Awake My Soul

 I have always been in love with songs that have meaningful lyrics—lyrics which have the capacity to stop you in your tracks and make you think of things in a way you never thought before. 

Of course, there are also instances when all I want to do is jump around the house, dancing to my favorite catchy tunes and singing into a spatula. I am proud to say this is a regular occurrence.

My favorite band to do this to you may ask? Two words.

One Direction. 

What Makes You Beautiful to be exact.

On the other hand, when I'm in the mood for some music with thought-provoking lyrics, my go-to is always Mumford and Sons.

If you have not yet listened to Mumford, let me share why I love them so much.

Think of the best thing you've ever eaten, the most amazing flower you've ever smelled, the most comforting hug you've ever gotten.

Mumford is all the above rolled into a folk/rock band with four incredibly handsome English men.

Doesn't get much better than that does it?

Yes.

If you have ever taken the time to truly listened to their songs, you will understand why they continually leave me at a loss for words. The depth of their music, lyrics and vocals; they're like nothing I've ever heard before. 

Here are two of my favorite lines from Mumford songs...

    

                                  Awake My Soul                                      After the Storm

What is your favorite Mumford song? 

Ciao!

I have been officially accepted to study abroad next spring in Florence, Italy!

I will be studying art and graphic design in the heart of florence at an international school called Lorenzo de' Medici.

I cannot explain how excited I am!
Here's what I'm looking forward to...

1. Being fully immersed in the Italian lifestyle and learning to live like the locals.

2. Witnessing majestic sights of places I've only dreamed about.

3. Eating Italian food and wine. (Hopefully visiting some vineyards as well!)

4. Not only learning about art, but being surrounded by what I'll be studying.

The famous art museum, Galleria degli Uffizi, is home to works from artists like 
Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

5. Having the opportunity to travel other countries.

6. Having my best friend, Meghan, there studying with me.

7. My family coming to visit!

Updates on the specifics of what I'll be doing and studying are coming...

I am so excited to share my experiences abroad with you!

Arrivederci!

Home Away From Home

I often call Minneapolis my "home away from home."

I was born and raised the first half of my life there,

 then moved to Moorhead when my dad was offered a new job.

I dearly miss it, and count the days until I am able to call Minneapolis my home once again.

So as I wait for that time to come, I get my dose of the cities by taking little weekend trips.

When I tell people I am once again heading to the cities,  I often get this response..

"What do you do there? Go to the Mall of America?"

Let me put it into perspective..

That is the equivalent to asking a New Yorker if they like going to Times Square.

The answer to both.
No. 

My trips consist of discovering new sights, quaint coffee shops, restaurants & stores.

Here are some of my favorites...

1. Barbette

Barbette, located in Uptown, is a charming little restaurant with a bustling atmosphere. 

Great for breakfast and lunch.

2.  Sebastian Joes

Hands down, Sebastian's has the best ice cream my mouth has ever tasted.

I highly recommend the Nicollet Pothole (Chocolate ice cream w/ fudge, truffles, heath bar & sea salt)

3. Rustica Bakery

My favorite Sunday bakery. 

Great for their coffee art, delicious pastries and freshly baked bread.

They were named one of the Top 10 Bread Bakeries in America by Bon Appétit Magazine

4. Russel and Hazel

 
I promise, you will be in organizational heaven when you step into this store.

5. Stone Arch Bridge & Lake Calhoun

  

With stunning views of downtown, the Stone Arch Bridge and Lake Calhoun are both great for running, biking, walking and sightseeing. 

I of course have more favorites than just 5, but this post would be a novel if I included them all!
I will make sure to share addional favorites when I take my next adventure to the cities.


Have a terrific Tuesday!

Seeking Adventure in Scotland

This past fall, I had the opportunity to travel abroad for the first time. Our group voyaged to Scotland to hike the West Highland Way, a 96 mile trek along side rolling hills, towering mountains, dense woodland and deep Lochs (lakes).

Top of Conic Hill overlooking Loch Lomond

 I distinctly remember feeling a sense of admiration during my time in Scotland. My eyes were all of wide with wonder as they kept discovering new sights never seen before. My ears felt rich with diverse languages and accents being conversed around me. The feeling of being a foreigner in a land I’ve never been was such a humbling experience. 

Beginning of the West Highland Way

Hiking the highlands only intensified that feeling. For once, I felt like a true traveler, wandering uncharted territory. Our journey began in Milngavie, a small town just outside Glasgow and ended in Fort Williams, a bustling settlement in the Highlands of Scotland. 

Highland Hikers

Our days ranged from 9-19 miles of hiking from one bed and breakfast to the next.

Nights were spend relaxing in the pubs, where we mingled with the locals and even got a private bagpipe show from a Scottish pub owner named Stuart.

Top of Devil's Staircase

The most anticipated stage of the West Highland Way occurred on one of our last hiking days. The Devil's Staircase begins with a steep climb leading up and out of majestic Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s iconic Highlands valleys, followed by a long descent to the town of Kinlochieven.

"On the Bonnie Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond."

Traveling to Scotland, and hiking the West Highland Way very much deepened my curiosity to see and experience the rest of the world. I highly recommend anyone to take this trek or a section of it at the least! 

If you have any further questions about my journey, don't hesitate to ask!