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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 25

1.25.14

One of today’s BLR’s is by far my favorite of the first 25 days of this project. Check out this submission, by Sydney, Ema, & Nathaniel (left to right) from Louisiana:

How cool is this pic, made from the Comic Book! iPad app?! Love it. Gives me an idea for another BLR creation with people for later. (Yes, that means you’ll have to stay tuned to see what I come up with. I might just recruit you to be a part of it!)

So not only did these super awesome kids pose for this photo, but they sent 2 others too! Sydney & Ema made this one out of bottle caps, clothes pins, and Wikki Sticks:

(I totally just had to Google “Wikki Sticks” to see what they were. I guess I’m not as cool as I thought)…and Nathaniel made this one with his toy trains:

He wanted to make sure I knew that the “R” is made up entirely of boxcars. How cute!

Thank you Sydney, Ema, & Nathaniel for my first kid submissions! Feel free to send in more BLR’s anytime. The more the merrier, so keep staying curious and crafty!

Who else is ready to make a BLR?

Send me your submissions: Diane(@)bluelollipoproad.com

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #CraftyKids

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365 days of blue lollipop road; day 24

1.24.13

Mexican Fiesta indeed!

Oh I wish I was on a beach in Mexico right now. Brrr!!! Since when did North Carolina adopt Vermont winter weather?! I guess for now eating Mexican food is what will have to keep me warm. Don’t tell anyone, but this was basket and bowl of chips & salsa # 2 for me and my friend. (#ReasonsWhyIGetUpExtraEarlyToRunInThePolarVortex.)

Mmmm…chips and  fresh salsa…and pretending I’m in a Corona commercial (this one cracks me up) as I sip…

Ok, back to business:

I’ve just gotten a couple really cool submissions from a few cutie & creative kids in Louisiana that I’ll post this weekend. Send me your submissions: Diane(@)bluelollipoproad.com

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

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #TGIF

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365 days of blue lollipop road; day 23

1.23.14

Hello submissions! We are on a roll!

This just in from a new Blue Lollipop Road reader, Grace:

Here she is!

She makes maps for a living. (Um…how awesome is that?!) She’s been stuck at her desk all day today, so she said she was happy to participate in the BLR project fun.

Here’s to getting creative, even when you might feel stuck, and to letting yourself daydream about anything and everything during the middle of a work day.

Thanks Grace!

Who else is ready to make a BLR?

Send me your submissions: Diane(@)bluelollipoproad.com so I can share here!

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #CubicalCreations

PS~ If you ever get to Wilmington, NC– you should definitely go nosh at Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn. It is gooood…

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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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365 days of blue lollipop road; day 16

1.16.14

I’ve recently started working with a fantastic organization called Soccer Shots. As I was getting my gear in order this afternoon for the kick off of the winter/spring season next week, three letters popped in my head:

Blue Lollipop Road and soccer go hand in hand! Do you know the story? If not, click here to read it.

If you have kids between the ages of 2 and 8 years old, and you don’t yet know about Soccer Shots, run- don’t walk to the nearest computer to find a program in your area and sign them up! This organization is incredibly well-organized, professionally run, and the curriculum is exceptional. Every last person I’ve met since starting with them, really cares about their job and the kids. I am thrilled to be a part of the team, and to have found a company who’s words and actions actually match. Such a rarity! Super bonus? The Soccer Shots mission, method, and motivation are very much aligned with what BLR is all about. Love that!

I started playing soccer at the age of 5 in tiny little Shaftsbury, Vermont at a place called Howard Park. (The same spot I’ve hosted BLR Play It Forward the past two years.) I’ve been playing ever since. The friends I made, the teamwork and dedication I learned, and the fun I had (especially during those young impressionable years), have had a huge part in shaping who I am today. I’m happy to be a part of the soccer community, and proud to be a part of Soccer Shots. To be in the position to coach young kids now, and teach them some of the lessons I learned through team sport, feels totally awesome.

Here’s to the love of the game, and to STRONG MOJO!

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

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #SoccerRules

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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 12

1.12.14

Football playoffs anyone?

Today was 60 degrees and sunny in Charlotte. A welcomed warm after this past week of frigid temps, so we joined the masses for Panthers tailgating fun outside. I raided the snack table to make my BLR:

Yep, that’s someones leftover pickle and piece of celery from a bloody mary. Those went into the trash after, but I gobbled up the pretzels (after dipping them in peanut butter & chocolate chips) within 15 second after taking this photo.

Sunday Funday!

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

#BLR365 #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad #CarolinaPanters

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a freeze and thaw december

‘Tis the season for holiday travel!

I’m en route to Chicago now (BRRR…) and no surprise a major delay on my flight (BOO…) so I will miss a lunch date at one of my most favorite Windy City chow spots, but at least I have the rest of a long food, love, fun-filled wedding weekend to look forward to. (Maybe I didn’t really need those pretzel encrusted pancakes with white chocolate sauce today anyway. I do have to fit into a pretty tight dress on Saturday night.) I cannot wait to be back in one of my favorite ever cities!

In an effort to balance out the chill, we are going to the Carribean for Christmas! (Whoop!) Nothing says Happy Holidays to me like a sandy beach, warm sunshine, a tropical drink, and a super-awesome, fun, cute man to frolic and adventure with. Thank you, Santa!

Having a home base is good and all, but lets face it- travel rules and the road will always call. (For me anyway.) I love watching people, I love new experiences, new foods, and exploring everything possible. I can’t imagine that ever changing. As I sit here in the hustle and bustle of the busy CLT airport, I feel invigorated and alive. So many places to go, so much to see, so little time…

Travel Channel, Discover Channel, Travel company X- when are you going to hire me already? 🙂

What makes you feel invigorated and alive?

#CantShakeTheTravelBug #TravelJunkie #LifeOnTheBlueLollipopRoad

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