I Can See it Now

It's been a bit. Since I was last on here, I came back to the States, and I am on the verge of applying for my work visa to the UK. It is a P R O C E S S, let me tell you.

There is the paperwork, documents, and stamps of approval needed, of course, but beneath that is a tidal wave of energy and emotion I have tied to the outcome of my visa getting approved. This is 6 years worth of wanting this.

In 6 years I've gone from 'that's not possible. I won't be able to make that happen,' to 'yeah, I'm actually applying for this! I've just about made it happen!'

In 6 years...

I've struggled through the guilt that every expat faces: am I selfish for choosing me and moving away from family in the States? The answer is you must always choose your happiness, period. To combat the guilt my family has put on me (they're human, and I forgive them for this), I have used EFT, also known as tapping, to heal those shame and guilt ridden parts of me (it works wonders!).

I've also battled mixed emotions on going back: have my feelings changed over this place I've adored? The answer is no, I love it still, and I know this on a soul level. Fear gets in the way of what you know on a soul level, but that doesn't erase the fact that you know it. Thank God for instinct and intuition.

Lastly, I've worried over resources and how I'm going to get this accomplished. I went from seeing dead ends to visualizing what I wanted and making it happen. Through this, I've realized I am a master manifestor. I am able to achieve just about anything I freakin' set my mind to.

Which brings me to today, sitting and doing a manifestation meditation exercise (yes, I'm into this stuff), and visualizing my visa getting approved. I then saw an image of me walking out of Heathrow with my approved visa, and feeling a sense of accomplishment, success, happiness, freedom and love all in one. It was a overflow of emotion, and I started sobbing while doing this meditation. I sobbed for all the years and energy I have put into this idea, and I cried out of pure joy at the thought of getting it. I felt the tension and worry release from my body, I felt a divine knowing that this was my path, and that this visual would be my reality.

And that is how I know this is right. I can see it now, and I have worked so damn hard for this. I can see it now, and it's nearly mine.

Becoming an Expat, Again (It's not as glamorous as you think)

Cherry blossoms in Kew Gardens. Should I make an obvious metaphor for my life right now? 

I've been back in London for 2 weeks, and there have already been ups and downs. I've been overwhelmed by a range of emotions coming back, and it's the usual cocktail of fear and anxiety: I am reminded that moving continents is never an easy jump, no matter how familiar you are with the place you're moving to.

The last time I moved to London was about 6 years(!) ago. A lot has happened in 6 years! I am back in the city where I feel most alive, most at peace, and most myself. Therefore, in moving back I am confronted with myself in a very harsh and heavy way, including the bad habits I picked up over my lost years. I am now in the thick of my healing process (which began in Boston). I feel naked and alone with my thoughts--the healing is being fast tracked now.

I suppose this post seems a little dark, but that's because the process of bettering yourself involves shedding a lot of facades, lies, heartache, and energy that does not serve you. I'm so proud of myself for doing this work, for moving back, and for acknowledging and admitting that this is hard. I'm rebuilding my life again, and it's going to be a bit clunky at first.

I could slap a filter on this experience and brag about how well I'm doing, how you should be jealous, and oh, look at me! I'm so worldly and amazing! I've got it all together!

Instead, I want you to look at me: a woman who is scared but brave. One who is not certain she is always making the right decisions, but is following her soul's instructions, anyway. One who misses her parents and feels guilt over leaving them in San Diego, but knows this path is true and right.

This is the start of my journey of being an expat, again. I am thrilled and scared. I am so alive. 

Leaving Boston, Choosing Adventure

One thing I pride myself in is I always say yes to the adventure. There's no use sitting in that chair, staying safe and warm under that blanket if you're also bored out of your fucking mind.

Boston was a good city for me to unwind from New York, but also remind me that I need more, I crave more beyond this country and beyond these borders.

Adventures come in all shapes and forms, and are not only restricted to moving cities, but also include:

• learning how to be completely vulnerable with other humans
• unlearning the necessity to be cool, instead realizing that love and kindness are more important than status
• really understanding how to love yourself completely and fully, so that you know your worth and are able to demand respect out of every relationship 
• but also, moving cities when the wind whispers it in your ear

What has been whispered in my ear the past 5 years since the day I left? London. 

Sometimes you just know when a place is right for your soul. That place could be with a person, or a movement, or a spiritual practice. My place is an actual place, and it's been calling to me to come back. 

