favorite rap albums of that time. In terms of east coast rap, Prodigy and Havoc are the cream of the crop. They were a part of that original collective of MC's that shaped the gritty, street style that has become synonymous with New York rap. This is a huge loss for hip hop, for music in general. I've literally spent the last week immersing myself into nothing but Mobb Deep albums, Prodigy's solo work, even original recordings sampled in their songs. I always celebrate my favorite artists, living or dead, on their birthdays and/or the day of their passing. It serves as sort of a ritual for me. It fills me up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrR72twwAjJ_zjNQi5TjXQv5SuIX2uP_kcyCi8vCHMhMaZJM08QVbYq9vhEDDrqh4s_P56CTXLw0-4zZ0xo3rahaP09p4816hGsGBGQKyaLds9Z49ydgwegbWLOlGYcewIF407tsoBw/s1600/miles.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrR72twwAjJ_zjNQi5TjXQv5SuIX2uP_kcyCi8vCHMhMaZJM08QVbYq9vhEDDrqh4s_P56CTXLw0-4zZ0xo3rahaP09p4816hGsGBGQKyaLds9Z49ydgwegbWLOlGYcewIF407tsoBw/s1600/miles.jpeg" /></a></div>
Miles Davis, Bitches Brew<br />
<br />
In honor of P, I've decided to curate a playlist of timeless songs that were sampled on Mobb Deep's projects. From Miles Davis's Bitches Brew, to Bobbi Humphries's Blacks and Blues, to Herbie Hancock's Jessica, to movie scores from Scarface and Foxy Brown, this playlist is definitely a mood and has the spirit of Mobb Deep all through it.<br />
I didn't fall in love with the art of sampling until around the very beginning of the 2000s, and ever since, I've turned it into an adventure. It's such a dope way to discover classic songs from prior decades, that is, if you're not already hip to them. I love old school music to the core, so putting this playlist together was a special moment, even more special because of Prodigy. If you're a fan, you will enjoy the guessing game of figuring out which Prodigy/Mobb Deep song the sample was featured in. You can check out the playlist <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sauvignonelle/playlist/5PI6oiIzVFwiXAbevHM2gn" target="_blank">here</a>. And if you just need your MB fix, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sauvignonelle/playlist/4MmynhuIk4FlNi7LGX2AVK" target="_blank">I got you there too.</a><br />
Rest in peace, P. Your legacy will live for eternity. We love you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-2657131067098453772017-06-14T20:29:00.001-04:002020-09-05T00:19:25.060-04:00Bisous, Carletta G.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-qCqps1_3rgLLhoZB-Td7PPZoj5ZGoM-Gsyg3Q2dKH1NygY6WDjbcdMYXw1_HMQg-KljoZb0ndXnUEEnnj8AqifO5sWrxBX05mMvict_J6pCjzqbXO4ubEo9nPOVCDP_0u4WzzczEg/s1600/carletta.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-qCqps1_3rgLLhoZB-Td7PPZoj5ZGoM-Gsyg3Q2dKH1NygY6WDjbcdMYXw1_HMQg-KljoZb0ndXnUEEnnj8AqifO5sWrxBX05mMvict_J6pCjzqbXO4ubEo9nPOVCDP_0u4WzzczEg/s1600/carletta.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“I’ve been in DC for almost a year. When am I going to wake up and like go-go music?” </blockquote>
<br />
I met Carletta many, many moons ago on a blogging platform that, to my knowledge, no longer exists, and over the years, we've cultivated a really genuine bond. You know that you've officially let your guard down with a person you've met online when you finally give them your telephone number and mailing address so that you can become a standing member on their list of people they send Christmas cards to. We met in person last year when I had to travel to DC for work, and it was honestly one of the highlights of that summer.<br />
