Live the life you want to live

July 28, 2013 In Inspiration, Live the life you want to live, North Carolina, Photos

you can take a girl off the road, but you can stop (her mind) from exploring

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:

Sunday Balcony Breakfast

…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

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March 26, 2013 In grow, Inspiration, Live the life you want to live, Thank you

invest in yourself: travel

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?

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March 21, 2013 In Great companies, Inspiration, Live the life you want to live, People

small and simple goodness

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…:)

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March 15, 2013 In grow, Live the life you want to live

my tribe licks oyster shells

“The bank is hiring Di, you could be a Teller! I could push your application through.”

“You’re welcome to come live in the basement, but only if you go back to vocational school.”

What?

(There are more but I will spare you.)

Ahhh…those moments you hear something out of the mouth of a friend who’s known you for years, and you can’t help but think: After all these years, you seriously haven’t a clue about who I am do you? 

If I had a dollar for every unsolicited, absurd, possible employment suggestion or life direction I’ve heard over the years- people would be asking me for cash loans, not recommending I count their cash at that proposed teller job that’s up for grabs. Since my teens, I’ve been pushed, poked, and prodded to try and somehow “find myself” (was I ever lost?) in more most mis-matched, ill-fitting industries than I could count on a calculator. These proposed options for my professional life I’ve heard on a regular basis over the years have made me furrow my brow so hard and so often, I now need BOTOX. (Yes! That’s it! I can be a plastic surgeon when I grow up!) As if my responsive looks of horror and sighs aren’t enough, my facial expressions are usually followed with my big mouth: “Are you out of your fucking mind?”

Then comes the moment I experience all to often that I realize I have to understand my audience, and remember who’s in my tribe.

I love people. Lots of people. I love to be around all shapes, sizes and sexes of people. I like to eat meals with and have drinks with, play soccer with and booty shake with, and have easy and difficult conversation with- every kind of people. I saw the world as my oyster long, long ago, and started licking every corner of It’s shell with a smile on my face. During my time as the president of the clean shell club however, I have realized there’s a very small group in my rainbow of people that truly get me. I’m fortunate enough to have buckets of peeps who love me (and I love you for loving me- believe me) but most just simply don’t get me. (Or they can’t put me in a category so it freaks them out.) Last week I surpassed my gazillionth conversation about life, work, money, and this never ending obsession so many seem to have about me needing to fit perfectly in a pretty little box. Different perspectives are awesome, hearing the “other side” is always healthy, It’s refreshing to have options brought to attention, and I love a good challenge, but for the love of god people- not only do I have no interest in climing in the box, but that thing would light on fire if I tried to fake my way in, don’t you know that by now? I’m 34- not sure much is going to change about me at this point after all.

Time for adjustments. Time to start really start sticking to my own tribe more. (As much this pains me because I really play well with others.)

So, I’m  like a baseball player adjusting his cup incessantly during the World Series right now. Adjust, adjust, adjust before I go crazy (and maybe apeshit) on some of those who I love and who love me because (sigh) they just don’t get me and I’m not sure I can take the lectures anymore. Apparently my transparent as Saran Wrap/talk about everything with any one, at any time/nothing is off limits/I think anything is possibe self, scares the shit out of most of America. I’ve taken little interest over the years living up to anyone else’s expectation (I’m hard enough on myself) and turns out that bothers some people. Thank goodness my tribe doesn’t have any expectations. They don’t care whether or not I can rattle off exactly what I’ll be doing tomorrow during my day on the high-powered career train, how much money I have in my bank account, or how many bedrooms are in the house I own. They really could give a shit about that stuff actually. My tribe simply cares that I’m waking up feeling good and healthy, exercising my brain and body regularly, that I work hard at whatever “thing” I’m passionate about, and that I’m regularly giving back to whatever community I’m in.

Oh how I love my tribe. I love the rest of you too, but you non-tribers are starting to drive me bonkers with the homework on how to “achieve greatness”, not to mention the judgements on why there must be something wrong with me because I haven’t chosen to get a picket fence I’ll have to maintain after my trips to Home Depot on Saturdays.

I’m thankful to have so many incredibly loving generous and well-intentioned people in my life. I am one lucky lady, and I appreciate everyone- really. The problem is that I have been fighting so hard to keep some of these people who love me in my life for so long even though they don’t get or support who and what I am, that I just don’t have the energy (and don’t want to) do it anymore. Fly away little birdies- fly away. (Sigh again.) I tried to keep you but you just couldn’t see my forrest through your trees when I could see yours, so I have to let you go now. As you certain birdies fly away, I must stay among my tribe of people who I never have to explain a thing to.

The only job I’m interested in applying for? The only box I’m interested in fitting in? The Chief of my tribe job of course, and that bruised, smiling box that’s busted open, tattered- completely worn and full of good stories about an authentic life.

Cheers to Starbucks Tall Cup #31! (That’s for you Rita:)

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March 5, 2013 In Inspiration, Live the life you want to live

just be

Yet another day, and another person in my life who inspires me to write, write, write.

This mornings unplanned conversation at random was with a friend much younger than me. I met her when I lived in Chicago. I had sent her a quick drop in “hello” text as I was sipping my coffee, and that one liner set off a text-athon. This friend of mine is intelligent, fun, driven, healthy, and gorgeous. She has friends and family that lover her. She “has it all” so to speak. The problem is that right now her world is apparently looking a bit like a black hole rather than her oyster. She’s in that college is soon to end, and “I’m not like everyone else” place. The world around her is pushing her to “figure out” what she wants to do and who she wants to be for “the rest of her life.” God forbid students these days take a minute (say a Gap Year) or few months to breathe and think before they decide on the “rest” of their lives. My friend isn’t being unrealistic having fantasies of joining Ringling Brothers as the best ever trapeze girl, she just needs a little more time to get to know herself. I get all fired up when I hear that amazing “kids” think they’re broken or wrong because they don’t have a clear cut, definitive game plan to the rest of their days on earth.

