Closeted free spirit

 Photo taken by me, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, August 2012.


It's funny how you think you know yourself well....but then one particular day, week, or month comes along to reveal something about yourself you had not noticed before. All this time you gravitated to and admired others that had this special presence about them, not even recognizing maybe the reason is because deep down....you are just like them.

Travelers. Independent thinkers. Unconventional lifestyles that go against the grain of the status quo. Intelligent. Quirky. Friendly and approachable. Walking contradiction. Incredibly curious. Spontaneous. Worldly in one way or another. Crave meaningful experiences and people, no matter how fleeting. Love learning. Open-minded. Dare to be different. Creative. Explorers. Seek adventure. Challenge themselves mentally and physically. Take risks. Usually fearless. Compassionate. Appreciate both the simplicities and complexities of life.

Go ahead. Admit it.

You're a closeted free spirit.

Get Your Gaggle On

I came across this book ("The Gaggle" by Jessica Massa) quite randomly and unexpectedly after reading an article about it on CNN last week. I'm not normally one to be drawn to typical dating/relationship advice self-help-y books....which is exactly why I loved this book so much. While most dating/how-to-find-love books (particularly those geared towards heterosexual women) harp on all the stereotypical "do's" and "don'ts" in order to snag 'the one,' "The Gaggle" turns the focus to one of self-discovery. Incredibly refreshing! It caters to those of us navigating through the confusing post-modern dating world who are looking for something different. After reading this book, I have more insight, optimism, and an overall more relaxed outlook on dating/relationships in the 21st century. I had an epiphany of sorts. Part of my problem had been my mindset. I was going about it all wrong....dating and/or pursuing a long-term relationship in very black and white terms. "The Gaggle" encourages women to explore those shades of grey with an open mind, awareness, and sense of adventure(aka, those various men in your life whom serve a very functional and/or meaningful role without you even realizing it...until you read what's in this book!). I have a great 'gaggle' of fun, intelligent, attractive, and caring men in my life. How can I not feel excited and grateful to have SEVERAL guys in my life that fulfill me in one or more ways?

Walking with my camera

I forgot how much fun it can be to wander around the sidewalks of Chicago neighborhoods every once in awhile. I have been wanting to take some Chicago pictures before I leave the city next month, but have been turned off from doing so due to the overwhelming weather conditions. (A total of 40+ inches of snow thus far since winter started!!!)

Yesterday it was absolutely beautiful outside though. 33 degrees, sunny skies, no wind, and only relative amounts of snow/slush still on the ground from the copious amounts of snowfall we've had lately.

It hit me: this is the perfect opportunity for a spontaneous excursion around my neighborhood! I charged up the battery for my digital camera and headed out around 2:00pm. I was feeling adventurous and creative, the pink and black striped hipster-ish hat on my head a match for my mood. I walked from my apartment down to Belmont and Broadway, turning left on Broadway. I clicked away at Reckless Records, Bamee Thai, Stellas, Friar Tuck, street signs, snowy streets, "L" tracks and the cable cars of trains. Walked and snapped down Clark Street, Sheffield and Wellington, Halsted, side streets, Belmont. 6 years of memories relived as I walked down these streets, my fondness for Chicago reignited.

Sometimes while I photographed something, a pedestrian around me would give me a look as if to say "Why would you possibly want to take a picture of that?!" Or, "There goes another tourist..." But I didn't care.

I ended up walking around for two hours. It was fun.