Well, I'm on my way. It's not all set in stone, but the pieces are coming together so beautifully that I believe it's going to work out. There are visa processes to follow, and crossing fingers, and hoping for everything to be approved. And you know what? I know it's going to work out. 

I choose adventure. I'm coming back to you London. 

The Answer Could Be Yes

This past week I did a big thing in my professional life. While I can't spill the beans on what it is just yet, I can tell you it involved me asking my boss a question I had been wanting to ask for years.

It's funny, when you hold onto words for that long, those words become a part of your body somehow. As I mustered up the strength to ask my boss the big question, I started welling up with tears--my body was having an emotional reaction to these words being spoken out loud, as if I was going through an amputation. 

To my delight, and my years of wondering and worrying and waiting, my boss's answer to the question was "Yes."

Yes? Did she say yes? Did I hear that right?

The next day she brought my question to the CEO and he said "Yes."

Words have a lot a power, but I didn't know my words had so much power. In speaking my truth, my secret, my innermost desire, I was met with a yes from my boss and the universe.

I still have hurdles to jump over before I reveal the big question, but my confidence is high that I can clear said hurdles. The purpose of this post is to simply say that the biggest hurdle was myself. Finally speaking those words gave me freedom. Even if the answer ended up being no, I still would have felt the same sweet freedom simply by speaking the truth.

So a lesson to you, dear reader: go for the big thing. Say the scary words. Free yourself from the weight of self-doubt, and keeping your inner most desires hidden. Free yourself from the fear of hearing a no. You might be so utterly wrong, because the answer could be yes.

Yes. 

Enter the Scary Caves

"The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." 

Moving to a new city brings up a lot of fears, doubts, and feelings I pushed way deep down into my body. They are now bubbling up as I start a new life in a new place. Those fears include trusting people again, becoming open hearted once more, and shedding the baggage of the past. 

I didn't talk about all my sad days in New York on here because I hate being that depressing broken record. As you know, I stopped writing. I spent many months feeling very small. I had lost my muchness--the thing that makes Ashley, Ashley. 

I'm giving myself permission to be big again and let my energy grow, expand, and take over the damn place. In doing so I must enter the scary caves. This entails: 

• Not being reclusive despite feeling betrayed and hurt by people in NYC. Trusting the goodness of people again.
• Deciding to not ruminate on the past.
• Writing more often to clear my mind and unveil my darkest and scariest thoughts, a very spiritual practice for me. 
• Letting myself explore, smile, create. Letting myself live again. 

Boston, you're letting me hit the "reset" button and I thank you for that. Now, it's time for me put on my hard hat, tie that rope around my waist, and descend into the abyss (time to go all in). 

Breaking Down These Walls

Just got back from 8 days in London and Berlin, which proved to be some ample life-contemplating time. And yes, the above photo is of the Berlin wall--well, a section that has been kept and turned into continuous art where Berliners can add layers and layers of graffiti (this is also an outdoor concert venue and park).

There's something really awakening about staring at a section of the Berlin wall. Thoughts about humanity, despair, loneliness, and perseverance all come to mind. It also made me think about the walls I put up around myself, and how I've carried on in New York over the last 9 months.

Without being too specific, I feel like writing about something that has been affecting my heart over this time period. I've been very attached to one person here in New York. So much so that I pretty much fell for said person, but it never developed past a best friendship.

I asked myself, how did I become this girl? A girl who falls for a best friend and can't move past it? A girl who gets stuck in unrequited love?

To be easy on myself, it's quite effortless to do so. And I think I'm pretty notorious for wanting men that are unavailable emotionally, because I have a noncommittal spirit myself. Of course, my heart became saddened and constrained everyday by wanting more from him and not receiving it...a vicious cycle of wanting and hurting. I do not blame him, because we cannot ask more from people than they are willing to give. In this hamster wheel sort of relationship--seeing this person nearly everyday, and sharing deep secrets, and having great laughs and many tears--I focused too much energy on him and not enough on getting to know New York. The walls I built up, in this case, kept the city out.

I think about my time in London often, and the biggest difference between the two cities is that I really let London soak in. All gates, locks, walls, and fortresses around my heart were abandoned, and I jumped head first into adventure. While I will always prefer London over NYC (because, I'm a Londoner, ok?), I think I have not given a fair chance to this fine American city.