If you happen to follow Carletta on social media, then you might have picked up on her charm, intelligence, wit, her love for her cat, Shiro, and her mastery of extreme shade (yeah, I said it). You may have also noticed her love for photography - a hobby that has turned into a full blown lifestyle for her.<br />
Carletta took a few minutes out of her day to chat with me about her new job, marriage, and food.<br />
<strong>BE: </strong>Who is Carletta?<br />
<strong>CG:</strong> I am a wife, a sister, a daughter, a God-mom, an aunt. A nurturer who loves to laugh. A self-admitted sugar addict and a pop culture connoisseur.<br />
<strong>BE:</strong> I'm really proud of you for pursuing your passion and actually turning it into a career. When did you realize you could make a living as a photographer?<br />
<strong>CG:</strong> Did I realize this yet? LOL! In all seriousness, not until late last year did I really start to say to myself, "I can make this happen; it's GOING to happen for me."<br />
<strong>BE: </strong>Your enthusiasm for photographing clients is inspiring. What do you love most about your job? What are some of the challenges of being your own boss?<br />
<strong>CG:</strong> I love being around people. I love to make people laugh and I love getting those moments when my clients think that no one else is watching, but my camera is pointed right at them. The biggest challenge is being disciplined. When I have down time and I'm not shooting, I have to take care of the business side of things and constantly be working toward my next gigs.<br />
<br />
<strong>BE:</strong> Let's talk self-care. What are some of the things you do to de-stress?<br />
<strong>CG: </strong>I journal, and for a while was keeping a daily gratitude list. I try to read because it's calming, and I spend time in the company of people who center me.<br />
<strong>BE:</strong> You are a damn good cook - not that I've ever tasted your food before, but I'm pretty good at making assumptions. What is your favorite dish to cook? Care to share a recipe?<br />
<strong>CG:</strong> THANK YOU! My favorite dish to cook is probably my husband's favorite - chicken with israeli couscous, and spinach and feta (<a href="https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1741073" target="_blank">here is the recipe</a>). I'm definitely one of "those" cooks though, so I don't flour the chicken, I season it with the things we love (lemon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, poultry seasoning), and I use chicken thighs. Also, I almost always double the recipe so there are leftovers. SO good.<br />
<br />
<strong>BE:</strong> What do you love about yourself?<br />
<strong>CG:</strong> I love that I really do care about people, and I try to do unto others. I also think I have a big heart and when I love, I'm all in, 100%. I also really like my smile. :D<br />
<strong>BE: </strong>You've been married for a really long time. What do you think the key is to maintaining a long-lasting partnership?<br />
<strong>CG:</strong> Saying what you mean, what you need, and what you want. I ALWAYS say I never try to make my husband guess what I'm thinking or feeling. Also, marriages are NEVER perfect, and so you have to be able to ride the wave of good and bad; it takes a certain elasticity in order to go the distance.<br />
<strong>BE:</strong> What do you love most about being a woman?<br />
<strong>CG:</strong> EVERYTHING. What would this world be without us? We are honestly the glue that holds everything together!<br />
<strong>BE:</strong> Do you have a favorite quote?<br />
<strong>CG:</strong> "All you need in this world is love and laughter. That's all anybody needs. To have love in one hand and laughter in the other." - August Wilson<br />
