Inspiration

quote of the day

Rainy, gloomy Saturday at home base. Missing the road & wishing I was on a bigger adventure than I am at the moment. In an effort to fight off that Groundhog Day feeling and to stay inspired, I click on a the Roadtrip Nation series on PBS. (Can’t get enough of RTN. It’s going on 15 years I’ve been a super fan.) On this episode, road-trippers interviewing Rick Moonen, Chef/Owner of Rm Seafood:

“Find out what really drives you. Find out your passion, because It’s what you’re going to do best at. It’s what you’re going to kick the covers off on the next morning, you know- out of desire. If you don’t have the desire, how are you going to succeed?”

Ahhh…yes. Amen Rick! Love that, and agreed.

What makes you kick the covers off in the morning?

#FindYourBlueLollipopRoad #WorkThatMatters #Inspiration

 

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news! updates! movin’ on up!

A move. Check.

Start concierge biz, so I can make some money and use my talents and experience to pay bills while I work on my bleeding heart projects (Read: Blue Lollipop Road/BLR Play It Forward/BLR Memorial Scholarship Fund.) Check.

Start a great gig with a fantastic local co-working space, spend time with totally awesome entrepreneurs and interesting business people. Check.

In process of redesign for a whole new website for BLR. Check.

Book writing continued. Amazing amounts of good progress. Check.

BLR Play It Forward/BLR Scholarship Fund details getting ironed out for a July event. Check.

Working so hard for so many years wondering if I will ever have that aha moment, and finally getting to a place where I have clarity on what I am an expert at, what I suck at, and moving forward with those findings. Check.

Foreign, and hard to absorb but totally welcome feeling; OMG! Things really are falling into place and momentum works! My blood, sweat, and those tears really did work. Check.

Pinch me. Check.

All happening. Check.

Happy. Check.

The seed was planted and the flag was in the ground a long time ago. I’ve poured firehoses of water to grown the seed, the plant has been stomped on, the flag has been bent and beaten down and broken, then taped back up again. About 86 times.

#GluttonForPunishmentButHeyThatsHowYouGetThere

#WouldntChangeAThing

Even though I might seem that I believe unicorns & rainbows make things happen, I’m really a believer in endurance and persistence to make things happen. (AKA: Working your a$$ off and giving a sh*t.) I’m not a big fortune from the fortune cookie, keeper- but I got this one years ago and It’s stayed tattered and believing in my wallet ever since:

Amen!

So a little thought/opinion/inspiration for today:

If you’re out there, and broke, exhausted, frustrated, or feeling like you’ve often lived on a island alone with no help, or that you might go nuts if you spend one more minute working on or over analyzing how you can make your dream/job/life/existence become a reality, first of all- welcome to the club. Second of all, good for you for not giving up. (Seriously- good for you!) Third of all, if you still believe in what you’re doing even though you might be nearing the end of your rope, don’t you dare stop or I will come find you and beat you. (Capeesh?:) Keep swinging the bat, take help and constructive criticism if It’s offered, but push negativity away, take steps back when you need to, maybe take a day, week, month off to regroup or rethink, but keep pushing. Endurance a persistence will be rewarded.

When people tell you you’re crazy, say “Thank you! I’ve worked my ass off for this crazy.”

What are you pushing for?

#NotStopping #IBelieve #WorkThatMatters

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if I met you at the gap year fair a few hours ago and you’re reading this now…

…HI!!!

I loved chatting with students & parents about the big wide open amazing world that’s out there and why it is so incredibly important for young adults to get out and experience all they can before making big life decisions. I’m probably more passionate about this subject than any other, so it thrilled me to be at the USA Gap Year Fairs tonight, and see so many people open to the concept of a Gap Year.

I hope those I met and shared my information with, will drop me a line and let me know if I can help guide you in any way. I promise, if you take some time for travel and self-learning after high school, you will 1.) Have the time of your life 2.) Meet people and see places you never dreamed of 3.) Become a better human 4.) Find clarity about who you are and what you want 5.) Be best equipped to meet and exceed each and every one of your goals.

Believe.

I’m a huge advocate for Gap Years and living outside the otherwise pre-planned life schedule.

Today is the day. What are you waiting for?

