If you are planning a trip to Seattle, you might find your plans interrupted by unexpected rainfall- but don’t worry, Seattle knows just how to make the most of rainy days and in this post we’ll review some of the best ways to ENJOY what rain brings to the city. It’s important to remember that…
Sometimes I need to break up my routine and switch up my study or work spaces. A change of scenery and a little bit of background noise often helps me focus- and getting out of my tiny studio is never a bad idea. In this post I’ll be introducing you to some of my favorite…
After I sold my business in 2015, I had the opportunity to do some traveling. Even though I’d dreamed of travel… I didn’t go. I did not have a travel companion and was afraid to go by myself, so I did not go. Fast forward 2 years and a cross-country move, and in 2017 I…
I’m not a typical crystal collector. Neither geologist or a believer in healing crystals, I just like things that are pretty and sparkle- and crystals definitely fit the bill. I also love a good treasure hunt, as evidenced by the many posts on this blog about garage sales, gardening, and chicken-keeping (because what is…
Travel journalling is HARD. Every time I try to keep a regular journal on the road I give up- it’s way too much effort. Bullet Journalling, though, has been a perfect companion to travel. Most of us take lots of photos when we travel, but I created this layout to record the experiences and memories…
South Lake Union is a neighborhood in Seattle. While it’s not the hottest tourist destination, South Lake Union is only a few steps from iconic Pike Place market and, as the neighborhood that is home to Amazon’s headquarters, is a fascinating part of Seattle to include on your itinerary for visiting Seattle. In this post,…
On the return trip from Croatia in July 2017, I sailed from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Bari, Italy aboard the Jadrolinija Ferry “Dubrovnik”. On this return trip, unlike my first Adriatic crossing with Jadrolinija, I traveled on a daytime passage. This crossing made my first Jadrolinja ferry seem like a cakewalk! Ferry Check In Passengers…
Unlike most of Europe, Croatia lacks a well-developed rail system. Thankfully, I found the transportation options available by bus to be more than adequate and most of my bus experiences in Croatia were preferable overall compared to train travel that same summer (2017) through Italy. I rank transportation by comfort, stress level, and the…
When I sold the physical space of Hawk-Hill in 2015, I promised myself that I would see more of the world. Initially, I was turned off to the idea of solo travel, so I put my travel plans to the side. That was two years ago. In the time since, I’ve grown in my ability…
I’ve traveled internationally in the past, but this past summer’s trip to Italy, Croatia was my first time to travel internationally alone. For me, traveling is always high stress, and traveling alone definitely added a layer of anxiety. Being extra vigilant about my security felt important, and I think the creative ways I came up…
The first time I drove down the freeway that cuts through downtown Seattle, my attention was drawn upward. I’d seen freeway lids plenty of times, but Seattle’s downtown freeway lid hinted at something unique and spectacular: towering evergreens extended high over the lid and wandering vines dangled far over the edges. This, I would later…
I’m not entirely sure how Mostar Bosnia wound up as a 4 day/3 night stop on my 2017 summer travels, but this little oasis in Bosnia and Herzegovina was a destination of rest and adventure. As a single female solo traveler in my mid 30’s- and an artist- I travel a little differently from the…
Recently while browsing (of all places!) Anthropologie’s website I came across a product I thought was pretty genius but dramatically overpriced: A small and adorably labeled tin that contained pre-waxed waxing strips that, when warmed slightly, can be used for waxing your upper lip when you are away from home or salon. It’s…
As a ferry-loving transplant to the Pacific Northwest USA planning a trip to both Italy and Croatia, I was excited to find that ferries are an option for connecting Italy with Eastern Europe. Booking my tickets was easy enough (through Jadrolinija website or directferries.com) but information beyond when to show up was sparse- and English-language…
Confession: I am currently in the midst of a long term love affair with the Washington State Ferries. Living in downtown Seattle, the ferries are a constant rhythm as they come and go from the downtown ferry dock. Since my very first ferry ride in Seattle, the ferries have represented escape, rest, and retreat from…
In July 2017 I set off on a 25-day solo trip journeying from iconic spots in Italy, across the Adriatic and down the Croatian coastline and venturing into the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina. My itinerary and a recent back injury demanded I pack light, but my excitement about travel journaling meant packing art…
(aka: The time I Paid $200 to Pet a Dog in Florence) For many, travel is about seeing the iconic scenes and structures around the world, for others, travel is more about collecting experiences and stories that form sensory memories and opportunities to experience life through the eyes of people very different from me. AirBnB…