Follow Carletta on <a href="https://twitter.com/carlettaisgreat" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/carlettathegreat" target="_blank">Instagram,</a> and her <a href="http://carlettagphotography.com/" target="_blank">photography blog</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-33676243420328848172017-05-04T20:39:00.001-04:002020-09-05T00:11:06.547-04:00Cultivating Habits: Morning Rituals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7urhSGbT4yRyygh6jlX5ul1iC3ebXcRKKhqMOntkVmX2MBG50xly2VIvx-YvFN_7M55jY7u3LonUmovFwJQAAbDDA2nuEXv3yeL6tabU4XaaPO27pordd-Y93JfHPHV0CvMSLGby39w/s1600/pexels-photo-169589.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7urhSGbT4yRyygh6jlX5ul1iC3ebXcRKKhqMOntkVmX2MBG50xly2VIvx-YvFN_7M55jY7u3LonUmovFwJQAAbDDA2nuEXv3yeL6tabU4XaaPO27pordd-Y93JfHPHV0CvMSLGby39w/s1600/pexels-photo-169589.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
Do you have any morning rituals? Are there specific practices that you incorporate into each morning that set the tone for your day? I've never really thought about creating a morning ritual, perhaps because 1) I hate making plans and 2) I know that I would probably only entertain it on the weekends; however, I guess that's okay too. To be honest, I'm quite the cranky one on weekday mornings and I'm totally okay with admitting that. I'm not the person who wakes up to read the paper or have a cup of coffee two hours before she has to be at the office, no.<em> </em>I'm the person who hits the snooze button at least twice, which means I never wake up early enough to do anything but shower, watch an episode or two of Frasier while grabbing the first pair of jeans and tee shirt I can find to throw on, and rush out the door for work. And please - for the love of God - do not try to converse with me before 11am. That's just criminal.<br />
Weekday mornings just aren't my thing.<br />
But then, the weekend arrives, and it's like a sudden burst of energy and appreciation for the 48-hour break from a stressful work week hits me, and I'm ready to enjoy every minute of it at my own pace. The weekend literally pumps new life into me. I love waking up early enough to soak up the morning stillness. It's so calming to walk into my living room and have a seat on the sofa, and just appreciate the silence.<br />
Because weekends are so important to me, I thought that maybe I <em>should </em>create a mindful morning practice, and dive into a few of my favorite things to get my day started.<br />
<strong>Light an incense or burn Palo Santo and Sage</strong>. One of my newest rituals. I enjoy the smell as well as the reason behind smudging. As the sage and/or palo santo is burning, I make sure to open my windows and walk from room to room, while releasing a few positive thoughts into the universe.<br />
<strong>Read a chapter or two from my current favorite book.</strong> I picked up a new book today - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Empaths-Survival-Guide-Strategies-Sensitive/dp/1622036573" target="_blank">The Empath's Survival Guide</a>. I am a true empath (I wrote about it <a href="https://www.bisouselle.com/blog/2016/10/theres-beauty-in-empathy-and-sensitivity.html?rq=empath" target="_blank">here</a>), but reading this book truly confirms it for me. I'm definitely going to enjoy it throughout bits and pieces of my weekend.<br />
<strong>Prepare a breakfast smoothie</strong>. I have been trying to cultivate the habit of including healthier foods in my diet. Smoothies are nutrition-packed, so starting my day with one is super beneficial to my mind, body, and soul. I am still in trial mode as to the ingredients I add to my smoothies, but I've recently incorporated chia seeds and acai. I've tried coconut water as well, and was pleasantly surprised. Preparing smoothies on the weekend mornings hasn't been something I've done consistently, but starting now, it will be.<br />
