"bathing" beauty: Bath, England

     Today was the day I had been looking forward to all week!  Bath had been on my list of "places to visit" since visiting England on my first go-around.  Unfortunately though, I was unable to work the journey into my schedule during my second trip across the pond, but as they say: "third time's a charm"... or in my case, third trip's a charm!  I woke up early, boarded a train from Paddington Station and was on my way!  And may I just say, I was not to be disappointed!

 Overlooking the "Great Bath" inside the Roman Baths (with Bath Abbey in the background)

Bath water... literally. :)

 Stopped in for a visit to the Jane Austen Center (Centre)

Picturesque Avon in Bath.

     The history and beauty of Bath is beyond comprehension, and I'm so happy I made it a priority to visit on this adventure abroad.  To my beautiful friend Sarah (a.k.a. "the biggest Jane Austen fan I know"), the only thing that could've made my visit more enjoyable would have been to have you there experiencing it with me! 
     Tomorrow... fabulous food and fashion while out-and-about in London.   
XOXO ~Cheers!

Wizards, Monsters and Writers, too!

     Just a few of my recent in-London adventures include:  a day trip out to Oxford to see the first-ever "Quidditch" World Cup (for die-hard "HP" fans) with teams from the U.K., U.S., Austrailia, France, and Canada;  a visit to "The Eagle and Child" pub where legendary literary greats, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis (a little group known as the "Inklings") once met to discuss their latest writings; and a phenomenal concert by the group, "Of Monsters and Men" at London's Scala music and arts venue (one of the best live shows I've ever been to).  And I'm just getting started........

Rachael and I taking the field, broomsticks in hand!

Lunch at The Eagle and Child; feeling very scholarly.

Allison and I, front and center, at Scala, ready to hear "Of Monsters and Men"!

FYI:  they sounded as great live (even better if possible), as they do recorded!

More to come soon... XOXO...

~Love from London.

LONDON calling!

     Let me begin by sending a big "HELLO" from across the pond!  I arrived in London two weeks ago, and the rush of Britain has swept over me like a surfer riding an A-frame wave on the North Shore.  Fish and chips, scones and tea, Dr. Martin's, and those friendly "mind the gap" reminders: each bringing realization to my senses that I am actually back in one of my favorite places in the world!  If you can't tell by now, I am hopelessly in love with London, England.
    

     When I got the news that I was selected to serve as a student mentor (or "RA") for the same study abroad program I went on as a student back in college, I was beyond excited!  Not because it's "THE" city to be in this summer (what with this little thing known as the "Olympics" going on), and not because I was looking for a vacation.  I wanted to go back because, well, I love it here (...I am truly British at heart), but even more so, I wanted the chance to encourage other students to grab every opportunity this amazing city has to offer!  The 5 weeks back in 2009, that I lived in London for the summer, was the greatest experience of my college career.  I not only learned a great deal from the lessons ("the Appeal of Harry Potter" was my course-- :) SO awesome!), but I grew as a person, becoming stronger, less fearful, and more independent.
     Since arriving here two weeks ago, it didn't take me long to get settled back into the "London lifestyle".  I welcomed the cool weather, and even the everyday rain showers couldn't put a damper on my being back!  And just this past weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity to journey back out to Paris, which also turned out to be the weekend of the French day of independence: Bastille Day!
     On the night of Bastille Day, all of Paris turned out, spilling into the streets and grounds under the Eiffel Tower to see the phenomenal fireworks show (seriously, the best I've ever witnessed).  To have the chance to experience this amazing sight was one dream that I never imagined, but am so thankful to have had.

 

      I'm now back in London and having a wonderful time with the students.  On Thursday, I have the day off, so I'm thinking of finally making my way out to Bath to see the Roman Baths and visit the Jane Austen Center. (Sarah- I really wish you were here!)  But for now... it's time for bed.  I may have quickly adapted to being back in London, but as for the 6 hour time difference from home... that's another story.

~XOXO... and of course, CHEERS!  :)

Chances.

     Chances.  They're what makes life worth living.  What would life be like without them?  Chances are opportunities.  Chances are a second go.  Chances are worth taking. 

      It's not by chance though, that Five for Fighting's hit song, "Chances", is one of my all-time favorites.  Every time the melody sounds from my ear-buds, I feel as if I'm walking to the beat of the "Soundtrack to My Life". It was during my run a few days ago, that the song popped up on my Ipod, and I found myself thinking just how important chances are in life.  Without chances, we would never get to experience the "chance of a lifetime", nor to "take a chance" to live on faith and leap!  And could you imagine a life without second chances?  A life where the first shot is all you get and there's no do-over's and times to make right?
     Life is not perfect, or mine isn't anyways!  I've had several chances to experience many opportunities, but I've also had chances, which I thought I couldn't live without, taken away.  I'm grateful for all the chances I've had to say "I'm sorry", and am humbled and thankful for the greatest chance of a lifetime:  to live for the Savior who died to give me the most important second chance ever given.
      As the song goes, 

      

"Chances are waiting to be taken, and I can see...
Chances are the fascinations,
Chances won't escape from me.
Chances are only what we make them, and all I need." 

