2013 in Review.

It's New Year's Eve here, so as I prepare myself to start drinking copious amounts of champagne I'm
having a mental recap about all the craziness that 2013 held. I'm a little (or a lot) in awe about the amount of changes that can happen in a year. I wouldn't believe me unless I had lived through it.

I was inspired by an article I read in the Huffington Post and thought I would do my own little rendition.

In a very dumbed down version, here is what 2013 looked like for me:

Rang in the New Year in Paris, then off to Morocco, Turkey and India for my first buying trip topped off with a little R&R in Thailand. After that, landed in Central Oregon for a few months and took our little business on the road for the summer which gave me the chance to visit friends in Idaho, Montana, Arizona and California. Organized a memorial walk for my mom which was an overwhelming success and have done a lot of reflection on our relationship! Attended weddings in Portland, Vermont, North Carolina and South Carolina. Reconnected with many friends I've met throughout the years traveling to all corners of the world. Made lots of new friends. Led a tour through Western Turkey. Joined back up with my old company, FMYI, for a little bit. Took some side trips in there to Boston, more California and all around Oregon. And although the business didn't end up going the way I hoped, it gave me the kickstart I needed that and ultimately gave me the opportunity to fulfill a dream of mine of coming back to Australia on a WHV. So here I am!

I've learned a lot about myself during the course of these experiences and learned a lot about others too. Thanks to everyone who joined me on this roller coaster ride, you've made it exciting and at moments when needed, bearable. There have been lots of ups and many downs but at the end of the day, I've vowed to live my life to the fullest and take some chances. I think it's working.

Here's to 2014!

Sparkles and the Eiffel Tower for New Years 2013! Paris, France

Paris Love Locks and an admirer. Paris, France.

Getting lost in the Pere-Lachaise Cemetery. Paris, France. 

A stall at the Paris Flea Market. Simply brilliant!

View of the Galata Tower. Istanbul, Turkey.

Camel Wrestling. Selcuk, Turkey.

Joining the crowds at the Camel Wrestling. Selcuk, Turkey.

Lively activities in the Djemaa el-Fna. Marrakech, Morocco. 

A typical door in the Fez Medina. Fez, Morocco.

The Cave of Hercules. Tangier, Morocco. 

Jama Masjid. Delhi, India. 

A moment of zen. Delhi, India.

Block printing magic. Jaipur, India. 

View from Spencer Butte. Eugene, Oregon.

The glorious Smith Rock State Park. Terrebonne, Oregon.

The Turkey Eleven Tour! Ephesus, Turkey.

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey.

Wine tasting in style. Sonoma, California.

Lowndes Down Plantation destination wedding! Charleston, South Carolina. 

On top of the world. Outer Banks, North Carolina. 

The Great Ocean Road. Victoria, Australia. 

A Koala Named Harry.

An Aussie Moment.

As predicted, I knew I couldn't/wouldn't stay away from the Great Ocean Road for very long. 12 days to be exact. While on this little excursion I came across something worth sharing. A koala. I shall call him, Harry. There we were just winding along the road, enjoying the beautiful scenery when we came around a corner to cars stopping and people getting out. And what do you think we should see in the middle of the road causing this little roadblock? Yes, a koala. He (in reality though, Harry could've been a Harriet), was just plopped down on his rump in the middle of traffic with no sign of guilt whatsoever. After a few people attempted to scoot him out of the way, a guy got out of his car who looked as though this was not his first rodeo, picked up Harry by the nape of his neck like a cat, and drug him to the side of the road where he swiftly gave him a kick to the ol' behind. Harry started running down the road and tried to climb up the first thing he saw. Sad to say, in the few seconds we were able to watch, it looked like he was striking out with the street lamp pole. 

I didn't capture the moment on film because I was too busy smiling from ear to ear at the absolute preciousness of the situation. However, a ways down the road on the way to Cape Otway, we were able to catch a couple handfuls of koalas chillin' in the trees up above. So without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Amy.

Not Harry. 

A Very Merry 'Orphan Aussie' Christmas.

Christmas Down Under.

