where i'd like to be

taken somewhere in maine.

rays of the sun

Originally uploaded by Mary Palaskonis

"A leaf fluttered in through the window this morning, as if supported by the rays of the sun, a bird settled on the fire escape, joy in the task of coffee, joy accompanied me as I walked."

Anais Nin

a camera

“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.”

- Ansel Adams

find love in your surroundings

(sneak peak at a picture of my new england trip!)

you can always find love in your surroundings, especially when you carry it in your heart.

I recently came back from an amazing road trip through the beautiful New England. We flew into Boston, explored the city for 3 nights (and I love all the many places you can throw down a blanket and have a picnic or take a 15 minute nap) and then rented a car and drove through the east coast; stopping to enjoy the crashing waves of the ocean and walking up to a lighthouse (I must confess we didn't reach the lighthouse, it just seemed so far away and only a narrow walkway of stone, surrounded by the ocean, led us to it but the walk was very refreshing. We browsed the cute shops by the coast and I had a lobster roll for the first time! I also bought some cute gold dangling earrings.

Driving through route 1A, we finally arrived in Acadia National Park where we camped for 2 nights and I endured a grueling, scary, rainy, water pounding on the tent first night. Not a great experience. Luckily the following night was peaceful. We saw more lighthouses, traveled into New Hampshire, which awaited us with fall foliage that was simply amazing. (meanwhile sipping coffee & chocolate milk)

We stayed in some last minute "cabin" in New Hampshire which was very cute & then spent a night in Burlington, VT. We continued on our scenic drives (meanwhile missing our kitties, Avi & Pierce), visited ponds, waterfalls, covered bridges, farms and stayed in the small town of Brandon in Vermont at Cozy Cottages. The vintage 1930s cottage felt like I was stepping back in time and I loved it! We slept with the fireplace warming us through the night. The owners, who were the friendliest ever, have a cute dog, Gracie and she became my friend!

Our exploring also brought us to the Robert Frost trail sprinkled with poetry. Unfortunately part of it was closed due to damage but I loved the idea of reading poetry along my walk and it really made me take a closer look at the environment around me and it radiated colors with such glory. We also took a sneak peak at a cabin where he stayed at in Vermont and our walk brought us to the dancing trees. The wind caused these particular thin, tall trees to sway, something I've never seen before. It was truly magical.

I was happy to return to my hometown Chicago and I feel very blessed for this trip, my traveling partner and our safe return home.

I lived in the moment. I love when I do that. I mostly do it all the time. happy fall.