Just - Travelin' - Through

Christmas and Quiet Days

2012-01-16T19:23:00.001Z

I know I've been such a bad blogger. I've been so busy with Scentsy and worried about money that I've panicked and haven't been doing much that fills my bucket. I've been kind of withdrawing these last few weeks, recouping my energy from a very busy 2011. I've slept a lot and maybe its the January blues. I always am very reflective this time of year and probably far too hard on myself of what I have and what I haven't accomplished or what the new year will bring. The truth is I don't know but all I can do is focusing on the best I can do each day which is all we have anyway.

Hoping to take more pictures this year and catching up on uploading to my flickr account. I miss scouring the pages of flickr with all their wonderful inspirational goodness.

Mid Week Inspiration

2012-01-10T12:19:00.000Z

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” ~ Khalil Gibran

I saw this on Facebook today and it really was such a powerful quote and picture it hit me like a brick. Thought I'd share it with all of you.

P.S. Have pics coming from the holidays. I know I've been such a bad blogger. x

Recently

2011-12-22T08:07:00.000Z

Been really incredibly busy with Scentsy. Looking forward to a couple days break in the midlands with James' family. Hoping for a lot of good things to come my way in the new year cause I'm exhausted frankly. Only so many trials one person can deal with. But have lots of hopes for the New Year: Want to take more pictures and make more time for me amongst other things.

What are your hopes for the New Year?

Much love to you and your family this holiday.

Christine
xoxo

More Leeds and then a bit of London

2011-11-29T09:12:00.001Z

(notice the Christmas trees at Big Ben and the National Gallery?)

These were all taken with the Fuji Instax Mini. My word I love that camera. The colors are to die for and it makes everything look like a watercolor.

I've been feeling pretty overwhelmed since Leeds with emotions. Feeling really lost and its been a real blessing to be able to turn to photography to find the words when regular talking seems to fail sometimes.

Can't believe that its nearly December. I really don't know where this year has gone or what next year will bring.

Leeds Castle Festive Fair

2011-11-22T11:27:00.000Z

Spent the weekend at Leeds Castle and their Festive Fair doing a Scentsy stall. We got to stay at their Bed and Breakfast on the grounds so we got to wonder around after hrs and get some great pictures in the early morning. Leeds Castle is stunning and it could have been a cracking event. Its a shame the Fair was so poorly organised though. You just never know really with events.

Autumn Afternoon

2011-11-16T15:43:00.002Z

Felt so lost without a proper camera....so took a little risk and got a DSLR with my Scentsy money this month. Boy it felt good to go on a photowalk today...did the spirits a world of good.

Broken cameras

2011-11-04T10:32:00.000Z

My digital camera has broken and so I'm left only with my film cameras at the moment because its far too expensive to fix it and I'm broke.

Really wanting to take pictures more but finding it hard to do it considering how busy I've been with Scentsy. It felt wonderful to take the pics I did above recently and I know that I need to make time for my art considering its whats really important to me. How do you guys find time to balance everything you need to do in life when the work list always is far far longer than your play list?

Hope you are well.

Christine
x

Recently

2011-10-16T16:20:00.000+01:00

Been extremely busy recently. Have no idea where the time has gone and can't believe its nearly Halloween.

Felt really good to get outside to do pictures today. Went for a walk with James. Despite it being nearly the end of October, the leaves had barely changed and there were still roses in bloom in Greenwich Park. Even still the air is starting to have that autumn smell and the temperatures are starting to really change enough to where its impossible to go outside without at least a warm sweater/jumper.

The pics are a collection of today obviously and the last few weeks.

Hope all of you are well. In the comment section do tell me what you've all been up to.

Christine
x

Here's to the Crazy Ones

2011-10-06T23:44:00.001+01:00

Thanks for inspiring us to pursue creativity and follow our passions. RIP Steve.

Photo session with Kjrsten Madsen

2011-09-23T09:59:00.000+01:00

James and I got our picture taken this summer by the fantastic photographer Kjrsten Madsen who just moved here to London from Portland. We've never had our pics taken professionally and it can be initially quite daunting having someone with a black box in your face and hard to not be a little self conscious. But Kjrsten was lovely and made the process so easy and relaxing. The light was fantastic and we showed her around our favorite spots in Greenwich. Very pleased with the results....these aren't all of them but just a few of our favorites.

Think we will do this again with Kjrsten once a year or for special occasions. I think everyone deserves non Sears, non Walmart shots once in their life. We got these done to mark 10 yrs of being together and 10 yrs of me being in London. Don't want to wait another 10 yrs for pics this beautiful again. ;)

Dulwich

2011-09-19T12:10:00.000+01:00

My apologies for not posting very much...been really swamped and haven't felt much like taking pics. Scentsy has been really busy and so has etsy suprisingly.

The coolest thing about Scentsy is the fact I'm seeing bit of London I've never been to. I don't have many pics to share today but these are a few pics of Dulwich where I did a pamper evening.

Hoping you are all well

Christine
x

Paris: wandering the streets

2011-08-26T18:53:00.000+01:00

after a day wandering the streets of Paris....nothing hits the spot like a cup of herbal tea and Laduree macaroons.

(My last pics from Paris. x)

Paris: transport

2011-08-15T17:33:00.000+01:00

Paris: meditation

2011-08-14T18:32:00.000+01:00

I'm not Catholic and don't believe in organized religion, but this cathedral is one of my favorite places on the planet. Spent a lot of time meditating here this trip and praying. The best time to go is early in the morning before the tourists arrive in bus loads. Its hard to not have your breath taken away by this place. The beauty of the stained glass windows, especially the famous rose ones....well its hard to not doubt the existence of some God out there when you see it.

Paris rooftops

2011-08-12T13:12:00.000+01:00

Did two things I never have done before on this trip.....climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and the observation deck at Galeries Lafayette. You could say all those stairs were worth it.

Paris 2

2011-08-11T15:49:00.000+01:00

fuji instax

Did a lot of wandering the streets in Paris. Lots of shops closed for August holidays. The french get like 6 weeks of it ya know. Love the way the light hits the buildings in this city. Every time of day offers some sort of incredible beauty.

There was pockets of showers on and off the entire weekend followed by lots of sun. Strange weather but both contrasts felt wonderful.

We started mornings with fresh baguettes and croissants...wandered through the city till late afternoon and rested at the hotel till dinner. Not a single museum stop this time but the opportunity to slow down in this city was embraced with enthusiasm.

Paris seems so natural and easy for me. I have often wondered if in another life I lived in Paris or if my feelings about the city are just a reflection of the beauty of the place. Who knows, but I do know that Paris will always have my heart.

Paris

2011-08-10T09:56:00.001+01:00

fuji instax mini

I have taken quite a few pictures in Paris this time round, so will be sharing these with you slowly.

Had a great time, far too short though. It was our first break in forever and feel like just as I started to wind down it was time to leave.

When we were in Paris it was also a tad disconcerting to hear about all the riots back home in London. We live right next to where some trouble has been. We were unsure about whether we'd be able to come home and so we were glad we brought the ipad with us to keep track of the news. We did manage to get home safe and sound but last night we bolted the extra locks on our doors and it was eerily quiet and the smell of smoke and the sounds of sirens went late into the early hrs.

Trying to keep calm about things as I'm sure in a couple of days it will get better. In the mean time trying to get back in the swing of the every day again after a glorious but short holiday.

Christine
xoxoox

Round Brick Lane

2011-08-02T08:57:00.000+01:00

I did a music festival for Scentsy this weekend, near Brick Lane and was inspired by all the graffiti around and look of the place.

Off to Paris on Friday which will be nice. I am so exhausted it will be very nice to go and relax and just do nothing.

20 July

2011-07-20T15:56:00.000+01:00

James surprised me with a Fuji Instax Mini before our much needed vacation to France at the beginning of August. This was really a great spirit boost as I've been having a really hard time recently. I really love this little camera already and took it on a test drive today. This will be fantastic for Paris when we go don't you think?

lately

2011-07-15T16:22:00.001+01:00

a collection of randomness from recent weeks.

Shows, Shows and more Shows

2011-07-01T13:02:00.000+01:00

So this is why you've barely heard from me. I've been immersed in Scentsy and its completely consuming my life currently. My photography has taken a back seat and I even got chewed out on etsy for not keeping up on my 'team' treasuries.

Last week I did 3 shows and my gosh, I never knew something could be so much work in my life. I don't have a car either (you don't need one in London) and so everything you see I've dragged around via a suitcase. I think I'll be losing weight dragging these things round. On Sunday I had pity taken on me by some very kind people who saw that I was trying to drag a massive amount of gear up and down 3 flights of stairs at a train station.

Things have been very slow unfortunately though with sales. I think people aren't quite sure what to think of Scentsy yet because its so new here. The tester pots you see, I've been asked if they are lip gloss. I even had a three year old try to eat one.

Its been very tough to not get disillusioned with things. I've never understood why God has made me trying to earn money for myself since I arrived in London so freaking hard. I'm struggling with depression and I'm exhausted a lot of the time because of so much stress. I need this to work, period.
My list of options for myself is down to my last 3 ideas.....1) Sell scentsy 2) Write a book 3) Leave England. I can't afford a camera to take pics of people yet and I can't afford to go back to school.

We've got a very very busy month of July coming up with shows and then the first weekend in August its Paris. I know Paris sounds expensive and exotic....but we've done all the touristy stuff....all we do when we go is sit in parks and wander and eat good food. Paris is like going to Seattle for the weekend....its Europe's cheap destination getaway.

Although its been hard, I am seeing signs that this will actually work. I got a deal with an exclusive spa here in London to have Scentsy there.....each show I've also had at least one sale which is positive. It seems to be getting better.

Anyway, I'm not trying to moan about my life just share the truth of what I'm feeling/what my reality is now. Hope you are all well.

Christine
x

Expat Life: Brian in England

2011-06-14T18:52:00.002+01:00

Oh my word am I excited because a photo blogger I've admired for a very long time agreed to an interview.

Brian Ferry is American and an expat in London like me. Every expat has a different experience and I thought it would be interesting to have another perspective on living in L-town.

Brian shoots entirely in film. From his pictures and people like Jonathan Canlas, Krjsten Madsen, Jac, etc...I've really fallen in love with film. I think there's such an organic nature to them and a beauty that is so different to digital.

If I could describe Brian's pictures in two words: Simplicity and Light. I hear people complain that they need a special event to take pictures of...Brian captures the beauty of simplicity. The simplicity of everyday, what some think of as 'ordinary...he creates something stunning. Plus everything he does, he's very aware of natural light. The results to me are just awe inspiring.

Without further ado, here's the interview:

1- So what brought you to the UK? How long have you been here?

I moved to London in November of 2009. I am a lawyer by day, and my firm asked me to transfer to the London office for 2 years.

2- What was your biggest cultural shock (if any) when you moved to London?

I think London is similar enough to NYC (where I lived before moving here) so there wasn't a huge cultural shock for me. Although, it took me some time to get used to the differences in customer service here - it's very different from the US. For example, when I tried to set up internet in my new flat and they told me they'd connect it in 3 weeks' time. That would be inexcusable in NYC (where you can have working internet at home in 24 hours if you would like). I've had to be much more patient... people are happier to wait in line in the UK. New Yorkers do not wait in line.

3- What's been the best/worst thing about living abroad?

The best thing about living abroad is being forced out of your comfort zone, so you have to try new things all the time. You really have no choice - and it's very refreshing, because it helps you to see things differently, to develop new tastes and opinions and it also makes you think very clearly about who you are, what you want, what sort of life you would like to lead. I felt like I was starting here with a clean slate - and that was really nice.

