The Journaler

This, in some ways, is a window to my soul: my book is open. This is an honest reflection where I embrace the highs and lows, ups and downs, roller coaster of emotions I am often riding, the good, the bad, and the extremely ugly...but this is me, and this is my adventure...By revealing myself honestly I hope to inspire and encourage, because we all struggle sometimes and it's nice to know we're not alone. This is my experience as a small town girl living in a big city, trying to make my way while taking lots and lots of detours...

January 30, 2015

Tumblr

Secret except to those who stumble upon it (never advertised, to maintain illusion of secrecy), find me, occasionally, on Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/elizakinrose

November 2, 2011

My so called "Bucket-List" begins...

Back in the day, like in Elementary School and Middle School - before our dreams could be crushed and scrutinized by reality (sorry for the pessimism) - we had dreams and made daring goals for ourselves. I remember actual projects where we had to write out all of our goals and things we wanted to do in life. My list was grand, to say the least, but does "grand" mean unrealistic? Why should I stop dreaming and striving to do the things I want to do? Lately I feel like we "dream big" when we are young and when we are old; what about in between?

During this "in between" time where I constantly feel like I am stuck in a rip-tide struggling to make it out alive and find smoother waters, I've realized that my priorities may be a little off. I'm so focused on trying to achieve/figure out/defy/accomplish that I haven't really thought about things that I want to do, not to "get ahead," but to be happy and to feel vital (I really like that word these days). I know I can't be in lala dream-land, but why can't I continue to dream and strive to check off some of my "life goals" right now?

So while it's on my mind, let's start that "Bucket-List." But instead of rushing to tick everything off during the last 10 years of my life, I think I'll start now...

1. Take cooking classes...(go big or go home)....in Paris!

  • Become an excellent, creative, and innovative chef who can whip up something like this:


Pumpkin Gnochi: Photo courtesy of Broke Ass Gourmet
2. Travel to Singapore (see my last post!)

3. Do "Yoga on the Water"

...This of course is just the beginning. I'll add to it whenever I feel inspired.

November 1, 2011

Next on my list...

...is Singapore!!!! I just learned that it is one of the world's happiest places to live 
(along with San Luis Obispo, CA!). I have actually been to Singapore's airport, 
which was in-and-of-itself, sublime.
Photo courtesy of National Geographic
Singapore Airport - "10 Best Airports in the World"

October 12, 2011

October 2, 2011

Hardly Strictly

Hope everyone in SF found some time to enjoy the sun, music, food, and most importantly, people watching(!), at the Hardly Strictly Blue Grass Festival this weekend! I am fortunate to live directly across from the festival, which I must say, is pretty awesome. I never had to use a porta-pottie and didn't have to worry about parking. In fact, after seeing the long bathroom lines I was toying with the idea of charging to let people use my bathroom. But I decided against my "get rich quick scheme," for obvious reasons...



Lily!

I went out for two solid days. We got some blankets together, bought some cold beer and took in the festivities. It was lovely. I also had my cheat day! How could I not? This festival is known for having some delicious grub - I couldn't pass on the gastronomy.



The highlight was Robert Plant and the Band of Joy! People packed in to see them, and for good reason; they are amazing. My cousin and I also saw Broken Social Scene and even though I wasn't familiar with their music I was impressed. They had something like 11-12 instruments on stage, good vocals, and a great sound all around.

Contemplating plum.
Eating Plum.

Another highlight is of course, the people watching...such a diverse crowd at this particular festival. There are the hippies (who are always fun to watch) families, older folks enjoying the blue grass, indie/pop people (like my description?) crowding the stage to see Bright Eyes perform, and those who just love a good festival! The beautiful sunny weather added to everyone's good mood as well. Hope the sun sticks around for October....looking forward to the next festival season!