#ThingsThatMatter #GapYear #LiveOfATraveler #NotLostJustExploring

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how does this author know so much about me?

A friend sent me this blog post today and as I read it, I kept thinking; YES! YES! YES! That is totally me.

DON’T DATE A GIRL WHO TRAVELS

She’s the one with the messy unkempt hair colored by the sun. Her skin is now far from fair like it once was. Not even sun kissed. It’s burnt with multiple tan lines, wounds and bites here and there. But for every flaw on her skin, she has an interesting story to tell.

Don’t date a girl who travels. She is hard to please. The usual dinner-movie date at the mall will suck the life out of her. Her soul craves for new experiences and adventures. She will be unimpressed with your new car and your expensive watch. She would rather climb a rock or jump out of an airplane than hear you brag about it.

Don’t date a girl who travels because she will bug you to book a flight every time there’s an airline seat sale. She wont party at Republiq. And she will never pay over $100 for Avicii because she knows that one weekend of clubbing is equivalent to one week somewhere far more exciting.

Chances are, she can’t hold a steady job. Or she’s probably daydreaming about quitting. She doesn’t want to keep working her ass off for someone else’s dream. She has her own and is working towards it. She is a freelancer. She makes money from designing, writing, photography or something that requires creativity and imagination. Don’t waste her time complaining about your boring job.

Don’t date a girl who travels. She might have wasted her college degree and switched careers entirely. She is now a dive instructor or a yoga teacher. She’s not sure when the next paycheck is coming. But she doesn’t work like a robot all day, she goes out and takes what life has to offer and challenges you to do the same.

Don’t date a girl who travels for she has chosen a life of uncertainty. She doesn’t have a plan or a permanent address. She goes with the flow and follows her heart. She dances to the beat of her own drum. She doesn’t wear a watch. Her days are ruled by the sun and the moon. When the waves are calling, life stops and she will be oblivious to everything else for a moment. But she has learned that the most important thing in life isn’t surfing.

Don’t date a girl who travels as she tends to speak her mind. She will never try to impress your parents or friends. She knows respect, but isn’t afraid to hold a debate about global issues or social responsibility.

She will never need you. She knows how to pitch a tent and screw her own fins without your help. She cooks well and doesn’t need you to pay for her meals. She is too independent and wont care whether you travel with her or not. She will forget to check in with you when she arrives at her destination. She’s busy living in the present. She talks to strangers. She will meet many interesting, like-minded people from around the world who share her passion and dreams. She will be bored with you.

So never date a girl who travels unless you can keep up with her. And if you unintentionally fall in love with one, don’t you dare keep her. Let her go.

Confession:

I’m amidst one of the worst winter-duldrum/when does this end and get warm again already/why am I not living in the tropics/on the road full time right now- times I’ve ever had. I’m sure you’re probably thinking boo-hoo, Diane- don’t you travel enough? Haven’t you been to enough spots? Aren’t you thankful for what you have done and where you have gone? Well, no, no, and yes. Travel is simply a part of my heart & soul. I can’t explain it. The above blog post makes me want to run- not walk, and do more.

I’ve tried so hard to shake this pesky bug, this lifestyle, this insatiable hunger for all things exploration and travel, but I just can’t. Sigh. I want to (I really do!) I want to be “normal” but I just can’t be. I’ve realized more and more lately, that probably the only thing that will ever keep me happy is living light and free; Free to stay if I want, to go if I want, to embrace the full “Me-ness” that is me, the forever overly curious, fight to feel truly alive everyday, wanderer.

At the moment I’m under a big blanket feeling cold, stuck, pretty uninspired, and not really myself. In an effort to ditch those yuck feelings, I just perused a bunch of my goofy, fun, and slightly ridiculous travel photos:

The above photo should actually say; I just love everything…TRAVEL. 

Ok, now I feel better. I guess when those blah, endless feeling wintery days strike- It’s best to fight back with memories of all the awesome that has been a part of my life already, and all that is still to come.

The reason I started my current BLR 365 project (have you seen it and gotten on board yet?) is exactly for days like this. I really do believe we can feel totally alive and make everyday an adventure, even when we are feeling glum/stuck/yuck. It’s all about taking a minute during your standard day, to look back, dream forward, do something creative, or let your mind wander about all that’s possible in the future.

