Designing Dreams….My new Blogging Suite

    I know one thing for sure…if you want your dreams to come true you have to design them. I wanted to be a wanderer, traveler, blogger, writer, and photographer.I wanted to inspire, elevate, and bring joy to my readers. So the process for me began with designing the very sanctuary where these ambitions could blossom. My own little haven of blogging bliss. I needed to have a clearing season, to clear away the unnecessary in my life and make room for different, new, goals and dreams. I have always had a desk for paperwork and other tasks. it was tucked back in a dark corner of my dining room. No wonder I never felt inspired there. I wasn’t where life was happening. I wasn’t near an open window with a fresh breeze to inspire my writing. I wasn’t near the light that enlightens the soul and fills the mind with inspiration. So where oh, where would I find this magical spot. I didn’t have a sunny bedroom in my home for an office. That’s when the brilliant idea came to me like a sudden burst of flowing thoughts. I could just carve out my little cavern of peace in the corner of my family room next to three huge windows overlooking my backyard. This will do. This will bring a fresh rush of inspiration. I love the light, the breeze, a place to gave when my mind wanders. So I had found the perfect spot to blog.

Now the designing part comes into play. My Blogging Suite had to have elements of goals, and dreams, and success to motivate my work. I chose a black and white theme to represent my travel dream of going to Paris eventually. Touches of pink that whisper I’m girly. I had to have a living plant to remind me of my wanderology theme to “Live” and a candle to bring light and guidance on my path.Just as luck would have it my husband just bought me a beautiful, pink calla lily. And I purchased a beautiful Fitz & Floyd candle in Rosemary & White Ginger. It’s so yummy! Topped it off with a coordinating water bottle , and thermal lunch bag  from Thirty-One.

I bought black and pink coordinating file folders and binders from target. Totes and file holder and matching notepad from Thirty-One. It has a sweet ambiance with my Eiffel tower screen saver in a spring setting on the desk. At night I sometimes transition to a sparkly Eiffel tower in a night setting. I have my French calendar by Page-a-day, and a stone throw away is a full size  France calender my dear friend Jewels got me.I have a brass compass that was found on Amazon, to remind me to head in the direction of my dreams, a quote a day book and the reminder “Paris is always a good idea”. I have a water globe from our family’s favorite vacation spot the Florida Keys. If you look closely I keep my Crown from when I was Mrs. Tampa America 2008 in the Mrs. America Pageant near by to remind me the only dreams you achieve are the ones you actually go for!

I found an adorable black stripe rug to put under my chair at Home Goods. I re-covered an old chair with fabric to coordinate. I tied my nearby love seat in, with a pink chandelier toss pillow, and black & white throw. I just bought a sharp looking velvet pillow of the Eiffel tower and put that on the sofa. It’s all coming together now. I bought a easy pocket size 2015 Paris Planner C’est la Vie. The planning, the designs, and then finally the dreams become realized. It started out I couldn’t find the a spot for my Blogging Sweet…until I allowed myself to think outside the box. To allow myself to have new eyes.The real voyage of discovery consist not of seeking new landscape, but in having new eyes.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

-Wanderology Girl

New Orleans Day 3: Antiques, Boutiques, & Window Shopping

One of my favorite places to wander in New Orleans is the Antique district. Amazing, copious amounts of boutiques tucked between black french lamp posts and cobblestone streets. There is just something that stirs the soul to go into these historic treasure chests. It seriously would take you weeks to really browse and see all these charming places. I really couldn’t get enough. I was drinking in the atmosphere and had been transported a century or more back into a time machine. If I could have one memento from this place what would transport me back here to my lovely visit, every time I glanced at it, what would it be? Maybe this??????

Amazing how many sparkly creations are draping the ceilings of these quaint shops. I have always been taken in by chandeliers. But I am afraid I can’t fit this in my suitcase home. I found a great article naming the top 10 antiques shops in New Orleans , that might help narrow down where you want to go if your serious antique shopper. Here is the link. http://www.10best.com/destinations/louisiana/new-orleans/shopping/antique-shops/

What I love about this place is the variety in shopping and eating. You never know what is around the next corner, and to my surprise it’s usually delightful. Here is some of the places I had a chance to browse or window shop.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