This is the second Christmas ever that I've been away from my family for the holidays. Coincidentally enough, the first Christmas away was 4 years ago and also spent in Australia. There is something to be said about starting the day at the beach, eating outside and lathering up in sunscreen (SPF 30+).

Thanks, Oliver for hosting!

I wasn't exactly sure how things would pan out. Would I be an emotional wreck? Would I feel lonely? Would I get in the holiday spirit? I'm happy to report: no, no, yes. One MAJOR benefit to traveling the world and putting yourself into new situations, is that you are never too far away from a friend.

Enter Oliver. I met Oliver four years ago in Sydney (and who is coincidentally from West Linn!) and he was thoughtful enough to include me for Christmas with his Australian family and another 'orphan' from New Zealand. It was pretty stinkin' magical!

The Day's Events.

The morning started out with a short walk and a plunge in the ocean at Jan Jac beach. I call it a plunge, because although the sun was shining high and bright, the water hasn't quite got the memo that its summer yet. But I can guarantee you I'm not complaining! And the day just continued to get better from there.

By definition, I am a vegetarian. BUT there is something about Christmas that calls to my inner sea child and I literally cannot eat enough crab. I mean, literally cannot stop. (Side story for perspective: two years ago at xmas, my dad had to tell me to stop inhaling the crab so I wouldn't make myself sick. Truth.) Usually I spend the eve of Christmas with my Aunt Diane's family where we indulge in crab cakes and whiskey sours, so fortunately for me, my 'adoptive family' feels the same way about seafood at Christmas, but instead of whiskey sours, there was endless amounts of Sol brewskies.

Prawn Sandwich in the making.
(Thanks Mark!)

In addition to the crab we had for dinner, I had my first taste of a prawn sandwich! My dad was chirping inside my head so I only allowed myself one, but I must say it was quite delicious and I saved myself from getting ill.

Food and booze were definitely a focal point of this "Very Merry 'Orphan Aussie' Christmas," but other things were happening while we weren't stuffing our faces. There was the secret santa festivities. I got an awesomely large beach towel that will quickly become my new best friend. There was the walk down to the beach to reenergize ourselves before our eight meal of the day. There was the setting of the table and cleaning of the dishes (this probably took up about half the day due to the amount of meals we committed to). And of course the poker game to end the night. No, I didn't win.

The Analysis. 

So, there you have it folks. I think one of the best ways to cope with being away for the holidays and not being with your loved ones is to not try and compare too much of what you are doing in this moment to what you would be doing if you were at home. However, there is no escaping the fact that I missed everyone dearly, especially the ol' pops and brother (and even more especially, my mom).

Group shot: Devin, Oliver, Me,
David, Jenny & Mark.

Another coping mechanism is to bring with you an old tradition to the new experience - wouldn't be Christmas without making mom's Christmas Crack! But let's get real, even that had an Aussie spin to it because I had none of the original ingredients. If I've learned anything over the last year and a half, its that you've got to live your life to the fullest! It sounds cliche but it's oh so true. When you're given opportunities to try something new or invited along to do something that's out of the norm, seize that moment. You will be pleasantly surprised by the people who let you in and the invaluable experience it will bring to your life. And, if it totally sucks, well...at least there's a story in that too.

Cheers to Christmas Crack and all of the goodness that is waiting just around the corner.

xo,
Court

Christmas Crack. Maybe one day you'll be lucky
and I'll share the recipe with you! (Best served in a
Christmas tin.)

The Great Ocean Road: As seen in 36 hours.

When I boarded the plane in Portland a week ago bound for Melbourne, Australia, I never would've thought I'd kick this adventure off so perfectly with a road trip along the Great Ocean Road! The entire route is 151 miles of dramatic and breathtaking coast lines and small towns. This route was built by soldiers who returned from WWI to honor those who lost their lives during the war and is the largest war memorial in the world. 

I don't think I have the right vocabulary to paint the proper picture of just how majestic this stretch of land is. So hopefully my photos can communicate what my words cannot. This route pictured here was done only in 36 hours, but honestly I could dedicate a week (if not longer) to exploring the beaches, towns and little treasures off the beaten path that this stretch of land has to offer. For example, did you know that Victoria, Australia has it's own Californian Redwoods planted in 1939? Neither did I!

Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. India and the wildlife of Africa have always been in my mind the most photogenic places I've ever been. The GOA has now joined the ranks. I can say with confidence that this will not be my last visit to the Great Ocean Road during my Working Holiday Visa and I can't wait to share what I come across next!

Road trippin' - You can't go on a road trip without writing something in the sand and then taking a picture of it. That would just be wrong. 

A little piece of the Best Coast found in Victoria, Australia. Small in comparison to the Redwoods in California, but mighty and enchanting all the same. 

It smells like home. Huge ferns surround these massive Redwoods and just beg you to keep walking deeper into the forest.  

 The Twelve Apostles dart out of the ocean to give one of the most breathtaking views you'll ever have the pleasure of seeing. So hurry and get here - only 8 of the 12 are still standing.

 Endless pockets of beaches are tucked all along the impressive coast line. No shortage of awe-struck moments. 

 My heart breaks a little every time I wear my Beth's Walk tank, but it also feels like a giant hug!  

 A striking contrast of colors. Enough Said.

Smile,
Court

Australian cement.

Whelp, I've  landed on Australian soil, or rather cement. It's a strange, liberating, exciting, nervous, giddy, holy shitballs, here-goes-nothing kind of feeling! Waiting in Sydney right now to board my flight to Melbourne which is where the real adventure will begin. 

Thanks for the amazing send off everyone. Love to you all! Now, let's do this thang...

The Turkey Eleven.

#theturkeyeleven at Ephesus

#theturkeyeleven started out as a fun hashtag to group all of our photos together while on a two week trip through (you guessed it) Turkey, but the phrase has taken on a robust self-identity and now reflects amazing friendships created. (For those that need a refresher course on what a hashtag is.)

On September 2nd, eleven of us met at the Portland International Airport to embark on a life changing adventure together. Some of us knew a handful of the others on the trip and others not a soul, but it was obvious once we were all stuffed in the back of the A330 and wine was flowing like water (we literally were drinking it like it was the only way possible to hydrate our bones) that we all were there for a reason and had something unique to bring to the table. 

The Assessment.

I am still awestruck that Rachel and I tricked people into thinking we could lead a tour through Turkey and come out the other side unscathed. Well let's be honest, I can't believe I tricked myself into believing that, but by golly it actually worked. Like, really worked. The route we planned was one we had done 15 months ago where we met the most amazing people along the way. All those things considered, we felt comfortable we could replicate it and make it go even smoother. Happy to say that every connection was made, every reservation accounted for and no girl left behind along the way. High five. 

To be honest, I was a little nervous taking such a large group back to Turkey with me. These were a few of the questions that were floating around in my head (and I'm sure a lot of people were thinking too when they found out my master plan of leading this trip): 

Our route and modes of transport.

1. Could traveling with 10 girls make for a drama filled vacation?
2. I've got a love affair with this country and have talked it up so much, what if it isn't as magical for the girls we've convinced to come along with us?
3. Will traveling with such a big group take away the possibility for spontaneous moments?

I thought I would have a lot of critical things to say in response to these questions, but in short the answers are: no, even more magical, not a chance. [1] Traveling with a group of 11 dynamic women made for constant entertainment. There was always someone to split off with who was interested in the same things you were and there were enough people that you never felt things getting cliquey (or if things did, it wasn't rubbed in your face and it really didn't matter). Plus, there was always someone around to laugh at you if you tripped on absolutely nothing on the sidewalk. [2] Everyone walked away (or flew away) from Turkey just as in love with the country as we were after our first, second and now third visit. They must put something in their water. [3] Eleven American women definitely caused for some attention to be thrown our way, but whether we were split off in smaller groups or traveling in our wolf pack, we had some of the most beautiful moments with the locals that maybe we would've missed out on if we were traveling in pairs or solo. Two moments come to mind in Cappadocia that I would love to share more of later. 

The highlight reel.

The Blue Mosque

In Istanbul, we wandered the streets and bathed in the history the mysterious metropolis has to offer. From the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the alleys and layers of merchants in the Grand Bazaar. Baklava and icecream to kahvaltı and Turkish coffee, we made the absolute most out of our three days in the city. Highly recommend Cheers Hostel for a centrally located and affordable place to park yourself while you are there! 