The worst thing about living abroad is missing people at home. I have constantly struggled with this, and have not been able to replace that level of comfort that I have back in NY surrounded by friends and family.

4- How have you found British comedy? A lot of expats (myself included) find it to be quite an adjustment at first and either love it or hate it.

Is it weird to say that I've never really thought about British comedy? Sometimes when I'm talking to friends, especially Brits, they will mention a comedian but I usually have no idea what they are talking about. I don't really watch TV so I probably miss out on a lot of that. I think people here have a great sense of humor though, and it makes me laugh - it's much more deadpan than in the US.

5- Do you think traveling and living abroad has changed your photography? if so--how

Absolutely. Traveling and living abroad changed my photography because I am constantly faced with new experiences, sights, places, etc. It has been hugely inspirational to me, since I take a lot of cues from the things surrounding me - friends, food, the light, buildings, everyday life. When all of that changes, your photography changes as well.

6- What's in your camera bag? I know that you do very little post-processing in your pics (which I find a breath of fresh air)....do you think some photographers are addicted to Photoshop?

I use film cameras - a Pentax K1000, an Olympus OM-1, a vintage Lomo LCA, and a Hasselblad 500c/m.

I don't know if people are addicted to Photoshop or not, but you can usually tell right away when someone has snapped a digital photo and then messed around with it in Photoshop - they can be beautiful images objectively, but they don't appeal to me very much. They lack a certain soul that I like to capture, and most photography that really inspires me has a certain depth of feeling to it. Film photography captures that really well. That is not to say that digital photographs can't be inspiring to me - and I have many digital photographs that are favorites, but they usually have a natural, organic feel to them.

7- Who inspires you?

People who live life in a unique and beautiful way. People, products and places that are considered, mindful, honest, and have strong personalities.

Specifically, I am always inspired by a few photographers: Jon Levitt, Molly Wizenberg, Rob Kulisek, Jennilee Marigomen, Nicholas Haggard. There are so many more, too.

8- You use film to shoot. Do you think film photography has forced you to slow down and think more about your pictures? Do you think the convenience of 'digital' can sometimes get in the way of the artistic process?

Film photography has forced me to consider my photographs more carefully. Even now, when I pick up a digital camera, the convenience means that I just snap, snap, snap away. With film, I think about each shot before I release the shutter and as a result, I think (hope) the images have a more thoughtful quality to them. I don't think digital gets in the way of the creative process - it just doesn't suit my own creative process.

9- The photos on your blog brilliantly capture the beauty of the everyday. How did you develop an eye for this or is it just a natural reflection of how you see life?

It's definitely a natural reflection of how I see life. Of course, the beauty of the everyday is only one part of that life - and on my blog, I choose to show only that part of my everyday life. There is a lot more that is not shown, of course. But I shoot most of my photos naturally - meaning that if I see something that looks nice to me, then I pick up my camera and try to capture that - some nice light, or the color of a vegetable on my cutting board, or even an emotion or feeling that results from a particular tableau in front of me. I don't "set up" or stage my everyday photos (for the most part).

10- So what's next for you?

I'll be moving back to the US in November and so I'm planning to travel in Europe as much as I can before then. I also have some photography projects in the pipeline, and have been keeping quite busy on that front. It's an exciting time for me!

Thank you Brian.

All pictures are the property of Brian Ferry and have been used with permission. Be sure to check out his blog the Blue Hour.

Summer Walk

2011-06-14T16:15:00.000+01:00

I feel like I'm always apologizing to you all for my lack of posting recently. Scentsy and music adjudication work have been taking up my time (at least I've got some work!) and I've been neglecting things creatively.

I've been putting in 18-20 hr days for the last few weeks due to all the work and because of it I'm exhausted all the time. This music work is ending on the 25th of June though and so I shall be back to having a normal life again (well sort of).

I had to go to the post office today and decided that I'd actually try to take my camera out and do a nice summer walk through Greenwich Park and the village. It was gloriously nice outside...hot too for here 24C/75F. It really did me the world of good. If its nice again tomorrow I think I'll do it again.

Please fill me in on what you've been up to below in the comments.

Christine
xoxoxo

Purple

2011-05-30T10:26:00.000+01:00

The lavender is finally out in bloom. Saw this on the way to Blackheath yesterday on our way to treat ourselves to breakfast out. I adore lavender (purple is my favorite color) and if I had a big garden, I'd have a huge section just to grow these.

Thanks Oprah

2011-05-20T10:45:00.000+01:00

As the Oprah show comes to and end in a few days, I really wanted to write something here to honor her. I know some people for some reason can't stand her (why?? what has she done so wrong?) but let me tell you a little story.

I've always been a huge fan of Oprah but when I moved here It took me a while to actually find what channel she was on. It happened to be when things started to get 'extra' difficult in my life about 5ish years ago.

Then I lost my FT job back in 2007, struggled profusely with finding employment. I found an internship in 2009 but on both sides of this....I had huge bouts of no work despite working my behind off to find something. I struggled with quite serious depression, my partner James lost his job as well for 6 months and struggled greatly with finding work too, I was hit with health problems...chronic pain and female issues...saw countless doctors for countless tests...had multiple times in the emergency room and hospital for weird abdominal pains. James fell off the deep end and started drinking heavily (slightly better but still an alcoholic) and started not being kind at times (both verbally and physically). Being home and worried about money (travel costs)...and struggling to make friends...I have spent a lot of time alone and feeling very very lonely.

Well, in the worst times I'd turn on a bit of daytime TV and Oprah at 2 o'clock. So many times there would be days where I seriously wasn't sure about carrying on and there would happen to be an episode that would give me the courage to keep going for another day. Even the O magazine, would happen to have coincidental articles with topics that I was finding particularly hard that month. I remember an episode where Oprah looked into the camera and she said, "I know that there are those of you that are really hurting right now out there", Please know that things are going to get better and you'll be OK." It felt like the universe consistently was sending me little messages through the show. I went to Miraval Arizona in 2009 for a healing trip because of Oprah which was one of the most incredible experiences of my life...I also started reading more because of the show which also changed my life too in a huge way. I can't tell you what it feels like when you are at such a low point in your life and everyday there's these messages of hope and someone telling you everything is going to be OK. I know that if we look there's little messages of love from the universe everywhere, but for me....it was through Oprah.

I hope one day to tell Oprah thank you in person. I did make a video that got published on Oprah.com that you can watch if you'd like and I doubt Oprah will ever see but you never know. Yes, I got emotional but It was out of such incredible gratitude that the emotions came. Yes, I know she's a 'brand' but that energy wouldn't be anything without her as a person. I am so grateful for her show and what its done for not just me but so many women and individuals. The Oprah show saved me in so many ways....I will always hold the show and Oprah very close to my heart.

I wish her blessings and joy in future. She is irreplaceable and I hope that from her example we can all serve each other and love each other more. Everything is so much better with love in our lives.

Thank You Oprah.

Christine
xox

Weird London

2011-05-18T18:37:00.000+01:00

I finally managed to get developed some Diana camera shots. Its such trial and error that camera. I seem to be double exposing OFTEN and I'm going to have to work on this. However, even with the double exposure, some of the fuzziness....sometimes the effect is kind of weird, surrealist but oddly wonderful.

Really really busy at the moment. I'm hoping to do some trade shows for Scentsy in June...plus I've started music adjudication which I'm hoping will allow me to get a Fuji instax mini as much deserved treat. Etsy seems to be picking up as well. Very glad things seem to be getting at least a little better for me. Hoping this is the sign of good things to come.

How is everyone doing? Let me know what you've been up to.

Christine
x

Misc.

2011-05-11T17:10:00.003+01:00

I've been so busy with other things....I feel like my creative bucket is completely dry. I feel at home when I'm taking pictures and since the marathon, starting Scentsy (to try to pay for my pictures LOL), etc. etc...my 365 day project completely fell apart. I must start this again because it forced me to snap when I didn't feel like it and it really pushed me as an artist.

Because I haven't been snapping, I haven't been posting as much here. I know I could write something but haven't had time to do that either. So these pics are kind of a collection of out takes...ones I took for my 365 day project (including some you haven't seen from the royal wedding), that I haven't managed to find a place for. I've been feeling a bit guilty I've been ignoring you so here you go.

enjoy
xoxo

Making things happen for myself

2011-05-03T21:47:00.003+01:00

The job thing just isn't biting despite sending in applications for as long as I can remember. I occasionally sell a photograph here and there which I adore but I've decided I really want to step up with trying to make things happen for myself. It doesn't mean I'm giving up my art or my music or the creative things that are my passion...but I'm hoping that this will make it MORE possible.

I was approached by an old school friend a few months back who said Scentsy was coming to the U.K. When I was in Utah over Christmas for my gran's funeral, I got to smell Scentsy at a friends house and was impressed when I heard how well some people did financially. So, when my friend mentioned about it coming here....I was intrigued.

I know there's no guarantee's in life especially but I want to at least try. I'm still doing everything else I do...the pictures...the music...the writing...the job applications...but hopefully this may help things to become possible finally. I'm tired of waiting around and I want to finally live my life.

So, I've signed up to be one of the first U.K. Scentsy independent consultants here. If you know of anyone (besides me) who lives in the U.K. or Germany who may want Scentsy products or to join Scentsy for some extra cash for themselves....send them to me (www.ldnwicklesscandles.com). I'm doing a launch party as well that any Londoners who want to come can come (RSVP please):

The Royal Wedding: In pictures

2011-04-29T18:42:00.000+01:00

princesses in waiting (and escorts of course)

the queen on her way to the ceremony

Pearly Kings and Queens

Kate

a tired princess

the queen

Prince Charles/Camilla + the Middletons

the after party

My apologies for the lack of posting....after the marathon I have been kind of dead to the world and only the last few days have felt 100%.

Anyway...other big things to worry about.....a certain wedding happened today. Not sure if you heard much in the news but William and Kate got married this morning.

We got up early and after an English breakfast headed out. By 7:30 when we arrived at the mall, it was already completely packed. We couldn't get very close to palace at all (people were camping out for days), so we pushed through and managed to get a decent view near the bottom next to Waterloo Place.

The atmosphere was absolutely incredible. In 10 yrs of living in this country....never seen anything like it. It was wonderful to see all the flags waving, the little girls dressed up as princesses, people dressed in their Sunday best and wedding hats some even dressed in wedding gowns.

It was very hard to stand for so long, even harder to take pictures because of the crowds, etc (James took his film camera, took two rolls of shots and we had an unfortunate incident at the 1hr developers...who completely destroyed the film--thank goodness we had a backup with my digital camera) but it was SOOOOOO worth it. We saw the queen, Kate and William to and from the ceremony, the horse guards, the bands, the royals, the carriages, the dress, everything. It was incredible and an experience I'll remember the rest of my life.

Afterwards we slowly made way through the street parties to the Shakespeare Pub near the Thames where we had an English lunch....James.... a toad in the hole and myself...fish and chips. We then made our way back home to Greenwich where remnants of the street parties were still going on.

Speaking of parties, the palace is still alive and kicking as I write this. England really needed today. I'm so glad that I am able to say that I WAS HERE to be a part of it.

Off to have tea (snacks, etc) in a bit. To make things even more amazing its a 4 day weekend here. What an amazing way to start the weekend.

Hoping you are all well.

Christine
xoxo

P.S. ALL PICTURES IF USED MUST BE CREDITED TO MYSELF AND A LINK TO THIS POST PROVIDED. NO COMMERCIAL USE PLEASE.

