the desire to leave, but the need to stay

Do you ever think about where you will live when you "grow up" - and while we are on that subject, what age clarifies that you've grown up? As a child, I was raised in an extremely small town in central California. I loved it, because it was all I knew and since the town was so small, it was safe to just go roaming around and go on adventures. Once I got a little older, however, that cute, small town became one that suffocated me. At that time, my family and I packed our things and moved to southern California, specifically Long Beach, CA. What an extreme difference! I loved Long Beach, because it was so large, and there was always something to do. I had more friends, more memories, more adventures, all because the city I lived in was so big.

Fast forward another decade.

Here I am now, living in between homes and essentially dubbing myself as a nomad (yet again), but I generally claim Orange County as my home. What I find to be interesting is that my life has sort of come full circle. My heart is dying to get as far away from this county, this area, as soon as I can. I don't talk about this too much, because to be honest it is more of a recent thought for me. Although Orange County and the LA area have so much to offer and there are so many things to do, and the weather is as close to perfect as you can get, I still don't have any desire to be here anymore.

Having the unique opportunity to travel with LiNK, broadened my eyes and really planted a yearning to travel more. I want to see the world, I want to see more of this country, I desire to see how big our God is. Traveling is one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced. It taught me about myself, about the things I like and don't like, about people and culture and food and... you get the idea.

Back to reality.

I am here now, in the middle of Orange County. And reality is, I will be here for a little while. So, for now, I will burry this little aching desire to leap out of here - but I won't burry it too deep, because I believe this aching desire somehow keeps me looking forward during harder times. It keeps me excited and inspired. I am so glad that the love of my life feels the exact same way as I do. That definitely makes it easier, knowing that we are spending the rest of our lives together and neither of us are tied to the idea of residing in this area.

I took this photo somewhere in Boston.
 I miss driving across bridges, it's my favorite.

Ideas, dreams, hopes, that is all this is for now, but I love it. I love the thought of one day paving my own way, and starting my own life wherever I choose it to be.

XO,

Brenda

Stopping to Breathe (Image Heavy!)

The last two weeks have been off-the-wall crazy.
Many, many transitions. So, unfortunately blogging was placed on the back burner.

But, I will say, I've missed it so much! I finally just got caught up on reading all my favorite bloggers, so I feel back in the loop of things. I love the blogging world :)

Here's what my life has looked like in a nut-shell: 

• I got rehired at CPK (but have yet to start, so hopefully that will be soon!)
• My wonderful mentor, Sarah, had an art show and I attended that. It was so inspiring to see all of her collaborative art work with Whitney and hear their hearts behind the story of "Be Brave". It definitely encouraged me to keep working at my art, and finding my inner artistic niche.

                          

• I've been waiting for The Head & The Heart to come through my area for quite some time now, and I saw that they had pre-sale tickets for a show in Santa Ana, CA in June. Soooo, guess who is going?! Yep! I am! [Brooke, it will be so great to see you & Matt!]

• My family and I moved from Long Beach, CA to Mission Viejo, CA. It was absolutely nuts, crazy and straight up chaotic. But, it's finally over. We had lots of help and that was a big blessing. Moving is quite possibly the worst thing in the world. Okay, I am being a tad bit dramatic, but if you've moved as much as I have, you'll relate.

• My long time friend, Jack married his bride, Dawn, this last Saturday. It was such a joyous day! Jack was glowing the entire time. I enjoyed being with some of my favorite people in one room, where we danced, ate amazing food, celebrated and smiled for hours. Watching two people in love, commit to one another in front of their loved ones is such a beautiful experience, and I am glad I could witness it.

                                        

             

• I got a Knott's Berry Farm Season Pass! Whoo-hoo! I have a Disneyland pass and I love going, but I am so excited to put this Knott's pass to good use!!

• My cousin, Nico, created this month-long photo challenge where you take a unique photo everyday. I figured I'd give it a try, especially considering he is my cousin and all... :) You should try it too! 

• My mom and I went to a "Wine & Canvas" event last night. It was so much fun. I definitely want to do these more often! You are a part of a group of people and there is an instructor who walks you through step by step how to paint a specific painting. Let me just say, I love painting, but I am far from being a professional and my mom? Well, I'll just say that I don't get my creative/artistic side from her... haha. But! This is just proof anyone can do this!

                          

Creative Challenge #26 (yes, I am still attempting to finish this!!)

                                   

& I will stop here. That was a mighty full update! Now that I am done with the big move and such, I will be better about keep up on this blog. I hope everyone out there is doing well!

XO

Brenda