Balloon ride over Cappadocia

You cannot go to Turkey without going to Cappadocia. I repeat. You CANNOT go to Turkey without going to Cappadocia. A part of my heart lives there and forever it will stay. Stay in a cave (love the guys here). Rise before the sun with a hot air balloon ride. Ride wild horses with a real Turkish cowboy through the valleys and have your breath be taken away by the incomparable and dream-like landscape. And a shit ton more.

View of Kaş from the boat

Take a Blue Cruise. Four days/three nights is a perfect amount of time to enjoy the luxury of relaxation, sprinkled with small coastal town visits, fabulous food and refreshing jumps into the water. We've used Alaturka Cruises in the past and have had great experiences! They have a few different itineraries to choose from so you really can't go wrong. Treat yourself and don't forget a good book! 

The Library at Ephesus

We rounded out our trip with three nights in Selçuk  A great place to base yourself to visit the ancient Greek (and later Roman) city of Ephesus. The ruins of this once booming city of the ancient world will leave your jaw hanging on the floor. Don't be shy and get a guide, because there are so many great stories tucked into the nooks and crannies of what is left standing (and many more in what is no longer visible to the eye). Paired with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, we made all of our history teachers proud with the amount of information we soaked in. From Selçuk you also have easy access to destinations such as Pamukkale, Şirince and Camel Wresting (if you go the right time of year). To guarantee yourself a good time, stay at Atilla's Getaway!

Wrap it up.

I have a million more things to say about this trip but I'm going to save it for later. This isn't to exclude you and leave out some of the juicy details, but as bait for me to take in efforts to get my ass to blog more and write shit down. So there you have it. #theturkeyeleven took on Turkey and I would humbly say, we dominated! We all came out with a few more friends than when we left, have a few more laughs under our belt and a few more stories to share with our children to make them think we were cool at one point in our lives. Can't wait to see what's in store the next go around....

Smile,
Courtney

Beth's Walk in Turkey

15 months ago I went to Turkey for the first time (I just returned from my third trip). On Mother's Day 2012 while I was there, I spoke with my mom on the phone and that's when I realized my life would forever change whether I was ready or not. Since then it drastically has. 

Turkey has become a place for me that provides comfort and gives me a sense of hope. I wanted to take this picture in front of the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul wearing my Beth's Walk shirt to capture all of the emotion I was feeling. When I was taking the photo, I accidentally photo bombed a woman's photo standing next to me and we laughed but then decided to take a real picture together. Afterwards, she gave me a hug and two big kisses on the cheek as she grabbed my face with one of the warmest smiles I've ever received. We didn't speak the same language and she had no idea what kind of moment she shared with me (nor I her), but it's a moment I will forever cherish.

Taking you with me everywhere I go, madre. xo

Happy Hour

The perfect morning! Coffee and Margarita date from across the globe.

So these two blondes get off a plane in Morocco...

Greetings from a local, long-haul bus in Morocco. Heading back to Marrakech after a much needed couple days at the beach in Essaouira. We've been in Morocco for 11 days now (and travelled the world mind you) but today learned a lesson for the umpteenth time, to slow down otherwise you will get ripped off. So here I am slowing down.

I had the best intention of keeping up on a blog this travel go around. Swore to myself I would write regularly and share experiences as they unfolded. But do you think I have done that? A big fat no. So this is my attempt of breaking my writers block and getting something out so that for the next 6 weeks I'll be full of animated details, colorful words and life changing statements (ok not really, but a girl can dream). Do forgive me though for incomplete sentences as I write this, because at the moment I have two French guys sitting in the seats behind me banging away on their new Moroccan instruments and a lovely body-odor and tobacco soaked, middle aged man's hip pressed against my left shoulder. Literally. Ah, the pure romance of this country.

So the story begins...