Best and Worst Moments of the London Marathon

2011-04-19T08:23:00.000+01:00

Worst

Seeing 9 months of training go completely out the window with the weather on the day.
Because of the heat/humidity I hit the 'wall' at mile 13 (I ran till then) instead of mile 20. Had to walk most of the rest of the way just to the finish.
An incredibly disappointing finish time. They were starting to clean up....out of 35K runners I was in the last hundred or so. If the conditions had been better, I would have finished in 6 hrs. I finished around 7 hrs.
Seeing people being taken away via ambulance after collapsing.
Having to stop 4 times at First Aid tents because I felt like I was having an asthma attack cause of the heat (I don't have asthma), severe muscle cramping and blisters the size of Texas.
Being passed by people dressed as a bus, a 90 yr old 'Robin Hood' and a man carrying an entire washing machine on his back.
Almost dropping out (nearly called it in at least 3 times....if it wasn't James saying no you can't stop I wouldn't have finished)
Having to walk to the train station afterward.
Being asked the day after what time we did it in. I know time doesn't matter but its hard to know we didn't do better.
The pain....every muscle in my body feels like its been hit by a bus. I've never seen bigger blisters before in my life. Can't seem to get rid of thirst as well despite drinking non stop.

Best

The crowds. I was so inspired by the kindness of the crowds. James and I both put our names on our shirts and to hear your name being called when you were in floods of tears is indescribable. It especially meant a lot when we were towards the end. A lot of the crowds had left but there were some groups still there cheering. Little children giving you sweets. It meant a lot.
The atmosphere. London was like one big street party. Bands, pub parties, dj's, it was amazing.
Seeing burn victims, people with no legs, people in wheelchairs, a blind man and 75-90 year olds running. It was incredibly inspiring and a real testament to the human spirit.
Crossing 'thee' London Bridge at the 1/2 way mark. One of the most incredible experiences of my life.
Turning the corner at St James' Park next to Buckingham Palace and seeing the finish line. I couldn't stop crying.
Knowing I raised money for charity. (P.S. There's still time to donate)
Finishing and feeling very proud of myself for sticking through despite the time, when so many were dropping out or being carted away to the hospital.
The full body massage at a spa the day afterward and an incredible lunch out where I ate like a football player and didn't have to feel guilty.
Getting this:

P.S. There will be more pics coming in the next week or so as we get them back. Plus....James and I have decided that today begins our journey to the NYC marathon. I know I can get a better time and not sure if I want to do London again. Hoping Nov 2012 or 2013. Stay tuned. In the meantime....I've got blisters and sore muscles to nurse. :)

Marathon survival Kit

2011-04-14T11:34:00.001+01:00

They say it takes a village....but on Sunday its going to take all this to get me through 26.2 miles. Dextrose tablets, fruit snacks, deep heat (for before and after), pure beetroot juice shots (nasty but incredibly helpful), soluble pain tablets to put in our water bottles that will also have re hydration salts in them, a granola bar with spirulina in it and a disposable camera (no way in heck I'll take my compact and have it dropped).

Not pictured is: our water bottles (strapped to our back), Vaseline to help chafing (uhhumm*) and a banana. I know that the marathon provides water and snacks too.....but believe me we'll be using everything they give us and then some.

We picked up our marathon numbers last night and it made things oh soooo very real. I think I'm in disbelief a bit that yes I am doing this. The jitters and butterflies and the feeling like a fat girl are starting to go away. I'm just ready to conquer this damn thing now.

I'm signing off here till next week. Being present and mentally there is something I'm going to be working on the next few days. Some gentle yoga, walking in nature, getting rid of 'internet' distractions will help me. I'm going to do everything I can to enjoy the day. This is an incredible gift of a life-changing experience. I want to embrace every minute.

I've managed to raise $825 for my chosen charity 'Room to Read' with sponsorship for this race. This will send 3 girls to school for an entire year. I would love to see if I could get to an even $1k which would fund the publication and distribution of 1k children's books if you could believe. That's a lot of good sent in the world. I know its a tough time financially for many people right now...but even $5-10 would really help.

If you can't sponsor me, please keep me in your thoughts and prayers this Sunday. I shall be back next week with pictures and stories from the day.

Christine
xoxox

Weekend Inspiration: Sarah Winward

2011-04-09T14:51:00.003+01:00

I was going to post this tomorrow, but I had some unexpected extra time this afternoon and thought why not just post it today!!

I cant remember how I found the blog 'David + Sarah' but I was instantly drawn to the pictures. I've seen a lot of blogs and a lot of pictures on internet -and and the number 1 thing that makes me personally want to stay is the photographs. Sarah Winward's pictures are absolutely gorgeous plus David and Sarah share a love of travel like I do. So I was hooked.

I should clarify that they aren't expats though (who have been featured in interviews recently). I don't really think you need to live abroad to have a sense of adventure. I wanted to throw in a few inspiring people into my interview series who share my values....thus this interview.

1- You recently returned from traveling several months around the Middle East and India. What brought you there?

I am currently on my last semester of studying the Middle East in school. For my major I have to spend three months abroad, and write a paper about it. It is a pretty general requirement, and we thought we would take advantage of that. So we planned our trip to start in North Africa doing an internship at Peacock Pavilions in Marrakech, Morocco. Then we would move to the Middle East and knock out a few of the places we have always wanted to visit. We ended up spending longer than we planned in a few places so we didn’t make it to others….but we still feel good about it. India was a spur of the moment decision. We had been to India together in 2007, this is actually where we were engaged. We saw how cheap flights to India were from Dubai and we jumped at the chance.

2- It wasn't your first time abroad as you've been to Iceland before. Do you think traveling is in your blood now?

Absolutely, yes. It is in our blood like an incurable disease. I have always had a bad case of wanderlust that I rarely attempt to describe to anyone but David. John Steinbeck suffered from it too, he describes it in the book Travels With Charley:

“When I was very young and the urge to be someplace else was on me,
I was assured by mature people that maturity would cure this itch.
When years described me as mature, the remedy prescribed was middle age.
In middle age I was assured that greater age would calm my fever, and now that I am
fifty-eight perhaps senility will do the job.
Nothing has worked.

Four hoarse blasts of a ship's whistle still raise the hair on my neck and set my feet to
tapping. The sound of a jet, an engine warming up, even the clopping of shod
hooves on pavement brings on the ancient shudder, the dry mouth and vacant eye,
the hot palms and the churn of stomach high up under the rib cage.
In other words, I don't improve; in further words, once a bum always a bum.
I fear the disease is incurable. I set this matter down not to instruct others but to
inform myself.

When the virus of restlessness begins to take possession of
a wayward man, and the road away from Here seems broad and straight and sweet,
the victim must first find in himself a good and sufficient reason for going.
This to the practical bum is not difficult.

He has a built-in garden of reasons to choose from. Next he must plan his trip in time and space, choose a direction and a destination. And last he must implement the journey. How to go, what to take, how long to stay. This part of the process is invariable and immortal. I set it down only so that newcomers to bumdom, like teen-agers in
new-hatched sin, will not think they invented it.

Once a journey is designed, equipped, and put in process, a new factor enters and takes over. A trip, a safari, an exploration, is an entity, different from all other journeys. It has personality, temperament, individuality, uniqueness. A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.

Tour masters, schedules, reservations, brass-bound and inevitable, dash themselves to
wreckages on the personality of the trip. Only when this is recognized can the
blown-in-the-glass bum relax and go along with it. Only then do the
frustrations fall away. In this a journey is like marriage. The certain way to
be wrong is to think you control it. I feel better now, having said this,
although only those who have experienced it will understand it.

3- Do you feel like traveling has changed you and David? if so How?

Absolutely. It has changed the way we view the world, and ourselves in it. I think traveling is as essential to a person’s well being as eating, and as important in their education as addition and subtraction. Every time we visit somewhere, a new and different understanding of the world is learned; and each one changes us.

4- Your pictures are GORGEOUS! What's in your camera bag?

I have a Canon 7d with a canon 17-85 mm lens.

I have no idea how to use it, I just push buttons until I get the look I want to achieve. Taking a class to learn how to use is it was at the top of my list of things to do before we left, but I didn’t make it. The panoramic pictures from trip were taken with a little Sony Cybershot…its really only good for the panoramic feature.

5- You are quite a talented floral designer. Do you think studying design has helped you take better pictures?

Thank you! I never actually studied floral design….I was a bucket scrubber at flower shops for years and then I just taught myself. I think that my appreciation for beauty and pleasing aesthetics helps in anything creative I undertake, photography included.

6- What would you recommend to those who may be afraid to visit countries like India, Israel, Egypt, etc? What were the people like? Did you have any expectations beforehand?

If someone is afraid to visit these parts of the world because of fears that have been instilled in their heads (most likely by the media…) I say that the only cure for it is to visit these places themselves.

Culture shock is….shocking. But it is good for you.
India is possibly my favorite place in the world so far. But-India is not for the weak of heart. I heard an acronym for I.N.D.I.A. “I’ll Never Do It Again”. This is mostly funny to me because it could not be further from the way I feel…..but like I said, it is not for everybody.

I had an earth shattering experience the first time we went to India in 2007. I was young and so very naïve. We had to fly through several countries in the Middle East on the way home, and I thought I was going to be flying through a war zone the whole way. All I knew about the Middle East was that the US had invaded Iraq, and I had naively allowed myself to think that terrorism and war was all that there was to the Middle East. I was shocked by how gorgeous and serene the landscapes were, how pristine the airports were and how incredibly kind the people were. However, we just had layovers so it only peaked my interest in the region. I came home and signed up for an Arabic class shortly thereafter. This is how I began to study, and fall in love with the Middle East, an area that I had only negative thoughts about before seeing first hand. The further I got into my education the more I loved the rich historical, cultural, and political history of the region.

When we arrived in the Middle East we were constantly amazed by the kindness of the people, and the beauty of the land. On several occasions people we had just met offered to take us in for a meal or show us around for the day. Being invited to someone’s home for a meal is something that no trip to the Middle East should go without. These experiences are some of our favorites from the trip. In these afternoons in conversation over home cooked food we learned so much about life, and the goodness that is in people’s hearts. We left each of these experiences with clear heads and vows to live our lives differently.

We ran into political upheaval just about everywhere we went on our trip. We found ourselves in some delicate situations. It was in these moments however, that locals took our comfort and safety into their own hands. They made sure that we were out of harms way. Each person wanted to make sure that we knew that they loved Americans, and want us to continue to visit their countries and learn about the real Middle East. My plea to anyone who has fears of visiting sensitive regions is to make sure that you are choosing your media sources well. Balance your media diet, and never take anything you hear from just one source as fact. There are of course things to be aware of, but do not let this stop you from missing out on what their cultures have to offer.

7- What inspires you?

To put it simply, people, nature, literature, food, and travel (!).

8- Tell us one tip that you've learned along the way that would improve a photo.

I am no good for technical advice about shooting pictures, I need
to learn that myself. But I think that the way you frame your picture is the most important. I have specific angles that I like, and I think are more interesting than what you usually see. Sometimes my pictures may not be the most accurate representation of what I am photographing because they are blurry or only show part of a building, I think they catch the emotion that I want to provoke.

9- Do you think traveling changed your photography?

Yes. Even just because it means I have taken more pictures, and through that I have found the look I like.

10- So what's next for you and David?

When we are not traveling we live a fairly normal life at home. David has a 9-5 (albeit flexible when we go on vacations), and I am finishing up school. We have been remodeling our home for a few years, and we usually do yard work all weekend. David crochets abstract art in his spare time, and I am building my floral business. We keep a hive of bees, in our vegetable garden, and enjoy outdoor activity.

