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.

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-Wanderology Girl

Healthy Travel Tips

These are some of my stay healthy travel tips! I use a sonic toothbrush and a 2 min. Sand timer. I do squats and brush my teeth the whole 2 mins the timer is running. I finish by flossing and using a natural lipbalm. I also found this Vitamin e stick, that I just love! You can use it on lips, wrinkles, lines, and to heal irritations. It’s easy to keep a good, healthy, morning routine, even as you wander. Where will you wander?

-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

                                                   

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