From the 53rd Floor

I conned a friend into catching the sunrise with me a while back, and it is a good thing I did. We hadn't been out more than 30 minutes when it started to rain. Kind friend that she is, she then invited me to her apartment on the 53rd floor just off the beach.

This may have been my favorite beach trip yet. Good conversation and a yummy breakfast to eat while watching the sun and storm compete for dominance; pretty much the perfect morning.

Her views are spectacular, and I'm a bit jealous. She doesn't even have to crawl out of bed to catch the sunrise in the morning - she can watch it roll in every day from her apartment.

"We're the fire from the sun, we're the light when the day is done, we are the brave, we are the chosen ones, we're the diamonds."
Johnnyswim - Diamonds


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Surfing

Some mornings I'm lucky and the surfers turn up to entertain me as I walk. I'll admit, I'm a bit jealous of their skill and bravery. I don't see me taking up surfing while I'm here, but I do admire those who do it and who love it enough to get up crazy early every morning.

I'm not going to take up a new career as an action photographer any time soon, but trying to get clear shots of them actually standing up is a challenge that keeps me pushing my skill lever. So far it is more about luck than skill, but I'm improving.

A friend looked at this photo and asked how I got his perfectly lined up with the horizon, I wish I could say that was planned and carefully composed...but the truth is it just happened.

I'm actually starting to think there are some similarities to surfing and photography. I watch the surfers spend time out in the water, watching for that perfect wave. They try and set up for it to hit it and the right exact moment. Sometimes they fail and sometimes they don't and get a spectacular ride. The secret to both seems to be keep trying.

"Speak your mind, just be bold."
Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again Pin It

Early Bird

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, it is no surprise that I've been taking advantage of living 15 minutes from the beach and my early bird leanings to catch sunrise at the beach as often as possible.

Usually I just take my iPhone to capture the morning. But occasionally I bring out the big guns and take my real camera out. I had a lazy Sunday so I thought I'd clean off last months photos from the card in my camera; and rather than just file them a way, I remembered I had a blog I hadn't posted to in forever so I thought I'd share a few here.

I keep thinking I'll get tired of photographing sunrises, but it seams that every time I go out I see something different. Different weather means different colors and depending on the direction I walk who knows what I'll find.

The good news about being in the Southern Hemisphere is that it is winter now, which means the sun is rising later and later and I don't have to get up quite so early to enjoy this time of day.

"The sound of love astounds me every time that it calls."
Ingrid Michaelson - Wonderful Unknown Pin It

Sunrise

I woke up this morning and my first thought was that in less than 4 days I'll be waking up to the sun rising over the mountains instead of over the ocean - and I can't wait. Don't get me wrong, I love the ocean sunsets, but the thought of waking up in my own bed, looking out over the mountains and knowing my family and friends are nearby thrills me like nothing else.

I've only been away 7 weeks this trip, and it is only a short visit home, but the thought of seeing everyone I love in person rather than on Facetime has me so full of energy. I'm not even dreading packing the way I usually do.

When was the last time you woke up so excited you couldn't wait to get out of bed and get the day going?

"So I'll wait for the sun, I'll wait for the light."
Joe Purdy - The Sun Pin It

Snow Canyon

I wanted to kick 2014 off in the right way, so I headed to one of my favorite places on earth, Snow Canyon, to do a bit of hiking. There is something about those rich red rocks and a blue sky that call to me. It was the perfect way to spend some time thinking about what changes the year was going to bring and what I wanted to accomplish.

I enjoyed spending the day outside so much, I may just have to find a way to make it an annual tradition.

Pulling the photos out again this month, also gave me a chance to check back in on the plans I made that day - to see how I was doing with some of my goals and plans. Truth is it was a good reminder I need to get busy with a few things, and a chance to be grateful that I'm making progress on some of those goals.

I had such a good time at Snow Canyon, that when my family was in town a couple of weeks later I talked them into making a return trip with me, including this little Dude, I hope this is just one of many visits we make together to this beautiful place.

"I stared up at the sun, thought of all the people, places and things I've loved."
OneRepublic - If I Lose Myself


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A Look Back to India

 I just finished up a month long, online Lightroom class, where I learned some great new things (even after using it for several years.) On the second week we needed some photos for adjustments. I decided to dig back into my photo archives to some photos I took when I lived in India. This was before I got interested in photography, didn't know what a dslr or Lightroom was.

I had a basic point and shoot camera that fit in my pocket and no idea how to use it. I thought it would be interesting to see what I could do with some of these photos and Lightroom. 

Looking back I realize that my first 6 months in India in 2008, was what sparked my desire to learn more about photography. India was so colorful, and different from everything I'd experienced to that point in my life. Just being there made me want to find a way to capture the experiences I was having and the things I was seeing.

"My age has never made me wise, but I keep pushing on and on and on."
Imagine Dragons - Nothing Left to Say

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It's been a while...

