“Endurance and persistence will be rewarded.”
~Fortune Cookie
(Yeah, so I’m not sure if a fortune cookie qualifies as a “quote”- but let’s just roll with it and say it does.)
It is no mystery that I love travel. It excites me, gets me to jump out of bed in the morning, makes me hopeful, curious, energized, and is that subject that makes me want to hurl myself over the bar top table to the other side of a room at a cocktail party if I overhear someone talking about it in a conversation I’m not yet in.
Oh travel, no matter how much I try to not want, need, love you- I do.
Even when I’m enjoying the time and place of my first Sunday balcony breakfast plate of local farmers market fresh food at my new apartment:
…my mind drifts imagining myself sitting on some cobblestoned street in Spain or Italy sipping coffee with interesting company, or ponied up to the diner seat in middle of nowhere Nebraska chatting with that 86 year old local who’s lived there his whole life.
Ahh-yes, cultivating the nesty and the nomad. Sounds like a perfect balance to me.
It’s a good thing that “travel” doesn’t have to mean a plane ticket or 600 mile drive somewhere. It’s a good thing we can all find new things to explore- even in our own neighborhoods. My daydreaming mind of places far and wide are going to have to do for a while as I stay local during my Blue Lollipop Road home base challenge.
#OperationCharlotte #NestingNomad
You know that after wedding, after a 3 day holiday weekend Tuesday thing when you feel a combination of happy, giggly, indulgent, and way behind on work, sleep and totally irresponsible but kind of Ok with it because you’ve just had so much fun? That’s today.
Hello after big weekend Tuesday!
Chicago has been a blast of a week and my past few weeks from Charlotte to Nashville to Columbus have been the same. As I sit in a Starbucks with my 50 fellow “I can work from anywhere-er’s” I feel like a mischievous kid who snuck too many cookies from the cookie jar: full belly, big smile, and wondering if anyone is going to “bust” me for feeling so good. There is a price to pay for feeling so good; I sleep in my car in between cities, I don’t own Manolos (mine are the same $15 strappy black ones that I bought at a Rack Room in 2004) I schlep boxes in and out of my car weekly because I usually don’t have a home, it is often exhausting I but I wouldn’t change any of it for the world because I really feel like I actually live my days.
From the Windy City I’ll be returning to the green mountains for the month of June for the last weeks of prep on my event I am so very proud of, I’ll get to spend time with more people I love (lucky me), reward another travel scholarship to a deserving soccer playing high school student (lucky them), and I’ll be working from countless other coffee shops like I do today between cities and towns where I make it all work to continue a life that most consider crazy. I have certainly slowed down a bit and shifted certain life wants and wishes over this past year or so, but the core of me will never change as I approach my mid-July new home base city because you can take the girl “off the road” for a little while, but you can’t stop her from exploring. (Yep- you know me well, there’s already a Blue Lollipop Road get’s a home base project that’s in the works.) Until I share more on that, I reflect on my 6 hour drive from Columbus to Chicago that started this fantastic week, when an old Alanis Morissette number came across the radio. The sun was hot beating on my left arm as the windows were down, and I blasted her tune that describes me pretty perfectly:
I’m broke but I’m happy
I’m poor but I’m kind
I’m short but I’m healthy, yeah
I’m high but I’m grounded
I’m sane but I’m overwhelmed
I’m lost but I’m hopeful, baby
And what it all comes down to
Is that everything’s gonna be fine, fine, fine
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five
I feel drunk but I’m sober
I’m young and I’m underpaid
I’m tired but I’m working, yeah
I care but I’m restless
I’m here but I’m really gone
I’m wrong and I’m sorry, baby
And what it all comes down to
Is that everything’s gonna be quite alright
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is flicking a cigarette
And what it all comes down to
Is that I haven’t got it all figured out just yet
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving the peace sign
I’m free but I’m focused
I’m green but I’m wise
I’m hard but I’m friendly, baby
I’m sad but I’m laughing
I’m brave but I’m chicken shit
I’m sick but I’m pretty, baby
And what it all boils down to
Is that no one’s really got it figured out just yet
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is playing a piano
And what it all comes down to my dear friends, yeah
Is that everything is just fine fine fine
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is hailing a taxi cab
Here’s to being high but grounded, and free but focused.