We plan on taking a lot of short camping trips locally this summer, and then we will be heading to New Zealand this fall for the rugby world cup :)

All pictures featured in this post were taken by Sarah Winward and have been used with permission.

Round Greenwich

2011-04-08T20:16:00.000+01:00

I've stuck round Greenwich and Blackheath a lot recently. The weather has been really nice and I've got more time since we've been cutting down on the running drastically in prep for the marathon next week and well its nice to reconnect with the ole village again. You can see by my pictures how much I'm sucked into nature. I love how London has these amazing green spaces. You wouldn't ever guess you were in one of the busiest cities in the world.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Christine
xoxo

P.S. Have an inspiration interview for you on Sunday. Be sure to pop by and check it out!

Expat Life: Kat in Italy

2011-04-05T12:50:00.003+01:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Kat when she came to London back in January to meet up with some blogging friends. It was a shame I hadn't slept very well the night before and had to cut my visit short cause of tiredness. Its very nice when you get opportunities to meet people who are in similar circumstances as yourself (i.e. living abroad) and I would have loved to chat to her longer.

I think that's why I thought it would be fun to interview Kat on her life in Italy. She's not only a great photographer and very kind, but she's also got a wealth of wisdom that I greatly admire.

1) So where are you from?

I’m from Oregon, in the United States. For those of you who don’t know US geography well, it’s the state above California on the Pacific coast.

2) Where do you currently live?

Vedano al Lambro, Italy. It’s a small town outside of Milan, next to Monza. Motorsport fans will know the Monza Autodromo, we live a couple of kilometers away and can hear the races from our home.

3) What brought you to Italy?

I came to Italy for a two year work assignment for my job. I’m an engineer, and I’m working as the interface for a supplier here in Italy and the company I work for in the US. My husband, ten-year-old son and cat came along with me as well.

4) How has living abroad changed you?

Living abroad has changed me in ways I never expected. Living in another culture cuts things down to your fundamental assumptions of how things work and what motivations people have. I didn’t realize how big a role culture plays in our personal development until living here. An interesting thing happens when some of your fundamental assumptions are proven to be cultural – you start to be aware of assumptions in all areas of your life, and to ask yourself “is this true?” more often. There are more ways of doing things and thinking about a situation than I would have ever realized without this experience; it’s opened me up to new ideas.

Living in Italy and travelling in Europe has come for me at a perfect time, as I was ready to look at life in a different way. The art, the culture and the history of everything around me have helped me to fall in love with art and creativity again. It’s ignited my passion for photography and helped me find my artistic eye. I go home calling myself an “artist” – a big step in a new direction, with living abroad as the catalyst.

5) Whats the best thing about living in Italy? the worst?

Italy is full of art, beauty and history. The attention to beauty and detail in some areas, along with the textures wrought by time and neglect in others, is a perfect combination for my art. I also love the “piazza lifestyle,” where you take the time to get out, sit on the piazza and drink a coffee or eat gelato. The pace seems more relaxed, it’s not all about the quest for the “almighty dollar” but more about enjoying life.

The worst thing about Italy for me has to be the way rules are viewed as suggestions, subject to individual interpretation. It is hard to figure out how to get something done, when the answer changes depending on who you talk to. It sometimes works in your favor, because you can talk your way through some interesting situations, but in a corporate work environment with contracts and specifications at stake it has made things more challenging.

6) What would you say to anyone looking to leave everything and move to a foreign country?

Do it! It will be the most amazing experience of your life. Even as you do it, be ready for the most challenging experience in your life as well. I think a move abroad stresses every “crack” in your self and your relationships. You will find out the truth to the statement, “Where ever you go, there you are.” Whatever baggage you carry with you, it will show up magnified when you are living abroad. The beauty of the whole experience for me has been to work through whatever came up and come out stronger.

Since my experience was only a temporary move, a little over two years total, I think that made adjustment a bit easier. To pick up and move permanently would be quite different.

7) How has the language adjustment been for you? Do you speak Italian? Have you started having dreams in Italian?

Language adjustment has certainly had its ups and downs. When we got here, I had been taking lessons for a few months but could barely function. It was stressful to not understand much of anything, or to be able to communicate basic needs. My language skills peaked eight to ten months into the assignment, when I finished up my lessons. By that time I had realized I could function at a minimal level for day-to-day living and wanted more time for exploring art. Since I work in English (even here in Italy) and knew I would only be here for two years I didn’t have a strong personal motivation for fluency. I made a conscious choice to not actively pursue further study of the Italian language, so I could spend my free time pursuing art and creativity. For me, it has been a good choice.

8) What would you say the biggest difference between Italians and Americans are?

One of the biggest differences is the American individualism compared to the Italian sense of relationship and community. In Italy, you are part of a group and doing what you can to support the relationships and the group is fundamental. They are baffled about things like the American approach to health care.

In every day life here, you see over and over again how having a relationship with someone changes the dynamic of a situation completely. It’s one of the reasons why things work even though rules are often suggestions. Everything is negotiable, you just have to find the right person to discuss it with and develop a relationship. This is completely different from the US, where we have processes and rules which are (for the most part) fixed and it’s frowned upon to bend the rules for your friends or family.

9) As a photographer what's one way that we can instantly improve a shot?

Here’s the first thing that came to mind as I read your question: Have a clear idea of what you are trying to convey in your photo. You might look at something and think it’s pretty so you take a picture. But what about it is pretty? How can you portray your subject to highlight it’s “prettiness?” What caught your eye? Maybe you need to unclutter the background or contrast it with something else in the frame. Maybe you need change your angle, or to zoom in. Thinking about what you want to convey in the photo and then making adjustments to better display your subject is a small thing which can make a big difference in your photos.

10) Do you think living abroad has changed your photography?

Yes and no.

On the “Yes” side:
It has increased my knowledge, since I’ve had the opportunity to practice often and in many different situations. Taking many, many photos in our travels and then sorting through to find the best ones for my blog has also helped me to identify and refine my style, which is a huge confidence-booster. I have been able to get to the core of what I like and don’t like to photograph along with what motivates me in photography. I have learned to be myself as an artist, to be different from what might be popular with confidence.

On the “No” side:
Looking back at the photographs I was taking before moving abroad, I see similarities to my photography today. I can see my style was already there. What was lacking was the clarity of my vision and the confidence which has come to me through the increased photographic experience I’ve had here in Italy. Realizing I’ve always had this inside of me has been a great thing to learn, and is the premise behind my Find Your Eye e-courses. I believe everyone has a unique vision, it’s a matter of finding it and owning it. You don’t have to live abroad to find your eye.

11) What's next for you?

In July we move back to our home in the US. Repatriating will be interesting, I’m sure I’ll learn even more about myself and how I’ve changed from this experience. I’ll continue blogging and everyone will be able to follow along. My next session of Find Your Eye classes will also start in July, I can’t wait to meet some new artists online through teaching the course.

Before the move we are travelling as much as possible, within work and school vacation allowances. I am making the most of my time in Italy, I don’t want to go back with any regrets!

12) If heaven exists what would you like god to say when you reach the pearly gates?

Welcome! You’ll find the library straight ahead, the art museums are down on the right past the art supply stores, and the Mexican restaurant is to your left. We’re about to serve afternoon tea, won’t you join us?

**All picture are the property of Kat Sloma and have been posted here with permission.

Lately

2011-04-04T18:11:00.000+01:00

My life lately besides running of course. Not much time left till the big day.

P.S.

Keep James in your prayers. His current job at Parliament ends on 30 April.

Marathon on the Brain

2011-03-31T15:07:00.000+01:00

16 days, 19 hrs, 7 minutes and 12 seconds.

That's how long it is (when I last looked) till the London Marathon and I run 26.2 miles.

I guess I was hoping I'd feel more ready than I do or feel fitter or something by this point. The fact is I feel the same I did 9 months ago when I started training but running a mile or two doesn't kill me the way it used to.

I was hoping also that I would have lost a few pounds by now. The whole reason why I wanted to do the marathon was to lose weight. Hasn't happened....weirdest thing on the planet. Think its because of stress or something. I even mentioned to the doctor on a recent visit this problem and she said that sure sounded unusual.

Marathon's are not something that I do which explains the serious butterflies. I'm the girl who never got picked for teams in gym class. This marathon is one of thee major sporting events in the world and I'm in it. I guess its starting to hit me. I'm doing a M-A-RA-TH-ON.

Have the post race massage booked, the carb replacement granola bars picked out and know what outfit I'll be wearing. The only thing left is cutting down the exercise gradually and not doing anything stupid to myself before race day.

I would really love to do some good in the process and raise money for charity. I'm donating all proceeds from my shop to my charity till the 1st April. If you just want to donate without getting a print...even small amounts DO help.

Hope you are all well.

Christine
xoxo

Expat Life: Elaine in China

2011-03-22T08:37:00.003Z

Elaine is an old school friend who happened to do the same thing that I did after graduation, moving to a foreign country. I thought I moved a long way away, but Elaine moved to China and then Hong Kong where she is currently teaching. I asked her similar questions to my previous interviewee and these were her responses.

1) So what brought you to Hong Kong?

Well I moved from Dongguan, China to Hong Kong. So for me it was an upgrade. I had moved to China in 2008 for work, but I have always had a keen interest in China since I was 16. Reading various books and asking my Taiwanese Aunt to help me learn some Mandarin, of which she begrudgingly did not. Then in college I studied Chinese history in Beijing for a Spring break. It was fantastic and I longed to go back. I did return to teach English in a University for a spring. I wanted to stay longer, but grad school called my name. After an intense year of working on my masters in education I was attempting to get a job in the land of the North west and it was not happening. I had a goal before I graduated with my Ma to have a job so since none of the school districts were biting I decided to expand my horizons and looked to international teaching. I’m so glad I did, because it has opened up endless possibilities. So work brought me to China and work brought me to Hong Kong, but ultimately there is a desire to be in Asia, living here with the Asians. I feel lonely without them…the millions and billions of them.

2) How has living abroad changed you?

Hmmmm changed me….well I have learned more of how to be alone. I have learned how to stand up for myself, yell at people when I’m being cheated, walk away from bad situations, feel completely helpless and vulnerable more so than living in the US, where you know how to get around and how to communicate with people. Overall living abroad has made me a tougher person. I’d say I’ve developed a thicker skin.

3) What has been the best thing about living in Hong Kong? The worst?

Best thing about Hong Kong is living on the 50th floor. I love being up high and overlooking the mountains and the water. I can see the sunset everyday over the water. I can watch the hawks flying past my window. I can see lightening outside my window. Worst thing is probably the pollution and well I don’t like being a single unit, but that is where I am in life. I think living internationally would be much better if I had a life partner. Oh another best thing is having my own vespa and driving through the intense, crazy traffic and then being out on some open country roads that twist and turn along the ocean.

4) How has the language adjustment been for you? Is the language in China (where you used to be) to Hong Kong any different? Have you started having dreams in the language?

Well Hong Kong people speak Cantonese. Where I was living in China Mandarin was the main language. I had learned enough Mandarin to survive in China. But Cantonese has 9 tones verses Mandarin’s 4 tones. I’m partial to Mandarin and think it sounds much prettier.

5) What's the food been like? Have you had any weird dishes that you care to share.

Well I love American food. Nothing like a good wholesome meal of mashed potatoes, fresh garden salad, corn on the cob, and lemon chicken and rice. (To me that is American food.) I love Chinese food, but I don’t really care for Cantonese food. I can’t really get into cooked lettuce and macaroni and fish soup. Just not my style. But mainland has some amazing Chinese food. I miss my favorite restaurant in Dongguan. Yum, yum.

