Muzack

Monday, December 1, 2014

Rainy Days and Mondays

Happy December 1st! Don't you just love this time of year? (Complete sarcasm).

Everyone loves a good vacation, especially me.  I wish life was just a big vacation, traversing different unknown places constantly.  What joy that would bring me!  I have had my fair share of very unpleasant and downright frightening experiences, though.  From getting lost in distant countries to encountering machete wielding soldiers and driving through monsoons, I have feared for my life more than I would have liked to. Even through daily life at home, events can lead you out of your daily routine and make it feel like you're in unfamiliar territory.   Yet through every unexpected experience you learn something.  My love of travel will never be diminished.  Maybe it's just the rebel in me, but I'll never fear venturing off of the beaten path.  Adversity builds character, right?  I'll always weather the storm...


Courtesy: BrookeShaden.png





Courtesy: Unknown

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” ― Haruki Murakami 

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Time is on my side

Yeah here's a sappy one for ya, but I think this resonates with everyone at one point through space and time...  And that's the truth ya'll.

Buzzfeed: The 50 Most Romantic Things That Ever Happened. Wartime goodbye

Time is on my side, yes it is
Time is on my side, yes it is
Now you always say
That you want to be free
But you'll come running back (said you would baby)
You'll come running back (I said so many times before)
You'll come running back to me
Oh, time is on my side, yes it is
Time is on my side, yes it is
You're searching for good times
But just wait and see
You'll come running back (I won't have to worry no more)
You'll come running back (spend the rest of my life with you, baby)
You'll come running back to me
Go ahead, go ahead and light up the town
And baby, do everything your heart desires
Remember, I'll always be around
And I know, I know
Like I told you so many times before
You're gonna come back, baby
'Cause I know
You're gonna come back knocking
Yeah, knocking right on my door
Yes, yes!
Well, time is on my side, yes it is
Time is on my side, yes it is
'Cause I got the real love
The kind that you need
You'll come running back (said you would, baby)
You'll come running back (I always said you would)
You'll come running back, to me
Yes time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
Time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
Oh, time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
I said, time, time, time is on my side, yes it is
Oh, time, time, time is on my side
Yeah, time, time, time is on my side

-Courtesy of The Rolling Stones

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Many the Miles

Insomnia sucks, as I'm experiencing right now, but it has its perks. Such as quiet time to think and explore thoughts and formulate ideas, travel through the conscious, what have you.  As I sit here I think of one of my favorite poems that embodies this concept: Robert Frosts' "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening".  Yes it is an old go-to, so much so that I remember choosing to recite this piece for speech class when I was in the 6th grade.  It seems like a simple winter's evening journey by a weary traveler, but it also alludes to life and the ruts we get stuck in where we just want to slow down and take in our surroundings although knowing we have obligations to fulfill and a path to forge. 


"Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep".

- Robert Frost

 
Oy vey, I'm tired...

Friday, September 12, 2014

Metamorphosis


My word for the day!
To describe metamorphosis I would say that time keeps ticking and we keep changing. We move along with it with the pace of a hare or the pace of a tortoise.  Every now and then the form you take on surprises you.  I may be the turtle one day and the hare the next.  Time will only tell what we can achieve. 

1919 Children's book print Milo Winter art by catchingcanaries, $9.00

It was half past six and the hands were quietly moving forwards.”
Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Tbt (Throw Back Thursday's)

A poem I once wrote reminds me of who I was, where I've been, and how its shaped me.  Here's a tbt for ya.

Hold My Hand

"Sometimes I need a shoulder to cry on
Sometimes I need a friend to dance with
I may need to laugh or cry,
Sing or sigh
But through all of these emotions
I'll always appreciate
Someone holding my hand"

Not Shakespeare, but I try...




Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Destination Weddings


 I am currently out of my home state helping a good friend of mine get ready for her quickly approaching wedding. (A quick word of advice: never be a bridesmaid. It is exhausting). In lieu of her east coast nuptials, I decided to peruse some exotic, unknown, or just unique places for destination weddings. Many suggestions abound for beautiful distant lands, but I attempt to take it just a step further with these five less than likely choices.

1. Vera Cruz




This very tropical lush region Is a very prominent city in Central Mexico due to its exports and influx of tourists.  Another perk that sets this city apart is the rich culture. For those couples interested in knowledge of different ways of life, many archaeological remains have been located in surrounding areas, and couples can spend time with their guests learning about the abundance of folklore that still permeates our own culture to this day (Mechling, 1999). Not to mention the fast-paced every day life and even spicier nightlife that your party-loving guests may be seeking.
Best times to go: February (for Carnival celebrations) to June
Best places to stay: NH Vera Cruz or Gran Hotel Diligencias (if you're willing to splurge).
Events and attractions: Plaza De Armas for night life or Boca Del Rio for a quiet respite from city life and delightful restaurants specializing in fresh fish dishes.