<strong>Stretch</strong>. Even if it's for 3-5 minutes. I need to make this happen. I'm no spring chicken, so I need to keep these muscles flexible before I begin to feel older than I am. We can't be having that.<br />
<strong>Quick meditation.</strong> I love using the <a href="http://www.calm.com/" target="_blank">Calm</a> app for their guided meditations, and even though I typically meditate in the evenings before bed, I want to start a quick mindful session on my weekend mornings. Truly, 5 minutes is all it takes to put that positive spin on your day.<br />
What are some of your morning rituals? I'd love to know.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-19495650172532154892017-04-03T21:57:00.001-04:002020-09-05T00:17:42.385-04:00This Week's Intentions<div class="image-gallery-wrapper">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8j9LIs49sjhUr1pG-mMOKQNTVH8nLJC_5B8Yx4f3_Dv1RUmtmRcij_DnBa8F9d49Zlb-mwmGgwgaW-GG4x0_XhisGEj_BhXnIyEgQ5m799nZOd31lLXFJDjd1BGnOvnkVFjZ9NVgiMQ/s1600/IMG_1472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8j9LIs49sjhUr1pG-mMOKQNTVH8nLJC_5B8Yx4f3_Dv1RUmtmRcij_DnBa8F9d49Zlb-mwmGgwgaW-GG4x0_XhisGEj_BhXnIyEgQ5m799nZOd31lLXFJDjd1BGnOvnkVFjZ9NVgiMQ/s1600/IMG_1472.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I took a trip to Oakland Nursery in New Albany, OH after work because I wanted to check out their stock of terra-cotta clay pots. The last time I visited, it was still pretty cold out, and their supply was limited, so I was really looking forward to the weather breaking so I could visit again and see their spring stock. I love coming to this place. I always find myself pulling my phone out to take photos every time I'm here. All the greenery and plant pots make me giddy.</div>
I've been thinking of some things that I want to accomplish this week. Nothing major or groundbreaking, but just some small things that can make a huge difference in how I move through my days.<br />
<strong>Focus</strong> on one book at a time. I have so many books that I've yet to read, but all of a sudden, I've become interested in reading them all - at once. I will literally pick up a book, begin reading it, and 15 pages in, decide to start on a new book. Surely I'm not the only person who does this. Please tell me at least one of you has a habit of doing this too, so that I won't feel like a crazy person.<br />
Right now, I'm back and forth between <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Company-Women-Inspiration-Artists-Entrepreneurs/dp/1579655971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491268759&sr=8-1&keywords=in+the+company+of+women" target="_blank">In The Company of Women</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Badass-Doubting-Greatness/dp/0762447699/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491268730&sr=8-1&keywords=you+are+a+badass" target="_blank">You Are a Badass</a>. I almost feel like I am capable of reading both of these together. I can do this, right? Okay, so scratch my original thought. I'm going to focus on <em>two</em> books at a time.<br />
<strong>Meditate</strong> everyday this week. Even if it's just for 10 minutes, I'm going to make it my mission to put that time aside to clear my mind and escape from all distractions. Speaking of, don't forget to download <a href="https://www.calm.com/" target="_blank">Calm's</a> app so you can take advantage of all of their premium content for free on April 5th.<br />
