Purple and Metallic Beaded Necklace

This necklace comprises beads in the purple hue. It also contains metallic silver coated beads (not real silver). It is 47 inches around. (Click on the title to see it in my Etsy Shop)

Pink and Golden Beaded Necklace with Flowers

This necklace is made from Pink and Golden colored beads. It is 45 inches around. It includes faux pearls. It can be worn with once, twice or three times around the neck. It has a clasp to be able to out it on to wear it. (Click on the title to see it in my Etsy Shop)

Seth Godin : Stupid and lazy

Stupid and lazy:

(Is it that you can't do it or perhaps you don't want to do the work?)

When I was in college, I took a ton of advanced math courses, three or four of them, until one day I hit the wall. Too many dimensions, transformations and toroids for me to keep in my head. I was too stupid to do really hard math so I stopped.

Was it that I was too stupid, or did I merely decide that with my priorities, it wasn't worth the work?

Isn't it amazing that we'd rather call ourselves stupid than lazy? At least laziness is easy to fix.

People say that they are not gifted/talented/smart enough to play the trumpet/learn to code/write a book. That's crazy. Sure, it may be that they don't possess world-class talent, the sort of stuff that is one in a million. But too stupid to do something that millions and millions of people can do?

I'm not buying it. Call it as it is and live with it (or not). I'm just not willing to believe we're as stupid as we pretend to be.

by Seth Godin

Seth Godin : When is it okay to start worrying?

When is it okay to start worrying?:

A friend was waiting to hear about the results of a job interview. He hadn't heard in a while and he asked me, "how long before I should start worrying?"

Of course, the answer is, "you should never start worrying."

Worrying is not a useful output. Worrying doesn't change outcomes. Worrying ruins your day. Worrying distracts you from the work at hand. You may have fooled yourself into thinking that it's useful or unavoidable, but it's not. Now you've got one more thing to worry about.

Seth Godin

A point to add...

While I'm in this metaphorical and philosophical mood this evening, another thought occurred to me. To be able to learn to speak, we had to listen to the sounds in which to replicate.

My point being that listening had to come before speaking. Sometimes listening can be just as, if not more, important than speaking. We can be more effective in the way we speak if we listen and asses prior to saying anything. I know that I am guilty and would be wise to remember that when engaged with others.

At least this is my opinion.

A random thought...

As I am laying in bed unable to sleep, I started having some late night philosophical musings about life.

I was thinking about some of the greatest artist that have ever lived. Many of the received no recognition or support for their work throughout their lifetimes. They expressed themselves through their art because it made them happy or fulfilled or it was what they felt they needed to do. I am sure it was difficult for them to not give up and move onto something that would have been supported or "socially acceptable". Thankfully for us, they did not and their talents have influenced the world and the way we think. And maybe the reason they were not accepted had somethings not realizing the good thing until it's gone.

As for currently, I believe there are some take aways from this point. Whether or not we get recognized for the things that we do, does not mean that we should give up on our passions or beliefs. The things we do will be important. So even if our efforts go unnoticed now, they can become momentous in the future. Even if its for no one but ourselves. We have a responsibility to be the cultivate and manage our happiness. This serves as a reminder to pursue my passions to fulfill my life even when the harshest critics are disagreeing.

The disclaimer I want to add is this: That yes I believe to follow one's own hearts and passions. I also believe that there is merit to seeking advice from those trusted individuals along the way. There is nothing wrong with asking for help when it is needed.

Paris - Pont des Arts Bridge

This is the bridge in Paris where lovers lock Padlocks to seal their love and throw the keys into Seine River. It is supposed to love in your love forever.

This bridge has so many couple attaching locks that the Parisan government actually has to cut the locks off relatively often. 

This is one of my favorite pictures that I took during my Trip because of the composition and the subject matter.

QR Code to my website

Black and White Trip Photos

Here are a few of the black and white images from my trip:

Day 7 - Saturday - Dublin

We had another slow start this morning. After getting up and getting ready for the day, we left the hotel and grabbed a quick lunch. We decided the best way to see Dublin would be the Hop On / Hop Off bus.

But first of course, we stopped off at the Jameson Distillery. We opted out of doing the whole tour though. We visited the gift shop and found some good things (of course).

We caught the bus to stop number one. We somehow ended up on the multilingual bus so we got off at Trinity College. It is the oldest university in Ireland and was founded in the 1500's. Unfortunately because of the line and the entry fee, we chose not to visit the library and see The Book of Kells.

We hopped back on the bus and this time we were in luck. We had the best bus driver and his commentary was full of hilarity. For instance some women were trying to get on the bus and they were wearing obnoxious Irish hats (think American St. Patrick's Day). He said, "look at them wearing their Irish hats that were made in China. Bet they are going to get on the bus and say 'top of the morning to you, is your name paddy? ....no, no it's not. We are going to let them get the next bus". Then whilst driving past the Guinness Storehouse, he started swerving down the road to impersonate those who had just gotten on the bus.

