The Traveling Lovers: A Musical Poem and Song Lyric Mash Up!

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I went from Phoenix, Arizona all the way to Tacoma, Philadephia. Atlanta. LA.

Northern California where the girls are warm, so I could hear my sweet baby say.

“Gotta make a move to a town that’s right for me. Town to get me movin’, keep me grovin’ with some energy. Won’t you take me to Funky Town?”

So we hit the road Jack and we’re not coming back, no more no more no more.

And all the roads that lead us there are winding. And all the lights that light our way are blinding.

Moats and boats and waterfalls, alleyways and payphone calls. I’ve been everywhere with you.

I can remember the fourth of July runnin’ through the backwood bare.

And your smile so warm, and your cheeks so soft. There was nothing for me but to love you, and the way you looked that night.

So how far down do you want to go? We could talk it out over a cup of joe, and you can look deep in my eyes like I was a supermodel.

Baby you’re a song, you make me want to roll my windows down and cruise.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white. And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

We’ll all float on okay. Just fly me to the moon.

– A musical poem

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*I take no ownership of any of these song lyrics. Here is a list of songs (in order). Did you guess them correctly??

Steve Miller Band – Keep on Rockin’ Me Baby / Lipps Inc. – Funky Town / Ray Charles – Hit the Road Jack / Oasis – Wonderwall / Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home / Credence Clearwater Revival – Born on the Bayou / Frank Sinatra – The Way You Look Tonight / The Refreshments – Banditos / Florida Georgia Line – Cruise / Louis Armstrong – What a Wonderful World  / Modest Mouse – Float On / Frank Sinatra – Fly Me to the Moon

Perhaps It Was the Water : 10 Unique Islands Around the World to Visit

K. Noel Photography

The island life is one that so many people wish to experience. Every year thousands of people take flight to island destinations for relaxation and adventure. Many times when we think of an island vacation we think of Hawaii or other touristy hot spot. But maybe you are a little more adventurous and want to explore destinations a little less well-known. If so, this list is for you. Here are 10 islands you may not have thought of visiting, but after reading this you’ll definitely want to!

10. Dubai Palm Islands, United Arab Emirates / These are the world’s largest man-made islands and structured in the shape of palm trees located in the Persian Gulf. Yes, you read that right. Man-made islands . It’s an engineering feat to be admired and wondered at. And indeed the website claims it to be the 8th wonder of the world. The Atlantis Hotel is one of the main attractions on the island and should be noteworthy to know you are hundreds of feet out in the ocean on an island that wasn’t there before. But the real view is from up top. Click here for an aerial view.

9. Little Diomede Island, Alaska / Not to be confused with the Big Diomede Island (or Ratmanov Island) 2.5 miles away, which is part of Siberia, Russia. The islands are located in the Bering Straight and separated by country boarders as well as the International Date Line. Although they are only a few miles apart, there is a 20 hour time difference! Locals call them the Tomorrow Island and the Yesterday Island. Little Diomede is inhabited by Inuit Eskimo natives. Population is around 150.

8. Iceland / The country of Iceland is quickly becoming a popular destination. It might not have those warm and sunny beaches, but it has its fair share of surreal beauty. With views of the northern lights, volcano tours, and stunning geothermal waters there is an abundance of adventures to be had. Maybe even climb a glacier if you’re looking for a challenge!

7. The Galapagos Islands / Probably best known for the evolutionary studies of Charles Darwin in the 1800’s, these islands were made famous with the discovery of multiple species of animals and other natural life. If nature and science is your thing, this is mecca. The island is estimated to be 3-10 MILLION years old. Get a look at the world’s rarest animals, like the Galapagos Marine Iguana (the only lizard in the world that can swim in the ocean) and the Giant Galapagos Tortoise (which outlives most human lifespans). If you do visit, please note that this is a very fragile ecosystem and respecting the natural inhabitants of this world treasure is very important for the future of this island.

6. Madagascar / An island nation in the Indian ocean and the 4th largest island in the world is home to forests filled with lemurs, snorkeling adventures and beautiful views. There are many things to do on this island. One unique thing to visit is Akany Avoko, a home and center for 120 homeless children. Children are taught cooking and gardening skills. Public tours are given of the facilities and there is a café and craft store that raises money by selling the crafts that the kids make.

5. The Lofoten Islands, Norway / Located off the main land of Norway are the Lofoten Islands which are filled with fishing villages, classic Norway architecture, and stunning fjords which are narrow strips of water surrounded by steep sides of cliffs. Norway holds some of the world’s most picturesque places, so don’t forget your camera!

4. Hokkaido, Japan / While Japan itself is an island nation, Hokkaido is one of 4 main islands that comprises Japan. Hokkaido is the most rural of the 4 and the northern most island. So prepare for a colder climate. You’ll want to see the annual snow festival in the city of Sopporo, which features some amazing snow/ice sculptures. Or check out the city of Otaru and its gorgeous Canal District!