Something switched in me during this recent trip where this all became apparent. And it happened in Berlin, staring at these oppressive walls.

I know what I must do now. I will not allow myself to become stuck in the confines of my self-loathing thoughts. I want all these walls to come crashing down, as if it were 1989 and because it's damn well time to. You can have all the love in your heart for someone but know that it's just not serving you well.

I have about a year and a half left to live here, and I am going to visit all the jazz clubs, and eat all the pizza, and engulf myself in literature, and go on dates with new men, and just...let myself be open. I will say yes to life, and yes to New York. You'll see this mighty woman, standing proudly on a pile of rubble that was once a huge wall, head held to to sky, open for adventure once more. 

Switching Seasons

NYC is starting to feel springy

The weather took a delicious turn into 70-degrees today, and it forced me to brush off the frost that was still desperately clinging to my spirit. Spring is serious business in places that have real winters (San Diego doesn't even notice a changing of seasons), and the effect on people is noticeable.

Because I'm such a gypsy, but with a neurotic mind, sometimes I feel like I'm not sure where I am going or what I am doing with my life. Am I wasting time? Am I floating along like a lily in a pond, unsure of where I might float to next? Then I think floating is not so bad, and I should let myself float as long as I'd like to.

I'm going to go with that train of thought, because it's the gentler thought and one I should always be embracing. We should always be finding ways to be a bit gentler with ourselves, I think.

There is something that switched in me today. Maybe it was brought on by the weather. Maybe it was brought on by the solar eclipse. No matter what it was, I'm going to float with it as long as possible. 

2015: A Great Traveling Year

A very happy Ashley in Prague, March 2015

I didn't really realize how great of a travel year I had in 2015 until I started to pen this post. I conquered 9 new cities and one new country that I had never visited before! I'd say that's a major win; and this is what I love about blogging: in documenting, I realize how stupendous my year actually was.

Let's break down where my travel disease led me by month: 

JANUARY 

My first trip of the year brought me to artsy, weird, beautiful Portland, Oregon. I'd categorize Portland as a sleepy, yet odd city/town with a great music and food scene. 

 Also, the trees in Oregon are just loooooovely. 

FEBRUARY - APRIL

Once February rolled around, I worked quite diligently on my evil master plan: I scoured the interwebs for a way to have an extended stay in my beloved London. My job allowed for me to work from home, so first thing I did was ask the boss if she didn't mind of I, ya know, worked from halfway around the world. She said "As long as you get your work done, that's fine with me!"

Moral: If you don't ask, you shall never receive!

Next thing was accommodation. How was I going to afford a 4-6 week stay in the most expensive city in the world?? Enter trustedhousesitters.com, which provides free housing in return for petsitting.  I watched Oscar the dog for over 3 weeks. This coupled with a few nights here and there at my friends' places (and a mini Euro trip) allowed me to have a FULL 6 WEEK STAY in LONDON TOWN. 

Oscar the dog.

For my mini Euro trip, I went to Florence and Prague.

 The magnificent Il Duomo. 

 It's impossible not to fall in love with Prague. 

When I returned to England, I took one more mini trip to Birmingham and Stratford-Upon-Avon.

I then returned to London for a couple more days before I bid adieu.

MAY 

I finally took it easy on travel (my pocket book was happy about this).

JUNE
Back at it again, this time in Boston.

Going to a Red Sox game is an absolute must! 

(THEN CAME) JULY

This was a big month for me--the month I got a promotion at my job and opportunity to move to the East Coast. I chose New York City as my new home, and this month I was off to Waterloo, Canada for training (my company has a branch in Canada). 

AUGUST

I spent two whirlwind weeks saying goodbye to loved ones in San Diego, and then, August 15, 2015 is when I moved to NYC in the sweltering, crazy summer heat. 

SEPTEMBER

No travel this month, as I started to ease into my new city and build a community around me (whilst also appreciating every rooftop/skyscraper view).

OCTOBER

Took a very quick work trip to DC, went out at night and snapped a blurry photo of the white house while some guy yelled at us to "not get too close!" Okay, guy. 

NOVEMBER 

Stayed in New York, had a fun Friendsgiving.

DECEMBER

Went to Miami, which was warm and relaxing, but not terribly interesting in the winter so I never posted on it.

And finally, I took a trip back to San Diego for Christmas. I stayed for a New Year's Eve Wedding, which was magical and beautiful (and a reunion for old college roommates/sorority sisters).