<strong>Stay calm</strong> during stressful situations. Because I have a stressful job due to unbelievably needy coworkers and no one following procedure, this intention can prove to be very challenging, so we're gonna pray on this one. I can admit that my fuse is short, and it doesn't take much to set me off. I need to work on that. Every situation doesn't require my energy. Life is about learning yourself, and knowing what to give your energy to and what doesn't deserve it.<br />
<strong>Have some fun</strong>. I don't like to make plans, so I never know what's in store for my weekends. I move about based on my mood. This past weekend was all about hibernation, so I may enjoy some laughs this weekend with my good friend here in Columbus. Here's hoping for nice weather because I'm currently daydreaming of sipping a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc on <a href="http://www.theoldetownetavern.com/" target="_blank">The Tavern's</a> patio. I just might have finally found my Cheers here. The vibe is so chill and laid back. Every time I go there, I feel right at home. And it's definitely a place I can go to alone, which says a lot.<br />
Have a glorious week, and don't forget to take time out for yourself. <em>My daily mantra.</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-89789507074451322592017-03-31T20:52:00.001-04:002020-09-05T00:17:18.206-04:00Current Mood: Bilal - I Really Don't Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-dgeTr3lPeJVLNtA1NsJZxsDPlgJOciWGEU24TzN0AuYVc07V4A8UNhPJsJ_ZdTONIubj1JN2oDJLNMoASDZIFP339HE-q3VbI4dcG3FdWoMqVJhqU1A7Lnj9rMYanE_SzmWV6N_xQ/s1600/bilal-i-really-dont-care-video.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1052" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-dgeTr3lPeJVLNtA1NsJZxsDPlgJOciWGEU24TzN0AuYVc07V4A8UNhPJsJ_ZdTONIubj1JN2oDJLNMoASDZIFP339HE-q3VbI4dcG3FdWoMqVJhqU1A7Lnj9rMYanE_SzmWV6N_xQ/s1600/bilal-i-really-dont-care-video.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y9CixV4hSak/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y9CixV4hSak?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Oldie, but goodie. And when I say oldie, I mean, the <em>new </em>version of oldie. You know the millennials LOVE calling anything older than two weeks a "throwback." So, this song is ancient in millennial world.<br />
It's from Bilal's 2015 LP In Another Life. My favorite track from that album. God, I love him.<br />
Happy Friday, and happy weekend. Don't forget to do something nice for yourself, or indulge in something you love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-36592821720983612152017-03-18T18:29:00.000-04:002017-03-18T23:46:27.507-04:00...and Then I Went to Chicago, Pt. II: Quartino<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvPlZTEGUAIUi_MlwGfVU2AyjnEs7e-9_PWbJwj5qBNdLSl_BYcoS6LPRpNLhUx5FijGzdt9p9Wm__9JsIoQCdd-3SyzLBumCO85JLumECcN3_JmcAJxeICCVdxuNsq-Wf_CFhemQbA/s1600/quartino3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvPlZTEGUAIUi_MlwGfVU2AyjnEs7e-9_PWbJwj5qBNdLSl_BYcoS6LPRpNLhUx5FijGzdt9p9Wm__9JsIoQCdd-3SyzLBumCO85JLumECcN3_JmcAJxeICCVdxuNsq-Wf_CFhemQbA/s1600/quartino3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my favorite moments of being in Chicago this week was experiencing the food. The best part of traveling in general is discovering pieces of that city that you don't get to experience in your hometown. It's almost criminal to go out of town and eat at a restaurant that's located where you live. My boss and I did our best google searching to find a restaurant with good reviews and within walking distance from our hotel. We came across <a href="http://www.quartinochicago.com/" target="_blank">Quartino Chicago</a>, an Italian restaurant and wine bar in downtown. There was such great energy in this place. It was pretty crowded when we arrived, so we thought we would have to wait a while for a table, but ended up finding two seats at the bar right away. Sidenote: bar seating is kind of my thing. I don't know, there's just something about it, and it's not because I'm closer to the alcohol. I just feel as if it's the most happening spot in any restaurant. You're in the middle of all the action.