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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Points of Exclamation

One of my fellow sorority sisters in my chapter at BU has started a company called Points of Exclamation. She has created some really fantastic stuff- rings and bracelets out of this world and so cute and colorful. She even has created her own website here, where you can find all of this great jewelry she is making.
The line of jewelry is especially Boho and Tribal-esque, and the best part is that 100% of the proceeds goes to the ALS Foundation.
Ali is certainly off to a great start and it would mean so much to me if you would check out here site. I promise it will not disappoint. I've already picked my favorites and posted a few of them here... I know I'll be making my purchase soon enough!
I mean, come on, just look at the colors and the stones in that ring!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Relatable

While I have very little in common with Stephen King, one thing I know for sure we both have in common in our love for writing. Reading about how Stephen Kings spends months and even years writing just sentences for his novels I found his words to be very relatable for a writer and aspiring journalist like myself. 
In reference to how challenging it can be for a writer to compose the opening lines of his work, Stephen King remarks:
"There are all sorts of theories and ideas about what constitutes a good opening line. It's tricky thing, and tough to talk about because I don't think conceptually while I work on a first draft -- I just write. To get scientific about it is a little like trying to catch moonbeams in a jar.
But there's one thing I'm sure about. An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.
How can a writer extend an appealing invitation -- one that's difficult, even, to refuse?"
His words are so simple and make it all sound so easy. When writing blog posts or articles I constantly wrestle with where I should begin and Stephen Kings says it perfectly here. 
It's a good thing he didn't write his response or else we might not have been graced with his knowledge for months or maybe years to come.   

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Minimalism

The shear idea of living with less makes me think of a life of simplicity, less complications, and more time for what's really important in life. 
I recently came across a website called The Minimalists. The site and minimalist mind-set was created all by two guys- Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. Their about page is quite amazing and they have a truly amazing story to tell- two guys finding no satisfaction in the lives they were leading as successful middle-aged men then decided to turn to minimalism and now they find themselves today writing about it on their blog. 
They have written a series of essay about turning toward a minimalist lifestyle and creating more room for the important things, people, desires and dreams in one's life. From guides to de-cluttering to more, these essays tell it like it is according to these guys and some of their stuff could not be more fascinating. I really appreciate people like this that make me challenge my views and outlook on the kind of life I want to live. I sometimes get wrapped up in everything that's going on around me and reading these essays helps to refocus and see what good can come from some of their ideas like going minimalist and living life in a more carefree manner. 
One essay that really caught my eye was titled, Letting Go of Shitty Relationships. This one was interesting as a friend of mine was talking to me today about the value he puts on certain relationships over others and how important it is to find fulfillment in a relationship, to be able to find friendship and feel good about yourself when you're around that person. The Minimalists hit the nail on the head with this essay and I really appreciated their thoughts. 
The most fascinating essay by far from the minimalists was written by Joshua titled, 100 Days with No Goals. As a college student in particular I feel the pressure from adults, teachers, society, friends etc. to set goals for what I want to do with my life, or even what I want to do next week, or today. It is refreshing to read this essay about Joshua's experience with living life without goals. It is simply freeing. While I often appreciate a good to-do list, staring at an uncompleted list of things to get done stresses me out! Joshua decided he didn't need to have goals to be happy and live a fulfilling life. And funny enough, Joshua found himself more productive than he was before. Joshua writes this in his essay which just goes to show you how life changing one small change can be:

"I’ve grown considerably in the last 100 days. I’ve gotten into the best shape of my life, strengthened my personal relationships, established new relationships, and written more than ever before. I’ve grown more in the last 100 days than any other 100-day period in my life."

After reading some of Joshua and Ryan's essays I know I'll be looking at my own life and contemplating what I really need and don't need. It's thoughts like these that even make packing for a vacation or college a little easier and more simple. 

I'll leave you with what the minimalist lifestyle has helped them to do:

  • Eliminate our discontent
  • Reclaim our time
  • Live in the moment
  • Pursue our passions
  • Discover our missions
  • Experience real freedom
  • Create more, consume less
  • Focus on our health
  • Grow as individuals
  • Contribute beyond ourselves
  • Rid ourselves of excess stuff
  • Discover purpose in our lives



