Happiness

Happiness in its true form comes when the heart is open, and the weight has been lifted. 

I believe that past experiences have helped shape me into who I am today. 

I believe that growth comes from learning, experiencing and facing fears. 

Today I let go.

It felt good. 

"That feeling that never goes away..... JUST DID." 

- Ellie Goulding -

Colored Claustrophobia

It's true. My favorite colors are salmon, mint, and mustard yellow. It's been that way for quite a few years now, and if I could just paint myself up right nice one of those colors, we'd be golden... but, it didn't happen that way. Not even close.

I will start at the beginning.

I have this need for adventure, right? This adventure I was about to embark on embraced MANY colors. So my dream of being one color (like salmon, mustard or mint) was out of the question. But one can't be truly with just ONE color, can they? OH NO, not in my book. The more colors, the better. Bring on the colors. So it began. In Spanish Fork. On a hill. At a Hindu Temple. It was the most glorious rendition of the rainbow the eye has every seen.

It was like Christmas, with a splash of claustrophobia. Why do I mention this? I will tell you. Amongst all the lovely colors and charming souls, powder filled my lungs and nostrils with heaviness and a cloud of death. It was Deja Vu. This wouldn't be the first time my body has met the floor due to fainting, and the loud shouts of commotion drown down to mere whispers. I couldn't let this strange physiological response take over my soul.. so, I kept my camera rolling, careful not to miss a beat (or splash of color, for that matter). And all of a sudden, it was magical- colors went everywhere, music serenading the falling colorful powder, dusting people with its' radiance. Ah. Exhale. It's over, and I am now a shining colorful blob! Wahoo! This is a special day to ring in the magic of Spring. Thank you Festival of Colors. Bless your temple of colors. 

Sorry salmon, mustard or mint. I couldn't commit to one of you, so I settled for all.  It just feels good to be multicolored.

I daresay this is beautiful defilement, yet simplistic artwork. 

Grab some popcorn, and enjoy this short film of documented imagery and narrative, brought to you by a girl who loves her colors. And adventures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFV8MOs4WFI

Odds & Ends

As I listen to the melodious, enchanting voice of  Trespasser's William (one of my favorite musicians), I am reminded of all those blessed memories I have experienced throughout the years - much of what I will expound on in a wee bit.

To recap, I am almost done with my 2nd semester of Graduate School.. yay! It is going by so fast! I am already thinking of where I want to be upon graduation. There are so many perks to being in the Junior High.. I think that's where the heart is. It is for me, anyway. So, for now, consider me a runner up for the next Junior High Counselor position!

Also... I just have to get this off my chest. Please consider it a weak link among the majority of this post. My friend Liz got me STRANGELY addicted to the Bachelor. Yeah, yeah, it's reality TV, therefore it should be banned. Right? Wrong. Something about these trashy women trying to win over this humble, redeemable man captivates my soul. Do I find the Bachelor Sean attractive? No. BUT.. hear me out. He has a good heart. Do I think that the two finalists Lindsay and Catherine are winners? No. Oh well. Guess that's the breaks of exuding all this crazy and unnecessary energy into this overrated show. Curse you ABC. Curse you. (oh, but thanks Liz for allowing me to justify my Tuesday nights watching 2 hours of TV).  Oh, and to top off the ice cream sundae with a cherry, I have ANOTHER confession. Yes, it's true. I did, in fact, submit an application to be a contestant on the next season of the Bachelor. No one bribed me.. no one dared me. I did it out of the goodness of my heart. When all the hysteria leaves my body, I will realize what a  HUGE  mistake I made. But, for now, I believe in taking risks, and showing absolutely no shame. For that, I don't feel embarrassed. At all.

So, now that I have that "addiction" out of the way, I will now focus on the primary reason for this post. I wish to rekindle the well known lyrics sung by Julie Andrews: Favorite Things, and pair it with Things I Am Missing Right Now.

 #1: 

I miss Asia. 

 #2:

I miss Taiwan.

 #3:

I miss the tomboy days.

#4:

I miss creeping around.

#5:

I miss standing in line to try a world famous cheese steak.

 #6:

I miss riding a bike on the East Coast

#7:

I miss Maplewood, New Jersey

 #8:

I miss spending ridiculous amounts of time playing with luggage carriers in airports

 #9:

I miss getting photographed with "strangers"

 #10:

I miss playing dress up and acting crazy with these little cuties.

 #11:

I miss traipsing the streets of NYC - and getting lost :)

 #12:

I miss family trips in the van

(bummer, I can't find a photo of the BLUE CHEVY VAN)

 #13:

I miss running away on trains

(at least I didn't miss my stop!)

 #14:

I miss the sunshine

 #15:

I miss the fighting days

#16: 

I miss days filled with chivalry and careless banter

Oh yeah, Aaaannnddd, I miss you, MAUI. Got back a few weeks ago.. and my tan is already starting to fade. Blast your coldness, Utah. Can't you be more like Hawaii? More people would claim you as their beloved home state if you took some tips from the land of pineapple, mangoes, beaches and palm trees.

Remembering Grandpa

My dear Grandpa left our family on Veteran's Day- December 7, 2012. It was no coincidence. Grandpa fought bravely in WWII and had a passion for serving his country. 

I have many fond memories of Grandpa. He will be missed dearly. But I will see you again, Grandpa.

"For I dearly love to laugh..."

No one word could sum up my love of the world. 

Here are some of my traveling memoirs.

Oahu, Hawaii

Who loves a good view?

 I do. 

That is why I packed my bags and set sail (actually boarded a plane) for Oahu. 

I was lost, but now am found. 

I'll be back. Don't worry.