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd0Yxth-CDE2YsaFJu7tWD8mBto0AU3w7qJlb4rbdg5x4zuLoTdRLo3n6ycSFq4hp_WhwV-sWVK75UbsXioKTaxfsVcVzBOSX5i_Sw7Km_d28JUiaTRs-66OEl1VK4z_CYtPaOEUOeQ/s1600/quartino1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd0Yxth-CDE2YsaFJu7tWD8mBto0AU3w7qJlb4rbdg5x4zuLoTdRLo3n6ycSFq4hp_WhwV-sWVK75UbsXioKTaxfsVcVzBOSX5i_Sw7Km_d28JUiaTRs-66OEl1VK4z_CYtPaOEUOeQ/s1600/quartino1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We ordered a bottle of a white wine blend - Chardonnay + Pinot Grigio, chatted more than we ever have, and quietly judged the super drunk guy sitting next to us. When you're not even able to hold your piece of pizza without it falling from your hand, it's time to call it a night. Dear friends, don't ever let me get to <i>that</i> point.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aside from drunk guy ruining the aesthetic, the ambiance in this place was perfect, the decor was rustic and vintage, and the food and wine were scrumptious. We both enjoyed the fettuccine alfredo, mine with shrimp. I literally daydreamed about that food days later, and regret not going back a second time while I was there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMWC3-FPCsEcncLR2dtMXiqGLAIyxfBz81o39foqbDnK-bscWlzgqHDc9B-TDjshYKGWKms_EQckUC5K2QmIubVD5xHhDcZjuC6GaaezNEx7uAVwakf9LBQYhl86YsZOCHLDolcc2MA/s1600/signquartino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMWC3-FPCsEcncLR2dtMXiqGLAIyxfBz81o39foqbDnK-bscWlzgqHDc9B-TDjshYKGWKms_EQckUC5K2QmIubVD5xHhDcZjuC6GaaezNEx7uAVwakf9LBQYhl86YsZOCHLDolcc2MA/s1600/signquartino.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Check out an interview with Quartino's executive chef and founder, Chef John Coletta, by <a href="https://acookscanvas.com/2013/09/27/interview-with-chef-john-coletta-of-quartino-ristorante-in-chicago/" target="_blank">A Cook's Canvas.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.prouditaliancook.com/2011/05/small-plates-long-conversations-at.html" target="_blank">Proud Italian Cook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/QuartinoChicago" target="_blank">Quartino Chicago's Twitter</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1684317178484499702.post-20096330031091469132017-03-16T20:02:00.000-04:002017-03-16T22:25:10.563-04:00...and Then I Went to Chicago, Pt. I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3-iO7XoxTjPk0elJeB1FcjFaHLwsERdFM1FlK0Uk52KumdecBeIQzl2g8wAxx75Th-NJ8lPtxn6w4Q0OPnfMYotBBdUZ5Fw2clmNkpzFaeDoQJzY1Ad0L-AhxR5-G_zVz4jx7dBFtg/s1600/chicago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3-iO7XoxTjPk0elJeB1FcjFaHLwsERdFM1FlK0Uk52KumdecBeIQzl2g8wAxx75Th-NJ8lPtxn6w4Q0OPnfMYotBBdUZ5Fw2clmNkpzFaeDoQJzY1Ad0L-AhxR5-G_zVz4jx7dBFtg/s1600/chicago.