Modern Muse.

I have gained some weight because of the incredible food in australia... KitKat Cookies & Cream, barbies, Magnums, Boost, Kebabs, gelato, more Magnums, Snakes, Starburst gummies... the list goes on.  Everytime I saw something that I have never had before, I had to try it.  Living as a backpacker, I was trying to get by on the cheapest food and the smallest amount of groceries... Therefore, my diet consisted of bread and peanut butter, Doritos, and candy bars.  I eventually got really sick, and the doctor told me that I couldn't eat anymore sugar or bread.  I have been really good about the bread, but until recently I just couldn't give up my beloved sugar.  I really had become addicted to sweet things.  Finally, I got really sick again, so I had to give it up once and for all.  After the first 3 agonizing days of withdrawals, I don't crave it anymore! I have been sugar and bread free for almost 2 weeks now, and I feel so much healthier and happier!

I am focusing now on a much healthier diet and I exercise every day on the beach!  What better way to work out than in the Australian brand Lorna Jane.  Back home, I pretty much live in Pink, the Victoria's Secret comfy brand. Here, I had to find a brand that is casual and comfortable to go from every-day to workout on the beach easily.  I go for runs on the beach to get my groceries, that's just how life is when you live in a city on the beach. I love that this ad focuses on the diversity of their clothes and how you can wear them everyday, anywhere and still look hot.

These Three Things.

I started reading a new book, Commited.  At the hostel there is a "free books" bookshelf which I pass by every day.  I have been wanting to read Commited for quite some time now because one of my best friends, A, told me she really thought I would enjoy it.   From the writer of Eat, Pray, Love, and one of my greatest inspirations for taking this leap to Australia, the book appeared on the bookshelf this morning to my great surprise.  I went down to the beach today to start reading it, and I got this incredible inspiration to write.  I spent the morning/afternoon laying on the beach, doing yoga, and meditating on three simple things.

Peace.

Joy.

Love.

These have been the three goals of my life for quite sometime now.  Whenever I think about what I want out of life, it all boils down to these three things.  

I have been shallow and closed off lately because of my present state of satisfaction.  My movements and thoughts only dictated by what is in front of me.  How wrong is that? That only when in need do I get deep and turn to God.  Today, I closed my eyes and imagined my life completely at peace.  I imagined my relationships to be at peace, my work situation to be at peace, my body and my state of mind to be at peace.  Do you know what I saw?  I saw such joy in my life.  I saw health, laughter, and so much love that it was overwhelming.  I imagined how I would feel to breathe peace into other people’s lives, that I could actually be a light to others.  Instead of focusing on the frivolous, shallow things, I should be focusing on this way of life, or the road I'm on will lead me to a dead end.

How do I do it though?  I focus my thoughts on God.  On this intimate relationship with him, and that feeling of complete control and peace when I have hit the bottom and I am absolutely torn apart, fallen on the ground.  That moment when I know that my life is in his hands completely, and that he will treat me with love and love me to a life of joy again.  I need that kind of intimacy back.  Where I climb into his arms and hold on to him for my life, knowing that I am completely safe with him.  This is the piece of life that I have been longing for, that I have missed.  I have felt so empty even though I am in Paradise.  Paradise only lasts for so long, and then the cracks show through.  

Listening to the waves on the beach, reading my book, completely alone and completely relaxed, I focused on one word over and over, peace.  I heard the waves rhythmic and soothing.  I heard nothing else, not even my own thoughts.  Suddenly everything around me grew quiet and somehow connected.  I felt so at ease, so filled with love and joy.  If I could just hold on to this feeling, everyday...

A day at the park.

Cuppa Cap.

Boo Boo, a puppy Nanna & I fell in love with at the park.

Hey Sweets.

I had this amazing idea that I would jump from that ledge and get a jumping shot into the water and land perfectly.  Of course, I slipped and got soaked!  Nanna and I had an amazing day just playing around with her new camera.  Sometimes, just taking photos is the most fun thing to do!