What a year! Internally, 2015 was a year I was going through some struggle, knowing I had to branch out of San Diego, but was still figuring out the how/when/where. I think this was evident in my random travel to a few US cities ("should I live here?"), as well as returning to London for a long stay because I missed it so.

The move to New York was decided in a matter of days, and east just felt like the right direction. It is a city where I believe I get my "travel" in everyday--there's no shortage of things to do and interesting people to see.

I still battle my grass-is-greener syndrome, I still miss London, and I wonder if I will ever live in Europe again; however, this is home, now. In creating a post like this, I realize I don't have to envy another place, another life. My own life is pretty sweet, and I'm curious to see where 2016 will bring me, or rather, where I choose to go, because life is all about choosing and creating. 2015 is a testament to that. 

Acclimation, to the Weather and Much More

As the weather has been dropping, I've been warming up to NYC. It always takes me a solid two or three months to really acclimate to a new place and I constantly have to remind myself of that. I'm an impatient and restless soul, the worst combination. I've been running around like a mad woman, going to fairs for work, learning a new job, meeting new people, traveling a bit, already shedding some tears over a couple guys (I know, right?), but overall keeping an open heart and open mind to LIFE.

I'm proud of my impatient, restless self for realizing that there is an acclimation process to every new story--the period in which you are introduced to the setting, the characters, and the overall disposition of the heroine. And, boy, does she have an adventurous disposition. These bright eyes only see possibilities when thinking of what may come with the next turn of the page.

I'm Gonna Be a Brooklynite

It has taken FOR-EV-ERRRRR to secure a place, but the time has finally come...to announce I'll be living in Brooklyn! Let me tell you all something: the NYC rental market was a major pain in my ass. I've been staying with my friend for a whopping 1 and 1/2 months! He never asked for rent (of course I paid it anyway), and I'm not even sure how I can PROPERLY repay him.

Of course, not having my own home totally affected my blogging schedule. As in, I HARDLY blogged. That will be fixed soon. I'll buy my bed, duvet, etc...start feeling settled...and then start blogging like normal. I move this WEEKEND...YES!

THE CAMERA IS COMING OUT, FOLKS! Not my iPhone camera, but my real camera. Bloggers know what's up with that!

I'll show some pictures of where I'm living soon, stay tuned! 

Let's Talk About the Hardest Part of Leaving

Picture from my Goodbye Picnic. 

I'm just one of those people: someone who always knew that living in one place, one city, for the rest of my life would be suffocating for my personal growth. And so I'm going to embark, yet again, on a new life somewhere bold and big. Because I know that this kind of challenge brings out the very best in me (and boy does it soothe my little travel-loving heart). 

BUT...it doesn't make it any easier when I have to say goodbye. 

I am a big believer in doing what's best for yourself. You can't bend backwards making everybody happy but yourself. However, when the depth of pain in my parents eyes permeates through the sliding airport doors I'll be crossing through...I know I won't be able to help but feel selfish. 

Moving forward often means leaving something else, or someone else, behind. This includes family and friends I have known for over 10, 20, 30 years--people who know me inside and out, want the best for me, support me to the fullest. And I am leaving them. It is a selfish act, and there is no other way to really put it. 

But sometimes, we do have to be selfish in order to actually contribute something in this world. I would be useless if I gave up true authenticity in exchange for making others happy. Authenticity, being true to yourself, is the best thing you or I can do to really leave a worthwhile mark in this world. When I know I'm living my authentic life, I am able to give myself more honestly, more openly, and with more passion than ever. I work harder, I love harder, and I create more.   

So as I roll my suitcases away from my parents' loving arms, as I send goodbye messages to the dearest of friends, as I start packing up this Southern California life I have known for so long, I will be walking into a new chapter that is true to who I am, and I'll rest in the comfort of knowing everyone I have to say goodbye to will be a mere plane ride away. 

That Moment When You Buy a One Way Ticket

There is nothing more symbolic of a life change than the moment you hit the "confirm" button on a one way ticket purchase. This is the 5th time I have bought a one way ticket. Each time I've had a different feeling about the act. 

The first and second time was when I tried to live in Turkey. I didn't have anything planned. I didn't have a job in place. Through this, I learned I'm totally not spontaneous. I can't just go "where the wind takes me." Because of my lack of planning, I lasted all of a month before running back home. I happily bought a one way ticket back, back, to Cali, Cali. 