What makes your soul burst with excitement?

#LifeOfATraveler #Wanderlust #StayUnstuck

PS~ A huge THANK YOU! To my always supportive, fellow lover of all things travel & adventure, fantastic friend, David who sent me Don’t date a girl who travels.

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365 days of blue lollipop road; day 18

1.18.14

From the Megs Miles Facebook Page sent to me by a good friend a couple days ago:

Meg Cross Menzies was tragically killed by a drunk driver while out for her morning run on January 13, 2014. As an avid runner, member of the Richmond Road Runners Club, and Boston marathoner, she was a member of the running family nationwide. In her honor, our hope is to raise awareness of drunk driving, texting and driving, and overall safety of runners and cyclists everywhere. 

This Saturday, January 18, 2014, no matter what your distance, no matter where you live, run for Meg. Take in the fresh air, be aware of your surroundings, keep your headphones on low, feel the heaviness in your lungs, the soreness in your legs, and be grateful for it–for all of it. The sweat, the pain, the wind, the cold…everything. Be grateful for that moment. 

I’m a runner and I lived in Richmond for many years, surrounded by amazing friends and a wonderful community. When I heard this news I of course wanted to participate in honor of Meg. What a tragic story and another reason to be thankful for the time we have the people we love. Today I have “made” my BLR my run for Meg, in honor of a woman I didn’t know personally, but a fellow runner, and someone who sounds like an amazing person who was very much loved by all she crossed paths with.

Pre-run:

My big smile might look a little too happy, before a bit of a somber run- but all I was thinking when giving the thumbs up, was about celebrating time with those who are so special to each of us. Blue Lollipop Road is in honor of people who were taken from me far too young and far too soon, like Meg- but the spirit of those who we have the fortune to spend time with that are as special as my friends were, and it sounds like Meg was, will truly live on forever.

Here’s to love and support for Meg’s family far away, and to knowing that to live in our hearts, is never to die.

This is what my road looks like today. What’s happening on yours?

#BLR365 #Megsmiles #ThingsThatMatter #RunForMeg

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365 days of blue lollipop road; day 17

1.17.14

I’ve been doing my best lately to read a bunch of books I’ve wanted to for a while now:

I usually read and pass on, but obviously I’m way behind in my homework hours (tsk tsk.) In my attempt to knock out the titles above I haven’t yet, I’ve challenged myself to a book a week until March 1. This weeks book is Start Something that Matters. I’m loving it and It’s given me a stellar Idea for BLR too! Not pictured here, out on a borrow- my recent favorite; Walden on Wheels. Soooo good and a definite must read if you haven’t already. I just might be meeting up with Author, Ken Ilgunas in the next couple weeks. I’m super stoked about that. He is one smart cookie and I love his mindset.

Off to read!

This is what my road looks like today. What’s happening on yours?

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #BookWorming

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speaking of food

As I keep playing with food to make many of my BLR’s for my 365 project, let’s go all the way foodie-foodfest and help me in supporting my very good friend, and former soccer teammate- Chef Ryan Hutmacher for ABC’s The Chew! Yippee! Ryan is part of The search for the weightwatchers chef!

Here we are a few weeks ago when I was in Chicago:

Ryan was busy and hard at work, so our lunch catch up was where else? His studio; Centered Chef.

To say that Ryan has been a good friend and support to me, and all things Blue Lollipop Road over the past few years, is an understatement. He is that positive, but no bs cheerleader. The do the right thing when nobody is watching, honest to goodness, passionate, loyal, smart, driven, talented, sweet, and funny guy we all should be lucky enough to have in our lives to keep us inspired. I have seen few people work harder and be more dedicated than Ryan. Blood, sweat, tears, and more, this guy is the perfect example of stand-up, never stop following your dreams, and do work that matters. I hope anyone reading this will join me and  click on this link here and “like” on the Facebook/ABC Chew page to help support Ryan in this competition.

Good luck Ryan! Thank you for your continued support with all my big Blue Lollipop Road goals. You will continue to inspire health, wellness, and that anything really is possible- in all of us.

Here’s to going for it!