After a wonderful un-Christmas, Christmas and a rain-soaked, sequin and champagne New Year in Paris, we rolled our clothes, gathered our 3 oz. travel toiletries and put on our walking shoes - it was time for Morocco. Justin (brother) and Shayla (friend) joined Rachel and I for our first few days on the journey and we headed straight for Assilah after getting off the plane. Assilah is this beautiful coastal town just 45km south of Tangier. If I had just seen a snapshot I would've guessed it for Greece, with it's white washed walls and blue roofs over looking the crashing waves on the rocky Atlantic shore. As many of you know, or don't, this trip has a different spin to it than my normal nomad-ing around shenanigans. This is the birthday trip of Delyea Navone - my next life venture with my friend and business partner Rachel (she brings the Navone side of things). So we are galavanting around the world, buying up artisan, home decor beauties from the locals and bringing it home to you. Isn't that nice of us?

Our first day and first shop in Morocco, we stumbled upon this lovely carpet salesman by the name of Omar. After spending about 15 minutes in his shop and checking out the scene (along with an approving nod from Justin) we decided this would be the first official buying stop for Delyea Navone. And so, history was made.

Knowing Justin and Shay only had a few days to enjoy the mysterious beauty of this North African country, we headed back to Tangier to make sure we didn't miss anything that was to be seen. And here I will pause to tell you - there was nothing to be seen and we didn't miss anything. So let's skip that. Bid adieux to our friends (wish they had better luck making it back to the states! But I'll let them tell you that story), and Rachel and I boarded a train to the lovely handicraft center of Morocco, Fes.

From the terrace at our guest house.

We had met a guy on the train who worked for the tourism board in Tangier and had lived in Chicago for years a few years back, so when he recommended we get a government official tour guide to help us navigate the labyrinth of the Fes medina, we thought it could be a good idea because we only had so many days in this town and a lot to accomplish. We should've known though with our past guide experience(s) that this in the end, would really be no different. Every shop was a friends shop, and every shop gave him a kick back as incentive to take us there - none of which were the kinds of shops we wanted to go to! So in the end we ditched him with a little sour taste in our mouth and had one final day to lose ourselves in the medina. And for those of you who don't know (because I didn't before coming here), each city in Morocco has a medina. It's the old, cultural part of town that the rest of the cities have been built around. There is a wall around this section of town in case you are ever to confuse it with the Ville Nouvelle (new town). Every section or town within the medina itself has five things always: a fountain, a school, a hammam, a bakery and a mosque. They are quite charming, the streets are intertwined in a maze like you've never seen before and it feels like you have taken one giant leap back in time. And the Fes medina is one of the most spectacular! Picture David Bowie in the movie Labyrinth and all the majestical creatures (not the bulge and spandex) and corners to turn to get lost, throw in the call to prayer throughout the day, some donkey drawn carts, and the never ending smell of the tanneries, animal hides, merchants selling everything you could want, and you've got yourself a glimpse of the Fes medina.

Marrakech was a welcomed change when it came time to go. The 7 hour train ride delivered us to a city that was cleaner than expected and housed a romance and charm that echoed through the city. We found a nice little place just off the Djemaa El Fna, the main square in the medina where story tellers engage their audience in Arabic, cross-dressing belly dancers shake what their mommas gave them, snake charmers charm and music plays wildly through the crowds. The square is mildly quiet during the day with boxing matches, monkeys on chains and merchants selling goods, but at night it becomes alive in the most vibrant way like nothing you have ever seen with thousands of participants. At first you may think this is just a show for the tourists, but its been going on for hundreds and hundreds of years - so it's really about the locals and many things have stayed true to form for the duration. Around 4pm you can walk through and see all of the stands for food being set up just as they had the night before, and sit amongst everything while enjoying some cheap Moroccan fare and wash it all down with a glass of mint tea. Absolutely amazing.

We spent a few days in Marrakech wandering through the bazaar and plotting and scheming for Delyea Navone. We made some purchases we are REALLY excited about and can't wait to share with everyone. There are endless amounts of stalls selling everything from wood carvings, shoes and carpets to olives, antiques and djellaba. A place to really got lost with all of your senses. It definitely can be hard walking around as two blondes, with blue eyes and no denying fair skin. A lot of obscenities boldly yelled out as you approach or worst yet, whispered in your ear as you walk by. That part never really gets any easier, you just learn to ignore it all the while wanting to punch anyone with the nerve square in the jaw or let your knee find their groin in the friendliest of manner (just needed to vent). Needless to say, it was very welcomed when our friend Carla from the Philippines who we met in Turkey last year introduced us to her friend Diego from home who is living in Marrakech with his family. He and his boss (3 year old darling Sibol) met us for the day, and it was pure bliss having a man to walk through the craziness with. It didn't stop the hollering but it at least muted it a little and he was oh so helpful. One of the highlights of the day spent with our new friend Deigo was escaping the center of town a bit to explore the Jardin Majorelle, a 12 acre botanical garden owned by the late Yves Saint-Laurent where his ashes are now scattered. I can see why the man loved it there so much.

