Last of Summer

            

Here we are again, September. 

My eyes weep for past memories of my Father and little Sister, 

while I try and smile thinking about the incredible summer that has blossomed around me.  

It is always difficult to say goodbye, even though I know that it is the only way to move on.

This New Moon is a Solar Eclipse in Virgo, said to open a doorway into the new. 

If change truly is the only constant in life, now is time to tap into that frame of mind. 

Unplug and Connect

The past summer months have been soaked with outdoor adventures, music, and friends.

As a creative person, I find so much of my energy is given away. It can be difficult to find a life and work balance. Taking time away to recharge is a luxury that is often times overlooked.

How do you recharge? What gives you energy?

These questions are some of the more difficult for myself to answer.
 It is easy for me to ask others what they want and then deliver on the goods. That is how I work. However, when I ask myself what I really want or need - it feels overwhelming!  

With all the ways we are digitally connected it is easy to feel that you are always on call. There are emails, phone calls, and texts that never end. It becomes all encompassing and exhausting. 

It is empowering to be able to walkaway from the screen. 
The most precious thing you can give someone is your time and attention. 
To unplug and consciously make time in order to connect with what feeds your soul is not just a luxury, it is something that every human being needs from time to time.

The following short film offers more ideas of how offline is becoming the new luxury.

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Murano, An Island of Fire & Water

I found myself feeling especially comfortable on the island of Murano. 

It is a charming island known for the glassblowers that had been exhaled from Venice in 1291.

To this day, the glass artisans are the main attraction to the island.

I found the slower pace and less crowded walk ways to be just what I needed after a long trip.

I enjoyed myself so much here, I decided to stay a while. You will never guess what else I discovered on this island of fire and water. I look forward to sharing my visual gems from adventures in

Murano, Italy with you!!

A City On Water

Venice, a city of mystery covered with reminders of a time long past.

This is a moody place where fog covers a maze of narrow water lined streets.

Old stone buildings seemingly float on water and rise to meet the seabirds flying over head.

This is a land of boats and bridges that seems to be decaying elegantly into the sea before your eyes.

Though there is tons to see in Venice, I could not stay here too long 

with so many other islands to discover I was ready to hop on the next boat. 

Next stop the island of Murano.

Finding New In The Old

Exploring old art was the reason I wanted to travel in Italy. 

I was surprised to find myself enjoying the new street art that has magically appeared.

Art has a voice that is louder than words.

It is amazing to find so much inspiration just walking along the street.

Trouble In Paradise

You are having fun, relaxing and enjoying your vacation....then you notice something is missing.

You retrace your path, you ask everyone around, you remotely call your number,
but nothing turns up.

What happens when your cell phone goes missing abroad???

1. Contact your service provider. They can lock your phone & report the IMEI number.
2. Change all internet passwords.
3. If you have Google accounts, Device Manager can try to erase your phone remotely.
4. Then, it is time to make a police report.

Take a deep breath.

 Remember, people have traveled without GPS and Google...you can too!
It is actually an eye opening opportunity to see how reliant we can be on a device.

Learn From My Mistakes - Before You Leave On A Trip;

1. Turn on the tracking feature on your device. 
2. Activate lock screens on your device and applications.
3. Set a limited amount of password attempts.
4. Physically write down all important contact information.
5. Print out maps to hotel locations and reservation information.
6. Delete any sensitive information and saved passwords.
7. Back Up All Photos using a cloud application.

I hope you never have to deal with loss of your possessions while traveling.
 Sometimes life happens and it always good to know what to do.
It is a wild and wonderful world, don't let snags hold you back from enjoying all there is to see!

Dark In The Light Of Florence

It is interesting to see the reminders of death in a city that is so alive. 

This makes me think, without dark we would not appreciate light.

This life is not one that lasts forever, we must drive ourself to obtain our goals.

 

Make the most of your day.

Find a way to appreciate the past while moving forward towards your dreams.

I look forward to sharing more of this Italian Adventure with you!