Here we go.

What I told her:
Girllll…I hate to break it to you (and you are smart enough not to need my advice or thoughts) but you won’t figure out exactly what you want for the rest of your life. Ever. It’s impossible! People are like fruit, we grown and change every day. How in the hell are you supposed to know what you will want in 10 years? Are you the same exact person as you were 10 years ago? Sure you might have the same habits and quirks and personality traits, but you will never be exactly the same one year to the next – let alone in 10. You likely will enjoy similar things and people, continue to be good or better at the same things you spend your time practicing, and It’s very possible you might even love your favorite boots just the same, but most of the rest will change- trust me. 
I’m near 35, and no genius- but I am someone who’s busted my ass, done a lot of shit (technical terms of course) in a LOT of places. I’ve observed humans from streets to dinner tables, in Maine to Montana and in The Cook Islands all the way to India. I’ve talked about, meditated on, practiced at, and written incessantly to find out “whats wrong with me?” too- and the answer is nothing. People will always try to fix you (like they have tried to fix me) – but YOU ARE NOT BROKEN! Life is not about doing or being ONE thing. It’s about the FEELINGS you want to feel every day and the PEOPLE you spend your time around and the THINGS that make you have fire inside to stay motivated and positive. There’s not one definitive answer you will find that will ever give you the ability to map out your perfect road of life. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either 1.) Crazy or 2.) Unrealistic and likely very imbalanced themselves. 

Then she told me she has planned to go away alone for a week.

Awesome!

I continued:
Solo travel is the best way to clear your head, escape “the noise” and find your inner badass. It builds confidence and independence like nothing else. Most people are afraid to go away alone because they are afraid of what they will “see.” Good for you- you will love it! I can’t wait to hear about it when you get back. 

Then we wrapped the conversation with a virtual high five and wahoo! Fly your freak flag loud and proud sister! You are just fine and perfectly normal actually.

Amazing. (Insert frustrating fist pumps in the air.)

I’ve had these conversations over and over again. They are always enlightening but simultaneously maddening, especially when a perfectly wonderful innocent much younger than I am person- who is one of those stand up people that are hard to come by and you would love at any time to be around because they are simply amazing- thinks there is something wrong with them because idiots who are suppressing their own thoughts and feelings are walking around judging and attacking on the streets of America. I want to find these people and choke (in the nicest possible choking way of course) every one of them. Particularly when these in my opinion idiots are “adults” old enough to know better.

Hey all you “adults” out there who are old enough to know better:

How about ENcouraging rather than DIScouraging? How about being supportive and accepting instead of disappointed? How about not bullshitting us about the realities of life? (Because we know better.) Have you looked around, or in the mirror lately while you tell us how we should be/live/think? Do you really like how you, yourself are being, living, thinking? That’s what we thought. We really wish you the best, but please stop barfing your own fears all over those of us who have worked our asses off not to have any because we have found there’s no reason to. We’re just trying to live happy and stay contributing non-toxic citizens thankyouverymuch.

To my sweet young friend who inspired this post today~

I am proud of you. Don’t ever question yourself for a second, you have heart, street smarts, drive, and integrity that most are to fearful to fully embody. You will always have a friend and supporter in me as long as you keep busting your ass to be true to yourself. I have not a doubt in my mind that everything you will do, precisely because of who you are– will be amazing.

~Your fellow freak of nature friend,

Diane

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January 29, 2013 In Bermuda, Live the life you want to live

airports

I love cars and road trips, you all know that. But I like airports too.

Airports offer that promise of coming through the gate and seeing someone you love standing at the other end, smiling and waiting. They’re places where you can watch anyone from around the world with family, friends, and coworkers. The single where everyone, from everywhere has to go if they want or need to get anywhere. There is no other space forces that.

I’ve just come from a week long trip in Bermuda. My first time there and that makes country 14. So awesome. I’m currently standing at an airport bar writing this during my layover, with a dark- haired quiet business man to my left, and a mom looking type to my right who’s reading feverishly. Our waiter is Indian and the girl behind me sounds like her accent is from a wildly exotic far away warm place.

I’m sitting in Newark, NJ.

This is why I love airports. Different colors all over.

I love airports, I love traveling. I love being around people that are not like me. The ones who have stories, and full lives. I love the broken people, and the ones who have it “all together.” I love indulging in different kinds of foods and drink. I love sharing; stories, seats, space. I love that when you travel- when you’re out of your everyday gerbil wheel and grind. It’s like you’re forced, like it or not- to be a little more flexible, a little more forgiving, a little more open and free.

I think travel makes better humans. Period.

Whether you’re in your own town walking down a different road to find a new walking path for your daily exercise, or flying across the world to sit in a tiki hut to escape winter weather and relax. “Travel” offers a view, and nudges our less of a pain in the ass side. The one that automatically replies “Why not? I’ll try that”- sometimes because you choose to, but sometimes because you have to. Either way, doing any little thing to change the course of your regular day, can change the course of your lifetime. I believe that more than anything.

Here’s to airports, or any “ports”, that become the places you try things you never have before.

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December 31, 2012 In Inspiration, Live the life you want to live

live like you mean it in 2013

I live like I mean it by spending time doing what I love, and with people I love. In this next year, I hope that for anyone reading this- you too will jump all over those “things” and people you’ve been thinking about for a while now. The clock never stops ticking, no matter how hard we try to force it to, so carpe diem baby…carpe diem.

Happy New Year!

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