6) What would you recommend to those who are looking to move to a foreign country?

I would say do it. Get out of your own country and live some place else. There’s so much more to life than the status quo. I think people are too afraid of leaving what they know, but sometimes you just have to break out of it. I think people know in their hearts if they feel like there is something more they are supposed to be doing in life. I would highly recommend having a job… hehehe. Do it, but have a job lined up for yourself before you go.

7) You have had quite an opportunity to travel since living in Asia. (Please list all the countries you've visited). How has traveling inspired you?

Wow well living in Asia really opens doors for traveling. Sometimes I am trepidatious to travel as a single woman and try to think through what would be the safest way to travel. My first big trip by myself in S.E. Asia was on an Italian cruise that stopped in the Philippines, Borneo, Brunei, Singapore, Ho Chi Min (Saigon), and Da Nang, Vietnam, and Hainan Island. It was a great way to travel safely and in style and see so many places in Asia in a much more economical way than if I was to have flown to each place and stayed in hotels. On this cruise I was the token American and surrounded by Aussies, Europeans, and Russians. I loved meeting people and hearing there stories and enjoying their company.

My second Chinese New Year I traveled to India with 5 other teachers. We toured New Dehli, Jiapur, Udiapur, Pushkar, and Agra. India was completely and utterly amazing. There was a part of me that fell in love with India, but I doubt that I could ever live there. Mostly because it is a male dominated society. Woman are not treated with respect. You are looked upon as an object of sexual lust. I actually started to cover my head, because I received so much unwanted male attention. India is not a place a single woman should travel alone to, but must be accompanied by a man or a group. My favorite city that I saw was Jaipur…the colours, the shopping, the scenery is completely exotic. It was the first place that I was awaken at 5 am by the Mullahs calling people to prayer. Jaipur is in Rajistan which is next to Pakistan. I didn’t realize how Islam had so much power over India. I had thought they were mostly Hindus and Buddhists.

During my October break for school I traveled to Cambodia. I had longed to go to Cambodia and see Angor Wat, one of the world’s largest ancient ruins. Siem Reap is a wonderful place to visit. I fell in love with the people and the city. The people are extremely poor and are recovering from a terrible holocaust.

This past Christmas I traveled to Bali and the Philippines. I was not as impressed with Bali as tour guide books and other people have talked it up. It was dirty, dark and rather boring. I had been hoping for exotic beach life, but the beaches were dirty and gross so I didn’t even hang out on the beach. My friend and I rented a car and drove all over the island that was probably the best part of the trip—road tripping Bali. The Philippines were amazing. I absolutely loved these Islands. I visited Pandan Island, which is a tropical island oasis..palm trees, white sand beaches, amazing coral reef surrounding the island, hammocks waiting for people to lay in them. If someone was going to Bali hoping to find nice beaches you will be disappointed. I would highly recommend the Philippines over Bali and it is much cheaper and economical in the Philippines.

My next trip planned is Israel for Easter. We were going to also go to Egypt, but because of the recent revolution there I think we will pass.
------
Traveling has inspired me. I feel much the richer, because of what I have seen and experienced. I think traveling is important to living. Humans are about change, as a Hebrew mystic might say, it’s about becoming. Becoming what exactly? Hmmm well I hope it is our goal to become better and not to lead toward entropic tendencies. Traveling has filled my heart with more imaginations and wonder. To see how other people live. To see the smiles and faces of people around the world. To smell, smells that are quite honestly not always pleasant, but it is the reality of life. To hear sounds that can quiet your soul or fill you with a sense of dread. To eat a taste of peace and contentment. To be filled with a quest for more zest in your life. There is a famous English poem…not too famous by Matthew Arnold, about a Gypsy who is a scholar, who travels through life learning. I think those who like to learn and like to travel are gypsy scholars.

8) What's next for you?

What’s next in my life???? I’m not sure, but I’m going to live every moment to the fullest. I have been blessed and I am blessed by God and very grateful for where I am. I currently plan on staying in Asia until I feel called to move somewhere else. There are parts of me that misses my homeland, but I don’t think I’m supposed to be in America at this time of my life.

9) How are the Chinese and Americans similiar?

- Chinese people are very family oriented. I really value their sense of family. In one household you have grandparents, parents and grandchildren living together. I really like this since of unity and fidelity. There are reasons for this in their society…Confucius roots have a strong identity in family. Also spiritually Chinese believe it is filial duty to offer sacrifices to your ancestors; therefore it is important to have children so you will have someone to offer sacrifices to you and take care of you even after you die. Where I was living in China I was surrounded by more babies than ever before and usually the grandparents are the ones raising the grandchildren as the parents are out in the work force making money.

- In China like in America woman are treated with more respect and dignity. Or shall I say given more of an opportunity verses other countries or cultures in the world. I greatly value a society that respects woman. This is my opinion and communism has helped to even out the gender divide; whereas during the days of the dynasty woman didn’t have much value.

-Chinese greatly value money. In fact they worship money much like American capitalists. Making money is the goal of almost every Chinese person. Chinese New Year is a time of traditional sayings about becoming rich in the new year.

-Chinese people love America and Americans. American culture is greatly valued and respected by the Chinese. Many university students try to learn as much as they can about American culture often memorizing quotes from America’s great leaders like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington.

-Education is greatly valued by the Chinese. Even though most of the Chinese don’t have an education beyond 8th grade, education is seen as the door to improving your status.

10) If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God to say when you reach the pearly gates?

I do believe in heaven and I do believe there is a Creator of Heaven and Earth and I believe that in my mind, heart and spirit that I walk in His Kingdom. His Kingdom is a Kingdom of peace, mercy and justice. His Kingdom is one of walking in the spirit and not the flesh. I am a pilgrim on this earth eagerly waiting for when I will be called home. When God calls my spirit to Him I want to hear him say welcome home my precious daughter enter your inheritance.

-------

All pictures are from the blog: Elaine Teaching in China and can be credited to Elaine Ray.

P.S. Apparently this is my 500th post on this little blog. Wow, this week I'm hitting lots of milestones. ;)

Ten Years

2011-03-21T21:29:00.003Z

10 yrs ago on 21 March 2001 I moved to London from America.

10 yrs of being with James.

10 yrs of the toughest and most incredible experiences of my life.

Spring Flowers

2011-03-16T19:00:00.001Z

I've been feeling a overwhelmed and burnt out recently with everything. The last two days I've completely ignored the huge pile of dishes in the kitchen and the bathroom that has seen better days, the endless job applications and just grabbed my digital camera and an old film SLR and just went outside looking at spring and started taking pictures.

I love these small opportunities to reconnect to something much more grand than myself and the photography that helps me communicate what I see.

Would love to view your images of spring. Please share a link in the comment section.

Christine
xoxo

Expat life: Bobbi in France

2011-03-14T14:31:00.001Z

Living abroad is one of those really strange experiences that you could call almost baptism by fire. I've been here in London nearly 10 years this month and its been probably the most painful/joyous experiences of my life.

I've often wondered what life is like for other expats in different countries. Although I think there's things that tie all expats together, I know its always a unique experience for each person.

So, I'd like to introduce you to Bobbi. She's Canadian and packed up and sold everything (including her life as a practicing Psychiatrist) to move to Semur en Auxois....out in the middle of the French countryside. Her blog 'Finding me in France' is a hilarious and often inspirational account of her time trying to find bliss in a foreign place.

She's been very gracious to give little ole' me an interview (which I hope is the first in the series of many on here). I know that you will enjoy her answers (and her blog) as much as I have:

1) So why did you decide to leave your job and move to France?

Of course I get asked this a lot and I wish I had a profoundly clever answer. All I can say is that my stressful, high speed, all consuming job-focused, striving life simply didn’t fit me anymore. I knew it was a case of now or never. If I didn’t make a change I’d be stuck in the fast lane. I knew that all I needed to do to have a completely different life was to let go of my attachment to material things. I decided to quit while on vacation in France and when I returned I was determined to have a life in Europe no matter what. I don’t know why I did it really other than it just felt like the right thing to do.

2) How has living abroad changed you?

I’m not sure yet. The big thing I notice so far is that I’m much slower. No rushing around like a maniac day in and day out. I actually have time to do things that I didn’t even know I wanted to do like writing. Sometimes I’m a bit too slow, full days of bedhead and sweatpants! I also think it’s helped me be more culturally aware and to be open to new experiences and life in general.

3) You used to be a practicing psychiatrist. Do you have any advice for those of us still searching for our bliss?

I think bliss is everywhere. The trick is being able to find it wherever you look. I don’t think people have to turn their lives upside down like I have to find happiness. I would advise that people stop every now and then and actually look at their lives, reflect a little on whether they are really doing all they can to be happy and peaceful. I think, now more than ever, we get so caught up in things that don’t really matter which creates a lot of difficulty. For me it was a matter of recognizing that I was too busy to be present in my own life and that’s not a recipe for bliss.

4) You've written about the joys and challenges of learning a foreign language. Have you started having dreams in French?

Mon Dieu, non!! I’m lucky to be able to ask where the toilet is let alone craft a full dream. It’s a daily battle I’m afraid!

5) What would you say to anyone looking to leave everything and move to a foreign country?

Plan, plan and plan again!! I would say to be realistic about it. It’s an amazing thing to do but it is really challenging. Do your research beforehand. Know what will be required from an immigration perspective. Try your best to let go of any expectations that things will be done in a way that you are used to and, if possible, learn as much of the language as you can before arriving! It’s easy to romanticize such a transition and it requires a lot of patience. But it’s well worth it just to know that you were able to let go of everything for once, to have a true adventure. So far it’s been the experience of a lifetime for me.

6) Your blog is very well written and hilarious. Where did you learn how to write so well? Do you think you may write a book one day about your experiences?

Why merci Madame!! I always say I’d only ever written prescriptions before the blog. What started as a way to keep a diary for myself of the Big French Adventure and to keep in touch with friends and family has turned into some sort of monster hobby. All I can say is that I sat at a computer one day and out it all came. Now it feels like I’ve been doing it all my life. Of course the humor is in my blood. Newfies are the funniest people on the planet. As for a book we’ll see but it’s definitely something I would love to do.

7) What's next for you? or are you happy just embracing the uncertainty of the moment?

I couldn’t even guess what’s next. I know that I have a place to live until September, that there’s food in the fridge today and beyond that who knows? For now I’m just rolling with it, something new for me the compulsive planner.

8) What's been the best thing about living in France? the hardest?

There are so many great things about France but food and wine top the list as does the general pace of life. As for the hardest thing, definitely acquiring the language followed closely by banking!

9) If heaven exists what would you like God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?

“Bar’s open, what’ll you have?”

-----

ALL PICTURES are from Finding me in France and can be credited to Neil McCulloch, Bobbi's husband.

Friday Inspiration: Healing Thoughts

2011-03-11T18:14:00.000Z

Thought I should devote this weeks inspiration post to Japan. May they all be in our prayers.

Tourist Weekend

2011-03-07T17:22:00.000Z

1- Buckingham Palace gates, 2/3- Birds in St. James' Park, 4- Westminster Abbey, 5/6- Inside the House of Parliament,

7-9- Greenwich

So this weekend, we spent playing tourists in town. My cousin and his wife came to visit (sorry no pics of them) and as you can see we hit some of the main tourist spots like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. James gave them a tour of the Houses of Parliament. I got some pictures this time of the areas where you could take photos. We were lucky to get to see inside the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons looked exactly like it does on the 'tele', the House of Lords is gorgeous and very very posh. Its where the queens seat is where she gives her opening of parliament speech. It was an incredibly tiring day on Friday, but we ended it with a great Asian meal at Wagamama's which was a great end to the day. On Saturday, we were very lazy most of the day and met up with my cousin later and showed them bits of Greenwich. It was nice for them to see something outside of the city centre. Life is very different outside central London in this country.