3. The Falkland Islands, Argentina / Although it is controlled by the United Kingdom, the Falkland Islands have been very diversely populated by settlers from France, Spain, Britain, and Argentina. It is technically under control by the British but Argentina still lays a controversial claim to these islands. Visitors will enjoy the wildlife and terrain. The ecosystem is a unique one, with highly flammable peat moss and an abundance of marine and bird species. Visit maritime and World War 1 memorials.

2. Papua New Guinea /  This place is filled with a vibrant and colorful culture. Check out their many festivals throughout the year, including the Crocodile Festival. To quote the Papua New Guinea Tourism site, “In Sepik culture men and crocodile share a special bond. The Crocodile symbolizes strength, power and manhood.” There are a plenty of water sports and tours you can take here, so surfers and snorkelers rejoice! Just watch out for those fresh and saltwater crocs.

1. Le Mont-St. Michel, Normandy, France / This island is one that will take your breath away. The man made road from mainland Normandy, France to the tiny island commune leads to the high walls and spires of a gigantic medieval castle! Famous for its high tidal variations, every couple times throughout the year the sea engulfs the road and the island becomes truly isolated again. The rich history of the castle and its inhabitants is attention-grabbing. According to the history of this castle, the Archangel Michel requested that the Bishop of Avranches build a small church here in the year 709. Through the years, many different structures where built as well. Anyone interested in history will adore this island.

Now, be well in your travels and find an adventure!

Under the Trees: 5 Reasons Why Being In Nature Cures All Bad Days!

“A mountain is composed of tiny grains of earth. The ocean is made up of tiny drops of water. Even so, life is but an endless series of little details, actions, speeches, and thoughts. And the consequences whether good or bad of even the least of them are far-reaching.” – Swami Sivananda

Now I had the luxury of growing up in Colorado where being in nature kind of just happens when you walk out your door. In California, it can be a bit different depending on where you are living. You might actually have to make an effort to find a little more greenery. But here are 5 reasons why you should make that effort!

1) It can relax your nerves and calm your spirit. Even a “city-slicker” can experience the frustrations of living in a city once in a while. If you truly open yourself up to what nature has to offer you can find an inner calm. Your auditory senses are given a little break from being turned on constantly to a different kind of smell, sound, and view.

2) Mountain activities like hiking, biking and skiing/snowboarding provide exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise. Go with a group of friends or go by yourself, these activities work out your limbs in the best of ways! You won’t even realize how much you’re actually doing because of how much fun you’re having…until the next day of course when you’re too sore to get out of bed. If mountains aren’t your thing, get to the desert and ride a quad!

3) It puts things in perspective. Had a bad day? Work/ school got you down? Boyfriend or girlfriend driving you crazy? Step out into the great outdoors. Looking out into an incredible view can change your outlook on things. Not only is our world a massive place (although with social media it can feel like a small space at times), feeling ourselves in a physically larger space allows us to remember that we are just tiny creatures on a giant world floating in a colossal universe. When we are able to break free of our ever-shrinking technology-laden world, we remember that life is bigger than that fight we had with someone, or that work assignment we messed up on. Being in a larger space give us perspective.

4) We connect better with people in nature! This one might be obvious. But when there is no electrical outlets and the nearest cell tower is too far to get the best signal, we tend to put our phones and ipads down and focus on what is in front of us. When we focus on the people around us, we listen to them more and insert ourselves into the growth of a relationship.

5) Our self worth increases. When you put into play all of the above reasons we find that those little stressors and worries just don’t matter. When we feel good we do good for ourselves and others which creates a cycle of self worth.

So find your perfect spot on the mountain and live it up!

Under the Palms

K. Noel Photography

I REGRET OFTEN THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, NEVER THAT I HAVE BEEN SILENT.

-Syrus

  Silence is one of those powerful moments that can channel so much meaning to a given situation. It can be used to pass judgment, permeate wisdom, show cowardice or bravery, or convey a powerful message of understanding.

  No matter where you live, being in a modern lifestyle can sometimes make it difficult to find that moment of silence.

  In Southern California, the moment can be found on days when you look up at the palm trees and for a brief moment the only sound you hear is the wind rustling the leaves. Or finding yourself alone in a coffee shop listening only to the clinks of dishes being washed in the back. Those are the moments that come and go so quickly you almost forget to appreciate it in such a loud city.

  It’s those little things that people don’t pay much mind to that help us appreciate living this California lifestyle. It’s what tourists and visitors are looking for when they come out here…that moment their minds become silent and all they hear is the rustling of a palm tree or the crash of a wave.

We just have to remember to take that moment and know it is just as important as the sounds of city life.

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