"That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself is changed, but that our power to do is increased." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Or so they say!
It’s worked for me before, so here we go again.
I must admit, I haven’t been happy really at all. My life isn’t what it was a year ago. In some cases – great! In others – not so wonderful.
I’ve really been thinking about what I’m missing. And here’s my list..
..being creative. Solution: get creative again! More photos and more writing.
..being in nature. Solution: I’ve already been walking a couple times this week. That shall continue!
..learning. Solution: I’ve started an herb garden, peeps! Basil, oregano, sage, rosemary, & thyme (I think). Haha! Even remembering who’s out there is a step.
..exploring. Whether it be the city or some new adventure. Solution: Go. Do.
In conclusion – not that I really wrote home about much this post : ) – somethin’s gotta change. That is my mission and it begins this week!
The best quote of the week ..by far. Yoga was my much-needed escape this week. Sometimes my escape is running, but this week it was definitely yoga. And the place was Bull City Yoga. With Ali as the instructor. It was a whole hour and fifteen minutes of complete Me Time. Away from worries and stress and concerns and thoughts. It was my break. I hear people tell me all the time how they never get a break. They rarely (if ever) take time out for themselves. One thing massage therapy taught me, and yoga reminded me, is that you have to take time out for you. You’ll burn out and crash if you don’t. So this is one thing I’m going to work my hardest at incorporating in my life. And I’d encourage you to do the same : ) In the long run, it’s an unselfish thing. People love you and need you.
I’m thankful for: Yoga, and class with Ali!
B.
One of my favorite Maine plates, which seems to fit today.
Oh! And peeps ..I found another blog to follow! Courtesy of Ash & Cole Gorman (their site is blestphotography.com) & the new one is (www.autumnharrisonblog.com). This couple is a DJ/photographer duo!! How stinkin’ cool is that?!
“Enthusiasm finds the opportunities, and energy makes the most of them.” – Henry Hoskins
“A true critic ought to dwell rather upon excellencies than imperfections.” – Joseph Addison
“I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.” – Socrates
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” – Lao Tzu
Last week I spent some catch-up time with my friend, M. We visited Blend Cafe in Durham in the Golden Belt (which I didn’t even know existed before that day). I kind of knew a part of the Golden Belt, but I just didn’t know I knew. I’m confused, show of hands – who’s with me?! So I’d been to this place called The Scrap Exchange before, but because I entered the parking lot a different way, I was unaware of what awesomeness also existed in this chunk of the town. There’s Blend, The Cotton Room (a great event space), The Scrap Exchange, Liberty Arts, artist studios, a yoga studio, & a host of other venues. After lunch at Blend, we were given an unofficial tour of a few other locations. We ended up taking pictures on the dock – we were goofballs! Hope you enjoy our results!! ALSO – thanks to M, I now know that Obladi Oblada is a song by the Beatles. Yes, my music knowledge has improved immensely in recent years, peeps. Here’s a video of the song!
There was also one day where I spent the better part of an afternoon with my bfrand. I’ve seen many-a-day with this lady. It’s rare to find one (let alone two..my second person being my guy) person who gets you & has had a similar life path. Thanks to A&P (anatomy and physiology) I met this awesome chick and we’ve been together ever since. This particular day, we ventured to Cocoa & Cinnamon in downtown Durham. A pretty neat spot off Geer St. Where I was fascinated by this place called Motorco down the street. I still don’t know what was written on the sign some guy was standing next to..that will probably bother me for weeks. We visited Daisy Cakes before they closed (love their desserts!). It was B’s first time there. She approved : )
We wandered around downtown for a bit after that with Baby (my camera) in hand. We caught some pretty neat shots! One of my favorites is the one looking down the track. And it only took about 50 tries to get our reflection picture, but we did it! I could not imagine my life without this girl! Everyone should have a B in their life.
The next day, my cat and dog were especially clingy and looking so cute, so I got Baby back out. I went for a brief and freezing walk that morning and noticed how our flowers were starting to bloom outside. When the sun peeked out a bit more, I took Baby outside and clicked the shutter a few times.