I was in such a terrible mood this morning! I woke up with bad dreams, late for work.  I felt like all I wanted to do was go back to bed… I had a complete lack of energy, motivation, and joy.   Thankfully, some of my friends had this amazing idea to go bike riding.  To my surprise, there was this fantastic bike trail along the coast.   We met up in Surfers and then rode to Broad Beach.  By the time I got on the trail, all my stress, sadness, and lethargy had gone completely.  I was in ecstasy flying along the path next to the beach.  We found this amazing park, which had some incredible swings that we played on for a while.  Along the path, there are exercise equipment for the runners to work out on along the beach! It’s so smart and so perfect!  I was so excited to discover this part of Surfers Paradise, and such a refreshing change of pace.   It’s a lesson to myself too, that whenever I get in one of these moods, just to get out in the sun and do something active! Meet up with friends for coffee or play at the park.  How easily a bad mood that you think is unchangeable can make a turn for a fantastic, blissful, and enlightening day! 

How beautiful was this sunset as I was riding back home today?  How could I not have a smile on my face all the way back!?  I really do live in Paradise.

Life Soundtrack.

Christina Perri Lovestrong

I cannot tell you how much I love this girl's music.  She is one of the most talented songwriters I have ever heard.  I just want to share her with the world! 

Make sure you listen to:

Bang Bang Bang.

Blue Bird.

Jar of Hearts.

Penguin.

I think what I love about her so much is that they picked her up in a coffee shop, where she would spend her days off writing music. The rags to riches fairytale.  I also love the nakedness about her songs.  Completely honest, the way that music should be.  The music completely embraces the way that the lyrics should feel.  It's not fake or overly done. That's why I love her music so much.  It's so complete.  Each song is such a story.

Fashion Art.

I stumbled upon OneTeaspoon today to shop online, and I noticed that I wasn't so much looking at the clothes anymore as I was the photography and art of the photos.  I love that they took selling these outfits to a very artistic level, showing the shapes and cuts in a very unique way.  I don't necessarily like any of these outfits. I just found the photography to be very intriguing.  I love artsy fashion eye candy like this!

i heart bambi.

Being happy.

I am thankful every day for the brand new chance at life that God has given me. 

We <3 it.

One of those days...

They all can't be fantastic, right? Then I wouldn't appreciate the good days.

I am in a bit of a funk today, missing my friends back home terribly.  I have been sort of moping around, reading my book in various places around the town.

I also like to buy myself things when I am sad, so I splurged and got some banana bread and fancy cappuccino to drink while I read by the pier. Then, I meandered through an art gallery right next to where I live, which I admire as I pass to get to my room. This one by Samantha Everton especially caught my eye because it is exactly how I feel today...

Finally, I ended up on the beach where it was too windy, but I got to meditate to a few new Brandon Heath songs I just downloaded.  Plus, a free one on iTunes I downloaded last night by Christina Perri- Bluebird.

In the end,  it may not have been a significant day or the most exciting day in the world, but at least I had some time to pray, meditate, and read my book.  And for that I am very thankful.

Now, watch this beautiful dance/song number that I am now officially in love with:

Christina Perri - Jar of Hearts Live on SYTYCD

I've watched it like 10 times today.

I wish you all a fabulous day.  And if it's just one of those days for you too, find something you love and share it in the comments!

Keen on you.

 Diva Tea & Coffee House: the poshest little coffee shop ever, i just adore.

The aussie obsession that I finally gave into, Muesli! I put make it into oatmeal or eat it with some healthy yoghurt for breaky. 

Eggs that smile make me happier to crack them and make a yummy omelette w/ tomatoes and avo :)

I started this new project to organize group outings for backpackers who want to take crazy Australian adventures together. So, now I work with the company to get backpackers AMAZING discounts :) My first group outing that I organized: jet ski safari!!!

It's my favorite thing I have done so far!  I went up to 60 MPH [100KPH] jumping over the waves and doing turns.  Then we stop at an island for a drink at the tike bar that looks like it is off of the set of lost.  I get off my jet ski and a baby kangaroo hops right in front of me!  

Sitting reading my fantastic new book by the marina where I live. 

Need some groceries? It's just a fantastic 40 minute walk down this beautiful beach.  Not too shabby, hey?

This is where I get my singing done since I don't have a car to sing in anymore.

Winter? Doesn't look like it… I'm in denial.

The two love birds that squawked at me non-stop after taking this picture.  I guess I interrupted their private time… woops!!

I finally caved and bought some much needed jeans and a blazer from my new favorite store: factorie.