When you finally have exhausted your sweet little feet, Pick out your favorite brunch bonnet and escort your famished tummy in a horse drawn buggy, over to hear some Jazz for brunch.Here is a delightful little place I discovered on Royal Street. The Court of Two Sisters   Best Outdoor Dining Spot: AAA Southern Traveler Magazine’s. The adventures never cease in a wonderland of creativity here in The Big Easy. By the Way, many readers may not know how that nickname “The Big Easy” came about. One theory goes the nickname may be related to the rich musical heritage of New Orleans. The city has long been a a safe place for jazz and blues musicians who wanted a place to experiment with their abilities.. The story goes,  that the earliest use of the Big Easy had to do with  there were many different kinds of  ways for a good musician to make it in New Orleans. From performing street performing, to playing in parks. Nightclubs became a hot ticket. It was the most helpful city at the time for a new artist to get the support they needed. The Big Easy may have represented the amount of ease it was for struggling musicians to find place to survive and thrive there.

Don’t forget to stop by this amazing little shop I saw. Just the charming sign draws one inside. How enchanting to have a signature scent created especially just for you. I had to resist such a temptation on this adventure. It definitely would be a souvenir you would never forget. That is the thing I discovered here. You really feel like thing’s can get personal. People feel free to be real, to share their talents, to find their place. I love the creativity, the charm, the talent, the art, the character this place breathes. It beckons travelers “Come, come and wander my streets….live a little.” The name of the perfumery is  Bourbon French Parfumes http://www.neworleansperfume.com/about.htm

Then head over for one last beignet for dessert. I just can’t get enough of these delicious treats….somehow they draw the words “Oh,la,la” from my sweet powdery lips. http://www.cafebeignet.com/

As I was wandering down the street I rushed past a window, and something made me take a step backwards. What was the delight that caught my hurried attention? It was this adorable little dog snuggled on the couch in the window of somebody’s street-side apartment. It was all nestled between mingling homes and shops. This was such a wonderful treat. I had to snap a shot of this. Imagine how great this shot will be, when I get my new camera that I am saving up for (another Wanderology Girl Dream almost fulfilled). This is one of my favorite shots yet! It instantly took me back to the song……

“How much is that doggie in the window?
The one with the waggly tail
How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie’s for sale!”

It was difficult leaving this hip, happy, place. The wonderful thing is, I took a chance, I came, I saw, I wandered. I am willing to find a way, even if it isn’t always in the cards….to live my dreams. I wish for you dear reader to wander….to find your dream….to do something today to start living it. We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

                                                                                    -Wanderology Girl

                                                                                      

New Orleans Day 2: Dirty Rice, Art, & all that Jazz

The morning finally arrived and I  headed out to wander  down the streets. I could see the alleys bustling with  pedestrians, and the streets were filling with tourist and locals. Off in the distance, the French Quarter was  slowly awakening into an outside artist market. The atmosphere so alive, so thrilling.

It was simply stunning.

I stood there enjoying the street musicians for quite some time, watching the many artist set up easels and paint their hearts out.I start feeling  some soul, wishing I had some rhythm to match it, but since I can’t dance, (I may get some rhythm in another life), I just watch as other tourist gather around the corner in front of me, smiling at the enchanting  sound of smooth jazz music flowing out of the trumpets nearby.

I could not have been happier. As I continued down the cobblestone streets I came upon such beautiful homes nestled between colorful shops. They were a mix of Key West Caribbean and French architecture.From the Cast Iron balconies to beautiful pastel shudders. I have never been to Paris, (That is my ultimate travel dream), but this place is a mini France in a lot of ways. I have to to start my travels somewhere, and The French Quarter seems a perfect inspiration to me.

I continued down the block and that’s when I was entranced by one of the most beautiful and spectacular sites  I’ve seen so far . I remember saying to myself, “Amazing”, over and over again, completely fascinated by the architecture and royal grandeur of this place. I had entered into a fairy tale setting surrounded by magical gates. The St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans’ most notable

landmarks. This gorgeous building, its triple steeples towering above, looks down benignly on the green of the Square and General Andrew Jackson on his bronze horse and on the block-long buildings with their lacy ironwork galleries. Truly, this is the heart of old New Orleans.

Of course, I then saw the  sweeping towers grace the sky on the  rooftop,  it reminded me that I should probably work a little harder on my Camera fund. As I mentioned before, (I’m saving up for a fancy, smancy , camera) for now my cell phone pics will have to do. Be patient folks, As I reach my goals and dreams the pictures will improve. I’m living my dream, what dream are you working on dear reader? I finally walked through the regal doors of the cathedral.