What makes you feel like you’re really living your days?
As an always guest in peoples homes, no morning for me is ever the same for me. This morning by 6:30am I was talking about sangria and shockabuku with my brother as he prepped my nephews breakfast while we sipped coffee. There was a bottle of wine on the counter in front of where I was sitting, so when I asked if he’d ever made sangria and he said no, I had to google some recipes. I found this one and this one that looked yummy to share with him. (Hello summer approaching fast and furious! We can’t wait for you and all your treats.)
As I searched the web for sangria inspiration, I thought of shockabuku for some reason, which was recently brought to my attention by my new friend Ethan:
This is officially my new favorite movie clip. I think we all could use some regular shockabuku.
Coffee + early morning random conversation with people you love + swift spiritual kicks to the head that alter your reality forever = awesome.
Happy Tuesday.
Busy! Awesome! Excited! That’s been the past few weeks as I have officially accepted a position on a project that is like my dream. TBA soon. We’ve just gotten our social media rolling and the official project announcement will be blasted to the world soon. (Think getting global and finding your Blue Lollipop Road!)
So here we are, less than 3 months away from the 2nd Annual BLR Play It Forward, the 2nd Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Scholarship giveaway, year 5 since the launch of Blue Lollipop Road, and after all this time and effort- mountains are starting to move. (With a lot of hard work.)
Me = Hardworking Happy Camper.
If you’re out there, chipping away at something you’re totally passionate about and you’re beyond exhausted working your butt off- keep pushing. If you’re sick of being poor, wondering if you’ll be able to stand one more paycheck to paycheck week as you work away at that project you love- don’t stop. If you’re really in love with something, stay committed. You will make it take off eventually. If you’ve got a fire inside, do your thing. You’ll probably kick, scream, and curse all the way wondering why things aren’t easier. (I have and still often do.) The good stuff isn’t supposed to come easy. Easy doesn’t make good stories or build rock-solid character.
Being in love with something, be truly passionate about that thing you just can’t shake, will always trump any exhaustion and that empty bank account you think you just can’t stand anymore. As I type, I’m working my tail off a bit more tired than I used to be. As I maintain my consistently low bank account balance- I’m still happy. I’ve committed to working on projects I believe in and with people I respect. That really does payoff. I’m confident with that, my future of well-rested, overflowing bank account days will come.
If you’ve got a fire burning for something, keep adding the logs. Feeling the heat when it all comes together is a warmth that is oh so sweet.
The past few weeks have been exciting with the announcement of the 2nd Annual BLR Play It Forward Event and working on long-term goals for the Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Travel Scholarship. One of the recipients from last years scholarship sent me a note and photos last night from a trip she took recently and used some of her awarded funds for. (I hope to share with you all soon after I get permission from her.)
Getting a “Hi Diane! I’m writing to share photos and stories about a trip I just took with some of the funds from my scholarship!” – made me smile from ear to ear with the same pride I imagine a parent feels the first time they watch their child doing something kind for someone when they think nobody’s watching. It is my dream to be able to encourage young people to travel for education and self-empowerment. I know from experience that supporting anyone, at any age to travel or experience a new place can change a life and offer perspective like nothing else can. I am so incredibly thankful to all the strangers who donate here, and community members/alumni who contribute to the Play It Forward event so I can keep this scholarship going. THANK YOU!
The 2nd Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Scholarship will be awarded again during our alumni soccer game at Howard Park in Shaftsbury, VT on July 13th this year and will be gifted to a current female soccer playing student at Mount Anthony Union High School for:
*Participating in a MAU student exchange program;
*Taking a “Gap” Year between graduation and post-secondary education; and/or
*Going on an adventure travel trip intended for personal growth.