Sunset over the Atlantic taken in Essaouira

As we were nearing the end of our buying time in Morocco, we decided to escape to the coast for a couple days of relaxation to recharge the ol' batteries. It worked! We headed to Essaouira. A beach town known for its surfing and artist vibe. The guide books have said it hasn't really been discovered by tourist, which I would have to strongly disagree with - it seemed to cater quite strongly to tourists with all of the shops and surf shops and guest houses listing prices in both Euros and Dirhams. It was exactly what the doctor ordered though, I tell ya and will making a repeat visit at some point. We met some great people from Australia and Canada and created instant bonds, even though the in-person friendship may have lasted only 8 hours you just never know when you may cross paths again. Fingers crossed it's soon.

One final night in Marrakech topped this part of the trip off. Scrambled to make our final Moroccan purchases to send off to home, eat every last drop of couscous we could and be inappropriately groped one last time (got those elbows in a few guts though - pow!), and it was time to say good-bye to this magical country, until we meet again...which probably won't be that far away.

Our route in Morocco

As mentioned before, I'm working my way back into this whole blogging thing and tend to skip over a lot of detail or let me mind work faster than my fingers and only get one bits of pieces of stories. Hope it makes a little sense! For more complete stories and better detail than I could ever give you, you can check out Rachel's blog and be sure to follow Delyea Navone on FB where we have a little blog action going as well (a little plug). You'll have blogs coming out your ears by the time all is said and done.

Big hugs to you all! Up next, Turkey.

A gift of lessons.

When I'm home, I'm thinking about travel 75% of the time and plotting my next adventure and anything that sets itself apart from my daily life. When I travel however, I find more clarity in the things I have, have had or will have at home and can't wait to get back and settle into those things. Make sense? Not to me either.

I would guess to most its quite obvious that this particular time on the road (and for the last 7 months actually), the thoughts and feelings that occupy most of my brain and energy are those for mi madre. What a bright light she was and that light is burning brighter in me than it ever has. It was always bright, but now it's explosive. I'm assuming if you are reading this blog you've probably met my mom, shared laughs with her, gave her a secret to keep or were given a gift from her (in the form of a word, a look or a physical token of love) so you know the level of her specialness. If you never had any of those with her though - consider this your gift. And hold it deep in your heart for keeps. You can thank me later.

This blog is mainly a place for updates on life and what is happening on the road, my new shop, and just general happenings. But I wanted to carve out special time to share pieces of the most important person in my life and the one who has left the biggest impact on me. Here are some gemstones from my mother that I take with me everywhere I go. Hope you enjoy!

1. Create magic.
Beth Timm was a kid at heart and always knew how to make any situation magical. And I use the word magical in every sense of the word. Not like a magician with tricks, but more like the magic of Christmas in the eye of a 5 year old. At no point in her life did she stop living this way. For most it would be exhausting. For her, it was pure joy. This magic came in the way she told stories, created moments out of nothing, getting excited over the smallest idea, showing encouragement and enthusiasm, decorating for the holidays, giving gifts (not just the act of giving but HOW she gave the gift) and throwing a damn good party. Want a magic example? Put a spot of food coloring under dry cereal in a bowl on say... St. Patricks day morning. We would come down for breakfast and mom would come over with a jug of milk (in it's natural, white state) and pour it over our every day, boring cereal and then BAM! green milk. I can still feel the awe I felt for those moments. And a good mom never reveals her secrets. Wasn't until High School that I had my ah-ha moment of how she did it. It's all in the detail. Always remember the detail (I forget this a lot).