Sunday....James was ill so I went all by myself for the long run. I ran for 5 hrs 20 and thought that that was about 20 miles....come to find out after we mapped it online...it was 20.7! So I'm further along in my run than I thought. Next week is our final long run, we are adding an extra mile and a half which means that we'll only have 4 or 5 miles of 'unknown' on the marathon. We're where we should be for mileage although speed wise, I'm pretty slow. I'm trying to focus on my accomplishment and not worry if I don't finish in an uber fast time.

So...now its your turn, tell me about your weekend!!

Friday Inspiration + etc.

2011-03-04T02:17:00.000Z

“And one by one the nights between our separated cities are joined to the night that unites us.”

~Pablo Neruda

via A Conversation on Cool

Barbara Nowak

via inconnu

Ida

Brian Ferry

I'm doing this post at like 2 a.m. as my stomach is playing hopscotch. Its been an emotional week which kinda culminated in a 'angry' run last night where James and I ran as fast as we could both shouting out things we were currently pissed off about. I'd highly recommend it as a great stress reliever and great training for running races. We knocked off almost 5 minutes our usual time.

In other news....I'm meeting up with a cousin today and showing them round the city. Hopefully will get some pictures for you. Besides my 365 project (sorry I've been so bad sharing here....check my flickr in the sidebar).....I haven't really been inspired to take many pictures the last fortnight.

So....again I post inspiration from others which is what usually sustains me when my creativity dwindles. The above posts are photos that have stuck out in my mind recently.

I've also got a few things for you. In my side-bar....you'll notice a 'Free Download' section. I've put a couple pictures that you can download and print for your personal use (no altering or commercial use pretty please). I'll be adding to it when the mood takes me. I'm working on a free PDF for this section too....my guide to London. I can't tell you how many people want an insiders guide to visiting this city. So watch that space for some goodness being sent your way.

Also, there's a link in the same section entitled 'Reader Blogroll'. If you click on the page and add your blog via the ever famous 'Linky tools'.....I will keep the page up so others can find you too. I shall often try to peruse your blogs on this page and if I find some pictures that inspire me..they may turn up in my weekly 'inspiration' posts (proper accreditation/links of course).

Finally.....I'm slowly working on trying to interview people who inspire me. No ones answering my calls as of yet (except one)...but I'll work on it.

Here's to a fantastic weekend.

Christine

xoxoox

Happy Friday

2011-02-25T15:50:00.002Z

1. 02.23.11 : a touch of spring, 2. My favorite palm tree., 3. Hackney Homes // Laburnum street 1, 4. Untitled, 5. layers of pink, 6. beige, 7. Untitled, 8. Polaroid Spree during Lunch Break, 9. The new baby, 10. valentine's flowers, 11. Untitled, 12. Untitled

Haven't shared some of my flickr favs in a while. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Christine
xoxoox

Finding the beauty in running

2011-02-23T09:47:00.001Z

I have REALLY felt like withdrawing from the marathon the last few days. We didn't get our 17 miles in on Sunday because I was physically exhausted due to a certain 'thing' girls deal with every month. My 'times of the month' are an absolute bitch for me (been to countless doctors) and I just couldn't deal with my worst of that, plus trying to get through the exhaustion of 17 miles.....it was just too much. I panicked because we've only got 4 of the really long runs left (not including weekly runs) before we have to back off on our mileage. The marathon is only 8 weeks away and I'm TERRIFIED. I'm not sure if I feel ready for this.

I'm scared of screwing this up and not completing it. I'm finding it hard to trust that I can do it. This is really like jumping off a cliff for me big time. However, I've got to stop and just believe that no matter what happens if I do my best, its going to be OK. If I finish then fantastic---I'm going to celebrate. If I don't....I'm going to embrace that too and remember how far I've come.

I have to remember that there's been world champion runners who haven't finished marathons before....people like Haile Gebrselassie and Paula Radcliffe. If I don't finish.....I will just pick myself up and try again. I hear the NYC marathon is in November?

I've been reading a book by Russell Simmons recently and he talks about how our lives are much richer if we focus on joy of the hard work/the process rather than the end result. I mentioned this to James and he said that he sees this as one of the reasons why I get so unhappy with myself sometimes is that I'm too focused on ...oh things will be better for me when I lose this weight, or when I get a job, or when this happens or when that happens. The fact is...I'm always chasing the future that hasn't come yet and I've got to find the beauty in the present moment.

So....... last nights run (2 1/2 hrs), I took a little backpack out with my camera wrapped all snug and cosy and every so often I'd stop and take a picture of something I thought was beautiful along the route, which is the pictures you see above . It was my little exercise in trying to remind myself to enjoy this 'process' with all its ups and downs along the way.

----

P.S. If you scroll down my side-bar you'll see a little 'Just Giving' button. I'm trying to raise some money for the charity 'Room to Read' with my efforts in this marathon. If you are interested in donating, I'd be grateful for the support.

Signs of Spring

2011-02-18T19:04:00.001Z

taken today

Early Spring

Harshness vanished. A sudden softness

has replaced the meadows' wintry grey.
Little rivulets of water changed
their singing accents. Tendernesses,

hesitantly, reach toward the earth
from space, and country lanes are showing
these unexpected subtle risings
that find expression in the empty trees.

-Rilke

Soho, China Town and Trafalgar Square: at night

2011-02-15T10:32:00.000Z

I took these on Friday evening when I had to pop into the city to go to Whole Foods. London completely changes at night as most cities do. The temperature was so mild I rather enjoyed wandering and taking pictures.

I'd love to see your city at night. If you have nighttime pictures you'd like to share, please leave your link in the comments.

Happy Love Day

2011-02-14T17:21:00.001Z

1- VDay weekend in Greenwich Market, 2- Prince Charming on a budget

My yoga teacher today said an interesting thing about Valentines Day, that its unfairly limited to 'couples' and how wonderful it could be if it was just a day that focused on being kinder and more compassionate to everyone we meet (including ourselves). Sure this holiday is pretty schmaltzy and over commercialized but I like that idea of having a day to focus on love. I wish every day was Love Day.

Sending you love this Valentines Day.

Christine
xoxoxo

Fun VDay links:

Pablo Neruda love poetry
Stedman speaks!
How to Love yourself
PW Love photos
Lovebirds- Valentines Game
How to be alone
V-Day campaign
A Love sing along
There's nothing fluffy about Love
All you need is Love

Thursday inspiration

2011-02-10T10:12:00.001Z

I'm feeling the need to share a bit of inspiration at the moment. I've stumbled on quite a few new blogs that have pictures and words that really speak to me. 126 blogs are on my feed currently and every single one brightens my day. I am so grateful for the internet and how the world doesn't seem so big anymore. The pictures above are from some new blogs, some are old favorites. Be sure to check them out and send them the love that they so deserve. I love seeing other people's art.....it reminds me of what I can be capable of with my own.

Here they are:

1st picture: Michael Morgan
2nd picture: Elle at Diana Mini Love
3rd, 4th and 5th picture: David and Sarah
6th picture: Hilda Grahnat
7th: Josh Goleman

Letting Go: lessons from running

2011-02-07T10:38:00.000Z

I mentioned yesterday that on Friday James and I did a 15 mile run. We're at a very critical point in our running. Its over half-way to the 26.2 miles I'll need to get to come April and its where the running magazines say we need to be to do the marathon safely.    Apparently you need to be able to do 15 miles comfortably at least a month prior or you shouldn't be doing it. Maybe there's hope for me to finish this thing after all.

I think the 'comfortable' part is going to be the hard part though. Getting up to this mileage, I'm starting to feel every extra pound on my body that shouldn't be there.    The 70 lbs I need to lose aren't coming off easily which concerns me slightly. Its hard enough being obese in a skinny world but its like every ounce is holding on for dear life. My body is making me work for this and I'm finding it painful emotionally and physically.

I know running as a metaphor for life has been written about to death but when you start running long distances....its true what they say that there's potential for you to heal yourself or at least learn a heck of a lot about how you deal with life.

It's called 'the wall'.....its where your body just wont run anymore. You are tired and your body starts feeling pain....but you have to keep running....because you're not done yet and there's a couple miles left. The pain brings out floods of tears....some days its huge feelings of anger out of nowhere....but you keep running.   My breathing is fine up to this point....because its all familiar....but then its short and shallow. I'm panicking because I've never gone this far. I don't trust myself that I can do this. My body tenses up and it makes the run harder. I'm resisting every step. I close my eyes briefly and I try to return to my breath. In. Out.   In. Out. I say out loud over and over and over.....let it go, let it go, Let it go Christine. I feel my shoulders relaxing and slowly my breath returns to normal and I somehow make it home.

I put up so much resistance in other parts of my life....out of fear of the pain that usually accompanies it. Maybe it I just let go more and more and knew that I could get through to the other side just like I have recently with running. Trusting that the universe will help keep my legs moving through the pain when I feel like I can't do it myself any longer.

I'm starting to see why I'm supposed to do the marathon.   Its changing me in ways that I never imagined.

Birthday Weekend and Blackheath

2011-02-06T15:56:00.001Z

Celebrated James' 36 birthday with a 15 mile run in the morning and birthday cake in the evening on Friday.....the rest of the weekend has been quiet. We went out for a belated birthday lunch today in Blackheath, walking through Greenwich Park and the very windy/cold weather. Might pull out a DVD later or curl up to one of my books. Love Sundays for how quiet and restful they can be.

1 February

2011-02-01T17:19:00.002Z

The shop fronts today in Greenwich heralded in a brand new month. I love February...not for Valentines day but for the fact January is finally finished and spring is peeking round the corner.

Sunday morning

2011-01-30T16:15:00.000Z

I did something different this morning and met some bloggers from Mortal Muses to go on a photo walk through Greenwich. We went along some side streets that I had never been down before which provided some interesting pictures. It was cold and I was impressed with the endurance of the group--two hours in...I called it quits out of exhaustion and they were still going strong.

I'm hoping that this week is a good one. Last week...life kinda made me call 'uncle' a bit. Going to pick myself up and start again tomorrow.

P.S. I haven't stopped doing my 365 day project, just haven't been posting all of it here. You can check out my flickr album if you'd like HERE.

A sense of Purpose

2011-01-24T19:10:00.000Z

My prayers recently have been asking a lot to send me a sense of purpose. I guess to me purpose means job, a title and a paycheck once a month. I want to get dressed up every morning, ride the tube again with my 'metro' in hand. I want to have my own income, to be able to treat myself to a new top or a facial without having to ask James or worrying about spending too much of 'his' money. When people ask what I do I don't want to fib anymore and tell them a made up title.

I'm embarrassed about my unemployment. I'm embarrassed with what people think of me and the fact when I say the last full-time job I had was 2007 it usually brings judgment like "what's wrong with you, or aren't you applying for positions?" Well, there's nothing wrong with me. I have sent off countless applications. I've just been a bit unlucky.

I probably didn't think things through before I first moved here and didn't have a Plan B if I lost the job that initially brought me over. For the last 10 years I've been flailing around trying to fix things with my career but it hasn't worked. The long-term temp jobs that have kept me here have dried up and besides some short term work here and there and an internship, my last full time work was far too long ago.

Its painful to say that I've struggled to understand why this has happened. I've wondered (and still do) if its because I'm an American in a foreign country or if its just 'me'. I've thought well maybe if I return to the states it would somehow magically become easier. Well, probably not. I'd still have the same issues no matter if I lived in Italy, England, Paris, China or the states....I'd need a job.