2. Castle Chateau D'Esclimont



Contrary to many couple's ideas of what is available and affordable, castles are not too difficult to acquire for ceremonies.  (And no I'm not talking about Disney World).  This castle located between Paris and Versailles features 150 wooded acres' stone bridges and romantic balconies and a perfectly French ambiance.
Best times to go: Spring or Fall
Best places to stay: If not at the castle itself, The Ibis hotel - 7 miles away or the Mecure hotel -9 miles away.
Events and attractions: The Charles Cathedral, Touring the Riviera, Shopping on the Champs

3. Burning Man


Way out of left field, and certainly non-traditional, theses festivals echo a 60' and 70's hippie-esque vibe. Dedicated to community,art and self expression, the yearly festivals are much more than your typical art fair. These music festivals have couples flocking to get married amongst off beat music and like-minded crowds of people getting married at the same time. Black Rock City in the desert in Nevada is the most obvious of choices for these events. Your guests are sure to have an exciting concert experience all while seeing you get hitched and mingle with old and new friends to sounds known and unknown.  "Its organized chaos" (Levin, 2013).
Best times to go: Usually just a week from late August to early September.
Best places to stay: Hotels: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Best Western Inn. RV Campgrounds: Big Bend RV Park or River's Edge RV Park.
Events and attractions: The festival of course! From live low-key bands to intricate art installations and absurd people watching, it's bound to be invigorating to say the least. Don't forget to look up the 10 principles that represent this project's philosophical beliefs. blog.burningman.com/10principles/

4. St. Vincent and the Grenadine




An Eastern Caribbean hot-spot, this place is perfect for the walking along the beach, margaritas-sipping, laying in the sun couple.  Wedding packages here include spa treatments and even glass bottom boat rides entirely exclusive for those. VIP residents.
Best times to go: December to April
Best places to stay: Buccament Bay Resort, Paradise Beach Hotel
Events and attractions: The spectacular botanical gardens, an awesome bat cave for diving and Mesopotamia Valley for those tough hiker

5 ,  Alaska



While it's not exactly international travel., I've never seen the northern lights, and how perfect would it be to have your closest friends and family witness your vows to each other under such an enchanting night sky.  That would save on decorations since mother nature decided to throw the most beautiful light show that one could imagine.
Best times to go: early May or late September through October,(Olsen, 2013).
Best places to stay: the south central region.. great for wilderness, wildlife and fantastic restaurants and dancing.
Events and attractions: glacier gardens, cruises, whale sightings.


And destination weddings aren't the only extravagance to be taken. Have a great Honeymoon in Fiji, Cesar and Andrea!

Monday, June 30, 2014

The Art of Emotion

As the famous poet Margaret Malloy says "Even Grief Can Become an Art".  We feel so strongly in our emotions that it transcends cultures, space and time.  It is a human similarity we share regardless of race or creed.  We don't have to travel far to identify with this universal emotion.  But, yes, we can turn it into beauty and find peace.   

 
 

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Books, Check 'em Out

I recently went to the library and checked out (amongst about thirty other books, as I always do), "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die". I have only gotten through the years from the 1700s to the 1800s thus far. These are my three top picks on my "to-read" list:

Don Quixote



Dangerous Liaisons



The Fall of the House of Usher



Happy summer reading!

Friday, June 13, 2014

World Cup 2014 Opener

Just a quick post about my favorite pastime... Soccer!  Good job to the Netherland team for besting Spain.  What a great victory for beating the 2010 champions!  I wish I was in Brazil right now, but I'm so glad I got to see these teams in South Africa at the last World Cup.  I can't wait to see what happens in the next round. 


And boy, that Van Persie is a looker.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Traveling through film


Recently I have been itching to travel somewhere different, unique, somewhere unknown.  Since starting this blog, I have gone from traveling only the states to abroad from the Caribbean Islands to Africa and Europe.  It never gets old. That travel bug is certainly addictive!  Lately I have been traveling through music, books and especially movies.  Here is a list of what movies have been inspiring me at the moment.

1.  The Motorcycle Diaries

An inspiring journey of medical student turned revolutionary, Che Guevara, and his trek through 14,000 kilometers of the South American landscape over 8 months. 


2.  Tommy Boy

Not a far journey, but for a purpose: to save a company and a Midwestern city's livelihood.  The deer scene is hilarious and vies the song medleys for the movies best moments (besides "Fat guy in a little coat"). 


3. The Terminal

Tom Hanks at his finest, as he always is (Cast Away, anyone).  His journey from an Eastern country, Krakozhia, to New York, in this film was for the best cause - family.

 
4.   Planes, Trains  and Automobiles
 
I love how they were forced to go off the beaten path.  Crap happens, but it builds character and apparently lasting friendships. Been there, done that... and I love it.
 
 
 
5.  Up
 
A beautiful story of a journey to fulfill a promise for love.  And it's animated! Pixar got this one right.
 
 
6.  Noah
 
I just saw this one a few days ago. I think "Epic" describes the ultimate voyage here. Creating a new world with a handful of people and animals is no small feat. 
 
 

 
 
So, no I won't be building and Ark or attaching balloons to my house, but I hope to get caught up in all that travel offers very soon. Brazil here I come!
 

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Thrive!

Happy New Year to all!

2013 was, for many, filled with victories and losses, moments of growth and periods of reflection.  I experienced my fair share and have learned some valuable lessons that are providing my inspiration for this year ahead.  Rather than making resolutions such as reading 100 books, jogging more often or learning a trade, I've resolved to simply adopt one word and express that word to its fullest.



Thrive (v): To make steady progress; prosper. To grow vigorously; flourish.

Wherever my interpretation will take me is an exciting journey I can't wait to embark on.  The ideas are endless: from expanding my creative side by writing more poetry and taking a photography tour across Canada, to earning my green thumb by growing a rose garden, or furthering my wildlife conservation efforts by saving a whale, or even finally picking up my efforts to learn Japanese or take a mission trip to Haiti.

The best feeling about the word thrive and the inspiration it provides, is that to really grow, to really flourish, all we have to do is stick to what we are passionate about and make that steady progress towards a greater sense of self and a greater appreciation for each year we are given.

"To live is the rarest thing in the world.  Most people exist, that is all" - Oscar Wilde