2. You're single 'til your married.
A lot of people have asked me if there was any advice mom gave me as we prepared to say goodbye and the answer is no, not really. If I had to get mushy about it I would say in those final days she led by example and unconditional love was the advice I heard loud and clear. But if you want to know the truth, one of the greatest lessons mom ever taught me (and she made sure to repeat it) was "You're single 'til your married." There is obviously a story behind this one, so I'll go ahead and share. A few years ago she took my friend Shayla and I to an auction my brother was running and afterwards we stopped at a winery in Hood River to drink some wine before the drive home (naturally). And we were talking with a couple who were giving us loads of things to do around town for the next time we were out that way. The man then asked us if we were single and at the time we were not so we said no (obviously) and he said that's too bad because Hood River is booming with active, adventurous, single men so the odds are in the favor of the ladies if they are seeking eligible bachelors. Then mom turns to Shay and I very seriously and says "Girls. You're single 'til your married." Coming from my sweet, dear mother we were taken aback a bit. But then after hearing her reasoning I realized she lived those words very true when dating my dad. Now she by no account means to be unfaithful to your partner. But until there is a ring on your finger and you have decided to commit yourself into a loving, life-long partnership you've gotta keep your options open because you just don't know what might happen. Genius mom, genius.

3. Treat yourself.
If you want something for yourself, you don't have to wait around for someone to buy it for you. Treat yourself. ", you've GOT to have that." Those were her selling words. And if you hear her saying that to you when you are holding something in your hand debating to make the purchase or not, then you better buy it. (I thank her daily for the beautiful Frye boots I bought myself a couple months back. No regret.) And if you some how manage to shove that feeling somewhere deep down and it keeps trying to resurface the day after, or especially the day after that, then you best get your ass back to that store and buy it. If it's gone though, you should kick yourself because I warned you. Rather, mom warned you.

4. Smile and laugh it off.
No greater medicine, therapy or way to getting what you want than to keep smiling and laugh. If nothing else sticks, remember this one. I'm assuming she learned this being the youngest of 5 sisters (the sisters could probably chime in on this one). This is how she got through raising my brother and I while dad would be gone for days at a time flying and then come home for a few days. It would take us a little bit to adjust and find our balance (which we always did), but it was always through her laughter that the balance was found. Now picture a brother and sister tormenting one another, a constant stream of friends in and out of the front door, 3-4 dogs tromping through the house and 6 acres of livestock and property to care for. I think this is the definition for chaos. So when you need your kids to behave and stop being mad at one another, do you send them to their room and give them their own space? Nope. Mom would stand in the middle of the kitchen and grab us each by the neck and hold our foreheads together until we had no choice but to laugh and forget what we were fighting about. It was quite ridiculous but worked like a freaking charm. Laughter is medicine and the answer to many, many things. You can't help but smile when you laugh and then end result is undoubtedly a good mood. So there you go, triple threat.

5. Clique is a dirty word.
Call me almost any name under the sun and it'll roll off my shoulders pretty quick. It'll sting for a minute and you'll probably hurt my feelings, but I will get over it. Call me "clique-y" or associate that word with me and that'll hurt me to my core. For all my enemies out there, I hope you are taking note (and lets hope that doesn't apply to many people). Have your crew and close friends who you do everything with, but the minute you become exclusive or tease people because they don't fit in your mold you've taken it too far. This is something mom felt very (I mean VERY) strongly about. I was guilty of it a few times growing up and the weight of her disappointment was the worst punishment I ever received. Even more so then the time I got an MIP at 14. Truth. So moral of the story - be nice to people. Include others. It's easier to be nice and leave people with a good feeling than be a jerk and make people feel bad about themselves. Why would we ever do that? Even if you dislike someone, kill them with kindness. The affects will last a lot longer. Rumor has it when mom fired somebody, they didn't even know they were being fired but they sure as hell didn't come back to work the next day. Say no to cliques.

Mind you, I'm sitting on a train in Morocco right now as I'm writing this, so these are just the things that have come to mind in the last 30 minutes. And it seems very random as I'm reading back through it, but who the hell cares? There are a million other things I have to say on this topic, but these are the five gemstones that are on my mind today and as I'm starting a very important new chapter of my life.

Cheers to you mom! You live on in every life you ever touched.