I thought that music was my purpose and I did everything I was supposed to and studied it at school. I'm the only child in my immediate family with a 4 year degree. But, as always, the universe has had other ideas and completely threw any plans I had for my life out the window.

The resources out there to help people here in this type of situation are reserved obviously for U.K. citizens. I'm not sure if it would have helped anyway. When James was unemployed, he tried getting help only to be thrown into a huge sea of bureaucracy.

I get discouraged when I hear reports of employers only hiring those that are already employed. Networking seems to mean hiring people you know...your friends which frankly seems unfair. Going back to school isn't an option when you have no income and loans would only make a person's financial situation worse (if you could get approved at all). How are you supposed to improve your life when you aren't lacking motivation but the means to do it? What's the point of even considering leaving the country to get a job when that too requires financial resources. It isn't like packing up all your belongings and traveling to the next city. I live in a foreign country. Its complicated.

Something like this strips you raw and its hard to find hope some days. I'm seriously stuck and not surprised that I've struggled off and on with major depression. However, when things seem the worst and you feel you can't handle it anymore...the blessings come. I'm having to completely rebuild my life from scratch which is a good thing. I've discovered photography (I even opened a shop) and writing which is something I've never thought I'd ever get into EVER. I'm considering writing a memoir about my last 10 years abroad that maybe might just inspire others. In April, I will be completing my first marathon here in London. I'm learning to embrace uncertainty and the loneliness is being replaced with a gratitude and a connection with other things like nature and every day beauty that I see.

Looking at my life in perspective, my prayers HAVE been answered. I already have a sense of purpose just not how I expected it right now. I'm starting to actually LIVE and worry less. I can't tell you how much I'd love a decent paycheck ....but it will come. The universe/God hasn't forgotten me. I just need a little faith in the unknown and faith in myself that I can deal with whatever comes.

In the meantime, I'm grateful that James has been blessed with work at his dream job at the Houses of Parliament. I'm grateful that I've never gone hungry or that my situation isn't worse than it could be. (Boy could it be worse) I'm grateful for these experiences and who its made me into. I kind of like who I'm becoming. I know that I have a lot to share with the world and day by day I'm getting stronger and finding my voice.

I'm not going away anytime soon and I'm not going to give up. I'm going to keep applying, keep working on the new things that have come my way and just take one day at a time.

Gray Days

2011-01-22T12:30:00.000Z

The skies are soooooo gray today. In fact I would say if you could just pick one color to describe London 6 months out of the year....it would be GRAY. It adds such a moodiness and romance to London but you definitely have to know where to look for the beauty otherwise it can get depressing. I'm not surprised Londoners seem so grumpy during winter.

The pictures above are a new type of film I've never used before (Kodak Tri-X 400) and I think it captures the London Gray really well. Well to be honest only the top and bottom pics are London--the rest are from our trip to the countryside last month. But obviously the rest of England would be gray 6 months of the year too and not just this little world I live in in London.

Off to the cinema soon....finally get to see the 'Kings Speech'. I think it will be great especially for James to see as he also suffers from stuttering due to his dyslexia. He had a really tough week with job rejections that he feels like are a result of the first impressions his speech can give. Seeing what even the former King of England overcame with what seemed like huge obstacles may be just the medicine he needs.

Love to you

Christine
xoxoxo

Walk to the Post-Office

2011-01-21T13:49:00.001Z

Had to go pick up a package so I ventured through Deptford this morning. It never ceases to amaze me how quirky the shop fronts are. For you fellow Americans...notice the 99p store? Yes the Brits have their own version of the dollar store too. Also...the other Windsor Castle (aka the Gals House) made me chuckle. I wonder if the queen knows they are capitalizing off the name of her home. I think she's probably a little busy helping plan a wedding for her grandson William this April to worry.

The shabbiness and the peeling paint kinda work along this high street. Anything can be made into a little shop here with people working their best to make a few quid (bucks) for themselves each day to feel like a human being. I admire that cause that's all I and everybody else is trying to do as well.

Happy Weekend.

Christine

Trees

2011-01-18T02:34:00.001Z

Its 2 am and above me I've got screaming parents telling a screaming child to lie down and below me I've got a chap who just started his chanting for his 5x a day prayers. No surprise I can't seem to sleep and decided to just get up. (Ah the joys of living in a flat) I've lit some incense and fittingly the birds have decided to say hello now and add to the party whilst I try to waste some time on the computer.

At nighttime in London all you can hear outside most of the time is birds. I know that they are there during the day cause like I've posted before on this blog during the volcano flight cancellations London was filled with nothing but the sound of birds.

Birds leads me to trees. Like I said yesterday I've been REALLY drawn to trees recently. I've started noticing how in the winter the shape of them turns into almost like an abstract painting. I love the lines, the occasional dots...the complete unique-ness of each and everyone.

So...I took these yesterday on my photo walk in Greenwich. I feel pretty lucky to have Greenwich Park in such a chaotic city like London that is so chock full of trees and 4 seasons to look at them differently every time.

Now if only these trees could just convince the birds to sing me a lullaby tonight?

London pots

2011-01-17T18:09:00.000Z

Today has been a good day. I got on with lots of little things that I needed to do and then just before the sun went down I decided to wander through Greenwich on a photo walk. Chimney pots and Trees seem to draw my attention the most recently. So here's my favorites of the pots and tomorrow...I shall post my favorites from the tree photos. I love how the pots are each beautifully different and how they are so, so London.

Hope you are all well.

Christine
xoxoxo

My everyday

2011-01-14T20:26:00.002Z

Pictures 1-4:       Diana Camera over Christmas
Pics 5-9:            Jan 10-14, 365 day project
10-12:              Central London this week

When I've tell people I live in London usually they only think of the glamorous side of living in this city. Sure, that's a bonus always having fun things to do but frankly at the end of the day you still have to come home and take the garbage out and do the pile of dishes waiting for you.

Nothing exciting happening in my life at the moment. Feeling kinda burnt out with the job search, bored a bit/ slightly melancholy with not having a 'sense of purpose' but I'm working on it. The weather has been rainy, we've been training like crazy for the marathon, I signed up for a class pass at TriYoga in the city and I'm loving how the days are already starting to get lighter. Winter in the U.K. is so dark and I'm sooo looking forward to spring.

Lazy Weekend

2011-01-10T04:00:00.001Z

Nothing seemed to go according to plans this weekend. Our long training 13m run didn't happen cause of an injury from Sat, movie plans to see 'The Kings Speech' were gone when we got to our local picturehouse to find tickets for like the whole weekend practically were sold out. Cleaning the house just didn't materialize either as energy levels just went out the window. So, I caught up on sleep...wandered round Greenwich and Canary Wharf after errands, read, got out Breakfast at Tiffany's again, left the piles of dishes/laundry and just did practically nothing....all weekend.

Friday inspiration

2011-01-07T17:29:00.001Z

1. over the rooftops, 2. Trees Light, 3. sooc., 4. Elliðaárdalur, 5. Happy New Year!, 6. mist3, 7. Through the Woods, 8. Scan-101001-0005

1. Brian Ferry

2. Irene Suchocki

3. ME

I've really been drawn towards trees recently. Looking at these pictures that others have taken I can see I'm not the only one who finds healing and inspiration from them. Have a great weekend.

When I Am Among the Trees

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness,
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine."

~ Mary Oliver ~

the Quiet

2011-01-06T14:23:00.001Z

4 Jan- 6 Jan

James has gone back to work this week for the start of the new year and I'm left here with the quiet of 'the everyday'. Obviously it would be great if I had a job to go to like he did but sometimes I feel blessed to have the time to just listen to London. This city can be pretty noisy in that everyone is always coming and going, too busy to just stop. I remember how great it was last year when the volcano canceled all the flights across the U.K. and the city was just filled with the sound of birds singing. It was beautiful.

I think what I'm looking forward to most in this 365 day photo project is capturing those quiet moments a bit more. I've mostly shared the exciting bits of my life here in this city. There's a whole different side to my life here and I think the pictures above are a great start to treasuring that.

Christmas Break

2011-01-03T15:04:00.001Z

(double click to see larger panorama shot)

A few pictures from my Christmas Break and the start of my 365 day photo project (last 3 pics).

Hoping that your holidays were restful and that your 2011 is off to a great start.

Looking forward to sharing a new year with you here.

Christine
xoxoxo

Giveaway Winner

2010-12-24T22:30:00.000Z

According to Random.org.....the winning number is TWO: DAWN

Dawn, please leave your e-mail address in the comment section or send it via my contact Link.

Thanks to those who entered. I wish I could have given something to everyone.

Happy Holidays

Christine
xoxo

For your holiday entertainment

2010-12-23T17:59:00.000Z

SimplyHue

piajane

1. A80219_27, 2. Untitled, 3. On a cold winter's night, 4. birds take flight, 5. She and books., 6. it's back.

Besides announcing the winner of the $25 giveaway on Christmas Day this will be my last post till the New Year. I'm taking a much needed break and trying to create a bit of 'space' for myself this holiday season.

Thank you to those that have supported me this year...sent words of encouragement, shared your stories. I absolutely adore hearing from you. I hope to see you back here next year on this blog.

In the meantime, I've been searching blog land and the Internet to find some inspirational goodness for you this holiday. Feel free to peruse these links. The pictures above have been recent finds via flickr, my blog reads and etsy. As you know, I always love a good photograph.

Enjoy:

Winter Poem

My aha moment of the week

Thinking of making this for New Years

Joining this site changed me

Four years of my photos smooshed into 3 minutes

Two of THEE most inspirational blogs here and here

Ways to make a difference

A childhood tradition round the holidays

Why can't shows like this be on now?

Recent books of inspiration here and here

Sale here on Boxing Day

Vintage Christmas Music is the best.

I LOVE TOAST

Beautiful

Sing along with Steve

May you all have a wonderful holiday season and nothing but blessings come to you in the New Year.

Love to you

Christine

xoxoox

For you this Christmas

2010-12-21T05:38:00.001Z

I know sometimes I complain a lot about my life on here. Whilst its not easy sometimes dealing with long-term unemployment abroad and living with an alcoholic, I'm very very very blessed compared to most. I've never gone hungry, I've got my health, I've got a place to sleep and despite being far from rich (by some standards)...we've always been able to get what we need in the end somehow miraculously. James has his dream job at the House of Commons. I've got friends and family. What more do I need...really? That's a hell of a lot to be grateful for.

I know there's people seriously struggling out there right now and it makes it worse being the holiday season. I know this may not get to someone in time to buy presents for Christmas Day but I would hope that it might make someone's end of year a little bit brighter.

Soooooo, after some serious inspiration from the Blogess and the loveliness of having foreign exchange rates.....I'd like to give ONE of you a $25 Amazon gift card. I wish I could give more....I really really do.

Please leave a comment below (you don't need to share details of why this would help). I will select one winner before I go to bed Christmas Eve (UK time). I will e-mail the gift-card first thing Christmas Day. It may be helpful if you left your e-mail addresses below also so that its easier to contact you. If you feel uncomfortable putting that sort of details below, send me your e-mail address this way.

Lots of Love to you this holiday season...