The third and fourth time were going to and coming back from London. Going to London, I was majorly excited to hit the confirm button and live a new life abroad. Nearly a year later, I was unsure if a one way back to the USA was what I wanted, but I hit confirm anyway. Through this, I learned that my instincts have always been on point and I should listen to them more often. 

The fifth time I bought a one way ticket was all of 5 days ago. SAN to JFK. All I can tell you is this purchase feels right in every way possible. My head, my heart, and my plane route are all aligned in the same direction. And that's a good feeling. 

***

Have you ever bought a one way ticket? Did you end up staying or did you turn back? 

The Post Where I Get a Little Narcissistic

This is going to be a narcissistic post, but I don't care.

I'm proud of myself. 

I'm proud of going after a job I really wanted, even it meant waiting around for ages for things to come together. That waiting prompted me to ask my boss for exactly what I wanted. And I got it. Ask and you shall RECEIVE. 

I'm proud of making the decision to move to New York and really going with that decision. I've learned from this experience that making a decision, even if a little unsure about it, is better than vacillating between too many choices. 

I'm proud of knowing that I can have the things I want in a career: a job I am truly passionate about, one where I get to travel for work, where I get to talk to students about fulfilling a dream of studying and living abroad, and where I don't have to go to the same office everyday (I enjoy mixing up the work week). 

I am proud for not settling. And in order to not settle, I had to work for it. I had to take less pay in an assistant role while keeping the main, grand goal in mind. In doing this, I have achieved said goal! This doesn't mean that this job will be all rainbows and butterflies...I will sometimes have to work weekends and late nights, but I welcome this knowing I will be doing something that I really, really love. This sits well with my soul. 

Lastly, I am proud for being true to myself. I knew deep down it was time for a move, time for a change, time for some action. This truth nagged at me everyday, and I knew it could not be ignored any longer. I am proud for being Ashley, unapologetically. 

This WAS a narcissistic post, but I am proud of being able to claim these actions as my own, and for knowing sometimes it's okay to be a little proud. 

Photo credits: 1/2

Big Thoughts

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?" --A Return to Love

Simply wanted to share this quote as I also take it with me during a time that I must think big thoughts and believe in my own worth. I'm seeing some plans unfold in my direction and I'm excited about it. I hope you're thinking big thoughts too, wherever you are. 

Life is Happening

I've been here for almost a month, and I have about 18 days to go until I head home (that means I will be here for a hefty 6 weeks! How's that for a holiday?). It's been a refreshing, often contemplative, and wonderful trip. It's given me a good dose of London, sufficient enough to "calm my cravings" and allow me to head home with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

I often spend so much time worrying about the future, it's as if I'm planning on building a time machine to leave the present. This extended stay in London has redirected my thoughts to all the life going on around me. I guess it's just more practice in the art of being mindful of the present.

I do not know if I will ever live in London again; obviously, it's something I've thought about since I've been here. It's a city that I adore, and one that will always be here for me if I need it...and I can only leave it at that. What I do know is I want to continue on with this wonderful job that has let me work while abroad--HOW OFTEN DOES THAT HAPPEN?!

I'm very excited because I have booked two trips for next week: Florence and Prague! Sometimes when I step back from my life and look at it from the outside I realize two things:

1. I am a privileged and lucky girl. My life is grand.
2. It's not all luck. I brought myself here and I am proud of my accomplishments. I am a big thinker; but more than that, I am a big doer!

I may not be blogging as much these next 18 days, so forgive me for that! I will have some banging posts after I return! Until then, enjoy your surroundings today no matter where you are. Life is happening, so don't miss it! 

Newsflash: London Bound Next Week!

via

Before I start this post, just wanted to say: Jess, you won the bracelet! But the e-mail you gave me doesn't seem to be working. So please e-mail me with your address! (you can find my e-mail in the about section).

***

Right, so...you all know I love London. And since my job allows me to work remotely, I thought: why not have an extended stay in London while I have this super flexible job? 

I felt like a genius coming up with such a great plan; that is, until I remembered how expensive London is. So how was I going to have about a month stay in the world's most expensive city?

Enter trustedhousesitters.com. It's an online house and petsitting site that calls itself the "win/win for pet lovers that travel." So basically, I am going to house and pet sit for a lady who is traveling for three weeks, and in return I have a place to stay for three weeks--as long as I watch her pup. I'll do a proper review of the whole deal once my housesit is over with, but I'm already ecstatic that I figured out a way to cut costs and have a long stay in the U.K.