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: left;">I remember a time when I used to dream about having a job that would allow me to travel. I thought it would be something I'd absolutely love, and don't get me wrong - it really does feel good to spend other people's money, but to be honest, traveling for work isn't all it's cracked up to be. Maybe I shouldn't say that; maybe I should say that it depends on who your employer is. Or maybe I should say that it's a timing issue. In my case, traveling now was just bad timing. I've been so busy at work ever since one of my team members went on maternity leave, and if you could see all the work I have to juggle on a day-to-day basis, you would totally get it. Going to a three-day conference in Chicago was challenging. But, I found a little bit of joy in between the mini inner meltdowns. It can be overwhelming because you're working even when you're not working. It's as if the office fell apart soon as I became physically unavailable. Definitely a needy bunch, those coworkers of mine. </span>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa7lH2SPcn0FOEqFrVBux1Ea9Kogzfh0R2TGZnwX9C4NK1srIDKj9kJ8d6CRgGh47bWUctYmbLaYVdVqeZFnLUp6_vWY9yshaoTCPKS3yzFy9VT8fk2VxNS-WPMDDecbajyzTJhfUbA/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa7lH2SPcn0FOEqFrVBux1Ea9Kogzfh0R2TGZnwX9C4NK1srIDKj9kJ8d6CRgGh47bWUctYmbLaYVdVqeZFnLUp6_vWY9yshaoTCPKS3yzFy9VT8fk2VxNS-WPMDDecbajyzTJhfUbA/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXFw96OW30lPB0JwfyDq1tpyf9sTEoEPz_MOPSTdesRR0fjmwlFOaMTiPy24IHECQp-gjHwLDpW1JR9_rwFIZnzgtqJWGsdWeTkjxlqIHIUVKoUAR-iuJQBjRh3sZksAh1qH_PeonTg/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXFw96OW30lPB0JwfyDq1tpyf9sTEoEPz_MOPSTdesRR0fjmwlFOaMTiPy24IHECQp-gjHwLDpW1JR9_rwFIZnzgtqJWGsdWeTkjxlqIHIUVKoUAR-iuJQBjRh3sZksAh1qH_PeonTg/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" /></a></div>
Now that I've gotten my complaining out of the way, let me just say that <a href="http://www.danahotelandspa.com/" target="_blank">The Dana Hotel & Spa</a> is one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed. I LOVE boutique hotels, and even nicer because I didn't have to pay for it. I was super spoiled for the past three days, and as lovely as the room was, I wish I could have brought some of the features of it back to Ohio with me. Floor-to-ceiling windows with an amazing view, stunning wood flooring (do I always talk about these things or what?), a <i>fancy shmancy </i>shower situation with views of the bedroom, a fully stocked mini-bar with all the wine, and I do mean all of it, comfortable robes with matching slippers, and all the necessary cable channels that my heart desired.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbZoYbaiqCpjZq4r3utuLoxq86CDHIp1a8IetBYhtDPBiZI2STeXM24YSGdBJq6thCCWdLUVcwTAwKnBRel7pFLoAAPQUgs2KTv85mavk_r9oSlsb9UwsyK2WRdN2SVzHNzFGK2h8NQ/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWbZoYbaiqCpjZq4r3utuLoxq86CDHIp1a8IetBYhtDPBiZI2STeXM24YSGdBJq6thCCWdLUVcwTAwKnBRel7pFLoAAPQUgs2KTv85mavk_r9oSlsb9UwsyK2WRdN2SVzHNzFGK2h8NQ/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLVFiTOz8TqzbdDHtm5wsmyjI7j6TuKncpl28xD2cCO72vfIaKNjmMqPmtUZVMMHcu42zrwuztVHDZvmYMmj0xXxea0BOGAoMIdn0rwPTkUXdMzwBUx3OFgI-lvvaYwPI4MNiBQ_NFA/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLVFiTOz8TqzbdDHtm5wsmyjI7j6TuKncpl28xD2cCO72vfIaKNjmMqPmtUZVMMHcu42zrwuztVHDZvmYMmj0xXxea0BOGAoMIdn0rwPTkUXdMzwBUx3OFgI-lvvaYwPI4MNiBQ_NFA/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew0GJtONISF9ik2Fw8jdYmyMYDuqpF_QECSnUZHgDNiSdhdseEaUAg01o2vp0DQ7ryu0ahcwAWWkFgQ8_RnXTm-Mt3eIAxv70YmSS7U3Ys7fsVynIB1JMVLJOVEH6XzcxRRUZKTFvkg/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjew0GJtONISF9ik2Fw8jdYmyMYDuqpF_QECSnUZHgDNiSdhdseEaUAg01o2vp0DQ7ryu0ahcwAWWkFgQ8_RnXTm-Mt3eIAxv70YmSS7U3Ys7fsVynIB1JMVLJOVEH6XzcxRRUZKTFvkg/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_p9NYn_-DU814BrB37MVQ1aTUu8OjxEj0v8SbhZC6z68DEtwv8kUsZXGJxk3LlfHev9RgMQWeQHqU5qLnsYZ2lP5OJBWqm7sUDGL5HeWXs5uo4mIX_yUaLlcb2t_YhRXudsUECKBrw/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