Christine
xoxo

CONTEST NOW CLOSED

Favorite Images of 2010

2010-12-19T17:04:00.000Z

1. nourish: Nature, 2. Alone, 3. Morning Commute, 4. My niece, 5. Brasserie, 6. Spices and Jars, 7. IMG_3989, 8. Niece, 9. Greenwich Park, 10. After the Rain, 11. Silk and Lanterns, 12. Tunnel Vision Florescent, 13. Winter Fruit, 14. Rose Windows

I can't believe how much my photography has grown in the space of a year. Looking back over the images I have taken, my artistic eye has improved so much. I credit it to how many online classes I did to try to get my head off of the overwhelming life stuff I dealt with the last 12 months. The unravelling classes in particular were amazing places to start finding my own voice again and heal through writing and photography. In the new year I've decided to create some space and my last class for a little while will be with Irene Nam for the month of Jan. I've also decided to embark on the 365 project with Madeline Bea which is a photo a day for a year but on your own time scale. I'm hoping that I'll see even more improvements as yet another year passes.

Trying to get better from a very nasty case of the flu. Today is my 35th birthday and all plans for this weekend went out the window and all I've been able to do is rest. It just means belated celebrations later on I guess.

Sending you all love

Christine

Strange English Food

2010-12-16T12:11:00.003Z

When I was in the states just recently I had questions regarding the weird food that Brits have had in their culinary traditions. Please be aware some of the names are rather rude:

Haggis
Black Pudding
Steak and Kidney Pie
Pork Pie
Digestive Biscuits
Pigs trotters
Toad in the Hole
Spotted Dick
Ox Tongue
Bangers and Mash
Ploughman's Lunch
Bubble and Squeak
Welsh Rarebit
Faggot
Hob Nob
Marmite
Jellied eels
Pickled scotch eggs
crumpet
Soldiers
Twiglets
Treacle
Pork Scratchings
Kedgeree
Butty
Tatties and Neeps (3rd paragraph down)
Fitless Cock
Scouse
Wet Nelly
Singing Hinnies
Cullen Skink
Inky Pinky
Knickerbocker Glory
Girdle Sponges (fried sponge cakes)
Flummery
Huffkins
Priddy Oggies
Fool
Trifle
Eton Mess
Clapshot
Hog's Pudding
Love in Disguise
Scotch woodcock

If you click on the links...you'll see that most of them aren't disgusting....they are normal dishes with just have incredibly weird names. I know that British food gets a bad reputation but there are some of the world's best restaurants in this country. I wonder if these Michelin restaurants serve things like spotted dick though? Makes you wonder.

----

On other news....have a serious case of the flu at the moment...so no new pictures as I've been hiding out in my pajama's the last few days. Hoping it doesn't interfere with my marathon training even more than this crazy December has. Would love suggestions for getting better quick. With marathon training and my birthday this weekend...I don't particularly want to be home-bound.

Hope you are all well

Christine
xoxo

postcards from the Countryside

2010-12-14T18:24:00.000Z

After a whirlwind 9/10 days I'm finally home for good. We got back yesterday from the 'shire' or what the Brits refer to the Midlands. Lots of warm fires, miniature mince pies, running and spending time with James' side of the family. These are just a few of my favorite photos from the last 4 days.

Hope you are well.

Christine
xoxoxo

These are the faces

2010-12-09T19:34:00.000Z

These are the faces I saw these last few days. Most were extended family coming together to celebrate the life of my gran. A couple were people I hadn't seen in years that I spent an afternoon or evening with. One thing is certain is that they all made a very very difficult trip a little bit more bearable. I'm now off again tomorrow to see James' family in the countryside. Fresh air, quiet and the chance to catch up again with my thoughts after such a whirlwind few days.

Can't wait.

I promise I will get back to regular posting when I return next week but in the mean time I'd like to leave you with this picture:

The view from my window (where I was staying)

2010-12-01T17:06:00.001Z

Dorothy Jolley

30 June, 1925 - 1 December 2010

I will miss you dearly Gran.

UPDATE 3/12/10

** I will be back on this blog late next week. Flying to the US tomorrow and will have limited internet access. ********

First Snow

2010-11-30T11:51:00.000Z

First snow of the year hit London today. Perfect weather for soup, tea and soft duvets. Hope you are keeping warm wherever you are.

How being an expat changes you

2010-11-29T18:37:00.000Z

Since my Thanksgiving post, I've been thinking about how exactly being an expat can change a person. I think its different for everyone but this is how I've changed and what I've learned from living abroad:

- Politics start to matter a lot more particularly how the US treats the rest of the world.....(I became more liberal)
- You gain a wider 'world view' and see the bigger picture of how we're all connected
- You learn flexibility and the meaning of personal strength because of dealing with new and interesting situations. You grow up rather quickly because of it.
- You definitely own a passport which is different than a large % of Americans and it opens opportunities for travel. Travel pushes your boundaries in countless ways. Pushing boundaries changes you.
- You suddenly have potential for dual citizenship which opens up even more doors.
- You gain an appreciation for the freedoms (cheap shopping and customer service) that America has
- Your culinary skills get an expanded repertoire with new dishes that you never knew existed
- You gain an appreciation for proper world news that always seems to be broadcast differently outside the US (hello CNN and BBC)
- You become expert at Skype, Facebook and finding deals for flights and international phone plans
- Being away from your comfort zone and stripping your entire life away, you find out what your core values are. You realize what's important and the friends and family that truly love you.
- You meet people that you wouldn't normally meet. I wouldn't have ever had a chance to meet people like Drew Barrymore, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kevin Spacey, Ralph Fiennes and countless others. You see a side of them that doesn't get publicized in the press and you learn to appreciate them as artists and not treat them as objects.
- Opportunities to see cultural events, museums and art that you would never see inside the US. The Arts are a completely different type of world education.
- You become instantly connected to fellow expats who know what its like to live abroad, the challenges...and the joy.

I could probably list more but these are just a few thoughts that came to mind. I'd love to hear from any expats out there and how your life has changed from living abroad.

Christine
xoxoxo

Thoughts on Gratitude

2010-11-25T09:39:00.000Z

Its just a normal day today here in London.   Off to the post office and to do a few errands, hoping to get a good run in too. Later on though, I'll be pushing our T.V. trays together dusting off the place-mats and sitting down to our Thanksgiving dinner. Instead of travelling by car to visit relatives I'll be catching up the next few days via the great technological blessing that is 'Skype'. I'm hoping I'll get the pleasure of seeing my niece and nephew again and maybe even a few aunts and uncles in the background moaning and loosening their belts cause they ate too much. I may even look up Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving special on Youtube to round the day off just right. Being abroad doesn't take the holiday away, it just means you do it a bit different.

I think its easy in the midst of pies, mashed potatoes and holiday stress to forget about how blessed we are.   The abundance of food when others don't have it and the sheer simplicity of having health, loved ones and a place to live come to my mind today. I've been guilty of worrying too much about the future and complaining about my lack of job and comparing myself to those with the picket fence and mini-van. But the truth of the matter is I'm a very blessed woman and have everything I would ever need.

I'm grateful just as much for the struggles as I am the good things that have come my way this year. They are all blessings and I'm grateful for every experience, because they've made my life all the more sweeter. I'm grateful that I've grown so much from everything that's come my way and that I'm still standing.   Being in London has been my biggest blessing thus far. Its amazing how much this city has taught me about myself and how its pushed me to my limits on completely opposite ends of the spectrum.    I feel blessed to be here and blessed to have met the people I have and have done the things I've done. It makes it exciting to wonder what will come tomorrow, which is what makes this life so amazingly beautiful.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Christine
xoxoxo

**As part of the mortalmuses Thanksgiving bloghop. Check them out here.

Expats and the plight of canned pumpkin

2010-11-24T14:54:00.001Z

I have to credit Libby's marketing team with making their canned pumpkin THEE most sought after thing round this time of year amongst the US expats. Just this week I've seen posts on Facebook and blog-land from fellow expats trying to band together to find pumpkin or complaining that when they do how expensive it is. Sure we could make it from scratch (its not that hard to find real pumpkin) but we don't. It would probably taste the same, if not better. I'm guessing that its that search for a piece of home this time of year even if it comes in the form of Pumpkin™. If its not Libby's that your grandma used to use.....well you risk it not being pumpkin pie!

It used to be horrible here in London every Thanksgiving trying to find canned pumpkin. I remember way back when...before whole foods came here and before our local Waitrose carried it for £2 a can that I went traipsing round all of London for weeks before I found it at Selfridges food hall for like £6 ($12). Boy, I'm glad that the price has gone down so much. So instead of one coveted can, I can buy two and spread the pumpkin joy round till Christmas.

Pumpkin pie isn't very beloved here. A lot of Europeans cant stand it and think its brutal to make a squash into something sweet (James looked at me in shock horror when I told him about candied yams). James bless his heart tries it every year and every year he gives me the same look after one bite: please don't make me do this again. Its OK, I feel the same way about blood pudding and haggis. Secretly, I'm glad he hates pumpkin pie though.....more for me---but don't tell him that.

**You might enjoy this hilarious post by a US expat in Paris on pumpkin pie HERE.

Round Leicester Square and Covent Garden

2010-11-23T16:52:00.001Z

I can't take credit for all these pictures from the weekend. James stole my digital camera cause I stole his Nikon SLR to play round with some awesome pro black and white film. I took the bird pic and the Christmas one, the rest are his....I just tweaked them a bit in post-processing.

Can't believe its already the holiday season. Where has this year gone?

I hope that all of you are well.

Christine
xoxoxo

Prayers for Gran

2010-11-22T07:54:00.000Z

I'm going to have to see if I have any pictures here in London of my gran and I. Anything I do have is at least 10 years old which is the last time I saw her. The picture above is my gran and grandpa (who passed away over 12 yrs ago) when they got engaged. I got it off the Internet if you can believe.

One of the worst things about living abroad is not getting to see family as much as I'd like. I missed my other Gran's funeral because I didn't have enough money to cancel a trip to Rome scheduled AND fly to the USA. I chose Rome because it would have been the most financial loss. I felt horrible but the day of the funeral I went to the Vatican and lit a candle for her. I know its no consolation prize for being there, but I think my gran would understand (at least I hope so).

Well now my last gran, my last grandparent living is on her last breath. I'm having a lot of feelings run through my head because I wasn't expecting this to happen as quick as it is especially round the holidays. I thought at least I'd have till the new year. Life doesn't work that way I guess.

I loved all my grandparents dearly...they were more like surrogate parents actually, but this gran I was closest to. I used to call her every week for 10+ years until it just wasn't possible anymore to carry a phone conversation with her (she has advanced dementia). She was one of my best friends during times when I never had any friends or family to look to and felt very very alone.

I feel so helpless being so far away. I'm angry that I don't have my own money to go to the funeral or to buy the flowers myself that I've sent to her recently. My parents are paying for my ticket and James has paid for the flowers. I'm angry that I am not in a position to do this myself.

I know life is crazy because we all know we HAVE to die, but resist it anyway. I know that although her mind is gone my gran in her heart is the same. I know its selfish of me to want her to stay cause I need her in my life......but I still have these feelings. Loss and grieving are part of life. What is it about losing grandparents though that is so much harder?

On a very long run yesterday I was thinking about why this has to be round the holidays and then I thought of how some of my favorite memories of my grandparents and of gran were round this time. Maybe there's a reason for this timing? Maybe its a way for all of us to be together on her fondest time of the year.

Although I'm filled with anger and sadness that its happening, I also have a huge sense of gratitude. I feel like I should start this week of Thanksgiving with a prayer of gratitude for what influence she's been in my life. She saved me in so many ways....she made a very difficult childhood bearable....she was my friend and I am grateful that she is who she is.

I'd be grateful for prayers for my gran at the moment. Prayers that she will not be in pain anymore and that she'll be surrounded by love when she does finally go and prayers that we'll all be able to cope with the loss of such an important person in our life.