The Cathedral is said to be haunted by Fr. Antonio de Sedella, more commonly known as Père Antoine. He was a priest at the Cathedral and his body is buried within the church. He is said to walk the alley named after him next to the Cathedral in the early mornings.

Accounts of his apparitions by parishioners and tourists claim that he appears during Christmas Midnight Mass near the left side of the altar, holding a candle.

Another haunting is said to take place in the Cathedral by Pere Dagobert, a monk who resided in the church. It is said that his voice can be heard chanting the Kyrie on rainy days.

After touring the church  I just wandered Jackson Square for a while, a long while, focused on the creative experience I was having here.I was just soaking it all in.

I could  see the store fronts, the bicyclists, the musicians, the paintings pinned to boards, the flower shops, the long lines at the restaurants,  the food, did I mention the food? What I loved most was the ability to get to meet so many people. To make connection and memories.Just let yourself be curious when you travel. It will bring you great delight.     I stood there enjoying this artistic scene for quite some time, watching the different street artist paint, perform, and sell their precious treasures.

  Now it was time for some serious shopping. I went through so many store’s I can’t count them. But one of my favorite was a Praline shop. Oh was it a sweet place to visit. Lot’s of charming souvenirs but the most delectable surprise was the delicious Praline themselves. Yes! I did indulge and bought some to bring home.

    Now I was famished, with so many places to eat, it was difficult to decide. I certainly did not go wrong in my choice. I had Cajun fish with dirty rice. Hands down the best fish dinner I have ever eaten in my life! No kidding. Here is the link to this fabulous little Cajun joint. http://pereantoine.com/pages/home.html

    Heading back to my hotel, I stopped in after more shops. The alleys get quite dark, and as I mentioned in my last post, You don’t want to wander down these alleys alone. But their is such charm like an old Dickens tale with the lanterns lighting the cobblestone streets.

My day had been quite busy, and filled with all the thing’s that make wandering worth while. Where will you wander next?

                                                                     Wanderology Girl

Wandered the Big Easy : Day 1 Hotel, Street Cars, & Beniget’s

                     

  I arrived in the amazing city of New Orleans, and  I ventured first to check into my hotel. I ran into a bit of trouble trying to find a place to park. Parking is one thing I had not planned out in advance. You want to park in secured parking to prevent property loss (as I was instructed by many locals). I finally found a lot a few streets over from the Hotel. It had a paid security guard who told me even with my car being in a security patrolled lot, I had a risk of theft. So I chose to take all my belongings I could, into the Hotel. I finally arrived at the Hotel . I stayed at The Lafayette Hotel.

The Staff was so friendly when I checked in. They gave me maps, and instructed me the safe streets to walk down. They told me streets to avoid, and even gave me a strong reminder not to walk down any dark streets or alleys on my expedition. I felt this advice very helpful. They guided me toward things that would be of interest to me. I was very thankful for their hospitality. I checked into my room it was beautiful. Not modern but historic feeling. Cozy and comfortable.

The Lafayette is in the heart of it all, on the fashionable Saint Charles Avenue Streetcar Line overlooking Lafayette Square across from Gallier Hall. The Lafayette Hotel offers guests New Orleans style and charm. It is a  1916 historic landmark, from Old World architecture, French doors and wrought iron balconies to marble floors, polished mahogany and English botanical prints. The ambiance is luxury.  The Lafayette Hotel is located close to the Historical Arts and Warehouse Districts. Only a short stroll away from all major attractions, it is within 5 blocks of the French Quarter, Superdome, Riverfront, and the Convention Center.

     After a relaxing night sleep I decided to head out get some breakfast and do some sightseeing. Many people I ran into gave great tips for seeing the city. One local told about Cafe’ Du Monde.The Original French Market Coffee Stand Since 1862 where they serve delectable French Benigets smothered in toppings and powdered sugar.

After Breakfast I decided to head down some of the streets in the antique shop  district. On my way I was thrilled by all the street artist and performers. I came across this gentleman playing his guitar. I had to stop and just listen for while. I was amazed to realize that by stopping and taking in life all around you , how you truly begin to feel part of things. I learned from this artist, not to hide your talent, and you are never too old to do what your love. i don’t know his whole story, but his story is definitely still unfolding, because he has wandered into something he loves to do. That is what I encourage my readers to do. Find your passion. Then do it! Don’t find excuses. Find reasons why you can, and have to live your dreams.Where there is a will, there is a way.

