Road Rules #4

Intense.  Sensory Overload.  No matter how you word it, this car is simply overwhelming!
-Sighted at the Smoky Mountains National Park

Yes, those are wine corks on the side of the car.

Yes, those are bald babies littering the dashboard.

I think they need one more bumper sticker.

The Great Smokies Part I

Our vacation rental in the Smokies is amazing! The stream across the road has some mammoth rainbow trout, and the view isn't so bad either! So far we have done some beautiful hikes and sampled some good ole moonshine in Gatlinburg....but more on the later. For now, we're enjoying our backyard.

Tawas, MI

Tawas, MI, or "Up North" as we call it.
What a place to relax and enjoy nature...catch a fish or two, and definitely eat some ice cream.
The trip wouldn't be complete without a foray into Iargo Springs and walking the pier in town with good friends.  This is what Pure Michigan is made of!

Photo Contest

 Hey guys!  If you have a moment, I would love for you to vote for this photo in a local photo contest.  Thanks-every vote counts!

This photo was taken at the Three Rivers Festival in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  I love watching the chalk artists draw-they are so talented!

Easter Chicks

Just in type for Easter, I have a scrumptious treat to share!  

My friend and I made this little chicks, and they are quite delish.

Hope they inspire you to bake some as well!

My Muse

I fear I have become addicted to Skillshare!  I am taking an awesome class with Kat Conte, called Muse: A Video Portrait Workshop.  I decided to focus on influencing my students with this project, so I chose to create a portrait about Reading and all of its awesomeness.  Hope you enjoy!

Dabbling

Aside from the wedding map, another gift that I made for my brother and his fiancee is this fabulous table!  It is made from wood scraps that belonged to their grandfathers, such as pine, oak, walnut, and mahogany.  The top of the table is constructed of two ends of oak pews that one grandfather made by hand.  Can you say, shabby chic?

My First Brush with Illustrator

Well, this is the product-so far-of my love and hate relationship with Illustrator!  Google and youtube were my best friends as I had to decipher how to create this map every step of the way.  I am still trying to determine background color and the color of the bicycle, as well as add in a few more items along their paths.  But overall, I'm proud of my first foray into this digital realm!  And of course, I had to share it with YOU.  Any suggestions you have would be helpful because I want to make this wedding gift the best gift possible!

My Hand Drawn Map

I'm still in Week One of my amazing Skillshare Map Design class, but I have accomplished my first assignment! 

Though it is a work in progress, I am extremely proud of my hand drawn map.  It is a map of the journey my brother and his finacee took before they got married.  I eventually want to use it as a wedding gift, so I am looking forward to editing and creating a digital version in the map class.

I'll be posting updates as I continue to edit and curate this little notion!

Wayfare Travel Blogging 101

What an exciting and stimulating class!  I loved interacting with Erica from Wayfare and getting expert advice from the other wonderful ladies involved!  One aspect of travel blogging that Erica talked about was finding the one aspect of traveling that really tugs at your heart, and going with your gut.  For Erica, it is all about barns and animals.

For me, it is all about people in action.  I love seeing people in motion-working, playing, laughing, talking-because I feel like it gives a glimpse into their inner self.  For that instant, you can connect with that person, even if you will never know their name or their life story.  

Thank you Erica--I look forward to growing as a blogger!

An Ethiopian man praying in the late afternoon.

Pittsburgh-Round 2?

Spring break plans are hovering in the air...I cannot wait to finalize my plans with my hubby!  I am itching to travel, and would love to fly off to Iceland, Portugal, or Argentina...for now, I think I'll have to settle for something a little cheaper, like Pittsburgh.

I know, I know, you might be thinking--why Pittsburgh?

I went a few years ago with my sister and had A BLAST!  It has so many unique facets that are overlooked...which is maybe why I love it so much.  I love to go on the road less traveled...

Do you have any suggestions for my spring break?

Postcrossing

I stumbled across this amazing website that lets you send and receive postcards from all around the world!  I love vicarious travel, since money can be a little tight...I'm preparing to send my first postcard to Germany, an I can't wait to receive some of my own!

I use snail mail often, mailing a letter to my grandma at least once a week.  I adore receiving something other than bills in the mail, so this little project is right up my alley.  I'll keep you posted on all the little goodies I receive!