TOMS Shoes

Toms shoes for a cause. I think this is a brilliant idea and we need more people in the world taking action like this as there are millions of children and families in this world who need help. Shoes is only the beginning, I believe if more organizations did this and  brought about world awarenes more people would be active in giving and helping. I own two pairs of Toms myself and knowing that two children got a pair of shoes because of me, puts a smile on face whenever I wear them and only spurs me to think more about how I can make a difference also, because our world needs help. 

Act Out

I recently started taking acting lessons, and let me tell you there is no better way to get out your emotions than in acting. It is actually quite exhilarating at times. I did an improv into a cold read with another girl in my class from a scene in My Best Friend's Wedding, where there was a lot of yelling and arguing going on. Ha and wow it felt so good after we had finished the scene because any pent up anger I had before had vanished with my reactions n the scene. 

A Nod to the Future

Dear Future Self,

Just a Reminder:

Chase your dreams, not the competition. -Anonymous

Life is what we make out of it, make it a good one. 

If you haven't gone to all the places you want to go, take a trip.

Keep on trucking,

~Yourself

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

The moment Susan Boyle walked out onto stage for the first time at Britain's Got Talent, most everyone thought, she was a joke. That was before she opened her mouth to sing, when all the judgements of 'who does this lady think she is' vanished within moments. The crowd and the judges were left in utter amazement by her beautiful harmonic voice. Needless to say I think this addresses an important topic and a huge problem in society today: judging people by their outward appearance or actions without truly getting to know them. This plague curses our society as we often automatically make preconceived notions about someone without even getting to know them properly first. When you first meet someone, you know absolutely nothing about them, yet after a few second you will probably already have determined whether you like them or not, whether you would want to hang out with them, etc. This irritates me quite a bit because based off moments of knowing someone people often shut them off without learning anything about them. Is it not so hard to ask questions, and be curious about someone. You can learn so much from talking to people and listening to their opinions and experiences, while gaining insight you possibly never would have known without talking to this person. Next time, give someone a little bit more of a chance before throwing them in the "hmm, I don't realy care' category, it might surprise you what you find out.

Everything I think I know about Guys...Ha

What I think I know about guys. Hmm well this is interesting considering I have three brothers this might be of some advantage to me, among the things I have been told by my guy friends. So here's the list:

1. Most guys don't care if a girl says they have a boyfriend, they will gladly go after them anyway.

2. They love what they can't have

3. Yes, in fact guys do think about sex alot...some more than others

4. They have this weird ego deal

5. A guy who wears a shirt with no sleeves (when he's not working out), is often deemed by other guys as a "deusch bag"

6. A lot of guys can't stand to be beat at anything by a girl (do it it all the time)

7. Many will become obsessed with a subject and know crazy random facts about it ex. sports, cars, etc. 

8. Men like to cook, barbeque especially

9. They tend to forget everything... hence instant replays

10. Men are sensitive in rather unusual ways

11. Most men despise shopping

12. Men like technology

13. Men love being able to 'rescue' a women whether it be fixing something for them, helping them with a flat tire, you name it... it makes them feel important

14. Guys will do a lot to get a girls attention

15. Guys hate it when/ if you talk about your ex-boyfriend

16. Most guys like to brag

17. Guys love girls that can cook/bake whatever

18. A lot of guys seek advice from girls

19. Girls are guys weaknesses (a lot of, not all of course)

Haha so that's what I can think of right now, I might have gotten a little help on some of them, but there you go!

China: Shanghai, Xi'an, Beijing

Going to China was an eye-opening experience, it was unusual as we were walking around on tours different Chinese people would want pictures with us, I felt like a celebrity. The Chinese were especially enamored with anyone who had blue-eyes or blonde hair as it was very foreign to them. We visited three different cities while we were there Shanghai (1st picture), Xi'an (2-4 pictures), and Beijing (Last 3 pictures). We were in Beijing the summer of 2007 as they were preparing for the 2008 Olympics, massive new building complexes were being constructed, as was the Eagle's Nest. The amount of pollution in Beijing and Xi'an was horrid, as you can tell from the pictures the sky was always this musty grey color. My family and the other people we were traveling with would get scratchy throats, and our eyes would dry out quickly, along with the humidity it was not a pleasant situation. People were all over the streets bombarding us to buy various souvenirs and trinkets, along with beggars whom would keep a close eye on us. The poverty, pollution, and crowdedness put the Chinese people in less than satisfactory living conditions as many people would wear hospital mask over their mouths in order to prevent health problems. Shanghai is closer to the coast, therefore helping to make the pollution minimal in comparison with the other cities. Shanghai was booming with the construction of building's everywhere as in the last 20 years it has been built up an incredible amount.  

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is by far one of my favorite cities. The architecture is incredible throughout the city with many structure's and gardens designed by one of my favorite architect's (Antoni Gaudi). Some of my favorite structure's include the Sagrada Familia (1st two pictures) and the Casa Mila, as you can see Gaudi found many of his inspiration's for his works through nature.  In comparison with many of the other cities I have been, Barcelona is clean cut and thriving while also being elegant and relaxing as everyone walks about the beautiful streets. The city is filled with history and wonderful museum's such as one showcasing many of Picasso's works. I have thought a lot about studying abroad to enhance by Spanish speaking skills, ultimately with the goal to become fluent and I have decided that if I do study abroad I would most definitely want to go to Barcelona.  

Olive Oil Farm and and Vineyard near Florence, Italy

The above pictures were at a small vineyard in Italy. It just so happens that I had my first ever experience with Port was at this particular vineyard. Wow and I am never to try it again, I was by no means equipped for what I experienced with Port in those few seconds. It had an extremely heavy smell to it, and I took quite a sip only to discover complete dissatisfaction and disgust. It was horrible and I quickly disposed of it, as it tasted more like some sort of hard liqueur similar to Bourbon or Cognac. There was almost too much taste in it. 

This area was so gorgeous and peaceful, it would be great for a relaxing peaceful stay in a somewhat remote, undiscovered area of Italy.  The Olive Oil from this farm was by far the best Olive Oil I have ever had in my life, carefully made by the owner's of this little olive oil farm. They also had a beautiful little garden where if you were staying there, could go pick your fruits, vegetables, and herbs from each day that you stayed there. In my opinion a brilliant idea for a small place that hosts few guests at a time. 

Tuscania, Italy

This is a small town called Tuscania, near Florence, Italy. In photography I love experimenting, with it trying to capture different angles, distances from the lens, trying to get to place I can't by using the camera as an extension of the lens. I like to think most of my photography evokes sort of a fantasy-like discovery factor to it, many of the pictures that I have shared with you on this blog enhance that stance. 

Capri Sun

This is the sun setting behind the Capri Island off the coast of Italy. I have a fascination with sunsets and rises and have quite the collection of pictures of both. To me the are so peaceful and elegant. The best thing about them is there is never the same one twice, they are always different and you can never get an exact replica, just as is the same with any living thing.