I can’t wait to get the applications back this year to see what ideas, ambitions, hopes, and dreams these girls have for exploring the world and learning about themselves. I have goals to expand the BLR Memorial Scholarship nationally in years to come, so I’ve been researching quite a bit about student exchange/travel in the US. I’ve learned the following facts from the guidance department at my former high school. They are shocking:
1.) “We have a lot more students come to us then travel abroad.” (Why do other countries encourage travel as part of their education, and we in the US do not?)
2.) “I’ve have only seen about 5 students in 12 years spend at least one full semester abroad.” (What?! About 5 students in twelve years?!)
3.) “Limiting factors are cost and the desire to graduate with their class rather then take a semester or two abroad and not earn credit.” (Again- what?! I can see a financial limiting factor, but taking a semester abroad to complete schooling in another country doesn’t count for school credits in this one?)
4.) “Vermont considers any student who takes 5 years to graduate as a drop out. This means those that take a year to do exchange then return are considered drop outs from our school. Schools in Vermont are punished for encouraging exchange opportunities.” (Is there another way to say WHAT?! This is ludicrous- particularly for a progressive state like Vermont.)
These findings make me even more driven to open the minds of American parents and schools on how travel benefits personal growth and independence.
Here’s to encouraging travel for education and self-empowerment. Here’s to encouraging travel for perspective. Here’s to encouraging travel as an investment in OURSELVES. If we don’t allow or encourage the chance to experience other people, places, cultures first hand- how can we expect to live in and create a well-rounded, appreciative, and tolerant society?
Don’t be. Life is too short to let fear in your life.
Carpe diem.
What are you doing to really LIVE today?
People ask me all the time how I afford to travel and live the lifestyle I do. The answer is simple: I don’t buy or keep a lot of crap and I never have.
I LOVE this TEDtalk by Graham Hill. Here’s his awesome pad in NYC. (This makes me miss the 430 sq ft apartment I had a couple years ago.) Here’s another one of his many projects: Life Edited. How much do I love those two words together? How much do I love him? Not only is he intelligent, environmentally conscious, and living minimal like me- but he’s adorable too. Sign me up for the president of the Graham Hill fan club!
I’ve always promoted keeping the best and getting rid of the rest. (Are you listening Mom?) As Graham talks about in the links above, The amount of stuff most America own is unnecessary, causes stress, costs too much, and is bad for the earth. Who wants to use their free time to take care of all that junk? Why should we spend years paying off debts from purchases we didn’t need in the first place? What would you do with more time and more money?
I completely agree with owning nice quality possessions. For instance, I own Apple products, use Moleskin notebooks, wear Ray-Ban sunglasses, currently carry a Cole Haan purse, and even have Frye boots. Name drop schname drop. I’m not trying to portray some cool, fancy image. (I mean, I sleep in my car for god’s sakes.) This is simply to illustrate name brand not-so-cheap, but quality (at least in my opinion) items that even I can afford. I’m 34 years old, live on a poverty level salary (and have since I moved out of my parents house at 17) and even I can afford quality things. How? 1.) I research, monitor and buy only when there is a sale or discount. 2.) I buy ONE. (How many things could I possibly use at the same time?) 3.) I use these items EVERY DAY until they are completely used up, broken, or worn out before I buy another. I’ve chased buses down the slushy Chicago streets in my brown Frye boots and owned them for about 2 years wearing them nearly every day; they are in perfect shape. I bought sunglasses that fit and were comfortable for my face nearly 5 years ago. I wear them every day; they don’t have a scratch. I use my Macbook and iPhone most waking hours; they both look like they just came out of their boxes. (I could go on.)
Buy quality things you love, use them every day, take care of them, and don’t buy another until the one you have has completely gone to the grave.
Less crap, less stress, more time (our most precious commodity) more money, more freedom. Boom! Who’s going to spend this weekend emptying out their basement? (Message me if you need help. I LOVE liberating lives: Diane @ bluelollipoproad.com)
Now if Graham ever reads this and wants to take on my dream of a mini barn-house renovation. Or a date…:)