It was nice to have a bit of free time last week & enjoy it with some special peeps!
I am thankful for: friends & pets!
B.
A Bull creation outside Liberty Arts..way cool!
The dock
My gift from M – a necklace with a map of Maine!!!
Yes, I really did include “dreamy” in my post title. You would too if you had my December.
One of the most honorable mentions is to my dearly (now broken) ring from the Thanksgiving trip. It was purple and pretty and now it’s in tiny pieces. Sad. Just sad. Thank goodness I took pictures!!
This month I was also introduced to many “Elf on the Shelf” characters. One in particular was named Elfie. M’s first elf on the shelf. He was so cool! I had to help Elfie fly on a couple of occasions. Hehe. The story that comes with Elfie (or whatever you may end up naming your elf) is so sweet. I actually managed to get a picture of M reading the story the last week I nannied for him.
December was a sad month in that aspect. Nannying and massage therapy school came to a close. Both on high notes I must say. Watching M was such a joy. There were many tears unleashed that last week. I don’t do well with goodbyes..to say the least.
On a brighter note, if I allow myself to brag for a moment about school, I’d mention that I managed to have perfect attendance for an entire year and a half, was on the President’s List each and every quarter, was Student of the Quarter, & made so many memorable connections with such great people! I also took and passed my MBLEx before leaving to Maine for my incredible New Year’s trip!
There were more crafts!! M and I decorated a Christmas tree..of sorts. Thank you, Target!! We also got window decals – a train set for M, and penguins for me! I’m such a kid!
Which worked well for me once more when I babysat J & R for a couple days! We made faces out of these mask kits they had. I made a silly elf face!
Gifts were exchanged, platelets were donated, more memories were made, and so were cookies!! Christmas came and went. This year was harder than any other Christmas. I spent it apart from my boyfriend and everyone everywhere seemed to be a bit sad.
Not to worry! New Year’s was just around the corner to save the day! And so was an airplane to take me back to Maine! My first day there, I was introduced to Lenny, a 1700lb chocolate moose!! More places to be mentioned in January. I’ll leave you with these ramblings for now.
I am thankful for: giving, Christmas trees, achieving goals, Target, New Year’s, Maine.
There were many events in November! I donated blood early on in the month. I love the ladies over at REX! I also discovered my blood type, which was pretty cool for me. And I got a sticker!!
Paker and Otis was on the “visited” list. I discovered some reminders of Maine while at lunch that day..namely, a little lobster!
There were more crafts in November also. M and I made a turkey out of a Solo cup and construction paper. It was awesome! My boyfriend and I also ended up making our own Christmas trees out of felt – Best. Michael’s. Trip. Ever. So much fun! It’s pretty awesome to be able to shop with someone who shops like you do. Haha!
Thanksgiving was spent in Maine. I had so much fun! There was a visit to the Longfellow house, a walk around the golf course (complete with finding 52 golf balls), a painted puffin in Portland, 2 cent bridge, & a second visit to Fort Halifax. I’ll hop on my soapbox once more to say this – if you’re fortunate enough to spend the holidays with your special someone, appreciate it. Make a special effort and let them know how much it means to you. Hopping down now.
November also brought a photo shoot of sorts for M for their family Christmas card. We had so much fun! It was an awesome learning experience too in having a photoshoot with kids. A day or so after this, we discovered a Winter train exhibit at the Museum of Life & Science. It was so cool!!
I am thankful for: planes, reminders of Maine, craft stores, memorable moments and the photos that capture them.
Trips..Holidays..Crafts. October had many memorable moments!
First up..my first trip to Maine wasn’t over until early in the first week of October. Other places we visited included: Samantha Reed Smith statue, Maine State House in Augusta (so cool!), & Old Fort Western. The places were incredible, weather was awesome, and company was the bestest! I also was unfortunately reminded of how hard some goodbyes can be. This is my PSA: if you’re with someone who is your most incredible person, tell them. Show them.
