November 5 2014

The Other Side of Travel

Glorified walks, enriching talks
Lifetime ladies who rock my socks

When detail fails, arts prevails…

White top: Free People; Letter A Necklace: Stella & Dot

It was 8am and I was ready to eat. Little unsurprising fact: I always wake up hungry.

All through the house, not a sound was made, not even a mouse. And believe me, there are ample amounts of crumbs in this gorgeous house. 😉 An hour or so later, the gang awoke, and we headed to Buttermilk Kitchen for one flavorful brunch.

It was so worth the 30 minute wait, which is something I hardly say because hello, instafood is crucial. #FirstWorldProblems

After filling our bellies, Caroline and I walked over to the Atlanta History Museum for a Dia de Los Muertos festival. (I use this app to find events in new cities).

We felt a forcefield to go explore the Swan House (cue: President Snow’s White House in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire).

She’s just a girl and she’s on fire
Hotter than a fantasy, lonely like a highway
She’s living in a world and it’s on fire
Filled with catastrophe, but she knows she can fly away

“I do think you’re mad and I’ll still go with you.” -Suzanne Collins

Life is an adventure. Take risks.

“Aim higher in case you fall short.” -President Snow

She wants to play but she can’t stop falling over herself.

“I always channel my emotions into my work. That way, I don’t hurt anyone but myself.” -Katniss Everdeen

Handstands and explorations for days. Tick, tock. Other activities in this great city have been, but certainly not limited to a FlyWheel class (if you haven’t, give this 45 minute workout class a spin), a fancy tapas dinner, and of course, some good ole’ soul food at Eats.

Activities in new places provide a spoonful of pleasure and a pinch of bewilderment for the soul.

I was flown down here to stay for roughly 2 weeks. I called my friend Caroline to see if she wanted to join me for a bit. “I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’m going to be in Atlanta for 2 weeks!”

Sure, 2 weeks is a tiny spec of a trip, but for me, it’s a lifetime. That’s the life I’ve lived since June.

Going going going. Nonstop. I literally haven’t been in one place for over a week, unless you count a bus that was constantly cruising through state after state. You get my drift. At some point, I’ve gotta slow down. When will that be? I’m not sure, but it’s likely to appear in my evolved horizon.

Or maybe it’s not.

Well, there ain’t nothing wrong with the way she moves,
Scarlet begonias or a touch of the blues.
And there’s nothing wrong with the look that’s in her eyes,
I had to learn the hard way to let her pass by, let her pass by.

Traveling is amazing.

It’s a gift.

It’s awe-inspiring.

But what about the anxiety and heartache it causes? The continual ripping away from familiarity, week after week, friend after friend, time after time. No one talks about that. Probably because it’s like complaining about winning the lottery and having to figure out how to allocate the finances. Really? You’re going to complain that you’re fortunate enough to have something others deem as fabulous?

No one wants to hear it. Or like dating Prince Harry. (Thanks Caroline for the analogy!)

Caroline used that analogy in reference to my hesitation over my next career move.

I’m heading to Austin tomorrow for the Wanderlust Yoga Festival and then I’m off to San Francisco for the indefinite future.

I’ll tell you more about that next week. For now, I’m trying to enjoy the moment with this little lady.

A legion list of ideas
yet
Action items birth Althea.

I’ve got a roller coaster ahead that I just don’t want to woefully dread.

Erase the destructive color. Pick up your medium. Match your point with the strive for clarity.

In normal speak, I’m not sure where to go with these thoughts and feelings. I know that flying fast comes with an apprehensive landing. Sometimes, you just gotta’ utilize the safety equipment.

Create an Emergency Evacuation Plan for the bumpy parts. Let the emotions ride until touchdown.

My, is it easy to waste our youth.

I’ve realized my 20s are all about me. I am my sole focus. While that’s a good thing, it can also be destructive. SO much time for my thoughts, my feelings, my emotions. When time is a slug , just listen to the beat: Wasting my Younger Years.

You’re the filter through which you see. Appreciation brings us glee.