The next stop we got off was at the Gaol (jail). This was one of the most historical and iconic sites of all of Ireland. I learned so much Irish history and was able to get such an experience there. I have included a picture of the inside. (I didn't take many phone pictures because I was busy with my big camera). Our tour guide was Holly who was very knowledgeable and really spoke to the atmosphere of the location.

After the prison, most everything else was starting to close. We were only able to see the outsides of the cathedrals and The Castle.

We got back off the bus and decided to just walk around. We started to get hungry so we stopped into O' Neill's pub for a pint and to eat. I decided to give another beer besides Guinness a try and choose the Blarney Blonde. It was an awesome beer.

At this point Jared wanted to find a bar that plays American Football to watch the OSU game. We wandered through Temple Bar to maybe find a place. And find a place we did, The Hard Rock Cafe. Are you kidding me, we really went to the Hard Rock?  See, all was revealed as promised (I know you were dying of anticipation). The bartender from New Hampshire made fun of me ordering a black velvet, which is supposed to be Guinness and Champagne but seeing as it's the end of my trip and Champagne is always out of my price range, I wanted Cider. He jokingly told me I had to leave and refused to make it. So I poured it myself. However I messed it up and he had to fix it for me. I think it hurt his soul. Oh well, it was delicious. And in case you were wondering, the OSU game wasn't on, it was the Alabama and Arkansas game (I just realized Arkansas has Kansas in it).

At half time we decided it was time to head back to the hotel so we could pack and get ready for our early flights.

It's been a good trip and I'm sad to be leaving. But it will be nice to sleep and not live out of a suitcase.

I am posting this from the airport while I am waiting to board my flight back to the States.

Also, my total picture count for this trip.... 1503. They will hopefully be up shortly.

Time to board!

Day 6 - Friday - Dublin

We had to be at the crack of dawn to make our flight to Dublin. We took the bus, the overground train, a plane, another bus and the tram to make it to the hotel.

At the airport Kendra met her perfect man. His name was pronounced Owen but spelled in gallic and meaning "well endowed" (good for her). Our plane was late because they couldn't turn off the engine. Then our pilot was named Llyod Christmas and our first mate was Harry Dunne as they announced over head (from dumb and dumber). After landing, we made our way to the hotel. We checked in, freshened up, and grabbed lunch. Then it was off the Guinness Storehouse.

We checked in and took the self guided tour to learn everything about how to make Guinness. We also got a ticket for a pint. Now was decision time. Did we use our coupons to learn to pour the prefect pint or to enjoy a pint in the sky bar where there is an awesome 360 view of the city. Kendra and I decided to choose to learn how to pour the pint, whereas jared choose the skybar. I included a picture out the window of the city and my certificate for the perfect pint.

After the storehouse, we headed back to the hotel to shower and get ready for dinner. A nap may have happened in there too. We headed to the Brazenhead which claims to be the oldest pub in all of Ireland. For dinner I ordered the bangers and mash, an authentic Irish dinner.

We moved into the bar area and waited for the live band to come on. The bartender was Gary (I love all bartenders named Gary). Then an older Irish man came up and I asked him about Arthur's Day, which had happened the day before. He told us all about the Irish and how much they love Americans. Then Sean (I call him Connery), told me I was a leprechaun. After that I told Gary about how I learned how to pour the prefect pint that day and got my very own certificate and everything. Turns out the Brazenhead had their own certificates too!! So guess who poured another perfect pint, that's right, this girl. We ventured outside to listen to the band. Heard a couple of songs and they told Kendra and I to come on stage and sing and dance with them. We didn't know the song at all! I caught on towards the end and attempted to help out (it was not very good). From there we set off for another bar that was still open.

We walked through Temple Bar area and then over Dame street. We came across Dame tavern and decided that was the winner. We sat outside to people watch and drink our beers. Nile (like the river, as he informed me) came out to clean and I asked him how much he'd sell me a pint glass for. He gave it to me for free!

While we were sitting there a random Irish man decided to start talking to us. He told Kendra, Jared and I that we were all beautiful people and it was our responsibility to populate because, and I quote, "us Irish are one ugly motherf**king race of people, we need people like you guys to help out". He said a lot more, but well leave it at that.

We jumped into the Mercedes cab that was waiting outside for us. Eddie, our cab driver, was one of the funniest people I've every met. He was bluntly honest and maybe slightly biased to some people over others but it was one of my best taxis ever.

We made it home and went to sleep. Full day of touristy stuff the following day.

(Unfortunately I have to wait until I have wifi again to post this).

Day 5 - Thursday - London

Sorry for such a delay in posting this. Switching city has really made the internet quite questionable.

This morning we got up fairly early. I wanted to see the Changing of the Guards. It wad cool to see them march and parade. Unfortunately we couldn't see much inside the gates. After we watched for about an hour, it was time to leave.

We jumped on the underground and headed towards the London Eye. The London Eye is a GIANT ferris wheel in which you can see the whole city. Unfortunately I had to shoot my photos through the glass of the enclosure. After we landed to was time to move on.