So in a week's time, I'll be flying off to London once again (I just can't stay away)! I realize how lucky I am to have a job that allows me to move around if I choose. And you know what? It's just what I needed! 

Love Your Fate

I want to learn more and more to see as beautiful what is necessary in things; then I shall be one of those who make things beautiful. Amor fati: let that be my love henceforth! I do not want to wage war against what is ugly.  --Nietzsche 

I am infamous for being restless when my path is not clear and I am stuck in the "dark forest." I freakin' hate that forest. Amor fati, loosely translated as "love of one's fate," is about acceptance. It is the realization that the tough/hair-pulling/frustrating parts of life are as integral as the happy/butterfly-inducing/giggly parts of life. It's an obvious realization, but when you're in the belly of the beast, it's difficult to rest easy.

This is a time in my life of many unknowns. And while it sometimes gives me an ulcer, I also know that it's teaching me endurance.

Okay...so I am a stress case with an overly ambitious nature. A deadly combination, but also one that makes me strive for the great things. Still, I'm trying to learn to accept all the stations of my life, appreciate their role, and understand that it's all part of my grand story. I can be okay with that notion.

Love your fate!

In the Right Direction

So I'm here in Austin on a work trip for my new gig--working for Across the Pond.

Looking like a complete and utter dork at St. Edward's University to represent Across the Pond!

ATP is a company that is funded by multiple UK universities to help students get over to the UK for graduate study. It is a free service for students and assists with the sometimes overwhelming process of getting and living abroad, from visa applications to researching programs. My job is to be a presence at grad fairs and enlighten the American public that, yes--you can go abroad for your Master's degree! It's been a joy working for a company I believe in, and while I'm only working part-time for them, I know deep down in my bones this is the right field for me. Whether I can continue full time with ATP or a company like it, I truly know this is where I belong.

Also, it's rather nice to be in Austin, traveling for work, eating BBQ, and visiting with blog friends. But more on that later...

That Girl is on Fire (A Post on Changes)

There have been a lot of changes in my world of late. Life has become abundant with possibilities, which has both an intimidating and freeing effect. Mostly, I'm excited with what's to come--I feel like I'm on fire! 

I recently quit my job as a copywriter (I worked that for about 9 months) in pursuit of a study abroad advisor career once again. On Friday, I begin working part time with an esteemed study abroad program (the very one I went through to get to London!). This has the possibility to turn into something full time, but that's not guaranteed. Thus, I am also applying to jobs around the country! I even applied to one in London today. I'm not really ruling any city out (including San Diego), as my main concern is going after a career I can really get behind.

I just wanted to share this news with you all because it's scary every time I even think of venturing out of my comfort zone. Every time, it frightens me. But it also feels like my molecules are standing upright (is that even scientific?). Basically it feels a lot like living--a bit scary, but always worth it.

Scotland: Greenery and Good Omens

Scotland is pure magic. If you're feeling down-and-out, depressed, manic, or all of the above, book a flight to Scotland straight away. There's just something about that shade of green mixed with the gregarious Scottish spirit that will set your heart right.

A story from my first day in Scotland: Laura and I had signed up for a bus tour; I was genuinely excited about the scenes I was about to take in from my window seat. Within the first hour of driving, I saw something that will be etched on my brain for eternity. Right out the window was a field of yellow flowers, with a single white horse and a waterfall in the background. It was one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever witnessed. I knew it was a message from the universe, God, and life that things were going to be ok. I call that moment my good omen. I didn't have a camera ready to take a picture; however, I'm glad I didn't cheapen that moment with a photograph.

***
The trip started with two eager women strapped in their seats, ready to go!

 Our tour was "wild and sexy." I highly recommend Haggis Adventures. They picked gorgeous and worthwhile stops for us to explore, and provided quite possibly the best tour guide I ever had! (More about him in the next post). Just look at the gorgeous places we stopped at: 

 This is the little hideaway where J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, penned his famed novel.

And, these next set of photos...well, these are my favorite bits of Scotland! The first photo is from the Isle of Skye, and the next few photos are from the Glencoe region. GORGEOUS. 

AND I HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO SHOW YOU!!!!! *calm down Ashley, CALM DOWN* Until the next post, dear readers!