 

One of my favorite parts of visiting a few unique cities is their cute street car transportation system. They are icons for travelers that seem to scream a happy “Hello!” when with their charming bright colors and fun way to travel about. There is definitely an air of excitement in this city. It’s all about having fun here, and the Trolley is an innocent beginning to it all.

New Orleans Streetcars are a great way to get out and explore New Orleans. The historic New Orleans streetcars travel throughout the Crescent City on four different lines: the St Charles Streetcar route, the Canal St Streetcar route, the Riverfront Streetcar route and the Loyola Avenue/Union Terminal loop. So climb aboard and take a trip into the past on a New Orleans streetcar. The streetcars running along Canal Street, the Riverfront and the Loyola loop (red) are more modern than those running along the St. Charles Avenue route (green) and they have more conveniences. The red streetcars are fully air-conditioned with wider doors that allow for handicap access. The street cars only accept cash or passes. For unlimited streetcar riding I recommend that you purchase a Jazzy Pass. For information on purchasing passes go to the New Orleans RTA website.

     just wander back over to the WanderologyGirl Blog to see the rest of this fun adventure. Hope you are thinking about your dreams now. Where would you like to wander? What are your dreams? Write them down today, and try to do 1 thing to bring you closer to making that dream a reality.

                                                  -Wanderology Girl

                                                   

I Wandered into Heaven…Oops! I mean Seaside Florida

As I mentioned in my previous post, we need to strive to find out what our real dreams are… and then try ( my strongest virtue) to do them. It doesn’t mean we will always succeed, but if we don’t try, we will never know how far we could have wandered. When you open yourself up for opportunity, it seems to come to you. Stay open, good thing’s are headed your way. I was invited by a friend to stay  in Seaside Florida. An opportunity to wander too good to pass up.

I  surely felt I had died and went to Heaven when I arrived in Seaside, to stay in an adorable cottage by the sea. It’s a small little town with everything within walking distance. Another famous mode of transportation is bike rentals.

It feels like a step back in time, to innocence and charm. Did I mention the beautiful cobblestone streets? They are lined with colorful cottages. So quaint with picket fences.

The front porches are to die for. A cozy, breezy place to enjoy breakfast and read local events. Like concerts and activities right in town square.

---

There is so much character in this little town. As I began to unwind and relax, I took an easy wander down these narrow little fairytale streets. They transport you into the most quaint center of town. It seemed like what life in a perfect world would feel like. The yummy cafes and restaurants tickle your taste buds. Treat yourself to some delicious gelato, or enjoy a snack from one of many lunch trucks.

I spotted some amazing places to do some souvenir shopping in boutiques that lined the market.

I bought a sweet T shirt with the motto of this little slice of Heaven on it. I think of Seaside and my memories of this astonishing place every time I wear it. The motto here is ” A simple, beautiful, life.” I certainly can’t argue with that.

When you wander down the steep incline of mounds of sugary, white, soft, sand and sea-grass, you find yourself gazing at waters, so crystal blue, you would think your in the Caribbean. The view is magnificent, breathtaking, beyond what I had imagined. This is a little jewel of a place.

Shopping is fabulous, food is wonderful. Historical facts so interesting. Like “The Truman Show” with Jim Carrey was filmed there. You can recognize some places from the movie. In early spring it can be chilly in the morning. Just grab a sweater and hot cup of herbal tea and head to the beach for some real tranquility.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34624-Seaside_Florida-Vacations.html. You can rent a sweet little cottage for as little as $149 a night. There are multiple rental companies in the area.

All I can say to sum up this magical little place is…. You must wander here sometime, and I promise you will be jumping for Joy! Live your dreams! Don’t just be a good starter of your wishes, be a good finisher!  Where will Wanderology Girl wander next…follow me to find out.

Follow your Dream….. Become a Finisher

     This year is a year of transformations and new beginnings for me. I feel the old clock ticking, and Father Time is not passing me by. I realized there are still so many things I want to do, before my brief trespass across this planet is finished. I used to say oh foo foo to people who sounded like dreamers. I think because I had a fatal fear of realizing I may never even fulfill one of my own. So instead of popping everyone else’s balloons of hopes and wishes, I’ve decided to make a list of my own. You also, dear reader can make a list right along with me. This is it. Our chance, to be whoever we want to be. To do some of those thing’s we only dreamed about.