Monday, July 15, 2013

Love All the Time

Last week I read an article called, "Why Do Dogs Live Fewer Years Than Humans?". The author begins by writing about his experience as a veterinarian and recalls one time when he performed a euthanasia procedure on a dog dying of cancer. The family whose dog had to be put down, gathered around the dog and veterinarian as he performed the procedure. Afterwards the family and veterinarian sat around discussing why dogs live shorter lives than humans, the young six-year-old pipped up and said, "I know why. People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long." The author explained that the little boy's reasoning changed the way he tries in life and lives. After reading this article it certainly has changed the way I see things and inspires me to want to give more and love more and be happy and grateful for the life I have. It's amazing how such a simple thing can really impact a person so much and bring a new outlook to the way we live and treat people.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Wishful Wednesday: Places to Visit

My grandparents on both my mother and father's side went to two pretty amazing vacation spots this past week, and now both are on my list of places to visit. The first is the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. This resort has a lot of history and has so many different attractions including skiing in the winter time, zip-lining, hiking tours, golfing, horseback riding and more. The Bretton Woods Hotel even has its own post office! The lands surrounding the hotel look amazing and during the fall the trees must be exquisite. This resort is certainly a place for me to visit one day- the perfect place to get lost in the woods and explore.
The second place is the Marriott Ranch in Hume, Virginia. In 1951 the Marriott Ranch, originally the Fairfield Ranch, was purchased by the Marriott family. Over the next few years the Marriott family purchased more land surrounding the ranch to create the 4200-acre property. After becoming a personal vacation home for the Marriott family, by the early 1990's the ranch became a venue to host guests beyond the personal guests of the family. The main house, known as the Manor House, is the Marriott's only Bed & Breakfast. 

The main reason why I want to go to this ranch is because of the fantastic stories my grandfather told me about their time at the ranch. When they first arrived at the ranch they where greeted with evening wine and hors d'oeuvres. After, the house caretaker invited them to pick whichever room they would like to stay in. The chef and house-woman then left for the night, leaving my grandparents on their own at the ranch, where they were able to drive into town and get dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening on the property by themselves. The next morning the chef served them breakfast in bed and they were given a tour of the property. 
The Marriott Ranch just seems like the ultimate getaway. With so much history and freedom this property provides the ultimate escape and is a great place to bring a group and have the place to yourself. Mark my word, I'll be visiting the ranch before you know it! 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Get Out Alive With Bear Grylls

One type of person that I will always admire is a risk taker. Over and over again people prove themselves as risk takers and adventure seekers and inspire me to push myself to new heights and take new risks. While the risks I plan on taking are not quite up to par with those of Bear Grylls, host of Man vs Wild and survival and outdoor adventure man, now that Grylls has a new show on NBC I can continue to live vicariously through the over-the-top adventures he takes and witness in the case of his new show.
This show called Get Out Alive follows teams of two as they travel as a group trying to keep each other alive while battling the wildest of conditions and each other in eight journeys to win half a million dollars. The first show premiered this week with the pilot episode where there was some great adventure and challenge to be seen. So get out there be adventurous too and seek out risks as you become inspired.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Passion

Tonight I watch the ESPN2 SEC Storied Documentary, Abby Head On. The film premiered last month, but I was lucky enough to catch it in full tonight, as it chronicles the incredible career of soccer star Abby Wambach. Having only first acknowledged her skill and drive for the sport following the past Olympics where the US team took the gold medal, I was thrilled to get the chance to "follow" the budding soccer star in this documentary.
The passion that Wambach puts into soccer excites me and makes me want to be more motivated and passionate about everything that I do. From this documentary anyone can see that Wambach is a risk taker, from her first steps onto the field, to choosing to play college ball at University of Florida over University of North Carolina. Not only did she help the Gators to their first and only national title in her freshman year, but she eventually realized her full potential as she turned pro and went on to make lasting relationships with her teammates and represent the United States at the World Cup and Olympics. While Wambach has certainly experienced her fair share of upsets, heartaches and failures from time to time, what I love most about athletes, athletics and watching documentaries like these is getting to see people realize their full potential and come back from unthinkable circumstances. Watching sports thrills me and watching athletes in their prime will always be one of my favorite things to do, they inspire me and make me want to strive for the best and encourage me to go for my dreams.
Thank you Abby Wambach for making my night. Also in the spirt of the Fourth of July, aren't these pictures fantastic... I don't know about you, but I'm certainly putting the 2015 Women's World Cup on my calendar.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Live Your Life

"You don't have to live your life the way other people expect you to."
I couldn't have said it better myself. I came across this cartoon, How to Live an Unremarkably Average Life, and I couldn't help but thinking just how true this cartoon is. Who wants to be just average?
What a good reminder to push boundaries, become inspired by what you love, and pursuit passions in life that make you more than just average.