#WorkThatMatters #CenteredChef #LiveWell

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365 days of blue lollipop road; day 7

1.7.14

The BLR for today is food again! What can I say, this girl likes to eat:

My go to favorite appetizer (that I often make a meal out of) is granny smith apples, Cabot Vermont white cheddar, (specifically the Hunters Sharp in the plaid wrapper) and baguette crostini with olive oil, black pepper and sea salt. This with a glass of pinot grigio = YUM. Somehow it tastes even better while watching awards shows and other things like The Bachelor/Bachelorette with a bunch of girlfriends. (Don’t judge, even us “non-TV watchers” like a little fashion, drama, and trash entertainment on occasion!) A little over a year ago, I was introduced to some specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars from a place called Olio. This is where my apple and cheese life changed forever. I added a drizzle of Olio’s chipotle olive oil & cranberry balsamic to my favorite app, and voila! Heaven on toasty bread. (Seriously de-lish.) If you want a snack that’s a total crowd-pleaser, take this to your next get together.

So now an explanation as to why I keep playing with things like my food to make letters and what all this “356 Days of Blue Lollipop Road” is:

3 years ago, I went to a breakfast talk that featured a guy named Noah Scalin. He talked about how he created a project (Skull-A-Day) sort of by accident. He’s an artist/designer and was walking through the park one day, found a skull, took it home, snapped a photo and posted it online, then the next day added something funky to the skull, posted a photo again, and then continued to “make a skull” a day for 365 days, documenting and sharing the project daily. That project turned into millions of followers, and this awesome book and encouraging concept on a way to stay creative and “unstuck.” People from all over the world have been inspired to spend a year “making” something too and sharing it with others. Noah has featured a bunch of them on his Make Something 365 site.

Since meeting Noah at that talk, I’ve thought a lot about doing my own 365 project. I loved hearing about how during Noah’s Skull-A-Day year, he spent more time than usual with family and friends coming up with different skulls to make. He made skulls out of bread with a baker friend, out of an old TV another friend donated to him, he snapped shots of gum melted on the streets of NYC that made out the shape of a skull, and so on. He talked about how committing to create something original on a daily basis made him stop, take in his surrounding more, and be more aware. It made him “unplug” and get old school crafty. It made him excited to dream up ways to take otherwise useless/used items and give them another life. It helped him connect with people around him. I love that, because adults seem to forget to take a minute each day and “get lost” in a book, a moment, a time, a place, a person we are with. When we were young, everyday is an encouragement-fest to be anything you want to be! Paint, draw! Go, run, play! Make new friends, find an adventure, use your imagination. Noah’s thought for creating a thing consistently everyday reminds us how important it is to stay unstuck and out of the drone zone that’s easy to fall into.

So! In an effort for me to stay unstuck and creative as I have a home base now (because you know I’d rather be on the road, but I’m still trying to figure out how to make that work), and to feel like I am still “traveling” in my everyday, and also to keep encouraging all of you out there to stay curious, explore beyond everyday surroundings, and be fearless in pursuit of goals- I have started my own 365 project. I am “making” a BLR a day for this entire year of 2014. Whoop!

Here’s the fun part. I want YOU to get involved and hop in the party boat too! I want YOU to make  your own BLR and send it to me so I can share here. (Email submissions to Diane(@)bluelollipoproad.com)

Rules:

THERE ARE NO RULES! Write BLR on your face, bake, slice, glue, draw a B, L,, and R, paint it on a shirt and take a photo of yourself wearing it and doing something fun, use some sidewalk chalk, sharpies, pencils, pens, cardboard boxes…whatever!

Blue Lollipop Road to me is a place where I feel free. A time I feel inspired, and remember what really matters. It’s enjoying a simple and seemingly insignificant moment as totally awesome. It’s when I’m with someone I love who makes me laugh and feel special. The road of life is a different color to each of us. It’s all about spending time doing things that are important to you and being with people you love. So my question is; What does your road look like? I’d love to know how and where you spend your time. When do you take a minute to indulge in letting yourself feel passionate about your “thing.” How do you have fun, stay creative, and keep yourself unstuck?

Let’s get crafty and stay out of the drone zone together! Today is the day. What are you waiting for?

My road is a blue lollipop road. What’s yours?

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #CheeseRules

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