I know, I know, it has been forever since I've been in the mood for this little blog. Strangely, even with a move to a beautiful new place and a more regular schedule (i.e. not too busy to blog) inspiration has been missing. My camera rarely comes out of the closet and even the camera on my phone gets little use.

I decided not to worry about it, figuring my energy was simply focussed on assimilating in a new job and culture. Still I missed having a creative outlet. So when my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas I decided I'd ask for tuition for a Lightroom class I'd wanted to take for a while. Hoping that taking the class would force me to pull out the camera again.

Taking the class inspired me to get up at 4:45 on a Saturday morning in hopes of capturing some sunrise beach shot. As you can see, the weather didn't cooperate, it was a very moody morning with only hints of sun peaking through.

I loved the morning I spent on the beach, and realized there is a lot to love here in Australia. Being a 15 minute walk to the beach is just one of them.

I'm not going to promise to start blogging regularly again, because who knows. But I do hope the camera comes out a bit more often as I've missed that creative feeling I get when it does.

You said, remember that life is 
not meant to be wasted
We can always be chasing the sun
So fill up your lungs and just run
But always be chasing the sun
Sara Bareilles - Chasing the Sun Pin It

August Break?

So, August happened, and I didn't get around to blogging.

I'd like to say it is because I've been crazy buys doing amazing things (which in part is true since I spent half of the month at home with my family.) But the bigger truth is that I've struggled to find any words.

I keep reminding myself that every move is hard, that adjusting to a new place, new culture, new job,  isn't easy; and even though I've done it enough time to call myself experienced, it still takes time. Time to start finding out who I am here. Time to find and make friends. Time to adjust and adapt.

I don't mean to complain - believe me, I know how lucky I am and I know that many would love an opportunity to live here in Australia, to explore a new culture, to have a fun job - I know because I love it. But it also doesn't mean that every day is a picnic.

I'm going to keep pushing through the adjustment phase. Reminding myself that it takes time, pushing myself to get out and find new ways to meet people and make friends. And taking the quiet time I need as well.

"Well I woke up this morning and I made a resolution, I said, I'm never going to sing another sad song."
Sea Wolf - I Made A Resolution Pin It

Bits and Pieces of Rome

Three months after my trip to Italy, I'm finally posting the last of the photos....nothing like being right on top of things. These three photos weren't taken in the same place and have nothing to do with each other. They were just tiny pieces of beauty that caught my eye during my wanders.


I know solo travel isn't for everyone, but I love it, and these photos are part of the reason why. On my solo trips, I wander completely at my own pace. I find I'm more introspective and the world looks different to me in the quiet moments. Don't get me wrong, I like travel with groups as well, sometimes traveling with someone else means I laughter and the joy that comes from seeing the world through someone else's eyes.


Whether solo or in a group, bottom line, for me, travel is one of the great joys of life.

"Cause she always like her shadow more than her reflection, it's a better understanding of her place in the world."
Born Ruffians - With Her Shadow Pin It

Magic Hour in Rome

Months and months ago I took a Roman Holiday, and proceeded to fill my blog for weeks with photos I took there. Then the move to Australia took over, and for some reason since the move my camera hasn't made it out of the bag. Sure I take a few iPhone photos of the beach now and again, but I can't seem to find any real photo inspiration.


In an attempt to try and get my mojo back, I dug into some old photos of Italian adventure and realised that I'd never gotten around to posting my favorite set - the ones I took on my last night in Rome, during the golden hour for a hill over looking the city.


Every photo I took that night turned out beautifully - and not because of anything I did - but just because the city is beautiful and the light was amazing.

"Who are you when no one is around?"
Ivan & Alyosha - Who are You? Pin It

Nowhere Fast

This was a big weekend in the saga of my move south. Friday I packed up my tiny temporary apartment, called a maxi-taxi - one big enough to move me, my four suitcases, bike and two large shopping bags and moved to the apartment I'll be in for the rest of my time here (fingers-crossed.) I found a place a bit further from the beach than planned, but in walking distance to the office, which means no more 80 minute commutes. The apartment is fantastic, in all the years I've been living in furnished apartments (7.5 years now!) this is by far the best place I've found. It just feels comfortable and like "home."

I unpacked for a couple of hours, and then ran to the mall for some essentials - the place is furnished, but everyone's idea of furnished differs. Me, I need a hairdryer, a blender for smoothies and containers for leftovers (I'm attempting to learn to cook while I'm here) I might also have started looking for some colorful rugs and pillows to make this apartment look more like me.

I was back home by six, because I'd used one night last week to create a massive online grocery store order. $300 later - I have a place stocked with cleaning supplies, the kind of non-perishables it takes to stock a good pantry and produce/dairy for the week. I can't imagine how many trips it would have taken me to get my place stocked if I'd had to do it a few bags at a time walking to the corner shop.