A few weeks after the Maine trip, there was a beach trip with my dad’s company. So fun!! (I should mention I got a movie date with my daddy during this month too!) We went to Corolla and were able to stay in an incredible house on the beach! It was called “The Dream” and so lived up to it! There were wild horses, pool tables, great conversations, glo necklaces, and UNO!! On the way home, we even got to stop by Kill Devil Hills! I hadn’t been there in 10 years!
The month of Halloween – probably the holiday I least look forward to. But last year it was fun. M and I made crafts for the occasion all month long! We also had some random baking & drawing days. Love that kid.
The very last day of the month, I trekked it out to Fearrington Village. Such a cool place! They were decked out with decorative pumpkins! My mom created her first scarecrow – and it won the competition at work!
All-in-all, October was a pretty great month.
I am thankful for: family, the beach, wild horses, cameras, phones, & paint.
To the heroes.
To the fallen.
To the brave and fiercely courageous.
To the ones who are still here to feel pain on this day, and everyday for the ones lost.
To remembering and never forgetting.
“Happiness is a direction, not a destination.” – Unknown
“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” – Aristotle
“Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it.” – Bill Cosby
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
So there’s this thing called the CowParade going on in the Triangle. There are nearly 80 cows decorated by various artists placed throughout the area. From what I understand, this is the first CowParade in the US to have been placed in an area and not just confined to one city.
M and I found 9 today in the area close to the Durham Bulls Ballpark. We took pictures of 6 and saw 3 more on our drive home. M really enjoyed seeing them! We even passed 2 moms with their little ones while on our cow hunt. Seems to be a popular idea!
I am thankful for: art.
B.
One of my favorites!
Wild for Bees (Burt’s Bees) in the background, & Night-N-Day up close. The only 2 we thought we’d get to see.
“Inspiration grows into full-scale creation through persistence and imagination.” – Carol Lloyd
If camera lenses are round, why are all the pictures square ? – @LifeQuestions
“Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.” – Charles Kettering
You know you’ve been to Lala Land a few times! It’s ok to admit it. Throughout most of the day, I caught J&R zoning out & taking unplanned trips to Lala Land. Too funny! But the minute I brought up this Lala Land, they looked at me as if I was from another planet. “What’s Lala Land?” I think I’m the oldest 21 year old I know, but I’m just beginning to realize it! I know many pop culture references from before I was born & I shock people with my knowledge (or use it to entertain myself and my mom on roadtrips!). My kind is a rare breed, but I’ll take it! And own it. Which brings me to the pictures I found in one of the books we read today..on being different.
I am thankful for: diversity & quirks.
PS: YOGA TOMORROW!!! SO EXCITED!!! You should join me in the Bull City! http://bullcityyoga.com/
B.
I was running so ahead of schedule this AM that I had time to stop for a photo of the morningness!
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Eliot
“One’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
“The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Humans are divided between those who can still look through the eyes of youth and those who cannot.” Dave Eggers
“It’s one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it’s another thing to make a portrait of who they are.” ~ Paul Caponigro
If you can name where the title tune came from, we can be friends! We could probably still be friends even if you don’t know [or like] the song, but my Disney knowledge may just become a bit irritating. : )
Speaking of knowledge, I’m choosing to relish in my delight of being honored with the Student of the Quarter award. : ) The ironic thing? [My life is terribly ironic, but those moments make for laughable memories!] Due to the fact that the awards ceremony slipped my mind combined with traffic on 40, I missed the Massage Therapy section of the awards. I was late to my own 30 seconds of fame! The faculty & students were very kind and shouted congratulations as we passed one another. [I love my little school!] A huge “thank you” to the teachers in my program and my classmates who help me daily to become a better me!
On a totally unrelated note, I’m obsessed with Ancestry.com! Like entered so much info that I had 41 new leaves in under 20 minutes kind of obsessed. (41 is a lot!)
I am thankful for: bubbles.
PS: Did you know just how amazing bubbles are for holding the attention of children? (and me) They are awesome! Besides the fact they are fun, you can turn them into a science experiment, or a way to get kids moving.
girlmeetscamera 