     I always wanted to take time for my writing. I have been writing since as young as I can remember. My first story was in second grade. It was a flourishing tale of a King who was lion (If i would have got published before Lion King came out who knows) and his servant who was a friendly mouse. Oh! And of coarse an imaginary friend who was an elephant that banged on pots and pans in his mind….every time he was happy. I wonder if that was a metaphor for my childhood. It seems every time  I had a small slice of happiness….something came banging along to mess it all up. This past year I had a terrible slip and fall. Hurt my neck, back, and arm pretty good. I’m still in therapy and trying to recover. So maybe it was not meant to be that I could get to that book I started 2 years ago, or finish those poems I had been working on. Maybe, just maybe my luck was slow as a turtles swag. I needed inspiration to get writing again. So as I recommitted this year to actually take action on some of my unfulfilled, secretly, stowed away dreams…a blog seemed the right place to begin. So look everyone, here I am, see me roar. Well, I’m not really the roaring type, but see me try. Now that I can do…I try really well. I am sure you do also.

     I set a goal to write a poem a month to start, more if I feel so inspired. I will post them under my poetry page on the blog. I will try …remember that word try, to keep my blog up. Now let me explain a little secret here, I am not the most consistent person in the world. That is exactly why I have to try so hard. I also will set a goal to continue work on my book….yep! I’m one of those writers who suffers from, procrastination, writers block, or any other excuse I can have, because I need to do it perfect, and if I can’t…..then  I stall. So I may be off to a rough start, a way too challenging start. Remember, I’m a Pro at trying. I am a great starter….just need to work on that finish a bit. That is how dreams come true. Learning to become a finisher.

     The next dream is to travel, have adventures, meet people, see things, try things. I just can not bare the though of leaving this fleeting life on this sphere without at least experiencing the wonders of this world. How shameful that would feel. So I can start small. Explore my own little world near by, and work on plans to expand from there. Little near by cafe’s to visit, seashores, and museums. Beautiful gardens and interesting places. They all surround me while I sit on my leather sofa just flipping through pint-rest dreams. So I plan to get with it and go see what is near me. I will blog about those adventures as well.

    Last, but not least, one of my deepest and dreamiest, warm fuzzy visions has always been and always will be to become a photographer. Okay just laugh , go ahead. Its OK to pop my balloon, after all I have popped a few of yours, I am sure. My dry, sarcastic , reality checks. This time something is different. I can feel it. I am actually doing something I never have done. And you know the saying “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Well I chose to do something different, and it goes to follow, that something now has to change. I am actually saving up the money to buy my fancy, smancy, camera. Hold on, don’t freak out! I know it’s bizarre. But I will never have the dream of being a photo blogger, or a traveling  photographer without it. I was introduced some years back, to an organization that needed volunteers, to do photography for families who have lost a baby. I had just lost 2 Pregnancies in two years. This subject pulled on my heartstrings so strong. I would also love to help out this organization if I can get my skills up to par. So there…I laid out my dreams….I’m sure more will evolve on the blog. Now let’s hear about some of yours. Post them in the comments if you would like to share. And look forward to future posts about how I’m going to wander into all kinds of dreams…..by not just being a great starter….but becoming a great finisher.

                                                                                       -Wanderology Girl

Photo from wordpress

The Mona Lisa Smile

Welcome to my Blog Wanderology it’s all about wandering into all kinds of things. From art & travel, to thoughts & hearts. Just recently I was wandering through some history books about Leonardo Da Vinci. When you study the life of one who is so talented, so gifted, so extraordinary, one pauses to think, “There must be something I do well.” Maybe it hasn’t been wandered into yet? Hmmm?

As I was reading about the great master piece he painted of the Mona Lisa. I was quiet amused and even plunged into my deepest curiosities, about this woman in the painting. I am not the first and surely won’t be the last to ask….what Leonardo himself questioned…..“Is she smiling at you? Or Is she smiling with you?” Now that is something to let your thoughts tickle.I assume if she is smiling with me….she knows I’m smiling at the beauty within her. But if she is smiling at me ….maybe she’s smiling at the beauty within me. All I know for sure, is letting yourself be open, like the golden gate bridge, or the doors of an elevator, you will find yourself wandering into some pleasant serendipity. So what is it dear reader? Look closely. Is she smiling with you…or is she smiling at you?  –Wanderology Girl