We jumped back on the underground and headed out to Camden Markets. I absolutely love these type of markets and this is what I wanted to do most. There we found just about everything. There was fashion, art, jewelery, trinkets, and london souvenirs. We found some amazing things, some of which we bought.

We walked around quite a bit so then it was time to take the tube home.

After hanging out a bit, it was time to leave for the theater. Kendra and I were going to see Wicked. We grabbed dinner at a pub and ate Bacon and Blue Cheese salads. They were okay. Nothing too specular. We needed something quick so we could make to the theater I time. We got super dressed up and I wore my new boots.

I didn't know what to expect going into it. This was my first theater show ever. It was AMAZING!!! I loved the story line and the actors were phenomenal.

After Wicked we stopped at the pub next to the theater. There the bartender asked us where we were from. I asked him if he knew where Ohio was, he said is it by Texas. I got a laugh at that. From there it was time for bed. We were leaving for Dublin early the next morning so we needed to get home. We navigated the Underground and stopped for food at a little convenient store and Kendra and I ate an entire can of BBQ Pringles.

We got back and went to bed.

(Yes I'm posting this from the Hard Rock in Dublin. Wifi has been spotty since we're been here. Why we are here shall be revealed in a later post.)

Day 4 - Wednesday - Paris

Alarm came way too early this morning. It was five am and I was not quite ready to get up yet. However, I knew we had a train to catch, so I got a move on. When we left the flat, it was still dark outside.

We walked to the first tube station to catch the train to King's Cross / St. Pancreas (I was excited for this one). Unfortunately since was still needed to go through immigration, there was no time to stop at Platform 9 3/4 on the way there.
We grabbed a coffee and a chocolate croissant (I dont think I've ever drank as much coffee as I have this week). The train to Paris actually went rather quick. We got into the station and it was .70 euro to use the restroom. As I still only had pounds, I had no choice but to wait.

We hoped aboard the metro and it was off to our walking tour. It was supposed to last 3 1/2 hours but ended up taking 4.

That was perfectly fine with me. Our tour guide Sam was pretty awesome. We saw Notre Dame,  The Siene River, several of the bridges (the Love Lock bridge was my favorite), the Louvre, the gardens, the Arc de Triomph, Champs Elysees, and of course the Eiffel Tower. (I realize my spelling maybe a bit off but French was never my strong suit, as we learned today). We were heart broken to learn that Eiffel Tower isn't lit up until nine because that's when our train was leaving.

For lunch we went to the recommended cafe and I was feel gutsy so I decided to try something new, Duck. It ended up actually being quite good, despite looking slightly questionable when arriving to the table (pictures below). Of course, being in France, I washed it down with white wine. While there, one of waiters comment to me butchering the beautiful French language (think Brad Pitt speaking Italian in Inglorious Bastards) was you speak very good English while giving me a hug. He proceeded to then tell Kendra she is beautiful and that one of our tour group buddies should take advantage. He was also about 60. So there you go.

After that we wanted to get up close and personal with the Eiffel Tower. We walked over to it. Did the full lap around it and everything. Unfortunately the line was so long we decided against making the voyage to the very top.

From there we jumped back and the metro to see the Arc up close and walk down the Champs Elysees (not that I could afford anything there).

After finishing that, we jumped back on the metro and set off in search of  Angelina's chocolates. We walked probably two miles or so and finally find it. There the server was extremely rude so we promptly left and went next door for chocolate crepes (which was none of the fifty crepe places we passed to get there).

We shopped the touristy shops and I  bought a scarf, keychains for those of you at home, and some items for my shadowbox project (if you are not sure what I am referring to, all shall be revealed in a later post).

We talked to a lady selling paintings on the side of the street. She tried to convince us she was the artist  "Georgia" (okay, so maybe I believed her at first). We ending up buying some prints because they were very cool and the price was right. After walking away, we.realized about 18 different vendors were selling the same exact images. I am still happy with my purchases.

After all of that we were completely walked out, we stopped in a street cafe, split a bottle of wine and watched the streets of Paris.

As we were headed to the train station, we were really close to the Louvre and there is a vantage point to see the Eiffel.Tower. I thought just maybe, it might be lit up. We quickly hurried as it was eight and it lights up on the hour. We were in luck! The Tower was lit up and sparkling away! But as we had a train to catch, we moved rather quickly to the metro station to head back to the international train station. Kendra almost decided to extend her stay in France as she had fallen in love with the immigration officer. Hey, they say Paris is the city of love (and infidelity, as I learned today).

We made our train and headed back to London. We arrived at King's Cross and grabbed dinner (togo sandwiches and bottled water). Since we were at King's Cross, it was time to go to Platform 9 3/4!!! My inner Harry Potter nerd was so very happy at this. I pretended to run through the wall with my trolley and took my picture.

Finally we dragged our tried feet and eyes back to the flat. Now headed to bed.after 19 hours.

Until tomorrow...