_p9NYn_-DU814BrB37MVQ1aTUu8OjxEj0v8SbhZC6z68DEtwv8kUsZXGJxk3LlfHev9RgMQWeQHqU5qLnsYZ2lP5OJBWqm7sUDGL5HeWXs5uo4mIX_yUaLlcb2t_YhRXudsUECKBrw/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFC8CLz3o923TzeR-a157WyuKWM7i1QcJEcPtShob2nVYfANfmuFhMkfZgrtvty56FUyA_aYma0L2Rm1bOr477mtMcmvLtBuAlpVDSllPQl3YYCd29jN9Q4eITJ6YVUtFRp16SnORYg/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFC8CLz3o923TzeR-a157WyuKWM7i1QcJEcPtShob2nVYfANfmuFhMkfZgrtvty56FUyA_aYma0L2Rm1bOr477mtMcmvLtBuAlpVDSllPQl3YYCd29jN9Q4eITJ6YVUtFRp16SnORYg/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKOkXRdcT8UsWwdHBQciux5WUuyR0R20EUhQ6emfk5YzGZrbCXaCFzEd9SGlhYS6oJJJOoqV82lUg3AMhlr1vMRAaDeLgLdvSkFjvWKk8FF5ZHJ7lw0-QL4MQ9SD5JR4FFG0csTYkSw/s1600/IMG_1129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKOkXRdcT8UsWwdHBQciux5WUuyR0R20EUhQ6emfk5YzGZrbCXaCFzEd9SGlhYS6oJJJOoqV82lUg3AMhlr1vMRAaDeLgLdvSkFjvWKk8FF5ZHJ7lw0-QL4MQ9SD5JR4FFG0csTYkSw/s1600/IMG_1129.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif3C_6EqZM5Tyf8g3Z-ZNPxOOgykWYPJXFuyl00vzCeNmpsD8Ev2dUJKSS97TicC9vr911h9LBJG2Noin1RzXephXneCuHmmpKVd8zkcRy7rV9njfQdNtwfywBSK8Eo8wjpo_XMVLpw/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif3C_6EqZM5Tyf8g3Z-ZNPxOOgykWYPJXFuyl00vzCeNmpsD8Ev2dUJKSS97TicC9vr911h9LBJG2Noin1RzXephXneCuHmmpKVd8zkcRy7rV9njfQdNtwfywBSK8Eo8wjpo_XMVLpw/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAW2PNZ1RjUOmZ6nTod5BwqTbTLz76AejQAYbVWHP3Hr4Ns5q0WXYhxhXNzDOHJjDlu3S19xzevho4WNws9-2IOBVrfyEOR21B_ZePN9wpafGYuiAsXqhcit0Ls3xMBSx6kAdLaR1yg/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAW2PNZ1RjUOmZ6nTod5BwqTbTLz76AejQAYbVWHP3Hr4Ns5q0WXYhxhXNzDOHJjDlu3S19xzevho4WNws9-2IOBVrfyEOR21B_ZePN9wpafGYuiAsXqhcit0Ls3xMBSx6kAdLaR1yg/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ekSDIwCNakAy39p8SFx4Z7ah__qcZg5NITzH-LpT8wf4fA8YF1QRzQVOusUIDNY_puPxKaVLr21nGA1D8o1g6q6G3jUSWEkn4w7h4s-SGMINsrjeRtvtwXY5tKETyG79hDHnrpmAUw/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ekSDIwCNakAy39p8SFx4Z7ah__qcZg5NITzH-LpT8wf4fA8YF1QRzQVOusUIDNY_puPxKaVLr21nGA1D8o1g6q6G3jUSWEkn4w7h4s-SGMINsrjeRtvtwXY5tKETyG79hDHnrpmAUw/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" /></a></div>
I also got to experience the United Airlines Lounge. What. a. treat. I felt like a member of some top secret elite club. This was new for me, as I am not as frequent a traveler as my boss (above), so it was super cool to enjoy this perk. It was a relief to escape the normal chaos of the airport. Oh, that's just us enjoying a morning glass of wine (being an adult is so fun sometimes). Speaking of my boss, the man can drink. He literally kept me drunk since Monday. It was almost as if it were a race to see who could drink the most wine. Of course he won. He could drink me under the table. This was our first time traveling together, and I already knew that he was a good time, but this trip confirmed it. He's got way more energy than I will ever have.<br />
<br />
I wish I could have explored more of the downtown area, but work consumed my brain and my body this entire trip. The last time I visited Chicago was 2003, so this time around, I saw it with an entirely new pair of eyeballs. Downtown Chicago is life. It's so alive, and beautiful, and there's so much to see and do. And eat. Oh, the food. We'll talk more about that in part II of this post. I look forward to going back, but for leisure. Total leisure.<br />
<br />
Downtown Chicago photo credit: <a href="http://www.allegrochicago.com/chicago-loop-hotels/the-loop/" target="_blank">Allegro Chicago</a><br />
All others taken on my iphone 7 Plus<br />
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 42px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com