It has been a crazy last few weeks, and I cannot believe that my time in this city is almost over. My last Saturday in Philadelphia was filled with pretty blooms and a sweet friend. God is too good. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
0 Comments
Washington, D.C.God bless America, land that I love Stand beside her and guide her Through the night with the light from above. I had an extra patriotic Fourth in our nation's capital. Rooftop views in Capitol Hill. Seriously, how charming is Georgetown? Yes, we waited in a 40 minute line for a cupcake. Yes, it was worth every second. God bless America
My home sweet home. Xo Collect Moments, Not ThingsAside from learning to lean on God at ALL times, I think that the most important lesson that I have learned from this summer is to invest in moments, not things. Yes, I love to shop, and I unfortunately have a keen eye for designer labels, but I have felt the most joy when I have spent my money on creating memories. For instance, I would rather have a beautiful dinner with great company than a new shirt, or see a play than purchase a new pair of sunglasses. Things will eventually lose their lust and you will continue to be a slave to the same cycle over and over again. Invest in things that cannot be taken away from you.
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt Xo {Image via Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/212935888607854527/} And I found myself going to NYC once again...I knew that it would turn into a habit! This time I was accompanied by my mom and sister. After five weeks apart, I honestly didn't care what we did- I was just content being with them and soaking up the time we had together! It was so fun showing them the "lay of the land." They were lucky (or unlucky) enough to experience it all: hopping on a train at Princeton, getting caught in the hustle and bustle of city life, and running to catch a train back, literally. The Plaza Hotel never disappoints. Pink peonies- my favorite! They say that once you have lived close to New York, no place else is good enough. The goodbyes never get easier, but at least I will be seeing these two in three weeks!
Xo It is so cool to see how something so dilapidated and a place that was once home to pain, loneliness, and regret can be so beautiful. The Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the oldest prisons to date and one of the most notorious haunted buildings in America. When the prison was in use, its policy called for solitary confinement of all inmates. Infamous criminals including Al Capone and Willie Sutton spent time at Eastern State. The ruins of it remain as a reminder of the byproducts of a terribly sin-filled world. The solitary and hopelessness of each prison cell reminded me that God allows trials out of love to purity us. This, I believe, is why so much honest beauty can be found in such a ravaged place.
Xo Possibility Everywhere“Let’s not travel to tick things off list or collect half hearted semi treasures…rather, we’ll travel to find grounds and rooftops and tiny hidden parks, where we’ll sit and dismiss the passing time, spun in the city’s web until we’ve surrendered, content to be spent and consumed. I need to feel a place while I’m in it.” It is bittersweet to think that a month has already come and gone in this city, but it is fun to know that I still have five weeks left. The past few weeks have been spent exploring and adventuring (which explains why my blog has been so bare). I have seen everything worth seeing in Philadelphia, with every adventure spinning more and more into the city’s web. I’ve learned to see possibility everywhere! Xo Spruce Street Harbor Longwoods Gardens Reading Terminal Market- one of my favorite places in Philly!
This City is MagicMichael Strahan from Good Morning America GMA set in Times Square On the set of The Gossip Table; the person who made this all happen- Chloe Melas! This city is magic. The reason that I feel a connection with New York City is because it makes you believe that anything is possible. It is the definition, and, in my opinion, origin of the American Dream. A dream that most people have learned to disregard and believe to be failed. I, on the other hand, know that this dream is still very much alive. But, it is only alive in the people who full-heartedly believe in its prosperity. "because I'm doing this for the thrill of it...never not chasing a million things I want."I felt like a New Yorker yesterday, believing in my own dreams. This city is a concrete jungle of opportunity for those who are brave enough to search for it. The city is magic, and it makes nonbelievers believe in themselves again.
Xo Welcome to New YorkNew York City, you did it again. Congratulations on never ceasing to amaze me and making me fall in love over and over again. I've Learned What?Disclaimer: I did not come to Philadelphia completely naive and dependent on my mother...but I have been forced to learn many (valuable) lessons. While most lessons have pertained to life- many have related to the Philadelphian culture.
It is hoped that my lack of experience will enhance yours: 1. Unless you love headaches, yelling, years deducted from your life and standstill traffic, DO NOT drive through Washington D.C. or Baltimore. Just don't. 2. You have to manually light a gas stove, it will not light itself with a simple twist of the nob. In fact, that ticking sound that it is making actually signifies that carbon monoxide is being released into your oxygen-filled atmosphere. Turns out, this can be fatal. 3. In a city, you must ALWAYS research your goal destination before embarking on your journey. Just because there is a Target Store does not guarantee that the surrounding neighborhood will be filled with lovely suburban homes and kids laughing in the front lawn. 4. Grocery shopping is a real chore. Contrary to every teenager and college students' belief, they do not just magically appear in the refrigerator. (& they are expensive!!) 5. Just because a dishwasher doesn't open with a gentle tug does not mean that it is jammed closed. It actually means that it is simply old and will require you to manually unlock it. 6. If you don't take the time to wash your clothes at least once a week, you will have none. Plain and simple. 7. Public transportion waits for no one. Not even for a confused girl from Alabama. 8. It takes a lot of dollars to keep a person alive. I am beginning to rethink how many children I plan on having. 9. When driving up to a toll booth, take the ticket and continue moving forward to the next booth to pay. Do not sit and wait for an attendant. They will never come and the people behind you will never lay off their horns. 10. While driving in Philadelphia, a Stop sign apparently signifies a gradual yield. If you do not roll through it, expect to be honked at and occasionally passed by the impatient driver behind you. Well, that is all for now. Stay tuned for an updated list! Xo {image via Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/121245414944516430/} It's funny how something that I saw as a flaw has become my most prized attribution. Being from the Deep South, I have always been aware of my southern and occasionally drawn out phrases. Whenever I venture away from my southern roots, I am always very conscious of my accent. I attempt to make all of my words fluent and articulated in hopes that the native I am talking to doesn't pick up my southern vibe. Don't get me wrong, I am not ashamed. However, I have always had this silly fear of being an outcast and foolish desire to fit in.
Broadcasters, for the most part, have a "general" American accent. I have been under the impression that I need to change the way that I talk to be taken seriously and professionally in the business world. Since being in the North, I have been overwhelmed by the responses that my accent has brought. Not only has it sparked conversation, but it has enabled me to stand out in a sea full of people who are all the same. It makes me different. This twangy, drawn out, charming dialect that I once saw as a disadvantage has become my biggest advantage. It is nice being memorable, unique, and different. I like being the "girl from Alabama" and now, no matter where I go, I always make sure to throw in a y'all. Xo {image via Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/pin/198791771027991758/} |
Ala. | Pa. | NY.Ignoring logic & ignoring the odds during my summer 2015 adventure. This blog is dedicated to the amazing adventures, beautiful places, and people I meet along the way. Archives
Categories |