Saturday I was back at the mall getting the things I forgot the first time or, let's be honest, that I couldn't carry.  Then home to disinfect every surface and running all the dishes through the dishwasher. And, yes, I know that is a bit over the top, but it helps me feel settled. By the time Sunday rolled around I was ready for a serious sleep in, followed by church where I continue to meet some very nice people and then home to start breaking in the kitchen.

I attempted a butternut squash stir fry curry I'd found on Pinterest. It was slightly undercooked, but yummy and something I'll make again. I discovered that the labels that tell you whether you are cooking on low, medium, high have been scrubbed off my range. Not good news for a novice cook like me - wish me luck.

After this weekend, which also marks one month in Australia, I am finally starting to feel settled. A very good feeling. How was your weekend?

"Traveling, going nowhere fast."
Josh Turner Feat. Anthony Hamilton - Nowhere Fast Pin It

Go Insane

Lindsey Buckingham - Go Insane Pin It

Sunset on the Beach

After a couple of weeks of trying (and failing) I may have finally figured out bus commuting in the Gold Coast, too bad tomorrow is my last day on the bus. Tonight, thanks to my new found route, I made it home just after sunset, changed clothes and headed straight to the beach for the sunset and to feel the sand between my toes.

I put on a little Miles Davis and enjoyed the moment. A few more evenings like this and I think I'm going to love this place. Pin It

It Takes Time

I keep reminding myself that I've only been here 3 weeks - in part to celebrate what I have accomplished and in part to give myself a break on the rest. I have found an apartment that I love and get to move into at the end of the week. I've nearly navigated the crazy bureaucracy involved in setting up accounts and house in a new country. I've started to figure out my job, and have even learned the names of everyone in the office (since I'm not great with names a big deal to me.)

Still, I keep asking myself when I'll start to shift into the lifestyle here. Start to find my way, make friends, work out a routine. The normal adjustments that come with a move. A part of me keeps thinking that moving gets easier the more you do it. And while it does, the simple truth is that some things just take time. 

"I go searching through this world, I wait on something to unfurl."

John Fullbright - Jericho

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Keep It Together

Ryan Bingham - Keep it Together Pin It

Weekend

Friday afternoon I realized I had no plans for the weekend, and, after several weeks of full weekends spent with friends/family before I moved, preparing for the move or settling in, it was a strange feeling. It was also the first time the reality of the move hit me; I realized I don't really know anyone yet, didn't really know my way around and, perhaps, worse that I am likely to be in that weird, new place for several more months. Luckily I've moved enough to know that feeling is temporary and that I just have to live through it.

I did a little research and found a place to get a haircut. Looked up Farmer's Markets and bike shops, then got serious about learning the Saturday bus schedule. I ended up putting together a pretty great weekend, and thanks to my bike shopping I'm already looking forward to next weekend and a long ride on my shiny new cruiser.

Any other ideas for getting adjusted to a new city?

"Could fee the sun about to rise, when I realized we had nothing to fear."
Marc Broussard - Home

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Ride This Feeling

Kate Miller-Heidke - Ride This Feeling Pin It

Wet But Well

I am happy to report that all is well here in Gold Coast - wet, but well. I've met some very nice people at work and am hoping I'll soon sort out all the names. I think I'm getting an idea of what my job will entail and am starting to form a game plan. I've been told a don't have a think American accent, which I've decided is a compliment. My only complaint would be the very stormy weather.

Normally I don't mind a bit of rain, and in fact I quite like the dramatic skies it brings, especially when I'm taking photos. But, since my commute involves a bus and 20 minutes of walking the torrential rain and winds that turn my umbrella inside out have me grumbling. Fingers crossed the weather changes soon or I'm going to break down and buy some rain boots.

"Change this feeling under my feet."
Kathleen Edwards - Change the Sheets Pin It

Getting Settled

It's been nearly two weeks since I arrived in Australia. The time has flown by as I worked my way through my to do list. I've finalized my visa/residency permit, I've established bank accounts, sorted out temporary housing, internet and phone, gotten a bit familiar with the city and most importantly, I've found a long-term apartment. All just in the nick of time, as I start working from my new office today.

A few impressions during my relatively short time here: Australian's are really as warm and welcoming as their stereo-types say. I've had great conversations with complete strangers and received so many genuine offers of help and great advice.

Terms of endearment are alive and well - I've been honey-ed, dear-ed, and sweetie-ed all over the place - and I have to say it beats being ma'am-ed any day of the week.

I could learn to love the beach - it's too cold to consider sticking my toes in, but I kept finding myself drawn to the shore just to watch the waves roll in.

I'm looking forward to diving into work today - I know it will make meeting a few people here easier and it will be good to have a bit of structure back in my week. I do, however, feel a bit like I'm a 12 year old girl on the first day at a new school, wondering what I should wear and hoping I'll have someone to eat lunch with! Fingers crossed it will all go well and that the cool kids like me!

"Seems those ordinary days are the ones that last"
Missy Higgins - Cooling of the Embers Pin It

The Heart Won't Be Denied

Colin Devlin - The Heart Won't Be Denied Pin It