  Thank goodness for chances... of all kinds.

  Five for Fighting, "Chances"

A 'good for you' kind of "donut"...

    I'll forever never again look at a donut the same.  I've always tried to stray away from the sugary little boogers when it comes to my diet, (and many times haven't found myself so successful, I might add) but after today, I'll forever look at these little sweet treats in a new light.  Why the sudden change you may ask?...
    No; there hasn't been a new scientific declaration that the famous fried dough with the hole in the middle is the newest way to shed a few pounds- (don't we wish?)!  In fact, I'm actually not talking about the kind of donut we like to eat at all!  Instead, this so-called "donut" is one that is good for you!... as in, good for the soul. :)
    Hearing stories of those who have explored the world and all its' wondrous places is always so awe-inspiring to me.  Being someone who prefers living out of a suitcase rather than calling Buckingham Palace home... (well, on second thought... I joke, I joke!), I am always looking to explore and see as much of this big world as I can while I have the opportunity.  So today, when I stumbled upon writer, photographer and traveler: Ms. Barbara Weibel's blog, "Hole in the Donut", I was at once blown away by her beautiful writing and moving pictures!  I've posted the link to her site here so you can enjoy "traveling" with her, too!  This is one blog that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to embark on a journey of your own!  Bon Voyage!

  Edinburgh, Scotland (summer 2009)

"TFF"... a dream come true.

     Can I just start by saying "how great is our God?!"  I give Him all the praise and the glory, for it is because of Him that this post can be written....
     A lot has happened since I wrote last... including me coming "home", catching up on my zzz's, reading three different books all at once, and spending some quality time with my family and closest friends before beginning my next adventure!  But before any of this, let me go back and share about my latest "dream come true."

     The Tribeca Film Festival was by far one of the most fascinating jobs I've had the opportunity to be part of since beginning my freelancing production career.  I not only met one of the most beautiful and loving friends I've ever known (Carrie V... you have a heart of gold and a personality that shines just as bright!...), I also learned invaluable knowledge that I know will better me in any upcoming jobs I may have in the future!  And to top it all off, I learned more about film (and the "Future of") which, of course, was right up my alley!
      My position as "travel coordinator" was such a fun one! The weeks prior to the festival, which turned out to be just as wonderful as the festival itself, called for long hours in the adorable Tribeca office (complete with a really awesome coffee machine and a "jackpot" coffee selection!), a lot of research, and many a' back-and-forth emails... with the occasional (and very hysterical) Carrie V. joke on the side! :)  I awoke each morning, to the NYC sunrise, and couldn't wait to head in and begin another day.  All my co-workers were incredibly welcoming, making me feel right at home from the moment I stepped into the office.  As the days quickly flew by, one by one, my anticipation for "Day 1" of TFF became almost uncontainable!  A few days before opening day, I found myself arriving to the all-staff meeting extra early, partly due to the fact that I had forms to hand out, but mostly because I was so excited.  As I stood there in the Tribeca loft, staring at the sea of chairs that would soon be filled with the many TFF staff, I literally found myself brushing away the tears that streamed down my cheeks.  It was at that moment, that I realized that I was actually there, living out one of the deepest dreams of my heart.

      Not only was opening day a success (and a day that I'll remember FOREVER), the entire two weeks of the festival turned out to be quite extraordinary! 

     To scratch the surface... I had the chance to meet many wonderful filmmakers, actors and actresses, see a most memorable film, and even assist in co-producing the fascinating TFF "Future of Film" lunch series (which turned out to be one of my most favorite things of the festival, by the way)!

     As it would take a book (or roll of film in this case) to even begin to share the many wonderful stories of my experiences at TFF, I will stop at the "preface", keeping it 'short' and sweet... a "short" as those in the film world like to call it! :)
     All I can say is, it was a dream come true... an absolute dream.  And now that I'm home enjoying my time off and preparing for my next gig (with my adorable brothers and "see-sters";), I still find myself thinking back to those short weeks ago, when I was "there", walking the streets of that Concrete Jungle, learning and laughing and living some of the very best days of my life.  

                 ~on my way to the TFF office for my final day of work~

"before I settle down, I want to..."

     Over the weekend, in between working the closing of the film festival and grabbing a bite to eat, I came across this billboard (what-ah-shock-gasp, a billboard in NYC?!) while strolling about the streets.  I admit that I caused a bit of a traffic-jam as I stopped to take pictures of the thing, but how could I not?!  I think Honda (which by the way, is what I drive) made this ad campaign just for me!  It's advertising their new CR-V (although I drive a Civic), and the commercial that goes along with the ad campaign is a favorite of mine as well.  I'm sure you've seen it:  the girl travels to all 50 states in her Honda CR-V... ring a bell?

     So anyways, the billboard reads, "Before I settle down, I want to ______," then features a smorgasbord of fun to-do's such as "experiencing zero gravity" (ha!) and "going skydiving".  

     Although those two things aren't on my "before I settle down" list, there were some things that are, such as "visiting all 50 states"!  

     Anyways,  I loved this billboard so much that I had to share it with you all!  And I even found the super-cute commercial that goes along with it!  Watch it here!